text:
Responsible lending laws are not the only example of excessively complex financial services regulation. This was pointed out by Kenneth Hayne in the interim report of the Royal Commission on Financial Services, where he called the existing law “labyrinthine and too detailed”.
Take for example the laws on financial advice. Their overly complex design makes compliance more expensive, which increases the costs that are passed on to the consumer. This is one of the main reasons why financial advice remains unaffordable for many Australians and the viability of the industry is threatened.
Another example of ineffective regulation is laws relating to the disclosure of information to consumers when they seek to purchase a financial product or service.
The economic impact of COVID-19 means that simplifying the system can no longer be postponed.
These laws should require that information be presented in a way that is easy for the consumer to understand, as financial institutions invariably do the opposite. A major bank’s contract terms for its credit cards exceed 60 pages. If these laws exist in the name of “consumer protection”, the question arises: who are they really protecting?
Not only does this increase the cost of delivering a product, it has also resulted in a culture of consumers agreeing to buy products or services without fully understanding the risks, which can lead to poor results.
Overly complex financial services laws have a significant negative impact on productivity.
Financial services underpin economic activity. Whether it’s borrowing money, insuring risks, or making payments, the unnecessary costs or frictions of doing business or reducing consumer demand have an effect. harmful to economic growth.
While these issues are well understood by the government, the scandals and misconduct that have plagued the financial sector over the past decade have forced it to introduce new laws to help restore Australians’ confidence in this system. However, the economic impact of COVID-19 means that simplifying the system can no longer be postponed.
First step in deregulation
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s announcement last September to end responsible lending laws should be the first step in a deregulatory reform program to simplify the financial services system, improve access to credit and support economic recovery without compromising consumer protection.
For this, it is essential that these reforms be adopted by Parliament.
The threat of their adoption is not because the reforms are unpopular. Many individuals and businesses find the process of obtaining credit too cumbersome and frustrating, even if they can afford it.
Nor is it because the increased flow of credit is not seen as a significant catalyst for the recovery. This is recognized by both sides of politics.
The threat for these reforms to become law comes from the fact that Labor and Greens will be heavily influenced by consumer groups who believe consumer protection should be a priority across the board, including the resumption of the economy. Australia after its first recession in 29 years.
They argue that responsible lending laws are necessary to protect all consumers, regardless of their circumstances.
While the royal commission has undoubtedly revealed cases of consumer harm, we have to be careful not to extrapolate this to mean widespread damage is being done. For many years, banks have recorded distressed consumer loans, and as we progress through the recovery, the number of people paying off their mortgages looks exceptionally good by international standards.
The work takes its traditional position. But supporting consumer groups is not without risk.
If Labor succeeds in blocking these reforms, it will not only expose itself to the accusation of threatening the economic recovery by choking the flow of credit, but will also allow coalition MPs to point the finger at the ideological resistance of the Labor Party. every time one of their constituents complains that their bank has refused to give them a loan.
If these reforms are successful, it will give the government the platform to tackle other necessary deregulation reforms – bringing significant benefits to consumers, businesses and the economy.
Otherwise, it will be a significant missed opportunity that will hurt not only the recovery but also Australia’s future prosperity.


text:
Booz Allen Helps Global Accelerator Focused on Social Entrepreneurship Plant Roots in Washington, D.C.
Few entrepreneurs start off with all of the right tools and resources to successfully launch and grow a business idea. Even fewer have the toolkit they need to shape businesses that impact the world. To address this need, SEED SPOT DC and Booz Allen Hamilton have forged a strategic partnership that combines SEED SPOT’s commitment to educate, accelerate, and invest in entrepreneurs creating solutions to social problems with Booz Allen’s century-long history of mentoring young innovators and devising global solutions for clients.
SEED SPOT strengthens the local entrepreneurship community by cultivating ventures focused on the greater good through unique incubator programs. The incubator guides entrepreneurs in creating a product, service, or technology that positively impacts the world, from idea to scaling. The organizations SEED SPOT has worked with have collectively created more than 700 new jobs and positively impacted more than 1 million lives.
Booz Allen will serve as title sponsor and mentor SEED SPOT entrepreneurs as they build their ideas into functioning solutions. The partnership will launch in April 2017 with a focus on inclusive entrepreneurship, including opportunities for women, minority, and veteran entrepreneurs.
“At Booz Allen, we are committed to improving our world by making continuous innovation and passionate service integral to our culture,” said Booz Allen Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer Susan Penfield, emphasizing the firm’s efforts to empower people within and outside the firm. “We are thrilled to be partnering with this powerhouse for social good and look forward to the impact Booz Allen and SEED SPOT can make together in the D.C. community.”
SEED SPOT runs a series of programs for social entrepreneurs including 5-day boot camps, 12-week evening programs, and 15-week full-time programs. In partnering with SEED SPOT Booz Allen will take on the role of Innovation Catalyst sponsor and provide entrepreneurs with access to mentors from its diverse employee base.
“We rely on strong partners to make our work possible and we cannot think of a better alignment between the values and mission of SEED SPOT and the culture and purpose of Booz Allen,” said Co-Founder & CEO Courtney Klein. “We are incredibly excited to help entrepreneurs in DC make a big impact on the world as we launch our programming this spring. After talking with many of the great entrepreneur support organizations in DC, we heard the need for early stage venture support to help further build the pipeline of great entrepreneurs in DC. ”
SEED SPOT’s Co-Founder and CEO Courtney Klein will be speaking on a panel at Booz Allen’s annual Ideas Festival to be held in the firm’s DC Innovation Center on January 28. To attend the event, register here.
SEED SPOT’s full-time social entrepreneurship program will begin in April 2017. The deadline to apply is March 1. To learn more about the program, go here.

domain: news


text:
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In celebration of National Merchant Day (#NMDNYC, http://nationalmerchantday.com) , First Data and Santander Bank are joining forces to salute local small businesses with a tailored event designed to educate small business owners and provide a venue for networking: Main Street Matters. Main Street Matters will be co-located with National Merchant Day at Tribeca Rooftop on Thursday, February 16.
#NMDNYC allows attendees to experience the state-of-the-art technology that will transform the next generation of commerce—from New York and beyond. The latest innovations will be shown, with leading payment technologies from cutting edge solution providers. Attendees will hear from the visionaries who are leading the way, through compelling bite-sized 15-minute main stage speaker sessions to a beta exchange showcasing the latest in payment innovation.
Innovations like First Data’s Clover POS will be featured, which is now among the most advanced integrated open point-of-sale platform architectures for businesses of all sizes. First Data’s open Clover API environment provides businesses with cutting edge solutions tailored specifically to their needs with one of the world’s largest B2B app markets.
National Merchant Day includes Fortune 500 sponsors like Mastercard®, First Data®, Chase®, and Amazon, one of America’s Best Small Companies, ACI, and innovators like Loop Commerce, Signifyd, Riskified and Vyze.
About PYMNTS: PYMNTS.com is reinventing the way that companies share relevant information about the initiatives that shape the future of payments and commerce and makes news. This powerful B2B platform is the #1 site for the payments industry by traffic and the premier source of information about “What’s Next” in payments and commerce. C-suite executives, company founders, and investors turn to it daily for these insights, making the PYMNTS.com audience the most valuable in the industry. It provides an interactive platform for companies to demonstrate thought leadership, popularize products and, most importantly, capture the mindshare of global decision-makers. It’s where the best minds and best content meet on the web. Innovations in payments and commerce have become highly intertwined. PYMNTS covers every aspect from retail reinvention to the Internet of Things.


text:
Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., a Honda automobile production and sales joint venture in China, today held an opening ceremony to commemorate the completion of construction of its third automobile plant in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The ceremony was attended by approximately 400 attendees including representatives from the governments of Wuhan, Hubei Province, Mr. Zhu Yanfeng, Chairman of Dongfeng Motor Group Co., Ltd., as well as Takahiro Hachigo, President, Representative Director & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Yasuhide Mizuno, Chief Officer for Regional Operations (China) of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
As a new plant capable of responding flexibly to the advancement of products, including the acceleration of electrification, this plant will accommodate production of electrified models. Moreover, this new plant is equipped with a water recycling system and emission treatment equipment which makes it more environmentally-responsible and realizes high efficiency through proactive adoption of automation in each production process. With such state-of-the-art production technologies, the plant will begin production before the end of this month.


text:
- Movies PM Narendra Modi Movie Review: The Bland Storytelling Will Make You Chant 'No More' To The Film!
- Lifestyle Rakulpreet's Latest Attire For A Movie Promotion Deserves All Your Attention
- News The Congress scored a 0 in these 16 states/UTs
- Sports Neymar, Mbappe could leave PSG, hints Tuchel
- Automobiles Steelbird Tyres Launches Puncture RSA Across India – Fix Your Flat With Ease
- Finance Sensex At 45,000, Nifty At 13,500 By June 2020 On Modi's Return: Morgan Stanley
- Education SSLC Revaluation Result Kerala 2019: Direct Link To Check Result
- Travel The Bustling City Of Muzaffarnagar In Uttar Pradesh
Asus is set to launch ZenFone Live (ZB501KL) in India today
Finally, Asus Zenfone Live comes to India.
Just a week back, Asus has come up with a contest with a hashtag #GoLive which gave us a hint about an arrival of Asus ZenFone Live in India. Now, the company is all set to launch this much-awaited smartphone today at an event to be held in New Delhi at 1 pm IST.
For your surprise, this phone was already unveiled three months back which received a good response from the users. Now, its time to enter the Indian market and create some space over here. Real-time beautification camera being the highlight of this device, it comes with a live-streaming app by name, BeautyLive app which removes all the blemishes in real-time.
This is mainly designed to be useful while live streaming on social media platforms like Facebook. Along with that, it has a built-in MEMS microphones which are capable of detecting and canceling background noise.
To speak about its specs, the smartphone features a 5-inch HD IPS display with 720x1280 pixels resolution and runs ZenUI 3.5 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Powered by a quad-core Qualcomm processor, the device is paired with 2GB RAM. It comes with two different storage options- 16GB and 32GB. It is not sure which version will be released in India.
With a dual-SIM supporting 4G network, it has a non-removable battery of 2650mAh. ZenFone Live sports a 13MP rear camera with f/2.0 aperture, autofocus, and LED flash and a 5MP selfie shooter with f/2.2 aperture, and soft light LED flash. The phone comes with various sensors such as an accelerator, e-compass, proximity, and ambient light.


text:
Arsene Wenger failed in an attempt to take the England worldwide to the Emirates Stadium in the summer but wants to revisit the potential swap deal when the transfer window re-opens. Wenger is preparing for the North London derby this weekend. The start to this campaign hasn't exactly gone to plan, though, with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil still yet to sign new contracts, and their current deals expiring next summer.
According to an announcement at BlizzCon 2017 , Blizzard plans to turn (parts of) StarCraft II into a free title starting this week. Here are a few things you should know, followed by instructions on registering for and downloading the game.
Since businesses often post jobs on multiple employment sites, users now have the option to select a default employment site to work through if Google finds the posting in multiple spots. The company is hosting a tour of sessions, which kicked off earlier this week in Indianapolis, Indiana. "This announcement marks an important milestone for Google and Paysa, offering easy access to estimated salary information as consumers browse the full universe of companies and job opportunities via ...
The headset will be powered by Vive Wave and will act as the content platform for the HTC Vive Focus . "As the VR industry leader in China, it is our duty to help reduce market fragmentation and provide content developers with more ways to make money", he said.
In addition, it's the closest planet to have been observed orbiting an inactive red dwarf star - an arrangement that may raise the likelihood that it could sustain life. This bodes well for Ross 128 b. Just being in the habitable zone , however, doesn't guarantee Ross 128 b is actually habitable. Digitized Sky Survey 2 Acknowledgement: Davide De Martin This image shows the sky around the red dwarf star Ross 128 in the constellation of Virgo (The Virgin).
The toy maker hired a third party to do security testing on the Furby Connect product and it complies with local privacy laws, Hasbro said. Which? is now putting its foot down and is calling for all connected toys with proven security or privacy issues to be taken off sale, citing the example of the German "Cayla" doll being yanked from shelves after it was revealed that it records children's conversations and uploads them to the cloud.
This put an end to Ammar's Face ID hacks. However, the company explicitly admitted that the chances of breaking Face ID security increase with siblings, twins, and children under the age of 13, by publishing a security white paper. Apple in its security white paper says this "augmentation process" for its Face ID model is to "keep up with dramatic changes in your facial hair or makeup use, while minimising false acceptance".
Both Toyota and Mazda declined to comment to Bloomberg about the claims. Tennessee, Texas, and SC were among the more than dozen states linked to the factory. It was believed following the initial announcement Toyota would build the plant relatively close to its Mississippi Corolla plant, and the company already makes engines at its Alabama manufacturing plant in Huntsville.
Writing in the online worldwide journal BioScience , the scientists led by top USA ecologist Professor William Ripple, from Oregon State University, said: "Humanity is now being given a second notice ..." According to the University of Sydney , co-author Thomas Newsome thinks it is the highest ever number of signatories to a scientific paper, and he saw a big response when he shared the warning on Twitter.
I'm sorry, Taylor Swift can't come to the phone right now. Why? When it comes to her style, Taylor doesn't play. After Swift released her new album Reputation on Friday, November, 10, some fans wondered if she referred to Sheeran in the song " Dress ".
PyeongChang 2018 President Hee Beom Lee presented the truce before the General Assembly, and South Korean gold medalist Kim Yu Na spoke of the "role of sport and the Olympic ideal in promoting peace". "Today, I hope to witness this power again", she continued. The resolution recalls the ancient Greek tradition of "ekecheiria", which called for a cessation of hostilities to encourage a peaceful environment, ensure safe passage and participation of athletes in the ancient Olympics.
Poisson is one of many skiers from several nations who have been training at Nakiska in advance of the World Cup event at Lake Louise later this month. He made his World Cup debut in 2004 at the age of 20, earning his sole podium when he finished third in the downhill in Santa Caterina last season.Poisson, the father of a young son, took part at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics at Vancouver and Sochi, finishing seventh and 16th respectively in the downhill races.
Apple shipped 2.8 million units of wearables in the third quarter in 2016. After a short disruption by Xiaomi , Apple Inc. The U.S. tech giant shipped 3.9 million units of wearables in the third quarter of 2017. Apple also released the new WatchOS 4 operating system for all Watch generations. According to Canalys estimates, as many as 800,000 units of the Apple Watch shipped in Q3 were cellular-enabled.
Last month, Oreo debuted at 0.2% of all devices . Presumably these are the ones responsible for keeping Gingerbread, released in May 2010, and Ice Cream Sandwich from October 2011 still on Google's Android version distribution chart. While Android 7.0 Nougat is on 17.6 per cent devices, around 3.0 per cent users are on Android 7.1 Nougat. Android KitKat is now on 13.8 per cent of active devices, seeing a small drop from the previous month.
Testing of the Georgian pieces showed evidence of a slew of acids from wine that had been made inside the erstwhile vessels. The earthenware jars containing residual wine compounds were found in two sites south of the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, researchers said.
NOAA-20 and the polar-orbiting satellites, on the other hand, get a view of the entire planet and provide a large chunk of the data that are used in weather prediction models because they get a global view. Instruments on board were designed by Ball, along with Raytheon , Harris and Northrop Grumman . Launch of a Delta 2 rocket carrying a sophisticated polar weather satellite was called off at the last minute Tuesday by an apparent technical issue with the booster and wayward boats that ...
While the police team had apprehended Ashok Kumar, who was working as a conductor in the school bus for the murder, the CBI investigation gave him a clean chit and detained the juvenile who studies in the same school. The Juvenile Justice Board had directed CBI to allow child welfare committee (CWC) to probe the social activities of the murder suspect and profile his behaviour, likings and followings on the social front.
The soldier had defected from a North Korean guard post nearby. South Korea says North Korean soldiers shot at and injured a fellow soldier who was crossing a border village to defect to the South. "But our military is keeping a full readiness posture against the possibility of North Korea's provocations", a military official said in a briefing.
Motorola will start selling the device from Monday itself. It comes with 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot. Lenovo has just launched its latest smartphone offering from the Motorola stable, the Moto X4 in the Indian market.
The new Broadcasts are available and rolling out on assistant phones and speakers from today, however it may take longer for these services to arrive, because of Google's slower time-frames. Of course, this only works if you have a few devices strewn around your home. Just use Google Assistant on your smartphone to send messages to a Google Assistant-enabled device .
On Saturday, private spaceflight company Sierra Nevada announced that its Dream Chaser spaceplane had successfully glided and landed on a runway after being released from a helicopter. The company said several hours after the test that the glide flight was a success, and would release more details November 13. (5,500 kilograms) of cargo to the International Space Station.
BharatNet broadband, which is a base for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet project - Digital India - saw a rush from telecom service providers seeking to use BharatNet broadband services to provide last-mile connectivity to villages. Under the Phase I, 1 lakh Global Positioning System or 3 lakh villages were connected. State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will roll out optical fibre in eight states - Assam, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and ...
This solved numerous problems, although introduced the complications typically associated with P2P. Sledgehammer Games detailed may other fixes and issues they are aware of on its official website including problems with headquarters , servers disconnections.
The report comes as 197 nations are meeting in Bonn in Germany for the annual United Nations climate negotiations, this one being COP-23. Global carbon dioxide emissions are on track to rise slightly this year after three years of staying flat, new research shows.
As per a Pixel User Community post , some Pixel 2 XL owners have been noticing dead spots close to the bezels, specifically on the right-hand edge of the screen. If the problem does lie with the hardware itself, then it would a much bigger headache for both Google and the consumers. The lack of response from tapping the screen edges is just one of the many issues that appeared upon the release of Google Pixel 2 XL .


text:
LUSAKA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Wednesday expressed optimism that the country's fourth mobile phone operator will soon commence operations.
In February last year, the country's information and communication technology regulator, the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), awarded Beeline Telecoms Limited a license to start operations with a mandate to start operations within six months.
But the firm has not yet commenced operations.
Felix Mutati, the Minister of Technology and Science, said the government was confident that the regulator will soon make an announcement on when the fourth mobile phone operator will commence operations.
He said in a statement posted on his Facebook page that the regulator was not struggling with the fourth mobile phone operator and the progress made towards commencement of operations will soon be made.
Beeline Telecoms Limited became the second firm to be awarded a license for a fourth mobile phone operator after UZI Zambia, a unit Dutch company Unitel International Holdings, failed to fulfill its investment pledges after being given a license in 2018.
Currently, Zambia has three mobile phone operators namely Airtel Zambia, MTN Zambia and Zamtel. ■


text:
Andrew Kerry - Mattressman
PUBLISHED: 10:29 27 June 2011 | UPDATED: 12:01 14 July 2011
Free, next day delivery and a focus on low prices have helped retailer Mattressman to rapid growth in recent years.
And the approach is proving a hit on the internet with 10 new online stores launched in the past 12 months.
Based in Norwich, the company was set up by Andrew Kerry in 2000, and now operates from 12 premises across the East of England.
Following astronomical growth between 2005 and 2008, the company was last year named as the sixth fastest growing nationally in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100.
And in the past year Mr Kerry has unveiled 10 new Manstores websites.
The sites, which include pillowman.co.uk, duvetman.co.uk and bedman.co.uk, each specialise in a particular type of product.
And the approach has proved a success, with growing sales across the country. Mr Kerry said: The Manstores are doing very well. Sales are increasing month-on-month and by March next year the websites could make up 10pc of business or more.
I would like to open another 10 next year. Turnover has increased from about 11m to 13.3m over the past year, with the number of staff up from 80 to 97, and sales at Mattressmans bricks and mortar stores have also remained buoyant, with more locations set to be announced next year.
Mr Kerry is also considering diversifying into new markets, including wine, underpinned by the firms existing website and IT structures.


text:
New York, NY—August 11, 2014—Condé Nast today announced the combination of Bon Appétit and Epicurious, creating one of the world’s largest digital food advertising platforms. The partnership seamlessly marries Bon Appétit’s authority in food content and lifestyle with Epicurious’ digital leadership and recipe database.
On a combined basis, compared to its competitive set, it would rank #3 on ComScore, moving up from #6 (Epicurious) and #8 (Bon Appétit) individually.
While each brand will continue to have its distinct voice and positioning, Adam Rapoport, editor-in-chief of Bon Appétit, will oversee the two editorial teams, working closely with Nilou Motamed, editor-in-chief of Epicurious. Pamela Drucker Mann, Bon Appétit’s vice president and publisher, will head up the newly combined sales and marketing team. Epicurious’ general manager Carolyn Kremins will depart the company after many years of distinguished service.
Epicurious is the most award-winning food site on the web, incorporating more than 30,000 professionally tested and created recipes from food journalists, renowned cookbook authors and celebrity chefs, as well as 400,000+ recipes from an engaged community of home cooks. In the last two months, its unique visitors swelled 40% and its traffic reached near record numbers. Bon Appétit,the leader in food lifestyle, last year grew its online advertising revenue 111% and expanded its year -to-date unique visitors by 70%. This combination joins the two food platforms and creates new opportunities for cross-promotion of content, co-branded partnerships, programs, events and sponsorships, and close collaboration of two talented teams.
“This is a case of one plus one equaling three,” said Robert A. Sauerberg, Condé Nast president. “By leveraging the strengths of these well-respected brands, we will create the preeminent digital food platform that provides the advertising community with the scale, products and premium audiences they’re looking for.”
“This exciting partnership expands our digital/mobile platform and will drive the future of food media,” said Ms. Drucker Mann.
“We will engage the community of 12 million unique users that Epicurious and Bon Appétit have cultivated to develop integrated marketing opportunities for advertisers and premium curated content for consumers.”
Mr. Rapoport added, “There has never been a more thrilling time to be in the food world. Thisisahuge opportunity to leverage two of the best brands in the field to create the ultimate food experience.”
“I’m delighted to be collaborating with Adam, Pam, and Bon Appétit, one of the most dynamic brands in any category,” said Ms. Motamed. “Epicurious has been a powerhouse in the digital food space for nearly 20 years, thanks to our incredibly loyal community. This partnership will ensure our collective audience is better served than ever.”
About Condé Nast:
Condé Nast is a premier media company renowned for producing the highest quality content for the world’s most influential audiences. Attracting 95 million consumers across its industry-leading print, digital and video brands, the company’s portfolio includes some of the most iconic titles in media: Vogue, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Brides, Self, GQ, The New Yorker, Condé Nast Traveler, Details, Allure, Architectural Digest, Bon Appétit, Epicurious, Wired, W, Lucky, Golf Digest, Golf World, Teen Vogue and Ars Technica.
Condé Nast also owns Fairchild Fashion Media (FFM) and its comprehensive fashion journalism brands: WWD, Style.com, Footwear News, NowManifest, Beauty Inc., M and Fairchild Summits.
The company’s newest division, Condé Nast Entertainment, was launched in 2011 to develop film, television and premium digital video programming.
Over the past twenty years, Condé Nast has reached record profits, tripling its topline growth and exponentially expanding its content distribution. During the same period, the company earned more editorial, design, digital, advertising, video and business awards than any competitor in the industry. In 2013, the corporation was recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the digital video business and as one of LinkedIn’s Top 50 Most In-Demand Employers in the World. In late 2014, the company will relocate to its new global headquarters at 1 World Trade Center, where it will play a leading role in the resurgence of Lower Manhattan.
For more information, please visit condenast.com or follow @CondeNast on Twitter.


text:
Malone Souliers launches e-commerce in China
Luxury British footwear label Malone Souliers has launched e-commerce in China with a WeChat store, which features a curated edit of both seasonal and core styles.
This marks the brand’s first ‘social commerce’ presence globally and is part of its renewed focus on the Chinese market.
The new e-commerce store embedded within China’s most popular social network allows users to click directly through from social media content to purchase featured items. The channel is fully localised for the Chinese market, from local currency support, purchasing options and integrated customer support.
Mary Alice Malone, founder and creative director of Malone Souliers said in a statement: "We are incredibly excited to launch our first e-commerce offering in China with WeChat. We felt that it was important to offer a seamless online shopping experience in this market and localise our offering to this very important customer base, who have been so supportive of our brand since inception.”
London-born footwear label Malone Souliers was founded in 2014 offering luxury shoes handmade in Italy for women and has become known for its signature strap detailing and vivacious colour palettes. In 2019, the brand added a men’s collection. The brand is sold in over 200 luxury retailers across 40 countries.


text:
It’s not exactly Ali vs. Foreman — or Anakin vs. Obi Wan, if you prefer. Yet, when it comes to the next big thing in mobility-as-a-service, the scooter-vs.-bicycle storyline is getting interesting.
The investments, for instance, are heating up.
Electric scooter-sharing startup Bird recently said it might raise another $200 million in a funding round. Observers are anticipating that the company’s valuation could approach $2 billion. That would follow a reported $150 million funding round in May that was led by by Sequoia Capital.
“The rapid pace of Bird’s fundraising suggests that some in Silicon Valley are convinced it will be more than a fad,” said a report this week (June 11) in the Financial Times.
However, though the spotlight in recent days has turned to scooter, bicycles — or, more accurately, bike sharing — are certainly not being left behind. Earlier this month, for instance, Lyft said it would buy the bike-sharing company Motivate in a deal worth at least $250 million, according to reports. That news came after Uber spent $200 million to acquire bike-sharing operator JUMP.
So, what’s the deal with scooters?
Read local reports, or talk to users in the cites where scooter sharing has started, and you’ll easily find enthusiasm for the “next big thing,” or even a sense of sunny nostalgia for transportation devices that are typically associated with childhood. In addition, scooters are small — smaller than bikes — and, for some riders, require less skill to operate safely than bicycles. And scooter-sharing programs enable users to simply leave the devices on the sidewalk when rides are complete instead of, say, finding a docking station.
Then again, resistance is building against scooters. Pedestrians have complained about the relatively speedy machines presenting a safety hazard, and the unused machines taking up space on clogged sidewalks.
Not only that, but observers are asking how scooter-sharing companies such as Bird and Lime are really making their money, and if they are keeping their promises to consumers. Those companies have repeatedly said they are not selling consumer data — and continued to do so in a recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle that questioned those promises.
San Francisco Supervisor “Aaron Peskin is highly dubious about these scooter companies and how they really intend to make money,” the report said. “After all, they charge just $1 per ride and 15 cents per minute, which is cheaper than pretty much every other thing in this exorbitant city.”
He went on to tell the paper that “they’ve all denied to me that they are selling the data, but if you look at the fine print, you see they can sell everything. Of course, they haven’t sold it yet. They’ve just entered the marketplace.”
Of course, ridesharing firms, such as Uber and Lyft, have faced — and still do — their own challenges from local officials and consumers worried about data privacy, and those companies have managed to find ways to deal with that while making money. The interest in scooters shows no sign of fading anytime soon, as the Financial Times noted.
“As the transport industry faces a wave of technological changes, from self-driving cars to ridesharing, one investor in the industry likened Uber and Lyft to early web pioneers such as Yahoo, suggesting Bird would prove as disruptive an upstart to those multibillion dollar companies as Facebook did to earlier internet companies,” the article said.
That means the battle for what analysts call “micro-mobility” is just getting started.
You Might Also Like:
The Supply Chain’s Weakest Link: Payments
The weakest link in any supply chain, particularly across borders, can be payments. Brian Jamieson, CEO and co-founder of Centtrip, tells PYMNTS in the latest edition of the Faster Payments Tracker that leveraging faster, even real-time payments can help corporates mitigate the high FX costs and the risk of delayed payments. With the trillions of dollars of cross-border transaction volume, Jamieson says that keeping those supply chains strong by optimizing payments across them is now essential.
To download the tracker, enter your work email below:


text:
Microsoft has released a preview software development kit for its dual-screen device, Surface Duo. Documents published by Microsoft reveal how to develop Surface Duo applications with a design.
US-based technology giant Microsoft is working on mobile products as well as computer systems. In fact, the company recently announced its first foldable device, “Surface Duo”. According to the statements made by Microsoft, Surface Duo will not meet with consumers in the near future.
Microsoft has now made another important statement regarding the Surface Duo. This statement, which mostly concerns developers, is of great importance to make applications compatible with dual screen devices. Because the applications released today are only developed for a single screen, which will lead to some incompatibility issues with the launch of the Surface Duo.
Applications to be developed for Surface Duo will be designed like this
The preview software development kit for Surface Duo, released by Microsoft as of today, shows how developers who want to develop applications for Surface Duo should apply. According to the documents shared by Microsoft, the developers will prepare different designs for the use of two different screens.
What will be the default design in single screen use?
When developers want to create a default design for Surface Duo, they will only use one screen. The second screen will be completely independent, which can be used for a second application.
The default design in dual screen use will cover both screens of the device
If the app has Surface Duo support, users will be able to use both screens for a single app. Thus, a wider screen experience will be provided for users.
Developers will be able to develop full screen apps for Surface Duo
Full screen apps are already in many ways today. In particular, almost all game-type applications are developed to cover the entire screen, so users have the largest screen space possible. This feature will also be available for applications to be developed for Microsoft Surface Duo. However, developers will support their apps full screen if they want, not by default.
Full screen apps can span both screens
Companies that develop applications for Microsoft Surface Duo will be able to spread their full screen applications to both screens. Thus, consumers will be able to use both screens of the Surface Duo for a single full screen application. However, just like other features, this support will not be compulsory for developers.
Some unknowns about the Surface Duo seem to be beginning to become clear, with comments made by Microsoft. In the future, Microsoft’s new explanations and developments regarding Suraface Duo seem to reveal exactly what Microsoft’s new device can offer.


text:
A MAN has died after being electrocuted at Marks and Spencers.
He was killed after suffering an electric shock in the Royal Victoria Place
shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An M&S spokeswoman confirmed that a “tragic incident” had taken place.
She said: “There has been a tragic incident at the store today and our
thoughts are with the family concerned.
“We are now concentrating on doing all we can to assist the emergency services
with their investigation and as such are unable to comment any further at
Kent Police said the death was being treated as suspicious while officers
worked out the full circumstances of what happened.
A spokeswoman said: “We were called just before 3.30pm to the store in
“It is believed a man suffered an electric shock. He was pronounced dead at
the scene. The air ambulance also attended.
“It is being treated as a suspicious death until the full circumstances are


text:
Welcome to WebmasterWorld Guest from 188.8.131.52
Forum Moderators: goodroi
The hearing, titled “The Power of Google: Serving Consumers or Threatening Competition?,” will take place on September 21, 2011, at 2:00 pm ET.
[edited by: goodroi at 3:42 pm (utc) on Aug 1, 2011]
[edit reason] TOS [/edit]
(Reuters) - Google Inc boosted its spending to lobby the U.S. government by 54 percent in the second quarter, as the world's No.1 Internet search engine faces an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission.
Google's total federal lobbying spending during the quarter jumped to $2.06 million compared with $1.48 million in the first quarter and $1.34 million in the year-earlier period, according to documents filed by the company late on Wednesday.


text:
Google Pixel 4a Leaked Pricing Could Pose Huge Threat To iPhone SE
Google has been playing in the mid-range space with its Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL for the past year, and has drawn praise for its value and solid camera performance. The Pixel 4a launch is imminent based on recent leaks, and Google could have a few tricks up its sleeve to combat the iPhone SE threat. According to reporting from 9to5Google's Stephen Hall, the Pixel 4a will be priced at $349.
That would undercut the iPhone SE by $50, and also represents a $50 price cut relative to the current Pixel 3a. What's even better is that the rumor alleges that the $349 price will get you a device with 128GB of storage. For comparison, both the iPhone SE and the Pixel 3a only come with 64GB of storage with the entry-level spec. That would make the Pixel 3a a runaway bargain at this price point, and could make it the default choice for many new smartphone buyers.
The Pixel 4a is expected to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 SoC, which can't hold a candle to the A13 Bionic SoC found in the iPhone SE with respect to performance. However, let's be honest here: the general public likely isn't going to be disappointed with the overall performance of the Snapdragon 730 in everyday situations. Likewise, if the well-regarded camera image quality of the Pixel family carries over to the Pixel 4a, the price tag and the increased storage alone should make it a winner.
Other specs reportedly on tap for the Pixel 4a include a 5.8-inch Full HD+ OLED "hole punch" display, 6GB of RAM, Titan M security chip, single 12.2MP camera on the rear, and a rear-mounted optical fingerprint sensor. One thing that we won't reportedly see this year, however, is a larger Pixel 4a XL. Google allegedly nixed this model to streamline the development process and simplify the lineup.


text:
During the 30 hours the COSCO Development was in dock at the Port of Savannah, six cranes moved more than 9,700 TEUs on and off the vessel, with a net berth productivity of 220 boxes per hour. Find print quality images here. (Georgia Ports Authority / Stephen B. Morton)
Savannah, Ga. – May 22, 2017 – The Georgia Ports Authority handled 333,006 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) in April, an increase of 11.7 percent, or 34,966 TEUs, compared to the same month a year ago. Across all ports, GPA’s total tonnage increased by 13 percent, or 334,950 tons, to reach 2.94 million tons and the Authority’s busiest April ever.
“Savannah has established itself as a premier gateway serving the Eastern United States,” said Griff Lynch, GPA’s executive director. “Our team is not only keeping pace with record volumes, but has managed to set new industry standards in cargo velocity, berth productivity and congestion free gates.”
Lynch cited the recent visit of the COSCO Development, the first 13,000-TEU vessel to call the U.S. East Coast, as an example. During the 30 hours the vessel was in dock, six cranes moved more than 9,700 TEUs on and off the vessel, with a net berth productivity of 220 boxes per hour.
Last month’s performance continues a surge of growth for the GPA across the first four months of the calendar year, with TEUs increasing to 1.3 million, up 10.2 percent (121,258 TEUs) compared to the same period in 2016.
“Our goal at Georgia’s ports has been to stay one step ahead of demand in the marketplace,” said GPA Board Chairman Jimmy Allgood. “As a result of this approach, we can accommodate more and more vessels like the COSCO Development without delays.”
Lynch said the scale and scope of Garden City Terminal is perfectly suited for the massive exchanges coming on and off Neo-Panamax vessels. “As the size of vessels grows, so does the need for larger terminals with significant assets to handle increased volumes. At 1,200 acres, handling nearly 10,000 truck moves per day and 38 trains per week, Savannah is perfectly positioned to fill this need,” Lynch said.
Measured in containers, total refrigerated cargo – a sector that includes export poultry, peanuts, pecans and blueberries among other farm produce – grew by 8.2 percent in April. For the calendar year to date, refrigerated cargo is up by 11.6 percent, 2,466 additional containers through April, for a total of 23,661 containers.
Auto and machinery units via Savannah and Brunswick were up 3.5 percent (7,406) to reach 217,729 units during the first four months of the year.
In other business, the GPA Board on Monday approved the purchase of three new electric rubber-tired gantry cranes for use at the Appalachian Regional Port (ARP) in Chatsworth, Ga. The e-RTGs virtually eliminate diesel usage, run quieter and require less maintenance than diesel-powered RTGs. The ARP, an inland port to be operated by the GPA, will open additional markets across Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky while converting tens of thousands of containers from truck to rail. The ARP is projected to begin operation in 2018.
Find print-quality images of port operations here. Georgia’s deepwater ports and inland barge terminals support more than 369,000 jobs throughout the state annually and contribute $20.4 billion in income, $84.1 billion in revenue and $2.3 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. The Port of Savannah handled 8.2 percent of the U.S. containerized cargo volume and 10.3 percent of all U.S. containerized exports in CY2015.
For more information, visit gaports.com, or contact GPA Chief Communications Officer Robert Morris at (912) 964-3855.


text:
By Tim Maytom
The company is apparently predominantly interested in the app’s user base, which numbers over 3m and two-thirds of whom are women under 24. The potential purchase was reported by CNBC, who cited sources close to the company.
Talks of a new acquisition by Twitter have been circulating after CFO Anthony Noto accidentally tweeted a message regarding plans for a deal with an unnamed company on Monday.
Bieber invested $1.1m (£700,000) during the company’s second round of funding in November 2013, and promoted the app to his 57.1m Twitter followers. Other celebrities including Ariana Grande and Floyd Mayweather are noted users of the app.
Source:: Mobile App News


text:
Shares sank 3.75% to US$72.32 before the bell as it unveiled better-than-expected sales in the fourth quarter with strong growth online and in bricks-and-mortar stores.
But the sales were tempered by muted earnings and a conservative outlook on profit, which disappointed the market.
Elsewhere, Mylan NV (NASDAQ:MYL) shares were up 2.26% to US$42.48 in pre-market deals as broker heavyweight Morgan Stanley upgraded the share to 'overweight' from ' equalweight' with a price target hiked to US$50.00, from US$39 previously.
Elsewhere, Restoration Robotics Inc (NASDAQ:HAIR) posted better-than-expected sales for its fourth quarter.
Shares added 6.55% to US$6.05 after hours in New York.
Last but not least, Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN) added 2.7% to US$ 23.99 after the bell. It comes after the group said its bottom line declined to US$21.91mln, down from US$24.64mln in last year's first quarter.


text:
Splatoon splatters past one million sales worldwide
Splatoon’s ink-based warfare has taken the world by storm, with Nintendo today announcing that the Wii U exclusive has sold more than one million copies worldwide.
The company’s internal figures break that down to more than 230,000 physical and digital units sold in Europe, more than 368,000 sold in Japan, over 476,000 sold in the Americas, and an additional 20,000 sold in Australia.
“Since Splatoon launched on 29th May, it has been great to see so many players competing in online matches”, comments Nintendo of Europe president Satoru Shibata.
“We are pleased this new Wii U exclusive game is capturing the imagination of so many fans across Europe, and look forward to bringing more exclusive titles to both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS this year.”


text:
After collaborating with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) last year, designer Huma Adnan has been constantly working with refugee men and women in Karachi in the hope to economically empower them. Earlier this week she – in partnership with the UNHCR - hosted a fashion show to unveil her latest collection for the project.
Unveiled at the designer’s home on Monday, the collection – which was inspired by the bustle and energy of the city’s old Manora Island, featured handcrafted bangles, earrings and necklaces. It also represented the unique and intricate design work of the refugees who belong to different ethnicities that have made Pakistan their home.
An advocate for representing Pakistan’s heritage and culture, the designer integrated these distinctive accessories with her latest FnkAsia collection, which she talked about with Instep at the event.
“I am really thankful to the people who came in the support of refugees. It is a great feeling to see that people have heart and want to see what the refugees have made,” the designer told Instep. “The audience has given great feedback on the collection and are looking forward to buying it soon. Some of them came up to me and asked when it would be available. I am also really happy that women who have worked on it are so excited to see people wearing it.”
To create this collection, the designer also explained how her team provided training and imported high-quality raw material to selected women residing at refugee camps at Karachi’s Al-Asif Square in order for them to handcraft these unique and intricate pieces. From choosing colours, designs, threads, and motifs to deciding on schemes and crafting techniques, Huma’s team created a prototype for the artisans and used to train and then handover the task to them to take care of. Three of these women worked as supervisors at the camps after getting extensive training.
“We as fashion influencers are blessed to be given a platform and resources that can easily create awareness and provide long-term sustainability solutions for people,” shared Huma of her philosophy about working with the less-privileged and to sustain themselves financially.
Present at Huma’s solo show were also the UNHCR representatives in Pakistan, Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, Muhammad Riaz, Karolin Elisabeth Eberle, Uzma Irum and Urooj Saifi, who along with U.S Consulate members such as Darian Arky, came to support the refugee women and the initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, UNHCR representative in Pakistan, Ruvendrini Menikdiwela also praised the efforts by Huma Adnan and the women who crafted the accessories.
“For us this event has been really huge because for the first time a prominent leader of the fashion world has come together with UNHCR to help the refugee women to become independent, and to earn a living by not just being domestic helpers or garbage collectors but actually have a dignified job,” she told Instep.
Also featured at the show was an installation of images that conveyed the overall feel of the night, where black and white images of models, dressed in statement jewelry, were displayed. The face of the installation, Maha Tahirani, was photographed by Shahbaz Shazi, and styled by Tabesh Khoja, with hair and make-up done by Nabila’s Salon. The show was directed by Frieha Altaf.


text:
The overall framework of the third China International Import Expo (CIIE), scheduled to be held in Shanghai in November, will be roughly the same as the previous two expos, said to Sun Chenghai, an official with the CIIE Bureau.
All the preparations for the expo are all well underway and the focus of current preparations has been shifted from recruiting exhibitions to organizing the expo, said the deputy director of the bureau, adding that initial results have been achieved.
It is generally believed that the third CIIE will be a better event due to the following aspects.
The total planned exhibition area for enterprises at the third CIIE is 360,000 square meters, 60,000 square meters larger than the second expo.
The planned business exhibition space has been completely booked. The contracted exhibition areas of consumer goods, medical care and service trade have already surpassed their planned space and the exhibition area for automobiles is almost fully booked.
Six exhibition areas will be set up in the business exhibition area, food and agricultural products, automobiles, the intelligent industry and information technology, consumer goods, medical equipment and healthcare products, as well as trade in services.
Based on global hotspots and industry development trends, four special subsections on public health and anti-epidemic products and services, smart transportation, energy conservation and sporting goods will be set up during the event.
The number of Fortune 500 companies and industry-leading companies attending the third CIIE almost equals that of the previous two sessions.
Most of the top 10 well-known companies in the pharmaceutical, medical equipment, dairy, cosmetics, high-end consumer goods, inspection and testing, automobile, industrial electrical, as well as engineering and machinery industries have signed up to participate in the exhibition, and many enterprises will debut their new products, technologies and services.
Lager Trading platform
Greenland Global Commodity Trading Hub, located across the street from the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), main venue of the third CIIE, is a permanent trading service platform for the CIIE.
It integrates functions such as exhibition and display, purchase and transactions, business services, bonded exhibition and sales, as well as consumption and tourism.
The trading hub has introduced more than 60,000 kinds of overseas products, including more than 7,000 exhibited during the CIIE and over 6,000 from Belt and Road countries. It has also opened virtual pavilions and online malls, launching more than 1,000 kinds of products from 31 countries and regions.
Firmer Confidence of Exhibitors
At the first Conference of the third CIIE Enterprise Alliance held in Shanghai on July 26, 35 member enterprises signed three-year memoranda with the CIIE Bureau, promising to attend the annual event for the next three years.
Most of them are Fortune 500 companies and leading players in their respective industries. They aim to secure long-term and common development with the CIIE, which demonstrates their confidence in the Chinese market.
At the conference, two special committees for the dairy industry, as well as public health and epidemic prevention were founded.
The Enterprise Alliance was established spontaneously by exhibitors during the opening of the first CIIE and has so far attracted 142 enterprises.
Stronger Policy Support
The General Administration of Customs officially issued a customs clearance notice for the third CIIE as well as launched 14 measures to facilitate the entrance and exit of exhibitors and exhibits.
While maintaining the policies for the previous CIIEs, relevant ministries and departments of China will actively innovate and roll out new policies.
Improved Municipal Security
Shanghai will work harder to guarantee better logistics, services and environment, so as to host a CIIE with higher-level and higher-quality, said Shang Yuying, vice secretary general of Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, and head of a leading group of municipal security for the CIIE.
The city will make full use of its intelligent monitoring platform, strengthen the application of smart public security system and build a strong line of defense.
It has innovated measures such as prolonging the period of validity of the passes for exhibitors, integrating entry safety and health inspection to improve the experience of exhibitors and merchants.
The city will also optimize the guide signs, especially those for the exhibition areas, transportation, toilets, medical centers and other facilities and equipment, and make them more comprehensive, human-friendly and eye-catching.
Besides, it will improve on-site emergency treatment facilities and designate hospitals for the event, and formulate work plans and emergency solutions, including epidemic prevention and control in all aspects of preparations.
more recommended stories
Enugu Guber: Enugu Indigenes In Abuja Want INEC To Declare Mbah Winner
Enugu indigenes in Abuja have called.
2023 polls: IPCR commends Nigerians on peaceful conduct
The Institute for Peace and Conflict.
China, Nigeria ties greatly enhanced by women contributions – Liang Huili
The wife of the Ambassador of.
China, Nigeria relations: Nigerian envoy in Shanghai emphasizes prospects, others
Recently, the Consulate General of Nigeria.
Atiku Youth Wing wants Keyamo sacked over Conflict of Interest
The Atiku Youth Wing has called.
NACHPN calls for recruitment of more community health workers
The National Association of Community Health.
Finally, Two Chambers Of National Assembly Endorse NHFSS Bill
The passage of the Nigerian Hunter.
Yuletide: Nigerian Baptist Convention Celebrates Widows In Northern Region
, Tasks Them On Emergence Of.
Coalition to engage politicians against deploying youths as thugs
Nigeria Coalition on Youth Peace and.
EFCC urged to follow due process in Zaura’s case
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s.
Leave a Comment


text:
Watch this video about the Ukrainian organic movement, its achievements, the war, and prospects. Filmed on behalf of the German Ukrainian cooperation in organic agriculture (COA) with support of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Increase of organic companies in the country
Taiwanese entrepreneurs want to dominate the Chinese market.
Spain’s only trade show for the organic sector is changing location
The organic movement in China has its own pioneers
The Soil Association has launched the first open membership group in the UK
Peru’s exported bananas are all organic
Techniques for organic and conventional agriculture at Chantemerle-les-blés
The region round Manchester is not exactly regarded as a champion of organics.
Login for subscribers
Exclusive for subscribers


text:
City (AP) — Vehicles helmeted with self-acting braking or front-collision tip are inferior liable to origin a rear-end force, according to a cram gratis Weekday by way of the protection indu33stry.
The Bond Launch on the side of Route 1 says unconscious braking — which container get the motor car to a break off if it senses an at hand pile-up — buoy abate rear-end crashes next to 40 proportion. Beginning crack-up advice — which warns the utility but doesn’t slow up — cuts the chance of a rear-end bang close to 23 pct.
The society unhurried the systems’ power beside looking boys in blue records in the service of 7,490 rear-end crashes in 27 states. Each of the crashes happened amid 2010 and 2014. They exclusively advised crashes caused by way of Acura, Honda, Subaru, Mercedes and Volvo vehicles that offered free involuntary braking or forward-collision notice. Subsequently they compared the dispatch of the vehicles that were transistorised with the non-compulsory systems and those that weren’t.
The establish alleged that if the totality of vehicles were armored with systems that worked too as the ones wilful, at hand would acquire antediluvian 700,000 few rear-end crashes in 2013 by oneself.
“As that field becomes author distributed, we containerful envisage to spot obviously less rear-end crashes,” aforesaid King Zuby, the found’s honcho investigation commissioner.
Cardinal proportionality of vehicles vend in the U.S. presently put up robot braking, spell 61 proportionality make available forward-collision advice, the establish says. They crapper be priceless options, despite that. Subaru offers it on the Impreza sports car, e.g., but it’s division of a $2,895 sanctuary bundle.
But the discipline intent ere long be much a great extent handy. Up to date drop, 10 automakers united to fashion self-acting braking a yardstick characteristic on every of their cars. A deadline hasn’t still bygone plant representing that to come about, but it wish credible be in the incoming insufficient geezerhood.
Interval, the systems are effort cheaper as they emerge on additional cars and the payment of sensors and otherwise skill attains impoverished. Toyota plans to tender self-acting braking in favour of a scattering century dollars in any vehicles preparatory that day.


text:
“I just wanted to make something hopeful,” Ian says of his 1HUND(RED) Jack Purcell V3 shoe design, which is inspired by a single white blood cell. “It’s about a clean slate – something completely pure.” Ian’s 1HUND(RED) shoe isn’t his first positive vision. The graphic designer turned sneaker aficionado turned entrepreneur, has always made something of his good ideas. The founder of Kicks Hawaii, Ian is a pioneer in the world of sneaker culture with significant contributions including two 2007 collaboration debuts in support of Converse (PRODUCT) RED and his highly sought after 2004 Kicks Hawaii Nike Dunk collaboration. Bringing the spirit of aloha to everything he touches, Ian recently joined Converse, where he now spends his days working on the brand’s most limited product. The shoe goes on sale tomorrow Saturday August 29th and will be available at the following retailers:
Depending on the products sold 5 – 15% of the net sales of CONVERSE (PRODUCT) RED shoes goes directly to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.


text:
|Home > Business > Article|
"You start to feel like you are there."
But he wouldn't want to be in a real war: "That's why it's good. You can do it all from your chair at home."
Sony was recently forced to withdraw a US trademark application for "shock and awe", the phrase used by the US Administration to describe its bombing of Baghdad.
The company lodged the application on March 21 - a day after the war on Iraq began - but later admitted the move had been "an exercise of regrettable bad judgement".
Euro RSCG planner Dan Pankraz said gamers wanted to get close to the action after hearing news coverage of conflicts.
"It's a form of escapism, in terms of escaping the real world," he said.
"But it allows them to create their own variation of what's happening in the world around them.
"It's that outcome focus they want to get in the game - rather than read the story, create the story."
The size of the video-game industry could rival Hollywood this year.
Australians spent $825 million on video games last year and the market is expected to grow to $1.1 billion this year.
Game publisher Activision, which creates games for Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo and PCs, agrees that interest in war games has increased recently.
But marketing manager Paul Butcher believes this is due to the success of new World War II games such as Medal of Honour, rather than a reaction to recent conflict.
Activision will release its own World War II game later this year.
"What players tell us a lot is they want more realism," Mr Butcher said.
"A couple of years ago it was action and sports games, now it's [war] games. It goes through cycles."
So successful are war games that the US Army has introduced its own free online game, called America's Army, as a recruitment tool.
Its website says the game "enables civilians to experience what it's like being in the American military".
Another military game, called Socom: US Navy Seals, was the second highest selling video game in Australia last week, according to measurement firm Inform. And Conflict Desert Storm, a game which is based on "actual events during the [first] Gulf War", was one of the bestsellers last year.
Printer friendly version Email to a friend
|Thanks to Iraq, war games are big sellers|
|McCann caught out as pitcher walks|
|Bledisloe ad kicks off Telstra campaign|
|I&I's got issues but says it's on target|
|Lego fools BBC into a series-long plug|
|Hong Kong's $200m to win back tourists|
|Lewis helps Blackie McDonald pay debts|
Also in Business
Southcorp, Foster's lose more US market share
Takeover schemes backlash grows
Natives are restless but Big Kev remains calm
Big shots miss the hustle and bustle
IAG starts to live up to earnings potential
Back to the desks for a positive tone ahead of earnings
Lehman buys $4bn funds manager
Virgin ready for NZ take-off
Flat office rents give tenants room to move
Big Asian demand for iron ore blocks ports
BHP reports 37m oil column in shallow water off Exmouth
Our bosses 'indecisive conformist panderers'
Weston preaches what he practises
Buy NBNZ and get New Zealand
Trading halt interrupts Daily Planet's streak
Bell liquidator hits at banks' defence
Uecomm's 'winning strategy' pays off
B Philp set for next round of cost cuts
US lenders put receivers into Western Metals
Mayne hospitals drag on its new drug focus
|text | handheld (how to)||
Copyright © 2003. The Sydney Morning Herald.
|advertise | contact us|


text:
Brand Licensing Europe is looking to build on the success of last year’s showwith new brands and by adding to its roster of unique show features.
Discount variety store chain Dollar Tree has acquired rival discount store chain Family Dollar Stores, becoming the largest discount retailer in North America.
Mo’s Nose, the children’s book series by Margaret Hyde, is looking to extend its brand into new products.
Art licensing company MGL has signed on to represent contemporary artist Dan Fenelon.
m4e has appointed Dutch brand licensing agency License Connection to represent children’s TV series “Tip The Mouse” in Benelux territories.
Hair care company Drybar has appointed licensing consultants Brand Central to expand the blowout-only salon brand across the U.S.
U.K. girl band The Tootsie Rollers has appointed Game of 2 Halves as its new licensing agent.
Fermata Partners has launched Fermata College, a new division to represent college and university trademark licensing programs.
London-based streetwear brand BodyMap is working with Foundry Brand Consultants to reboot the clothing line with licensing deals and collaborations.
Universal Music Group and Keshet International have signed a deal that will see UMG have the exclusive option to sign artist agreements with contestants on “Rising Star.”
DRi Licensing has signed on to represent U.K. artist Doug Hyde.
IMG Licensing has been appointed by the Pro Football Retired Players Association to manage the licensing rights of its members.
9 Story Enterprises has taken on worldwide distribution and licensing rights to “Haunted Tales for Wicked Kids.”
Discovery Enterprises International has tapped the licensing agents Licensed Brands International and The Partnershop in Western Europe.
Big Tent Entertainment has begun to expand internationally with the appointment of a collection of new licensing agents from around the globe.
Space Enterprises has appointed Kaynak Licensing Co. as the licensing agent for “The Hive” in Turkey and Middle East.
The Mary Blair Estate has appointed Firefly Brand Management to bring the art of Disney artist Mary Blair to licensing.
Lawless Entertainment has been appointed to represent the new TV series “Nutri Ventures: The Quest for the 7 Kingdoms” in North America and Asia Pacific.
Zodiak Kids has appointed MBC3 (part of MBC Group) to represent its preschool series “Tickety Toc” in the Middle East and North Africa.
Photographic agency Magnum Photos has tapped Trunk Archive as its licensing agent in North America.
Viz Media Europe is bringing its new TV series “Tenkai Knights” to Italy on the Discovery Italy free-to-air channel K2.
©2014 ADVANSTAR COMMUNICATIONS INC. All rights reserved.


text:
Use the £200m sat on by energy giants to fund advice for small businesses, says network group
A small business network is calling on the Big Six energy providers to unlock funds held in closed business accounts to support a new growth initiative.
Enterprise Nation is suggesting that part of the estimated pot of £204million unclaimed by owners could be put in a national Enterprise Voucher scheme.
The new scheme would aim to improve competency and global trading skills and increase the proportion of contracts secured by small British businesses.
Support: Marcus Whittington of Bath Boutique Stays, whose properties include the former home of writer Jane Austen
It would replace the Coalition’s Growth Vouchers programme. Last month it emerged that only about 10 per cent of the £30million committed to the Government’s Growth Vouchers scheme has so far been used.
One firm that has used Growth Vouchers is holiday rentals firm Bath Boutique Stays. Its properties include Jane Austen’s home. Turnover has risen from £250,000 to £600,000 in a year.
Businesses have until March 31 to make use of the trial, which allows firms to apply for vouchers towards the cost of advice in areas such as finance and digital technology.
Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, which built the platform for Growth Vouchers, said: ‘We always knew that changing the culture to one where every business actively seeks strategic advice would take more than 15 months to achieve. To reach a point where people are considering using the scheme is a great achievement, and we’d like to see it continue.
‘Small firms are crying out for advice. Meanwhile, here are the Big Six energy companies sitting on cash that’s crying out for a worthy cause exactly like this.’
Most watched Money videos
- Door comes off Volkswagen Sharan during Euro NCAP safety tests
- What will 2020 hold for investors and the UK stock market?
- Durability of Tesla Model X examined in Euro NCAP clip
- Vauxhall launches fifth generation of top-selling Corsa hatchback
- Introducing the new Ford Puma with fuel-saving powertrain technology
- Wireless charging network will be installed in Britain from 2020
- Euro NCAP safety tests of new Porsche Taycan shown in clip
- Volkswagen unveils concept for robots to deliver chargers to cars
- Hyundai Uber concept flying taxi shown off in promo vid
- How a biotech trust invests in the future of medicine
- Blue Whale: We want companies that can grow whatever happens
- Urban Electric's new pop-up chargers rise from the pavement


text:
to experience the full functionality of mail.com.
Enhanced by Google
The Kroger Co
October 06, 2016
Wal-Mart plans to slow new store openings, invest in online
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to slow its new store openings and pour more money into its online efforts, technology and store ...
September 09, 2016
Kroger cuts sales forecast on falling prices
Kroger reported weaker-than-expected revenue Friday and said it was hurt by falling prices for eggs, meats and other ...
August 18, 2016
Wal-Mart raises annual profit outlook, reports strong sales
Wal-Mart's vast fleet of stores and its online business are starting to click together. The company raised its earnings ...
July 27, 2016
Whole Foods' sales fall again as competitors draw customers
Whole Foods saw a key sales figure fall for the fourth straight quarter as it fights to distinguish itself from a growing ...
May 20, 2016
Frozen food recall covers hundreds of items from many stores
Amid a massive frozen foods recall involving millions of packages of fruits and vegetables that were shipped to all 50 U.S.
May 10, 2016
Supermarket operator Kroger to hire 14,000 employees
Kroger is holding a nationwide hiring event to fill 14,000 open jobs across all its supermarket chains, including Ralphs, ...


text:
By Ejimonu Udenka
The Amalgamated Consumer Coalition Enforcement Association (ACCEA) an Onitsha based NGO and consumer interest promoters league has condemned the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Petroleum Distributors Association of Nigeria (PEDAN) for bringing untold hardship to innocent consumers in Anambra State by embarking on sudden strike action to stop the sale of petroleum products thereby worsening the effect of the economic recession.
The condemnation was contained in a statement by the President of the Association, Prince Ikpedi Obumneme, who described the action of the petroleum marketers as “unprovoked, reckless and a blackmail on the consumers who are paying for the sins of exploitative unions who do not care about others. Said he:
“How can we explain a situation where the petroleum dealers stopped sales without warning just because their colleague had issues with officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps.”
I became worried like everyone when I couldn’t get fuel for my car with rumours making rounds and I mobilized my people. It was in the process that we understood the true situation. “A tanker driver reportedly refused to stop when flagged down around Ihiala axis by the Civil Defense and ran into a ditch thereby losing its product hence the resort to strike by the union.” How does the disobedience or disagreement with lawful authorities concern Ndi Anambra? He queried.
Prince Obumneme, said that the consumer league is using the opportunity to call on IPMAN and PEDAN to call off the strike to save the citizens of the state from unwarranted hardship .In the same vein, he called on politicians to avoid using flimsy issues to mis-inform the populace in a bid to score political point, stressing that Anambra is enjoying peaceful co-existence which should be encouraged and not sabotaged.


text:
Washington D.C. – As President Biden prepares to speak today on his plan to fight inflation and lower costs for working families, Accountable.US found that Tyson Foods reported an over $1 billion increase in net income for the first six months of its 2022 fiscal year for a total of $1.95 billion — all after its nearly 28% increase in beef prices. The company also spent a staggering $523 million in stock buybacks and $328 million in dividends over the same period.
The news comes as reporting reveals that in April, Tyson Foods received a subpoena from the New York Attorney General’s Bureau Of Consumer Frauds & Protection “‘seeking information regarding [its] sales, prices and production costs.”
From alleged price-fixer Tyson Foods to Big Oil at the gas pump, massive corporations pretend they have no choice but to inflate prices yet keep bragging about record profits to their executives and stakeholders. Time and time again, we’ve seen industries hide behind the pandemic to charge sky-high prices on everyday essentials while working families struggle to make ends meet. Despite what companies want their customers to believe, they do have a choice, and they choose to pad their bottom line and enrich a small group of investors at the expense of their consumers.”
Kyle Herrig, president of Accountable.US
For months, the government watchdog group has extensively documented how companies across a broad spectrum of industries — including major oil and gas, retail, and shipping — have used the pandemic as an excuse to raise prices on consumers while racking up record profits.
KEY RESOURCES FROM ACCOUNTABLE.US:


text:
DIY Battery Changes Come With Costly Charge
19 November 2015 | Expert Advice
Hundreds of thousands of Australian motorists could be risking permanent damage to their vehicles, Australia’s leading battery retailer has warned
With winter being the peak time for batteries to fail, Battery World Australia has urged all motorists to think twice before they change their car battery themselves. Battery World National Product Manager Deborah Rowlingson warned the days of simply putting in a new battery yourself were well over as modern cars’ computers and circuits were dramatically more complex today.
“We are increasingly seeing car owners accidentally damaging their cars trying to fit their own automotive batteries, Ms Rowlingson said, “If the battery is not fitted and configured correctly, then the cost of repairing such damage can be quite significant and may not be covered under warranty.
“Today’s vehicles have much more complex energy needs. The battery is critical to everything from the engine to onboard electronics including power windows and mirrors, USB charging outlets, speakers, GPS, music libraries, suspension, security, sensors and even seatbelt settings. Failing to correctly fit the battery could also result in a total shut down of the car.
“This sort of complexity has become standard in most base model-cars. We take them for granted until they stop working: making it all the more important the power management system is professionally installed by technical experts.
“Cars with the newest technology were most at risk and a perceived saving of a fitting cost could be outweighed by thousands of dollars in damage.”
Responding to over two decades of change the 82-store national franchise has become the first and only in Australia to use state of the art technology – the Yuasa Yu- Fit Battery Configurator. This tool informs the vehicle a new battery has been installed ensuring the correct charging strategy was applied.
Veteran Battery World franchisee Tom Spence said owners with Idle Stop Start (ISS) systems should be extra cautious.
Mr Spence said while these systems were developed by manufacturers to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, they also brought with them expensive headaches when it was time to replace the original ISS battery.
“A number of automotive manufacturers have introduced active energy management systems that require the replacement battery to be correctly configured to the vehicle after installation,” he said.
“An incorrectly installed battery could then mean you are chewing through way more fuel than you should.
“With emissions control systems, it is particularly critical the vehicle has the correct battery type and specification installed. Under charging or overcharging of the battery can result in damage that’s not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.”
Car and battery manufacturers estimate nearly 200 million ISS vehicles in use globally by 2020
In Australia figures from Century Yuasa Batteries show by 2016 as many as 70% of new cars sold will have ISS technology. Manufacturers including Mazda, Subaru, Nissan, VW, BMW, Mercedes and Volvo have already introduced ISS models with around 100,000 vehicles on Australian roads today.
Battery World Mackay’s Gabe Giannangelo said all motorists should be wary given almost every modern car on the road today utilises some sort of computer system.
“Once the battery is installed we use the Yu-Fit tool to ensure the correct charging strategy is applied.” Mr Giannangelo said.
“One of our customers, who was pretty knowledgeable about cars, said he spent $800 fixing up his electrics after changing his battery himself. Battery technology is far more sophisticated today – you need to stick with the experts.”


text:
Robbery at Papa Murphy's
Case Number #16-2524
At 7:38 p.m. on Sunday, February 14, man entered Papa Murphy's, 1508 Coburg Road, store wearing all black clothing and a black ski mask, holding a handgun. He demanded cash from an employee near the cash register. The employee ran to the back of the store, and the suspect left without getting any money. Police responded but did not locate him.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s, wearing all black clothing.
If anyone has information relevant to this case, they are asked to call 541.682.5111.


text:
Winner Medical's Profit Slides 24% on Lower Prices
Winner Medical Group Inc (NASDAQ: WWIN), a leading Chinese exporter and retailer of high-quality medical dressings and consumer products, posted $41.3 million in revenues and $2.5 million in net profits for Q1 of its 2012 fiscal year, up 22.6% and down 23.7% respectively year on year. Lower prices of its products in the wake of the austerity measures and debt crisis in Europe – Winner Medical's largest market – were blamed for the decline in earnings.
Alibaba to Buy Back Shares From Yahoo
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd plans to borrow $3 billion to buy back shares of Alibaba.com Ltd (HKG: 1688) held by Yahoo Inc (NASDAQ: YHOO), the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the situation. Alibaba.com, which links small manufacturers with buyers around the world, operates China's largest shopping websites: C2C site Taobao.com and B2C site Tmall.com. Yahoo, seeking to free up cash, is trying to pare its 40% holdings in Alibaba Group.
Sinochem to Boost Offshore Oil Capacity
Sinochem Group, the parent of chemical maker Sinochem International Corp (SHA: 600500), said it plans to treble its overseas daily oil and gas capacity to 300,000 barrels and build three production bases in Columbia, Brazil and the Middle East, an employee familiar with matter said. The project is estimated to cost billions of dollars. France's Total SA (NYSE: TOT) said Thursday it agreed to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary TEPMA BV to Sinochem International for $1 billion. TEPMA holds a stake in the Cusiana oilfield in Columbia. The deal is subject to antitrust review.
Sinohydro Halts Sudan Project
Sinohydro Group Ltd (SHA: 601669), a leading hydropower project contractor, said it has suspended a $63.2 million highway project in Sudan after a series of kidnappings of Chinese workers there. The project has been 36.6% completed, and Sinohydro has received $13.31 million.
Suning to Open 400 Stores in 2012
Suning Appliance Co (SHE: 002024), China's largest chain store by revenue, said it plans to open 400 stores this year, including eight in Hong Kong and three in Japan. Suning opened over 400 stores in 2011. It also expected revenue from online sales to increase fivefold this year.
Skyworth Jan TV Sales Drop 24%
Skyworth Digital Holdings Ltd (HKG: 0751), a Chinese TV maker, said it sold 666,800 flat-panel TV sets in January, down 24% year on year. It said the Chinese New Year, which came earlier than usual this year, pushed the high period for TV sales three weeks earlier.
Time Publishing Signs MOU with Opus
Time Publishing & Media Co (SHA: 600551) said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Opus, a London-based media group, for collaboration in typesetting, copyright issues and digital publishing. No concrete details were disclosed.
GCL-Poly, NRG Solar Found JV
GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Ltd (HKG: 3800), China's biggest polysilicon producer, and US-based NRG Solar LLC said they will equally fund the establishment of Sunora Energy Solutions LLC. NRG Solar will develop products for the 50:50 joint venture to manufacture and GCL-Poly Energy will supply 200MW of photovoltaic devices annually to NRG Solar through the end of 2014.
$1 = ¥6.29
You are currently reading
total words in this article.
To continue reading this article, you must be a subscriber. Log in now..


text:
Midlands-based mail-order and retail group Software Warehouse will launch its own nationwide on-site technical service in April, dispensing with its third-party maintenance company Misys.
Software Warehouse On-site Technicians (Swot) - will be a chargeable service covering installation, training and technical support. The scheme aims to increase customer satisfaction, cut support costs and reduce returns - currently at six per cent of orders.
Customers who buy PCs from the company can take them to one of 15 stores to install peripherals, software and upgrades.
Steve Bennett, Software Warehouse MD, said he expects charges through the Swot system will be similar to now, but will include a call-out rate of about 35p per mile.
However, to achieve an affordable service for home users, the retailer will have to maintain an army of nationwide technicians.
'We'll be recruiting part-timers for the areas where we don't have stores,' said Bennett. 'We can train them at Coleshill and then guarantee them however many calls a week they can manage.' He is considering a recruitment drive at the Windows Show next month.
The move follows an initiative last year by Dixons Stores Group of a #29.99 installation service for PCs bought from its stores. In November 1997, it began piloting the service for free.
'Mail order is more than shifting boxes - it's becoming a service industry,' said Bennett.
Software Warehouse will also launch a 330-page, A6-size catalogue aimed at corporate customers. It will be mailed to 50,000 businesses next week as well as be available in retail outlets.
Infrastructure provider says international sales now make up 51 per cent of its revenue
Suzanne Chappell of TMS plans sailing venture after selling Oxfordshire-based TMS to acquisitive Chess
Withdrawal of credit insurance by some providers a 'reflection' of current challenge facing IT sector, according to MD Steve Soper
SMART's UK managing director joins Lenovo to boost SMB business


text:
Vietnam looks back on decade of global integration, sets future goals
06:00 | 13/03/2021 Cooperation
(VEN) - Vietnam has recorded outstanding achievements in international integration over the past five years. It has signed 15 free trade agreements (FTAs) to date and is negotiating two others. Strategic partnerships have been established with 16 countries, and comprehensive strategic partnerships with 11 others. It has joined over 500 bilateral and multilateral agreements. Over 70 countries have recognized Vietnam as a market economy.
Vietnam eyes logistics cooperation with South America
06:00 | 12/03/2021 Cooperation
(VEN) - South America is a promising market for Vietnam’s exports, but distance and limited volume of transported goods have resulted in high logistics costs, making it hard for Vietnamese goods to compete. Enterprises in Vietnam and South America are seeking closer coordination in the logistics industry.
Việt Nam, Slovenia eye cooperation potential in mechanical engineering
14:21 | 05/03/2021 Cooperation
Việt Nam and Slovenia boast high potential for cooperation in manufacturing agro-forestry-fisheries machinery and equipment – an area of Slovenia’s strength and Việt Nam’s demand, said Vũ Bá Phú, head of the Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, at a recent online Việt Nam-Slovenia business exchange.
Vietnamese rice exports increase 10 percent
06:00 | 22/02/2021 EVFTA
(VEN) - Despite Covid-19 induced difficulties, Vietnam’s rice exports exceeded US$3 billion in 2020, more than 10 percent higher compared with 2019. Given this result, the rice sector is forecast to continue growing in 2021 thanks to increasing demand and the implementation of new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs).
Trust grows in Vietnam’s economic resilience in 2021
06:00 | 18/02/2021 Cooperation
(VEN) - Effective control of Covid-19 and successful hosting of significant events in 2020 have strengthened Vietnam’s global position. With annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2.91 percent, Vietnam was one of the economies with the highest growth in 2020 despite the pandemic, bolstering business and investor trust in its prospects for 2021. Several leading foreign representatives in Vietnam offer their perspective of the country’s development.
RCEP enters into force in 2021 as driving force for economic recovery
06:00 | 17/02/2021 Vietnam - Asean
(VEN) - The recently signed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, which forms the world’s largest trade bloc, is expected to become a driving force for the economic recovery of the Asia-Pacific region from the unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Signed on November 15, 2020, the pact’s 15 members include the 10 countries of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Australia, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), and New Zealand.


text:
East Anglia: Law firm Birketts launches specialist motor industry team
EAST Anglian law firm Birketts LLP has launched a new motor industry group, bringing together a team of specialist lawyers with extensive experience of the issues faced by those operating in the automotive sector.
The specialist division has been created to build on Birketts’ long history of advising automotive industry clients, with the aim to establishing the law firm as a driving force within a sector which plays an important part in the UK economy.
Heading the team is Birketts consultant Richard Wollaston who has more than 30 years’ experience of working with vehicle retailers, manufacturers and other businesses in the automotive supply chain.
The specialist lawyers will provide assistance in a number of key areas including competition law, dealer franchise agreements, consumer credit and property.
“One could be forgiven for thinking that the future of the UK motor industry is bleak,” said Mr Wollaston. “But at the end of 2011, David Cameron pronounced that the British car industry is doing well and is helping to lead an export-led recovery and rebalancing of the economy.
You may also want to watch:
“For many retailers these are still difficult times with demand down and tight margins on sales of new vehicles.
“However, figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in the last two weeks have revealed that car production in the country has risen to its highest May output since 2004 and it also reported a jump in car sales in May.
- 1 Six senior players - including Downes - will start pre-season with Under-23s
- 2 Man dies following stabbing in Bury St Edmunds
- 3 League One side showing strong interest in Ipswich youngster Lankester
- 4 Head chef frustrated after 13 'no shows'
- 5 Woman who pocketed cash for memorial bench avoids prison
- 6 Suffolk school goes viral after teachers post TikTok dance
- 7 When Eagles Dare documentary reveals how close Ian Holloway came to being named Ipswich Town manager
- 8 Man in 50s dies following crash on Suffolk border
- 9 Town show Jacobs interest but injury holds up potential deal
- 10 Rubbish dumped on A14 approach road
“In the meantime those operating in the retail motor sector are concentrating on broadening means of raising revenue including second hand cars, selling finance deals or parts dealing.”
He added: added: “Although dealerships are a key area for us we are also working with other businesses associated with the industry including a facilities management company working with manufacturers and a car auction business.”
To launch the new division, Birketts hosted two motor industry dinners, in Colchester and Newmarket. The events featured high profile speakers including Professor Garel Rhys, director for automotive industry research at Cardiff Business School, Kevin Ward, an independent banking consultant specialising in the motor trade, and John Kiff, senior advisor for the International Car Distribution Programme.
At the Newmarket event, Garel Rhys expressed optimistic about the future of the motor industry and highlighted that the UK now has a positive balance of payments on car export over import. By selling expensive and specialist cars like Bentley, Jaguar and Land Rover, based on value rather than volume, the UK now only has to export two cars to cover the cost of three imports.
However, he stressed that the next 12 months could still prove challenging. He said: “The long term outlook for dealers is very good, but they need to be cautious in the short term. Although the market is increasing in size at the moment it is based on an economy in recession and there could still be surprises along the way.”
Mark Ovenden, newly appointed managing director of Ford Britain, attended the Colchester event and gave an impromptu address providing an insight into the development of motor manufacturing in Russia where he had spent three years setting up a joint venture for the manufacture and sale of Ford cars.
Mr Wollaston said: “Mark prompted an interesting discussion as dealers in the UK are concerned that Europe and America may be neglected as manufacturers focus on emerging markets.
“It was interesting to hear Mark’s predictions that Russia is likely to become one of the main global manufacturing forces in the future as it is very well geographically placed to serve the emerging markets in the Middle and Far East as well as the Western European Market.”
Other issues currently affecting the motor trade and discussed at the events including the new Block Exemption regulations and changes in EU competition law.


text:
Everything you need to know about Gen Z
Friday, August 31, 2018
While millennials have dominated headlines and infatuated marketers for years, they’re a bit old hat now. The oldest millennials are well into adulthood, age 37 and proud homeowners, while even the youngest millennials, age 22, have already graduated college.
Now, it’s time for them to step aside so that we can focus on the trendy, new generation — Gen Z. By 2020, in just two years, they’re predicted to become the largest generation of consumers, according to Fast Company.
Keep reading to learn who Gen Z is, what they’re like and how they communicate and shop.
Who They Are
Generation Z, or Gen Z for short, includes anyone born between 1997 and 2010. That means they range in age from 8 to 21.
Also, fun fact: Pew Research hasn’t officially acknowledged this generational name and is currently calling this generation "post-millennials." So, the name Gen Z could morph or change entirely in the coming years.
What They're Like
- Millennials were once considered the most racially and ethnically diverse population in the U.S., but Gen Z wears that crown now.
- The oldest member of Gen Z was 10 when the iPhone came out, so this generation grew up in a world of non-stop communication. Smartphones, Wi-Fi and social media were ubiquitous to them. So much so that the majority of Gen Z can’t remember a world without them.
- Only two-thirds of Generation Z (between the ages of 16 and 22) identify as exclusively heterosexual, according to 2018 Ipsos MORI research. That’s a 5 percent decrease from millennials.
This generation also has much more contact with people who don’t identify as a single gender. Researchers have dubbed them the generation that’s "beyond the binary."
- Gen Z middle and high school students are closer to their parents. 15 percent more Gen Zers talked to their mom once a week about an important issue compared to millennials, according to the same Ipsos MORI study.
How They Communicate
- Almost all teens (95 percent) have a smartphone or have access to one, found 2018 Pew Research.
- Roughly half of teens (45 percent) are online on a "near-constant basis," according to the same Pew study.
- Gen Z spends, on average, 10.6 hours a day (or 636 minutes) with digital media every day, according to 2018 Adobe research.
- They prefer to spend their social time on Snapchat, followed by YouTube and Instagram, according to 2018 Pew Research.
How They Shop
- Gen Z is significantly less likely to be interested in products marketed towards one gender.
- They’re less materialistic. Less than a third of Gen Z students felt the things they own said a lot about how well they’re doing.
That’s more than a 10 percent drop compared to those surveyed in 2007, according to 2018 Ipsos MORI research.
That could be why the typical teen brands, like Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister and Aeropostale, are dropping rapidly in popularity, according to 2018 Engagement Labs research. Companies situated as status symbols may be out.
- More than a quarter of Gen Z students also said they avoided products because of the conditions under which they were produced, found that same Ipsos MORI study. Many of the brands teens talk about the most are also environmental sustainability, found the above Engagement Labs study.
- Gen Z prefers to walk, hop on a bike or buzz an Uber.
Teens are talking about car companies much, much less. Teen conversations about Chrysler dropped 64 percent, found Engagement Labs. Because of that, they seem to be gravitating towards convenience stores instead of department stores.
- 8 exercises for strengthening your business writing
- 10 negative employee behaviors that undermine success
- Millions of high school students set for success: Celebrating Career and Technical Education Month
- Are independent pharmacies really that profitable?
- Report: Only 6% of US companies offer comprehensive child care benefits
- Selling your business? What tenants need to know about their lease
- How millennial managers are reshaping the workplace
- Digital natives are more likely, more eager to go back to the office
- Report: Women twice as likely to leave employer within a year following pandemic
- Tips for safer property management during COVID-19
- 7 tips for managing a team remotely
- Baby boomers deserve a lot of attention from businesses, too
- How listening can help your staff stay strong throughout COVID-19
See your work in future editions
Your content, Your Expertise,
Your Industry Needs YOUR Expert Voice & We've got the platform you needFind Out How


text:
National Tourism Day Current Affairs, GK & News
Every year the National Tourism Day is celebrated on January 25. The day is celebrated to create awareness about the growth aspects of tourism sector. Also, the day aims to spread the impact of tourism sector on the economic development of the country. Theme of National Tourism Day, 2022 Rural and Community centric tourism History ....Read More
The Government of India is celebrating this year National Tourism Day at Pochampally of Telangana. In 2021, the United Nations World Tourism Organization selected the village as one of the Best Tourism Villages in the world, and therefore, the Indian Government is launching its national-level celebrations of the day from this village. The village is ..
Category: Important Days & Events Current Affairs
Topics: Agri-Tourism • Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO • e-tourist visa • Foreign exchange • Ikat • National Tourism Day • Pochampally • United Nations World Tourism Organisation • UNWTO • World Agri-Tourism Day • World Tourism Day
The`National Tourism Day’ is being celebrated every year on 25th January in India to raise awareness of the global community and about the importance of tourism for the country’s economy and its social, political, financial, and cultural growth. According to a FICCI- YES Bank report of 2019, the tourism industry generated 247.3 billion dollars in ..