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August 3, 2012 |
Instagram, the hot iPhone app that allows you to share retro-looking photos on Facebook, is quickly inspiring new products for the home. The latest comes from Coastermatic, which creates round sandstone coasters printed with your Instagram photos. Customers log on to their Instagram account and select four pictures. Each image is then printed digitally onto a coaster using a dot-matrix style process. The finished pieces usually arrive in the mail in six to 10 days. Price: $25 for a set of four.
November 23, 2012 |
With platters of delicious Thanksgiving food being served on elegant tables throughout the U.S., the setting was just right for Instagram to break its records, and it did. The Facebook-owned mobile photo-sharing social network said Thanksgiving 2012 broke all its records. More than 10 million photos whose captions included Thanksgiving-related terms were posted, and for several hours, more than 200 photos were being uploaded every second, Instagram said in a blog post Friday morning.
August 29, 2012 |
Pinterest and Instagram, two social networks that gained mainstream popularity in just the last year, are continuing to grow at exponential rates, a new study shows. Weekly visits to Pinterest's website from North American users hit nearly 29 million in July, up from 1.27 million a year earlier, according to Experian Marketing Services. That's an increase of 2,183% for the social network, which has been especially popular among women. Pinterest, which lets users collect and post images the way people do with pinboards in real life, began to see its popularity pick up dramatically early this year.
October 3, 2013 |
As everyone expected when Facebook bought Instagram in 2012, ads are coming to the popular photo and video social network. Instagram announced the news Thursday afternoon, saying it will ease into the process of displaying ads by beginning to show them occasionally. Slowly, users will start to see photos and videos from brands that are active on Instagram, regardless of whether users follow those accounts. "We'll focus on delivering a small number of beautiful, high-quality photos and videos from a handful of brands that are already great members of the Instagram community," Instagram said in a blog . PHOTOS: Top 11 hidden, cool features in Apple's iOS 7 Instagram also said users will be able to hide ads after they see them and provide the social network with feedback on why they didn't like that ad. Facebook, which owns Instagram, has been showing ads on its social network for years, and this year, it is projected to account for nearly 16% of mobile ad revenue worldwide, according to EMarketer.
March 7, 2014 |
SAN FRANCISCO -- Instagram has landed a major advertising deal for up to $100 million over the next year from Omnicom. The deal comes just four months after the popular photo-and-video-sharing service rolled out the first sponsored posts from Michael Kors, General Electric and Levi's. Instagram users will begin seeing ads in their streams from brands that work with Omnicom's media and creative agencies, AdAge reported . Instagram, which has 150 million active users, is coming into its own as an advertising platform.
April 3, 2012 |
The wildly popular photo-sharing site Instagram released its app for Android devices. This comes about a year and a half after the app launched for iOS, Apple's mobile operating system, which has about 30 million users. On launch day, Instagram said it had 430,000 people on the Android waiting list. The app runs on any camera phone with Android 2.2 or above with support for OpenGL ES 2. But it won't yet run on Android tablets. The app includes the same filters as the iPhone app. But there are some missing features.


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BASF partners to develop of 3D-printed functional parts
The partnership with 3D printing technology company Essentium Materials seeks to surpass current boundaries of fused filament fabrication technology.
Germany-based chemical supplier BASF is partnering with 3D printing technology company Essentium Materials to create more robust parts for mass production by leveraging that company’s fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology.
In a statement, BASF said it brings to the partnership the most comprehensive portfolio of innovative materials in the chemical industry, while Essentium – which is headquartered in College Station, Tex. – provides its FlashFuse electric welding technology, which enhances layer-to-layer adhesion of 3D printed parts.
The companies report that they are combining their core strengths to provide a range of polymer solutions that overcome the traditional interlayer weakness of 3D printed parts. Essentium’s FlashFuse technology performs in-situ welding, which can be applied to multiple open-system FFF printer platforms. This electric welding technology helps boost isotropy, an indicator for the homogeneity of a structure, and ramps up vertical strength and mechanical toughness of the printed parts.
The benefit of FFF printing technology, BASF said, lies in its compatibility with a range of thermoplastics, the capability to fabricate large, complex parts rapidly and efficiently, and the opportunity to easily combine multiple materials in the same printed part. In addition, FFF is said to be uniquely suited to provide printed parts that are both structural and composed of filaments loaded with functional fillers.
“I am confident that our collaboration with Essentium will enable the creation of 3D-printed functional parts and make the technology accessible to a broader range of industrial customers,” said Kara Noack, head of BASF’s 3D printing business in North America.

domain: news


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Consumers can press ahead with a lawsuit that accuses Apple Inc. of using its market dominance to artificially inflate prices at its App Store, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled May 13.
The 5-4 decision could add to pressure the company faces to cut the 30% commission it charges on app sales. Lawyers pressing the case have said they will seek hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of overpaying consumers.
Apple contended the lawsuit was barred under a 1977 Supreme...
For more stories, analysis and expertiseOR Request Trial
(Updates with reaction starting in sixth paragraph.)


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Israel VAT bill on foreign digital services
The Israeli Tax Authority has issued its draft bill to tax foreign providers of digital services to consumers with 17% VAT.
The new proposal will seek to tax income on services to Israeli consumers including:
- streaming or downloads of music, films and games;
- digital newspapers or journals;
- online telephony;
- SaaS-based software services;
- internet access
- online ad’s
- membership fees for online sites;
- telephony services; and
- broadcast of TV or radio content.


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Lee Canyon announces Spring Sessions, three-day weekend operations starting April 9 where skiing and snowboarding will be offered on terrain served by Lee Canyon’s Bluebird chair only.
Guests can also enjoy winter scenic chairlift rides on the Sherwood chair, which will not be open for skiing and snowboarding. During Spring Sessions, all 2020/21 season passes will be honored, including specialty passes like Battle Born and Weekday passes.
Daily lift tickets can be purchased online for $39; 2020/21 Ride Local cardholder can access the area for $29.
Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lee Canyon will assess snow conditions and weather forecasts, and the continuation of Spring Sessions will be announced weekly on Sunday.
While food and beverage outlets will be operating during Spring Sessions, Rabbit Peak, Lee Canyon’s bunny hill, will not be running. Lessons and ski and snowboard rentals will also not be offered. All previous COVID-19 guidelines will be in effect, including mandatory face masks, parking reservations, and limited seating in all indoor dining areas.
This weekend is Lee Canyon’s Feel Good Weekender, April 2 to April 4. All weekend, lift tickets will be $25 with $5 of every sale donated to High Fives Foundation, a non-profit supporting mountain sports athletes with life-altering injuries.
Guests must reserve parking in advance and more information can be found here.
Lee Canyon encourages skiers and snowboarders to take advantage of loyalty rates for 2021/22 season passes; details can be found online.


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StrategyBlocks Named a Finalist in the Prestigious SIIA CODiE Awards
We are excited to announce that our StrategyBlocks platform is a finalist for the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) CODiE Awards, recognized as one of the Best Business Information Solutions. The SIIA CODiE Awards honors organizations for achieving excellence in software, information and education technology. The Best Business Information Solutions category recognizes solutions that help business professionals with their daily job functions including strategy, business development, sales, marketing, research or other corporate functions.
The SIIA CODiE Awards are the premier awards for the software and information industries. For more than 30 years, the CODiEs have honored industry-leading products and services as part of their unique, peer-recognized awards program. We are honored to be named a finalist with other stand out organizations who represent the best in their fields.
StrategyBlocks 4.0, designed to help an organization stay motivated, engaged and involved in the strategic process of today’s evolving business environment, impressed the judges. According to one: “This product is a powerful, modern tool for company executives, as well as operating managers who can easily track their performance against a strategic plan.” The panel agreed that StrategyBlocks was “one of the best business information solutions” presented.
The level of innovation and creativity of the products that were selected as this year’s CODiE finalists impressed Ken Wasch, president of SIIA. “We are happy to recognize these products and the power they have to transform the future of how we do business,” Wasch said.
StrategyBlocks eagerly awaits the announcement of the 32nd Annual SIIA CODiE Award winners in the Business Technology categories on Tuesday, July 25, 2017. A special reception will be held in San Francisco to celebrate winners and finalists.
For more information on how our award-winning solution can enhance your organization, please contact us.


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Princess Charlotte may only be two years old, but the royal already lets her personality shine through.
Prince William's wife has shed light on the tot's favourite colour.
And Princess Charlotte is a big fan of the colour pink, the Duchess of Cambridge revealed.
The cute reveal came as the Duchess visited Hornsey Road Children’s Centre in London on November 14, 2017 wearing a gorgeous cream coat a debuted a lighter hair shade.
To welcome Prince George's mother, six-year-old Nevaeh Richardson-Natiko gave the mum-to-be a bouquet of flowers.
After chatting to the child, Kate, 35, revealed her daughter's favourite colour is pink.
Dressed in a pink satin dress to meet the mum-of-two, Nevaeh said: “She asked me what my favourite colour I said it was pink and she said that’s Charlotte’s favourite colour, too."
And Charlotte, who will celebrate her third birthday on May 2, 2018, has been dressed in the traditionally feminine shade plenty of times during her public outings.
Most recently, the tot sported the light shade as the royals arrive in Germany during a European tour.
Letting more of her personality shine, adorable Charlotte threw a classic tot-strop as they landed.
But while pink is the two year old's favourite colour, this hasn't ever ruled how Kate and Wills dress her.
Princess Charlotte has often been dressed in blue and yellow in the past in clothes from some of Kate's favourite brands.
Pepa & Co, Jojo Maman Bebe and Olivier baby and kids are some of Kate’s favourite places to shop for her little girl.


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Dubai (Somalilandpress) — Dubai-based Economic Zones World (EZW) has announced plans to construct a office building facility at Djibouti Free Zone to provide customers with a qualitative integrated service offering distinct from others in the country.
EZW is the global developer and operator of economic zones, technology, logistics and industrial parks under the Dubai World Group.
The two-storey multi-use building, with a leasable area of 1,828 sq m, will provide office spaces in various sizes to accommodate requirements of Djibouti Free Zone customers. Ground works for the building are due to start in September, said a EZW statement.
Managed by EZW, the Djibouti Free Zone with its investment friendly business environment and modern logistics infrastructure, has emerged as one of the most important strategic logistics platforms in East Africa.
The new facility, combined with 24 hour free zone access control, will provide customers with a greater range of amenities, thereby helping to maximize their productivity.
The facilities will include a restaurant, a Business Center, a convenience store, prayer rooms and an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) among other amenities.
Ali Dawood, senior vice president of EZW’s Emerging Business Units and chief planning officer of the UAE Region, said, ‘The new office building is the latest multi-faceted development underway at Djibouti Free Zone. It already hosts world-class facilities for offices, distribution, storage and light manufacturing.’
‘We aim to keep innovating to bring our customers the most sophisticated infrastructure and technology to support them as they look to maximize their operational efficiency and facilitate their businesses in the region and beyond,’ he added.
Djibouti Free Zone is currently home to over 100 leading regional and global companies including BMMI, SDV Bollore, and Seven Seas, among others. It has emerged as one of Africa’s leading trading and distribution hubs.
The strategic location of the free zone allows companies located in DFZ to serve 380 million people in 19 countries in East and Central Africa.-
Source: TradeArabia News Service


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There's also the more traditional Grand Prix mode, which has you go up against 10 straight matches in a row!
Nintendo seemingly have more Direct presentations than they have games. Some of these updates will include new fighters, stages and much more. Numerous other characters that will be in ARMS have been revealed before now, it just appears that the three newest ones will be revealed earlier than normal.
They also detailed new game modes for players who would rather play online and test their skills across the internet.
Byte & Barq - Two fighters in one! Twintelle may be the strangest combatant yet, as she puts boxing gloves on her hair drills and whips her hair back and forth to beat enemies into submission.
The best part about this announcement that unlike recently major Nintendo releases, these pieces of DLC would be made available for free. Toss and curve punches when you find an opening, and dodge a flurry of incoming attacks. Ranked is a simple online mode where winning increases your rank, where as losing decreases it. The first weekend begins Friday, May 26 (for North American players; global audiences will have access the next day) and runs through Sunday, May 28.
Are you excited for ARMs? Overall, not a bad showcase from Nintendo, with the Global Testpunch being an awesome way to see how current Switch owners enjoy it. The second tournament, the 2017 ARMS Open Invitational, takes place on 14th June and will feature Nintendo's upcoming ARMS fighting game for Nintendo Switch.
So what do you think of the brand new Arms fighters?


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The Investment column: The Connection w.e.a.r.s. well
Thursday 02 April 1998
The French Connection brand has received a huge boost in the past year thanks to the controversial f.c.u.k. advertising campaign which various parts of Middle England tried to ban. The group increased its advertising budget to pounds 1.5m to back it and recouped most of the money through the sale of 100,000 T-shirts sporting the cheeky slogan.
This fed through to strong growth in the UK, where like for like sales increased by 15 per cent and profits doubled to pounds 3.5m. This is a creditable performance on a fragile high street where even the likes of Next have stumbled.
The strong performance of the two brands pushed full year profits up from pounds 6.2m to pounds 8.2m and the shares rose 25p to a new high of 427.5p. They were languishing at around the 150p mark just two years ago.
The first half of the current year will be affected by expansion work at two key London stores but these should make an enhanced contribution in the second half. The group is also expanding significantly this year with a pounds 10m capital expenditure programme which will see a further six shops added this year in locations like Bristol, Glasgow and Leeds as well as six more concessions. A test store has also opened in Canada.
On NatWest Securities' forecasts of pounds 9.5m the shares trade on a forward rating of 14. That is not too demanding but fashion is a volatile business and the shares have had a good run. Hold.
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For the second year running, leading payment solutions provider Debitsuccess has been named a winner in Corporate LiveWire’s prestigious 2016 Innovation & Excellence Awards, taking out the title for Most Innovative Payment Processor – New Zealand. Selected on merit, these Awards recognise organisations that have shown excellence, innovation and strong leadership.
Debitsuccess Chief Executive Officer Craig Marshall says the company is honoured to be a winner.
“We’re proud to again be acknowledged in these global Awards,” says Mr Marshall. “Our unique service model for the management of payment plans adds value to any business or industry in the ‘subscription economy.”
He adds: “We’re focused on helping our clients by providing tailored recurring payment solutions.”
Debitsuccess is part of the Transaction Services Group (TSG), a leading global payment solutions provider with a presence in Australasia, the United States and the United Kingdom. The company has been working with a range of industries from fitness and health care to insurance and education for more than 20 years.
Directors of the 2016 Innovation & Excellence Awards say the Awards give recognition to businesses that are transforming their respective industries and the standard-bearers of excellence by continually setting industry trends, as well as showing significant advances in terms of innovation and improvement.
Previous winners include LinkedIn, Google, Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Debitsuccess also won Most Innovative Payment Processor – New Zealand award in 2015. For more information or to contact Debitsuccess click here.


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The Festival Foods located on East Washington Street in Madison will host open interviews from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, July 20, and from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, July 22.
We're looking for great people to fill cashier and bagger positions as well as roles in deli, bakery, produce, receiving and pricing.
Interviews will be held inside the store at 810 East Washington Street and walk-ins are welcome. After checking in at the service desk, applicants will meet one-on-one with hiring managers.
Human Resources Manager Erin Ward said Festival Foods is growing in Wisconsin and is looking to hire associates who enjoy providing the very best in service.
“We aim to make grocery shopping an enjoyable experience by treating our customers as guests,” Ward said. “Friendly associates play a key role in that, so we want to talk to you if you’re passionate about great customer service.”
More information regarding openings at Festival Foods is available online here.


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Dallas, TX (PRWEB) December 05, 2013
OnTrion, the manufacturer of extended batteries and accessories for all the major smartphones, wants bargain seekers to enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend home with their families instead of out shopping. To that end, the company has partnered with Best Buy for an after Black Friday special deal on the LifeCHARGE™ Battery case for iPhone 4/4s.
According to “Time” magazine (http://business.time.com/2013/11/21/the-big-lie-about-shopping-on-thanksgiving-and-black-friday/), “Recently released consumer surveys give the impression that roughly half of shoppers will be hitting the malls on Black Friday, and over one-third of Americans will be out at stores on Thanksgiving.” Those figures almost guarantee a frustrated shopping experience with overcrowded stores, lack of parking, hundreds of customers vying for limited stock and an interruption of family and football time.
Bargain hunters who want the hottest Apple iPhone accessory this holiday season don’t have to contend with all this frustration, though. OnTrion, the one stop shop for batteries for all the most popular smartphones, has just partnered with Best Buy for an after Black Friday deal.
Beginning November 30 and running through December 7, the MFI-approved LifeCHARGE™ Battery Case for iPhone 4/4s (Model: ONT-PWR-35065) will be on special sale at Best Buy (SKU: 2601366). Thanks to this partnership, shoppers need not fear that they will score a better deal by waiting. That’s because Best Buy will be living up to its name this holiday season. The mass retailer recently announced that it will “match rivals’ prices even after customers have purchased items, whether in stores or online,” the Associated Press reported.
For additional information on the LifeCHARGE battery case for iPhone 4/4s, visit the company on the Web at http://www.ontrion.com. To learn more about the superior extended life features the product offers, contact OnTrion’s Jesse Khurana.
13650, TI Blvd., Suite #309
Dallas, TX 75243


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Big Yellow playing it safe
ALTERNATIVE Investment Market-traded storage group Big Yellow said it will take longer than promised to reach its target of 50 stores. The company, which rents warehouse space in and around London to individuals and businesses, pledged at flotation to hit the target by 2003. Just past halfway, it has 27 stores open or about to open.
Enquiries are buoyant and the number of customers has doubled to 6,000, but Big Yellow wants to play safe, said chairman David White. Turnover was up 112% to £3.6m in the half year to 30 September, although losses increased by 50% to £1.2m, making a loss per share of 1p, the same as last time. Shares in Big Yellow, floated last year at 100p, were steady at 98p, 53p off their February peak.
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When the United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain took a stand against the layoff announcements from Ford and GM, he didn’t just make headlines; he shook the very foundations of the American auto industry. This isn’t just a labor dispute; it’s a high-stakes chess game that could redefine the future of automotive manufacturing in the United States. With the UAW representing around 150,000 autoworkers and initiating a strike that has already seen nearly 13,000 workers walk off the job, the ripple effects are being felt far and wide. Ford and GM’s knee-jerk reaction to lay off non-striking employees might seem like a tactical move, but according to Fain, “Their plan won’t work.”
So, what’s really at play here? Let’s dive deep into this unfolding drama, dissect the strategies, and explore why this could be a pivotal moment for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about the future of American industry.
The UAW Strike: More Than Just a Labor Dispute
The UAW’s decision to initiate a strike against the Big Three—GM, Ford, and Stellantis—isn’t just a labor dispute; it’s a strategic move that could have far-reaching implications for the American auto industry. The strike has already led to the temporary layoffs of non-striking employees at both Ford and GM, a move that UAW President Shawn Fain has dismissed as ineffective. But why?
Firstly, the strike is a clear signal that the UAW is not willing to back down on its demands, which likely include better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The union’s strong stance is a message to the Big Three that they can’t simply rely on layoffs to pressure the striking workers into submission. This is a calculated risk by the UAW, but one that could pay off in the long run.
Secondly, the strike is a wakeup call for the American auto industry. For too long, companies have relied on traditional labor practices that may no longer be sustainable in today’s rapidly evolving market. The UAW’s bold move could force these companies to rethink their strategies, potentially leading to more innovative and worker-friendly approaches.
Ford and GM’s Layoff Strategy: A Misguided Move?
Ford’s response to the UAW strike was to instruct 600 of its Michigan assembly workers not to report to work, citing the “knock-on effects” of the strike. Similarly, GM announced plans to keep 2,000 workers inactive at its Kansas City assembly plant. On the surface, this might seem like a smart move to mitigate the impact of the strike, but is it really?
According to UAW President Shawn Fain, the layoff strategy is a misguided attempt to “put the squeeze” on union members. The idea is to create a sense of urgency and pressure the striking workers into settling for less favorable terms. However, this tactic could backfire for several reasons.
First, it risks alienating the non-striking workforce, who may feel unfairly targeted by the layoffs. Second, it could draw negative public attention and scrutiny, potentially damaging the companies’ reputations. And third, it doesn’t address the root causes of the strike, which means even if the tactic succeeds in the short term, the underlying issues will remain unresolved.
The Investor’s Perspective: What Does This Mean for Stock Prices?
As of the latest market close, Ford’s stock was trading at $12.62, while GM’s stood at $33.94 and Stellantis’ was at $19.24. The ongoing strike and the companies’ responses to it have undoubtedly caught the attention of investors. But what does this mean for stock prices in the short and long term?
In the short term, the strike and the subsequent layoffs could create volatility in the stock prices of Ford and GM. Investors may be wary of the uncertainty surrounding the labor dispute and its potential impact on production. However, this could also present a buying opportunity for those who believe that the companies will ultimately resolve the issues and come out stronger.
In the long term, the outcome of the strike could be a defining moment for the American auto industry. If the UAW succeeds in its demands, it could set a precedent for labor relations, potentially leading to higher costs for the companies but also possibly resulting in a more motivated and productive workforce. Investors should keep a close eye on how the situation unfolds, as it could have significant implications for the industry’s future.
Entrepreneurial Insights: Lessons to Be Learned
The unfolding drama between the UAW, Ford, and GM offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, especially those in the manufacturing sector. The first lesson is the importance of maintaining good labor relations. A disgruntled workforce can lead to strikes, which can have a domino effect on your operations and reputation.
Secondly, the situation highlights the need for innovative labor practices. The traditional methods of handling labor disputes may no longer be effective in today’s fast-paced business environment. Entrepreneurs should consider adopting more flexible and worker-friendly policies to avoid similar pitfalls.
Lastly, the strike serves as a reminder that in any business, communication is key. Both sides in this dispute have made their positions clear, but the resolution will likely come down to effective negotiation and compromise. Entrepreneurs should always strive for open and honest communication with their employees to foster a more harmonious working environment.
Global Implications: A Wake-Up Call for Auto Industries Worldwide
The UAW strike and the responses from Ford and GM are not just a localized issue; they have global implications. The American auto industry is a significant player in the global market, and any disruptions in the U.S. can have a ripple effect worldwide.
For instance, the strike could lead to delays in the production and export of vehicles, affecting supply chains and potentially leading to increased costs for consumers. Moreover, if the UAW succeeds in its demands, it could inspire similar labor movements in other countries, forcing auto industries worldwide to reevaluate their labor practices.
Therefore, this is a wake-up call for auto industries around the globe. The UAW strike serves as a reminder that labor relations are a critical aspect of any business, and companies must be prepared to adapt and evolve in response to changing dynamics.
Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead
The UAW strike against Ford and GM is more than just a headline; it’s a pivotal moment that could redefine the American auto industry. While the immediate focus is on the impact of the strike and the companies’ responses, the long-term implications are far more significant.
For investors, this is a time to be vigilant and closely monitor the unfolding events. For entrepreneurs, it’s an opportunity to learn valuable lessons about labor relations and innovative business practices. And for the global auto industry, it’s a wake-up call that could lead to transformative changes in labor practices worldwide.
As we navigate this complex and rapidly evolving situation, one thing is clear: the decisions made in the coming weeks could have a lasting impact on the American auto industry and beyond. It’s a story that we’ll all be watching closely, and one that could offer valuable insights for years to come.
1. Why did the UAW initiate a strike against Ford and GM?
The UAW initiated the strike to demand better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The union represents around 150,000 autoworkers and has taken a strong stance against the Big Three.
2. What was Ford and GM’s response to the strike?
Ford and GM responded by laying off non-striking employees, citing the “knock-on effects” and “ripple effects” of the strike. However, UAW President Shawn Fain dismissed these moves as ineffective.
3. How could the strike impact stock prices?
The strike and subsequent layoffs could create volatility in the stock prices of Ford and GM in the short term. However, the long-term implications could be significant, depending on the outcome of the labor dispute.
4. What lessons can entrepreneurs learn from this situation?
Entrepreneurs can learn the importance of maintaining good labor relations, the need for innovative labor practices, and the value of effective communication with employees.


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Anyone who has ever stood behind an auto parts counter has their favorite tale of a befuddled shopper. Like the college student desperately needing to replace a leaking “710” cap. Huh? After a lengthy diatribe it was determined that he was looking at the part upside down. It said OIL.
Our trip to Austin was not the smoothest excursion.
But we finally made it to COTA, joined friends for a great time and watched an exciting race with a nail-biter of a finish.
Continue reading Getting There – it isn’t always the fun part
Austin, Here We Come!
The US Grand Prix is happening this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. Jackie and I are packed and ready (rain gear included) for a weekend of high octane excitement.
The ugliest grille design ever conceived?
Yes, truly a face only a mother could love. But that’s not the point.
This new Lexus could be scaring small children away from your driveway— by subscription. It’s a new ownership model several car manufacturers are working on.
More automakers will soon offer vehicles through subscription services. Lexus today announced its upcoming UX crossover would be available through one and Bloomberg published a report today stating BMW is about to announce a subscription pilot. These automakers join a growing list of makers offering models through new financing vehicles. Currently, Volvo, Cadillac, Ford and…


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To reach a rapidly expanding demographic, companies are changing their tone.
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According to company lore, the idea for Nike’s CruzrOne sneaker — a well-cushioned, thick-soled running shoe that debuted in 2019 — originated with a conversation between a Nike designer, Tinker Hatfield, and the company’s co-founder Phil Knight. Mr. Hatfield made the mistake of congratulating Mr. Knight on his habit of walking eight miles a day and received a swift correction from his billionaire boss.
“I was running,” Mr. Knight says dryly in a promotional video, bearing a slightly aggrieved expression. “Just running not very fast.”
Nike makes shoes for sprinters and distance runners who cover all kinds of terrain. The conversation with Mr. Knight left Mr. Hatfield with an idea to design a shoe for a large, fast-growing and often overlooked market: runners who aren’t in a hurry.
“There needs to be a shoe for the slower runner,” Mr. Knight says in the ad. “And that’s me.”
What is not said explicitly in the video is that Mr. Knight is in his 80s. Age is never mentioned in any of the CruzrOne’s marketing copy. By positioning the CruzrOne as a shoe with excellent support for runners who — for whatever reason — go at an extremely slow pace, Nike can offer a product designed for the older athlete to the general market.
It’s a perfect example of what Rob Chess, a Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer, calls “stealth design”: a product that addresses specific needs of older consumers in a form that doesn’t scream, well, “old.”
“You basically put all these elements in that make it much more usable by an older customer, but you don’t necessarily advertise and play up those elements,” Mr. Chess said. “Or if you do, you certainly don’t position them as, you know, ‘Gee, we’re doing this for older people.’” (A Nike spokesperson declined requests for interviews.)
It’s part of a seismic shift in the way companies market to consumers who have lived past their 55th birthday. The large and rapidly expanding demographic has enormous spending power, yet it has historically been treated as a homogeneous group that spends its days either in the louche leisure of a Viagra ad or the frail dependence of a Life Alert spot.
In contrast, longevity experts said, today’s most effective marketing campaigns focus on the specific needs a product or service addresses, and the lifestyle of the person buying it — ideally without explicitly mentioning age at all.
“I still see the word ‘senior’ and ‘elderly’ too often,” said Susan Golden, the director of dciX, a program of Stanford’s Distinguished Careers Institute for midlife professionals, and a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. “The idea is to market not to a name and not to an age, but to the stage of life or vibrancy.”
As of April, U.S. households headed by people 55 or older held $92.3 trillion, or 69 percent of the country’s total wealth, according to Lowell Ricketts, a data scientist at the Institute for Economic Equity at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Older people today are wealthier than previous generations, and there are a lot more of them. By 2060, 95 million people in the United States will be 65 or older, up from 52 million in 2018, and constitute 23 percent of the population, up from 16 percent, according to the Population Reference Bureau, a nonprofit research group in Washington.
“They’re the biggest opportunity, and the fastest-growing opportunity,” Mr. Chess said.
One reason so few products target older adults is a belief among many entrepreneurs that they are less willing to change brands or discover new products, said John Zapolski, founder and chief executive of Alive Ventures, a start-up studio that invests in brands focused on older people. Another is that a lot of people whose birth dates might qualify them for the demographic don’t like to think of themselves as old, or don’t recognize themselves in the version of old presented in a particular ad.
A marketing campaign that positions a product for an aging consumer is unlikely to attract younger buyers, said Joseph Coughlin, founder and director of the AgeLab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“But guess what?” he added. “We also know that old people will run with their hair on fire away from it.”
Dr. Coughlin said companies instead needed to position their products as being for “an ageless lifestyle” that “keeps people engaged and productive, healthy and well.”
On one hand, this approach risks dressing up the same social stereotypes and pressures in new language, akin to the magazine covers exhorting readers to “get healthy” rather than explicitly telling them to lose weight, or makeup ads promising skin that looks “revitalized” without using the word “younger.”
On the other, focusing on consumers’ actual needs instead of their assumed age has the added benefit of appealing to all of a product’s potential users. An example offered by Margaret Morganroth Gullette, a cultural critic and resident scholar at the Women’s Studies Research Center at Brandeis University, is the recent marketing campaign for the absorbent underwear Depend.
“This is an athlete, 20 reps deep,” an announcer intones in a 2020 ad as a middle-age woman works out outdoors, “and sprinting past every leak.” In another TV spot, a woman who does not appear old enough to collect Social Security leads a business meeting.
Not all older people have use for absorbent underwear, but everyone with incontinence does: people who are pregnant or postpartum, who are taking certain medicines, who have bladder conditions or any number of temporary or recurring health issues.
“It was making absorbent underwear dignified and part of an ordinary life,” Dr. Gullette said. An ad that acknowledges this bodily reality, rather than just showing an older model, she said, is “in some ways more revolutionary.”
The CruzrOne, with its marketing campaign’s focus on pace rather than age, is another such example. Some older runners might prefer a shoe for a slower pace, but so might novice runners, or someone recovering from an injury. In this new approach to marketing, age matters less than the lifestyle of the buyer, Dr. Golden said: “A 65-year-old and a 25-year-old could be as excited and engaged in life, or an 80-year-old could be running marathons.”
This last part, at least, is something Nike has long acknowledged. In the very first televised Nike ad featuring the famous “Just do it” slogan, in 1988, the camera zooms in on the Golden Gate Bridge, where a bare-chested runner is making his daily 17-mile trek, Nike Airs on his feet, gray chest hair rippling in the morning breeze.
“People ask me how I keep my teeth from chattering in the wintertime,” Walt Stack, then 80, explains to the camera. “I leave them in my locker.”


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When it comes to DJ software the most under-utilized piece of hardware is the track pad which is often only used to select and drop tracks onto decks. The folks at Algoriddim recently announced a new update to their budget friendly DJ software, djay Pro, that introduces multi-touch control which is the first of its kind to leverage the OSX Multi-Touch and Force Touch capabilities. They've also expanded to more Pioneer products with an extensive list of supported hardware. Read more below and watch a video demonstrating the new updates.
In the last few years, we've seen a renewed interest from manufacturers in making their own version of one of the most iconic pieces of DJ gear, the turntable. Numark's new TT250USB is Numark's new turntable, and just like the Pioneer PLX-1000 table, it's designed to look very similar to the classic Technics SL-1200. Read on for photos and details.
Pioneer came out with the DDJ-SB last January to give new beginner DJs a controller for Serato DJ Intro and now Pioneer is cracking open a slightly lower price point with the newly updated DDJ-SB2. The new DDJ-SB2 starts out with a MSRP of $285, and boasts all the features of the DDJ-SB with newly added four deck controls, a quantized […]
We've been waiting quite a while for the Stem Decks to get their official release in Traktor, but as of yesterday the wait is over. Of course to be able to use the Stem Decks requires a Kontrol S8/D2/F1 for native control, so we've built a first round mapping for the versatile Midi Fighter Twister (currently 20% in the DJTT store) to allow complete control of Stems volume, FX routing and levels, and Filters.
Pioneer has released a second new promo teaser video less than one week after another for their upcoming Rekordbox DJ software - this one focused on a piece of hardware. There's way too much out-of-focus teasing going on in this video (show us the product already), but we've done our best to break down what the controller/mixer holds in store.
With controllerism, DJs have adopted a mindset of constantly redesigning their setups to be lighter and more compact. Some DJs can get by on only a USB drive but others prefer the versatility of a controller. Bags and cases can make carrying a larger controller easier, it isn't always the most convenient option. Livid Instruments is aiming to help DJs and producers looking for compact setups with their new Kickstarter for their next innovation, Minim.
Inspiration can strike anywhere. Sometimes the commute to work can be the birthplace of a new melody or a late night of watching TV can create the need to jam out. Guitarists have the luxury of being able to play anywhere with their instrument, but what about the keyboardists? Keyboards are traditionally cumbersome units that probably will require an external power source and they take longer to setup than just pulling the keyboard from a case. Yamaha is a pioneer of electronic keyboards and synthesizers who wants to bring portability back to the keys with their new reface series.
Akai is has been a friend of producers and finger drummers since the release of their Music Production Centers (MPCs) in the eighties. Fast forward a couple of decades and the company gives the world a new, USB MIDI controller that changed the way artists perform. The MPD gave performers like Justice and The Glitch Mob a new way to […]


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Last Thursday evening, Cisco quietly announced the death of the business tablet, as it gave way to the unstoppable force that is BYOD. Guy Daniels reports.
(Editor's note: this story first appeared earlier today as a series of tweets, as the first of TelecomTV's two-day Twitter news experiment. The following is the full version of the story.)
RIP Cius. We don’t need business tablets anymore, in fact, we never did. When Cisco announced the Cius Android tablet back in 2010, it was met with a high degree of suspicion. It had been positioned as a business tablet, not a consumer device. The idea was, leave your iPad at home, take your Cius to work. Last week, Cisco quietly sounded the death knell for its short-lived foray into business tablets.
Writing on the company’s collaboration blog, Cisco’s OJ Winge explained that
“Cisco will no longer invest in the Cisco Cius tablet form factor, and no further enhancements will be made to the current Cius endpoint beyond what’s available today. However, as we evaluate the market further, we will continue to offer Cius in a limited fashion to customers with specific needs or use cases.”
Cisco blames the rise in BYOD culture for the demise of the Cius. Whilst there is no escaping the popularity of ‘bring your own device’ to work, for both employees and employers, another significant factor had to be the price. Cisco was pushing the Android tablet for a staggering $750 – more than the cost of an iPad. Why on earth would anyone buy into that deal? Fact was, they didn’t.
You can still pick up a Cius and docking station (yes, it needs a docking station – like all other failed tablet concepts) at various online sites. We found them in the UK for hyper-inflated prices between £664 and £820. Get one now on Play.com for £760 (yes, Pounds, not Dollars…), if money has no meaning to you.
Here’s how Cisco first announced the Cius – “a first-of-its-kind mobile collaboration business tablet” – back in June 2010:
“Cius offers IT professionals new options when it comes to equipping mobile workers with computing devices. Through virtual desktop integration, Cisco Cius offers flexible computing options with cloud-based services, providing dramatically lower capital costs and cost-per-user for desktop maintenance.”
The company added that:
“Businesses can also tap into the growing Android developer community that is building business-class productivity applications with appropriate IT controls.”
The telling phrase here is “appropriate IT controls”. This was a device designed to be IT department friendly.
It was also optimised for video conferencing (after all, Cisco has been bigging up video collaboration for years). Yes, it had a 720p front-mounted HD camera, 5MP rear camera, dual microphones, and even USB ports. There was even a business-focused app store, AppHQ, along with the option for businesses to host their own private app stores. But Cius was over-priced, badly thought out, and it wasn’t an iPad.
Even during its launch period, there were signs that Cisco’s logic was breaking down. There was some excellent foresight from Cisco’s Chet Namboodri back in December 2010. Writing on one of Cisco’s blogs, he was addressing a question he had received, asking “How do I keep iPads off of my factory floor?”
“This question was posed by the Manufacturing IT Director for a major Pharma producer, as part of an annual customer advisory board hosted jointly by Cisco and Rockwell Automation. One answer: Good luck! …And why would you want to?”
Great answer; shame his bosses weren’t paying attention.
It was only a few weeks ago that Cisco was shouting about the capabilities of Cius at the riveting ‘US Courts Conference’. Maybe this is one of the “specific use cases”… Instead, Cisco’s Winge says the company will concentrate ( or “double down”, in Cisco-speak) on multi-platform collaboration software, like Jabber and WebEx:
“We’re seeing tremendous interest in these software offerings. Customers see the value in how these offerings enable employees to work on their terms in the Post-PC era.”
Cisco also announced the results of its IBSG Horizons Study on virtualization and the BYOD market. The survey of 600 US IT business leaders showed that BYOD is now a reality in the enterprise, with 95% of respondents saying their companies permit employee-owned devices in the workplace.
Running down some of the report highlights:
* 76% categorized BYOD as somewhat or extremely positive for their companies, while seeing significant challenges for IT.
* The average number of connected devices per “knowledge worker” is expected to reach 3.3 by 2014, up from an average of 2.8 in 2012.
* 78% of white-collar workers use a mobile device for work purposes, and 65% of them require mobile connectivity to do their jobs.
* Mobility initiatives will consume 20% of IT budgets in 2014, compared to 17% in 2012.
* 69% of respondents said that unapproved applications (especially social networks, cloud-based email, and IM) are more prevalent today than two years ago.
And finally, a stat from Cisco itself: Cisco employees pay an average of $600 out-of-pocket for devices that will give them more control over their work experience. Nice saving for Cisco.
So, as more of us are willing to spend our own money to get the right tools for our jobs (shame on you, Mr Employer), the line between what constitutes a consumer and business device fades away. See you, Cius.
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Dell is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to cloud computing, spending bundles of cash to acquire companies to give it an edge as Dell's cloud computing strategy takes shape.
A recent Dell filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sheds light onto just how many dollars Dell has dropped to amass a small army of cloud computing companies as Dell hones its cloud computing strategy. The Form 10-K that Dell filed with the SEC indicates that Dell's cloud spending is inching close to the $2 billion mark as Dell and its channel rev their cloud engines.
Dell did not respond to CRN's request for comment by press time.
Dell is no stranger to acquisitions; the Round Rock, Texas-based tech superpower made waves when Dell acquired EqualLogic for $1.4 billion in 2008, a move that officially put Dell's channel plans to bear.
But since the EqualLogic buy, Dell has been setting its sights squarely on the cloud. In early 2011, Dell closed its acquisition for Compellent, a move that gave Dell one of the industry's leading storage virtualization and cloud storage technologies along with a big channel boost. With the Compellent buy, Dell brought aboard more than 2,500 midsize enterprise, large enterprise and cloud customers, along with 450 channel partners worldwide.
Dell went after Compellent after winding up on the losing end of a cut-throat bidding war with HP to acquire storage vendor 3PAR. HP ultimately won the battle for 3PAR with a $2.35 billion bid, ending the contest Dell started with an out-of-the-blue bid of $1.15 billion for 3PAR.
Also this year Dell scooped up SecureWorks, a SaaS and cloud security-as-a-service provider that offers managed security; security and risk consulting; and threat intelligence. Dell said the SecureWorks acquisition would help the company expand its "IT-as-a-service" offerings and give the computer giant a global foothold in the managed security services space. At the time of the SecureWorks buy, neither Dell nor SecureWorks disclosed the financial agreement.
But in the 126-page SEC filing, Dell notes that it spent roughly $938 million on Compellent and $612 million on SecureWorks.
"In February, 2011, Dell completed its acquisitions of Compellent Technologies, Inc. ('Compellent'), a provider of virtual storage solutions for enterprise and cloud computing environments, and SecureWorks Inc. ('SecureWorks'), a global provider of information security service, for approximately $938 million and $612 million, respectively. Both Compellent and SecureWorks will be integrated into Dell's Commercial segments," Dell wrote in the Form 10-K filing with the SEC.
Those two components to Dell's cloud strategy total $1.55 billion. Add to that the five acquisitions Dell made last year, in fiscal 2011, most of which were cloud focused, and Dell's cloud spending spree approaches the $2 billion mark.
In fiscal 2011, Dell captured KACE, a systems management appliance company; Dell picked up Ocarina Networks, a provider of de-duplication solutions and content aware compression across storage product lines; Dell snapped up Scalent, a provider of scalable and efficient data center infrastructure software; Dell bought Boomi, an on-demand integration technology; and Dell purchased InSite One, a cloud-based medical data archiving, storage and disaster recovery play for health care.
Among those five acquisitions, three of them -- Scalent, Boomi and InSite One -- add to Dell's growing arsenal of cloud companies as cloud computing became a central focus for Dell in 2010 and into this year.
Scalent added virtualization capabilities to Dell's data center management solution through Scalent's software capabilities, which include the ability to rapidly provision new servers, rapidly deploy virtualization technology from any number of vendors, provide automatic high availability for servers and build cloud infrastructures.
The Boomi buy gave Dell more SaaS integration and cloud muscle by giving Dell an application integration service play to enable VARs and end users to move data and applications between cloud and on-premise systems.
And InSite One pushes Dell's cloud healthcare strategy forward by adding cloud-based medical archiving that helps health care organizations ease keeping data. The InSite One acquisition gave Dell a storage-as-a-service platform to archive digital content for companies in other industries on a subscription or pay-as-you-go basis. The platform provides healthcare customers a secure, scalable, cloud-based, unified medical archive solution that supports HIPAA compliance and eliminates the silos of image information created when hospitals use multiple PACS. It also combines vendor-neutral archive software with object-based storage to simplify archiving and by moving archiving to the cloud; hospitals can further reduce the overall cost of data storage and retention.
Dell's SEC filing didn't break down the specific cost of each company, but all told Dell's five fiscal 2011 acquisitions totaled $413 million.
"Dell completed five acquisitions during Fiscal 2011, Kace Networks, Inc. ('KACE'), Ocarina Networks Inc. ('Ocarina'), Scalent Systems Inc. ('Scalent'), Boomi, Inc. ('Boomi'), and InSite One, Inc., ('InSite'), for a total purchase consideration of approximately $413 million," the filing notes.
Adding that $413 million to Dell's $1.55 billion spending on Compellent and SecureWorks brings Dell's total spend to just under $2 billion, or $1.963 billion, most of which will directly contribute to Dell's cloud focus.
Additionally, Dell had begun eyeing cloud companies prior to 2010. In December 2007 Dell acquired Everdream, a provider of SaaS and cloud solutions for remote-service management, Dell extended remote management of servers, storage, printers, and the like to desktops, notebooks and other end-user devices globally. And in February 2008, Dell nabbed MessageOne, a cloud e-mail management, compliance and archiving solution for which Dell spent $155 million and tied into its E-mail Management Services (EMS) portfolio.


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BlackBerry Z10: Not Too Little, But Maybe Too Late
BlackBerry's new phone brings the goods, but won't win over Apple, Android faithful
Posted Jan 31, 2013 10:00 AM CST
BlackBerry is betting its bottom dollar on the BlackBerry Z10, the first phone to bear its radically redesigned new BlackBerry 10 OS. So how does it stack up? Critics generally like it, but worry that it's not enough to save the company. Here's...
Read full story »


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Logistics costs in Europe are 11-12% of GDP, 10% in the US and less in China, and 13-14% in India. A detailed analysis has been initiated by GoI to create a framework for periodic future measurements. Systematic improvements can progressively enhance speed, cut waste, reduce costs and increase our competitiveness. Typically, ocean freight involves longer delivery periods, is multimodal, meant for large volumes and is the most environment-friendly. Air freight is much faster, with firmer timelines and enhanced security levels. Both are good for international haulage.
Road freight is ideal for door-to-door goods transport nationally, but has size and weight restrictions. Trains can haul tens of wagons, are less affected by the vagaries of weather and are good for long- distance deliveries. Statista's per metric tonne km cost estimates are ₹18 for air freight, ₹3.60 for road freight, ₹2 for waterways and ₹1.60 for rail freight.
About 95% of India's merchandise trade by volume passes through seaports. But the average turnaround time at our major ports at 2.5 days lags the global average of 1-2 days. Private and government ports are now being ranked on several parameters like logistics time, demurrage costs and unloading time. This is encouraging rapid digitalisation, including document automation, mobile apps, radio frequency identification (RFID) usage and online payments.
According to the World Economic Forum, 85 million packages and documents are delivered around the world every single day. Disrupting logistics with digital innovations could unlock $4 trillion of value. During the pandemic, how Amazon anticipated events, executed with precision and outmanoeuvred competitors offers a lot of lessons on how to unlock this value.
Amazon's sales jumped from $280 billion in 2019 to $469 billion in 2021. In the same period, logistics costs jumped from 28% to 32%, an increase of almost $72 billion. A more long-term, digitally enabled strategy is in play. This involves gaining control of more logistics modes and nodes to preclude stock-outs, minimising external dependence for deliveries and limiting payouts to outside entities. Artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics engines now predict what goods consumers are going to buy in various markets, place orders in bulk to garner the best prices and decide the most optimal routing.
By 2021, Amazon - which started operating as a global freight forwarder in 2017 - was shipping 72% of its own packages, gathering data at every stage, and intervening dynamically on an hourly basis to preclude cost or shipping outages. The company owns 50,000 semi-truck trailers for onward carriage to 185 fulfilment centres globally, over 100 in the US alone. Since 2016, Amazon has been leasing long-haul planes to transport its highest-margin goods.
At the heart of Amazon's digital network are 64 software development centres, including in Bangalore, Hyderabad, New Delhi and Chennai. 'Digital twinning' - the creation of a virtual replica of all the elements in its logistics chain in the physical world, updated with real-time data - has helped figure the interventions required.
The scale and scope are very different when it comes to the logistics of a nation. That said, India is also looking at a data-centric, integrated, multi-modal approach to accelerate the transformation of logistics. This $160 billion sector employs 22 million people, and involves 10,000 commodities, 20 government agencies, 37 export promotion councils, 200 shipping and 36 logistics services, 129 inland container depots, 166 freight stations, 50 IT ecosystems and several banks and insurance entities.
To facilitate integrated planning and implementation of infrastructure, GoI launched the PM Gati Shakti Scheme (PMGSS) in October 2021. This brings together 16 ministries including roadways, railways and waterways. It encompasses various current development initiatives, including Bharatmala Pariyojana for roads, highways and expressways, SagarMala for port-led development, and UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) for enhanced air connectivity. It will leverage spatial images and planning tools extensively. Projects worth ₹1.22 lakh crore have been approved under PMGSS with a 20-member empowered group of secretaries constituted to oversee this.
The new NLP has been formulated to ensure holistic augmentation. Digital acceleration initiatives include Integration of Digital Systems (IDS) to integrate information relating to road transport, railways, customs, aviation, foreign trade and commerce; Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) to unify transportation services and oversee smooth cargo movement; Ease of Logistics (ELOG) to simplify rules; and a System Improvement Group (SIG) to monitor progress and ease system-related hurdles. NLP's intent is right. Success, as always, will depend on execution.
- Front Page
- Pure Politics
- Brands & Companies
- Adani Enterprises Board OKs Raising up to ₹20kcr Via FPO
Adani Enterprises said Friday that the company’s board approved the raising of up to ₹20,000 crore ($2.5 billion) through a follow-on public offering (FPO) by issuing new shares to retail and institutional investors.All Aboard Black Friday Express — From US to India
Samsung, Amazon, Uniqlo and Domino’s were among several companies looking to turn Black Friday, yesterday, into another big sale day in India.Slew of Reforms brings Ease to Insurers
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) allowed private equity funds to invest directly in insurance companies and banks to tie up with as many as nine insurance companies as part of several measures approved at its meeting on Friday that will free up about ₹3,500 crore capital.
ETPrime stories of the day
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A new report in Google AdWords will show advertisers roughly how long it takes users to convert after clicking on an ad.
Not every ad click leads to an immediate conversion, but that doesn’t mean it won’t lead to an eventual conversion.
When it comes to certain products and services, sometimes users need to see an ad more than one before being persuaded to convert.
With that in mind, how long should you wait before determining whether or not your campaign is successful?
Google’s new “days to conversion” segment in AdWords has the answer. Days to conversion estimates how many days you should expect to wait between the initial click and eventual conversion, based on prior campaign performance.
So if you’re running a campaign advertising Halloween costumes, for example, you may find that purchases for premium costumes do not usually occur until 4-5 days after the initial click.
With this data available, advertisers can now make more informed decisions when it comes to optimizing their campaigns and ad units.
Google AdWords’ days to conversion segment can be applied to reports in both the regular and new AdWords experience.


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If you’d like to see what a complete, total and utter mess American health care is consider this concerning new price cuts on insulin from Cigna and Express Scripts. That some certain number of people need insulin to stay alive is clearly true. That some certain further number need it to prevent further complications is also true. Insulin’s also been around for some time, there are certainly versions of it entirely patent free, should be one of those things that the free market unadorned makes cheap as chips. Like, say aspirin and tampons and penicillin and so on. No one at all in the rich world worries about the costs of these things – yea, period poverty when a box of menstrual products costs £1 is a made up scare.
So, insulin should be cheap. It isn’t. That’s not a good thing. That it’s getting cheaper is of course better:[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Health insurer Cigna is lowering the out-of-pocket cost of insulin for some of its members with diabetes, launching a new program that caps co-pays at $25 for a 30-day supply of the drug.[/perfectpullquote]
Well, yes, better. But note that’s the co-pay. Not the cost, not at all, that’s just the out of pocket expense to the patient.[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] Insulin is a lifesaving product for many individuals living with diabetes — it’s also incredibly expensive. Some patients haven’t been able to afford their prescriptions, or have been forced to riskily ration their supply. A new program from the health company Express Scripts, which is owned by health insurer Cigna, aims to change that by maxing out how much individuals with diabetes pay for a month long supply at just $25. [/perfectpullquote]
But why are people having to pay that much even? The answer being the absolutely terrible structure of the American health care system:[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] The new Express Scripts solution itself reveals how labyrinthine and unfair the current system can be. For most employers purchasing health insurance, the change will cost little or nothing, even though it will save some patients large amounts of money. The reason has to do with the increasingly common practice of having a large deductible, or the amount a patient must pay before insurance kicks in, in a health insurance plan. This means that patients must pay a certain percentage of an expensive drug’s cost, so that some patients could have to pay many hundreds of dollars to get insulin in a single month. The issues with such plans were exacerbated, Stettin of Express Scripts said, by two changes introduced as part of the Affordable Care Act. First, it required that pharmaceuticals and other medical expenses be put under one deductible, he says. Then, the law allowed certain drugs to be covered under co-payments – small at-the-time-purchase fees — if they were preventive care. But it didn’t make clear that insulin counts as preventive. [/perfectpullquote] [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]This came against a backdrop of gamesmanship between pharmaceutical companies that make insulin, such as Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi, and PBMs like Express Scripts and its main competitor, CVS. The insulin makers were raising their list prices dramatically. But they were paying that money back to PBMs as rebates. Express Scripts and CVS say they pass these rebates back to health plan sponsors, but they don’t reach individual patients.[/perfectpullquote]
We’re in a world of Milton Friedman’s fourth way of spending money. Other peoples’ on other people. This does not work out well as St Milt pointed out. So, what’s the solution?
No, direct government purchase and distribution isn’t it either:[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] Dr Andrew Hill, of the University of Liverpool, one of the study’s co-authors, said: “Anyone with type 1 diabetes should be able to buy insulin for under $100 per year, including the long-acting forms. “Insulin is an essential medicine for millions of people with type 1 diabetes, discovered almost 100 years ago. Pharmaceutical companies cannot justify charging governments $532 per person per year in the United Kingdom and $1,251 in the United States, let alone similar amounts in low and middle-income countries.” [/perfectpullquote]
Sure the pharma companies can justify it. The people spending other peoples’ money on other people will cough up for it. Why the Hell Not?
None of us really want an entirely and only free market health care system. We’d not want to have to haggle over which A&E we go to when being scraped up off the road after a car smash. Insurance, yes, but what about those who can’t don’t or won’t buy it? They bleed out? But it is a useful guide to the problems of many to most health care systems that we’d like them to be very much more free market than they are. There isn’t, other than the systems the bureaucracies have built, a reason why insulin shouldn’t be very much cheaper than it is, down toward the we don’t worry about the price level as with aspirin.
The lesson here being that sure, we’d all like to do something about that American health care system. Obamacare, putting even more technocrats in to micromanage, wasn’t it. There’s a lot more room for capitalism and competition red in tooth and claw than we currently allow.


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Darcey and Stacey are proud of their brand, but 90 Day Fiancé fans find evidence that their products are wholesale items rebranded as House of Eleven.
Darcey & Stacey stars Darcey and Stacey Silva take pride in their brand, House of Eleven, but 90 Day Fiancé fans are accusing the two of buying cheap, poor quality clothes from other countries and passing them off as their own designs. On Darcey & Stacey season 4, the twins relocated to Miami, Florida to inject new life into their brand and seek new opportunities. The expansion of House of Eleven has been a large part of Darcey and Stacey’s storyline this season, and they recently landed a collaboration deal with Impossible Kicks, which will get their products into brick-and-mortar retail stores.
Despite their recent success, 90 Day Fiancé’s Darcey and Stacey are being criticized. In a Reddit thread, user RphWrites shared several photos comparing House of Eleven products to other brands. The featured House of Eleven products do bear a striking resemblance to the products from other online retailers. Many commenters came to the conclusion that Darcey and Stacey’s designs are purchased from a bulk wholesale clothing distributor, like Alibaba, and re-branded as House of Eleven products. “Why do they call themselves designers if they don’t actually design any of the clothing they sell?,” one commenter asked, as others criticized the twins’ presumed shoddy business practices.
90 Day Fiancé Fans Criticize Darcey & Stacey’s House Of Eleven Products
For some of the commenters, the revelation that Darcey and Stacey’s products likely come from overseas wholesale suppliers makes sense, given what they’ve seen on Darcey & Stacey. “I understand why they were panicking about getting the HOE tags sewn in…it does take a long time to get the stuff from China.” Others noted that they’ve never seen the twins sketching any designs or sewing anything themselves—the most viewers have seen is Darcey and Stacey looking at fabric that they didn’t end up using. Even their finished designs looked suspiciously basic, so the theory about the twins’ products definitely tracks.
Though there was a lot of judgment about Darcey and Stacey’s brand, the twins are far from the first retailer to rebrand wholesale products as their own. Darcey and Stacey aren’t even the first 90 Day Fiancé stars to do this. Both Yara Zaya and Miona Bell have been called out for passing off wholesale items, like makeup and clothing, as their own designs. These franchise stars receive particularly harsh criticism for the significant markup on their products, which are often not of a quality that would justify such high prices. Darcey and Stacey are simply the latest to be criticized.
There is, of course, the possibility that Darcey and Stacey’s House of Eleven products are their own designs, and the similarities to other products are just coincidence. However, that becomes less plausible given the number of their products that resemble other brands. Many retailers go the wholesale rebranding route, but the Darcey & Stacey stars are likely to be judged more harshly because House of Eleven is part of their on-screen storyline. It’s hard for viewers to give the twins credit for their brand’s success when there is so much suspicion that Darcey and Stacey’s designs are not their own.


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Wunderman Thompson Singapore
Fri, 28 Aug 2015 02:30:02 GMT
In the wake of the successful ‘The Runway’ project in 2014, Unilever’s TRESemme, along with Mirum Jakarta, are back with the second leg of the campaign, which this year features Indonesia’s first interactive 360-degree virtual runway.
Consumers who visit therunway.tresemme.co.id are invited in for a behind-the-scene 360-degree look and experience of a model’s show preparation that consists of photo session, wardrobe fitting, make-up, and hairstyling, which showcases TRESemme’s products — before finally hitting a virtual runway.
The video is shot in a way that puts the viewer at the heart of the story, and visitors can click to move around, and enter different rooms.
This interactive campaign site offers savvy style seekers, as well as aspiring runway models, the experience of prepping themselves for an actual fashion show on 19 September 2015 at Senayan City, Jakarta, where they are invited to walk along with thousands of other models, including this year’s Asia’s Next Top Model winner, Gani, who is an Indonesian. Viewers can register for the event on the campaign website.
Leading up to the fashion show, Mirum also created a motion graphic LED installation set during Jakarta’s signature pop-up market event the Market Museum. The installation simulates a real-life runway on where people can walk and receive cheers from a computer-generated crowd.
The Runway’s ultimate winner will also be crowned as the digital face of TRESemme and awarded with modeling school scholarship, a fashion spread on a renowned magazine, and TRESemme product supply for a year.
“Being given another chance by TRESemme to give birth to the second The Runway project is absolutely an honour,” said Mirum Indonesia’s managing director Garth Parlimbangan. “Last year, we reached the top with The Runway breaking the record for the biggest runway ever created and this time, we’re so looking forward to step on another milestone, with the country’s first interactive 360 degree runway.”
view more - Creative
Categories: Beauty & Health, Hair careWunderman Thompson Singapore, Fri, 28 Aug 2015 02:30:02 GMT


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Last week was 2023’s first Nintendo Direct broadcast, and with it came the most recent news about upcoming games that Nintendo fans can anticipate for this year. From the continuation of the iconic Zelda series to the renewal of several classic Nintendo games, here’s all the biggest news from the February 8th Nintendo Direct.
What is Nintendo Direct?
Nintendo Direct is a broadcasted presentation that Nintendo puts out whenever the company has news to announce about upcoming games, gaming consoles, or other media ventures. The event has been held since 2011 and has been the most reliable way to learn about upcoming products from Nintendo since then.
The subject of the February 8th Nintendo Direct was upcoming games for the Nintendo Switch in the first half of 2023.
Gameboy and GBA games for Nintendo Switch Online
One of the biggest announcements from the most recent Nintendo Direct was the addition of many classic Gameboy and GBA games to the Nintendo Switch Online service. The launch of these new options will include eight games from the Gameboy to be available with the base version of Nintendo Switch Online, which costs $19.99 per year. These games include offerings from the Mario, Zelda, and Metroid franchises, among others.
For users who pay the extra $30 per year for Nintendo Switch Online’s expanded package, the new service will also include GBA games. The initial lineup consisted of six GBA games, including Mario Kart Super Circuit and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Zelda series has long been one of Nintendo’s most important franchises and has produced several of the highest-selling video games that have ever existed. This sequel to Zelda: Breath of the Wild will bring the player and the protagonist, Link, back to the land of Hyrule to again fight off the dangers that threaten the kingdom.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will also be the most expensive game that Nintendo itself has produced for the Switch. The game is set to retail for $70, where virtually all previous Switch games have cost $60 or less.
Pikmin is a strategy puzzle game series that has been a beloved part of the Nintendo lineup since the release of the first game in 2001. Pikmin 4’s development was announced way back in 2015 but has now finally been officially slated for a 2023 release.
Details about what new features and gameplay elements Pikmin 4 will bring haven’t yet been released. Pikmin 3 saw Alph, Brittany, and Captain Charlie replace Captain Olimar as playable characters, but it’s possible we could see any of those four or even a completely new protagonist for the new game.
Metroid Prime Remastered
Fans of classic Nintendo games were excited to hear of the launch of Metroid Prime Remastered, an updated version of the iconic GameCube game. This new release will now support HD graphics on the Nintendo Switch, as well as dual stick controls.
The digital version of Metroid Prime Remastered was released on the day of Nintendo Direct, and physical copies will be available for purchase on February 22nd.


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Stocks were narrowly mixed on Thursday after a new round of reports on employment and the service sector.
Initial jobless claims fell last week but claims lasting more than a week rose. The data are another precursor to the monthly employment data due from the government on Friday morning. Separately, data showed the service sector of the economy is still contracting.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was recently down 3 points. The benchmark has declined 300 points over the course of a four-day losing streak.
The Nasdaq Composite Index was off 0.1%. The S&P 500 was up 0.1%, led by a 1% rise in its financial sector. Among the big winners there were American International Group, up 7%; Citigroup up 3%; and MBIA, up 2%. After a strong summer rally that pushed major indexes to their highest levels since last fall, many investors are concerned that the market may be due for a correction as new data challenge some of the rosier recovery scenarios traders have recently embraced.
The job market remains weak. Initial claims for jobless benefits fell 4,000 to 570,000 in the week ended Aug. 29, the Labor Department said in its weekly report. But in a sign that the jobless continue to struggle to find work, claims lasting more than one week rose 92,000 to 6.2 million.
Strategist Dan Greenhaus, of Miller Tabak in New York, pointed out to clients in a note that the average number of claims being filed was up by about 11,000 a week in August compared to July.
"The increase is not significant enough to change the general idea that the labor market is getting better," Greenhaus wrote. "However, it is indeed complicating." Greenhaus said he still expects to see the unemployment rate hit 10% before the job market makes a full recovery.
In another report released Thursday, the Institute for Supply Management said its nonmanufacturing index came in at 48.4 in August, an improvement from a 46.4 reading in July but still a level that suggests the sector is contracting.
Elsewhere Thursday, monthly chain-store sales results suggested many consumers remain reluctant to splurge.
Teen apparel retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch reported grim results, a troubling sign for the critical back-to-school shopping season. And though sales at some retailers slumped less than analysts forecast, demand generally remains weak. Abercrombie shares fell 4%.
Despite such signs, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said that the recovery from the global recession is likely to arrive earlier than had been expected but that the pace of activity will remain weak well into next year. It expects G7 economies to contract 3.7% this year, better than the 4.1% contraction the group previously forecast.
Oil futures rose 91 cents to $68.96 a barrel and the dollar fell against the British pound but rose against the euro.
Gold and government bonds in particular benefited from safe-haven demand, though there's also speculation that China has been buying gold. Thursday, gold futures rose $6 an ounce while bonds dropped.


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In 2018, Greentarget was tasked to leverage Prophet’s 3rd annual Brand Relevance Index® (BRI) as a platform to highlight and distinguish the consulting firm’s sophisticated, full-service digital and marketing consultation offerings.
The consulting firm wanted to extend the reach of the BRI beyond their direct channels, positioning Prophet as a go-to resource for reporters/influencers in the brand and marketing industry. The Greentarget team imbedded in the research analysis, creating messaging of interest to various levels of media and then developed and executed a multi-channel plan, creating all external-facing content from FAQs to press releases.
On launch day, secured more than two dozen pieces of US coverage
Coverage included USA Today, Forbes, NBC, CBS and Business Insider
Hosted the firm’s first virtual media roundtable on launch day


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Renault is planning to bring the electric version of Kwid in India in a few years’ time. The Renault Kwid is the most successful product from the French automaker in India. The Kwid has helped the company mount a serious challenge to Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai in the small car segment. The Kwid electric is likely to be priced at around Rs 6 lakhs if it makes to India, and will compete directly with the Mahindra E2O. A team of engineers which developed the Renault Kwid in India have visited China to seek help with the development of an electric version of the car.
The Renault Kwid is currently one of the cheapest cars to buy in India. It is powered by an 800cc petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the 1.0-litre engine gets both manual and AMT options. The platform of the Kwid has been developed in India. The Chinese engineers working on the electric variant are going to help out with their battery and battery-management system expertise into the project.
“The vehicle will get ready for the market in 12-18 months. So, it is only a matter of time before the (electric) Kwid comes to India“, said an ETAuto source.
This comment further bolsters Renault chairman Carlos Ghosn’s statement last year, when he said “Once the Kwid electric was made in China, there was no reason why it should not be exported to India, Brazil and the Middle East”.
Renault had announced plans to bring an electric vehicle to India in their 2022 global roadmap. Globally, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is planning to launch a dozen electric vehicles by 2022. Renault has the expertise in electric vehicle technology globally and once clarity emanates on the policy front, the carmaker can quickly bring an electric vehicle to India.
Renault India MD Sumit Sawhney said,
You have to bring the right product to the market. Today, 40% of the cost of an electric vehicle is the battery. Localisation is the key factor if one has to make the value proposition for the consumer attractive.


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Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding met with the vegetable growers association to encourage Pennsylvanians to shop locally this harvest season.
PENNSYLVANIA STATE | On Aug. 25, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined the PA Vegetable Growers Association to highlight investments to strengthen fruit and vegetable production and to encourage Pennsylvanians to shop locally this harvest season.
“As we celebrate Pennsylvania Produce Month this August, we are reminded of fruit and vegetable growers – like Harvest Valley Farms – who go the extra mile for the communities they serve,” said Redding. “It is demonstrated through charitable food donation, conservation work, and the connections made by bringing food from field to table. This harvest season, join me in supporting Pennsylvania farmers by shopping locally and buying PA Preferred. It is a great way to say thank you to all those who help bring food to our tables.”
Harvest Valley Farms is a fourth-generation vegetable farm and PA Preferred® on-farm market. On-farm opportunities are made possible through the Pennsylvania Farm Bill. Since 2019, more than $76 million has been invested in Pennsylvania agriculture, including dollars to support PA Preferred and grow the commonwealth’s specialty crop industry. According to the 2021 Pennsylvania agriculture economic impact update, Pennsylvania fruit and vegetable production supports more than 7,200 family farms and 31,000 jobs and contributes more than $6.1 billion to the state economy annually.
Many on-farm markets like Harvest Valley Farms and farmers’ market vendors are members of the PA Preferred program or carry PA Preferred products. PA Preferred is the statewide branding program for agricultural products grown, produced, and processed in Pennsylvania. When purchasing items with the PA Preferred checkmark, consumers are supporting locally grown and processed Pennsylvania agricultural products and directly supporting Pennsylvania farmers.
For more information about PA Preferred, including where to find in-season produce, click Here.


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At its peak, Le Château had nine stores along an approximately three-kilometer stretch of Ste-Catherine Street in Montreal.
The Canadian retailer was a staple of almost every shopping center and shopping district across the country, with 240 locations at its peak.
“The more sales we make, the more stores we open and the more stores we open, the more sales we make,” says Franco Rocchi, a Le Chateau executive who started with the clothing brand four decades ago as as a seller in one of the Ste-Catherine Street locations.
“That was the retail formula back then and it worked. It was all about brick and mortar – not just for Le Chateau but for Aldo, Gap and others throughout the ’70s,’ 80s and 90. We were in all primary, secondary and tertiary markets. “
Le Chateau defined avant-garde club wear, formal dresses and trendy office attire for decades in Canada, but began to face increasing competition from overseas retailers like H&M and Zara in the early years. 2000.
In 2014, Le Château was losing money. But the company had a plan: to close 100 stores over five years, with a return to profitability in 2020.
“We did it in an honorable way,” says Rocchi. “We had leases, we had handshakes, we had a good relationship with our landlords. We thought we could navigate the five-year plan.”
But the exit strategy that the retailer took half a decade to work on encountered a major problem.
“The plan called for a turnaround, a return to profitability,” says Rocchi. “But the irony is that that magical year that we worked on for five years was 2020.”
Pandemic closures not only closed the retailer’s stores throughout 2020. Proms, weddings, galas and parties – the main drivers of the retailer’s dress sales – have been called off altogether.
Le Chateau filed for protection against its creditors in October 2020, joining the ranks of dozens of large retailers who have caved in under the weight of COVID-19 restrictions.
In June, Suzy’s Inc. – the company behind women’s clothing brand Suzy Shier – stepped in to buy the intellectual property of Le Chateau and is now making a comeback with the online launch of a pre-holiday evening wear collection. .
The so-called glamorous capsule unveiled on Tuesday gives buyers a glimpse of what to expect with the brand’s official relaunch under its new owner slated for spring.
Rocchi – now Suzy / Le Chateau’s senior marketing director – says the curated limited-edition collection highlights the brand’s focus on high-fashion second-hand clothing.
“Even though we took on the challenge of closing stores, we actually started to see significant success in our clothing business,” he says. “We were seeing year-over-year growth in our used business. We have found our sweet spot, which is beautiful dresses at a great price. “
The full collection slated for 2022 will include men’s footwear, accessories and clothing, with women’s clothing available at select Suzy Shier stores across the country.
“We will have stores within stores in approximately 35 Suzy locations across the country,” says Rocchi. “It won’t just be Le Château products being pushed into Suzy stores. It will be a beautiful, clearly demarcated store, so customers know it’s Le Château.”
He adds that there will be no “cannibalization” between brands, with Suzy Shier focusing on casual, weekend and work wear.
“We like to say that our clients can wear Suzy by day and Le Chateau by night,” says Rocchi.
Indeed, Suzy Shier’s website appears to be split in two, with a model wearing a sweater and items like warm hats and gloves to one side, while a model is dressed in an evening dress from the on the other side with items like sparkly party tops. “
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on November 16, 2021


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“A total of 94 proposals have been received till May, 2010, of which 57 were approved”
The Economic Survey 2010-11 has favoured phased opening of foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail to address the concerns of consumers, farmers and declining FDI inflows.
According to the Survey, projects worth Rs. 24,143 crore are expected to be completed adding a capacity of 168.60 lakh sq. ft.
“Permitting FDI in multi-brand retail in a phased manner beginning with metros and incentivising the existing retail shops to modernise could help address the concerns of farmers and consumers,'' the survey says. At present India allows 100 per cent FDI in cash and carry wholesale trading, while it is prohibited in multi-brand retail. Up to 51 per cent FDI has been allowed in single-brand retail since 2006.
The survey says FDI in retail may also help bring in technical know-how to set up efficient supply chains which could act as models of development. According to it, during April 2006 to March 2010, India witnessed FDI inflows worth $194.69 million in the retail sector, accounting for 0.21 per cent of total FDI inflows into the country during the period.
“A total of 94 proposals have been received till May, 2010, of which 57 were approved,'' the survey said. Global retail giants such as Walmart, Carrefour and Tesco have been pitching for opening FDI in multi-brand retail so that they can tap the immense potential this country offers.
Globally, FDI in retail is permitted in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Singapore, Indonesia, China and Thailand without any limit on equity participation, while Malaysia has equity caps.
On new projects, the survey says projects worth Rs.24,143 crore are expected to be completed adding a capacity of 168.60 lakh sq. ft, during 2011-12.
For the year ending March, 2011, projects worth Rs.8,281 crore are expected to be completed, adding a retail space of 115.10 lakh sq. ft., it adds. The survey, however, points out the limitations in the regulation of the sector due to lack of a national framework.
In India, retail trade is a State subject. There is no national framework for its regulation and development and States have there own regulations.


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Where Prospect Capital Is Investing to Increase Growth
Focus on controlled investments
Prospect Capital (PSEC) announced that as of June 30, 2015, its controlled investments stood at 29.9% of its total portfolio, up from 27.7% as of June 30, 2014. The company has made three controlled investments, each over $100 million. Prospect Capital has selectively monetized its controlled positions when it has found attractive pricing. Subsequently, it has deployed the proceeds into new, attractive opportunities yielding higher returns at lower risk.
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Prospect Capital is deploying investments for the online lending industry, with a focus on near-prime, prime, and subprime consumers as well as small business borrowers. The company generated 19% of its origination as of June 30, 2015, through online lending.
During fiscal 2014, the company entered the online lending industry jointly with National Property REIT Corp. Its total business currently stands at ~$243 million across multiple third-party and captive origination and underwriting platforms. The business currently delivers an expected levered yield of ~18%. The company has closed three bank credit facilities and one securitization to enhance its returns. It’s also focusing on diversifying origination sources for its online business in order to generate more leads.
Consumer credit, real estate
Prospect Capital has a positive outlook for consumer credit throughout 2015 on the back of declining unemployment rates and commodity prices. The company’s financial services holdings are returning an annualized yield of 18% to 30%, reflecting strong demand for consumer credit.
The company has also made multiple investments in the real estate arena with its private REITs. The investments are focused on multi-family stabilized yield acquisitions with attractive tenure financing. The company’s portfolio is benefiting from an improved housing market, increased rents, and higher occupancies.
Earnings per share growth in the investment management space
Together, these companies form 2.04% of the PowerShares Global Listed Private Equity Portfolio (PSP).


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Google touting AI energy on new Pixel 8 telephones – CBS Information
Google is leaning into artificial intelligence with its new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional releases. Lisa Eadicicco, a senior cell editor for CNET, joined CBS Information to debate among the options on the brand new merchandise.
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In preparing for growth, were seeing an increasing number of companies start to look at new, innovative ways to restructure their operations to precisely match their needs.
The management of company vehicles has become a key focus area for businesses to deliver this change, and as a result, weve seen leasing become an increasingly popular vehicle funding option for firms up and down the UK.
According to our data, 2014 saw a sharp rise in the number of vehicles leased to UK small and medium-sized businesses, growing 29 per cent year-on-year. However, the biggest growth was seen in firms that rely on commercial vehicles to operate, with the number of vans leased to SMEs climbing by 110 per cent year-on-year.
Customers turned off by poor appearances
So whats driving this surge in van leasing” While buying a vehicle outright brings with it the pride of ownership, the traditional view is that running it into the ground is the best way to get value out of it. The van may still get the job done, but as the mileage clocks up its appearance will inevitably deteriorate. According to the Leasing Revolution report, published in December 2014, this approach may be losing SMEs customers.
According to the research which surveyed 2,000 consumers from across the UK businesses should not underestimate the importance of first impressions or risk losing clients due to their vans being in a poor condition of repair. The findings highlighted that nearly nine out of ten customers felt that businesses should take greater care in the appearance of their vans than they do now a vehicle in poor condition would put off nearly two thirds from rehiring. Additionally, those surveyed made a direct relation between a vehicles condition and the quality of a firms goods or services, associating a van in bad shape with poor service and the potential to be “ripped off”.
For many businesses, solving the problem by buying new vehicles is not that simple the initial capital outlay required can significantly drain a companys cash flow and impact planned growth. Instead, firms are turning to leasing rather than purchasing because they can access brand new vans they would not have been able to previously afford outright. Through the buying power of leasing companies, businesses can pay manageable, monthly payments and a small upfront fee to provide the great first impression customers demand.
Not just for making an impression
Looking at the bigger picture, providing businesses with access to new vans is just one factor behind the growing number of firms leasing company vehicles. By leasing, firms can strip these depreciating assets off balance sheets while relieving the burden of unplanned maintenance and repair costs, freeing up cash for expansion.
Access to new, premium vehicles can enable firms to provide improved remuneration packages to reward staff and pull significant weight in the job market. Forming an attractive employee benefits proposition is often key to bringing in the top talent, and having a choice of company car or van is perhaps more important than many may believe the 2014 Report on Motoring found that the degree of choice available is key for six out of ten current company vehicle drivers when it comes to considering a new role.
In addition, companies can also lower their tax bills. By accessing cleaner, up-to-date models with new engine technology every couple of years depending on contract lengths firms can reduce their vehicles carbon emissions significantly while moderating fuel consumption. Interestingly, 50 per cent of company car and van drivers are not aware that carbon emissions contribute towards vehicle tax, according to the report.
Whether firms are looking to earn better first impressions from customers or eradicate the costs that come with vehicle ownership, leasing provides companies with a simple choice that can help them retain business and streamline as they prepare for growth.