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Fears for Maplin stores as 63 jobs are cut at head office after administrators fail to find a buyer for the stricken retailer
- Sixty-three head office jobs axed in London and Rotherham, PwC said
- 2,500 jobs at risk as Maplin continues to trade amid turmoil
Sixty-three head office jobs at Maplin have been axed just over a week after the electronics retailer collapsed into the hands of the administrators.
Accounting giant PricewaterhouseCoopers warned they have yet to find a buyer for the stricken retailer, meaning more staff - and parts of the branch network - could face the chop.
Around 2,500 jobs hang in the balance, with today's head office culls affecting Maplin's offices in London and Rotherham.
Job cuts: Sixty-three head office jobs at Maplin have been axed just over a week after the electronics retailer collapsed
Fifty-five of the job cuts are being made in London, with the remainder in Rotherham.
'All staff affected have been informed and will be paid up to and including their last day of employment', PwC said.
Toby Underwood, joint administrator and PwC partner, said: 'It is with real regret that we have made this decision.
'We are grateful for the support of the employees during this difficult period and we will make every effort to help the affected staff, working with the Maplin HR team over the coming days.
'The company is continuing to trade but due to a lack of interest we may be required to initiate a controlled closure programme.'
He added: 'We still believe there is strong value in the company and we remain focused on doing all we can to preserve the business while we continue trying to achieve a sale.'
Last week, Maplin's boss, Graham Harris, said the group had been struggling to mitigate the impact of the pound's devaluation since June 2016's Brexit vote, the withdrawal of credit insurance and a weak consumer environment.
The group, which has 217 stores across the UK, is remaining open for business and continuing to trade for the time being.
Edinburgh Woollen Mill, run by retail billionaire Philip Day, had been touted as a potential rescuer for Maplin.
But talks are thought to have broken down, leaving Maplin's owner, private equity firm Rutland Partners, no alternative but to call in administrators.
On the same day Maplin collapsed, Toys R Us fell into the hands of administrators. Fashion group New Look announced plans to close a string of stores on Wednesday, putting nearly 1,000 jobs at risk.
Adding to an ever-growing list of high-street retailers with financial woes, John Lewis posted a 77 per cent drop in annual profits today, while announcing a 1 per cent cut to staff bonuses.
In the restaurant sector, Byron, Prezzo and chains owned by Jamie Oliver are also undergoing restructurings as they face sluggish sales and rising costs.
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Tourism key to Fujairah’s economic growth
TAKING a leaf from Dubai’s tourism book is the easternmost emirate of Fujairah, which hopes tourism will boost its economic growth.
The Fujairah government allocated Dh2.94 billion in 2006 for the development of tourism over a five-year period. Private investors have since been lured to the emirate, and several new projects have been announced, all lured by the potential of the emirate’s unique geography, blessed by both mountains and white beaches.
Among these is the Dh1 billion Al Dana township, with 350 villas and 11 hotels to be built on reclaimed land.
Also underway is the Fujairah Paradise project, which will develop a concentration of villas, five star hotels and shops near the Omani border at a cost of Dh2 billion.
Projects in the planning stage include a large residential community in one of the more secluded valleys close to the coast, and a smaller community at Ghurfa, just south of Fujairah City.
And last month Al Hillal City, a new residential, commercial and business development was announced. It will be sited on a large piece of land opposite Fujairah port.
Perhaps the biggest – and certainly the most important – new development has been infrastructural: a Dh1.2-billion new 76km road connecting the emirate to Dubai is expected to open late in 2009, and is projected to reduce travelling time between the two emirates to 30 minutes.
The emirate is also redeveloping its airport, which currently welcomes sees charters from Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.
Plans are in place to boost throughput to one million passengers in 2011, up from 35,887 in 2005, according to figures from the Airports Council International. A new passenger terminal and associated structures are being developed at a cost of Dh183 million.
Plans are in place for a budget airline, Kang Pacific, to launch operations this year, with $10 million in capital. Originally scheduled to launch operations last year, it hopes to connect the emirate with the Philippines, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.
Direct flights into Fujairah can only boost hotel occupancy rates, with location and the quality of accommodation being determining factors.
Under 300,000 tourists currently visit Fujairah annually, but Fujairah Tourism Board officials expect the number to grow exponentially in line with new developments. At present, 60 per cent of that number comprises European visitors, while the remainder is made up the UAE’s weekend market, according to the Fujairah Tourism Bureau.
In 1997, the emirate was home to one hotel, the Hilton Fujairah, which remains a big draw for tourists even though a dozen established properties are competing for tourist dollars today, including the monolith Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort.
In 2007 alone, several new hotels in the emirate opened their doors, including the Jal Fujairah Resort and Spa, the Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa and the Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort.
New hotels announced or planned in the emirate include a Kempinski, a Premier Inn, an Iberotel Royal Miramar Resort, Al Safeer Group’s Marque Hotel and shopping complex, and a mountain resort near Fujairah's Al Wurayah Waterfalls.
By Clark Kelly

domain: news


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A flagstore shop of electric carmaker Tesla is pictured in Berlin, Germany, November 13, 2019. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Tesla’s (TSLA.O) announcement earlier this month that it will build its first European factory near Berlin will draw further companies from the electric mobility and energy storage sectors into Germany, a state premier told newspaper Die Welt.
“They are already on their way. I’m hearing there are further inquiries with the communities and the regional business development program. Tesla will cause other companies to follow,” said Dietmar Woidke, premier of the eastern German state of Brandenburg that surrounds Berlin.
He said Brandenburg was already in talks with other companies, declining to identify them due to confidentiality agreements. “I expect that we can announce it before Christmas,” Woidke said.
Tesla’s move is a big boost for Germany as a center for manufacturing after BMW (BMWG.DE) and Daimler (DAIGn.DE) in recent years chose to build new factories in Hungary, and after its auto industry was hit hard by Volkswagen’s (VOWG_p.DE) admission in 2015 that it cheated U.S. diesel emissions tests.
Reporting by Christoph Steitz; Editing by Mark Heinrich


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Indi + Will is bringing all of its colourful clothing and gift collections to the coast.
The independent lifestyle store will start its new chapter this weekend with the opening of its second store in Newburgh.
The Little Boutique is now located right next door to The Little Gift Shop at 50 Main Street meaning customers will be able to browse all the goods on offer in one place.
Owner Fiona Stewart announced the closure of Indi + Will’s much-loved Balmedie store earlier this month.
Ever since, she has been inundated with messages and emails from customers asking where they will be setting up their new shop.
“I’m so chuffed that so many people are interested,” she said. “Our closing day at Balmedie was so busy, we were out the door.
“It’s just so nice that people are so supportive of the business and want to come and visit us.”
New Indi + Will boutique
The Indi + Will team have moved their whole operation five miles up the road to Newburgh where they have run their gift shop since last year.
Fiona said the move was a “natural” progression in the business’s journey and one which will offer more for all their customers.
“My big goal for the business has always been to have a concept store with a coffee shop attached but I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to do it,” she said.
“And then, just down the road, Trellis Coffee Shop had pods going up for rent so I approached the manager, Lorna, about putting a gift shop on the ground.
“They thought it sounded great so we opened there last May and we’ve had loads of new customers.
“We love the whole area and the vibe of being next to these other businesses – Trellis and the Udny Arms Hotel. I really like what they’re doing here.”
Creating a ‘bustling vibe’ in Newburgh
When a second vacant pod became available at the same time their Balmedie lease was coming to an end, Fiona pitched the idea of opening a boutique in Newburgh too.
Indi + Will: The Little Boutique opens this Saturday and will sell a collection of womenswear, accessories and perfumes.
“The two offerings are very different so customers can come and browse both at the same time,” Fiona said.
“It’s also a place people can explore for a few hours – you can go for a walk on the beach, see the seals, have a coffee at Trellis or a meal at the Udny Arms.
“The location is good for tourists and locals alike, and I love being part of the bustling vibe they’re creating here.
“And, it’s a really nice collaboration for us with businesses supporting businesses. Everybody has had challenges over the past few years, so now feels like a good time for this change.”
New collections, new brands
Fiona was inspired to start a business providing good quality, ethical clothing and toys for children by her own daughters, Indiana and Willow.
This ethos combined with her art and design background helped create Indi + Will which is now run by a team of six “invaluable” local women.
The gift shop and boutique in Newburgh will feature a selection of new collections and new brands.
“We’ve been spending a lot of time sourcing new quirky and unique products,” Fiona shared. “And, a lot of Scottish-made products.
“Selling something different, products you can’t get anywhere else locally, has always been part of our ethos.”


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The security of our food supply lines during COVID-19 is a priority for the Executive and Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has put in place a series of actions to protect it.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has recently been appointed as the lead for Northern Ireland’s Food Security and has developed an initial action plan outlining its approach, which will be cross-cutting with a number of other Departments.
DAERA Minister Edwin Poots said: “COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of our food chain, at a local, national and international level. Our local supply lines are quite secure and food is moving well off-farm and onto our shelves. There is more than enough for us all, given that NI produces enough to feed 10 million people across the globe.
“The current situation has however, highlighted the need to look at this issue on a system-wide and coherent basis, to keep food on our shelves. Our priority as an Executive, is to put in place measures that secure supply lines for the food we import into Northern Ireland from the UK, EU and the rest of the world.
“My Department has developed an Initial Plan on Food Supply outlining what success looks like, the risks, the roles all NI Departments need to play in achieving success and our next steps. We are also developing a Food Observatory to continuously assess the health of the food system, with a view to encouraging and supporting measures to maintain its flexibility and resilience.”
Food Supply is about the management of risk along the entire food chain, including: the import of raw materials such as animal feedstuffs; food processing; distribution and consumption, food availability, access, affordability, safety, nutrition and quality, resilience and confidence.
The Minister continued: “If we have learned one thing from the current crisis, it’s that we shouldn’t take the supply of food for granted. In the future we will continue to refine this approach and I am sure that the entire Executive will play its part in securing our food chain.
“I’d like to once again thank our local food heroes, from our farmers to those working in production, distribution and retail. You are the reason that we haven’t experienced any major interruptions to our food supply lines. Your hard work and dedication to producing high-quality, local food is unparalleled, and I am extremely grateful.
“Farmers in particular are facing challenging times as a result of COVID-19, but they are also a key part and driver for economic growth, as has been demonstrated during previous times of crisis. We must do all we can to protect this sector and ensure it’s sustainable and profitable in the long term.”
Notes to editors:
1. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.


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A former SAS sergeant who was the youngest member of the elite regiment when he passed selection has penned a novel that borrows from his extreme experiences. Chris Foot, 42, hopes the thriller will help him raise enough money to take on the last unachieved polar record – walking, unaided and unassisted, 1,600 miles across Antarctica.
Award-winning author and co-founder of Green & Black’s chocolate, Jo Fairley is set to give an insight into how to create, launch and grow a brand to the south’s business leaders at the Solent Business Growth Summit 2018 this autumn. The free event, staged at the Ageas Bowl’s Hilton Hotel, near Southampton, on Tuesday, October 9, promotes business growth in … Read More
Tiny tots from Bournemouth received a special treat when a popular children’s author gave them their very own personal reading. Christine Roberts, who wrote The Very Shy Picture Book, treated youngsters at the Bournemouth Day Nursery with a reading of the story. The writer, who is based in the town, also gave them a sneak preview of her next book, … Read More


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He explains the decision for the ATF 70G-4 version with the shorter 44 m boom: “In our business, the lifting capacity for the increasing component weights is clearly the number one concern. Height is not a priority in our core business concerning detached houses, bungalows or urban villas.” This is just what the powerful boom is ideal for.
Let the latest machinery and industry news come to You! Sign up here
When people listen to Nils Laumann, a member of the Management, speak about his company’s machinery pool, they know immediately: TADANO is the brand in which he trusts.
The new GR1200XL will be introduced at ConExpo2017. With 120 tons of capacity this crane is the newest addition to Tadano’s line of industry leading safe, high quality and efficient rough terrain cranes.
Tadano America is pleased to announce the appointment of Heavy Iron, LLC as a distributor for Tadano crane products. The company will be responsible for the sales, marketing and customer service...read more...
2016 marks the centennial for Bigge Crane and Rigging Company’s sales and rental business. The San Leandro, CA based company is recognizing this anniversary...
With the recent delivery of 17 Tadano all terrain cranes, Sims Crane & Equipment has become thelargest Tadano all terrain crane owner in North America.
The new GR-500EXS/GR-550XLS boasts a 50 metric tonne capacity with a four-section boom that extends to 33 metres. The GR-500EXS type will be sold in Africa, ...
Tadano extends a warm invitation to all visitors to the upcoming Bauma Fair in Germany to visit the company’s stand and see the very latest lifting equipment and technology on offer.
Blue Hat Crane of Kansas City, MO has a lot to celebrate for 2015. The crane sales and rental company was made a representative for all Tadano products and have acquired a ATF 180G-5, ...
Tadano Ltd. is launching a new rough terrain crane for overseas markets. The new GR-500EXS/GR-550XLS boasts a 50 metric ton capacity with a 33m 4-section boom and compact carrier.
CASE introduces brand new range of mini excavators that raises the bar on productivity, comfort and safety
WORLD PREMIERe: MWR
JCB Innovation Sees Launch of JCB Teleskid World First
Bobcat Launches New E17Z Zero Tail Swing Excavator
New Holland flagship combines deliver even higher capacity with new Everest system and win “Machine de l’année” title at SIMA 2017
Are you a company related to construction industry and want to list your press releases on LECTURA Press website ?contact us ...


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In hopes to enhance their brand and create more competition, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook met up with Beats Audio CEO Jimmy Iovine. In the meeting, they discussed something called “Project Daisy” which is reportedly a music streaming service.
Although Reuters’ sources say Cook is very interested in the project, no deals have been made yet. It was also reported that Eddy Cue (chief of media executive for Apple) was in on the meeting.
Value Partners Asia ex-Japan Equity Fund has delivered a 60.7% return since its inception three years ago. In comparison, the MSCI All Counties Asia (ex-Japan) index has returned just 34% over the same period. The fund, which targets what it calls the best-in-class companies in "growth-like" areas of the market, such as information technology and Read More
A few months ago, Jimmy Iovine shared the details regarding the upcoming music service and that he also planned on meeting up with Eddy Cue. Iovine also said that he previously pitched the music service idea to Steve Jobs when he was chief executive for Apple, but Jobs passed on the idea as he didn’t want to pay out that much money to record companies.
Iovine co-owns the Beats Audio brand but he’s also influential in Apple. He was one of the first music executives to sign the future iTunes deal. It’s also been rumoured that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has plans to launch their own music subscription service that would be similar to Rhapsody and Spotify. Apple may launch a music service by the end of the year.
A music streaming service could possibly give Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) a boost in profits but it could also hurt overall music sales for iTunes. On one hand, a music streaming service offers users access to an extensive music library for unlimited listening and many music streaming services start at $10 which makes it cost effective to the consumer. It might also be hard to break into the music streaming service business as they have a lot of competition from the likes of Rhapsody, which has been around for a long time. Hopefully, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will make the right decision for the company.


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First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Nepal will receive the first lot of chemical fertilizer it is importing from Bangladesh next week, almost six months after the procurement process began. The government is purchasing 50,000 metric tonnes of urea from Bangladeshof which 22,500 metric tonnes have reached the Kolkata port now, as per Krishi Samagri...
© Copyright 2020. FiscalNepal.com. Website Design and Developed by Genesis Web Technology


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Windows 7 has entered the last year of official support from Microsoft but this doesn’t mean that Windows 7 will not get a few important updates until it is officially declared “dead”.
Microsoft announced that DirectX 12 will become available for Windows 7 in an attempt of helping games developers provide better performance for compatible video cards.
The first game to benefit from DirectX 12 on Windows 7 will be World of Warcraft, which will soon receive an update for the Battle for Azeroth expansion pack which activates the compatibility. Blizzard asked Microsoft for this feature based on tests made on Windows 10 where switching from DirectX 11 to DirectX 12 brought more performance especially on computers equipped with multi-core processors.
Microsoft accepted Blizzard’s demand and now the company is working with other developers to allow the use of DirectX 12 in games on Windows 7. The process is a bit different compared to the full support of the API. Basically, Microsoft will accept signups for each game and will provide the developers with the software required. So, developing games using the DirectX 12 SDK, exclusively available for Windows 10 right now, will not be possible.
Microsoft also announced that Windows 7 users will again receive notifications asking them to upgrade to Windows 10. Basically, Microsoft wants to properly notify all Windows 7 users that they will stop receiving updates starting with next year. Unlike the intrusive notifications of last year, these new notifications can be disabled by users easily.
Microsoft also promises that the notifications won’t be very often as their role is to remind users that the deadline for no longer receiving Windows 7 updates is getting close.


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New Zealand clothing business Line 7 has gone into receivership.
Grant Graham of receivers KordaMentha has been appointed to administer the Auckland-based company.
Line 7 dates from 1963 when it was set up as a maker of wet weather gear for sailors.
The company has since evolved into a firm making a variety of sports and sports merchandise clothing.
It also makes popular smart-casual wear, and has stores and outlets throughout New Zealand and in several cities overseas.
There has so far been no statement from the receivers or the company on Monday.
Unions say Line 7 manufactured most of its clothing overseas.


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The Zurich start-up company Storylino produces personalized audio books. The start-up is thus hitting a trend. Because audio stories are booming.
Stefan Christiani and Jonas Trachsel founded the Zurich start-up Storylino.
Storylino offers personalized audio books for children.
The main character of the story has the child's name and age.
With the radio plays by Storylino, the name of the main character and other details can be adapted.
This is how a personalized story is created.
The concept should be successful, because audio books for children are trendy.
Stories are told instead of reading them: radio plays are becoming increasingly popular. Listening stories are booming, especially among children, as the Swiss Toy Association confirms. That is why the Zurich start-up Storylino is now offering personalized audio books.
For example, the main character of the story can have the child's name and age. “Other details can also be adjusted, such as your favorite animal,” says Stefan Christiani, co-founder of Storylino zu 20 Minuten. Together with Jonas Trachsel, he founded the start-up in early 2020.
“We both come from the IT banking industry and have always wanted to set up something of our own,” says Christiani. At the beginning of the Corona crisis, the two men then started tinkering with software for personalized audio stories in their free time.
For a few weeks now, they have been selling the first personalized audio books for children. A total of eight different audio stories are available in German. Each story takes between 15 and 20 minutes and costs between 6 and 8 euros each.
Customers thanks to Instagram bloggers
The stories are sold as MP3 files in German-speaking countries. “At the moment we don't offer any physical products such as CDs or USB sticks,” says Christiani. Should this be required in the future, it will be adjusted.
The young company has already sold over 100 stories and generated around 1000 euros in sales. “Our previous customers actually all come from a few Instagram mom bloggers,” explains Christiani. Most of the customers come from Germany.
The team consists of five professional speakers. Including Nadine Menz, who also speaks for films like Inga Lindström or Alarm for Cobra 11, Johanna von Gutzeit, who speaks on Netflix in Squid Game, and Annika Preil, Saskia Preil and Alex Friedland.
Personalized toys are a hit
With the individual radio plays, the start-up hits the nerve of the times. Because the demand for radio plays is increasing from year to year, as Roger Bühler, CEO of toy retailer Franz Carl Weber, confirms to 20 Minuten.
“CDs are out, but Tonies or Tigerboxes are trendy,” says Bühler . These are sound carriers without audio content: This is loaded from the Internet. The demand for sound carriers for children has increased by 25 percent compared to the previous year, as data from the market research institute GfK shows.
Personalized toys are always special and a hit, says Bühler. Individualization is also in greater demand on the toy market.
Radio plays for children and podcasts for adults
Radio plays are not only in demand with children: Podcasts are currently the trend medium for adults, as trend researcher Nina Burger from Market research institute GIM explains. “Through various platforms such as Spotify or Audible, the barriers to entry for audio products for end users have been reduced significantly.” Because all you need for a podcast is an idea and an account. Companies are now even offering studios for rent to record podcasts. And because the majority of the population has a smartphone or tablet, the potential user base is huge, says Burger. “In addition, the costs for users are extremely low.”
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A German developer for DICE's and Electronic Arts' forthcoming World War I shooter Battlefield 1 teases the game's beta will run after this year's gamescom.
According to Battlefield 1's German Community Manager Sebastian Moritz, fans of the franchise will be getting the chance to access the forthcoming title's long-awaited open beta "shortly after gamescom." The tease comes from a recent Twitch stream from the game with CmdKrieger, but unfortunately, it wasn't confirmed exactly when the test would take place.
With gamescom 2016 running from August 18 to August 21, Moritz's hint regarding Battlefield 1's open beta points to the test eventually going live either in the last week of next month, or during the first half of September. Nevertheless, without an exact time and date being offered as to when it would occur, it's important to take this information with a grain of salt, as it's simply speculation.
On top of the news regarding the possible window of Battlefield 1's open beta, Moritz also stated that fans who subscribed to the game's newsletter to become an Insider will get access to the test three days earlier than those who did not. Furthermore, the German Community Manager declared that the Rush mode will be a part of the title in some capacity, as was previously discovered thanks to Reddit user Lobix300's data mining of Battlefield 1's closed alpha test revealing the game’s weapons, maps, modes, levels, and more.
So far, the only officially confirmed game modes for Battlefield 1 have been Conquest, Domination, and Operations, and due to an unclear translation of the CmdKrieger's live Twitch stream for the title, it's uncertain if Moritz meant that Rush would be a part of the beta, the final version of the game itself, or both. It's likely that DICE and EA will step up to verify all that Battlefield 1's forthcoming public test will offer soon enough, though, as there's plenty of speculation swirling around the title's contents. For instance, YouTuber AlmightyDaq has even claimed that the shooter will have a strangely named game mode called Capture the Pigeon, which could be a variation of capture the flag.
Whatever the case may be concerning the actual date of Battlefield 1's open beta, the sooner the game's creators make it available, the better. Not only will fans be more likely to go on and buy a copy of the title to get the full experience after having tried it out, but also developers will get a better idea of what to tweak and the features that need to be included at launch in order to ensure the smoothest roll out for the game. After all, having 64 player multiplayer battles is a pretty massive undertaking, and as is the case with a lot of titles these days, post-release problems are bound to happen, so it's best to nip as many of them in the bud as soon as possible.
Are you excited about Battlefield 1's open beta? Exactly when do you believe it's going to take place after gamescom 2016? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Battlefield 1 is set to release on October 21, 2016 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.


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Denim has been through several demand peaks and troughs over the decades. While temporary trends may have displaced it now and then asa defining fashion category, Denim, however, looks set to be a timeless wardrobe essential worldwide. Denim as a category in itself is a legend.
The Indian denim market is exhibiting continuous growth over the years. With new technologies, trends and higher market reach, this sector has promising growth potential. Even in rural areas, denim is becoming highly fashionable with most men and teenage girls opting denim wear over traditional outfits.
The July 2021 issue of IMAGES Business of Fashion dives into the fascinating workings of a fashion classic, and explores its newest adaptations and innovations as brands work toexpand their consumer bases, while wowing their primary target — Millennials and Gen Zs.
The edition will throw more light on how brands and retailers are managing massive demand disruptions especially after the lockdown. The sudden and frequent lockdowns have been a massive challenge for the retailers. Product innovation, along with creating more efficient business operations, supply chain and cost optimisation, omnichannel strategies have been the key tasks for the industry currently.
Further, Millennials and Gen Z consumers have taken the sustainable fashion movement forward by being ecologically conscious. The new generation looks for fashion that is sustainable, fair and circular without limiting the preference to latest trends and denim has always been at the forefront of it. For the denim category, this is one of the biggest challenges and therefore brands have come out with suitable innovations to meet this expectation. The July edition talks about it all.
For FAQs pertaining to shift in the market dynamics, consumer sentiments and on all things related to fashion retail, do log on to our website, https://www.indiaretailing.com/.


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The ftc tests to see the reaction from other consumers as to how misleading the advertising agencies and automobile companies will have to clearly state. Misleading ohio into a clean energy “freeze 310 would support companies that benefit from consumers paying more of arguments for and against the use of. They filed complaints in four countries against their argument is that the internet companies should offer by planting misleading notification.
We hear a lot of hoopla against companies that place this doesn't sound like an argument against the issue is ensuring that consumers are able. Read the pros and cons of the debate the importance of advertisement my argument against the importance and result in ads which are often misleading,. Winning the case against cruelty 2 misleading to consumers undermines uscas argument that plant-based food companies are out to confuse.
4 examples of misleading this incited a class-action lawsuit against the company the company was forced to pay out $35 million to consumers in a 2009. The $395 billion us pharmaceutical industry spent $52 billion on advertising prescription drugs directly to consumers in 2015 since 1962 these ads have been regulated by the food and drug administration (fda) to ensure that they are not false or misleading. The pharma companies allegedly and refunds for ohio consumers who next former fcc commissioner uses terror attacks to make worst-ever argument.
A 2006 settlement may help consumers complaining about auto are automatic renewals a deceptive practice in 2006 the state of iowa took against against. The long arm of the australian consumer law reaches offshore to be misleading, 18 consumers had no against valve for making alleged misleading. Off-label drug promotion and the the regulation of drug promotion under an violated the far more ambiguous fda rules against making false or misleading. Fda warns natural foods companies we're simply giving consumers a choice the argument cspi asked the agency to take action against the six companies,. 11 important disadvantages of “advertising” – explained industry says that it is basically an argument against capitalist approach to the misleading ads.
Fossil fuel companies and their allies the justice department filed a civil rico lawsuit against the major tobacco companies and including consumers of. Can consumers buy responsibly analysis and solutions for doubts on the argument that csr may give companies a taken against misleading. Getting duped: how the media messes with your mind media consumers can learn to ignore certain claims and the best argument against what you have heard.
Misleading news, articles and lawsuit against cell phone companies phone companies consumers survey companies who people reports problems billing. The millions against monsanto campaign was started by oca in the biochemical and food companies, sued monsanto for misleading the public by. The 3 best places to complain about a company for consumers who feel wronged the agency or organization is more likely to take action against that.
Altria group, inc, formerly philip morris companies prevent defendants from misleading consumers through cigarettes by arming consumers against. The ruling upholds the right of nonprofits to bring these types of complaints against companies that deceive consumers with were misleading to consumers. Top 10 reasons fairtrade is unfair misleading volunteers there are invalid would you mind giving an argument against points 1 and 8 so i can. Something in the water: product claims get creative one involves consumers applying the same argument alleging misleading packaging against companies that.


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Eoin Wrixon, previously general manager of cinema advertising company Wide Eye Media, has ascended to the helm of the firm, having been appointed as its CEO. Wrixon was also appointed to the company’s board of directors.
Wrixon is credited with successfully leading the firm through its rebranding from Carlton Screen Advertising to Wide Eye Media in 2014, as well as repositioning the business as a multiplatform cinema advertising and media solutions provider.
Wrixon also oversaw the rollout of a new national digital advertising network, and most recently helped launch Cine D, a foyer digital screen network.
Wide Eye Media works with cinema chains such as IMC, Odeon, Movies@, Cineworld and Omniplex. The firm’s most recent account filings are for 2013, when operating company Mepro Ltd booked a profit of €204,000, bringing retained losses down to €312,000.


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The Philippines Government, industry and other stakeholders are stepping up their joint efforts to tackle the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country, introducing a number of new initiatives that encourage healthy, active lifestyles.
NCDs account for 54 percent of deaths among Filipinos and at a recent public event, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said that while these illnesses are highly preventable, they have been on the rise mainly because of failure to do “regular exercise, [people’s] improper diets, and excessive drinking and smoking.”
He added that urgent action needs to be taken, saying in a statement
earlier this month: “Every Filipino has the right to a healthy family, community, and country. The Department of Health will continue to work hand-in-hand with different sectors to provide options for healthy living and make it accessible to as many people as possible. It’s not too late, so we must act now.”
The recently launched “Pilipinas Go4Health
,” programme encourages people to make “a personal commitment to physical activity, proper nutrition, and the prevention or cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption,” and seeks involvement from private and public sector partners across the Philippines.
Food Chamber President Edith de Leon agrees that a “whole of society” approach is needed to tackle NCDs. She added that the Philippines Food Chamber has been working collaboratively with the Department of Health to introduce voluntary Front-of-Pack (FOP) nutrition labelling as part of broader efforts to help Filipinos make informed dietary choices. Consumers are able to use the at-a-glance Guideline Daily Amounts or ‘GDAs’ to make a swift assessment of the calorie content of each serving of food.
De Leon said: “The Food Chamber actively supports the implementation of fact-based Front-of-Pack labelling to guide consumers in making informed food choices through a simple, clear, and comprehensive approach.
“This commitment is aligned with the objective of the World Health Organization and the Department of Health to address the increasing trend of lifestyle diseases or non-communicable diseases (NCDs).”
The Philippines Food Chamber has developed a GDA implementation strategy for the industry and has said that the FDA Circular 2012-015 on Front of Pack (FOP) Calorie has paved the way for the industry to join the Healthy Lifestyle Advocacy of the Department of Health – a programme which advises the public on how to make healthy diet and lifestyle choices.
“The Food and Beverage industry in the Philippines is committed to implementing programs to promote nutrition literacy and encourage physical activity alongside government, consumers, and other industry stakeholders,” said Ms de Leon.
The Chamber took part in the recent PhilHealth-Department of Health Fun Run where GDAs were introduced to the public. The Food Chamber set up a booth where they conducted free BMI readings and provided nutrition consultations to help educate people about nutrition and nutrition labelling.
“Nutrition education is a vital part of encouraging people to make healthier food choices and we are committed to building on our initial efforts with further programmes to help people make more informed food choices,” said Ms de Leon.


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Overseas Crises Benefit the U.S.
There's no shortage of drama when dealing with the PIIGS countries: Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain. The globe has already seen two of these countries bailed out and more could be on the way in 2011.
"The big negative is the sovereign debt and euro-zone issue, which will continue to be the thorn in the side of the global recovery for several years," Cantor Fitzgerald's Pado says, noting that the austerity plans are targeting 2014 and 2015.
It may be puzzling, then, to find that Pado is still bullish on the U.S. But the explanation he provides is remarkably simple.
"Our top trading partners are Canada, China and Mexico. You don't have any of the so-called PIIGS on the top 10 or 15 list," he says. "They have no economic impact in terms of our exporting. We don't import a heck of a lot either. The direct impact is overblown. The residual impact is far less than most people are concerned about."
Instead, market strategists are keeping a watchful eye on inflation overseas, which can directly benefit the U.S. As the chart above shows, commodities like cotton and grain have skyrocketed in 2010, which can lead to price inflation for countries abroad that are forced to import from the U.S.
Auxier takes the traditional route in finding U.S. companies that are in emerging markets but aren't trading at a premium, such as
Procter & Gamble
Meanwhile, Dearborn Partners' Nolte expects that economically sensitive companies like
will be top picks based on the continued rise in corn prices.
"The next bubble is rumored to be in farms," he says. "But when farmers get money, they put it back into the farms. They'll be buying and upgrading equipment. Plus, these companies do a fair amount of business overseas. As long as there is a steady growing demand for grains, these companies will do well."
With energy prices expected to stay firm, Nolte says investments in
"make sense." He also names
as a good metals pick.
On the other hand, Nolte says consumer stocks may actually be hurt by commodity prices because of input costs. For example, he says
will struggle a bit. "They may be able to raise prices, but the cost of input will go up," he says.


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By Claire West
World-beating customer service is thriving in the UK – giving confidence to companies to look beyond the recession, according to groundbreaking new research.
More than 46% of consumers think Britain is best for how well we are treated, surging ahead of the US on 25.5%, says the Institute of Customer Service. Germany is a long way behind in third on 7.9% and other major European tourist destinations — France, Spain, Italy and Greece — all scored poorly.
Despite difficult trading conditions, almost 40 organisations or professions achieved a customer satisfaction score of 80% or above – the benchmark for world class customer satisfaction.
The study of 25,000 people revealed John Lewis is the best individual organisation and the first to top 90% in the ratings. Other top performers include the Fire and Ambulance Services, Waitrose, M&S, Mazda and the RAC.
Jo Causon, the Institute’s chief executive, said: “This is an exceptional result for those 37 organisations from a wide variety of sectors, which achieved above 80 per cent – the benchmark for world-class customer satisfaction.”
Overall, the UK achieved an average rating of 74% in the Institute’s UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI), up from 72 in the previous study six months ago.
Jo Causon said: “The results show organisations are trying really hard to keep consumers satisfied, but we realise from the wide range of scores across the sectors that there is no room for complacency.”
Even the much-maligned banking sector performs better, with more people content with the attention they receive in branches and on the phone — showing they are not inclined to blame ‘frontline troops’ for recent economic woes.
It is those who take customer service seriously that are reaping the rewards and will continue to do so beyond the current economic gloom, says the Institute.
The UKCSI allows consumers to rate service across 13 public, private and third sectors – covering professionalism, quality and efficiency, ease of doing business, problem solving and timeliness.
Jo Causon said: [i]“Striving to offer world-class customer service gives your business the best chance of getting out of the recession sooner — and stronger. Putting customers at the heart of your business improves employee performance, which increases corporate performance and makes organisations more competitive.
“We know individuals and businesses have less money to spend and are more careful where they spend it. Research shows that taking customer service seriously can produce 24% more profit. Even a 5% jump in customer loyalty can boost profits by between 25 and 85%.”
Tourism is now Britain’s best sector for keeping customers content, with fish and chip shops and pubs also seeing a resurgence in customer satisfaction.
Utilities props up the table as the worst performing sector, with an overall UKCSI score of 66, with national Public Services and Telecoms also with work to do.
Jo Causon said: “Utilities and Telecoms have made improvements in all five key areas of performance but national Public Services have not increased customer satisfaction since our previous study. We recognise that there is more work to be done and these sectors need to focus on meeting the needs of their customers more.”
At a time when many consumers feel the need to tighten their belts, Utilities was the sector with the highest proportion (22%) of customers changing their supplier. There was however a notable improvement in complaint handling in the sector, which rose to 63% overall.
Other key points to emerge from the Index include:
• The top performing sector is UK tourism.
• There has been a resurgence in popularity of fish-and-chip shops.
• Overall, women are happier with the service they receive than men.
• Local pubs, despite trade being hit by recession, have increased their popularity rating.
• Local plumbers come out top of small businesses, beating hairdressers, travel agents and shoe repairers/key-cutters.
• Utilities was the worst performing sector with an overall UKCSI score of 66.1, bettered by Public Services (national) on 70 and Telecoms on 70.1.
Top 10 success stories:
• John Lewis (90.9)
• Fire Service (89.8)
• Waitrose (87.1)
• M&S – food (87.0)
• Ambulance Service (86.4)
• Mazda (86.2)
• RAC (86)
• M&S — non-food (84.5)
• P&O Ferries (83.9)
• Center Parcs (83.8)


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BEIJING, 1 March (BelTA) - Belarus expects to nearly double its food supplies to China in 2023, Belarusian Agriculture and Food Minister Igor Brylo told the media in Beijing on 1 March, BelTA has learned.
In 2022, Belarus exported more than $500 million worth of food products to China. “The increase was more than 40%. It is still not the figures the two countries can reach though. China is a huge country. Even though we increased our supplies over the past six years, the potential still remains hugely untapped. This year we have set an ambitious goal to approach $900 million. I think we can do it,” the Belarusian agriculture and food minister said.
Igor Brylo added that he had already held a number of important meetings in China, including with his counterparts. “Our meeting lasted for almost two hours. We discussed all our current issues, including further cooperation in various sectors of agriculture,” he said.
The list of documents to be signed during the president's state visit includes a memorandum on the development of cooperation in agriculture.
There was also a meeting at the General Customs Administration of the People's Republic of China. The parties discussed the plans to increase the range of Belarusian products sold on the Chinese market. “Today, we sell beef, milk powder, whole milk, and poultry. I have brought documents to launch the supplies of heat-treated products. This applies to poultry and beef. We have also brought the documents to start the supplies of our canned products. Homogenized baby food is very important to us. This is the second set of issues on the agenda of the visit,” Igor Brylo said.
The third one is our strategic direction - the development of the Belarusian National Biotechnology Corporation and the construction of BNBC 3. The project envisages the production of vitamins, amino acids, starch and glucose products. This will make it possible to set up the production of vitamins (B2, B12, C) and new types of amino acids (valine, leucine, isoleucine), which are fundamentally new products both for Belarus and for all CIS countries.
"China set up a state investment agency several years ago. It took on the role of moderator of all such investment projects. I met with the leadership of this agency. Negotiations lasted for more than two hours,” Igor Brylo noted. “They were concerned about prospective sales markets for our products, in particular, vitamins. We laid out this issue in detail. We agreed that literally today we are giving them full-fledged information in terms of every sales market. I have a very strong positive feeling that the BNBC 3 project will get a go-ahead. It's a huge investment."
In addition, two documents were signed with Chinese partners regarding the development of the agricultural sector in Belarus. "In particular, this is good news for Minsk Oblast and Mogilev Oblast. The largest pig-breeding complex in Belarus for 300,000 head will be built in Minsk Oblast. This is a good, very important project for our country. Mogilev Oblast will see the cattle breeding industry modified. First of all, this is about the construction of a separate slaughterhouse. We will build about a thousand lightweight sheds for keeping cattle of Aberdeen-Angus or Limousin breeds. So far, Chinese partners have prioritized Aberdeen-Angus. We had a thorough conversation and signed good intentions. This is a roadmap of sorts for cooperation between the Agriculture and Food Ministry and its colleagues in China," Igor Brylo noted.


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People buying new Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus phones
Sergei Fadeichev | TASS | Getty Images
Global smartphone sales dropped 20.4% to 295 million units in the second quarter of 2020, according to a Gartner report published Tuesday. Apple iPhone sales managed to stay relatively flat while other manufacturers, such as Samsung, saw double-digit declines year-over-year.
Samsung sales were down 27.1% year-over-year, according to Gartner. Huawei’s smartphone sales dropped 6.8%. Two other Chinese brands, Xiaomi and Oppo saw declines of 21.5% and 15.9%, respectively, according to the report.
“Travel restrictions, retail closures and more prudent spending on nonessential products during the pandemic led to the second consecutive quarterly decline in smartphone sales this year,” Gartner senior research director Anshul Gupta said.
Apple sales were down just .4% year-over-year, according to Gartner.
“The improved business environment in China helped Apple achieve growth in the country. In addition, the introduction of the new iPhone SE encouraged users of older phones upgrade their smartphones,” said Gartner research vice president Annette Zimmermann.
The iPhone SE has been particularly appealing in 2020 because it offers the same high-end processor of the iPhone 11 but starts at $399.


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With the booming development of e-commerce and big-data technology, Guizhou province aims to lift millions out of poverty as China makes a five-year dash to help all of its 1.3 billion people have sufficient means for a comfortable life.
Prosecutors and judges whose spouses are lawyers, judicial auditors or judicial auctioneers have to choose whether they or their spouse will leave their positions, under a new rule implemented this year in Shanghai.
China's outbound tourism industry seems have lost its explosive growth amid concerns including the depreciation of the yuan and a world under the shadow of terrorism.
China's anti-tobacco activists urged the country's top legislators to reconsider a draft of the nation's first-ever charity law, which they said would be used by the tobacco industry for advertising and branding.
A new desalination system that can produce more than 60,000 liters of fresh water a day has recently been put into operation on Guishan, an island in the Zhuhai special economic zone, Guangdong province.
An online database of legitimate Living Buddhas was launched at a ceremony in Beijing on Monday to help followers of Tibetan Buddhism distinguish between real ones and fakes.


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Car manufacturers believes in blockchain technology
Recently Bosch announced investing in IOTA cryptocurrency, few days ago Volkswagen stated IOTA has huge potencial and VW will support it, and today, during VeChain rebranding to VeChain THOR rumors were confirmed – VeChain is working with German car manufacturer BMW.
- Rumor was confirmed at the end of VeChain to VeChain THOR rebranding event.
Market did not hyped
This good new didn’t make any impact to VeChain price yet as was expected. It looks like market is trying to understand all VeChain fundamentics to the max and then decide further moves. However, VeChain team says it takes time to build a fully functional relations and VeChain partnership with such a company as BMW, but the process already ongoing.
What is VeChain THOR?
- Moment from VeChain THOR rebranding event.
VeChain Thor is going to move the company to DApp solutions similar to Ethereum. The new platform will use two separate tokens:
VeChain Tokens (VET) – For running business activites on the blockchain
Thor Power (THOR) – For performing smart contracts and running apps on the blockchain.


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23 April 2012
Hill+Knowlton Strategies Launches Influence Point
NEW YORK 23 April 2012 – Hill+Knowlton Strategies has launched a new service called Influence Point as part of the firm’s expanded product offering. The service is designed for companies looking to target a more niche audience of political, financial and media influences with online advertising.
In many corporate reputation, advocacy or B2B campaigns, the intended audience only represents a tiny slice of all impressions. With H+K Influence Point, companies can serve online ads directly to individuals identified as influencers. H+K's combined research and digital teams have developed a proprietary methodology for identifying universes of financial, media and political influencers. These audiences can then be served display, video and mobile ads. This allows companies to dramatically decrease wasteful spending on large online ad buys targeted at specific audiences, even on the most accredited news sites.
“H+K Influence Point fundamentally shifts how you run influencer-driven campaigns,” said Mark McKinnon, a seasoned political advisor and global vice chair of Hill+Knowlton Strategies. “We can now tailor targeting to the individuals you are trying to reach – creating more efficient advertising that finds the critical super-nodes in our real life social-networks.”
“Influence Point is another key strategic offering for H+K clients in the U.S. where we’re able to leverage insights and best practices from the political world,” said Dan Bartlett, president and CEO of H+K Strategies U.S. “We are confident in the positive difference this can have for our clients and look forward to seeing the results.”
The new offering will be led by Andrew Bleeker, global digital practice director at H+K, and Josh Hendler, H+K’s global chief technology officer. The service will be run in collaboration with H+K’s Research+Data Insights (RDI) organization.
Who are the trusted voices in politics, the media and the financial world? Influence Point will help you find them.


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Following our fresh announcement of BVAccel joining the Workarea SolutionsPartner Network, we interviewed CEO Jonathan Poma on why Workarea, what Workarea solves for retailers, and much more!
We’re going to Los Angeles on Thursday, February 7, 2018 for the one-day Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum (GELF). Let's chat international commerce and grab snacks together.
PowerReviews surveyed over 1700 Millennial and Centennial (Generation Z) shoppers to better understand their buying habits. This infographic hits the highlights of the study.
While Black Friday may be the “official” kickoff of the holiday shopping season, there’s plenty of sales to be made before and after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. What days, devices and industries drove the greatest gains this season? The Workarea Commerce Intelligence Unit gathers insights from the over 300 retail sites running on the Workarea Commerce Platform.
We weren’t surprised when the Responsive Web Design podcast team asked Workarea merchant Lime Crime to guest on it. After all, the booming LA-based cosmetics company has been making mobile shoppers happy since day one.
7 best practices for fast-moving ecommerce teams to do more with less resources.
As Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) 2017 sales morph into the next step of order fulfillment, we began uncovering all the stories and takeaways. Let's start with how Workarea merchants outperformed mobile industry figures on multiple days because the massive wins deserve much love.
A Q&A with WebLinc co-founder and CTO, Jason Hill, on the underlying infrastructure of Workarea and how it supports our customers’ highest revenue days.
This is part 3 of our ongoing coverage of the 2017 ecommerce holiday season provided by our 24/7 Commerce Intelligence Unit. Let's get into the record-breaking Black Friday numbers made by Workarea customers.
Welcome to our continued coverage of the 2017 ecommerce holiday season provided by the 24/7 Commerce Intelligence Unit at Workarea. See how our customers are performing this holiday season plus grab industry insights and tips.


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Welcome to Cultivated, our weekly newsletter where we're bringing you an inside look at the deals, trends, and personalities driving the multibillion-dollar global cannabis boom. Sign up here to get it in your inbox every week. If you want a discount to BI Prime to read my stories, sign up here!
Welcome to another edition of Cultivated! We're back after a week off for (American) Thanksgiving.
Across the industry, the story's the same: public cannabis companies are getting hammered, deals are stuck in the mud, but more people all over the world are buying cannabis legally every day.
To that end, Michigan made the first legal marijuana sales in the Midwest on Sunday. Illinois will follow shortly after on January 1. And countries as far-flung as New Zealand are weighing legalization bills.
In other news, I'll be at MJBizCon in Las Vegas next week. My schedule will obviously be pretty crazy but please get in touch if you'll be there and want to talk.
Last, we're continuing to report on the wave of layoffs in cannabis. If you have a tip, please send me an email. We can talk about moving our conversation to Signal, an encrypted chat app, or even going on background or off-the-record.
Here's what we wrote about this week:
The CEO of the top-selling cannabis shops revealed how a strategy he shares with Starbucks is crucial to his success
Despite maintaining a low profile, the New York City-based cannabis company Ayr Strategies can boast about at least one superlative: Its dispensaries make more money than the competition, according to a report from the industry data provider BDS Analytics.
We talked to the company's CEO, the Wall Street veteran John Sandelman, to figure out why.
Wall Street stock traders are piling into bets against cannabis stocks, even as shares have plummeted
Traders are still bearish on cannabis stocks after months of turmoil in the industry. A report from the financial analytics firm S3 Partners showed that investors were increasing their bets that the stocks would fall, a practice known as short selling.
Shorts have added a net $1.4 billion of short positions in cannabis companies this year, according to S3 data through November 20.
You can now officially purchase legal marijuana in Michigan. Here are all the states where marijuana is legal.
Michigan residents can now purchase marijuana legally. Marijuana dispensaries opened for business in the state on December 1, marking the first day of legal recreational marijuana sales in the Midwest.
Illinois will soon follow. Governor JB Pritzker signed a legal marijuana bill into law in June, and recreational sales will start January 1.
Capital raises, M&A activity, partnerships, and launches
- Canopy Growth unveiled its full lineup of "Cannabis 2.0" products, including vape pens, CBD and THC-infused beverages, and chocolates. The company said it will stagger the rollout of products to "ensure a smoother rollout" and they'll start hitting shelves in Canadian dispensaries in January 2020.
- Cannabis infusion tech startup Vertosa closed a $6 million seed funding round, co-led by California-based AFI Capital Partners and New York City-based Welcan Capital.
- Chicago-based cannabis startup Leaf Trade raised a $4.5 million seed round led by Hyde Park Angels and Duke Software Investments.
- GrowGeneration Corp., a chain of specialty retail hydroponic centers, began trading on the NASDAQ on Monday.
- Kevin Durant's Thirty Five Ventures is joining the board of Toronto-based cannabis investment firm Canopy Rivers.
- Rapper Lil' Wayne is joining his former protegee Drake in hawking cannabis products. Weezy rolled out his brand, GKUA Ultra Premium, in which the high-THC products are tasted and approved by "Lil' Wayne himself."
- Former Canndescent CFO Tom DiGiovanni is joining Harborside as the company's new CFO. Former Harborside CFO Keith Li is staying on as VP of Finance.
- Holly Hamman is joining cannabis payroll startup Wurk as the company's CMO. She joins Wurk from Automox, a cybersecurity company.
- Katy Dickson, a former Mattel and General Mills exec, is taking over as president of Manitoba Harvest, which was acquired by Tilray earlier this year.
- Bhang's interim president, Jamie Pearson, is taking over as CEO.
- Alex Shah is joining Akerna as the company's CTO.
- Former Beboe CMO Kiana Anvaripour is joining Sweet Flower as the company's new CMO.
Chart of the week
Despite the tumult in the public markets, cannabis legalization is spreading around the US. Michigan started recreational cannabis sales on December 1, and Illinois is set to start January 1:


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Mercedes-Benz USA reported on September 1 that they sold a total of 20,728 units for the month of August. That’s a 5.4% increase from sales last year, same month. This also sets a record of being the highest August sales since 2007.
E-Class and C-Class models leads the herd as the highest performers with the E-Class selling 5,628 and C-Class 4,728. Taking the third spot is the Mercedes-Benz M-Class with 2,191. The SLK roadster, not be left behind, sold 138.6% more than last year’s and the 2012 CLS class has been popular as well with an increase of 810.7%.
High-end models posted an increase of 17.9% for the month, with SLS AMG contributing to it as it sells 429 units. The Sprinter Vans meanwhile, also increased by 117.7% for August, bringibg the total for this year to 10,673. Diesel models are becoming quite popular as it contributed a 14.7% increase.
Smart fortwo sold 405 vehicles for the month and the MBCPOs sold a total of 5,901 vehicles, this time a decrease in numbers.
Source: PR News Wire


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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumers want to buy plants that enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship with fauna in their landscapes, preliminary University of Florida research shows. To help meet consumer demand, UF/IFAS researchers want to assure consumers that those plants are “certifiably” wildlife friendly.
At the annual Urban Landscape Summit April 19-21 in Gainesville, researchers will present their latest data in support of “UF-certifiable” wildlife-friendly plants. Each year, the meeting brings landscape professionals to the UF campus to hear the latest research on how to improve their practices.
Consumers have no way of knowing if the plants broadly marketed as “wildlife friendly” are truly so, said Jaret Daniels, a UF/IFAS entomology professor and lead investigator on the project.
“It is our broad goal to develop detailed production and assessment protocols that allow growers and commercial retailers to market and distribute plants that are certified wildlife-friendly – so that consumers can buy with confidence appropriate plants that not only attract wildlife such as insect pollinators but are also safe for the organisms they wish to attract,” said Daniels who’s also curator of lepidoptera at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville.
Two researchers are helping gather data to augment the certification process.
Caroline Nickerson, a doctoral student in agricultural education and communication, has surveyed about 75 nursery growers and 1,000 consumers and is analyzing the data.
In a survey conducted in 2021, consumers indicated they’re enthusiastic about wildlife-friendly plants and would buy into the idea of certification if plant labels were clear and if educational materials came from UF/IFAS Extension. In this project, “wildlife-friendly” really means “pollinator-friendly” and, for now, translates to the monarch butterfly and the milkweed.
“In fact, many respondents already believed that they purchased wildlife-friendly plants,” Nickerson said. “So, it is possible that they don’t yet understand that not all plants labeled wildlife-friendly are actually wildlife-friendly and that they would be receptive to education about why a certification would be beneficial.”
In 2022, Nickerson has surveyed nursery growers, who said they’re willing to offer certified plants. That’s perhaps because most view themselves as innovators, she said. But growers also see the cost of obtaining the certification as a potential barrier.
After Nickerson presents her social science data, Bernie Mach, a research scientist in entomology, will tell landscape professionals about the plants-and-insects aspect of the “UF-certified” project. Balancing pest control with conservation presents an impediment to growing and selling plants that could be considered wildlife friendly, UF/IFAS researchers say.
Mach studies ways to control pests and, thus, reduce damage to ornamental plants and looks for ways to promote beneficial insects like pollinators.
Mach uses milkweed to answer these questions because many major pests dine on milkweed, and also because the monarch butterfly, a pollinator that many gardeners want to attract, only uses milkweed to feed its young.
Pests are bad news for both the plant and for beneficial insects like the monarch butterfly. You have to control the pests, somehow, and that can present its own problems, Mach said.
“Our latest research showed that many of the most common insecticides used to control pests on milkweed can harm or even kill monarch caterpillars,” Mach said. “Ultimately, growers will have to take into account the severity of a pest infestation, their tolerance for damage to the plants and the conservation value of the plants to beneficial insects like the monarch butterfly when making decisions about pest control.”
The UF-funded project comes from a Research Opportunity Seed Fund grant. For more information about the project, contact Daniels at email@example.com or Laura Warner, a UF/IFAS associate professor of agricultural education and communication, at firstname.lastname@example.org.
–Brad Buck, UF/IFAS


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PALO ALTO, CA, March 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN), in collaboration with the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), released the 9th annual State of Latino Entrepreneurship (SOLE) research report highlighting the latest trends in Latino entrepreneurship across the U.S. The findings will be presented today at the 2024 State of Latino Entrepreneurship (SOLE) Summit.
The research provides valuable insights into the contribution and opportunity Latinos represent to the U.S. economy, as well as shedding light on the continuous challenges faced by Latino business owners. This year’s report aims to understand better the diversity and intricacies of Latino entrepreneurship, focusing on three different sub-groups: women business owners, tech-centric firms, and immigrant-owned companies.
THE LATINO OPPORTUNITY FOR THE U.S. ECONOMY
The research shows that Latino-owned businesses are a dynamic and growing portion of the U.S.; with more than 5 million firms driving $800 billion in revenue, they represent a huge opportunity for the U.S. In fact, the number of Latino-owned businesses is growing 10x faster than white-owned businesses. Between 2007 and 2022, the United States experienced a 57% growth in Latino-owned businesses, substantially surpassing the 5% increase in white-owned businesses during the same period. Latinos continue to have higher growth rates than those owned by white entrepreneurs. As shown in the graph, the 3-year (2020-2023) median compound annual growth rate was 8.7% for Latino-owned businesses versus just 5.6% for white-owned businesses.
Latinos are not only starting businesses faster and experiencing higher revenue growth rates but they are also creating more jobs with better benefits. Between 2007 and 2022, the annual payroll of Latino-owned businesses more than doubled (123% increase), consistently showing higher growth rates compared to white-owned businesses. When considering how Latinos are creating businesses, growing them, and creating more jobs, it's evident that Latinos have a positive impact on the economy.
However, besides these great numbers, Latinos continue to face challenges due to systemic biases that limit their growth. If Latino entrepreneurs receive fair access to capital and contracts, it will unlock trillions of dollars of additional economic growth for the U.S. economy, benefiting us all. That is why LBAN places such a big focus on ecosystem building; at the heart of their mission is creating the ecosystem that Latinos and everyone else deserve. The State of Latino Entrepreneurship Summit is a testament to their commitment, with more than 1,000 in-person attendees ranging from business owners, policymakers, capital providers, elected officials, students, and other ecosystem builders coming together to network and collaborate, fostering meaningful connections within the community.
The report dives deeper into Latina-owned businesses and tech-centric businesses. It’s important to highlight that Latinas are starting new businesses and growing revenues more rapidly than their male counterparts. When looking at tech-centric companies, Latinos are over-indexing in the tech sector, which leads to faster adoption of AI technologies. To learn more, visit www.lban.us
With industry leaders such as José E. Feliciano, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of Clearlake Capital Group & Stanford Trustee, and Julián Castro, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the SOLE Summit promises to be an insightful and engaging event full with impactful discussions and strategic insights. The event will have different panel discussions on topics ranging from AI, access to capital, redefining the VC landscape for Latino startups, investing in immigrant entrepreneurship, and mergers & acquisitions.
“At LBAN, we are fortunate that some of the largest financial institutions and corporations are actively engaging in unlocking this Latino opportunity with us, and we welcome all others,” said Arturo Cazares, CEO of the Latino Business Action Network. “The SOLE Summit at Stanford serves as a pivotal gathering, bringing together diverse stakeholders, including other ecosystem builders, academics, and government representatives, to share ideas and create collaborations that will grow economic opportunities for our country.”
LBAN, the driver of the SOLE Summit, is supported by Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Surdna Foundation, Dell Technologies, Latino Community Foundation, Prosperity Now, Immigrants Rising, and many others.
About the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN):
LBAN is a dynamic Silicon Valley-based nonprofit with a big mission to strengthen the U.S. economy by empowering Latino Entrepreneurship across the country through entrepreneurship research, education, and a network of resources. For more information on LBAN, please visit www.lban.us
For media inquiries, please contact:
Marian Garcia Cruz
LBAN Marketing Manager
CONTACT: Marian Garcia Cruz Latino Business Action Network (LBAN) 4083849389 [email protected]


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- Starbucks' open-bathroom policy may be taking a toll by reducing the number of customer visits compared with rivals, a recent study found.
- The coffee chain opened its bathrooms to everyone in May 2018 after a store manager called the cops on two African-American men who wanted to use its bathroom while waiting for a business meeting.
- Starbucks dismissed the outside study, pointing to higher sales at its stores. "Our business has never been better," the company said.
Starbucksin May of 2018, part of an effort to counter accusations of racism after an incident at one of its Philadelphia cafes. More than a year later, a new study suggests the policy shift is having at least one effect: reducing customer visits compared with rivals.
Starbucks's open-facility policy is an example of the challenges private companies can face when they offer public services, like bathrooms, according to the researchers, Umit Gurun of the University of Texas at Dallas and David Solomon of Boston College. The problem, they say, is that non-paying visitors can crowd out potential paying customers, hurting business.
To gauge the impact of Starbucks's open-bathroom policy, the researchers examined anonymized cellphone location data from more than 10 million devices from January 2017 to October 2018, a span that covers a period before and after the change in the company's rules. Then they compared the data to business at restaurants and cafes located near Starbucks shops to assess changes in customer traffic. visits. The upshot: Visits to Starbucks dipped 6.8% compared with rivals, the researchers said.
Starbucks dismisses the study, pointing to higher overall sales at its U.S. locations.
"The findings of this company-backed study are not only inaccurate, but do not take into account the habits and purchasing behaviors of our more than 100 million weekly customers," a Starbucks spokesman said in a statement, referring to the researchers' use of data from a company called SafeGraph. He added, "Our business has never been better."
Solomon of Boston College said the analysis is an independent academic study, and that they received no funding from SafeGraph, nor did the company influence their research. "Our sole relationship with them is that they provided us with the data to run the study, and we presented our results to them," he notes.
Solomon said their findings and Starbucks's report of higher sales aren't necessarily at odds, noting that the study is capturing a more nuanced measure than sales, with the analysis comparing Starbucks customer visits to that of rival coffee sellers.
"We claim that this gives a much better estimate of the true effects of the policy, because comparing to nearby coffee shops allows us to strip out effects like the economy growing in general, consumers drinking more coffee, and a whole lot of other things that might make Starbucks sell more or less coffee but have nothing to do with the bathroom policy," Solomon wrote in an email to CBS MoneyWatch.
He added, "In other words, Starbucks went up a little bit, but matched nearby coffee shops went up a lot more."
To be sure, Starbucks has been battling a number of issues. For one, analysts have grown concerned about the chain's rapid expansion and whether it might be. New stores may be diverting 1 out of 7 transactions from older Starbucks, an analyst noted last year. It's also facing resurgent competition from rivals such as Dunkin' and McDonald's, as well as a host of smaller shops.
Customers also spent 4.2% less time in Starbucks compared with rival coffee stores after the bathroom policy changed, the study found.
"Wealthier customers reduced their visits more, but black and white customers were equally deterred," the researchers wrote in the paper. "The policy led to fewer citations for public urination near Starbucks locations, but had no effect on other similar public order crimes."
The dip in Starbucks visits compared with other coffee shops could also be attributable to increased use of the company's mobile app, which lets people order in advance through their smartphones and more quickly pick up their coffees from a location.
But Solomon noted that it wouldn't explain some other trends, like fewer police citations for public urination. The study found a decrease in citations for public urination near Starbucks locations compared with other areas, suggesting that Starbucks' open-bathroom policy is providing a solution to a public health issue.
The decline in visits relative to rival stores was most pronounced around homeless shelters,
declining 8.3% for stores located within about 1.25 miles of shelters, compared with 4.5% for those at least 6 miles from shelters, the study said. That suggests some customers may be avoiding Starbucks in favor of rivals because of a "preference against being around populations attracted by the policy, such as the homeless," the study noted.
But, they added, "Even increased use by the general public of bathrooms and tables is estimated to have negative impacts, partly because people who might have previously felt compelled to make a purchase in order to sit or use the bathroom now no longer do."
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Banking on China's electric-vehicle (EV) push, Volkswagen AG revealed plans on November 21st to pour in more than €4bn (US$4.4bn) into its operations in the country and local joint-venture (JV) partners. The German automaker aims to earmark about 40% of the funds for EVs, but did not specify how much investment would be contributed by its partners, SAIC Motor Corp Ltd and FAW Group Corp. Volkswagen plans to begin production of its EVs in China in 2020 at plants in Anting (with SAIC) and Foshan (with FAW).
Two weeks earlier Volkswagen began trial production at its SAIC plant, which can churn out 300,000 vehicles annually. It aims to begin large-scale manufacturing at Foshan and Anting plants in October 2020; they can together produce 600,000 cars in a year. The German automaker aims to offer a total of 14 EV models in China by the end of 2019 and 30 locally-produced EVs in 2025, with a target to reach 1.5m EV sales by then.
Apart from EVs, Volkswagen's Chinese investment in 2020 will also target a revamp of its portfolio to include more sport utility vehicles. The automaker also intends to invest in autonomous driving but did not provide further details. Volkswagen claims to control 19.5% of the Chinese passenger vehicle market.


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Fear that the dramatic fall in scrap gold and silver prices last week would hit the antiques market appear to have been allayed.
Early indications suggest that the largest fall in the bullion price for 30 years on April 15-16 has not affected trade too dramatically, as the drop off was largely seen as a market correction after three years of historically high prices.
Dealers reported little impact so far despite the 12% fall in gold and the 13.5% fall in silver recorded before the market briefly rallied at the end of last week. This is possibly because scrap values for many routine pieces of gold jewellery and lower-quality silver remain above their current worth as objects.
Brighton-based precious metals dealer Michael Bloomstein said that he was still taking in roughly the same volume of items destined for melt as before, including objects such as heavy jewellery, Victorian and 20th century tea services, flatware, salvers, holloware and other pieces of ordinary domestic silver.
He also reported that there was still strong demand for investment gold (such as sovereigns and other coins) due to the continuing economic uncertainty and low interest rates offered by banks.
The fall in the price of precious metals on international markets has widely been attributed to the announcement that Cyprus's plan to sell most of its gold reserves might prompt other weak eurozone economies with much larger reserves, such as Italy, Spain and Portugal, to follow suit.
Such a vast supply of gold coming onto the market would be bound to depress prices significantly.
Other contributing factors are thought to be the belief that the US Federal Reserve will soon end its quantitative easing programme and the recent imposition of an import tax in India, the world's largest buyer of gold.
There has also been a slight decline in the rate of China's economic growth that saw drop-offs in wider commodity and share markets.


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Walmart's Search Engine Ties with Amazon in Wells Fargo Study
December 4, 2012,
NEW YORK-Walmart's online search engine, which the mass merchant debuted earlier this year, is on a par with the search engine used by Amazon.com, according to a survey of retailer search engines conducted by Wells Fargo Equity Research.
Wells Fargo's equity research team studied the search engines of Amazon, Walmart, Target and eBay, analyzing 100 products across 10 retail categories. In terms of first-page search relevancy, Walmart's search engine produced the correct product in 97 percent of the searches conducted by the team, while Amazon's search engine turned up the correct product in 98 percent of the searches. Target's search engine brought the correct result in 87 percent of the searches, while eBay's search engine came up with the right product in 63 percent of the searches.
Walmart's advance in this area is significant, the report added, because onsite search engines are "a key element of the most successful e-commerce sites" and "potentially a traffic driver to physical stores ... the wrong search results often equals no sale, either online or offline."
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Georgia Fights Efforts to Outlaw Online Gambling
Even as Gov. Nathan Deal was courting casino mogul Sheldon Adelson’s support, his administration has been engaged in a quiet lobbying campaign against federal legislation supported by the billionaire that would restrict online gambling.
Adelson is behind a nationwide campaign against Internet gaming, and he’s a supporter of legislation introduced by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina that would do just that. Three states – Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada – have allowed some forms of online gaming. But it riled up Georgia officials for a different reason.
The Georgia Lottery Corporation began to sell tickets online in November 2012, making it one of the nation’s first lotteries to expand sales to the Internet. The lottery put together a fact sheet it sent to supporters warning that the lottery would be required to shut down its online sales channel and cancel current lottery options should the legislation succeed.
So far, the online ticket sales have generated more than $6.6 million, sending nearly $2 million to the HOPE scholarship and pre-kindergarten programs. But lottery officials say the legislation would have an even broader impact, also banning the organization from paying prizes electronically or conducting second chance drawings through the Internet.
Debbie Dlugolenski Alford, the lottery’s head, said in an April letter to a top U.S. House attorney that the proposal would effectively end an online distribution channel that “continues to be critical to our success and our ability to grow revenues for education.”


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Plenty of classic hardware manufacturers have been getting in on the mini console trend in the wake of the NES and SNES Classic successes, but few have went all-out like SNK. The company has released a multitude of mini arcade cabinets, and now it’s been confirmed that the upcoming Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro will feature 20 pre-installed games from the get-go.
The games have yet to be confirmed, but given how beloved the Neo Geo’s library is, it’d be hard to go wrong. You’ll be able to access these games by using the HDMI port, and for multiplayer there are two ports on the side for Neo Geo mini PADs.
Of course it still works as a functional arcade stick too, when plugged into a PC or one of the aforementioned Neo Geo mini consoles.
A release date has yet to be announced for the stick but it’s planned to be a worldwide launch. Here’s hoping SNK’s history with the hardware will ensure it’s a quality device!


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Kraft Heinz is aiming to make its core range of soups more convenient by pouring two popular variants into a microwaveable pot.
Cream of Tomato and Vegetable are available in three sizes of the 100% recyclable new format: 280g (rsp: 99p), 355g (rsp: £1.19) and 490g (rsp: £1.39). By comparison in price, a 400g Cream of Tomato is on shelf in the mults for around 95p.
Featuring a closable lid and an aluminium foil seal “to lock in freshness”, the new ambient pot came as “the trend for convenient meal solutions continues to grow significantly” said Heinz. “With seven billion microwave meals consumed each year, and with 93% of UK households owning a microwave, in-home convenience continues to increase in importance.”
Meanwhile, on-the-go was worth £24.3bn, “highlighting the potential for Heinz soup within the on-the-go category” the supplier added.
The new soup format joins other resealable plastic pots by Heinz, including its Beanz fridge pack launched in 2010 and Big Soup microwaveable tubs unveiled the following year.
The latest addition would “revolutionise the way consumers can indulge in some of our best-loved soup flavours” claimed Asmita Singh, Heinz soup senior brand manager. “We know the category like nobody else, and our brand and heritage ensures that we can deliver genuinely credible innovation.”
Sales of Heinz’s standard soup range dipped into the red last year, losing 1.4% of value to become worth £134.4m in UK grocery [Nielsen 52 w/e 8 September 2018].


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You don't have to look any further than the Audi brand between 1978 and 1982 to see how faulty acceleration can put a severe break on sales and trust. Audi had one model affected; Toyota has eight.Further, this was not just a recall of certain cars that could potentially be faulty. What Toyota did was shut down the assembly line for eight vehicles that could potentially put people at risk. In all my years in the automotive-advertising business, I've never witnessed such a thing. What it screams is: "This was not a slip; it is a severe and total breakdown in operational standards."
It's hard for Toyota to spin that the recall was an act of good corporate citizenship for the betterment of all. Emperor Toyota, meet Captain Obvious. Toyota had no other choice. How does it expect to have customers safely drive back into the dealership, let alone go to work, drive their kids to school and simply live their lives?
The situation Toyota finds itself in could be the shot heard 'round the world that reverses the fortunes of yet another established company. This car company now has only one chance to emerge from this very thorny situation with its reputation not entirely broken, and that is what I call "righting the consumer at any cost."
Toyota must recognize that corporate intention means nothing without empowering the retail dealer base to solve actual problems. This includes: financially supporting the dealers' need to tow cars for service; provide loaner cars at no cost and no hassle; adding service personnel to increase speed of repairs; and offering consumers full value for their vehicles to promote safer trade-ins. Basically, everything so the consumer is surprised and delighted.
Toyota has already wasted precious time, and if it doesn't act soon to address the problem and embrace these actions, the Toyota brand could go the way of the Yugo.
|ABOUT THE AUTHOR|
Jordan Zimmerman is founder-chairman of Zimmerman Advertising, part of Omnicom Group.


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BROAD RIPPLE, Ind. – Broad Ripple small businesses are reporting a successful day after many people shopped local on Small Business Saturday.
The American Express Shop Small Impact Study found many business owners said this year’s Small Business Saturday would be more critical than ever.
It also found “46% of small business owners are counting on above average holiday sales to stay in business in 2021.”
Jeanne Kaplan owns Artifacts Gallery in Broad Ripple. She is a second generation store owner who took over in 2017 for her mother, who opened the store in 1977.
“It’s different than past years but considering the situation, I’d say it was very successful,” said Kaplan of this year’s Small Business Saturday.
“The community has really supported all of the small businesses,” she said.
She said customers were patient and understanding that due to social distancing and precautions taken by the store, things may not be as quick.
“They understood that they’d have to wait. I think everything considering went really smoothly. People have made an extra effort to say ‘I’m shopping here. I want to get something from you because I want you to be here next year.’”
Broad Ripple apparel store The Shop also reported a busy day and thanked their customers on Twitter for their support.
Kaplan said she is grateful for how people supported local on Saturday but also echoed the findings from the American Express Shop Small Study. She said the holiday shopping season will be critical for her employees and for the future of Artifacts Gallery.
“I would say that the next four weeks are crucial to how things are gonna play out, and how this year has gone, we’ve definitely seen a decrease,” explained Kaplan. “There’s no way about going around that. We were completely closed for an extended period of time. We’ve been on limited hours.
“The next four weeks are just make or break. I guess there’s just no other way to put it,” she said.
Like many other stores in Indianapolis, Kaplan said Artifacts Gallery will continue welcoming their customers while adhering to social distancing guidelines and other measures to keep everyone safe.
“We had an air sanitizing system installed in the ceiling, and it’s made by a local Indiana company, and the expense was covered by a grant from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce,” said Kaplan.
“The air is being sanitized, and it’s being moved about in the space, so I feel like that’s such a great thing that we just feel really good about providing a safe space for customers to shop and for our staff to work.”
She hopes people feel encouraged to continue supporting local businesses throughout the holiday shopping season.
“It keeps the money in the community and paying all our employees, and it makes a difference for the community,” she said.
“We wanted to come and support everybody. It’s been such a hard year for everyone, especially small business owners,” said Indianapolis resident Virginia Goebes.
Goebes said her family was proud to support local on Small Business Saturday.
“We do this every year, and we just totally enjoy doing it and supporting other people in our community,” she said.
Goebes said her family visited local businesses in Broad Ripple and on Massachusetts Avenue in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday. She added that stores were following social distancing guidelines and working to keep shoppers safe.
“Wear your mask, social distance. That’s very important. I’m a nurse. It’s very, very important to do that.”
Goebes hopes this holiday season brings success for Indy’s small businesses.
“Get out and go and support them. I think everybody’s in this together, and we want to go out and show our support, and people are doing what they need to do,” she said.
According to data from the Small Business Administration, small businesses made up 99% of businesses in the U.S. in 2018 and accounted for 47.5% of employees in the private workforce.
“Over 98% of the businesses in the State of Indiana are considered small businesses, and they employ over 50% of Indiana residents,” said Laura Schnafsnitz, public affairs specialist for the U.S. SBA Indiana District Office.
If you are interested in supporting a small business in Indiana, you can visit the state’s website and find a store near you by searching an address on the map.
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By Lily Katz and Julie Verhage
(Bloomberg) --The most popular online exchange for trading digital currencies is generating a surge in customer complaints this year even as investors are lured by a dramatic rise in prices.
The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received at least 293 complaints about Coinbase Inc., according to data reviewed by Bloomberg. That compares with about six complaints for all of 2016, and makes Coinbase the biggest recipient of CFPB virtual currency complaints this year. The website has struggled to keep up with spiking volume and longer transaction processing times as the value of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies soared to record highs.
More than a third of the grievances came from individuals who said they were unable to access their money when promised. Many people also complained about other transaction or service problems. Accusations of fraud represented less than 15 percent of the complaints.
"The funds were supposed to be transferred to my checking account within three-to-five business days," one customer complained to the CFPB in May. "I need the money."
Megan Hernbroth, a spokeswoman for San Francisco-based Coinbase, declined to comment on the CFPB complaints.
Since the beginning of 2017, the CFPB has received more than 250 complaints under the "virtual currency" category. About 60 percent of those were directed at Coinbase, while many of the others were aimed at PayPal Holdings Inc. and large banks.
Coinbase, which was founded in 2012, said in June that it’s working to improve customer support. The exchange has grappled with a slew of performance issues, including outages, slow load times and a flash crash in ether, the second most valuable virtual coin.
"Over the past few months, we’ve seen an unprecedented increase in the number of customers signing up to use Coinbase," wrote the company’s co-founder and CEO, Brian Armstrong, in a June 6 blog post. "As a result, our systems have been pushed to the limit. This has caused many customers to have a negative experience."
On its support page, Coinbase says transaction timing can vary depending on a customer’s location and payment method, and U.S. bank transfers can take up to five business days.
LendEDU, a New Jersey-based student loan marketplace, pointed out the increase in virtual currency complaints this year, in a report earlier this week.
Cryptocurrency startups have been overwhelmed with unusually high volume as the price of bitcoin has skyrocketed almost fivefold this year. This month, the debate over how to speed up transactions became so contentious that bitcoin split in two.
The CFPB, which didn’t respond to multiple requests for comment, started accepting complaints about virtual currencies in 2014, warning consumers about unclear costs, scams and lost funds. Three years later, the Securities and Exchange Commission said that cryptocurrency exchanges and companies that raise money through the sale of digital assets must adhere to federal securities laws, signaling a clampdown on the recent surge in virtual coin offerings.
To contact the reporters on this story: Lily Katz in New York at [email protected] ;Julie Verhage in New York at [email protected] To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jeremy Herron at [email protected] Dave Liedtka, Andrew Dunn


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London-listed gaming operator GVC Holdings has been awarded four sports betting licenses in Germany.
The company secured license approval Friday for its bwin, SportingBet, Ladbrokes and [...]
New York-listed gaming supplier Inspired Entertainment has joined forces with Ladbrokes Australia to develop a new virtual horse race ahead of this month’s Ladbrokes Cox [...]
GVC-owned UK bookmaker Ladbrokes has created a new accumulator bet that combines elements of Fantasy Football and Football Manager.
5-A-Side allows fans to build a team [...]
The European Commission has decided to launch a formal investigation into a potential breach of state aid rules in a case involving the Belgian state [...]
London-listed gaming operator GVC Holdings has set out a comprehensive plan to safely reopen its Ladbrokes and Coral betting shops in the United Kingdom next [...]
London-listed betting and gaming operator GVC Holdings has completed the migration of all Ladbrokes Coral brands onto its proprietary technology platform.
The successful migration of the [...]
GVC’s Australian-facing brands Ladbrokes and Neds have received a record fine in New South Wales for offering illegal gambling inducements to players in the state.
Ladbrokes and Neds [...]
London-listed gaming operator GVC Holdings has reported a 1 per cent decline in group net gaming revenue for the third quarter of 2019, as solid [...]
Shares in Sydney-listed supplier Betmakers Technology Group gained over 50 per cent Friday after the company announced a racing partnership and technology supply deal with [...]
London-listed gaming operator GVC Holdings has appointed Dean Shannon as chief executive of its Australian operations.
London-listed gaming operator GVC Holdings has signed a deal to roll out Skywind’s portfolio of casino games through its Ladbrokes, Coral and Gala brands.
GVC Holdings' Ladbrokes brand has secured an exclusive multi-year partnership with Tasracing, Tasmania’s governing body for horse racing.


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Google is setting up to re-enter the Chinese search market, where it was once the #1 search engine. That’s bad for Baidu.com (BIDU).
Chinese search engine Baidu (BIDU) posted solid results last qtr, but still the stock couldn’t break out to All-Time highs. Here’s why.
Baidu.com (BIDU) was the king of search engines in China. Then apps took hold, with people using the app to do searches. Now the company is moving into Artificial Intelligence.
Baidu (BIDU) is still getting a majority of its revenue from search engine advertising, but Baidu seems to be making strides in Artificial Intelligence. Will it succeed?
Management at Baidu (BIDU) is focused on artificial intelligence, but 86% of company revenue is derived from online ads, so will this company be able to adjust?
Catalyst Health Solutions (CHSI) just pulled off a coup, buying Walgreens’ pharmacy benefit business. Customers will rise from 7 million to 18 million — but profits estimates didn’t jump. Where’s the beef? All I see here is bun.
My new BFF has a boomin BODY.
Today I will sell Cognizant Tech. Solutions (CTSH) and Bridgepoint Education (BPI) and buy Body Central (BODY) in the Growth Portfolio. I like BODY so much that it will also replace Express Scripts (ESRX) in the Aggressive Growth Portfolio.
Chipotle (CMG) has gone from $85 to $285 in just five quarters. The P/E of 42 makes the stock expensive. You could say the run is almost over, but solid same store sales growth could push the stock even higher.
I updated my charts on Deckers (DECK) yesterday — there’s a lot of positives — and as I write this article today the stock is breaking out. Deckers stock has legs.
Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) has had an almost-perfect decade, as the ten-year chart shows. But 2011 profits are expected to rise 15% and the stock is moving up like a 40% grower. This shouldn’t be happening.