Monthly Archives: August 2021

Accounts and Accountancy, News

Pandemic pushes one in ten young people to change their career choice, says ACCA

A new poll commissioned by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) suggests the Covid-19 pandemic has proved to be a time of career contemplation and change for young people.

There are around six million 16 – 24 year olds in the UK, and ACCA polled over 1,000 to better understand their views about jobs. While before the pandemic 21% wanted to pursue a professional career like accountancy, that figure has now increased to 30%.

Being on furlough has offered a lot of people already in work the chance to reassess and aim to take new qualifications to target a new job.

40% of those surveyed said financial security is most important to them in their job and that traditional career paths with qualifications helped increase the chances of that job and financial security. There was a fifty-fifty split on the numbers of people aiming to go to university and those who said it wasn’t for them. The numbers of people wanting to go into apprenticeships – or aiming to work and study at the same time – now matches the number of people wanting a place at university.

Lloyd Powell, Head of ACCA Cymru Wales, said: “The Covid-19 crisis has made many rethink career aspirations and their futures. This research, alongside a global survey we did earlier this year into Gen Z and their careers, shows how the pandemic has transformed aspirations about the world of work, while also shaking up how employers run businesses and organisations. The role of accountants is wider and more important than ever before, offering a secure and flexible career whatever your age.

“For Gen Z, developing strategic accountancy skills offers a great launchpad into a career, with benefits our research shows that they crave – such as the opportunity to learn valuable skills and progress rapidly; to be paid well and enjoy greater security of employment; to enjoy a good work-life balance; with varied and meaningful work for organisations with purpose and values, and also the opportunity to make a contribution towards a better, fairer, more sustainable future for all.”

ACCA has three case studies of people who have been inspired to recently pursue a career as finance professional, making the change during and before the pandemic:

  • 24-year-old Cristina Oprea from Greenwich in SE London was a chef in a nursery before being furloughed in Spring 2020. With some time to plan her future afresh, Cristina opted to study an accounting degree with the ACCA. Cristina now works as an Accounts Assistant for a care company while continuing her studies. She has now purchased her first property before the age of 25.
  • 37-year-old Gaurav Kumar from Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester worked in the hotel industry looking after serviced apartments that were forced to close by the pandemic. While furloughed, he enrolled with the ACCA. He’d always loved working with numbers and has now started a new job at Barclays while he continues his studies.
  • 37-year-old Craig Maclean from Cambuslang, on the edge of Glasgow, was a baker with Greggs for nearly 20 years. Wanting a career change, he’s now switched to studying at the University of the West of Scotland for an ACCA accredited degree. He’s also working at the university as a Finance Administrator.

Lloyd Powell concludes: “The pandemic has initiated a change in career outlook, and we also see this being played out on our global jobs board, ACCA Careers, which has recently seen a 43% year on year global uptick on usage. This shows a level of demand not seen before, and which we believe will continue.”

Finance and Banking, News

Southeast Plant Hire Company Expands with HSBC UK Funding

Kent-based operated plant hire and professional cleaning services company, JM Clark, has secured a six-figure commercial mortgage from HSBC UK to relocate to larger premises and take on more nationwide contracts.

Since its inception in 2012, JM Clark has grown from a fleet of three vehicles to a total of 48 today. The business offers operated mechanical sweeper hire and surfacing supports services for various industries and highways sectors.

The funding will support the company’s relocation to a larger, 13,000 sq.ft head office and multi-use premise, allowing it to further grow its fleet, diversify by launching a waste management division and hire additional staff.

Lee Cairns, Managing Director at JM Clark, commented: “We operate 365 days of the year and are proud to cater for some of the biggest main and sub-contractors in the highways and construction sectors, such as Tarmac, Mace and Vinci Facilities. With the support from HSBC UK, and in particular from our Relationship Manager at the bank Nadia Virvinska, we will be able to increase our capacity meaning we can take on even more large-scale projects.”

Jason Mowe, Area Director of East London Business Banking for HSBC UK, added: “JM Clark has grown significantly over the last nine years. This deal is an important milestone in the company’s continued expansion as its builds its presence nationally and introduces a waste management division, creating new jobs for the local economy and leading to an additional business growth of 15%.”

JM Clark’s surfacing support services include Bitumen emulsion spraying, Obstruction vehicle removal and joint sealant services. The company currently employs 43 team members and operates a 24/7 service all year round, offering private hire and business contract hire across the UK.

Charity & CSR, Finance and Banking, News from Wales

Toogoodtowaste continue to thrive thanks to the Barclays donation

Toogoodtowaste is one of 100 UK charities to be awarded a £100k donation from Barclays which will help them to continue supporting their local community choose re-use & recycling through the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Charities were invited to apply for one of 100 donations of £100,000, and Barclays were inundated by hundreds of applications from charities across the UK who are struggling to deliver on-the-ground support to vulnerable communities impacted by the crisis.

Barclays launched their 100×100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Programme to support COVID-19 relief work in local communities. The programme, which forms part of their wider COVID-19 Community Aid Package, focuses on supporting UK charity partners who are meeting the immediate needs of people in our communities, including low income families, those facing financial hardship, isolated elderly people and key workers.

Toogoodtowaste are the leading re-use charity in Rhondda Cynon Taff & collect household items like furniture and electrical appliances that are too good to waste from residents for free. They also collect surplus stock from high-street retailers.

All items are sold at affordable prices in their showrooms, helping to alleviate the effects of poverty. Helped by their team of committed volunteers, who play a key part in this, whilst gaining valuable work experience.

Working with other organisations they also give free items to people most in need in their community.

Shaun England, CEO for toogoodtowaste said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from Barclays which will allow us to continue delivering our essential services in the Rhondda Valleys.

We are now able to ensure that these essential services will be here today, tomorrow and well into the future to help combat the environmental impact by reducing waste to landfill, alleviate poverty through the access to affordable furniture, electrical & household items & reduce social isolation through volunteering & community engagement.”

Nigel Higgins, Barclays Chairman, said: “COVID-19 has created an unprecedented social and economic impact in the UK, with many experiencing greater hardship due to the crisis. Incredible charities, such as toogoodtowaste have been playing a vital role in the UK’s response to the pandemic, ensuring urgent help reaches those most in need of support. As a bank we have been doing all we can for our customers, clients, and colleagues, and we hope that by partnering with toogoodtowaste and many other charities across the UK, collectively we can ensure that as many people as possible in the communities in which we live, and work are supported through this crisis.”

To find out more about toogoodtowaste and to donate, please visit www.toogoodtowaste.co.uk

 

Marketing, PR and SEO, News

What’s required to develop a successful brand for your Food or Beverage product?

Written by Richard Horwell, Brand Relations

However tasty your product you need to focus on the fact that 90% of a first-time purchase is based on the branding; it’s why a consumer will pick your product over their regular choice or over your competition.

But don’t confuse design with branding. Branding is the message you want to give your target consumer – and that message should be ‘BUY ME’.

Let’s look at what is required to develop your brand and get your message across.

 

Ask Questions

 

To get your branding right, you need to ask yourself and others some questions:

1/ Where will this product sell and what brands will sit alongside it? How will my product stand out?

2/ What is my brand message? For example, is it based on health, functionality, spoiling yourself or great taste?

3/ Will my consumer be able to read the messages on the packaging from a distance, without picking it up?

4/ Does my brand look premium enough for the selling price?

5/ Why should a consumer buy my brand instead of their regular choice?

Getting the answers to these questions is the first step to creating brilliant branding.

 

Include something consumers already know

If you are attempting to break new ground with an idea or base ingredient then you need to add something to the mix that the consumer knows.

For example, we have just developed a drink based on the Stinging Nettle called Emunity. To help consumers to try this we’ve added ingredients and flavours they recognise, like gooseberry, cucumber and wild strawberry.

The key is making the messaging easy to understand and include elements that consumers can grasp instantly.

 

It’s all about them

Many consumers want to try something different, but that doesn’t mean they have all day to stand around in-store or go online to research every product. They need to be drawn to a brand that relates to them.

So, make sure your message conveys this. Always focus on them, not you.

 

Point of Difference 

In order to have any chance of success in today’s market you must have a point of difference. This should be very clear in your branding and messaging on the packaging.

Think about what makes your brand different. Make a list of these points and then pick the MOST important ones. Highlight these on the packaging. The less important ones still need to be on there, but they can go on areas the consumer will read once they pick the product up.

 

How minimal?

Minimalism has become a trend with many designs jumping on the bandwagon. However, be careful not to be too minimal. Find the right balance between doing too much or too little. You also don’t want to waffle; let your branding do the talking.

For example, FYX is a new collagen drink we’ve been working on. The recipe, branding and messaging has been designed to speak to sports people rather than beauty fans, so the messaging highlights the recovery and muscle repair benefits of collagen. This is delivered in a clean, no-fuss style. Minimalist, but also balanced – so the consumer can quickly understand what the drink is about.

 

A name that is relevant

Start by researching your chosen brand name and make sure it is RELEVANT to your product and your audience. Be clever with your brand name, find something that is simple but conveys your product’s message, not just a name that sounds cool to you and your family.

For example, we worked with Can’O Water, which is a brand that has reducing plastic waste at its heart. They chose a simple, ‘does what it says on the tin’ name – after all it is water in a can, so why beat about the bush? They were ahead of their time and agile enough to adapt to the demands of their target consumer; they now make their cans reusable with close caps.

 

Values

Consumers want brands to be transparent and they want to understand the brand’s heritage and values. Is the product certified to be Vegan, Fairtrade or Organic? Which of these will resonate with your target audience? More recently consumers are looking for certifications like ‘B Corporation’, which commends businesses that give as much consideration to their social and environmental impact as they do to their financial returns.

Wanting to buy from companies with matching values is an opportunity for new, indie brands as established companies can’t adapt quickly.

 

In summary

Successful branding speaks directly to your target audience. It will educate them about your product and draws them in to make a purchase. With the right branding in place your food or drink product will be off to an excellent start.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard Horwell is the owner of Brand Relations, a specialist food and drink marketing and branding company based in London. Over the last 13 years, Brand Relations has been behind the launch and development of over 100 brands in the UK. Richard has also built up and sold companies of his own in the Food and Beverage sector. He has over 30 years’ experience in marketing FMCG brands around the world, having lived and worked in the UK, USA, Australia and the Middle East.

 

Business & Property News

Outdoor gear specialist Simply Hike snapped up by owners of welly boot fashion brand Evercreatures

Outdoor leisurewear and equipment specialists Simply Hike has been bought by the owners of funky wellington boot brand Evercreatures.

Simply Hike, a market leader in clothing and equipment products for hiking, walking, camping, beach and skiwear, aims to recapture a significant share of the outdoor leisurewear and equipment sector.

It has become the latest addition in the Astbury Collections group, which also includes coat brand Rainmac. Simply Hike will complement the group’s existing brands within the outdoor leisurewear sector.

The acquisition of Simply Hike, which will now become an entirely online operation with its headquarters based in Alford, Lincolnshire, is also expected to add six new employees via the government’s Kickstarter scheme.

Tony Bailey, owner and director of operations of Astbury Collections, is now proactively working with new suppliers and brands to add new ranges and equipment, while also undertaking a wider review of the business.

Bailey said: “The opportunity to add Simply Hike to our portfolio of businesses was too good to miss.

“With Evercreatures having been a supplier to Simply Hike, I knew the business well. It has a lot of potential, even in a competitive sector, as at its peak it had a turnover of £3.5m per year.

“It is a strong retail brand, has an excellent reputation and superb customer loyalty, with good traction on social media. Simply Hike’s reviews and tips are amongst its most popular features and this will be something we will be continuing.

“The business is not without its challenges, particularly rebuilding in the current climate, but the reaction from suppliers and customers has been extremely positive.”

With regards to Simply Hike’s recruitment plans, Bailey added: “We will need more staff across different areas and are looking to expand the warehouse, customer service, sales and marketing teams.

“We are awaiting the greenlight for funding from the government’s Kickstarter scheme and provide opportunities to help younger people back into the workplace.”

For the latest news, stock and offers from Simply Hike go to www.simplyhike.co.uk or follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and You Tube.

Image caption: Tony Bailey at Evercreatures Simply Hike HQ

Business & Property News

TikTok is world’s most popular mobile video app with 660 million downloads in 2020

Despite facing competition and privacy concerns, TikTok’s 2020 growth appears to have solidified. It has now emerged as the most popular mobile video platform for the last year.

Data acquired by Finbold indicates that TikTok was the most popular mobile video app in 2020 globally, with 660.12 million downloads. Singapore’s Likee trails TikTok, accounting for 270.3 million downloads, while SnackVideo ranks third with 233.57 million downloads.

Despite strong brand support and longevity, YouTube ranks fourth with 222.7 million downloads, while TikTok Lite ranks fifth with 141.89 million downloads.

Other mobile video apps with significant downloads include Moj (93.87 million downloads), Zili (84.11 million downloads), MX TakaTak (81.7 million downloads), Josh (78.13 million downloads), and Uvideo (74.95 million downloads).

Pandemic impacts TikTok’s growth

TikTok’s growth was accelerated early last year and the report highlights some of the driving factors. According to the research report:

“The app experienced rapid growth in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, especially with the emerging lockdowns. During the lockdown, many people had to stay at home with apps like TikTok keeping people engaged leading to a snowballing effect.”

The app’s growth has also emerged from factors like the ability to offer users an alternative way of sharing content online by creating short videos with music, filters, and other captivating features.

TikTok’s growth has come amid increased challenges ranging from privacy concerns in the United States that saw the app almost get banned. Notably, the app was banned in India, losing a key market.

Furthermore, the app is still facing competition from established platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Read the full story with statistics here: https://finbold.com/tiktok-downloads-2020/

Business & Property News, Insurance

Signage insurance warning as van sales pick up

Experts warn van branding could void insurance

Van owners should check that their vehicle’s signage or branding is recorded as a modification on their insurance policy or risk voiding their cover.

Leading insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk says many van drivers are unaware that their van’s branding falls into the modification category on current policies, amongst items such as spoilers and alloy wheels.

The warning comes as new figures show a 76% rise in van sales – 190,000 vehicles – in the first six months of this year according to trade body The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders – 1.8 per cent above the five-year average for 2015-2019.

Drivers need to keep their insurance provider up to speed with any modifications, including newly added branding or signage, because those modifications can sometimes change the van’s risk profile.

Signage or branding on a van, for example, might increase the risk of a break-in if it convinces opportunistic thieves think valuable equipment or tools might be stored in the vehicle. In addition, if the vehicle is ever involved in an accident the cost of repairing or replacing the signage might increase the overall cost of repairing the van.

The insurance comparison website advises van owners to make sure forms are correctly answered when taking out a new policy, inform their existing provider if signage or a vehicle wrap is added after the policy was taken out, and if in doubt ask the provider. Making sure the policy is always accurate ensures drivers are protected should they need to make a claim.

Quotezone.co.uk offers some good news for van drivers that decide to add a ‘How’s my driving?’ sign to their vehicles. The price comparison site revealed that this sign could potentially reduce the driver’s van insurance premium, because industry data suggests van drivers with a ‘How’s my driving’ sign tend to be less likely to claim on their insurance.

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, comments: “Throughout the pandemic we’ve seen a monumental rise in tradesmen, mobile mechanics, couriers and catering vans – as people adjust to lockdown working life. This could explain the spike in van sales as many try their hand at small business startups or support growth in the delivery and construction industry. Many of these new van owners might not know signage can be viewed as a modification, so it’s worth checking how their insurer views any branding on the vehicle to ensure they’re correctly declaring everything they’re required to declare.

“The fact that a van has a vehicle wrap, signage or branding doesn’t necessarily mean that drivers won’t still get the cheapest van insurance quote – they just need to shop around and use an insurance comparison website to compare premiums from a wide range of providers, which increases the odds of finding the right policy at the right price.”

Quotezone.co.uk is one of the country’s leading price comparison platforms, helping over 3 million users find a more competitive deal each year on everything from car insurance and van insurance to tradesman insurance and fleet insurance.

Business & Property News, Sport

Amendoeira Golf Resort delighted to host EGA European Championship for Golfers with Disability

The Algarve’s stunning Amendoeira Golf Resort is to host the European Golf Associations (EGA) European Championship for Golfers with Disability on 21-24 August for the first time.

The championship, which is in its 18th year, is approved by the EGA and run by the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA). It will see 80 players descend on Amendoeira’s sun-kissed O’Connor Jnr Course, ready to compete in a range of events, including male, female and wheelchair-bound competitions.

The European Championship for Golfers with Disability alternates between individual and team championships each year. 2021 will see the individual championship take place, after it was postponed from 2020, like so many major sporting events. The 80 players, along with their staff, caddies, guides and other members of their retinue will all be based at Amendoeira, which is owned and operated by Kronos Homes, for the duration of the competition.

Tony Bennett, President of EDGA, Head of Disability and Inclusion for International Golf Federation, said:

“We look forward to welcoming all those involved in the European Championship for Golfers with Disability to Amendoeira Golf Resort and invite them to enjoy our wide range of facilities, from the new clubhouse, the restaurant and the sports bar to the practice course and the impressive fairways and subtly contoured greens of the O’Connor Jnr Course. We are proud to support this esteemed event.”

The O’Connor Jnr Course was designed by iconic Irish golfer Christy O’Connor Jnr. Situated in a fertile valley in the Silves area of the Central Algarve, the course has been skilfully landscaped and planted with mature palm trees, which intersperse its multiple water features. Focus and accuracy are essential for this challenging course, which is one of three at Amendoeira (alongside the 18-hole Faldo course and Portugal’s only illuminated nine-hole course).

Alda Filipe, Sales & Marketing Director, Kronos Homes, added:

“We are thrilled that the 2021 European Championship for Golfers with Disability will take place at Amendoeira Golf Resort. Our players have previously enjoyed a range of superb golf courses in Lisbon, as well as here in the Algarve, and are looking forward to the challenge of the O’Connor Jnr Course, with its stunning surroundings, as well as to the chance to reconnect and enjoy some social banter.”

News

askporter unveils new version of AI platform to drive industry expansion

London based AI tech firm, askporter, has unveiled a new version of its Artificial Intelligence [AI] platform to enable public and private sector organisations to manage their customers, places, and assets autonomously.

Established in 2017 by CEO, Tom Shrive, askporter was initially launched as an effective management solution for the property sector – enabling facilities and property management providers to benefit from the platform’s capability to seamlessly manage and respond to human interaction, while automating repetitive, outdated, and time-consuming tasks.

Over the last two years, the askporter team have invested time and resource into the redevelopment of its AI platform, culminating in a highly configurable solution that can successfully deliver end-to-end automation across both public and private sectors.

Unlike chatbot solutions, the new askporter platform combines its own AI assistant that can hold natural conversations across any channel, with workflow automation to successfully progress tasks autonomously to completion – from collecting additional information, payments, and bookings through to verifying identification. In addition, its open API enables the platform to connect with partner systems and IOT devices to integrate with operational workflow and provide seamlessly automated actions, such as event triggers and escalations.

Following successful deployments at both Local Authority and Corporate Enterprise level, the askporter senior leadership team are now focused on implementing the platform across target industry sectors both UK and worldwide, while significantly increasing market share over the next 5 years.

Lee Morris, Chief Commercial Officer for askporter, confirmed: “askporter was founded from the belief that human time is precious, and that people should be able to interact with their real-world environment effortlessly.

In redeveloping the askporter platform, we have integrated our AI assistant with workflow automation to deliver a highly configurable end-to-end solution that helps public sector and enterprise organisations improve service delivery whilst accelerating to a less resource intensive and lower cost-based operation. We have already implemented the new askporter platform into a number of public and private sector settings and are seeing excellent results, particularly with improved customer service and engagement levels – so watch this space.”

Headquartered in London, askporter currently employs a team of 27 tech specialists – forecast to accelerate to 50 within the next 12 months.

In 2020, the innovative tech firm received a fresh round of £2 million in funding to enable it to meet the accelerated demand for AI assisted solutions as a result of the pandemic.

This follows significant investment from a number of leading VC’s and investment companies including Google, with askporter looking to raise another growth round in 2022.

For more information,  visit: https://askporter.com

Law, News

Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors End Record Year with Office Move

Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors has reported a record year as it marks its 200-year anniversary as a firm.

Following the start of its financial year this July, the North West solicitors has experienced surges in case volume and turnover, up by 56% and 24% respectively since 2019/2020.

The award-winning firm has also increased its staffing by 33% to 56 team members across all of its legal departments covering residential conveyancing, family law, criminal law, commercial litigation and wills and probate to name a few.

The report comes as the firm’s Runcorn-based team completes an office move, relocating to a new, upgraded space in Millbank House, close to its original workplace. This new facility will complement its locations in Liverpool and Warrington in terms of servicing clients and providing a positive work environment for the team.

Managing Partner of Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors Mike Leeman said: “After what has been a difficult and uncertain period, we are delighted with our end of year results which shows an increase in volume of cases and turnover across all of our departments. Delivering such a high volume of work while the team have been operating flexibly with a mix of home and office working is truly a credit to them and is a demonstration of our commitment as a firm to both our employees and our clients. Over the years we have invested in market leading technology that allows clients to work with us digitally whilst allowing the team to benefit from increased agility across all areas.

“We’ve always considered ourselves a pioneering firm in this sense, even pre-pandemic, but recent events have accelerated the process and has given us an opportunity to invest further into the digital client experience at the benefit of everyone involved. We’ve been able to better use our resources to fulfil the work at hand while maintaining our reputation as a firm that puts client care at the forefront.”

Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors’ new office space will facilitate staff and client meetings where face-to-face interaction is required while providing a more modern environment to support the firm in maintaining its positive culture, with team wellbeing at the heart of that.

Millbank House includes an open plan workspace, boardroom, interview rooms and a number of breakout areas alongside communal gardens.

Mike added: “Due to the rapid growth of the firm in the last several years, we’ve invested into our team and in the last 12 months alone have brought on 22 new recruits across all departments including three apprentices. With so much uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and what it would mean for the legal sector, it would have been easy for us to minimise our outgoings and simply get through it, but we believe that investing into people and into technology is worth the risk and for us, that’s been the case.

“We’re delighted to be heading into our new financial year and our 200th year in business with a positive outlook and a brand-new office location with upgraded facilities for both staff and clients. We’re still operating appointments on a pre-booked basis as well as continuing to work with clients remotely but our team have enjoyed having flexible working options, balancing working from home with time in the office with colleagues when required.”