Alejandro Garnacho is the shining light as Cristiano Ronaldo casts another shadow over Manchester United

By now, we should be well aware that nothing is ever plain sailing at Manchester United. It’s been a turbulent decade at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson retired — to say the least — and while Erik ten Hag looks to have steadied the ship as far as on the pitch matters are concerned, the rumblings behind the scenes at the club just never seem to go away.

The latest issue away from the field is perhaps one of the biggest the club have ever had to deal with, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s damning interview with Piers Morgan is making waves across the footballing world for all the wrong reasons. The Portugal star hasn’t held back when talking about his new manager, former players and infrastructure at the club — and the fall out is far from over.

Luckily, there are plenty of reasons for Manchester United fans to remain positive despite all the noise created by Ronaldo. After their poor start to the season, which saw them beaten by Brighton and Brentford, Ten Hag’s methods and philosophies are starting to shine through and the Red Devils are often favoured in the football odds as game day approaches.

While they might have liked to be higher in the table at the break for the World Cup, sitting in fifth three points behind Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand over the north Londoners certainly isn’t a bad place to be in at this stage of the season. But the number one thing getting Man United fans excited at the minute has got to be the emergence of young talent Alejandro Garnacho.

The young Argentine has put in some admirable performances in his handful of appearances so far this season, most notably scoring the winning goal in injury time to ensure Manchester United came away from Craven Cottage with a 2-1 win over Fulham and with all three points in the bag before the international break.

At just 18 years of age, he isn’t quite at the stage where he’s going to walk into Ten Hag’s starting XI on a regular basis and single handily make Man United more favourable in the football betting tips just yet.

However, he is playing with a level of confidence that makes him a danger from the bench as he isn’t afraid to take on a defender and make a bursting run down the wing before whipping in a cross — which we saw him do in the 4-2 win over Aston Villa in the League Cup, cutting back on to his foot before whipping in a delightful ball to Scott McTominay.

In many ways, this period now feels like it’s a case of out with the old and in with the new — as Ronaldo’s second stint at the club is almost certainly over, while life in the famous red jersey of Man United is only just beginning for the exciting Garnacho. Of course, several players like the 18-year-old have come through and failed to live up to expectation at Old Trafford, so it’s important not to put too much weight on his shoulders.

Image credit: AtilaTheHun from Manchester, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Should Your Business Invest In Company Cars?

Company cars are essential in businesses from different industries and niches. However, not all businesses need to invest in one, especially since it may cost a lot. If your business operates in different areas, you may need to drive regularly. In this case, your business may need a company car. 

Now that businesses are looking through the benefits of using an electric vehicle, the choice of having a company car is becoming more important. When searching for Hybrid or electric models, try searching for Hyundai Kona for sale UK.  The Hyundai Kona and the new Kia EV6 have been the best choices for business owners since these have large spaces and cost less than other EVs.

Having your own vehicle for your business use can bring multiple benefits. Purchasing a company car instead of leasing may reduce monthly expenses, allows you to be eligible for tax incentives, and help you achieve your overall business goals. 

Another thing to look at is it may also add help to your business expansion. However, a company car is not always the best move for every business. 

The Initial and Consequent Costs

The costs of a company car do not stop after the initial downpayment or full payment. Consequent costs, such as the cost of maintenance, repair fees, and insurance charges, should also be expected. If you are purchasing a company car through financing, then you need also to include the costs included in the financing method you chose. 

Your business credit score, loan term, and choice of lender determine the loan interest rate for company cars. You may be required to pay for a higher interest if your credit score is low.

If you are buying used cars, the maintenance and repair costs depend on the type and motor of the vehicle chosen. Older vehicles may have higher maintenance or repair charges. 

One of the best ways to evaluate if your business can pay an investment for the company car costs is to look into your current cash flow. For the consequent costs, you may evaluate your cash flow by looking at the upcoming months. Is your monthly revenue enough to pay for the additional costs that come with getting a company car? Can your revenue cover your lease payments, employee salaries, and utilities? 

 

Owning vs Leasing

Having your own company car comes with many benefits. Though it is considered an asset, purchasing is not always the right option for your business, especially if you have an unstable monthly revenue. 

When thinking of purchasing a company car, consider your long-term business goals. If you are planning to expand your business or planning to deliver goods in the future, you may consider investing in a company car. 

However, you may also conduct a cost-benefit analysis between purchasing a new one and leasing. Looking for the pros and cons of each can help you decide whether to own one or stay with leasing a company car for a moment. 

 

How It Can Benefit Your Employees

Having a company car can be a great benefit to employees who travel often. It offers convenience during work trips and reduces the amount of public transport needed that may take longer travel time. It also allows them to focus on working since they do not have to worry about their personal cars.  

In addition to that, what attracts employees is most companies allow the company car to be used for personal errands. For employees, they may still own a personal vehicle that they can only use for short leisure-based journeys. This will help reduce their personal vehicle’s overall depreciation.

As for employers, offering a company car can be used to attract a pool of talent. Company cars are a limited benefit that can be highlighted in the job description. It can be used as a key to attracting the appropriate professionals to your company. 

 

Needs of Your Business

If your small business needs a delivery service, a company car may be considered an investment for a business function. 

Traveling to increase sales is another reason why a company car would be useful. However, you may still use personal vehicles, and mileage reimbursement may be a better option if you aren’t sure if you can cover the monthly finances of owning a company car. 

Your company car may also help in advertising your business. You can increase your business awareness to the public, but a company car may not be suitable if this is your only purpose. You may use your personal vehicle for advertising, or choose other advertising options.

Nfinite Research Reveals Retailers’ Rapid Shift to CGI and 3D Imagery

  • 96% of retailers report they face challenges with product imagery creation today
  • 52% of retailers plan to invest in next-generation product imagery

Nfinite, the leader in next-generation visualization and e-commerce merchandising, today announced the second in a series of findings of its independent research into the opinions and expectations of retail executives around online product imagery in e-commerce and consumer engagement.

A key research finding highlights the shift from costly and cumbersome traditional photography to next-generation computer-generated imagery (CGI) and 3D visuals.

 

Retailers face significant challenges with product image creation

While over 86% of respondents have an annual photography budget of over $500k and over one-quarter are responsible for a budget of over $1 million, the majority are hampered by the limitations of traditional photography in today’s rapidly evolving e-commerce environment.  96% report challenges with product imagery creation. Challenges include the following:

  • Two-thirds (68%) report they often go over budget on photo shoots
  • 55% said products change rapidly, and images are quickly obsolete
  • 39% said it was challenging to have enough image options across all channels

 

CGI and 3D Imagery adoption is expected to drive e-commerce performance

Data shows that retailers plan to increasingly invest in CGI technologies

  • Today, 38% of respondents say they use CGI extensively
  • 52% of respondents plan to invest in next-generation product imagery in 2023

 

CGI and 3D imagery are expected to increase top and bottom-line business performance

The independent research shows far-reaching advantages in the move away from traditional photography to next-generation CGI and 3D Imagery. They included:

  • Increase purchase conversion rates [57%]
  • Optimize promotion of specific products to match availability [28%]
  • Lower image creation costs [40%]
  • Generate many more images per product [40%]
  • Reduce the carbon footprint of a traditional photo shoot [36%]
  • Lower product return rates [29%]

 

Said Nfinite founder and CEO Alexandre de Vigan, “This research validates our value proposition to retailers–we find replacing traditional photography with CGI and 3D imagery improves business outcomes while reducing costs and increasing efficiency. There is a reason 3 of the 5 top global retailers partner with Nfinite. Next-generation product imagery is transforming their e-commerce outcomes which can be measured in increased traffic, engagement, and sales.”

Research Methodology

A total of 104 qualified individuals from the United States completed the survey conducted by Dimensional Research. All were VP or C-level executives working at a retail company with more than 1,000 employees. All had responsibility for online sales, with decision-making responsibility for product images or e-commerce merchandising.

 

About Nfinite

Nfinite is a leading e-merchandising platform that empowers retailers to grow their business and deliver better customer experiences through powerful, customizable visual content. The Nfinite Platform makes it easy to create, display, and manage unlimited product visuals using cutting edge 3D CGI technology, making high quality visual content more affordable, adaptable, and faster to create. With Nfinite, companies can deliver endless visual combinations, interactive experiences, and real-time personalized content to their customers worldwide. Visit nfinite.app for more information.

 

New global consultancy launches to help companies sell better and more.

A new global consultancy has launched to help companies operate more efficiently and sell more. The SalesFitness Group brings together established business advisory company SalesLevers and its sister data company i-snapshot.

The new group operates offices in London, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Glasgow alongside a global network of affiliates.

 

Commenting on the launch, Richard Higham, marketing and sales director of the SalesFitness Group, said: “As the economy faces a global downturn, there has never been a more critical time to manage an efficient and focused sales operation. Tough economic conditions often create market disruption and the opportunity to win market share. So we’ve launched an innovative approach to improving sales by combining leading consultancy, data insights, organisational design, team development and analytics.

“Companies of all sizes struggle to shift to a hybrid sales approach post covid and are facing economic headwinds. However, we believe that a fresh approach, enabled by technology, can help businesses grow, even in the toughest conditions.”

 

SalesFitness Group operates SalesWisdom, which helps companies with research, insights and analytical solutions. In addition, SalesLevers provides processes and tools to improve performance, including coaching and training for individual and team development.

SalesWindow works on the recording, reporting and forecasting of sales data and has recently launched a new forecasting app for complex sales called SalesCast.

The group supports companies ranging from Mizuno Golf to Chargeurs Group, an international high-technology manufacturing company and operator of the world’s largest studio dedicated to creating cultural content.

 

Martin Allison, chairman of SalesFitness Group, said: “Salespeople and the wider sales function don’t always get the respect they deserve in UK corporate culture. We believe good selling does good – good for the customer, the organisation and its stakeholders, and the individual salesperson too. In a business world that is changing rapidly and radically, the strategies, processes and skills that have served in the past need to change to deliver results in the future.”

 

Tappx Celebrates 9th Birthday And Launches Techsoulogy

– A new horizontal brand architecture for five leading advertising, media, and entertainment brands –

Tappx, a leading global AdTech company, proudly announces the launch of Techsoulogy, a new corporate brand that unifies a broad portfolio of companies powering solutions for digital advertising, video content, mobile apps and video gaming across mobile, desktop, and CTV platforms.

The launch of Techsoulogy coincides with the 9th birthday of Tappx, which has grown rapidly since 2013 to reach 70 staff, and is forecast to surpass EUR 20 million of revenue this year. Tappx will now become part of the Techsoulogy brand while retaining its own name and unique position in the market. This is a major milestone in the company’s story, providing coherence of branding and messaging to a set of companies that have been launched or acquired by Tappx in recent years, with a total headcount approaching 100.

Alongside Tappx, Techsoulogy will be the corporate brand for four other companies focused on multiple complementary media and entertainment verticals including video generation and monetization, contextual advertising, and mobile game development. Each has been brought under the coherent messaging architecture and visual brand identity, with their own subtle twists. The Techsoulogy brand identity was defined with the help of Collaborabrands, and brought to life with words from Fernando Beltrán, visuals from Comuniza, and digital ecosystem development from Branng. Future brands entering the group will also be part of the consistent identity.

 

Daniel Reina, CEO at Techsoulogy and the founder of Tappx, commented:

“We believe this new brand architecture is an ideal model for our diverse companies, providing a common thread between them and creating a framework for us to keep growing and moving into new product categories. Tappx has been the engine behind this expansion, consistently growing in revenue and headcount even through challenging economic conditions, but it’s time for it to be part of something bigger.

“This includes not being afraid to talk about our vision for how technology and humanity will interact. How can we contribute human intelligence to artificial intelligence, and what qualifies us to have our say? As Tappx, we pioneered various initiatives to create a safer, more accessible, and more transparent digital environment at the expense of short-term profit: to help publishers adopt IAB standards; select only trustworthy, direct owned and operated traffic; and enable contextual advertising that improves user experience while protecting privacy. As Techsoulogy, we will do far more.”

 

Fernando Saiz Camarero, CMO at Techsoulogy, added:

“This has been an extensive project that began in mid-2021 when we asked our customers and partners what they value about us. We discovered that alongside our advanced technology, we’re best known for the quality of our people, ways of working, and culture. The team is our most powerful asset, and so we came up with the name Techsoulogy to encapsulate themes of technology, humanity and knowledge. As Techsoulogy, we will constantly explore, learn and improve to achieve more together than we ever could apart.” 

Tappx recorded 97% revenue growth between 2020 and 2021 and is set to grow markedly again this year, with forecasts indicating revenue of at least EUR 20 million in 2022.

Natixis Investment Managers Choose AML

Natixis Investment Managers, one of the world’s largest asset managers, is working with AML Group to deliver their EMEA and APAC strategy and creative focusing on building two funds to ‘blockbuster’ status.

The scope of work will include the creation of a new capability information and content site followed by a B2B and internal promotional campaign to include print, digital, events and out of home placements in Asian markets.

 

Commenting on the appointment Emily Askham, Chief Marketing Officer – International, Natixis says:

We wanted to work with AML because they have an in depth and thorough understanding of our world, global capabilities and a unique ability to bring complex ideas to life through compelling, memorable campaigns.”

 

Headquartered in Paris and Boston, Natixis manage $1.3 trillion in assets globally delivering best-in-class solutions to solve their clients’ critical investment challenges to produce long-term, sustainable results.

 

We are thrilled to be working with Natixis” says Ian Henderson, CEO, AML Group“,and looking forward to working together to communicate their impressive credentials in the areas of sustainable and thematic investing as demonstrated in the two funds.”

How to apply for an LEI?

LEI stands for Legal Entity Identifier. This is a 20-character code based on the ISO 17442 standard. If you are taking part in financial transactions such as trading with Forex, bonds, or stocks, an LEI number offers transparency by acting as a reference to vital information.

If you want to get an LEI in UK, read on to discover everything you need to know about making your application.

Do you need an LEI code?

Any legal entity that wishes to purchase or sell securities needs to register for an LEI code. This has been the case since the beginning of 2018.

How can I apply for an LEI code?

If you want to apply for an LEI code, the best thing to do is find a professional registration company that can process your application for you. You will typically need to fill in a short application form, and then you can receive your LEI code on the same day.

The sort of information that will be required includes:

  • Legal entity name
  • Applicant’s name
  • Email address
  • Contact number
  • Legal address
  • Company ownership information

Once you have provided this information, you can select your renewal period, for example, one year, three years, or five years. Accept the terms and conditions, and then you can send off your form so that the registration agent can review it.

If they are happy with the information provided, they will send you your LEI code. If further information is needed, they will get in touch with you.

Such registration agents will also be able to help you transfer or renew an LEI number if required.

How long does it take to apply for an LEI code and then receive it?

This all depends on the registration agent that you work with. The best thing to do is look on the company’s website, as they will outline the time frame for you.

In most cases, it will only take a few minutes to fill in the application. As you can see from the information in the previous section, only basic details are needed.

Once you have filled in the form, you will need to make your payment and wait for the agent to review your application. The best registration companies promise you that you will receive your LEI code within one working day.

When does my LEI code become valid?

Banks validate LEI codes via the GLEIF database, which means your LEI number is going to be valid once the database has been updated. This happens on a daily basis at 2 pm. To find out whether or not your LEI code is valid, simply head to the GLEIF database and search for it

Making an application for an LEI code

All in all, the process involved when applying for an LEI code is incredibly straightforward and does not take a lot of time. If you wish to purchase or sell securities, this is something you simply cannot afford to overlook.

What are the Best Investments I Can Make?

The UK economy is rightfully a cause for concern for the working population. A year of high inflation has decimated spending power for millions of households and had the effect of devaluing savings in the process. As such, more and more people are actively taking matters into their own hands and seeking more effective methods of protecting and growing their money. Investment is the chief mechanism behind growing money outside of Bank of England interest rates – but what are the best ways to invest, for the uninitiated?

Property

The first word out of any investor’s lips, when asked about the best place to protect and grow money, is invariably ‘property’. Investment in property is one of the safest forms of investment and remains so in spite of the current predictions regarding potential dips in property value. Typically, property values are robust and immune to the wider movements of the economy – acting as a safe haven for funds when times grow hard.

Before the current mortgage crisis, property was also a strong contender for inflation-beating growth in investment, as property values continued to rise considerably – with large thanks to high demand and low supply during the coronavirus pandemic. But owning property can generate wealth in more ways than one; renting out the property you own can create semi-passive income as well, bolstering long-term growth with short-term returns.

Stocks and Shares

Stocks and bonds are a more conventional form of investment, and perhaps the kind of investment that first springs to mind for many. Buying up shares in businesses on the stock market affords investors the opportunity to profit from market growth, either by investing long-term in the continued success of growing businesses or through ‘shorting’ a business and generating returns through predicting failure.

For the casual investor, seeking efficient and effective ways to grow savings in an inflation-proof manner, the best way in which to engage with this form of investment is through an investment fund. A fund tracks the movement of multiple stocks, or even an entire market, at once – diversifying investment and shielding against individual business failures or market tremors.

For the active investor seeking high reward, it is necessary to also adopt high risk. There is an argument to be made that the recession lowers risk for many, as businesses are all-but guaranteed to lose value – increasing the chance of a ‘payday’ for short investors. The recession is also a ‘discount’ opportunity for long traders, who can patiently ride out the recession and sell after the inevitable post-recession upswing.

Retirement Funds

Lastly, retirement funds may not be immediately accessible for the vast majority of investors, but they do represent one of the most effective routes to saving and growing money. By maximising your pension payments during employment, you also maximise your employer’s contributions, in so doing greatly increasing the size of your retirement nest egg.

 

Auto Insurance: 6 Tips to Reduce Car Insurance Premium

Every driver who has driven a car knows how important and helpful car insurance is. But at the same time, they also get to know how expensive auto insurance can be when buying it. When something is essential, necessary, and costly, one should always try to find ways to save money.

It is shocking that while car insurance is such a ubiquitous thing, many people do not know how they can save money on car insurance premium rates. Regarding car insurance, you need to balance costs with coverage. This means that both low cost and great coverage are of equal importance. 

So are you among the ones paying a lot in car insurance premiums? Well, this article is for you. Here are some fantastic tips to help you reduce car insurance premium rates without compromising your coverage. Let’s get started. 

 

Compare and Select the Best

Before you take any steps to reduce your car insurance premium rates, you need to be in a suitable space. If you get a costly car insurance policy offering little coverage, you are overpaying for it. 

So the first thing to do here is to get the right policy. How to do that? By comparing all the different car insurance companies and what they are offering. Finding the best auto insurer is easier than you think. All you need to do is search for it specifically for your state. 

For example, if you live in Nevada, search for the best Nevada car insurance and compare their policies, coverage, reviews, features, and of course, the price. Make sure that price is not the only thing you are looking for since coverage quality is just as important. 

Once you have ensured that you got the best car insurance policy, we can move to fine-tuning to reduce your auto insurance premium rates. Let’s start with the fastest and most effective one. 

 

Insurance Deductibles

Almost every car insurance policy comes with a deductible. Insurance policies have a coverage limit, the maximum amount the insurer would pay when you claim the policy. 

But to avoid unnecessary claims, insurers set a deductible amount. This is a small amount of money (compared to the coverage limit) that the policyholder needs to pay before the rest of the coverage amount is produced by the insurer. 

So if you have a policy and claim it for car repairs that cost around $5,000, and the deductible is set to $1,000, you’ll have to pay this amount, and then the insurer would pay $4,000. 

You can reduce or increase the deductible amount directly affecting your insurance premium rates. If your deductibles are low (meaning you’ll pay less from your pocket in an insurance claim), your insurance premium rates will be high. 

It is a door that swings both ways. If your deductibles are high, your insurance premium rates will come down. But if you make an insurance claim, you’ll have to pay a lot from your pockets. 

You cannot claim your insurance if the cost of repairs is below your deductible amount. So increase your deductibles, and your premium rates will go down. But make sure you drive carefully as you’ll have to pay a lot if you get into an accident. 

 

Take Defensive Driving Course 

Many driving courses improve your standing with the insurer. Car insurance companies sometimes have their driving course if you want to qualify for discounts or low rates. 

Contact your insurer and ask if they have any course like this or if taking a defensive driving course would be accepted. If they do buy it, take the system, and you’ll get some sweet discounts on your insurance premium rates. 

 

Consider Pay-Per-Mile Insurance

If recently your driving has reduced, thanks to the pandemic, you can consider switching to pay-per-mile or usage-based insurance. Usage-based insurance can be much cheaper and better if your monthly mileage is low. 

If you drive occasionally and your monthly mileage is below 800 miles, then switch to usage-based car insurance (compare prices here as well and choose the most affordable one).

A base rate is first calculated by looking at your driving record and other factors. This base rate is multiplied by your monthly mileage to calculate your premium rates. The best thing is that if you do not drive that much, it can save hundreds of dollars in insurance bills. 

 

Clean Driving Record

If you want to save money on any auto insurance policy, having a clean driving record is imperative. A bad driving record with traffic violations, rash driving, etc., can hike your insurance rates and premium prices.

So avoid breaking traffic rules, drive under the speed limit, and avoid driving under the influence as it is one of the most impactful negative factors in your driving record. A clean driving record will keep your insurance premium rates low. 

 

Insurance Claims 

It might seem a little counterintuitive but making an insurance claim is only sometimes the smart move. For minor accidents that require minor repairs, it is better to pay from your own pockets than make an insurance claim. 

In case you want to make an insurance claim, you’ll have to pay the deductible first. An insurance claim will increase your car insurance rates in the future, no matter which insurer you choose. This increases your insurance premium rates too. 

So the best thing to do here (if you want to reduce car insurance premium rates) would be to avoid insurance claims when you can pay for the repairs yourself or get an accident forgiveness add-on so that your insurance rates stay low even after you get in an accident. 

 

Conclusion

With all these steps, your insurance premium rates will go down. Do note that if your rates are inflated due to poor driving records, or traffic violations/accidents, reducing the premium rates can be very difficult and time-consuming. 

The best option, in this case, would be to switch to a new company that offers the lowest prices. You’ll still pay a lot compared to others with good driving records, but at least it won’t be as expensive as it is now. 

Disparity in annuities highlights employers need to do more to support staff approaching retirement says Punter Southall Aspire CEO

Latest analysis by Standard Life revealed annuity rates have increased by 50% since the start of the year – rising from 4.66% to 7.04% by the second week of October for a healthy 65-year-old[i].

The follows other findings from Just Group which showed a 16% gap in income between the worst and best paying Guaranteed Income for Life plans[ii].

Comparisons showed the worst-paying plan would generate £3,137 income a year on a £50,000 purchase price for a 65-year-old in good health, with the best, generating £3,642. This is £505 a year extra income, or £12,625 over 25 years.

In response, Steve Butler, CEO, Punter Southall Aspire, urges people close to retirement to always shop around to get the best annuity as it can make a big difference to retirement income.

Steve says: “There is a huge disparity between annuities which is very apparent now rates have increased. Those close to retirement need to ensure they are getting the best deal for their circumstances and have a clear understanding of the wide range of options there are in the annuity market.

“This means shopping around and not just opting for the annuity your pension provider is offering. As this analysis shows, the difference between the best and worst paying plans is significant and it’s likely to increase if rates continue rising. With people grappling with the cost of living crisis, it’s never been more vital to make best retirement decisions.

“Employers can also play a key role in supporting staff by providing tailored financial education and tools for those approaching retirement, and employees increasingly look to their employer for support for the next stage of their lives. Offering this support could help someone increase their retirement income significantly as they head into retirement.”

Punter Southall Aspire research found 61% of employers don’t provide any pre-retirement or financial guidance to employees approaching the age when they can access their pension pots (55-plus) – leaving many in the dark when it comes to planning their financial future[iii].

This is despite eight out of ten employers saying their company and people would benefit from being better informed about all things financial; and retirement planning topping the list of what employers think would be most valuable.

Punter Southall Aspire offers employers tools to support employee financial wellbeing including Aspire to Retire, an online solution employees can use to plan and visualise their all their savings in one place and Pension Potential, which compares every annuity on the market. Free to employers and free to use, it gives employees the help they need, online and with the option to talk in the phone or in-person. For more information, click here.

[i] https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/4060207/annuity-rates-start

[ii] https://ifamagazine.com/article/gap-between-best-and-worst-guaranteed-income-for-life-rates-widens-to-four-year-high/

[iii] https://stories.puntersouthall.com/story/financial-wellbeing-2020-survey/page/1