Monthly Archives: June 2023

South West England News, Sport

Veezu Supports Stoke Bishop Cricket Club

Leading South West taxi and private hire firm Veezu is sponsoring Bristol’s Stoke Bishop Cricket Club for their 2023 season.

The historic club, founded in 1889, has over 250 members across their junior section and senior team, providing developmental and competitive cricket for boys, girls, men and women across the local community.

Based at the 38-acre Coombe Dingle sports centre, the club has three pitches, three artificial nets and access to the pavilion serving food and drinks. The £1000 sponsorship received from Veezu will be used to buy pitch covers, stopping matches from being affected by poor weather.

Veezu South West is a regional brand of Veezu Group, who stepped in to donate to the local cause through their community support programme ‘Funded by Veezu’. The programme is a way in which local not-for-profit initiatives can receive grants and support.

Daniel Watts, Club Secretary at Stoke Bishop Cricket Club, said: “We’re so thankful to Veezu for their sponsorship this season. Their generous donation, alongside Bristol University’s support, will allow us to purchase pitch covers to stop the grounds being ruined in poor weather, thereby ensuring matches can go ahead to their best ability.

“We can’t wait to get out there this summer, and hope to see the team at Veezu cheering us on!”

Jack Price, Regional Director at Veezu South West, said: “We’re very happy to be able to sponsor Stoke Bishop Cricket Club this season, helping them get ever closer to their fundraising target for the year.

“Supporting our local community is of paramount importance to us at Veezu, and it’s great to see local causes benefitting from the Funded by Veezu programme.”

News

Wellbeing brand pilots mental health support sessions at leading college

THE husband-and-wife team behind a growing mental health brand piloted bespoke support sessions with the backing of college staff and students.

Ben and Natalia Taylor launched BePo (Be Positive) clothing and lifestyle brand eight years ago, after he was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), depression and anxiety at 43 years of age.

The couple produced hoodies and T-shirts and even a book sharing positive messages and have now started delivering talks and workshops at schools and colleges, including Cambria – based in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop, and Llysfasi – where they held a series of tailored sessions for lecturers, staff and learners.

They asked participants to think about mental health differently and targeted the challenges faced by many students during and as a result of the pandemic, notably exam stress, isolation and challenges due to lockdown and social distancing.

“We learnt as a family that three main things helped Ben’s mental health,” said Natalia.

“Focus, talking and helping others, so we were delighted with the enthusiasm and support we received from Coleg Cambria, who really embraced our ideas.

“They’ve been incredible from start to finish and delivering the sessions proved to us that this idea isn’t just good in theory – it made sense to the audience and the feedback they gave us was incredible.”

Ben added: ““We want to thank Cambria for their faith in us in this early stage of developing this programme. They are superstars, but this is only the beginning!”

Julie Guzzo , Curriculum Director of Care Therapies at Coleg Cambria, was pleased to be able to help BePo shape its message and sessions for the future.

“The response from the attendees in the room was so positive,” she said.

“We were delighted to be one of the first educational bodies to give BePo a platform to deliver their message, and instantly saw the potential in their passion and commitment to mental health awareness.”

For more on BePo, visit the website: Home | Bepo (teambepo.co.uk)

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

Automotive, Automotive Tech

Choosing the Right Vehicle Tracking Solution: Key Factors to Consider

Unlock efficiency with the right vehicle tracking solution. Monitor your fleet in real-time, make informed decisions, and streamline operations.

By implementing the right vehicle tracking system, businesses have the ability to safely monitor their vehicles, improve efficiency, and streamline their operations. However, with such a wide array of options available, selecting the perfect tracking solution can seem like a daunting task.

When looking for the right vehicle tracking solution for your business, it is important to take certain considerations into account before making a final decision. Here’s a list of factors to consider to help you choose the right tracking solution for your business.

Real-Time Vehicle Monitoring

In order to manage your fleet effectively, it is important to keep abreast of any changes as and when they occur in real-time. For this reason, an important factor to consider when selecting the right vehicle tracking solution is how frequently it updates.

Having access to real-time GPS updates enables fleet managers to track vehicles throughout the day, using this data to make timely decisions and proactively address any issues that may arise. As a result, this will lead to better fleet management and increased productivity across the board.

Mapping and Reporting Capabilities

A user-friendly interface with comprehensive mapping and reporting features is crucial for any efficient fleet management system. Look out for a tracking solution that offers clear and intuitive insights, customisable reports, and tools for data visualisation. These features will enable you to track vehicle movements and make informed, data-driven decisions for your fleet.

Ease of Use

Of course, there is no use in purchasing a sophisticated vehicle tracking solution if it is impossible to navigate. For this reason, choosing a solution that is simple and easy to use is essential. For example, the solution from Crystal Ball offers a fully customisable vehicle tracking dashboard in their software, allowing customers to easily view the activity of their fleet with ease and security.

Customer Support

A reputable tracking solution provider should offer customer support and training resources to their customers. By looking for providers with positive reviews that offer comprehensive documentation, training materials, and responsive customer service, this support will ensure that you make the most of your vehicle tracking solution.

Data Protection

Vehicle tracking systems collect and store lots of sensitive data, including real-time location information, driver behaviour, and operational details. By prioritising data security, businesses can prevent unauthorised access, maintain confidentiality, and safeguard their proprietary information. For this reason, it is important you ensure that the provider implements robust security measures, such as data encryption and secure protocols to protect your sensitive fleet information.

Compatibility and Integration

It is important to determine if your tracking solution can integrate with your pre-existing fleet management systems. It’s also important to make sure that it is compatible with your existing technology such as smartphones for app-based vehicle tracking.

Conclusion

Remember: the ideal tracking solution should not just provide accurate and real-time tracking of your vehicles, but it should also provide features that will help to streamline operations, improve driver safety, and enhance overall productivity. By investing time and effort in selecting the right solution, you can gain valuable insights into your fleet’s performance, and ultimately achieve greater success for your business.

Awards, News, Sustainability

Team Consulting receives Silver Ecovadis Award for sustainability initiatives

Medical design and development consultancy, Team Consulting, has been awarded a Silver Ecovadis Medal for sustainability, placing the company in the top 7% of sustainability rated companies in the scientific industry.

Ecovadis is an internationally recognised sustainability platform that evaluates companies across a range of criteria, including environment, social and ethical practices.

The award recognises companies that have demonstrated outstanding sustainability performance, reflecting Team Consulting’s commitment to improve its environmental and social impact.

A Silver Medal is awarded to companies that score in the top 25% of all companies evaluated by Ecovadis.

Team Consulting has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce and offset its carbon footprint, minimise waste and promote ethical and responsible business practices, including signing up to the UN Global Compact and aligning its corporate sustainability plans to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

As a company, it will continue to prioritise sustainability in its operations and work towards achieving even higher standards.

Commenting on the win, Sarah Mardle, Business Operations Director at Team Consulting, said: “We place immense value on being a sustainable business. Sustainability is a key concern in the medical device industry, and we believe it should be actively promoted both in device development as well as our business practices. This award is a great recognition for our continued mission to improve our sustainability performance and report on our plans in a transparent way.”

Alongside its own practices, Team Consulting is also committed to supporting its own clients in achieving their sustainability goals.

The company’s project teams actively work to optimise their clients’ design and minimise the environmental impact of their development by providing strategic advice and guidance on sustainable decision-making such as lower carbon footprint with LA, incorporating renewable materials whenever possible, support with manufacturing modular design, and design for a circular economy.

News

Ministry of Furniture named SME of the Year at the CEW Awards

Recognised as one of Wales’ most innovative loose and fitted furniture suppliers, Ministry of Furniture has emerged triumphant in the highly competitive SME of the Year category at the esteemed Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) Awards 2023.

Ministry of Furniture, which emerged from Remploy Furniture some ten years ago, has been chosen as SME of the Year by a panel of judges at the acclaimed awards ceremony, held at the Celtic Manor Resort on Friday, June 16.

In addition to winning the SME of the Year category, one of Ministry’s most high-profile projects, Cefn Saeson High School, was also shortlisted in both the Building Project of the Year and the Integration and Collaborative Work Award categories, where Ministry of Furniture was name-checked for its contribution alongside Powell Dobson Architects, Neath Port Talbot CBC, Morgan Sindall, WSP, Corscadden Associates and Formant.

Expressing his delight at the company’s victory, Graham Hirst, Managing Director of Ministry of Furniture, emphasised the significance of this recognition and the extraordinary journey the company has undertaken since the closure of the Port Talbot-based Remploy factory. Over the past decade, it has developed well beyond its roots to sit at the top table for many sectors in Wales, including construction.

As a winner of the Constructing Excellent in Wales awards, Ministry of Furniture will now go on to the Constructing Excellence national finals, which will be held at London Marriott Grosvenor Square on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

Ministry is also proud to be a framework supplier for The National Procurement Service (NPS) for Wales, which has been set up to enable the Welsh public sector to collaborate more closely in procuring goods and services.

Graham Hirst, Managing Director, Ministry of Furniture, said:

“We are delighted to have been named as winner of this prestigious award and would like to thank Powell Dobson Architects for the nomination. This is a recognition of the journey the company has been on for the past decade – and the substantial progress we have made.

“Our extensive presence in the education, workplace, and construction sectors for loose and fitted furniture, combined with our reputation for reliability and innovation, has positioned us at the forefront of the industry. We are also committed to embracing and leveraging the principles of the circular economy, which our customers greatly appreciate. We thoroughly enjoyed the awards ceremony – it was wonderful to spend time amongst such inspiring individuals and hear about so many innovative projects – and we appreciate the recognition from CEW as a testament to our growth and success. We now look forward to attending the national finals in London in November!”

AI, Business Advice, News, Technology

Nine Things to Consider Before Integrating AI Into Your Business

AI can provide benefits to businesses but needs to be carefully integrated, a leading expert has said.

Daniella Genas, founder of Be The Boss, says it is “essential” entrepreneurs carefully weigh up the pros and cons of using robotics within their business models.

Business growth expert Daniella, who gave the keynote speech at this year’s Birmingham Black Business, said: “AI is no longer the future, it is the now. Now it is so much more in our faces, that there is understandably some concern. Business owners are wondering how the rise of AI will impact their businesses.

“There appears to be two camps: those who want to harness it for good to propel their businesses and those who are hoping it will all go away so that their business doesn’t become redundant. I sit firmly in between the two. I recognise the very real dangers and have done for some time. But I also acknowledge that we are already going down that road so in some respects it feels futile to ignore. Instead, it is best to explore ways you can utilise AI in your business to get ahead while you can. And whether you are terrified of AI or incredibly excited about the possibilities, it is essential you are informed and make decisions that are right for you and your business.”

 

Here Daniella outlines nine things all businesses should consider before implementing AI into their organisations. 

 

Automation

One of the key areas of focus for Be the Boss, is helping business owners reduce their businesses reliance on them. AI can be incredibly effective in this arena, automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing small businesses to streamline operations, reduce manual errors, and increase overall efficiency. This automation can free up valuable time and resources, enabling small business owners and employees to focus on more strategic and value-added activities.

 

Data Analysis and Insights

Small business owners often don’t recognise the significant impact that data can have on their business, or simply don’t have the internal resources to capture or analyse data. AI-powered analytics can process and analyse large amounts of data. AI can also do it much more quickly, accurately and cheaply than a member of staff. Small businesses can leverage this capability to gain useful and valuable insights into customer behaviour, market trends and business performance. These insights can be used for effective strategic decision-making.

 

Reducing Costs

If tasks are automated and delivered using AI technologies, this will help businesses reduce costs by reducing the amount spent on staff hours. This is particularly helpful for very small businesses who cannot afford to employ a large workforce. Tasks such as customer support which would typically require a customer services team member can be handled using an AI-powered chatbot for example.

 

Customer Experience

Personalisation can enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction leading to business growth.

However, many small businesses don’t have the resource to offer a truly personalised experience. AI can leverage customer data and algorithms to provide tailored recommendation, customise marketing campaigns and improve customer support.

But even with all of these benefits, it is important to acknowledge that there are risks, dangers and problems with the increased utilisation of AI. These include:

 

Integration costs/time requirements

Financial resources and time is required to initially adopt AI technologies in your small business. Identifying the right solutions for your specific needs and integrating them into your existing systems may be challenging and require a lot of time and error. Depending on the technology you use, implementation may be quite complex and require external support which may present an additional financial cost.

 

Loss of human interaction

Whilst automating tasks can have cost benefits and improve efficiency, some customers prefer to have direct human contact. AI can be quite impersonal and reduces human touch in customer interactions. Maintaining the balance between automation and human engagement can be a tough challenge for small businesses. This can have a negative impact on customer experience.

 

Is it ethical?

As a small business it is unlikely that you will have an understanding of how to implement ethical ai practices or frameworks, however without them you may be contributing to the perpetuation of biases or discrimination against certain groups. Concerns relating to bias, fairness and transparency within AI, have been ongoing and small businesses cannot afford to ignore them. However, without the knowledge, understanding or resources, how do you approach this?

 

Data breaches

AI relies on data, and small businesses need to ensure the privacy and security of customer and company data. Collecting, storing, and analysing data for AI purposes entails risks, including potential breaches, unauthorised access, or misuse. Small businesses must have robust data protection measures in place to address these concerns and comply with relevant regulations.

 

A new reliance?

Unless you are a company which builds internal AI solutions, your AI needs will be dependent on external providers. This means your business is at the whim of the third party providers which means service interruptions, unnecessary updates etc. are outside of your control but can have a significant impact on how you are able to deliver within your business. It is also essential to understand who owns the data.

 

Business & Property News, Finance and Banking

Unveiling the Thrill of Online Coins Auctions in the UK

The world of numismatics has found a new platform for enthusiasts and collectors to indulge in their passion: online coins auctions UK. These virtual marketplaces offer a unique and exciting experience, enabling collectors from all corners of the country to acquire rare and valuable coins with ease. In this article, we will explore the benefits and appeal of participating in online coins auctions in the UK.

Wide Selection and Accessibility 

One of the key advantages of online coins auctions UK is the vast selection of coins available. These auctions bring together sellers and collectors from diverse backgrounds, allowing buyers to access a wide array of coins that may not be readily available elsewhere. Whether you’re seeking ancient coins, British sovereigns, commemorative editions, or even rare error coins, you can find them all in one convenient online space.

Moreover, online auctions eliminate geographical barriers, enabling collectors from across the UK to participate without the need for travel. This accessibility opens up exciting opportunities for collectors in remote areas who may have limited access to traditional brick-and-mortar auction houses.

Convenience and Flexibility

Participating in online coins auctions UK offers unparalleled convenience and flexibility. With just a few clicks, collectors can browse, bid, and win coins from the comfort of their homes. Online platforms provide detailed descriptions, high-resolution images, and often professional grading information, allowing bidders to make informed decisions.

Additionally, online auctions provide flexibility in terms of bidding. Collectors can place their bids at any time during the auction’s duration, making it easier to fit bidding into busy schedules. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, online auctions ensure that you have an equal chance to secure the coins you desire.

Transparency and Trust 

Online coins auctions UK prioritize transparency and trust, ensuring a fair and secure environment for both buyers and sellers. Reputable auction platforms authenticate the coins offered for sale and provide accurate descriptions, grading details, and provenance information. This transparency instills confidence in bidders, making it easier to make well-informed decisions and invest with peace of mind.

Furthermore, online auctions maintain a strict code of ethics, fostering trust among participants. Auction houses typically enforce clear rules and regulations to maintain fairness and resolve any disputes that may arise during the auction process. This commitment to transparency and trust establishes a solid foundation for collectors to engage in online coin auctions with confidence.

Community and Networking Opportunities 

Online coins auctions UK provide more than just a platform for buying and selling. They also offer a vibrant community and networking opportunities for numismatic enthusiasts. Online auction platforms often include features such as forums, chat rooms, and social media groups where collectors can interact, exchange knowledge, and share their passion for coins.

Participating in these communities allows collectors to learn from experienced individuals, gain insights into the latest trends, and even discover potential new additions to their collections. The online environment facilitates connections between like-minded individuals, creating a sense of camaraderie among numismatists throughout the UK.

Conclusion 

Embracing the convenience, accessibility, and excitement of online coins auctions UK is a fantastic way for numismatic enthusiasts to expand their collections and connect with fellow collectors. With a wide selection of coins, transparency, and a thriving community, these virtual marketplaces are revolutionizing the way collectors buy and sell coins, opening up a world of possibilities for passionate individuals across the UK.

Marketing, PR and SEO

How To Write Enticing Intros To Keep Your Readers Engaged In Your Content

Most blog introductions suck. In fact, the best way to send your readers to sleep is to kick your content off with some boring, half-arsed intro with awkwardly placed focus keywords.

No!

You need to jump straight into the action and convince your readers of the fact that yours is an article worth reading…

“But how can I write a banging introduction that will tickle my readers with anticipation?!” I hear you cry…

Read on and we’ll share the juice so that you can up your engagement and get the most out of each person who sets eyes on your beautiful writing…

 

1. Include a good hook

You don’t want to repeat your title in the first sentence. They’ve literally just read it! Instead, freshen it up with a hook that will engage their curiosity.

Remember, you need to set the stage, anticipate the problem, and then lure your readers on an adventure with you…

Pretend you are writing the opening scene for a novel!

 

2. Keep your first sentence relatively short

If the first thing that your reader has to engage with is an unnecessarily long sentence packed with overly verbose language for the sake of being all fancy and fun, then you’re going to lose them faster than I lose a mosquito when I stand up from my comfortable seating position with the intention of clapping the bloody pest between my hands.

See how exhausting that was?

Keeping your content short and concise and easy to understand is a great SEO tactic!

 

3. Summarise the article

Your intro should be fun, but you also want to summarise the article in as few words as possible.

You’ve got to cut the fat and get straight down to brass tacks. What is the problem they have? How will your article help them?

Then crack on with it.

 

4. Why is the article important?

Another great shout is to include a little detail on why the article is important. They know the problem, they see your solution, but what are the practical benefits?

In this case, the first thing I address is “sending your readers to sleep”. My guess is you don’t want that! Then I go on to talk about “upping engagement and making the most out of each reader”.

That’s worth a look, surely?

 

5. Inject your brand personality

And of course, you’ve got to put a little bit of yourself into the intro! What is your brand voice? Are you writing as an individual or as a representative of your business?

The reality is: most content reads terribly boring. This is because the average writer is focused solely on pleasing the search engine gods and pumping out as much content as they can in order to rank well.

Wrong.

You’ve got to jazz it up and give your writers an exciting voice to engage with. If you truly want to stand out and resonate with your audience, you’ve got to at least seem like you are enjoying yourself!

Get passionate about the subject matter:

“You have this problem and it’s so frustrating! We have this solution and it brings us so much joy to share it with you!!!”

 

Conclusion: You could always hire the pros

Another truth is that not all of us are gifted at writing. I for one suck at everything except for writing. Need to solve a math problem? I’m not your guy. Got a shelf that needs hanging? Find literally anyone but me. Want a lovely poem for your dear old mum on her birthday on the other hand? Sign me up.

In short, if you are struggling but you want to get the most out of the content that you produce for your brand and business, outsource it to the professionals. A reputable SEO company can help you put together an awesome content creation plan so that you can focus on doing what you do best!

 

News

10 Tips For Launching A Successful Business On Amazon

Launching a business on Amazon offers immense potential for entrepreneurs to tap into a vast customer base and achieve significant growth. However, success on this competitive platform requires careful planning and strategic execution. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to launch a successful business on Amazon. From product selection and listing optimisation to marketing and customer service, we will cover essential aspects that will help you maximise your chances of building a thriving e-commerce venture.

Identifying Your Target Audience

Identifying your target audience is essential for success in the Amazon marketplace. Start by conducting market research to understand customer preferences and pain points. Make use of Amazon’s data tools and analytics to gain insights into demographics and purchase behaviour. Create buyer personas to visualise your ideal customers. Use keyword research to optimise your product listings and advertising campaigns. Pay attention to customer feedback and reviews to understand their likes and dislikes and engage with potential customers on social media and online communities to build relationships. By identifying your target audience, you can tailor your strategies to meet their needs and increase your chances of success on Amazon.

Building Your Business Plan

Before diving into launching your business on Amazon, it’s crucial to conduct both market and consumer research to help build your business plan. This step will help you identify profitable niches, understand customer preferences, and evaluate the competition. Utilize Amazon’s extensive database and research tools to analyse best-selling categories, identify product trends, and gauge market demand. Additionally, leverage external market research tools to gather insights on consumer behaviour and market dynamics. Working with a specialist Amazon agency is a great way to help build your business plan and create a realistic growth strategy for your business. As well as helping you with the launch strategy for your new Amazon venture, they can also help to create a business plan that evolves with your business and helps with future ambitions to scale up.

Designing Your Branding

When designing branding for your Amazon products, it’s important to create a cohesive and memorable identity in a concise manner. Start by designing a compelling logo that represents your brand’s values and resonates with your target audience. Use consistent colour schemes, typography, and visual elements across your product packaging and listing images. Craft clear and concise product descriptions that highlight key features and benefits. Utilise high-quality product images that showcase your items in the best possible light. Finally, consider incorporating Amazon-specific elements like the “Amazon’s Choice” badge to build trust and credibility. By designing a strong and cohesive brand presence, you can stand out and attract customers in the competitive Amazon marketplace.

Marketing Your Amazon Business

To effectively market an Amazon business, start by optimising product listings with persuasive descriptions, high-quality images, and relevant keywords. Utilise Amazon Advertising tools like Sponsored Product Ads and Sponsored Brands to increase visibility and reach a wider audience. Leverage social media platforms to engage with customers and promote your products online. Implement email marketing campaigns to nurture customer relationships and encourage repeat purchases. Seeking out influencer partnerships or collaborations to amplify your brand’s reach can also help create trust with new customers that feel they can rely on a recommendation from their favourite influencers. Encourage customer reviews and testimonials to build social proof and credibility. Continuously analyse data and adjust marketing strategies accordingly to maximise results. By employing a multi-faceted marketing approach, you can drive traffic, increase sales, and grow your Amazon business.

Designing Your Products

When designing products to sell on Amazon, it’s important to consider various factors that contribute to success in the online marketplace. First, conduct thorough market research to identify popular trends, gaps in the market, and customer preferences. This will help you pinpoint product ideas with high demand and less competition. Focus on creating unique and innovative designs that stand out from competitors. Next, prioritise functionality, durability, and quality. Customers value products that deliver on their promises and provide a positive user experience. Design products with attention to detail, considering factors such as ease of use, durability, and value-added features. Consider packaging and presentation. Design visually appealing and informative packaging that captures customers’ attention and conveys the value of your product. High-quality product images and accurate descriptions are crucial for attracting customers and making sales. Also, take into account the logistics and shipping requirements of selling on Amazon. Optimise product dimensions and weight for cost-effective storage and shipping. Compliance with Amazon’s guidelines, such as UPC codes and packaging requirements, is essential.

Sourcing Suppliers

When it comes to sourcing product suppliers, thorough research and due diligence are essential. Start by identifying your specific material requirements and quality standards. Look for suppliers who specialise in the materials you need and have a track record of delivering consistent quality. Evaluate supplier capabilities, production capacity, and reliability. Request samples and conduct product testing to ensure they meet your expectations. Consider factors like pricing, lead times, and shipping options. Reach out to multiple suppliers for competitive bids and negotiate favourable terms. Establish clear communication channels and maintain strong relationships with your chosen suppliers for long-term success. By sourcing reliable and high-quality material suppliers, you can ensure the production of top-notch products for your Amazon business.

Communicating With Customers

Effective communication is crucial for Amazon business owners. Maintain clear and timely communication with customers, promptly addressing inquiries and providing exceptional customer service. Communicate transparently about product availability, shipping updates, and any issues that may arise. Stay responsive to customer feedback and reviews, demonstrating that their opinions matter. Foster open and proactive communication with suppliers to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries. Engage with the Amazon seller community through forums and social media to share insights and learn from others. Lastly, communicate your brand story and values effectively through product listings, marketing materials, and social media channels. By prioritising good communication, you can build trust, strengthen relationships, and enhance the overall success of your Amazon business.

Staying Ahead Of Competitors

Optimising product listings is essential. Invest time and effort in creating compelling product descriptions, high-quality images, and accurate keywords. By making your listings stand out, you can attract more customers and increase sales. Take advantage of Amazon’s advertising tools. Sponsored Product Ads, Sponsored Brands, and Amazon DSP (Demand-Side Platform) are effective ways to increase visibility and reach a wider audience. Make use of data-driven advertising strategies to target specific customer segments and optimise your ad campaigns. Customer satisfaction should be a top priority. Monitor customer feedback and reviews regularly, responding promptly to inquiries and resolving any issues. Positive reviews and high seller ratings can boost your credibility and attract more customers. Additionally, keep a close eye on the competition. Monitor their pricing, product offerings, and marketing strategies. Identify gaps in the market and leverage them to your advantage. Stay innovative by continuously introducing new products or improving existing ones. Try and stay up to date with the latest trends and changes in Amazon’s policies and algorithms. Attend webinars, read industry blogs, and participate in Amazon seller forums to stay informed and adapt your strategies accordingly.

Creating Partnerships And Collaborations

Utilise social media platforms to build brand awareness and engage with your target audience. Create compelling content that showcases your products and shares valuable insights or tips. Creating collaborations for your Amazon business can open up new opportunities and help drive growth. Seek out partnerships with influencers in your niche to expand your reach and tap into their existing customer base. Collaborate on joint marketing campaigns, cross-promotions, or product bundles to attract new customers and increase sales. Consider participating in affiliate programs to incentivise others to promote your products. Collaborations can bring fresh perspectives, shared resources, and mutually beneficial outcomes, enabling you to accelerate the growth of your Amazon business. Consider running competitions and giveaways to help encourage sharing of your social pages and increase your brand awareness. Ask customers to like, share, and tag others on your posts to help increase the number of people that are aware of your business and your products.

Scaling Up Your Business

Scaling up your business will help to make sure your business can go from strength to strength and increase profitability. Efficient inventory management is crucial when scaling. Utilise inventory management software to track and forecast demand accurately. Maintain optimal stock levels to prevent stockouts or excess inventory. Customer service is a priority for scalability. Prioritise exceptional customer service to foster customer loyalty. Promptly address inquiries and resolve issues. Implement feedback mechanisms to gather insights and continually improve your service. Optimise your marketing and advertising strategies to maximise visibility and sales. Refine product listings with relevant keywords and compelling content. Expanding into international markets can open up new opportunities. Research target markets, adapt product listings, and address logistics and regulatory considerations. Leverage Amazon’s international selling programs to simplify cross-border selling. Streamline operations to improve efficiency and help your business to grow bigger. Automate repetitive tasks, implement effective project management tools, and analyse data to identify areas for improvement.

 

 

Accountancy & Accounts, News, Sustainability

Corporate reporting on sustainability strengthens significantly

ISSB standards to provide consistent global baseline

Corporate reporting of sustainability-related information takes a significant step forward with the publication of two groundbreaking global standards.

ACCA welcomes the publication of two standards from ISSB (the International Sustainability Standards Board): IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures.

 

Helen Brand OBE, ACCA chief executive, said: “The launch of these first two global sustainability standards is an important and significant step forward in business reporting, providing a global baseline for comparable information on sustainability issues, which will help investors, financial markets and society more widely. The focus they provide will help drive the positive changes we need in the way businesses operate in the face of the threat from climate change.

“ACCA will continue to support the ISSB’s important work. The influence of the accountancy profession – with its members working inside and advising businesses across the world – means it has a hugely important role to play in creating a better, more sustainable world that works for everyone. Consistent global standards are a key part of that picture and we look forward to playing our role in driving their success.”

 

The first corporate reports aligned with the new standards will be for 2024 reports published in 2025 with the picture varying by jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions large and listed companies and public interest entities will be required to publish sustainability reports as early as 2025. And SMEs may well be required to provide sustainability reporting as part of value chain reporting.

 

Lloyd Powell, head of ACCA Cymru/Wales, said: “These standards will make sustainability reporting more consistent, connected and meaningful. Importantly, they mark the early stages of the work accountancy professionals are achieving in driving systematic changes in sustainability reporting and its integration with financial reporting. They will drive wider changes too as sustainability reporting is likely to drive sustainability-led strategies, and there will be operational changes required to implement them and their reporting. Investors will see this as the start of providing the information they require to allocate capital more efficiently and responsibly.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the ISSB and other stakeholders in playing our part to build sustainability reporting capacity and tackle the climate emergency.”

 

Building on the framework for Integrated Reporting <IR>, IFRS S1 emphasises the need for consistency and connection between financial statements and sustainability reporting. Those using the standards are expected to explain linkages in information and use consistent assumptions.

IFRS S2 incorporates The Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures’ (TCFD) recommendations and guidance including the structure of governance, strategy, risk management metrics/targets. Companies which are already reporting by TCFD are well on their way to complying with ISSB.

ACCA has been closely involved with the creation of the standards and has worked with the ISSB improving and refining the original draft standard. ACCA also continues to work to develop the accountancy profession’s role in driving sustainability, for example through its ‘Accounting for a better world’ agenda for action, which seeks to drive and highlight the role of accountants in creating a fairer and more sustainable world.

Sustainability has been part of the ACCA Qualification since 2013, when Integrated Reporting <IR>, was added to the syllabus. In addition to sustainability reporting, the syllabus now includes topics such as social and environmental assurance, environmental tax, and internal control and management systems for sustainability and environmental reporting. ACCA also offer a wide range of CPD courses in this area.

 

Read more on the ISSB standards.