Monthly Archives: July 2023

Appointments, News

Azets expands Wales and Midlands senior team

Azets expands Wales and Midlands senior team

Azets names Regional Managing Director and four senior promotions

Azets, the UK Top 10 accountancy firm, has announced the appointment of Richard Goddard as Regional Managing Director, as well as four senior promotions in Wales and the Midlands. Chris Dale, Jack Clitheroe and James Wheeler have been promoted to Partner, and Chan Landa as Director. All will continue to work as part of Azets’ regional office network.

With over 20 years of experience, Richard joined Azets in 2016, and was previously Regional Head of Tax for the West, where he grew the company’s tax advisory offering and function. In his new role, Richard will lead a team of over 800, and form part of Azets’ UK senior leadership team.

Previously Tax Director, Chris Dale specialises in Research & Development (R&D), Patent Box and other Creative Sector tax relief claims. Jack Clitheroe is a chartered accountant and a member of the ICAEW. Jack’s experience includes forensic accounting, assisting clients from a wide range of sectors on commercial disputes, large fraud investigations and compliance work.

With over 25 years’ experience in Global Mobility and Employment Taxes, James Wheeler has worked with organisations of all sizes across many different industry sectors. James specialises in all aspects of employee cross-border movement including tax residency and domicile issues, international assignment policy design, the application of double taxation treaties, short-term business visitor issues, and international social security compliance. As an ACCA qualified accountant, Chan Landa has vast experience advising SMEs and owner managed businesses, and specialises in industries including retail, hospitality construction and manufacturing.

In addition, four new Associate Directors promotions and 26 senior promotions have also come into effect in July, to support the growth of the region.

Richard Goddard, Regional Managing Director of Azets commented: “We are at an exciting time in the development of Azets, and I’m looking forward to leading my team in an open and transparent way, so that together we can deliver the strategic goals of our firm.

Huge congratulations go to everyone that has been promoted this month, especially to Chris, Jack, James and Chan who I know will offer both clients and their teams the very best of their knowledge and skills, against the continually challenging backdrop of the economic landscape.”

All vacancies can be found at www.azets.co.uk/careers where applications from those who are looking to work flexibly or part-time, reduced hours or term-time are encouraged.

AI, News, Sustainability

Less than a fifth of the FTSE100 are on track to meet their net zero targets, finds AI model

  • Data by Permutable AI has found that less than a fifth (15) of the FTSE100 are on track to meet their set net zero targets. 
  • Over half* of the FTSE100 do not have any publicly available data on their net zero targets. 
  • Of the companies that are reporting on short-term, long-term and net zero targets combined (56) more than half (34) will fail to achieve at least one**according to the AI model.
  • The latest developments in AI technology are powering the fight for the planet’s future and holding the world’s biggest polluters to account. 

An AI language model created and developed by Permutable AI has found that less than a fifth of the FTSE100 are on track to meet their net zero ambitions. These net zero targets are externally reviewed and validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Permutable AI is using AI for good to monitor ESG commitments and corresponding emissions data to encourage some of the world’s most influential companies to take climate action seriously.

Permutable’s AI technology has been able to track the specific number of announcements that each of the current FTSE100 organisations have made over the last 10 years. This includes any announcement in  relation to achieving carbon neutral status, net zero ambitions and setting emissions targets (for scopes 1, 2 and 3). The extensive dataset, collected using an AI-driven language model has also been able to deduce the feasibility of the FTSE100 in achieving these targets.

While more than half of the FTSE100 do not have data available on their net zero targets specifically, 56 companies do have readily available data on their short-term, long-term and net zero targets combined. However, of these 56, 34 of the companies cannot feasibly achieve at least one of their targets.**

It is also worth noting that half (50) of the index are also not setting verified SBTi targets.

The data also comes at a significant time when the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched several inquiries into the accuracy of green claims made by UK organisations, including opening an investigation in January of this year into the accuracy of eco-statements made within the FMCG sector.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) also recently pledged to ban ads that feature the terms ‘carbon neutral’ and ‘net zero’ unless companies can thoroughly back up their claims. Shell became its most recent victim in June when an ad campaign promoting its green initiatives was banned by the ASA for failing to tell consumers that most of Shells’ business is based on environmentally damaging fossil fuels such as petrol.

Discussing the data and the role AI has played in identifying the FTSE100 at greatest risk of sanctions, Wilson Chan, CEO and founder of Permutable AI, said: “AI is going through another global boom right now. While some people are concerned about the negative impact, our data proves that it really can be a powerful tool for good; one that will be integral in helping us to navigate the climate emergency.

“We know that in today’s sustainable investment market, ESG and green claims are under increasing and immense scrutiny from institutional investors, regulators and customers, and companies need evidence to support their claims.”

“Our AI language models have been trained to recognise patterns and spot anomalies within an organisation’s communications around its green initiatives and it’s clear that a significant number of the FTSE100 are either not doing enough, are failing to set verified SBTi targets, or are misleading the public about the steps that they are taking.

“In a time when the world is not on track to meet the goals of the Paris agreement and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, it’s even more distressing that some of the world’s most influential companies are failing to take serious action. These companies must act now, start accurately tracking their emissions and set achievable targets to move in the right direction ”

 

Commenting on these findings, John Willis, Director of Research at Planet Tracker, said: “This report shows the importance of closely examining the data behind climate claims. When corporates make misleading statements about their climate strategies and targets, the risks have dramatically risen in recent months. Two sets of regulators are looking into this, consumer and financial ones.

“Quite rightly, climate and environmental statements have to be backed up with evidence. This AI analysis suggests that many UK organisations should be thinking hard about making net zero commitments based on their present publicly available data. Furthermore, if this is the case, investors owning them in sustainable funds may also be at risk of greenwashing.”

 

To find out more about Permutable AI, visit https://permutable.ai/.

 

References

*’Over half’ – this figure is given as we would assume there are 54 other companies included in the FTSE100. However, Permtuable’s dataset spans across 10 years and those in the FTSE100 may have changed.

 

**’fail to achieve at least one’ – The data set reveals that 56 companies are disclosing data for short-term, long-term and net zero targets combined and of this number, 34 are not set to achieve one or more of their set targets.

Business News

Understanding KLM Flight Compensation Policies

 The realm of flight compensation policies can often seem like a daunting labyrinth of regulations and legalities. Among the myriad of airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines maintains a robust set of procedures to handle flight disruptions and the ensuing compensation.

This article aims to illuminate KLM flight compensation for delayed flight, bringing clarity and understanding to the passengers who might find themselves in a situation of seeking compensation.

What is KLM Flight Delay Compensation?

KLM flight delay compensation refers to the reimbursement that passengers can claim from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines when their flight is delayed for a certain length of time. This compensation is not automatic and must be claimed by passengers.

KLM, like all European airlines, operates under the European Union Regulation EC 261/2004, which outlines the rights of air passengers in case of flight disruptions, including delays.

According to this regulation, passengers can claim KLM compensation for delayed flight if their flight arrives at the final destination more than three hours late and if the delay was not caused by ‘extraordinary circumstances’. Extraordinary circumstances typically include weather conditions, air traffic control restrictions, or security risks, which are beyond the control of the airline.

KLM Flight Cancellation Compensation – What Are Your Rights?

If KLM cancels your flight, you are entitled to either a full refund of the ticket price or an alternative flight (rerouting) at the earliest convenience. If you choose rerouting and the alternative flight offered arrives at a much later time than the original flight, you may also be entitled to compensation.

In addition to these, if your flight faced cancellation leading to an extended wait for the subsequent available flight, it falls within KLM’s duty of care to provide assistance and comfort. This could encompass the provision of meals and refreshments, the allowance of two free communications—be it phone calls or emails—and where required, overnight accommodation and transfer services between the airport and your lodging facility.

How to Claim KLM Flight Compensation – A Step-by-Step Guide

Claiming compensation from KLM for a delayed or cancelled flight can be a straightforward process if you follow these steps:

  • Check eligibility

Should your flight encounter a delay surpassing three hours or be cancelled without sufficient prior notification, you may find yourself entitled to claim compensation. This applies if the disruption was within KLM’s control and not due to ‘extraordinary circumstances’.

  •  Gather information

Collect all relevant details about your disrupted flight, like your flight number, both the planned and actual times of departure and arrival, the length of the delay, the reason provided by the airline for the disruption, along with any correspondence received from the airline.

  • Keep documents

Make sure to keep all flight-related documents such as boarding passes, tickets, luggage tags, and any receipts for additional expenses incurred due to the disruption.

  • Contact KLM

Once you have all your information, contact KLM’s customer service directly. You can do this through their website, by email, or over the phone. Explain the situation, provide all the necessary details, and state that you are seeking compensation under EC 261/2004.

  • Wait for KLM’s response

After submitting your claim, KLM should respond within a few weeks. If they agree with your claim, they will process your compensation. If they deny your claim and you believe it’s unjust, you may need to escalate your claim.

  • Escalation

If KLM rejects your claim and you disagree with their decision, you can escalate the matter. This can involve taking the claim to a National Enforcement Body (NEB), an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme, or in some cases, taking legal action.

  • Seek professional help

If the process becomes overwhelming or if KLM rejects your claim, consider seeking help from a legal professional or a flight compensation company. They can take over the process and use their expertise to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

 

Average KLM Flight Compensation Amounts – What to Expect

The amount of compensation depends on the distance of the flight:

  • For flights up to 1,500 kilometers, passengers can claim €250.
  • For flights between 1,500 kilometers and 3,500 kilometers, passengers can claim €400.
  • For flights over 3,500 kilometers, passengers can claim €600.

Please note that these amounts can be reduced by 50% if KLM offered to reroute you and the arrival time of the rerouted flight does not exceed the scheduled arrival time of the original flight by two, three, or four hours, depending on the flight distance.

Conclusion

As we conclude, remember that each case is unique, and patience is key. Keep this guide at hand, and you’ll find navigating KLM flight delay compensation policies a less strenuous journey. With knowledge as your compass, you’re now better prepared to advocate for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

 

 

Finance and Banking, Investment, Investment News

Firms seeking funding for growth urged to seek expert advice.

Firms in Manchester that are seeking funding for growth are being advised to seek specialist advice as private equity deals in the region over the first half of the year dropped by 22% against the same period last year.

The data from CMBOR, the Centre for Private Equity and MBO Research, also showed that deal volume decreased by 30% when compared to the second half of 2022.

Fresh Thinking Advisory has issued the advice to help growing firms access the funding they need. It assists firms in preparing for funding by developing a growth plan and value proposition.

Commenting on the sector, Oliver Reece, managing director of Fresh Thinking Advisory, said: “As the number of deals completed is falling,  firms looking to grow have fewer options available to them. So, finding the right advice is more important than ever. It’s important that entrepreneurs receive independent advice on the best funding options available to them. Our team of experts can help entrepreneurs navigate the best options.”

High street lending is also under pressure. While bank lending to businesses increased during the pandemic as companies took advantage of state-subsidised financing programmes (growth in 2020 sat at 8%), and it climbed in 2022 (3.7%), this year it is predicted to decline by over 4% (-£18.8 billion)*.

As businesses, both large corporations and SMEs, experience pressures from greater loan payment costs, decreased profitability, and ongoing disruptions to the world’s supply chains, having the correct funding structure in place is more important than ever.

Fresh Thinking Advisory assists businesses looking for a wide range of secured and unsecured finance options. The company offers a whole market debt advice service.

—
*https://www.ey.com/en_uk/news/2023/02/uk-business-lending-to-contract-sharply-this-year#:~:text=While%20bank%20lending%20to%20businesses,%25%20(%2D%C2%A318.8bn).

Disability, Disability at work, HR

Inclusive Spaces: Advancing Accessibility in Corporate Buildings

The world is constantly changing and evolving, and accessibility is becoming increasingly important in the corporate world. Corporations and businesses are beginning to recognise the need for inclusive spaces that can accommodate everyone, regardless of their abilities.

In order to ensure equal access and opportunity within corporate buildings, corporations need to invest in accessible technologies, such as automatic door openers and ramps.

Below, then, we have taken a closer look at how some companies are making accessibility a priority.

What Is Accessibility?

The term “accessibility” refers to the design of products, services, and environments that are usable by people with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. Accessible spaces should be designed to provide an equitable experience for all users, regardless of their physical or mental abilities.

Why Is Accessibility So Important?

The importance of accessibility in the corporate world cannot be overstated. It ensures that everyone has access to buildings, services, and products, whatever their physical or cognitive abilities may be.

Accessible spaces create an environment where everyone can participate and contribute without feeling excluded. In addition, accessible spaces can reduce costs associated with retrofitting existing buildings for accessibility purposes.

How Are Companies Making Their Buildings More Accessible?

There are a few ways companies are making their buildings more accessible, and some of the most significant changes include:

  • Installing Automatic Doors

Automatic door openers provide an easy way for people with mobility challenges to enter and exit corporate buildings. These doors use motion or pressure sensors to detect when someone is approaching, and they open automatically. This, in turn, eliminates the need for people to manually open the door, which can be difficult or impossible for some users.

  • Installing Ramps

Installing ramps in corporate buildings allows users with mobility challenges to access all areas of the given building. Handrails should also be installed alongside ramps to provide additional support and stability when using them.

  • Adding Lifts And Platforms

Adding commercial glass lifts and platforms can also be beneficial for providing people with mobility challenges access to all areas of a building. These structures provide an easy way for users to move between levels without having to climb stairs.

  • Designing Tactile Signage

Tactile signage is an excellent solution for providing information in a way that can be understood by people who are blind or visually impaired. The signs should include both raised and Braille text, which can easily be read when touched. This helps reduce confusion and ensures that everyone can access the necessary information.

  • Installing Voice Recognition Technology

Voice recognition technology is becoming increasingly popular in corporate buildings, as it allows users to access information and control devices without having to use their hands. This type of technology can be beneficial for people with physical limitations, as well as those who are blind or visually impaired.

  • Making Smart Lighting Choices

Though often overlooked, lighting can be an important factor in creating accessible spaces. Natural light is preferable, as it provides better visibility for people with vision impairments, but smart lighting systems can be programmed to automatically adjust the brightness and colour temperature to create a comfortable environment for everyone.

  • Making Sure Doorways Are Wide Enough

When designing corporate buildings, it’s important to make sure doorways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices and, as mentioned, this can be done by installing automatic doors or widening existing doorways. Additionally, ramps should be installed at entrances and exits to provide easy access for people with limited mobility.

  • Considering Hearing Conditions

Hearing impairments should also be taken into consideration when designing accessible spaces. This can include providing visual cues to alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing to certain sounds, as well as ensuring that public address systems are equipped with voice amplification technology so that announcements can be heard by everyone. Closed hearing loops can also be installed to allow people with hearing aids to easily access audio information.

  • Focusing On Entrances And Exits

Finally, it’s important to focus on entrances and exits when designing accessible spaces. This includes making sure the entrances are easily identifiable and wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, as well as ensuring the exits are clearly marked and easy to access.

Your Next Steps

Creating accessible spaces in corporate buildings is an important step in advancing accessibility and ensuring everyone can easily access a given building’s amenities and services.

While each project will require its own unique solutions, some of the steps mentioned above are generally applicable to all types of corporate buildings. By taking these steps, you can help ensure your building is designed with accessibility in mind, and can make sure everyone can easily access all areas of the building.

 

 

 

 

Employee Benefits, Employee Motivation, HR, HR News

What SMEs Need To Know About Employee Benefits in a Cost of Living Crisis

Written by Chris Ronald, VP EMEA B2B – Incentives, Rewards & Benefits at Blackhawk Network, the cost-effective, free to set up, employee benefits platform.

In today’s economic climate, workplace benefits are no longer just a perk, they are a necessity. Employers should be helping employees’ salaries stretch further during the cost-of-living crisis, not only because it will help keep their staff happy, but because it is the right thing to do.

We recently conducted research among 500 HR decision-makers (HRDMs) and 2,000 employees up and down the UK to understand attitudes towards workplace benefits and how they can be optimised to maximise the help they give employees. We wanted to explore the perception gap that exists between employers and employees regarding workplace benefits.

 

The disconnect between benefits being a perk versus a necessity

The data clearly shows that workplace benefits are no longer solely viewed as added bonuses. As the cost-of-living crisis mounts, employees are increasingly beginning to rely on them to stay afloat. As a result, workplace benefits have become key factors in ensuring employers are able to attract and retain talent.

Employees want more support and failing to provide this could result in staff walking out the door.

Already, 72 percent of businesses have suffered staff resignations over the last six months, including 33 percent of all employers surveyed who have noticed an increase in the number of staff leaving.

What the research also highlighted was clear disparities between what employees want, versus what they are currently receiving. SMEs must recognise this and prioritise a review of their benefits package.

 

Never assume – understand what your employees want and need   

Our research revealed that over three quarters of employees (76%) are looking for more ways to save money on what they buy. So whilst businesses did list gym memberships, bikes, and childcare as the top three things employees can currently save money on via their benefits, more than half of employees (51%) reported that financial assistance with groceries was the top benefit their employers should be offering, followed by travel to work by car, and technology.

HR decision-makers need to listen to what their staff are telling them and adjust their benefits packages accordingly. However, currently, fewer than two in five (37%) are planning on reviewing the benefits they offer at least quarterly. And more worryingly, while a quarter (24%) have considered expanding their benefits package in response to rising inflation, a further quarter (25%) have no plans to change or expand their package this year.

 

Looking ahead 

Despite this, the vast majority of HRDMs (86%) do understand the important role workplace benefits will have in supporting their employees during the cost-of-living crisis. In fact, many HRDMs anticipate that cost-related benefits are only likely to grow in importance over the next 12 months.   And many employees agree.

Almost half are concerned about what their financial situation will be like in 12 months’ time (48%), and over a third expect inflation to impact their financial situation significantly.   However, while 67 percent of businesses without cost-savings benefits are interested in offering them, the most common barrier they say they are currently facing is the cost. But there are solutions out there where cost need not be a concern. Our Extras platform is one example. We offer employers a way of helping their people with everyday essentials with the bYond card, which gives employees up to 15 percent cashback at over 85 retailers, including groceries and DIY.

 

Taking the first step

We are currently experiencing one of the most difficult economic periods in decades. And while many businesses would love to offer their employers cash, or a salary increase to match inflation, to help see them through, it’s just not always possible. What they can do, however, is re-evaluate their benefits packages to truly help employees’ salaries stretch further– a key part of which must be listening to what it is their employees want and providing choice. Now is the time to find out what your employees genuinely want and offer flexible options so that employees can choose what makes the most impact to them.

News

Tips and Tricks for Using Video in Social Media Marketing

In the fast-paced digital age, capturing and maintaining the attention of your audience is key to a successful social media marketing strategy. And one of the most effective ways to do that is by incorporating video into your content. Video has the power to engage, entertain, and educate, making it a valuable tool for businesses and brands looking to stand out in the crowded social media landscape. In this post, we’ll explore some tips and tricks to help you make the most of video in your social media marketing efforts.

Get to Know Your Audience

Having a solid understanding of your target audience is the first step in creating compelling video content. Research their preferences, interests, and demographics to tailor your videos to their needs and desires. Are they looking for educational content, entertainment, or product demonstrations? By aligning your video content with what your audience wants, you’ll increase engagement and encourage sharing.

Keep it Short and Sweet

In the age of short attention spans, brevity is essential. Aim to keep your videos concise and to the point. Capture the attention of your viewers within the first few seconds and deliver your message efficiently. Whether it’s a tutorial, a promotional video, or a behind-the-scenes glimpse, quality should be prioritized over quantity. Remember, a short and impactful video is more likely to be watched and shared.

Optimize for Mobile Viewing

Mobile devices have become the primary means of accessing social media platforms. Because of this, it’s essential to optimize your videos for mobile viewing. Ensure your videos are formatted for vertical or square formats, as these are more user-friendly on mobile screens. You can also use a video cropper tool to ensure your videos are the right size. Also, consider adding subtitles or captions to accommodate viewers watching without sound. Mobile-friendly videos will enhance the user experience and increase engagement.

Embrace Authenticity

One of the biggest advantages of video is its ability to showcase authenticity. People crave genuine connections, so be real and relatable in your videos. Whether you’re demonstrating a product, sharing a customer testimonial, or providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of your team, let your brand’s personality shine through. Authenticity builds trust and helps you forge stronger connections with your audience.

Tell a Compelling Story

When it comes to video marketing, effective storytelling is very powerful. Instead of simply presenting information, craft a compelling narrative that captivates your audience. Take your viewers on a journey, evoke emotions, and create a connection. Whether it’s through testimonials, user-generated content, or creative narratives, storytelling adds depth and memorability to your videos.

Use High-Quality Visuals and Audio

Investing in high-quality visuals and audio is crucial to creating professional-looking videos. Blurry visuals or poor audio can quickly turn viewers away. Use good lighting, a stable camera, and clear audio to ensure your videos are visually appealing and easy to follow. High-quality production values convey professionalism and enhance the overall viewing experience.

Video is a dynamic and engaging medium that can help your brand make a lasting impact on social media. By harnessing the power of video, you can drive engagement, increase brand awareness, and ultimately achieve your social media marketing goals.

News

Google UK re-signs Armed Forces Covenant – launches new support scheme for military community

Google UK has this month re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant, renewing its commitment to champion the military community and announcing a new scheme of four weeks paid reservist leave to support UK Googlers with their military duties.

Since it first signed the covenant in 2015, Google has been recognised by The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (RES), awarded a silver award for demonstrating and advocating support of the defence community with programmes including:

  • The Google Veterans Network, which provides a community for veterans, reservists, military family members and civilians to connect and share resources.
  • The Grow with Google initiative, which offers a variety of training courses, certification programmes and qualifications to help military personnel through their career transition process, and ensure their skills are recognised across industry.

Phil Richardson, a Veteran and Google Cloud Customer Engineer explained:

“As a veteran and serving reservist, I’m incredibly proud and grateful to work at a company that champions the military community, and supports me to uphold my commitments — even when they take me far away from home.

“The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation that those who serve or have served, alongside their families, are treated fairly — especially when it comes to public services like healthcare, education and housing. Google has been a staunch supporter of the covenant since it was first signed in 2015 and we’ve recently been recognised by The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (RES) for demonstrating and advocating for support of the defence community, achieving a silver award.

“Our alignment with the Armed Forces Covenant has helped us to look after the military community both inside and outside Google. Inside Google, one of our most popular programmes is the Google Veterans Network, which provides a community for veterans, reservists, military family members and civilians to connect and share resources. Outside of Google, we are proud to offer a variety of training courses, certification programmes and qualifications that can be achieved through our Grow with Google initiative. These programmes offer practical ways of directly helping military personnel through their career transition process ensuring that core transferable skills and talent are utilised and recognised across industry.

“These initiatives have provided myself, and my incredibly patient family, with the stability which has allowed me to continue to serve my country. Managers at Google, and the team I work with, have been particularly proactive and understanding whenever my military commitments take me away from home for long periods of time. This includes the time I have spent at sea on the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth for operational deployments.

“This moment is a major milestone for Google and for the UK Defence community, and reflects Google’s longtime support for veterans and military families. We are proud to support those who have served our country and we are committed to working with the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces to help them excel in their future endeavours.

“Google’s support of the military community is a continuation of its wider commitment to champion Googlers from all backgrounds and experiences. Through these initiatives and support networks, we’re helping to build an inclusive work environment that ensures people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive.”

General Sir James (Jim) Hockenhull KBE ADC Gen, Commander of Strategic Command said:

“This re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant demonstrates Google’s ongoing commitment to those who bravely serve our nation. The programmes and networks Google runs provide a strong sense of community for veterans, reservists, and their families.

“Our ex-serving military personnel and their families bring a wealth of skills and qualities that make them a fantastic asset to any organisation, and it is clear that Google recognises this and is dedicated to supporting them.

“We welcome this re-signing of the Covenant and are grateful for Google’s commitment to the Defence community and the UK.”

 

International News, Investor Advice

Bitcoin Trading System Impacts on the Businesses of Angola

The emergence of Bitcoin trading systems has influenced many businesses in Angola in various ways. For starters, the technology has brought about new opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to venture into the world of digital currency trading. A significant number of businesses have started accepting Bitcoin as a mode of payment, providing customers with greater flexibility and convenience when transacting. Visit and Immediate Connect for further information.

Bitcoin trading systems have also made cross-border payments easier, faster, and less costly for Angolan businesses operating globally. Previously, businesses had to deal with cumbersome banking procedures and significant fees when sending payments abroad. However, with the adoption of Bitcoin, businesses can now send payments anywhere in the world within minutes, with much lower transaction fees compared to traditional banking methods.

Besides, Bitcoin trading systems have improved the security of financial transactions for businesses in Angola. In recent years, the country has experienced high rates of cybercrime, with many businesses falling victim to hacking and fraud. Bitcoin’s blockchain technology has introduced a new level of security to financial transactions, making it difficult for cybercriminals to tamper with the transaction records.

Another significant impact of Bitcoin trading systems on businesses in Angola is the potential to leverage blockchain technology for supply chain management. Given Angola’s rich natural resources, the country could benefit significantly from enhanced supply chain transparency, which is made possible through blockchain technology. Businesses could track their products from origin to the final consumer, ensuring quality control and reducing the risk of counterfeit products entering the market.

Despite these benefits, Bitcoin trading systems come with some risks that businesses in Angola need to be aware of. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and subject to fluctuations, making it a risky investment. Additionally, the lack of regulation in the cryptocurrency market makes it susceptible to fraudulent activities, and businesses should be vigilant when trading in Bitcoin.

In conclusion, Bitcoin trading systems have brought about significant changes in the business landscape in Angola. The technology has introduced new opportunities for entrepreneurs and improved efficiencies in cross-border payments, financial security, and supply chain management. However, businesses need to be aware of the risks involved and exercise caution when trading in cryptocurrencies..

Benefits of Bitcoin Trading in Forex:

Bitcoin trading has become increasingly popular in the forex market, with more brokers and traders adopting it as a mode of investment. There are several benefits of using bitcoin for forex trading, which has made it a game-changer for businesses across different industries.

One of the main advantages of bitcoin trading in forex is its decentralized nature, which eliminates the need for intermediaries such as banks and financial institutions. This means that traders can carry out transactions directly and securely, without any third-party involvement. As a result, transactions are faster, cheaper, and more reliable, making it an attractive option for businesses that want to reduce their transaction costs.

Another benefit of bitcoin trading in forex is its high liquidity. Bitcoin trades 24/7 in various markets across the globe, making it one of the most liquid assets in the world. This allows traders to easily buy and sell bitcoin at any time, which is crucial in the fast-paced forex industry. Furthermore, this high liquidity also means that large trades can be executed with ease, making it an ideal asset for businesses that want to carry out large transactions quickly and efficiently.

Bitcoin trading also provides businesses with greater transparency, as all transactions are stored on a public ledger known as the blockchain. This means that businesses can track their transactions in real-time, and have greater control over their finances. Furthermore, the blockchain also provides greater security, as all transactions are encrypted and cannot be altered or reversed, providing a level of trust that is essential for businesses that want to carry out secure transactions.

Final Words:

In conclusion, Bitcoin trading systems have had a huge impact on the businesses of today. They provide improved security and transparency while also allowing companies to save money by removing middlemen from transactions. Additionally, these systems can be used as an innovative way for businesses to earn passive income through automated trading strategies. As with any new technology, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with blockchain-based payment systems before investing in them. However, when implemented correctly and responsibly, Bitcoin trading system technologies offer great promise for business owners looking for ways to streamline their operations and increase profitability.

Business Advice

Risk Management: A Guide for Start-Ups

Start-up businesses have defined the economic landscape of the UK in the last decade, with successive Conservative governments championing entrepreneurialism in all its forms. Today, though, starting a business is not as easy as it once was. There are numerous risks and challenges involved, to say nothing of the current economic landscape. To this end, having a strong risk strategy is vitally important to business success. But what would such a risk strategy entertain?

Financial Risk Management

The first, and perhaps foremost, form of risk management that start-up entrepreneurs concern themselves with is financial risk management. This refers to the risks a new business takes on in debt, credit, investment, and expenditure. Many start-ups rely on high levels of seed funding from numerous sources, repayment of which needs to be managed equitably.

The biggest risk faced by start-ups, though – and particularly after the first year of incorporation – is that of negative cashflow. Investors in a business will use cashflow as a yardstick by which to measure the solvency and longevity of an established business; negative cashflow is not caused by falling profits, but instead by an imbalance between income and outgoings. It could be caused by the paying-down of debts or investment in assets, but either way represents a lack of liquid cash – and potential hardship as a result.

Legal Risk Management

New businesses also face unique risks in the form of legal compliance or challenges. This is particularly true of businesses emerging in new industries, as with blockchain fintech – where regulatory compliance is both necessary and exceedingly complex. All companies, though, are beholden to compliance with regard to health and safety legislation.

Here, legal risk management is also somewhat interlinked with managing financial risk. Certain legal challenges or undertakings can introduce fresh financial burdens, as with personal injury claims put forward by site visitors or employees. Civil action could result in settlements or expensive court cases, each of which presents its own cashflow and PR risk. To this end, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks can ensure sustainability and longevity.

Operational Risk Management

Ensuring a safe and proper working environment is a crucial aspect of managing risk in another area: operational capability. A catastrophic workplace incident or injury can have knock-on impacts on projects underway; for example, a manufacturing plant might have to cease operations after a workplace accident to investigate and service equipment, delaying delivery and disincentivising clients to continue using the business.

Ensuring health and safety processes go above and beyond industry requirements is a strong route to operational security in this regard. The lessons here can also be applied elsewhere in the business, from ensuring robust payroll processes to outsourcing vital tasks.