Monthly Archives: August 2023

Finance and Banking, News

Insider Trading Activity: Understanding the Signs and Signals of Illegal Trading

Introduction

Insider trading activity involves the illegal purchase and sale of securities by individuals with privileged access to material, non-public information about a company. Insider trading activity can be extremely difficult to detect, as it often goes undetected until it is reported in the news. This article will explore the signs and signals of illegal insider trading and provide insight into how to identify and detect it. Additionally, it will provide guidance on how to respond when insider trading activity is suspected or detected. Finally, it will discuss the recent news of insider trading activity, including the implications of the most recent insider trading news.

Signs and Signals of Illegal Insider Trading

Unusual Trading Volume

One of the most common signs of illegal insider trading is when a stock experiences an unusually high amount of trading volume. This could indicate that a large number of investors are buying or selling the stock based on non-public information, which would be a violation of securities laws. If a stock suddenly increases in price with no explanation, someone with inside information may be trading on it.

Unexplained Stock Movements

Another common sign of insider trading is when a stock experiences unexplained movements. This could be a sign that someone with inside information is trading on the stock, as the price movement is not being driven by public information. It is important to note that unexpected stock movements can also be caused by non-insider-related factors, such as company news or macroeconomic events.

Unusual Options Activity

Options trading is another area where insider trading may be occurring. Options traders can purchase call or put options contracts to speculate on the future price of a stock. If there is an unusually high amount of options trading activity, it may be a sign that someone with inside information is trading on the stock.

Selling Before Bad News

When a company experiences a sudden drop in its stock price, this can indicate that someone with inside knowledge of the company’s upcoming bad news may have been trading on the stock before the news was released. If a company has a sudden and significant decline in its stock price, it is possible that someone with inside information was trading on it before the news was released.

Buying Before the Good News

Just as someone with inside knowledge may be trading on a stock before bad news is released, they may also be trading on a stock before the release of good news. If a company experiences a sudden and significant increase in its stock price, it is possible that someone with inside information was buying the stock before the news was released.

Use of multiple brokerage accounts

One of the most obvious signs of insider trading is the use of multiple brokerage accounts. When an individual or firm has multiple accounts at different brokers, it is often a sign that they are trading on information that is not available to the public. By splitting up trades into multiple accounts, it is easier to conceal the activity and avoid detection.

Trading in a family member’s account

When an individual or company invests in an account belonging to a family member, this is another indication of insider trading. If a person has access to non-public information, they may exploit it to their advantage by engaging in financial transactions under the guise of a member of their own family. Although it may be challenging to identify, this is a clue that there may have been insider trading activity.

Unusual short selling

Short selling is a type of trading in which an investor borrows a security and then sells it, hoping to buy it back at a lower price and profit from the difference. When an individual or firm engages in an unusual amount of short selling, it could be a sign of insider trading.

Tipping others off

An individual or firm who has access to non-public information may attempt to tip off others to gain a financial benefit. This could include sending emails, making phone calls, or even providing physical documents with details about the security. If an individual or firm is suspected of tipping others off about non-public information, it is a sign of possible insider trading.

Leaving a job shortly after trading

An individual or company engaged in insider trading may have left their previous position immediately after trading security. It is possible that the person was seeking to evade detection or was trading on non-public information if they left their position shortly after engaging in trading activity.

Regulatory Actions and Penalties

SEC Enforcement Actions

The SEC has the authority to take a variety of enforcement actions against those who violate insider trading laws. The SEC may issue cease-and-desist orders, which require the accused to stop any illegal activities and pay a fine. The SEC can also issue an injunction, which is an order to stop engaging in a particular activity. The SEC may also impose a civil penalty, which is a monetary fine for violating the law. The SEC may also suspend or bar individuals from certain activities, such as serving as an officer or director of a public company.

Criminal Penalties

Anybody found guilty of insider trading has the possibility of facing criminal penalties in addition to the civil fines imposed by the SEC. The penalties can take the form of monetary fines, time spent in jail, or both. Criminal sanctions, in contrast to civil sanctions, can carry sentences of up to 20 years in jail and a fine of up to $5 million. In addition to the criminal penalties, those who are found guilty of insider trading may be required to pay back any profits they obtained through unethical trading through a process known as disgorgement.

Civil Penalties

The SEC has the authority to issue both criminal and civil penalties for insider trading violations. Possible kinds of civil punishments include monetary fines, the return of illegally obtained funds, and the suspension or outright restriction from engaging in certain activities. While civil fines are typically less severe than criminal penalties, they can nonetheless have a significant effect. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may impose civil penalties of up to three times the amount of ill-gotten gains.

Conclusion

Overall, insider trading activity is a complex and potentially illegal activity that can have serious consequences for those involved. Investors, companies, and regulators need to be aware of the signs and signals of illegal insider trading. By understanding the laws and regulations governing insider trading, companies and investors can take steps to ensure compliance and protect themselves from potential liability. Additionally, by using technology to monitor trading activity and by engaging in best practices, companies and investors can help to reduce the risk of insider trading.

 

 

 

Business Investment

Preliminary Land Assessments: A Crucial Step for Your Real Estate Venture

Investing in real estate is an opportunity that is not only exciting but also has the potential to be rewarding.

It does not matter if you are looking to build residential homes or business spaces or invest in land; the key to success is making judgments based on accurate information.

Conducting preliminary land evaluations is one of the most important steps involved in this procedure.

In this post, we’ll look into the reasoning behind why these evaluations are so critical. Also, you will learn how they might pave the way for a profitable enterprise in the real estate market.

So, let’s dive right in!

Understanding Preliminary Land Assessments

Preliminary land assessments, also known as site evaluations, involve a comprehensive analysis of the property’s characteristics and potential.

These assessments serve as a foundation for sound decision-making throughout real estate development. It is highly crucial, especially when you are going for any greenfield project or if this is your first real estate project.

You may also use convenient and practical environmental due diligence software to identify the right site for project development. Such software can recognize all environmental red flags and requirements for a project site in minutes.

And this thorough preliminary land assessment ultimately empowers developers to make informed choices that align with both their objectives and ecological responsibilities.

The Importance of Preliminary Land Assessments

You can enjoy several benefits when you thoroughly conduct land assessments. Some of them are listed below:

1. Identifying Feasibility and Viability

Assessing the land’s feasibility and viability is essential to determine if your vision aligns with reality. Factors such as environmental concerns, zoning restrictions, and access to utilities are crucial in determining a project’s success.

2. Mitigating Risks

By conducting a thorough assessment, you can identify potential risks and challenges early on. This includes issues like flood zones, soil contamination, or endangered species habitats. So, understanding these risks allows you to develop risk mitigation strategies and potentially save significant time and resources.

3. Optimal Land Utilization

A well-executed assessment enables you to explore the property’s full potential. You can analyze various land uses and determine the best-suited option, whether it’s building single-family homes, apartments, retail spaces, or office spaces.

4. Budgeting and Financing

Preliminary assessments provide crucial information for estimating project costs accurately. When approaching investors or financial institutions, having a detailed understanding of potential expenses instils confidence and increases the likelihood of securing funding.

5. Legal Compliance

Understanding local laws and regulations is vital to ensure your project is compliant with zoning ordinances, building codes, and environmental regulations. Non-compliance can lead to costly delays or even the termination of your real estate venture.

The Key Components of a Preliminary Land Assessment

There are some aspects of preliminary land assessment that you need to consider while you assess the land.

1. Site Analysis

A thorough analysis of the site’s physical features, including topography, soil quality, and drainage patterns, lays the groundwork for successful planning and design.

2. Market Research

Conducting a market analysis helps you understand the demand and competition in the area, giving you insights into the potential profitability of your greenfield project.

3. Environmental Assessment

Identifying any ecological concerns or potential hazards is crucial for your development’s sustainability and long-term success.

4. Legal and Regulatory Review

Understanding local zoning laws, permits, and restrictions ensures that your project complies with all legal requirements.

5. Infrastructure and Utilities

Assessing the availability and accessibility of utilities, transportation, and other infrastructure will influence the feasibility of your project.

In Conclusion

So there you have it! Preliminary land assessments are an indispensable step in any real estate venture. They comprehensively understand the property’s potential, risks, and opportunities, guiding your decisions from conception to completion. Remember, investing in professional expertise and partnering with experienced consultants will enhance the accuracy and reliability of your preliminary land assessment.

Data & Analytics, Tech Thought Leadership, Technology, Travel

Future of travel in Europe: Data expert reveals latest tech trends

Written by Matthew Lubeck, Vice President EMEA, Amperity

A consumer survey by McKinsey notes that a customer’s perception of a travel company can be degraded if even one pain point in the customer journey is not satisfactorily resolved. Meanwhile according to Deloitte, 39 per cent of guests are likely to spend more on personalised experiences. Furthermore, 41 percent of guests say they tell friends and family about their great experience, which has the potential to increase revenue, brand loyalty and generate powerful, word-of-mouth marketing for a company.

Yet, despite the value of getting personalisation right, many European travel and hospitality brands continue to struggle when understanding their customer data:

 

  • Messy Booking Data: The abundance of data collected by online travel agencies (OTAs), hotels, airlines and car rental services to name a few, poses a significant challenge. Connecting the dots and identifying the ownership of this data is a daunting task. As a result, personalisation often falls by the wayside, hindering the ability to understand and cater to individual preferences.
  • Fractured Identities: Customers share inconsistent and diverse identifiers (like emails, phone numbers, zip codes and usernames) as they interact with brands from different channels, touchpoints and devices. The more a customer interacts, the more fragmented that identity becomes.

 

Systems that aren’t equipped with the right intelligence will fail to identify the fact that Business Traveler Joe and Vacation Joe are the same person with different loyalty accounts. Without an accurate, single view of the customer, brands run into downstream problems like poor personalisation and inaccurate insights.

 

  • Siloed Data: Personalisation must be a holistic experience throughout the entire customer journey from online booking to customer service. However, the siloed nature of data and the lack of trust in its accuracy make it challenging to provide seamless personalisation at each touchpoint. Bridging these gaps requires a comprehensive understanding of the customer journey and the ability to infuse employee data, feedback and surveys into the personalisation process.
  • Legacy Tools: Data Management Platforms (DMPs) are declining in effectiveness and efficacy. But the DMPs’ diminishing usefulness is not so much a problem with the technology itself; rather, it’s a reflection of the changing landscape where DMPs operate.

 

An urgent need for data intelligence

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape where customer loyalty is up for grabs, travel and hospitality brands don’t have the luxury of time to deal with legacy issues. They need fast, powerful and flexible Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) that can transform their end-to-end data management process in three major ways:

  1. Fast and powerful identity resolution
  2. Real-time access to 360-degree customer profiles
  3. Data intelligence and campaign orchestration

 

In this ecosystem, identity resolution becomes a crucial step in using customer data:

  1. Complete data collection: Powerful identity platforms have the ability to ingest customer data in their raw, native formats; regardless of where they come from. This eliminates the problem of data silos and the unnecessary need for reformatting and conversion, allowing brands to preserve the richness of their data right from the source.
  2. Flexible probabilistic identity resolution: Probabilistic identity resolution harnesses AI-powered algorithms to establish identity matches by making intelligent judgments and drawing probable links between seemingly unrelated data sets and identifiers just like a human would.

    Unlike traditional rules-based or deterministic approaches (i.e. based on exact matches) that tend to be rigid and limiting, probabilistic platforms allow brands to resolve identities at a much larger scale with the flexibility to update and adapt each time new data enters the system.

  1. Massive computing power: Petabytes of data come through identity systems each day. Platforms must be built on a robust infrastructure, so brands can have the freedom to scale up or down, according to their business needs.

Solving data complexities for true personalisation in travel and hospitality

With data integration complete, travel and hospitality brands will want to have real-time access to the most up-to-date customer profiles. CDPs do that by providing them with an ‘always-on’ Customer 360, where users can easily retrieve the information they need.

Good Customer 360’s also break departmental silos. They should come with the ability to power disparate use cases for every team and department in the organisation – from marketing to IT to analytics to customer service to compliance and finance.

With a CDP, travel and hospitality brands can seamlessly connect online and offline data sources to create a unified customer profile. This enables them to provide vastly better guest experiences through highly personalised campaigns and interactions. Brands have a clear view of their high-value customers with the goal of delivering one-to-one or one-to-few experiences based on what they know about guest preferences.

By embracing the power of personalisation, brands can transcend the limitations of today’s challenges and create a future where every traveller feels understood, valued and inspired by their experiences.

The journey begins with a commitment to data-driven strategies and an unwavering dedication to delivering remarkable moments that leave an indelible mark on the hearts of travellers. After all, getting better at using guest experience data isn’t just to selfishly boost a brand’s bottom line — it’s a genuine endeavour to elevate the entire guest experience.

 

About the author

Matthew Lubeck, Vice President EMEA, Amperity

Matthew is the vice president of EMEA where he is responsible for the commercial expansion of Amperity, a leading customer data platform trusted by brands like Reckitt, Under Armour and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Lubeck joined Amperity in 2017 to help launch the company and has served in a number of key roles building sales, customer success, and marketing functions. Matthew established Amperity’s LGBTQ employee resource group (ERG) and is a trusted advisor and customer-centricity change agent to the C-suite across leading consumer brands.

Prior to Amperity, Lubeck spent 10 years with global beauty conglomerates Estee Lauder Group and L’Oréal as Group Head of Customer Data Strategy and Analytics, leading 30 brands across luxury, mass and salon professional divisions to better use data & unlock incredible beauty experiences, establishing L’Oreal as an industry leader. He resides in London with his husband and four-year-old daughter.

 

About Amperity

Amperity delivers the data confidence brands need to unlock growth by truly knowing their customers. With Amperity, brands can build a first-party data foundation to fuel customer acquisition and retention, personalise experiences that build loyalty, and manage privacy compliance. Using patented AI and ML methods, Amperity stitches together all customer interactions to build a unified view that seamlessly connects to marketing and technology tools. More than 400 brands worldwide rely on Amperity to turn data into business value, including Alaska Airlines, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Endeavour Drinks, Planet Fitness, Seattle Sounders FC, Under Armour and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. For more information, visit amperity.com or follow us on Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

 

Gaming & Entertainment

Future Prospects of the Online Slot Industry: Predictions and Innovations

The online gambling sector continues to expand rapidly. It is projected to exceed $67 billion by 2023.VR casinos, live dealer games, and provably fair gaming experiences have all contributed to this exponential growth.

The integration of digital currencies has also opened up unprecedented opportunities for players worldwide. You can now participate in gambling activities, even in regions where restrictions have been imposed.

As we progress, online gambling is expected to become even more immersive, secure, and fiercely competitive. Here are the newest innovations to look out for:

Enhancing the Gambling Experience through VR and AR

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are taking center stage and revolutionizing the way online casino games are played. These cutting-edge technologies have introduced a new level of immersion by incorporating features like live interactions, 3D avatars, gesture recognition, and mimicry. They all contribute to an experience that closely replicates real-life casino settings.

AR can elevate your gaming experience by providing valuable information about the environment. For instance, you can use your smartphone to view the last ten spins’ outcomes on games slots lv. Augmented reality can also display exclusive offers, promotions, and additional details about specific games.

VR lets you interact with other VR players through virtual avatars. This way, you can enjoy an unlimited selection of casino games. For instance, you can play virtual poker and directly engage with the cards and other players present.

As technology evolves, VR and AR headsets may even track hand and finger movements, delivering an awe-inspiring and immersive gaming experience right from the comfort of your home.

Personalization in Online Casinos Using Data Science

Data science can personalize experiences, and this transformative aspect is now reshaping online casino business models. The increasing integration of (big) data science is utilizing algorithms to extract invaluable insights from structured and unstructured data. These insights are essential in personalizing customer service, marketing plans, and software development.

The rise of big data has presented the online gambling sector with numerous opportunities. For instance, businesses can gain access to valuable intelligence about competitors or market saturation through big data analytics.

It also enables them to glean valuable insights into customer preferences and even engage potential customers who might not have previously shown interest in online gaming.

Most online gaming sites now use predictive analytics and other advanced tools powered by data science. These tools allow them to craft tailor-made strategies based on individual customer preferences. This approach opens up new growth areas, reaching potential customers that would have otherwise remained beyond their grasp.

Online casinos have compelling reasons to rely on big data to enhance their security measures. They can identify weak points, particularly concerning money transactions and the secure storage of sensitive client data. Online gaming platforms can enhance trust and confidence among their players by improving their security.

Cryptocurrencies Gaining Prominence in Online Gambling

The undeniable potential of blockchain and cryptocurrencies has been witnessed across various industries, and the online slots sector is no exception. Although cryptocurrencies are still in their early stages in online casinos, they are rapidly gaining momentum.

Numerous online gambling websites are embracing digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin, making this payment method increasingly popular among players.

Crypto’s main appeal is its ability to offer anonymous and secure transactions and gameplay. It instills a sense of confidence in online players by minimizing the risk of hacking and identity theft.

While traditional payment methods will continue to be available on many online gambling platforms, cryptocurrencies are progressively taking their place. There is a growing realization among casino operators and players about the significance of security and transparency.

The provable fairness enabled by cryptocurrencies automatically verifies game results and creates a higher level of trust for online gamblers. Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of using crypto for online gambling is the complete anonymity it provides. You are not required to disclose personal information or share financial details. This offers greater convenience, especially in regions where gaming might be restricted or prohibited.

You can expect enhanced security and transparency as the online gambling world embraces the potential of cryptocurrencies. The freedom to access virtual casinos without divulging sensitive information also promises a future for crypto-dominated online gambling experiences.

Gambling in the Metaverse

The metaverse offers an authentic digital representation of the real casino experience facilitated by cutting-edge virtual reality technology. You can create and control distinct avatars within the expansive virtual world, much like in the physical realm. These avatars can freely move and interact within metaverse casinos, fostering a genuinely immersive casino ambiance.

A notable distinction of metaverse casinos is their adoption of cryptocurrencies rather than traditional currencies. You need to convert real-world currency into accepted cryptocurrencies through your crypto wallets for seamless deposits when gaming.

Yet, it remains convenient for players to exchange the cryptocurrencies and NFTs they win back into traditional currencies.

Playing online casino games within the metaverse has numerous advantages. It offers unparalleled immersion and interactivity compared to conventional online gambling platforms.

Metaverse casinos also provide players with heightened levels of security and transparency. Gambling in the metaverse fuses technology and entertainment in an innovative and captivating manner.

New Slot Themes and Mechanics

Another prominent trend that will captivate players is the continuous innovation in slot themes and mechanics. The allure of slots lies in the thrill of gambling and the captivating themes that take you to diverse and enchanting worlds.

Software providers are introducing fresh and exhilarating themes to ensure players remain fully immersed in their gaming experience.

Beyond themes, the exploration of pioneering slot mechanics is captivating the imagination of both developers and players alike. Expect to encounter features such as cascading reels, where winning symbols disappear, allowing new ones to cascade into place. They grant you multiple chances to win in a single spin. Expanding wilds can cover entire reels, leading to bountiful rewards.

Multiple pay line mechanics also create diverse opportunities for you to hit winning combinations. Software providers are elevating the online slot gaming experience by infusing games with these ingenious features. It has become more rewarding and entertaining.

 

Appointments, News, Wales News

Zip World Announces Appointment of New CEO

  • Zip World has appointed Andrew Hudson as its new Chief Executive Officer.
  • Since joining the company in 2018, Andrew has helped the business more than double in size from three to seven sites, including a hotel acquisition as part of its new accommodation strategy.
  • The new CEO plans to build on the company’s success by expanding its footprint across the UK and overseas.

Wales-based adventure company Zip World has appointed its Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Hudson, as its new CEO.

Andrew starts the role with immediate effect and will focus on continuing the company’s rapid growth as it plans to expand its portfolio of sites and experiences across the UK and overseas.

Since joining Zip World in 2018, Andrew has been responsible for all commercial activity and has played an instrumental role in driving transformational change across the business.

This includes building on the company’s differentiated and innovative experiences within the active leisure sector, adding two further locations to its estate including Lake District based TreeTop Trek, and securing allocated funding as part of the North Wales Growth Deal.

Over the last five years, the business has more than doubled in size, increasing its number of sites to seven, and is on track to attract a total of two million visitors by the end of 2025.

The expansion has seen the company launch its first site outside of North Wales, transforming the iconic Tower Colliery coal mine in Rhigos into Zip World Tower, as well as expanding its offering into accommodation with the acquisition of a hotel.

In addition to leading the company’s expansion, Andrew will oversee its “responsible adventure” mission, including implementing more sustainable operations linked to visitor experiences and ensuring key business decisions and investments enact positive change in the communities in which it operates.

 

Andrew Hudson, Chief Executive Officer at Zip World, said:

“Zip World has become one of the most aspirational brands in the marketplace over the past decade, creating a multitude of world-class experiences that have helped to preserve and enhance the unique qualities of local areas in post-industrial locations.

“Since joining the company, I have been fortunate enough to lead a talented team to establish a clear vision and marketing strategy for the brand that has played a crucial role in driving sustainable growth.

“I am particularly proud of the company’s resilience during the pandemic and exponential growth since then, having launched six new experiences and doubling visitor numbers since pre-pandemic levels.

 

Last month, Andrew led the project team which secured allocated matched funding as part of the North Wales Growth Deal to help them realise their vision as a leading responsible tourism destination.

The North Wales Growth Deal is a £1billion investment to the region, £240million of which has been funded by both Welsh and UK Governments.

The funding is estimated to boost the North Wales economy by an additional £6.8 million per year and will help to launch a new inclusive cable car, provide sustainable transport links between its sites and rural communities through a new electric bus network, as well as all-year-round employment opportunities to support regional wealth.

 

Sean Taylor, Founder of Zip World, said:

 “This appointment marks a new era for Zip World and I’m incredibly excited for the company’s future. We have experienced huge growth since the opening of our first site in 2013, and Andrew’s contribution, loyalty and dedication to the business have been transformative.

“His leadership skills, extensive experience and laser focus on strategic decision making based on consumer insights have meant that we’ve been able to establish an innovative and unique business that is truly a leader in its category.

“Our goal is to create unforgettable experiences for our customers, and I have no doubt that Andrew will continue to strengthen Zip World’s reputation as the UK’s leading active leisure brand while driving forward responsible and sustainable change.”

 

Zip World launched its first flagship adventure, Velocity, in 2013 with eight team members and now employs over 800 people at peak trading, with over 90% of its staff coming from local communities close to its sites.

The company has 29 experiences across its seven sites in Wales and England and has recently launched its own branded accommodation offering.

 

News, Packaging, Sustainability

Sustainable packaging: What it is, why you need it, and how to choose the best option

Sustainability has become one of the fundamental aspects of a good business. Companies are increasingly becoming aware of their potentially negative impact on the environment and, consequently, have started implementing procedures that seek to alleviate this burden. It’s not as simple as it might seem, as environmentalism requires considerable changes. However, by achieving environmental goals, businesses can be sure that they’re doing everything in their power to reduce their carbon footprint, reduce or even eliminate the greenhouse gases they release in the atmosphere, and protect wildlife diversity and human health as well. 

One of the areas that are often overlooked across different businesses is packaging. While sustainable ingredients or materials for products typically take centre stage, packaging isn’t considered nearly so often. And that’s a problem because all parts of a product should be eco-friendly for it to be considered green. Here are some of the tips you can use to ensure you meet the standards for sustainable packaging within your own company. 

Recyclable 

Making your packaging completely recyclable means that customers can reuse it for something else or that it can be disposed of in a safe manner so that it will be repurposed. Doing so reduces the need to source raw materials every time. This is especially important for plastics, which are famously sturdy and can take hundreds of years if not more, to degrade. However, plastic disintegrates into tiny pieces known as microplastics throughout the process. Discussions around this material have been rife among environmentalists and activists, given that microplastics can enter the human body, causing side effects that, although not yet completely understood, are certainly not beneficial. 

If you can, you should make the switch to biodegradable materials, as they’re fundamentally greener. For instance, you can choose block bottom bags, suitable for all types of items, including food. The bags’ interior is lined with greaseproof paper, and they’re easy to close with a simple stapler or envelope seal. Their capacity depends and can range from 50 to 500 ml. These bags can also be used as part of the product display in your store, especially if they have windows. They also make a great storage option for herbs, nuts, or various types of candy. 

Green plastics 

There’s quite a lot of controversy surrounding the concept of green plastic, and that includes packaging made from this material. First of all, it’s still uncertain what characteristics eco-friendly plastic must have. For instance, saying these plastics should be biobased means that the polymers created from oil are also green plastic, although there’s nothing sustainable about them. And while some believe this is a legitimate revolution in the business world, others remain unconvinced and confident that the Earth’s plastic problem won’t be solved this way. 

There are several types of biodegradable plastics, including: 

  • Bioplastics: Also known as biologically synthesised plastics, they are made from plants, such as starches and cellulose, as well. If extensively modified, cellulose can become thermoplastic, like in the case of cellulose acetate. Yet, due to the high costs, this material is rarely used for packaging. 
  • Petroleum-based: Although it sounds like an oxymoron, considering everyone knows that petroleum-based plastics like polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyethene aren’t biodegradable, some petroleum derivatives are. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate, PBAT for short, shows 90% degradation after eighty days. 
  • Compostable: Plastics that can be composted are generally made from polylactic acid, a dextrose produced by plants. At the moment, the most common source for this is corn, but as the industry develops, other plants might also be used in the future. But for this plastic to actually be biodegradable, composting conditions must be met accordingly. 

Even if certain types of plastic are greener, they must still be disposed of so as not to harm the environment, such as by ending up in the ocean and hurting marine life. 

Reduce the surplus

Overpackaging is a serious problem across the business environment, and it can add considerable strain on waste management and the world. By using Bestbuyenvelopes.ie, you can guarantee you’ll find a wide variety of packages, so you can fit something that fits the product’s size and shape. Doing so means you avoid placing a small item in an overly large box. However, there are several things to consider here as well. 

For instance, gift wrapping, which is also a type of packaging, frequently involves excess packaging. However, that is primarily because traditions and the customer’s personal tastes are taken into account. Luxury packaging is another example. Here, brand managers and retailers claim that offering premium packaging is an integral part of the experience of purchasing a luxury product. 

Decorative boxes are a separate art form that generally exceeds the utilitarian purposes of packaging. In the case of fragile objects, sellers can justify overpackaging by saying the product must reach the buyer in mint condition. Indeed, delivering goods that arrive at the destination broken, ripped or otherwise defective will most likely affect brand reputation and negatively influence the customer base numbers. 

So, are there no ways to avoid overpackaging or remove it from your company altogether? Of course not. 

  • Using the suitable void-fill material is one of the first steps, as protective packaging is one of the most significant contributors to the problem. It all depends on the type of the object. If it’s delicate, bubble wrap is the best, but it should only cushion the product itself. For items that aren’t breakable, paper will likely offer sufficient buffer. 
  • Top sealing reduces the amount of packaging you use as well, and you only need to use one strip to create the seal. 
  • Water-activated tape provides a stronghold, on top of being 100% recyclable, thereby not contributing to added waste.

Having an environmentally friendly business can be challenging sometimes, as there are many aspects you need to consider. Although packaging isn’t always discussed in this context, entrepreneurs need to be aware of the changes they need to perform in order to achieve sustainability standards. Complying with environmentalism demands will also improve your reputation among your target clientele and make it more likely that they’ll choose your brand over those of competitors. 

 

Law

Divorce Dos and Don’ts: Expert Advice for a Smooth Separation

Filing for a divorce is a difficult and complex process that can bring up a range of emotions, stress, and anxiety. Whether it is a mutual decision or not, it is essential to approach the separation with caution and care to avoid unnecessary conflicts and complications. In this blog post, we will be discussing the divorce dos and don’ts that can help couples navigate through the process smoothly and with minimal fuss. 

 

Seek Legal Counsel Early On

It is essential to have a clear understanding of your legal rights and obligations, as well as the potential consequences of your decisions. By consulting with an experienced divorce attorney, you can gain valuable insight into the legal process and ensure that your interests are protected. Your attorney can provide guidance on issues such as property division, child custody and support, and spousal maintenance. They can also help you negotiate with your spouse and their attorney, or represent you in court if necessary. 

In addition, seeking legal counsel early on can help you avoid costly mistakes that may arise from unintended legal consequences. By taking this step, you can set yourself up for a smoother separation and a better outcome in the long run.

 

Avoid Social Media Oversharing

Divorce is a difficult and emotional process, and it can be tempting to turn to social media to share your feelings with friends and family. However, oversharing on social media during a divorce can have negative consequences on both your emotional well-being and your legal case. Posting personal information or emotions online can be used against you in court, and can also escalate conflicts with your ex-spouse or even mutual friends. 

Therefore, it is important to avoid social media oversharing during this time. Instead, consider confiding in a trusted friend or family member in person, or seek the guidance of a therapist to help you navigate your emotions during this challenging time.

 

Focus on the Long-Term Picture

When going through a divorce, it can be easy to get caught up in short-term issues and concerns. However, it is important to also focus on the long-term picture. This means considering the impact of your decisions on your future, and not just on your immediate needs or emotions. 

For example, a decision made in the heat of the moment during a disagreement may have long-lasting consequences that can affect your financial or emotional well-being. By keeping your long-term goals in mind and seeking guidance from professionals, you can make informed decisions that will benefit you in the long run. Remember, a divorce is a significant life event, and taking the time to carefully consider your choices can help ensure a smoother separation process and a better future for yourself.

 

Keep Communication Respectful and Open

This may be difficult, especially if there are hurt feelings or tension between you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse. However, it is important to remember that respectful communication can prevent further conflict and can help both parties reach a mutually beneficial outcome. Try to avoid using accusatory language and instead focus on expressing your own thoughts and feelings in a calm and clear manner. 

Additionally, it is important to actively listen to your ex-spouse and acknowledge their concerns. By keeping communication respectful and open, you can work together to navigate the divorce process with less stress and conflict.

 

Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation and arbitration are two options to consider. Mediation involves a neutral third party who works with both parties to facilitate a resolution that works for everyone. Arbitration involves a third party who makes a binding decision on the disputed issues. Both methods can be less expensive and less emotionally draining than going to court. 

Additionally, they allow for more control over the outcome, as opposed to leaving it up to a judge. Before immediately turning to litigation, it’s worth exploring these alternative options to see if they may work for your situation.

 

Conclusion

The process of divorce can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. However, by following some simple dos and don’ts, it is possible to navigate through it with relative ease. It is important to seek guidance from legal and financial professionals, to communicate effectively with your spouse, and to prioritize the well-being of any children involved. Remember to take care of yourself throughout this process and to seek help if needed. With the right mindset and approach, a smooth separation is achievable.

Carmarthenshire, Construction, Construction News, News

Pentre Awel Project Takes Shape with First Steel Structure

Bouygues UK and Carmarthenshire County Council have revealed the first steel structure for the landmark Pentre Awel project. This is the first of five buildings and will house education and business development.

Leaders from Carmarthenshire County Council joined representatives from Bouygues UK and local contractors Shufflebottom and Dyfed Steels to view the steel structure, which marks a significant milestone in the project.

The multi-million pound development is being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council and is the largest regeneration scheme in south west Wales. It will bring together life science and business innovation, community healthcare and modern leisure facilities at the 83-acre Delta Lakes site on the Llanelli coastline. It is part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal (£40million) and is the largest regeneration scheme in south west Wales.

Lead contractor Bouygues UK is committed to using local subcontractors as part of its commitment to provide employment, training and skills opportunities to local people and underrepresented groups.

Dyfed Steels is providing the reinforcement bar for the project’s foundations which has 98% recycled content, and Shufflebottom is providing the structural steel for the building, which has 80% recycled content. With a commitment to the heritage of the area, the steel frame also provides the historical link to the previous industrial buildings that were located on the site. These including South Wales Tinplate Works and the Richard Thomas (Tinplate) Mills.

Pentre Awel 3.8.23 (LtR) Wesley Shufflebottom (Shufflebottom), Cllr Gareth John, Peter Sharpe (Bouygues UK), Cllr Darren Price and Ian Mills (Dyfed Reinforcements)

Peter Sharpe, Bouygues UK’s Pentre Awel Project Director, said the steel structure marks a significant part of the project.

He said: “This is a major construction milestone at Pentre Awel and an exciting one as we can really start to see the structure taking shape providing the scale of the project. Steel framing has a proven track record of providing sustainable benefits and it also offers significant cost benefits compared to alternative materials.

“For us it’s very important that we have as many local sub-contractors as possible working with us on this project and it’s great to welcome our guests from local companies Shufflebottom and Dyfed Steels to see the progress that is being made here.”

 

Cllr. Darren Price, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council added:

“Whilst works have been progressing at pace for many months, this milestone represents the start of aboveground works. We are delighted that Carmarthenshire businesses, Shufflebottom of Cross Hands and Dyfed Steels of Dafen, are playing such a significant part in the construction of Zone 1. Their skill and expertise as two local businesses helping us deliver what will be a fantastic facility at Pentre Awel is a significant boost to the local economy. This alongside the project’s complementary programme of apprenticeships, recruitment and training, reflects the County Council’s and Bouygues UKs joint ambition to maximise opportunities for local people and businesses.”

 

As well as Shufflebottom and Dyfed Steels, other companies contracted to work on Pentre Awel include: Green4Wales, Redsix Partnership, Gavin Griffiths Group, Davies Crane hire, Dyfed Recycling Services and Owen Haulage.  Bouygues UK has opportunities for numerous trades over the next few years of the project, from those in external works to companies who specialise in internal fixings.

 

Finance and Banking, News

ACCA comments on interest rates rise

Yesterday  saw the Bank of England increase interest rates for the fourteenth consecutive month, which will increase the cost of borrowing and will impact on tracker mortgages immediately, with borrowers seeing repayments rise overnight.

Jonathan Ashworth, chief economist at ACCA, said:

“The Bank of England raised interest rates by a quarter point to 5.25% – the highest since early 2008. There was a three-way split on the Monetary Policy Committee. Six members voted for a quarter point rise, two voted for a half point hike, while one continued to opt for unchanged policy. The committee noted that the current monetary policy stance was restrictive and suggested that future decisions would depend on developments in the data. With inflation still elevated, the labour market tight, and underlying wage growth at record rates, the risk is for further monetary tightening at coming meetings.”

 

Lloyd Powell, head of ACCA Cymru/Wales, said:

“ACCA members in Wales are finding that sustainable sources of finance are increasingly difficult and time consuming to obtain. Many businesses are resorting to non-sustainable sources – such as expensive overdrafts or even using owners’ credit cards. This will be a concern if it continues, especially given today’s decision by the Bank of England to raise interest rates.

“Companies fail because they run out of cash not necessarily because they are unprofitable. Recently company insolvencies jumped to their highest level since January 2019. This just underlines the importance of businesses proactively seeking finance before the crisis hits.”

Business, News, Swansea

Swansea Building Society opens head office expansion, welcoming Cllr Rob Stewart

Swansea Building Society has announced the completion of its ambitious expansion and refurbishment project at its Cradock Street head office in Swansea. With the successful acquisition and transformation of the adjacent property, number 13, the Society has accommodated its growing workforce, ensuring enhanced facilities and space. This milestone aligns with Swansea Building Society’s 100 years as a mutual institution, marking a century of dedicated service.

The extensive refurbishment of the acquired property has included the installation of new windows, a new roof, and a comprehensive interior redesign. These improvements were necessary to ensure a comfortable and productive working environment for the Society’s additional staff. The expansion aligns perfectly with a significant milestone in Swansea Building Society’s history, as it celebrates its centenary as a mutual this year.

To mark the official opening of the expanded head office, Swansea Building Society hosted Councillor Rob Stewart, the Leader of Swansea Council. Attending the event, Cllr Stewart emphasised the Society’s commitment to the local community and the positive impact of its expansion on the city’s economic growth.

Swansea Building Society has experienced remarkable growth and success in recent years, driven by strategic planning and substantial investments. In the past year alone, the Society achieved record highs in total assets, mortgage balances, savings, capital, and profits, surpassing the significant milestone of £500 million in total assets for the first time.

Recognising the importance of technological advancements, Swansea Building Society has invested over £1 million in its IT and back-office infrastructure. This comprehensive project involved hardware upgrades, enhanced cyber security measures, the establishment of a remote disaster recovery site, and improvements to its online services for customers. These advancements ensure the Society remains at the forefront of digital banking and delivers a seamless customer experience.

Additionally, the Society has bolstered its workforce with new talent across multiple departments, including mortgage underwriting, IT, marketing, and the mortgage sales team. Customer-facing roles have also been expanded to accommodate increased footfall at all local branches in Swansea, Mumbles, Carmarthen, and Cowbridge.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive at Swansea Building Society, said:

“The acquisition and refurbishment of number 13 Cradock Street was essential to meet the demands of our growing head office workforce. The expanded premises, now hosting 14 staff, provide us with room for further expansion if needed. Our investments and achievements in recent years position us to better assist our members in planning their finances and accessing the savings and mortgage products they need for a more secure future. By increasing staff, expanding our facilities, and upgrading our IT infrastructure, we can serve our members with tailored financial advice and offer them a choice of convenient options, whether it’s through our branches or online.”

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:

“Businesses like Swansea Building Society are so important to the vitality of the city centre, so it’s very encouraging to see the improvements they’ve introduced as part of an impressive refurbishment and expansion project at their Craddock Street headquarters.

“Private sector investment of this kind plays a key role in boosting our local economy, and more workers based in the city centre means more footfall and spending in other businesses like shops, restaurants and bars.

“As a council, we’ll continue to work alongside the city’s businesses to create a modern, vibrant and fit for purpose city centre that meets people’s aspirations.”