Monthly Archives: October 2023

Data, E-Commerce, GDPR, Marketing & PR, News

UK Data Experts Reveals How to Get Your Brand ‘Holiday Ready’

Written by Matthew Lubeck, Vice President EMEA, Amperity

The way consumers shop during the holidays has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Not only are they starting earlier, but as the UK’s cost-of-living crisis continues, they’re also spending less across all categories. As brands shift into ‘holiday mode’, below are some critical insights to keep in mind for a successful and impactful campaign season.

Prepare for privacy changes

Privacy changes continue to impact the landscape. As it stands, the EU general data protection regulation (GDPR) remains the strongest privacy and security law in the world. In fact, just recently Meta and TikTok were fined big for violating its privacy laws.

Furthermore, in Q1 2024, Google will begin disabling third-party cookie tracking for 1 per cent of Chrome users. With 65 per cent market share, this is something advertisers cannot ignore – and as time goes on and cookies are further disabled, the impact will only get more pronounced.

Trends you need to know now:

  1. First-party data: Freely-given, first-party consumer data is now critical, not just for targeting, but also for attribution. Companies already turning to first-party data are running really clean AB tests and having the ability, without third-party data, to connect the data together on the back end for a clearer profile of each unique customer.
  2. Contextual Targeting: Marketing to a single person with static attributes is moving towards contextual targeting based on what people are doing at a given time rather than who they are in a more static sense.
  3. Data Clean Rooms: One of the biggest areas the continued deprecation of cookies will affect is measurement and attribution. Clean rooms are filling that hole – to tell advertisers if certain types of marketing were effective, drove incremental sales, etc.

AI: Your own personal Santa’s helper

Using generative AI in retail has been a big differentiator in creating propensity models for insights into why consumers purchase specific items – and how to promote more sales. Tasks that used to be very manual are now fed into AI engines to devise hyper-targeted messaging at scale.

Even more, if you don’t have enough holiday content to speak to different segments with different tones, using AI is a budget-conscious way to crank out a lot of content variations quickly and with minimal effort.

Whether your advertising strategy is operating at a baseline (one-to-one communications) or a more advanced level (AI-driven), you can still prepare and succeed.

Understand and address the challenges you’re faced with today to:

  • Get ahead of things like lead times to pull specific lists
  • Develop the right copy to execute on those campaigns
  • Pre-test systems to prevent outages
  • Find the solutions to better know your customers and present them with relevant offers at the right place and time.

Balancing holiday demands

It’s crucial to have the agility to target and act between Black Friday and close of fiscal. Often in retail, we need to move fast to see what’s going on under the sales – if they are soft or even if they’re strong – and decide what levers to pull or to hold back on.

Ask yourself:

  • Which holiday shoppers were buying last year and why they haven’t shopped yet?
  • Who are your ‘gifters’ and have you seen them?
  • How can you design and target promotions to maximise basket size of different types of spenders to push them higher?

 

And last one – how hard is it to do this at the speed of the holidays without ruining a perfectly great ugly sweater party because you’re stuck at the office trying to run analytics jobs or waiting for data?

 

Checking your customer data wish list

You’ll collect a lot of consumer data and need to put it to work. Consider where you sit on the maturity curve and what types of initiatives you can put on your roadmap early in 2024 to ensure you’re stepping forward as an organisation.

  • Baseline: Develop core buyer personas and begin defining initial segmentation
  • Basic Targeting: Improve operational process to generate customer segments
  • Cross-Channel: Test and analyse segment performance across channel mixes
  • 1:1 Personalisation: Begin operationalising personalised recommendations and next best action engines
  • AI-driven Activation: Incorporate broader range of touchpoints into decisioning (i.e. product reviews, customer care surveys, return rates)

 

Out with the old

It’s time to expect the unexpected. Old-school holiday campaign timing and targeting simply don’t work anymore in light of new consumer behaviours. Customers are buying seasonal items earlier, focusing more on necessities rather than sale-priced luxury items and buying up-trending items shared as pairings or group displays.

Disruptive sales events like Amazon’s Prime Day are demonstrating some of those behaviours. The eCommerce giant had huge numbers on Prime Day 2023, with sales reaching an estimated £10 billion worldwide – a 6 per cent increase over last year. This indicates a positive direction for the economy, which is great news for advertisers. But it also stems from smart planning.

Below are three tactics Amazon used along with my recommendations for your holiday strategies:

1. Invitation-only deals: Personalised, advanced offers based on consumers’ previous purchase histories.

  • Full access to every consumer’s unique buying profile will be key to tailoring unique communications like these.

2. Best value vs. lowest price offers: More consumers purchased essential items versus lower-priced luxury ones.

  • With smaller budgets, consumers are shopping for necessities – and having the insights to target them in the right place at the right time will be critical.

3. Pairing of orchestrated offerings: Amazon saw a large uptick around its curated lists and specifically strong product trend. Think of the mass appeal across demographics related to Barbie movie merchandise – Dad buys an “I’m Kenough” t-shirt, Mom nabs a hot pink jacket and the kids get a couple of “Weird Barbie” dolls.

  • Staying on top of emerging trends and offering easy access to grouping suggestions could be a gamechanger for you, too.

Don’t delay – ‘sleigh’ the holiday season with technology

There are a lot of basics that organisations can do right now to get ahead of the holidays and 2024 planning. However, don’t stall. If you wait until mid-November to start, you and your customers will come away empty-handed.

So ask yourself, do you have what you need to make these strategies easier? Or does your current tech just maintain the status quo? The goal here is to move up that maturity curve to put yourself in a better position than you may be now.

Pro tip: Using a customer data platform that merges all your physical and digital data within unified customer data profiles by using zero, first and second-party data (and even third-party data sources as a supplement where appropriate) is a critical way to stay current, keep sales moving in a positive direction and predict best ways to campaign into the future. If you haven’t already, look into it now.

To learn more about ways to prepare, plan, and execute for a successful Black Friday and 2024, check out Amperity’s recent webinar: Countdown to Black Friday: Strategies to Win Holiday 2023.

 

About the author

Matthew Lubeck is Vice President EMEA, Amperity

Car News, Law, News

Leeading Consumer Rights Group Issues Call for Action Following Airport Blaze

A CONSUMER rights group has contacted Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service after it emerged a blaze they responded to at Luton Airport may have been caused by a car fire.

Right Against Might also urged motorists to get in touch if they are concerned their vehicle may have a fault that constitutes a fire risk.

Their call to action follows a fire in a car park at Luton Airport on Tuesday which caused a partial collapse of the £20 million structure – and the expected loss of the 1405 vehicles parked there.

The founder of RAM, advertising executive Chris Joseph, said he fears it could be a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or killed unless manufacturers issue recall notices.

Mr Joseph has extensive experience in this area having recently supported a motorist who won a settlement after his own car exploded.

He said: “It’s extraordinary that in this day and age cars are exploding but what’s more extraordinary is that people are then running around not dealing with it properly.

“That’s why I’ve written to the chief fire officer of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to offer our assistance in any way we can.

“Right Against Might has expertise in this area as we reached a confidential settlement for one of our clients after an independent review of the burned-out wreckage of his car found that a manufacturer’s fault was to blame.

“I would urgently appeal to motorists who have experienced an unexpected car fire to come forward and we will help you get justice if a design fault is to blame.”

 

Right Against Might (RAM) is a group that has been set up to hold the biggest businesses and organisations to account on behalf of “underdog consumers”.

Using a unique approach, the company aims to secure “swift justice” without resorting to legal action for thousands of people across the UK with nowhere else to turn.

RAM acted for a businessman whose car caught fire as his son-in-law was driving on the A1(M).

He was able to escape before the flames completely engulfed the vehicle and it exploded, but was left traumatised by the experience.

 

Chris, from Stockton-on-Tees, is also a bestselling author and mental health campaigner, and has successfully challenged several multinational companies in the High Court in London. He has also taken on and beaten the banking industry.

His trailblazing work established the legal precedent by which all creative agencies now retain copyright in their pitch work.

Commercial Property, Commercial Property News, Mid Wales, News

Mid Wales town centre restaurant and B&B for sale with Halls Commercial

A prominent Mid Wales town centre restaurant with eight en suite letting rooms is on the market with Halls Commercial due to the retirement of the owners.

Offers in the region of £500,000 are being invited for Parkers B&B and Restaurant, 1 Short Bridge Street, Newtown, which has a five star B&B award. The 70-cover restaurant has a five star hygiene rating and music and entertainment licence.

The attractive, three storey building has the restaurant on the ground floor with the high quality, en suite letting rooms on the upper two floors. The rooms have a self-contained entrance or access from the restaurant.

The restaurant area, which has an attractive glazed shop frontage, covers around 1,091 sq ft and a breakfast room, used by B&B guests, is around 302 sq ft. The property also has a 382 sq ft commercial kitchen, ancillary facilities and WCs.

All fixtures and fittings are included in the sale of Parkers which has two off-street car parking spaces at the rear of the property.

Situated on the River Severn, Newtown is an established market town and administrative centre with a significant catchment area.

The largest town in the rural county of Powys, Newtown is 33 miles from Shrewsbury, 13 miles from Welshpool 43 miles from the coastal university town of Aberystwyth.

For more information about Parkers, contact Halls Commercial on Tel: 01743 450700.

Bereavement, Law, News, Yorkshire

New CAPA Contract Helps Leading Law Firm Extend Inquest Services Offering

A leading Yorkshire law firm that specialises in representing bereaved families at inquests has secured a contract to enable them to expand the types of inquests that they can deal with (including deaths involving police contact and within the prison service) in addition to taking on civil claims against public authorities including the police and local authorities. 

Ison Harrison has secured the LAA CAPA contract (Claims Against Public Authorities) enabling the firm to represent people in situations where they feel they have been mistreated by a public authority such as the police or local authority. Ison Harrison is one of only a handful of firms in the region and 71 nationwide to hold a CAPA contract.

The securing of the contract has widened the scope of the publicly funded work the firm can do in helping victims gain access to justice and has led to significant growth within the team. The PI, Inquest and Civil Liberties team has an experienced and specialist human rights and inquest team that collectively has over 80 years experience in this area.

Prior to securing the contract, the firm was only able to offer public funding for cases involving medical negligence and deaths both in inpatient mental health care and when they were under the care of the community mental health team. CAPA accreditation allows Ison Harrison to offer a comprehensive service to clients requiring legal representation for inquests and actions against public authorities.

Ison Harrison is currently representing a 16-year-old girl after she was arrested for allegedly making a homophobic remark to a female police officer. The girl was released from custody and faced no further action after her mother informed West Yorkshire Police that she was autistic. The girl also has physical disabilities, which meant she should not have been physically handled in a certain way during her arrest.  A video uploaded to TikTok by her mother showed the incident with the autistic teenager being detained by seven officers outside her home in Leeds.

Leading the firm’s PI, Inquests and Civil Liberties team is director Gareth Naylor. With over 22 years experience, Gareth specialises in high value and complex cases. He is a proud member of the  INQUEST Lawyers Group. Hugely experienced in dealing with all types of claims such as road traffic accidents, accidents at work and occupier’s and public liability claims, Gareth has also dealt with more unusual and complex personal injury claims involving sexual assault, product liability and an accident aboard a vessel, which was heard by the Admiralty Division of the High Court.

Gareth represents bereaved families at inquests, including those with a jury. He recently represented the families of Matthew Harter Dale and Deseree Fitzpatrick, both of whom were vulnerable adults and died whilst under the care of The Priory.

Alongside Gareth in the team is Gemma Vine, associate and specialist inquest solicitor with vast experience of representing bereaved families at inquests, specifically those involving veterans and deaths involving mental health and multi-agencies. Gemma also has experience in pursuing complaints against the police. She has over a decade of experience in CAPA cases including representing the family of Kesia Leatherbarrow, whose death in 2013 was one of three that resulted in a change to the law relating to PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984), whereby 17-year-olds were previously treated as adults and not children. This led to the creation of Kesia’s Law, an amendment made to the Criminal Justice & Courts Bill which closed a historic legal anomaly. 

Ruth Bundey, one of the most experienced inquest lawyers in the UK, began working on inquests in the nineties when young prisoners were inappropriately housed in Leeds Adult Prison, leading to a spate of deaths. She has represented families involved in the Hillsborough Disaster and continues to work alongside the sister of Christopher Alder who died on the floor of Hull Police Station in 1998, where there have been further revelations over the years after it was discovered that his body was still in the mortuary years after his purported burial. These cases were dealt with when the firm previously held a contract for such work, thanks to valued colleague, now sadly deceased, Simon Purchas. Ruth is currently involved in a variety of deaths in psychiatric establishments. 

Ison Harrison’s CAPA contracts team is completed by Graham Roberts, a personal injury specialist in abuse claims, Megan Spurr, trainee solicitor and Natalie Marrison, an experienced senior solicitor has also recently joined the firm as a result of the contract award. Natalie has a wealth of experience in abuse, serious injury and clinical negligence and will further enhance the team with her knowledge and experience.  

Gareth Naylor said: “The team has put a tremendous amount of work into securing this contract which is the icing on the cake in what is shaping up to be our most successful year in our history. 

“Previously we have only been able to secure public funding for inquests that involved medical negligence and when the death involved mental health services. Now we can secure public funding for a wide range of victims of injustice. We have developed a very strong team of experienced lawyers who can assist such victims. We offer representation second to none in this complex and niche area of law which is fantastic for our employee-owned business which continues to grow as we open our 18th office in Doncaster.

“Public authorities, including the police, have a duty of care to the public, but when it is felt that this has been breached it can be a daunting prospect to seek a form of justice and many people will feel intimidated. 

“In such cases, it is very easy for public authorities to employ delay tactics and to make the issue overly complex so that people eventually feel helpless and give up. However, Ison Harrison believes everyone has a right to justice and the securing of this CAPA contract is a significant step forward in our quest to provide the most comprehensive range of specialist legal services throughout Yorkshire.” 

Ison Harrison was founded in 1978. With an annual turnover of over £20 million, the firm has become a well-known regional practice offering the broadest range of legal services to thousands of people and businesses. The firm became a 100% employee-owned business in early 2022 after the three shareholder directors agreed to sell the business to an Employee Ownership Trust.

Ison Harrison currently holds 13 Law Society accreditations including Conveyancing Quality, Clinical Negligence, Children Law, Family Law, Immigration & Asylum, and SRA Higher Courts Rights – civil and criminal.

To find out more about our specialist Inquest and personal injury services, please call 0113 284 5000, email pi@isonharrison.co.uk  or visit www.isonharrison.co.uk 

Cryptocurrency, Finance and Banking

Stellar Lumens and Bitcoin: Illuminating the Path to Global Financial Inclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies, two prominent digital assets have risen to the forefront: Stellar Lumens (XLM) and Bitcoin. These blockchain-based currencies are not only reshaping the financial industry but are also playing a pivotal role in driving global financial inclusion. With their unique attributes and innovative features, Stellar Lumens and Bitcoin are poised to revolutionize the way we transact, invest, and connect with the world. With the increasing prominence of Stellar Lumens in the crypto landscape, platforms like Immediate Code are becoming essential for traders keen on financial inclusion ventures.

Unveiling Stellar Lumens (XLM): A Beacon of Financial Empowerment

What is Stellar Lumens?

Stellar Lumens, often referred to as XLM, is a decentralized cryptocurrency that operates on the Stellar network. Created with the aim of facilitating cross-border transactions and enabling seamless exchange between different fiat currencies, Stellar Lumens has rapidly gained traction for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Advancing Financial Inclusion

One of the most remarkable features of Stellar Lumens is its commitment to promoting financial inclusion on a global scale. Traditional banking systems often exclude a significant portion of the world’s population, particularly those in underserved regions. Stellar Lumens seeks to bridge this gap by providing a platform where individuals, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, can access financial services with ease.

 

By leveraging its blockchain technology, Stellar Lumens enables fast and secure cross-border transactions at minimal fees. This is a game-changer for remittances, as individuals can send money to their loved ones abroad without the exorbitant charges associated with traditional remittance services. Furthermore, Stellar Lumens’ partnerships with various financial institutions and mobile payment providers contribute to the accessibility of its services, making it a powerful tool for financial empowerment.

Bitcoin: The Pioneer of Cryptocurrencies

The Genesis of Bitcoin

Bitcoin, often referred to as digital gold, marked the beginning of the cryptocurrency era. Created by an enigmatic figure known as Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin introduced the concept of a decentralized and censorship-resistant digital currency. Its revolutionary blockchain technology underpins its decentralized nature, making it immune to the control of any single entity.

Transforming the Financial Landscape

Bitcoin’s impact on the financial landscape cannot be overstated. As the first cryptocurrency, it laid the foundation for the development of thousands of other digital assets. Its scarcity, capped supply, and decentralized nature have positioned it as a potential hedge against traditional financial systems’ volatility.

 

Moreover, Bitcoin has garnered significant attention as a store of value and a means of diversification in investment portfolios. Institutional investors and corporations are increasingly recognizing its merits and allocating a portion of their assets to Bitcoin, further solidifying its status as a legitimate and influential asset class.

Synergies and Distinctions: Stellar Lumens and Bitcoin

Shared Characteristics

While Stellar Lumens and Bitcoin have distinct use cases and goals, they share several key characteristics that contribute to their relevance and appeal:

Decentralization

Both cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, ensuring that no single entity has control over the currency’s issuance or transactions. This decentralized nature enhances security, transparency, and censorship resistance.

Accessibility

Stellar Lumens and Bitcoin prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. Stellar Lumens aims to provide financial services to the unbanked and underbanked, while Bitcoin offers an alternative financial system for individuals disillusioned with traditional banking.

Distinct Advantages

Stellar Lumens’ Focus on Payments

Stellar Lumens’ primary focus is on facilitating cross-border payments and remittances. Its lightning-fast transaction speed and negligible fees make it an ideal solution for individuals seeking efficient and cost-effective international transfers.

 

Bitcoin’s Store of Value Narrative

Bitcoin, on the other hand, has solidified its reputation as a store of value and a potential hedge against inflation. Its scarcity, often compared to precious metals like gold, positions it as a digital alternative to traditional assets.

The Road Ahead: A Confluence of Innovation and Inclusion

As Stellar Lumens and Bitcoin continue to make their mark on the global financial landscape, their trajectories point towards a future characterized by innovation and inclusion. Stellar Lumens’ mission to provide accessible financial services aligns with the growing demand for seamless cross-border transactions. On the other hand, Bitcoin’s store of value narrative resonates with those seeking a reliable hedge against economic uncertainty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the paths of Stellar Lumens and Bitcoin Era, an Online trading platform, are converging to create a financial ecosystem that prioritizes efficiency, accessibility, and empowerment, illuminating the way forward and fostering a more inclusive and connected global economy.

 

 

 

 

 

Cryptocurrency, Finance and Banking

Stablecoins: Mitigating Volatility in the Bitcoin’s Era

Amidst the constantly shifting and fast-paced realm of cryptocurrencies, characterized by frequent price oscillations that have become almost anticipatable, stablecoins have risen as a reliable antidote to the challenge of volatility. As the cryptocurrency market undergoes further development, stablecoins have attracted progressively more focus and acceptance owing to their unique capability to furnish stability within an intrinsically uncertain milieu. This comprehensive article extensively explores the universe of stablecoins, encompassing their underlying mechanics, array of advantages, and their pivotal role in curbing volatility, specifically accentuating their significance. As volatility remains a concern, many traders are turning to platforms like Immediate Alpha to stay updated on the latest in stablecoin trends.

Understanding Volatility and Its Impact

Volatility, an ever-present factor in financial markets, refers to the rapid and often unpredictable price swings of an asset. In the realm of cryptocurrencies, particularly with the likes of Bitcoin, volatility has been a defining characteristic. While this volatility can lead to substantial gains for some investors, it has also been a deterrent for many, given the inherent risks involved.

Enter Stablecoins: The Guardians of Stability

Amid the turbulence of the cryptocurrency market, stablecoins have emerged as a beacon of stability. True to their name, stablecoins are a class of cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, whose values can experience wild fluctuations within short periods, stablecoins are uniquely positioned to offer a reliable and consistent value proposition.

The Mechanics of Stablecoins

Stablecoins operate on various mechanisms, each aimed at maintaining their stability. Here are a few common types of stablecoins, each with its distinct approach:

Fiat-Collateralized Stablecoins

Fiat-collateralized stablecoins are backed by reserves of traditional currencies such as the US Dollar or the Euro. For instance, if a stablecoin is pegged to the US Dollar, the issuing entity holds a corresponding amount of USD in reserve. This collateralization ensures that the stablecoin’s value remains closely tied to the value of the fiat currency.

Crypto-Collateralized Stablecoins

In this type, stablecoins are backed by other cryptocurrencies. A certain amount of a relatively volatile cryptocurrency is locked in a smart contract, and stablecoins are issued against it. The smart contract ensures that if the value of the collateralized cryptocurrency drops significantly, a portion of it can be liquidated to maintain the stablecoin’s value.

Algorithmic Stablecoins

Algorithmic stablecoins leverage intricate algorithms and smart contracts to regulate the supply of stablecoins based on market demand. These algorithms expand or contract the supply to influence the stablecoin’s value, maintaining stability in an automated manner.

Hybrid Models

Some stablecoins combine elements of the above mechanisms to achieve stability. By diversifying the underlying assets and employing a combination of collateralization and algorithms, these hybrid stablecoins aim to strike a balance between robustness and flexibility.

Use Cases and Benefits

Stablecoins have transcended their initial purpose of providing stability within the realm of trading and investment. They have found diverse use cases and offer a multitude of benefits, including:

Cross-Border Transactions and Remittances

Stablecoins have significantly streamlined cross-border transactions and remittances. Their consistent value eliminates the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, ensuring that the recipient receives the intended amount, without incurring excessive fees.

Empowering Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

Stablecoins are a linchpin of the burgeoning Decentralized Finance (DeFi) ecosystem. Their stability makes them a preferred medium of exchange within DeFi platforms, enabling users to seamlessly engage in lending, borrowing, and trading without being subjected to the extreme volatility of other cryptocurrencies.

E-Commerce and Everyday Payments

Stablecoins are gaining traction as a reliable means of transacting online. Merchants and consumers alike benefit from a stable medium of exchange that shields them from the value fluctuations experienced by traditional cryptocurrencies.

Hedging Against Volatility

Investors can strategically employ stablecoins as a hedging tool against the volatility of other cryptocurrencies. During times of heightened market uncertainty, moving assets into stablecoins can act as a safe haven, preserving value until market conditions stabilize.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While stablecoins present a promising solution to volatility, they are not devoid of challenges. Regulatory oversight, concerns over centralization, and maintaining the peg to the underlying asset are persistent issues that must be navigated carefully.

In the foreseeable future, stablecoins are poised to continue their evolution. Advancements in blockchain technology, coupled with increased mainstream adoption, will likely drive their proliferation. As they become more deeply integrated into traditional financial systems, stablecoins have the potential to bridge the gap between fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies, ultimately contributing to a more stable and accessible global financial landscape.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving saga of cryptocurrencies, stablecoins have emerged as a stabilizing force, offering a solution to the persistent issue of volatility. With their diverse mechanisms and applications, stablecoins have transcended their initial purpose, becoming instrumental in cross-border transactions, DeFi platforms, e-commerce, and beyond. As the cryptocurrency space matures, stablecoins stand as a testament to innovation and adaptation, providing a stable foundation in a realm characterized by unpredictability.

 

Cryptocurrency, Finance and Banking

Social Impact of Cryptocurrencies: Empowering Communities Bitcoin

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital finance, cryptocurrencies have emerged as a groundbreaking phenomenon that goes beyond financial transactions. At the forefront of this revolution is Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency that has not only disrupted traditional monetary systems but also shown immense potential in positively impacting communities worldwide. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the social impact of cryptocurrencies, focusing on how Bitcoin, in particular, has been instrumental in empowering communities across the globe. For those interested in exploring the real-time nuances of cryptocurrency trading, platforms like Immediate Enigma offer a comprehensive experience.

Understanding Cryptocurrencies and Their Impact

What Are Cryptocurrencies?

Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies that utilize cryptography for secure and private transactions. Bitcoin, introduced by an unknown person or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009, is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency. Since then, thousands of cryptocurrencies have emerged, each with its unique features and potential applications.

Decentralization and Financial Inclusion

One of the most significant aspects of cryptocurrencies is their decentralized nature. Unlike traditional financial systems controlled by central authorities, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks known as blockchains. This decentralization eliminates the need for intermediaries, reducing transaction fees and making financial services accessible to individuals without access to traditional banking systems a feature with far-reaching implications for financial inclusion.

Bitcoin: Empowering Communities and Fostering Change

Financial Inclusion in Developing Nations

In regions with limited banking infrastructure, Bitcoin offers a lifeline. People without access to traditional banking services can now participate in the global economy, send and receive money, and engage in e-commerce through their smartphones. This newfound financial inclusion has the potential to uplift communities by providing access to previously unavailable opportunities.

Remittances and Cross-Border Transactions

For migrants and their families, sending remittances across borders has often been marred by exorbitant fees and slow processing times. Bitcoin’s borderless nature and low transaction costs make it an attractive alternative for cross-border transactions, allowing families to receive more of the money sent and fostering economic stability.

Philanthropy and Charitable Contributions

Cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, have facilitated a new era of charitable giving. Donors can now directly contribute to causes they care about, with reduced administrative overheads and faster fund transfers. This has led to increased transparency in philanthropy and efficient allocation of resources to impactful projects.

Empowerment in Unstable Economies

In countries facing hyperinflation and economic instability, Bitcoin can serve as a store of value and a means of preserving wealth. Citizens of such nations can use Bitcoin to protect their savings from depreciating currencies, enabling them to have greater control over their financial futures.

Challenges and Future Prospects

  • Volatility: While Bitcoin offers numerous benefits, its price volatility remains a concern. The value of Bitcoin can experience rapid fluctuations, which can pose risks to individuals and businesses using it for everyday transactions. Efforts to stabilize cryptocurrencies and develop more stablecoins are ongoing to address this challenge.

 

  • Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is still evolving. Governments around the world are grappling with how to classify, tax, and regulate these digital assets. Clarity in regulations is essential to ensure the responsible growth of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

 

  • Environmental Concerns: Bitcoin mining, the process by which new Bitcoins are created and transactions are verified, requires substantial energy consumption. Addressing the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining through the adoption of more sustainable practices is a critical consideration for its long-term viability.

Conclusion

As the world moves towards a more digitally connected future, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are playing a pivotal role in transforming societies and empowering communities. By promoting financial inclusion, enabling efficient cross-border transactions, fostering philanthropy, and offering stability in unstable economies, Bitcoin is showcasing its potential to bring about positive social change. While challenges such as volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and environmental concerns persist, the overall trajectory suggests that cryptocurrencies will continue to redefine how communities interact with financial systems. Embracing this transformative technology responsibly could lead to a more inclusive and equitable global economy.

In conclusion, the social impact of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, is multifaceted and holds promise for creating a better world. By leveraging the power of blockchain technology and embracing decentralized financial systems, communities stand to gain greater control over their financial destinies, unlocking new opportunities and fostering economic empowerment.

Business, Business & Property News, News

Alex Shnaider: Billionaire Businessman who Bartered his way to Success

From Ukraine to Israel to Canada, businessman Alex Shnaider has followed a path of multinational success, marked by strategic risk-taking and innate street smarts. Along the way, this self-made billionaire also became a global philanthropist.

Key to his success was hard work, being resourceful, and understanding how to connect with people, traits he learned by watching and helping his parents run a small delicatessen in Toronto. Born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, which was then part of the Soviet Union, his family emigrated to Israel in 1972 when he was a toddler. They moved again to Canada when he was a teenager.

Shnaider quickly discovered his financial acumen when he studied economics at York University in Toronto, graduating with honors. A quick study in languages and with the help of family contacts, businessman Shnaider began brokering steel export deals after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He co-founded Midland Group in 1994.

Within five years, Alex Shnaider’s Midland Group had acquired a controlling stake in Ukraine’s largest steel producer. Over the next decade, Midland Group established itself as a global steel exporter and international investment holding company.

Midland Group took risks that others avoided, bartering for goods, agreeing to pay for steel while it was still in production, helping supply the infrastructure that the mills needed.

The success of Midland Group bolstered Shnaider’s fortunes, placing him among an elite circle of Canadian billionaires. Shnaider attributes his success to finding the right business niche at the opportune moment. As Midland Group thrived, Shnaider diversified into real estate and other private ventures aligning with his personal interests. By 2005, he was on the Forbes list of the world’s richest people.

“Sure, it’s nice to hear that my name is being included among some of the world’s most successful people, but the truth is, I really don’t devote much attention to things like this. I prefer to focus my attention on the areas that enabled me to get on the list — specifically, improving our core businesses and creating new opportunities for Midland Group,” businessman Shnaider said in 2005.

A sports car aficionado who owns a fleet of luxury cars and a private jet, he spent $50 million to buy the Jordan Formula One racing team. He rebranded it as Midland F1 Racing for the 2006 Formula One season, and sold it several years later, quadrupling his investment. He also briefly owned Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team.

In recent years, businessman Shnaider has invested in real estate and finance, with significant development projects in Israel, Canada and around the world. He is the majority owner of Mishorim Real Estate Investments, a public company traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange that owns commercial real estate in Israel and the United States. Mishorim is also the controlling shareholder in Skyline Investments Inc., which operates resorts and hotels in Canada and the US.

One business associate once described Shnaider as the quintessential motivated immigrant, armed with education, raw intelligence, and drive, with a rare ability to analyze information quickly. “Alex will not stop. It’s not really about the money. It’s about the achievement – setting impossible goals and doing it.”

Beyond business, billionaire Alex Shnaider is married, with three adult daughters. He and his family have been major donors to healthcare organizations and Jewish philanthropies, including the Sinai Health Foundation, the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, the Sunnybrook Foundation, the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and more. Shnaider also served as a board member of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Toronto.

Carbon Reduction, News, Sustainability

Advantage Utilities supports net zero progress and energy savings for businesses through Carbon Reporting and Bureau Service

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it – and therefore can’t reduce it”

The Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019 mandates that organisations must reach net-zero by 2050. In recent years, businesses have become acutely aware of the need to focus on their progress towards net-zero and many are exploring carbon reporting and bureau service as a result, not least because of increasing expectations of reporting activities within supply chains and for their customers.

A recent survey revealed that 82% businesses in the UK have set targets to reach net-zero before 2050; however a lack of data around their operations has contributed to stifled progress.

Carbon reporting provides businesses with the ability to measure, report and monitor their carbon footprint. This service provides detailed insight into a business’ energy use, highlighting what improvements can be made to reduce carbon output and offset emissions, as well as making energy savings through reducing consumption of pollutive non-renewables such as grid-sourced energy.

 

Paul Rekhi, Head of Carbon Services at Advantage Utilities, commented that: “Carbon reporting is so essential to enabling progress towards net-zero. Because if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it and therefore can’t reduce it! That’s why we offer this service to our clients, who have been able to leverage it to not only reduce emissions, but also to reduce their energy bills and safeguard their reputation too.” 

 

Achieving certification of carbon neutrality is a growing asset for businesses, yet research from the British Chambers of Commerce shows that fewer than one in 10 SMEs in the UK fully understand what the net-zero target means for them.

Businesses using a bureau service can have additional confidence in their energy bills because of its use of bill validation, automatically highlighting billing errors in the process by carrying out 100 checks via the bureau service system – making energy savings where overpayments have occurred. Monthly reports are also produced on factors such as consumption, bills and carbon emissions, accessible through an online portal.

 

“Using a bureau service is crucial to measuring current bills and ensuring that no irregularities occur – and these are surprisingly common. By using carbon reporting in combination with this, businesses can better understand their needs and energy use so that bespoke solutions can be implemented, thereby maximising carbon offsetting and reduction. Through a carbon reporting platform, businesses gain insight into their scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and facilitate supply chain reporting to plan, track and report their GHG emissions and their progress towards net-zero. Businesses must collaborate with their supply chain to tackle the most significant and complex part of its carbon footprint, however,” adds Rekhi.

 

Rekhi concludes, stating that: “Using both a bureau service and carbon reporting enhances working relationships with key retailer customers and suppliers, improves stakeholder engagement, fostering carbon neutrality and cost efficiencies in the process. These two services are also the most important tools for businesses in achieving net-zero.”

 

Further guidance and explanation on carbon reporting can be found on Advantage Utilities’ website here and further information on the bureau service can be found here. 

Property, Property Buyer News, Property News

The Safest 12 Places to Buy a Vacation Property

In recent years, there has been a surge in vacation property investments as holidaymakers and investors alike seek the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While picturesque landscapes and exotic locations are obviously appealing, the safety of the location is paramount. This is why you need to put plenty of thought into your decision if you are taking the huge step of investing in a vacation home.

The rise of remote work and the appeal of different destinations means that investing in vacation property is becoming a trend among people from all walks of life these days. But, if you want to make a wise investment, it is important to look beyond the serenity and scenic beauty and consider things such as safety. In this article, we will explore some of the top places you should consider.

 

Some of the Top Safe Destinations to Consider

There are lots of great places around the world where you can invest in vacation property. Some of the safest ones for you to consider are:

 

  1. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is not only the historical heart of Japan but also one of its safest cities. The low crime rate, combined with the locals’ adherence to law and order, sets the bar for safety. In addition, you have the city’s breathtaking temples, traditional tea houses, and stunning annual cherry blossoms. It is little wonder that Kyoto attracts vacation property buyers.

 

  1. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik’s natural wonders, like the Northern Lights, hot springs, and picturesque areas, are legendary. Its strong community spirit, low population density, and efficient leadership have kept crime rates low. Investing here ensures that homeowners can immerse themselves in nature’s beauty without any safety concerns.

 

  1. Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is like stepping into a European town. Its cobblestone streets, French colonial architecture, and vibrant arts scene are enchanting. Besides the aesthetic appeal, the city’s active community watch programs and modern security infrastructure provide an added layer of safety.

 

  1. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a city where classical music, art, and history come together. Its magnificent palaces, opera houses, and museums provide a glimpse into its grand past. But beyond the cultural appeal, Vienna’s modern security measures, including 24/7 surveillance and efficient policing, help to safeguard both residents and their properties.

 

  1. Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington’s scenic beauty is unparalleled – for instance, you can enjoy incredible harbor views and sprawling lush greenery. The local government’s dedication to public safety, combined with New Zealand’s solid legal framework, means that vacation homeowners can bask in the city’s charm with peace of mind.

 

  1. Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is where modern urban living combines with nature. Its innovative architectural designs coupled with pristine lakes and stunning parks have helped to make it a big hit. The Finnish education system, which focuses on civic responsibilities, plays a role in the city’s low crime rates, making it an ideal investment spot.

 

  1. Algarve, Portugal

Algarve, Portugal has been suggested by Maria Velniceriu, a lifestyle content creator and property investor with experience in property renovation and interior décor. She shares décor tips and DIY projects at her online magazine Missmv. Maria says that the Algarve region offers a Mediterranean climate, beautiful coastline, and a stable real estate market. It’s a popular destination for tourists, offering a mix of natural beauty, historical charm, and vibrant nightlife. You can buy a property in the Algarve with the purpose of spending a short period of time there, or you can actually relocate entirely and enjoy the offerings of this idyllic Mediterranean paradise.

 

  1. Bergen, Norway

Bergen’s appeal and charm lies in its wooden houses, historic harbor, and majestic fjords. The well-structured societal systems, community policing, and responsive emergency services help to guarantee safety, and this has helped to make Bergen a top choice for vacation properties.

 

  1. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich seamlessly blends the old and the new. While its streets enable you to step back in time with tales of medieval Europe, its banking and public service sectors are incredibly modern. Known for its stringent laws, Zurich offers a level of security that few global cities can match. This means greater peace of mind when it comes to your vacation home.

 

  1. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, with its car-free city center and lush green spaces, is a great example of eco-friendly urban planning. The local government’s initiatives, such as 24/7 CCTV monitoring and public awareness campaigns, ensure the city remains safe for locals and vacation homeowners alike.

 

  1. Singapore

Singapore’s skyline, bustling ports, and rich culture provide a unique blend of tradition and modern. Its stringent law enforcement, combined with technologically advanced security measures, means crime is uncommon. This has helped to make this destination a popular choice among those looking to invest in a vacation home.

 

  1. Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide’s serene beaches, world-class wineries, and vibrant arts festivals are world famous. The city’s emphasis on community policing, efficient legal systems, and public safety campaigns help to ensure a secure environment, further enhancing its appeal for vacation homeowners.

 

Make a Wise Investment in the Ideal Destination

These 12 cities offer a fabulous blend of beauty and security, providing potential investors with both peace of mind and the chance to make great returns. Before you make this sort of investment, it’s always wise to do personal site visits, understand the local property laws, and engage with the community.