LEADING Welsh law firm Harding Evans, headquartered in the centre of Newport, have stepped in to ensure that local families are able to give their children gifts this Christmas.
In 2022, when the Children Law department at Harding Evans discovered that Newport City Council had lost regular contributors of Christmas gifts for children from low-income families they offered to help. Having launched a toy appeal, they went on to collect gifts for 125 children living in the local community with donations coming from colleagues within the firm, along with local businesses and organisations.
Now, with times even tougher in 2023, the team at Harding Evans have once again stepped in to help families that are supported by Newport City Council and are struggling financially to provide gifts for their children to open on Christmas Day.
In fact, the collection went so well that there were actually more toys than had been requested, so those, added to a donation of gifts from Nuttall Parker Estate Agents and staff at Newport Crown Court, will all be handed over to BAWSO, an all-Wales organisation supporting people affected by domestic abuse, human trafficking, FGM, forced marriage and other forms of violence, to ensure that the children living in their refuges and safe houses also receive a present.
Siobhan Downes, Partner and Head of Harding Evans’ Children Law team commented “Once again, the team here at Harding Evans have thrown themselves behind this appeal and through their generosity, we have been able to supply Newport City Council with gifts for all of the children that they identified. The cost of living crisis is really hitting people hard and we hope, through providing these gifts, this eases a small part of the pressure these families must be feeling, especially at this time of year, and they know that people do care”.
Narise Mason, Social Work Assistant at Newport City Council added “we are so grateful to everyone who has so kindly and generously donated these toys, to help us at Newport Children’s Services to provide children with presents this Christmas”.
For the thousands of motorists driving home for Christmas this week, Lexus has curated a list of attractions where drivers of a battery or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, can recharge their car and enjoy a festive break en route. The locations include dazzling light displays, enchanting Christmas trails, and bustling markets, chosen for their focus on design and craftsmanship, which is a central feature of all Lexus cars. They are also strategically placed a few miles from major roads and motorway junctions, so journeys can be resumed quickly and easily.
The recently upgraded Lexus UX 300e all-electric, compact luxury SUV is the perfect car for driving home for Christmas, with a range of up to 279 miles on one charge, an open and spacious interior, and 367 litres of boot space, which is ideal for carrying Christmas presents and overnight bags. For those who over-indulge on turkey and mince pies, the UX 300e’s nanoe™ X air purification technology can neutralise bad odours, act against mould and inhibit viruses, bacteria, pollen and allergens.
M11
Wimpole Estate, near Cambridge, eight miles from junction 12
Wimpole Estate has been beautifully decorated for Christmas with an after-dark illuminations trail, Christmas decorations in Wimpole Hall house, local choirs singing carols, and gifts on sale in the stable block. Festive food and drink are available at The Rectory, Stables Café and Farm Café, and a turkey or vegan roast is served on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12:30 and 14:30.
There are 12 7.4kw electric charge points in the main car park, available through Raw Charging.
M25
RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey, three miles from junction 10 of the M25
Junction 10 of the M25 is a traffic jam hot-spot right now, so taking a break from the queues to recharge and refresh is recommended. RHS Garden Wisley’s magnificent Glow light display is a real show-stopper. A special illuminated trail through the garden and Glasshouse features dazzling wicker alliums, globes and arches and the Alpine Meadow field of fire, all accompanied by music, orchestrated fountains and special effects. Festive food chalets serve snacks and drinks, such as Bratwurst and hot chocolate, while the Terrace Restaurant and Wisley Café offer special Christmas menus. The Wisley Garden Centre sells gifts and Christmas decorations as well as homewares, books, plants and gardening tools.
RHS Garden Wisley is one of the UK’s most visited and best-loved gardens and is a hub of horticultural excellence, with some of the largest plant collections in the world.
There are eight standard 7.2 KWH 32 Amp sockets available in the car park for re-charging.
Lexus UX 300e all-electric SUV at GLOW light display at RHS Garden Wisley, in Surrey.
A429
Charlecote Park, Warwickshire, two miles from the A429
This Christmas, Charlecote Park will be celebrating the traditional skills and techniques of crafts featured on the Red list – those which are in danger of dying out. The house will therefore be filled with heritage craft-themed decorations, such as globe making, flock wallpaper, illuminated books, and harp making. There will be a selection of eco-friendly and sustainable gifts on sale in the Servants Hall, which are perfect for last minute Christmas presents, while children will enjoy a heritage crafts puzzle trail.
Charlecote Park is a National Trust Victorian country house located in Charlecote, near Wellesbourne, Warwickshire. The house is situated along the banks of the River Avon and is known for its picturesque setting and 180-acre deer park.
Christmas activities run from now until Monday 8 January 2024; opening hours 9:00 – 16:00 (last entry 15:00).
There are 14 11.4kw electric vehicle charging points in the car park, available through Raw Charging.
A41
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire, one mile from A41
Waddesdon Manor is a Grade I listed grand country house owned and managed by the National Trust.
The house and estate are transformed into a magical wonderland at Christmas, with themed exhibits within the mansion, spectacular light projections on the manor facade inspired by three classic tales and a Christmas lights trail. A Christmas food village runs until 1 January.
Dates: From now until 1 January; Christmas grounds open 12:00 – 19:00 (last entry 18:00); Christmas house open 12.30 – 19.30 (last entry 18:30). Visit Waddesdon.org.uk for more info.
There are four 16A EV Type 2 charging socket charging spaces available in the visitor car park.
Waddesdon Manor illuminated with winter lights for Christmas.
A5
Attingham Park, Shropshire, eight miles from A5
Christmas at the National Trust’s Georgian mansion, Attingham House, near Shrewsbury, runs from now until 1 January, featuring more than 50 decorated Christmas trees throughout the house and grounds, including a mile-long walk with festive trees inspired by classic fairy tales. Visitors can discover All That Glitters inside the house, and an eco-friendly synthetic ice-skating rink is making its debut in the park.
Every Saturday morning in December, 09:30 – 10:15 the mansion will be open for SEN (Special Educational Needs) relaxed sessions, when the house will be quieter and more relaxed, especially for those on the Autism Spectrum who may find the environment overwhelming during busy times.
Dates: Christmas at Attingham is open from now until 1 January 2024. Visit National Trust website for info on tickets and opening hours.
There are two 7kw Vend electric charging points, each with two connectors, available in the main car park.
M6
Trentham Estate, Staffordshire, one mile from J15 of the M6 and A500
Trentham is home to 725 acres of spectacular natural beauty, with award-winning gardens, ancient woodland and an outdoor shopping village, so there are plenty of walks and attractions to enjoy during a break from driving.
There is a shopping village filled with a range of independent and high street brands housed in more than 80 wooden lodges – perfect for last-minute gifts. There are also plenty of cafés, restaurants and bars to choose from.
Car parking is free, and there are four electric car charging points available, next to the Shopping Village.
M53
Chester Zoo, five miles from the M53
Chester Zoo has an expansive landscape of 130 acres and is one of the United Kingdom’s most famous zoological establishments. In the spirit of the holiday season, Chester Zoo and Sony Music present the world premiere of Lanterns and Light, where the park is transformed into a festive wonderland trail where you can meet giant illuminated model creatures and puppets, such as lions, dolphins and elephants, along the way.
Opening dates: from now until 31 December, 16:15 – 21:15 (last entry for Lights and Lanterns: 20:15)
There are 13 EV charging devices with 26 connectors available.
M4
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire, 10 miles from the M4
Hardwick Hall is a stunning Elizabethan house filled with beautiful furniture and tapestries, carefully preserved by the Devonshire family for generations. This Christmas, Hardwick Hall presents Wintertide, a lantern light tour, in which visitors can explore the rich tapestries, friezes, and portraits on the 400-year-old walls and uncover the fascinating stories they hold as they walk through with a lantern. Artist Pedro Sanchez Carvera has created contemporary displays playing with light and shadow that highlight the best of Elizabethan winter celebrations.
Opening dates: from now until 7 January 2024, (gardens open 09:30 – 15:30, house open 11:00 – 15:00). Click here for more info.
There is one device and one connector available in the lower car park. There are also two EV chargers, each with both 50kw and 120kw connectors, available at the nearby Starbucks on the A617, S44 5LY (12-minute drive).
A483
Erddig, Wales, five miles from the A483
Erddig house and yards have been transformed into a festive wonderland with enchanting decorations, where visitors can enjoy Christmas-inspired craft activities, visit Father Christmas in the grotto and listen to live music on selected dates. There is also a seasonal menu with hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows in the restaurant.
Erddig Hall is a National Trust property, built in 1684-1687with a mix of architectural styles. The property’s extensive gardens and parkland are well-known for their beauty and variety and the walled garden is particularly famous for its formal layout and historic plants.
Opening dates: from now until 7 January 2024 (gardens open from 10:00 – 16:00, house from 11:30 – 14:30). Visit National Trust website for more info.
There are three EV charging devices, with four connectors, provided by the ZeroNet network.
M9
Stirling Castle, Scotland
Stirling Castle is among Scotland’s largest and most impressive castles, located on top of an imposing crag with cliffs on three sides.
The ever-popular Christmas Shopping Fayre filled with local crafts, fine foods and drinks, is located on the Stirling Castle esplanade. The castle is serving a festive lunch in the castle Green Room every day until Saturday 23 December. It is also staging a special adaptation of Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Carol on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 December.
Although there are no EV chargers at the castle itself, there are 33 EV chargers with 98 connectors available at nearby Castleview Low Carbon Hub, FK9 4TW, which is part of the ChargePlace Scotland network. This is just a six-minute drive from the castle.
For info on the location and status of EV chargers around the country, Lexus provides a handy map and guide to public EV chargers: https://www.lexus.co.uk/electric-cars/public-charging. For those with a Lexus car, the Lexus Public Charging Network is a new subscription-based model that provides access to more than 500,000 charging points across Europe. It also works with the Lexus Link+ app, so drivers can manage all their EV information in one place.
A SECONDARY school ranked in the top five in Wales is attracting students from across the region to its award-winning sixth form.
Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay is preparing for an ‘Opportunities Evening Event’ that will showcase its post-16 offering and academic support.
The school – listed fourth in Wales in the Sunday Times Parent Power league table earlier this month – will hold the session from 5.30pm-7.30pm on Tuesday January 16.
Headteacher Zoe Evans hopes parents and prospective students can join them to see the wide range of options available.
“We are proud of our sixth form provision, as in addition to award-winning teaching from subject teachers who have a wealth of experience, we provide a strong support network which provides our learners with the care they need to help them thrive both personally and academically,” said Mrs Evans.
Recognised by Estyn and national awarding bodies – Ysgol Eirias was also named Secondary School of the Year at the North Wales Education Awards – Head of Sixth Form Dr Michael Greenslade said their success in securing career pathways and university places for graduates is “second to none”.
“We are very proud of our A Level results, which are consistently high – in 2023, our learners gained 36% A/A*and 60% A*-B, and there were 42 A* grades awarded – and every pupil that applied to university was successful,” he added.
“We offer a wide range of subjects and ensure all students can take the courses that best suit them, helping them to gain the most appropriate educational experience at this stage.
“Our delivery of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification is timetabled and overseen by a designated coordinator, there are two fully staffed areas that Sixth Form students use as supervised study locations, a common room, and the facilities across the school are first class.”
While the academic offering at Ysgol Eirias is lauded far and wide, Head Prefect Oliver Rothnie says providing a community of support and trust is a top priority.
“At Eirias we place a key importance on respect, both towards each other and to staff, and aim to create a positive, friendly environment,” he said.
“The thing about a school is that it is nothing without the people. As a student you contribute to the school community. You can join the badminton club, you can join history club, you can join the orchestra, and to a large extent you get out what you put in.
“It’s about going above and beyond, not just seeing the school as a place to exist but as a place to flourish – learning is never over, and that’s definitely the case here at Ysgol Eirias.”
The dawn of the digital age has significantly impacted various industries, and the casino industry is no exception. The introduction of online gaming has been nothing short of revolutionary, completely reshaping the landscape of gambling and entertainment. It has not only expanded the reach of casino games to corners of the world previously untouched by this form of entertainment but also offered unparalleled convenience and accessibility to players.
Among the pioneers of this digital revolution is Metropolitan Gaming. A well-established and respected name in the gaming world, Metropolitan Gaming has seamlessly transitioned into the realm of online casinos, setting new standards for quality and player experience in the process. This shift has allowed them to maintain their strong presence in the industry, while also adapting to the changing preferences and needs of modern players.
Their online platform hosts an impressive array of table games, each carefully designed to recreate the thrill and excitement found in traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. From classic games like poker, blackjack, and roulette to innovative new offerings, Metropolitan Gaming’s online casino caters to all tastes and skill levels.
Convenience and Accessibility
The accessibility of online casinos truly sets them apart from their traditional counterparts. This advantage extends beyond the simple convenience of playing from home, offering an unprecedented level of flexibility for players. Whether you’re taking a break at work, commuting or unwinding at home, the world of online gaming is just a few clicks away. The convenience factor is further amplified by mobile-friendly platforms that allow players to indulge in their favourite table games right from their smartphones or tablets, turning downtime into an exciting gaming opportunity.
In the forefront of this digital revolution is Metropolitan Gaming’s online casino. Reflecting the company’s commitment to player convenience and accessibility, the platform offers a comprehensive range of games that cater to all tastes and skill levels. From classic table games like blackjack and roulette to innovative new offerings, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? These games are available 24/7, ensuring that the fun never has to end. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, Metropolitan Gaming’s online casino is always open for business.
Game Selection
In terms of game selection, online casinos often have the upper hand. Metropolitan Gaming’s online platform features a vast array of table games, from classics like blackjack and roulette to innovative new games. This diversity is made possible by the limitless digital space, unlike traditional casinos that are constrained by physical space.
Bonuses and Promotions
Online casinos frequently offer bonuses and promotions, further enhancing their appeal. Metropolitan Gaming’s online casino is no exception, providing players with lucrative bonuses and promotional offers that add value to their gaming experience. While land-based casinos do offer comps and rewards, they typically cannot match the frequency or magnitude of online casino bonuses.
Live Dealer Games
To bridge the gap between online and offline gaming, many online platforms, including Metropolitan Gaming, have introduced live dealer games. These games combine the convenience of online gaming with the immersive experience of a physical casino. Players can interact with real dealers and other players, bringing the social aspect of traditional casinos into the digital realm.
Experience and Atmosphere
Despite the numerous advantages of online platforms, brick-and-mortar casinos hold a unique appeal. The glamourous atmosphere, the sound of chips and cards, and the buzz of excited players create an experience that is hard to replicate online. For some, this ambience is a significant part of the casino experience.
Perks and Complimentary Services
Traditional brick-and-mortar casinos have long understood the value of enhancing the player experience with various perks and complimentary services. These establishments often go above and beyond to ensure their patrons feel valued, appreciated, and inclined to return.
One of the most common perks offered by traditional casinos is free drinks. Whether you’re playing the slots or sitting at a high-stakes poker table, servers circulate the casino floor offering beverages to players. This not only adds to the overall enjoyment of the gaming experience but also creates a relaxed, social atmosphere that many players appreciate.
Complimentary meals are another perk often provided by traditional casinos. High-end casinos typically house several dining establishments, ranging from casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants. Regular players or those spending large amounts may receive complimentary meals at these venues as a thank-you for their patronage. This gastronomic aspect of the casino experience offers players a break from the gaming floor and an opportunity to savour quality cuisine.
Security and Fairness
In an increasingly digital world, the security and fairness of online platforms like https://www.metgaming.com/table-games/ have become paramount. This is especially true for online casinos, where players trust the platform with their money and expect a fair chance at winning. To meet these expectations, online casinos, such as Metropolitan Gaming’s, employ a combination of advanced security protocols and technological measures.
Metropolitan Gaming’s online casino utilises cutting-edge encryption technology to secure players’ personal and financial information. This means that any data transmitted between the player and the casino, such as credit card details or personal identification, is encoded to prevent unauthorised access. Additionally, they use secure servers to store this information, adding an extra layer of protection.
To ensure fairness, Metropolitan Gaming uses Random Number Generator (RNG) technology. This sophisticated software generates a sequence of numbers that are entirely random and independent of each other, which determines the outcome of all games. It ensures that every spin of the reel, shuffle of the deck, or roll of the dice is entirely random and fair. To maintain transparency, reputable third-party testing agencies regularly audit Metropolitan Gaming’s RNGs.
On the other hand, brick-and-mortar casinos rely heavily on their trained staff to uphold security and fairness. Dealers are professionally trained to manage games and ensure all rules are followed. Surveillance systems monitor the gaming floor constantly, while security personnel are present to handle any issues that may arise. The physicality of the games, such as the dealer physically shuffling and dealing cards in a game of blackjack, also provides a natural level of fairness.
Moreover, regulatory bodies often govern land-based casinos, ensuring they adhere to strict standards of fair play. They must hold a valid licence and undergo regular audits, similar to online casinos.
In conclusion, both online platforms like Metropolitan Gaming’s online casino and traditional brick-and-mortar casinos go to great lengths to ensure security and fairness. While the methods may differ—digital technology versus human oversight—the goal remains the same: to provide a safe, secure, and fair gaming environment for all players.
SUSTAINABLE log cabins, glamping pods and creating jobs are among the priorities for a growing family business in 2024.
Fresh from the success of their Donkey Dash up and down Moel Famau, Flintshire’s highest peak – which raised more than £1500 for Cherish Wrecsam – G&M Davies Ltd has unveiled big plans for the coming year.
The group, which includes Moel Famau Donkeys, The Larch Cladding Company, and JD Logs, has enjoyed a period of significant growth since the pandemic.
Based on a 40-acre former dairy farm on Moel Famau, director Mathew Davies and the team have submitted proposals for ‘green’ accommodation on site to meet a rise in demand.
“During lockdown my wife Sioned and I were walking around the fields and could see there were so many opportunities to capitalise on our beautiful surroundings in the Clwydian Range and the tens of thousands of people who visit the area every year by utilising the space we have,” said Mathew, dad to Orla, Efa and Morgan.
“We also wanted to do something that would help people and wildlife, so we contacted a donkey sanctuary with a view to bringing six of them here, to settle them in and give them a future.
“They arrived last year and have been very popular; having got them from a sanctuary we’ve been able to train them and give them a loving home, which in turn has attracted people to come and see them, to walk them and spend time here at the farm.
“As a result, and following a trial period, we’ve decided to take it to the next level and have created walking trails, hosted parties and for many they are therapeutic and help with people’s health and wellbeing.”
Nansi, Rosie, Tilly, Blodwen, Polly, and Bess are now very much part of the family and together with more than 30 generous walkers dressed as Santa helped raise funds for Cherish Wrecsam, a parent support group linked to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, on the recent Charity Donkey Dash.
Mathew, who previously worked as a PE teacher, says the event will now become one of the calendar of annual events they host from the site, and hopes their proposals for accommodation and further activities will be approved so they can support the local economy and tourism industry while creating new jobs.
“From the 1970s this was a dairy farm, then we diversified into a sawmill and horse bedding production company, and now we have identified that there is an appetite for Moel Famau Donkeys to become more of an experience and place people can come and stay, rather than visiting for a few hours,” he said.
“We are looking to build four new lodges, and erect glamping pods; they will be for families and couples, with under-floor heating supplied by our biomass boilers, materials from The Larch Cladding Company and wood-fired hot tubs, so it’s all sustainable, there’s zero waste and it lowers our carbon footprint.”
Mathew added: “We’ve already been contacted by businesses and organisations wanting to visit for wellness days, team building, volunteering, and getaways, for their staff’s health and wellbeing.
“There is a lot of potential to keep growing the business organically, while sympathetic to the location and beauty of Moel Famau and our beloved donkeys.
“I’m confident with the support and collaboration of the local authority and local businesses, and given the demand we’ve already seen, these developments could be another jewel in the crown for this region.”
For more information, including details of upcoming winter events, visit the website www.moelfamaudonkeys.co.uk and follow them on Facebook @moelfamaudonkeys.
Bright Horizons is set to support the UK’s most family-friendly workplaces in taking their benefits to the next level with the roll-out of its new Pet Care service.
The provision will enable employees to access a range of support services, including overnight boarding, pet sitters, dog walking and day care for cats and dogs.
Employer demand for the service in the US has doubled since it first launched last year
Bright Horizons already partners with over 400 UK businesses to support working parents and carers with their child and eldercare commitments and, following a successful pilot stage, has now extended its service to include furry friends too.
With over 4 million UK households becoming pet owners during lockdown, the demand for flexible and inclusive support to meet pet-related responsibilities is increasing. Back-Up Care services provide a lifeline to working pet owners and their employers when care arrangements fall through, or a last-minute walk is needed.
Bright Horizons first launched Pet Care in the US in 2022 and figures for 2023 already show a 50% increase in the number of organisations signing up to the service, with three times as many employees using it than the previous year.
Victoria Cottee, Head of Client Relations at Bright Horizons, said:“We’ve always been a nation of pet lovers and the rise in home-working during the pandemic coincided with a marked increase in pet ownership, as more of us were able to make the commitment to care for a pet.
“However, we’re now seeing more and more companies (and employees) recognising the benefits of being in the office at least some of the time. The pressure is mounting on working pet owners to find trusted and flexible care arrangements for their four-legged friends.
“Acknowledging the challenges employees face in combining work and family responsibilities – whatever these comprise – and providing meaningful support for them is a key factor in being an employer of choice. It’s equally impactful whether you want to send a message to your employees that their time and presence in the office is valued, or if you simply want to help them improve their productivity and lower their stress when they are working at home.
“We are already working with some of the UK’s most forward-thinking employers to support with child and elder care needs, and our research demonstrates this has a significant impact on wellbeing and productivity.
“There is now undoubtedly a growing need to provide support with pet care, and we look forward to seeing the positive difference it will make to working families and their employers across the UK.”
By Doriel Abrahams, Principal Technologist, Forter
In 2023, the news cycle was dominated by the continued breakout of generative AI — and it’s hard to argue, given the technology’s breakneck speed in evolution and the resulting impact on every occupation and industry.
Fraud has been no exception, and I expect to see it continuing to evolve in 2024. Here are five predictions for fraud in 2024 and the things fraud fighters working to protect their companies must prepare for the months ahead.
A Small Step for a Scam, a Giant Leap for Social Engineering
It seems slightly counterintuitive, but the advances in artificial intelligence are exactly what fuel an advance in attacking the most human part of online interactions. I expect to see that take a giant leap forward in 2024.
The pressure on social engineering comes, slightly ironically, from the impressive efforts that consumer technology companies have invested in making their apps and systems safer, encouraging multi-factor authentication, enabling biometric identification, and so on. The success of these protective measures means that criminals look in other places for vulnerabilities. Very often, the weakest link is the human one.
With the growth and sophistication of generative AI, and especially thanks to the intuitive interfaces made possible by things like ChatGPT and FraudGPT, it has become exceptionally easy for fraudsters to carry out highly convincing, multi-step social engineering scams at a scale that simply would not have been possible before.
In the same way, deepfake technology has become incredibly convincing and practically ubiquitous among the criminal fraternity. Where once it was only seen where significant amounts of money were involved, as with scamming CEOs of companies, now it is starting to be used in scams against ordinary people.
Fraudsters were refining their techniques in 2023; I expect to see these take off further in 2024.
Remote Desktop Control Brings Fraud Close to Home
Remote desktop control (RDC) is when a fraudster takes over a victim’s device and uses the device (laptop, desktop computer, etc.) to operate as the victim. From the perspective of surface-level analysis, they look to a site or app exactly like the regular user; they’re using the normal device, which has all the features and settings that it usually has, apparently from the location the real user typically uses.
This makes it challenging to identify the bad actor behind the facade, making it easy for many fraudsters to change victim’s passwords, make purchases, apply for new credit cards, and more. It’s much less likely that they’ll experience friction because it looks above board. Friction they experience can also sometimes be circumvented, depending on the depth of their access to the device and its information.
RDC attacks are not new, having been a feature of online fraud for many years, especially in banking. However, they’re starting to tick up as another area of vulnerability that is not protected by the efforts made by consumer tech companies in recent years. Moreover, with the rise of IoT and smart devices, combined with generative AI in the form of AI assistants, there are simply more devices to take over, making this area worth exploring for fraudsters.
I suspect 2023 was just the tip of the iceberg and that 2024 will take RDC attacks to another level.
ATO Onwards and Upwards
Continuing the theme of fraudsters looking for gaps in the protections, account takeovers are also in my sights for 2024. ATOs are when a bad actor gains access and takes over an online account using stolen or hacked credentials.
As with RDC, the problem is not the account or its information but that the person using the account is not the person to whom it belongs. It’s a legitimate account hijacked by a bad actor. Also, like RDC, this makes identification harder.
Unlike with RDC, however, there are certain signs that fraud fighters know to look out for, especially device and location-related aspects. But since fraudsters know those can be signs of their activity, they increasingly take active steps to obfuscate the reality.
One ingenious method that’s just started appearing is fraudsters entering an account a few times, then changing only the shipping address and nothing else, and not taking other action. They don’t attempt a purchase, which might set off more checks; instead, they hope that when the real customer makes the purchase, they won’t notice the new primary address and the purchase will end up at the fraudster’s door without any further effort.
This same scenario can play out with even more problematic consequences in a marketplace setting if the fraudster manages to change the bank account details used to withdraw funds from the site. Although there is usually a higher bar for making a change of this nature, if the fraudster can manage it, it’s doubtful that the seller will notice in time, and substantial amounts of money may be involved. Making only one change is a subtle way to help fraudsters avoid detection.
I expect to see this and other ATO variants expanding in 2024.
AI Assistants Challenge Fraud Fighters
The more generative AI tools can be used to make consumer’s daily activities easier, the greater the surface area for fraud. A bot that can take care of shopping, gather information to plan a vacation or meal plan, compare flight prices, and so on sounds like a great idea. It’s easy to see why consumers will likely jump on these attractive time-savers. As a fraud fighter, it’s also easy to see how a device that can make purchases automatically using consumers’ credentials and payment information represents a vulnerability.
The challenge that lies in store for fraud fighters is twofold. First, distinguishing between good bots, like these, and bad bots, used by bad actors and in scams or abuse, is challenging. It’s not enough to distinguish a bot once these good bots come online; you must be able to tell the difference between good and bad bots and act accordingly. Second, there’s also the challenge of ensuring that a good bot isn’t being taken over and misused by a bad actor.
This trend is only in its infancy, but based on the speed at which generative AI has been evolving in 2023, it’s one that fraud fighters need to start thinking through sooner rather than later. Waiting until the technology reaches fruition might be too late to prevent significant loss to your business.
Fraud Prevention Empowerment
To end on a positive note, while it’s true that new technologies present challenges from the fraud perspective, opening up new possibilities for fraudsters, it’s important to remember that fraud fighters can and should also leverage these tools.
Generative AI has enormous potential for helping fraud experts manage and analyse vast amounts of data by interacting with it in their language rather than needing to fight with systems, unnecessarily complicated data structures and SQL. This opportunity cannot be underestimated. Fraud teams can use more information, more effectively, to get answers to urgent, essential questions and questions they’ve been asking for years.
The power this puts in our hands as a fraud community is tremendous. This, combined with the collaborative and creative energy of fraud fighters and their determination to solve mysteries and improve things, makes me feel alert, optimistic, and even excited as we head into 2024.
Act Your Wage’ amasses a staggering 665M views on TikTok, exposing employee frustration with overbearing co-workers.
TikTok data reveals a disengaged workforce, with views for terms around quitting and withdrawing from work at nearly 50M
Job security concerns echo through TikTok with ‘Quiet Firing’ garnering 26.4 million views.
2023 has been a big year for workplace trends taking centre stage on TikTok. With new phrases and terminology filling up our social media feeds, flexible office space provider Instant Offices has delved into TikTok revealing some unprecedented insights into today’s workforce based on the trends they are most interested in.
The top 10 most popular TikTok workplace trends from 2023
Ranking
Trend
Views
1
Act Your Wage
655.7M
2
Lazy Girl Job
38.5M
3
Quiet Firing
26.4M
4
Quiet Hiring
8.7M
5
Rage Applying
6.1M
6
Bare Minimum Mondays
2.6M
7
Quiet Quitting
1M
8
Career Cushioning
672.7K
9
Boomerang Employee
101.9K
10
Resenteeism
32.9k
Understanding Employee Discontent: ‘Act Your Wage’ Goes Viral
With over 665 million views, the phrase ‘Act Your Wage’ on TikTok is a clear reflection of employee dissatisfaction with overbearing co-workers and employers that undervalue them.
The most prevalent workplace phrase is a call out to co-workers who colleagues who treat their peers like overbearing managers and a mantra for employees that feel their businesses don’t pay them enough for the level of service they provide. At its core, the “Act Your Wage” trend suggests employees want clearer, defined boundaries in the workplace as well as recognition and reward for the hard work they put in.
Job security concerns take centre stage on TikTok, with ‘Quiet Firing’ accumulating a substantial 26.4 million views. Quiet firing is a subtle and often insidious practice in the world of work, where rather than directly firing an employee, an employer gradually takes away their responsibilities until they are forced to leave. The workforce’s focus on this trend suggests a lack of trust in employers that businesses will need to remedy to ensure employee retention in the New Year.
A Disengaged Workforce: Quitting and Withdrawal Trends
Interest in trends around quitting and/or disengaging from work have risen significantly – including Lazy Girl Job (38.5M), Rage Applying (6.1M), Bare Minimum Mondays (2.6M), Quiet Quitting (1M) – reaching nearly 50M views. This trend signals a downward turn in employee attitudes, emphasizing the need for businesses to reassess their employee satisfaction strategies and create environments that inspire motivation and commitment to avoid the next great resignation.
Sources and Methodology: Data on the top 10 TikTok Trends was collated by creating a seed list of popular terms and ranking these based on TikTok views, found by searching each trend within the TikTok app.
About Instant Offices: Instant Offices is a global leader in flexible office space solutions, offering businesses a diverse range of workspace options. With a commitment to understanding and addressing the evolving needs of the workforce, Instant Offices empowers businesses to thrive in the dynamic landscape of the modern workplace.
Sudbury manufacturer of external shading solutions, Caribbean Blinds, has brought a whole new meaning to “outdoor living” this festive season after celebrating the soft launch of its visionary Dream Gardens show site yesterday.
Over the past 12 months, the Caribbean Blinds team has dedicated unwavering effort to crafting the immersive show site, spanning an impressive 2,500 sq/ft, at its recently extended factory in Woodhall Business Park.
Designed to exhibit the epitome of opulent outdoor living, the Dream Gardens site comprises of five different models of Caribbean Blinds’ popular luxury pergola – branded the Outdoor Living Pod™ – and fitted out with additional accessories including decking, outdoor kitchens and furniture.
More than just a showroom, the Dream Gardens have been designed as a transformative shopping experience, curated through collaborations with several premium outdoor living brands including Bridgman, Easigrass, in-lite®, Charlie Oven, DeliVita, Primo Grill and Millboard, empowering visitors to visualise the full potential of their outdoor spaces.
Both local and trade press, as well as a number of home and garden influencers attended the soft launch event, held on Thursday 14th December, where they enjoyed an Alfresco Festive Feast served by the skilled team at Charlie Oven, who utilised their groundbreaking outdoor oven under Caribbean Blinds’ top of the line Prestige Pod.
The menu featured succulent turkey with all the trimmings, homemade mince pies and English sparkling wine from Ridgeview Wine Estate, an award-wining winery in the South Downs.
Amidst the festivities, Caribbean Blinds and guests also contributed to Family Business United’s Festive Parcel campaign, donating food parcels to support those in need across the UK.
Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director at Caribbean Blinds, commented: “The soft launch of our Dream Gardens has been a great success and of monumental importance to the team at Caribbean Blinds. It was heartening to witness visitors explore our five show-stopping gardens which we have worked so hard to develop over the past 12 months. It was great to share this with friends, family, partners and the local community – what a wonderful way to celebrate the end of 2023.
“Our Dream Gardens represent a collaborative effort, and I would like to extend my gratitude to the innovative and luxury outdoor living brands with whom we’ve had the pleasure of partnering with.
“This launch is just the beginning, as we plan to host regular outdoor events in 2024. We eagerly anticipate welcoming more guests to showcase the epitome of outdoor dining and living at its finest.”
For over 35 years, Caribbean Blinds has been a leading provider of innovative outdoor shading solutions – designing, manufacturing and installing its range of luxury pergolas, awnings and external blinds to both residential and commercial properties – transforming outdoor spaces into year-round living areas.
To witness the superior features and benefits of Caribbean Blinds’ award-winning products first-hand, plan your visit to the Dream Gardens show site here: https://www.cbsolarshading.co.uk/showsites/
Crowdsourcing might have a negative effect on consumers who participate and lose, according to new research by the Vienna University of Economics and Business. This research was published in the Journal of Interactive Marketing.
Crowdsourcing is a promising approach for identifying new product ideas. Many consumer goods firms, such as Starbucks and Lay’s, have identified successful innovations by tapping into the creative potential of their user-community “crowd”.
Crowdsourcing contests commonly have one winner (or a handful of winners) — the overwhelming majority of participants lose.
The study, conducted by Professor Martin Schreier, reveals that crowdsourcing participants whose ideas are not selected temporarily disengage from the brand
“There is a sharp and immediate drop in brand engagement following the feedback that one’s idea was not among the winners. The bitterness of losing manifests also in other key marketing measures such as future purchases and word-of-mouth intentions,” says Professor Schreier.
However, the study also reveals a way to save relationships and rip the benefits of crowdsourcing at the same time. Reframing the contest as a community activity (for example, “Join the crowd and help us find a name for our new restaurant”) rather than a competition (e.g., “Compete with the crowd to be the one who names our new restaurant”) helps address the problem.
Firms can give credit where credit is due and acknowledge every customer’s contribution. This approach is inexpensive and can be adopted from the very beginning by framing the focal crowdsourcing call. As such, doing this led to higher actual spending with the hosting brand shortly after learning about the campaign’s outcome,” says Professor Schreier.
Community framing shifts attention away from losing the contest to collectively creating a superior outcome, without changing the nature of the contest itself (participants continue to work and submit their ideas as individuals).
Business in the News – the latest UK Business news from NTSI
