Artificial intelligence (AI) has been on a tear in the online gaming industry, and slots are no exception. Just like the broader tech world in 2023, AI is transforming online slots, with investment surging, big-name developers diving in, and the potential for a whole new level of player experience on the horizon. But alongside the excitement, there are questions about how this powerful technology will be harnessed responsibly.

A.I. Injects Excitement into Online Slots

The influx of AI into casino slots online is driven by its ability to create more engaging and dynamic gameplay. Here’s how AI is shaking things up:

• Hyper-Personalization: Imagine slots that adapt to your playstyle in real-time. AI algorithms can analyze your betting habits, preferred themes, and even lucky symbols to create a truly individualized experience. This could mean adjusting bonus rounds, win frequencies, and even the overall atmosphere of the game to keep you engaged.
• Evolving Stories and Characters: AI can craft storylines and characters that develop and change based on player choices. Slots could become interactive narratives, where your decisions influence the game’s progression, adding a whole new layer of strategy and intrigue.
• Immersive Experiences: AI can power more realistic graphics and sound design, blurring the lines between the virtual world and the slot machine. Imagine feeling the rush of a real casino floor or being transported to fantastical worlds that respond to your every action.

The Need for Responsible Innovation

While the potential for AI-powered slots is undeniable, there are concerns that need to be addressed:

• Responsible Gambling: AI’s ability to personalize the experience could raise questions about addiction. Developers will need to ensure AI is used ethically and responsibly, with features that promote healthy gaming habits.
• Transparency and Fairness: As AI becomes more complex, the inner workings of these games could become opaque. Regulatory frameworks need to be established to ensure fairness and transparency for players.
• International Cooperation: The online gambling industry operates globally, and regulations for AI-powered slots need to be international in scope. Collaboration between countries, similar to the A.I. Safety Summit, will be crucial to ensure a safe and fair playing field for all.

The Future of Slots: A Human-AI Collaboration

The future of online slots likely lies in a collaborative approach between human creativity and AI’s processing power. Developers can leverage AI to generate innovative features, storylines, and immersive experiences, while human designers ensure the games remain fair, engaging, and, most importantly, fun.

Just as 2023 saw a surge in AI investment and the beginnings of international dialogue on regulation, 2024 is poised to be a transformative year for online slots. With careful development and a focus on responsible innovation, AI has the potential to redefine the online slot experience for players around the world.

 

A property expert has shared his tips for dealing with squatters as celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay grapples with the nightmare at one of his posh London pubs.

A group of squatters took over the York & Albany near Regent’s Park last week.

They were evicted on Monday after the chef company was successful in applying to the High Court for an order to kick them out.

Six security staff arrived at 5am in two vans with specialists who changed all the locks.

But Ramsay is not the only celebrity chef to suffer with squatter: Marco Pierre White faced the same issue at a restaurant on Leicester Square around the same time.

Commenting on how to avoid attracting squatters, property expert Jonathan Rolande, founder of House Buy Fast, said: “Prevention is better than the cure.

“It is better potential squatters are deterred before entering as eviction can be a messy business, requiring court orders with associated legal expenses.

“During the time of occupation, the property will almost certainly be damaged. The risk of serious damage and fire is ever-present.

Rolande said they can be deterred if the property has a lived-in look so it is kept tidy and junk mail is collected.

Property owners are also best advised to remove appliances, and gas and electricity meters, plus ensure that water is drained down.

He recommends checking that all windows and doors are secure – sash windows are vulnerable so they should be screwed shut from the inside.

Rolande said it is also worth considering a grill and shuttering, installing CCTV and an alarm, inspecing the property regularly and informing insurers it is vacant.

He added: “I have seen properties where Georgian bannisters and door frames have been ripped out and burnt as firewood.

“Where there is no functioning toilet, well – you can imagine.

Tip for dealing with squatters 

Maintain the property to give a ‘lived-in’ look so keep it tidy outside and remove junk mail.

Decommission all appliances, drain water down and (if empty long term) remove meters for gas and electricity.

Ensure all windows and doors are secure – sash windows are vulnerable so screw them shut from the inside.

Consider a grill and shuttering.

Install CCTV and an alarm that is monitored.

Specialist anti-squatter devices exist – tamper proof internal sirens that make it an unpleasant place to be.

Inspect regularly and keep a record of visits.

Inform insurers its vacant and check for special terms

Lucas Joppa, Microsoft’s former Chief Environmental Officer, also said individuals can help society by pursuing their passions “through the lens of climate” and urged people to “go forth and conquer”.

Mr Joppa, a Professor Adjunct at Yale University and Honorary Fellow of the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, is now one of the world’s leading thought leaders in this area and has been voted in the top 15 sustainability keynote speakers.

Speaking in a new interview about his work he said: “We’ve seen how transformational change can be delivered in a short amount of time,” he says. “But you’ve got to start early and you’ve got to follow the science policy side. We need bigger, better, faster, stronger policies on climate if we are going to solve this at a societal scale.

“The climate crisis really presents itself as one of the few things operating at the scale of the overall human experience and overall human diversity. And I mean that because it impacts every single thing that we do and that also means, on the reciprocal, every single thing that we do, all of our unique skills can help.

“None of them individually are enough, but every single one needs to be brought to bear. My point is, whatever you are good at, whatever you are passionate about, look at that through the lens of climate and look at climate through the lens of what you do, and then go forth and conquer because that’s what we need everybody to actually pay attention to.
“We have to do them all and all at the same time. And we’re only going to do that if everybody has a deep sense of self-confidence about what they’re uniquely positioned to contribute and then they act on contributing.”

Mr Joppa also revealed how Microsoft is on a path to being a carbon negative company by 2030 by moving to 100% renewable energy across the business and setting up a fund to promote innovation.

He says: “This fund that we put in place, a billion dollar climate innovation fund, is intended to ensure that the steps Microsoft takes on a carbon negative path, the cost and the scale and availability of those solutions, are more widely deployed around the world.

“The climate crisis isn’t going away. You see the economic engine that’s driving the emissions is the same core of the engine that’s keeping the food delivered to our houses, that’s keeping the electricity delivered to our houses. These are not easy challenges.”

https://champions-speakers.co.uk/news/top-15-sustainability-speakers

ACTIVITY across the mergers and acquisitions sector remains strong, despite the economic challenges many businesses still face.

 

But the most recent data indicates the number of deals taking place has been down in recent years.

 

According to official Government stats in Quarter 3 last year (July to Sept 2023) the total combined number of domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) involving a change in majority share ownership was 362.

 

This was 117 transactions fewer than Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2023 (479).

 

The value of inward M&A (foreign companies acquiring UK companies) in Quarter 3 2023 was £5.4 billion, £0.7 billion higher than the previous quarter (£4.7 billion), but lower than all other quarters post-2020.

 

At Dropjaw Ventures, I’ve noticed a huge amount of activity in the mergers and acquisitions space in recent years. We are witnessing and experiencing significant demand from managers , directors and shareholders – all looking to exit their businesses as they seek to move on to fresh challenges and or lifestyle changes. On the flip side there is pent up demand from buyers looking for accelerated growth from a drive in organic sales and via acquisition of complementary organisations.

 

Acquisitive growth is driven by buyers who are typically looking to achieve five things;

 

1. Acquire market share in current markets;
2. Gain access to new geographical or vertical markets;
3. Secure access to scarce resources such as skilled people and or intellectual property;
4. Reduce the amount of competition within their market place;
5. Leverage their own infrastructure to create enhanced earnings per headcount.

 

Buyers are always looking for bargains and compelling transactions, whilst sellers are always looking to maximise shareholder value and returns for their years of hard work and rewarding the risks and sacrifice.

 

One of the biggest traits I have  come across over the past decade of advising on transactions is their model of ” Death, Debt and Divorce”. If a buyer smells one or more of these issues in a transaction, it becomes more of a predatory buyer looking for a great discount and increased preferential terms due to the need for the seller to exit quicker. Setting and managing the right expectations is crucial to establish early in the process and sets the precedent moving forward. Don’t be on the back foot from the start.

 

Within the UK technology space ( Managed Services Providers (MSPs) and professional services market the legal, accountancy and estate agencies the market is especially buoyant, with significant consolidation driving increased levels of interest and transactions. Over the past few years we have advised many buyers and sellers guiding them to a “win, win”  transaction by following some simple and proven processes which we can share some of those first all important steps with you;

 

My three golden rules if you are a buyer are:

 

1. Be clear on your target acquisition motives and criteria;
2. Consider if you are ready for an acquisition- anyone can acquire a company but consider , how you would fund it, the cultural fit and who would be responsible for the integration
3. Have a clear idea of how you would deal with the distraction of the search for companies, the initial sifting, setting up and managing those all-important first meetings. Remember, first impressions count as sellers have generally lots of choice on if and who they want to sell to.

 

And, if you are selling:

 

1. Start with the end in mind and prepare now even if you still feel that you are 1-3 years away from a potential sale
2. Document all of your internal processes in a target operating model so it’s clear on what and how you run your business
3. Maintain clean, clear and comprehensive records and statistics around revenue, margin and customer growth, revenue per headcount, HR and regulatory requirements

 

Buying and or selling a business can be a daunting, challenging and emotional time which needs to be managed carefully. It can also be distracting from time away from actually running your company.

 

If any of these points resonate with you and for an initial discussion, please email me on roy.shelton@dropjawventures.co.uk  or call me on 07977 237284.

SEO in 2024 evolves beyond just tracking rankings and becomes an area where understanding the audience’s behavior and refining strategies as per the search engine optimization guidelines becomes crucial.

SEO tracking, measuring, analyzing, and interpreting the performance of a website in search engine results pages (SERPs) plays a foundational role in measuring a site’s health and its content and keyword effectiveness.

With over 200 Google ranking factors to consider, identifying which metrics to monitor is essential for enhancing marketing performance and the business bottom line through focused SEO efforts.

With tools like Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and AI-powered analytics, businesses can dive deeper into data analysis, ensuring their content creation, competitor analysis, and content marketing strategies are well-aligned with the evolving E-A-T principles and ranking requirements of major search engines.

Essential SEO Metrics to Measure in 2024

To effectively measure SEO success in 2024, several critical metrics stand out, reflecting the evolving landscape of search engine optimization and the increasing importance of user experience. Here’s a breakdown:

Keyword Performance Metrics

• Organic Traffic: A direct indicator of SEO success, showcasing the ability of a website to attract visitors through search engine results.
• Keyword Rankings: Essential for assessing the effectiveness of SEO strategies, indicating where a website stands in search results for targeted keywords.
• Impressions and Clicks: Impressions reflect the potential to drive organic traffic, while clicks indicate user interest and engagement with the website.

User Experience and Engagement Metrics

• Core Web Vitals (Largest Contentful Paint, First Input Delay, Cumulative Layout Shift): These metrics are pivotal for evaluating a webpage’s overall user experience and impact SEO rankings.
• Page Experience Signals (Mobile-friendliness, Safe-browsing, HTTPS, Intrusive Interstitial Guidelines): Factors significantly influencing SEO, emphasizing the importance of a secure, user-friendly, and mobile-optimized site.
• Engagement Rate: Measured in Google Analytics 4, indicating the quality of content and its alignment with search intent.

Conversion and Performance Metrics

• Conversion Rate: A critical measure of a website’s efficiency in converting visitors into customers or leads, reflecting the quality of traffic and overall site profitability 14.
• ROI (Return on Investment): The most direct measurement of SEO program effectiveness, with a benchmark success rate of 748%.
• Organic Conversion Rate and Value: These metrics provide insights into the efficiency of SEO efforts in driving conversions and their financial impact.

Incorporating these metrics into an SEO strategy for 2024 requires a holistic approach, focusing not only on traditional ranking factors but also on enhancing user experience and site performance.

The Role of AI and Machine Learning in SEO

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing the way search engines operate, directly impacting SEO strategies and the optimization of content for better ranking and user engagement.

They are at the forefront of interpreting the nuances behind search queries, enabling search engines to deliver more accurate and personalized search results. This advancement allows for a deeper understanding of user intent, ensuring that the content presented matches the user’s specific needs and queries.

Personalization has reached new heights, with AI tailoring search results based on factors such as a user’s search history, location, and other personal preferences, thereby enhancing the user experience.

However, the integration of AI and ML in SEO is not without its challenges. The “black box” effect, where the workings of AI algorithms are opaque, poses difficulties in diagnosing and correcting errors or biases.

Moreover, an over-reliance on AI may result in content that lacks originality and human touch, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that combines AI insights with human creativity and oversight.

Several companies have embraced AI tools to enhance their SEO content. One notable example is Constant Contact, a leading inbound marketing and sales platform. The company has utilized AI technology to optimize its content for search engines, allowing them to create more effective and engaging SEO content.

With AI, Constant Contact were able to create more relevant and targeted content, aligning it with the search intent of users. This has resulted in higher visibility and better ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs).

As SEO in 2024 continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest AI and ML developments will be crucial for content creators aiming to optimize their strategies and achieve success in the digital landscape.

Adapting to Google’s Algorithm Updates

In the rapidly evolving landscape of SEO, adapting to Google’s algorithm updates is paramount for maintaining and enhancing website visibility and performance. Here’s a closer look at how these updates are shaping the digital world and the strategies businesses must employ.

Google’s March 2024 Core Update has been a game-changer, significantly impacting websites that deviated from established guidelines or engaged in questionable SEO practices. The swift penalties included deindexing, effectively removing these sites from search results and Google’s index altogether.

This update places a heightened emphasis on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness), targeting outdated or error-filled sites, particularly those relying on AI-generated content without human oversight.

A key takeaway is Google’s prioritization of quality over quantity. Sites offering thin or duplicate content without providing unique insights or perspectives risk being penalized or removed.

By understanding these pivotal changes and implementing the necessary adjustments, businesses can navigate the complexities of SEO in 2024, ensuring their content remains relevant and visible in the ever-competitive digital landscape.

Voice Search Optimization in SEO

With over 50% of all internet searches being voice-activated and more than 1 billion voice searches conducted each month, the shift towards voice search optimization (VSO) is undeniable. As technology evolves, so does the way people interact with their devices, making VSO an essential component of SEO in 2024.

Content should directly answer questions using natural language processing, focusing on long-tail keywords that reflect how real people talk and ask questions. Voice search queries tend to be more conversational compared to typed keywords, necessitating content that can engage in this more natural dialogue.

A significant portion of voice searches are location-specific, with “near me now” searches growing due to Google’s geolocation data. In addition, given that the majority of voice searches are performed on mobile devices, ensuring websites are mobile-friendly is a must. This includes fast loading times, secure connections, and user-friendly designs.

Incorporating structured data and aiming to capture featured snippets in search results can significantly enhance visibility in voice search. Structured data helps search engines understand the content better, while featured snippets provide direct answers that voice assistants can relay to users.

The role of virtual assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa is pivotal in delivering search results, making it essential for content creators to consider these platforms when optimizing for voice search.

With 55% of U.S. households expected to own a smart speaker by 2022, the importance of VSO will only continue to grow, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt their SEO strategies accordingly.

By focusing on conversational language, local search, mobile optimization, and the structured presentation of information, businesses can ensure their content remains accessible and relevant in the evolving landscape of voice search.

Mobile Optimization Metrics

When it comes to SEO in 2024, mobile optimization has surged to the forefront, driven by the undeniable shift towards mobile device usage for internet searches. This pivot necessitates a strategic reevaluation of how websites are designed and optimized for mobile users.

With a significant volume of voice searches conducted on mobile devices, ensuring a website is mobile-friendly is no longer optional but a necessity. Google’s mobile-first indexing policy underscores the importance of mobile-optimized content. Websites that fail to cater to mobile users risk losing visibility in search engine results.

This involves responsive design practices, where a site’s layout and content dynamically adjust to fit the screen size of various devices, providing an optimal viewing experience for users on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.

To align with mobile-first indexing, webmasters must prioritize the mobile version of their content, ensuring it’s fully accessible and indexable by search engines. This includes verifying that text is readable without zooming, links are spaced well enough so they can be easily tapped, and mobile viewport settings are correctly configured.

Essential information must be immediately visible, avoiding the need for users to scroll excessively or navigate through complex menus. Interactive elements like buttons and links should be designed for easy interaction on touch screens, considering the average finger size to prevent mis-taps.

By adhering to these guidelines, businesses can enhance their mobile site’s performance, not only improving their search engine rankings but also providing a superior user experience that meets the expectations of today’s mobile-centric audience.

Content Quality and E-E-A-T

In the context of SEO in 2024, the significance of Content Quality and E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) cannot be overstated. These elements are central to enhancing a site’s visibility and ranking, especially when considering search engines’ evolving algorithms, which now prioritize user experience and the authenticity of content.

Content should be developed to meet the specific needs of the user, providing detailed, informative insights that satisfy user intent. This involves thorough keyword research to identify what users are searching for and crafting content that addresses those queries directly.

Modern SEO strategies should focus on the relevance and context of content rather than merely incorporating keywords at a certain frequency. This shift towards topical relevance ensures that content is more naturally aligned with user queries and search intent.

One notable example of successful content quality optimization is Slotswise, a slots review website. Slotswise ensured its list of online slots is aligned with player preferences by offering first-hand insights from its team of experts, adding credibility and valuable information to its content.

They also offered interactive demos and tutorials for selected online slots, allowing players to experience gameplay before committing to real play. In the end, the website improved its keyword rankings for online slot games. This led to more users on the site, lower bounce rates, and improved conversion rates.

Build a reputation within the industry through high-quality backlinks, mentions by niche experts, and authoritative media mentions. This not only enhances the site’s E-E-A-T but also its overall credibility in the eyes of both users and search engines.

Ensure content accuracy by citing trustworthy sources and being transparent about the authorship and editorial process. Trustworthiness also involves clear communication regarding the ownership of the site and how users can contact the organization.

Link Building in the Modern SEO Era

In the modern SEO era, link building remains a cornerstone strategy, evolving from simple link exchanges to sophisticated techniques that emphasize quality, relevance, and user experience. Below are key strategies for effective link building:

If you want to conduct an effective link building strategy for your business, aim for ‘position zero’ by creating content that directly answers user queries. This increases site visibility and is likely to attract quality backlinks. In addition, invest in creating content that stands out due to its usefulness, relevance, or uniqueness, naturally attracting backlinks.

You can also design visually appealing infographics that simplify complex information, making them shareable and link-worthy. And when doing guest blogging, write compelling articles for reputable websites in your niche. This not only exposes you to a new audience but also earns valuable backlinks.

Share your content on social media to increase visibility. Active engagement can lead to natural backlinks as users find your content valuable. Personal connections are a powerful tool for authentic link building, too. Therefore, leverage relationships within your industry for natural, relevant link opportunities.

Each of these strategies emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity. Prioritizing high-quality backlinks from authoritative and relevant sources significantly impacts rankings more than accumulating multiple low-quality links.

Moreover, ensuring that the linked content is relevant to your site’s niche and using a diverse range of anchor texts can safeguard your site’s credibility and rankings. With these multifaceted approaches, businesses can effectively enhance their link profile, driving both traffic and authority in the competitive digital landscape.

To Sum Up

Throughout this exploration of SEO in 2024, we’ve delved into the critical metrics, the transforming role of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the necessity of adapting to Google’s algorithm changes, all of which underscore the evolving nature of SEO.

These insights not only highlight the importance of staying ahead in the digital landscape through strategic planning and incorporation of advanced tools but also emphasize the need for quality content that aligns with E-A-T principles.

The transformation from traditional metrics to a more nuanced understanding of audience behavior and search engine requirements marks a significant shift in how businesses can achieve and measure success in the realm of search engine optimization.

As the digital sphere continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable to the latest SEO trends and updates will be paramount for businesses aiming to maintain their competitive edge. In essence, the future of SEO lies in leveraging technological advancements to enhance user experiences while prioritizing content authenticity and relevance.

As a small business owner, balancing multiple tasks is often the norm. From managing finances to marketing, from customer service to product development, the list of responsibilities can seem endless. However, attempting to handle every aspect of your business alone may not be the most efficient or effective strategy. This is where outsourcing comes into play. Outsourcing certain business functions can provide numerous benefits, allowing you to focus on core activities while leveraging external expertise to enhance your operations. Let’s delve into some important business aspects that small business owners should consider outsourcing.

Accounting and Finance

For many small business owners, managing finances and keeping track of accounts can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Outsourcing accounting and finance tasks to professionals can ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting. Professional accountants can handle bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll processing, and financial analysis, giving you peace of mind and the tools to make informed decisions based on sound financial data.

Human Resources

Navigating the complexities of human resources (HR) can be daunting for small businesses with limited resources. Outsourcing HR functions such as recruitment, employee benefits administration, payroll management, and compliance with labour laws can streamline operations and ensure adherence to regulations. HR outsourcing allows small business owners to access expertise in talent management while focusing on strategic initiatives and fostering a positive work environment.

IT Support

Having reliable IT infrastructure is essential for the smooth operation of any business. However, not all small businesses have the resources to have an in-house IT department. Outsourcing IT support services can provide access to skilled professionals who can handle network setup and maintenance, cybersecurity, software updates, and technical support. Outsourcing IT functions allows small business owners to minimise downtime, enhance security, and leverage the latest technologies without the burden of managing IT internally.

Marketing and Advertising

Good marketing is crucial for attracting customers and growing your business, but developing and executing marketing strategies can be complex and time-consuming. Outsourcing marketing and advertising activities to experienced professionals can help small business owners reach their target audience, boost brand awareness, and generate leads. Whether it’s digital marketing, social media management, content creation, or graphic design, outsourcing marketing functions can yield better results while freeing up time for other critical tasks. If you need help with how to choose a digital marketing agency for your business, then start by looking at which companies align with your niche or business size.

Customer Service

Customer service is so important for retaining customers and building a positive reputation. However, managing customer inquiries, complaints, and support requests can be overwhelming, especially for small businesses with limited staff. Outsourcing customer service to specialised call centres or virtual assistants can ensure prompt and professional handling of customer interactions, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. Outsourcing customer service functions allows small business owners to concentrate on core business activities while ensuring that customers receive the attention they deserve.

Legal Services

Navigating the legal landscape is complex for any business. From drafting contracts to resolving disputes, having access to legal expertise is essential for protecting your business interests. Outsourcing legal services to experienced solicitors or law firms can provide valuable guidance and support in various areas such as business formation, contract review, intellectual property protection, and compliance with regulations. Outsourcing legal functions allows small business owners to mitigate legal risks and ensure that their business operations are conducted in accordance with the law.

 

Many companies offer incentives for investors who buy shares or help fund equity campaigns. The home delivery expert Parcelhero – which is itself offering a reward scheme for investors in its new business logistics platform – reveals some of the most attractive and unusual investors’ perks of recent years.

Shareholders and investors don’t put their money into businesses out of the kindness of their hearts. They hope to see their investments rise in value and, perhaps, receive a handsome dividend as well. However, in a bid to receive funding or maintain their market position, some companies have gone above and beyond in extra inducements.

From free chocolate and breakfasts to boozy events and onboard credit on a cruise, shareholders and investors can enjoy some amazing freebies if they choose the right investments, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero. It has launched its own exciting reward scheme for investors as part of its equity funding campaign on the fundraising platform Floww. It is targeting investment in its new B2B SaaS platform, Parcelhero Pro.

Parcelhero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: ‘The main reason individuals and investment companies buy stocks or put money directly into companies is to make money through capital gains or dividends. However, a number of companies offer other inducements that certainly help gain attention.

‘Indeed, a wealthy investor could wake up to a free hotel breakfast, climb into their hugely discounted new car, shop for significantly discounted new clothes and end their day by eating free luxury chocolates while reading a heavily discounted book or, perhaps, take off on a cruise with free onboard credit.

‘Here’s Parcelhero’s round-up of some of the very best and most eye-opening investors’ incentives of recent times. Not all are still available and not all the companies we mention are listed on the UK stock market, but they give a good idea of the potential perks that await investors, angels and the more materialistic alike!

Whitbread’s best: ‘Whitbread, which no longer brews beer but, instead, owns a number of hospitality businesses, offered free breakfasts in Premier Inns. It also offered a 10% discount on its restaurants for people with a shareholder benefit card.

Ford’s Focus:  ‘In the US at least, qualifying shareholders could participate in Ford’s “Friends & Neighbors” Special Vehicle Pricing Privilege scheme.  New vehicles could be purchased for just 4% above employee pricing. Potentially, that was a deal worth thousands of dollars to its stockholders.

Whatever Next: ‘The fashion chain Next offered its stockholders 25% discount against one purchase once a year.

Lindt’s sweet treat: ‘The luxury chocolate maker Lindt & Sprüngli AG gave a gift box to shareholders who voted during its annual meeting in Switzerland.

Bloomsbury’s magic offer: ‘Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, publishers of the famous Harry Potter series, offered its shareholders a 35% discount on its books.

Associated British Food’s tasty perk: ‘There was a mystery offer for qualifying ABF shareholders who attended its AGM. They received a free gift worth around £30.

Cruise credit: ‘Carnival Cruise Line (which owns companies such as Holland America Line and Princess Cruises), Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean all kept their investors buoyant by offering onboard credit of between $50 and $250, depending on the length of their cruise.

Brewers’ bonuses: ‘We should also toast a number of breweries’ special shareholder perks. Fullers, Mitchells & Butlers, Shepherd Neame and Youngs have all offered various discounts on drinks and food (and accommodation where applicable). Until the mid-’80s, Youngs also offered a free lunch with unlimited drinks to its shareholders. Cheers!

‘A number of these or very similar perks may still be available for investors who qualify. Parcelhero also has an attractive investors’ rewards scheme for individuals and organisations backing its equity funding campaign on Floww, the internationally respected fundraising and investment platform. Subject to conditions, investors can receive the following rewards:

• 15% off Parcelhero services for 12 months for investments of £2,500 to £24,999
• 20% off Parcelhero services for 12 months for investments of £25,000 to £74,999
• 25% off Parcelhero services for 12 months for investments of over £75,000

‘The Parcelhero Group has already outpaced all its competitors with 21% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue between 2019 and 2022, making it the UK’s fastest-growing logistics comparison group.

‘Parcelhero is looking to achieve initial funding of £700k to ensure Parcelhero Pro’s successful market debut. For the first time in its history, it is offering investors a chance to back this established, highly profitable logistics business. For further information or to register your interest, see the investors page at https://www.parcelhero.com/fundraising-2024