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Django’s Supreme Versatility makes it the Industry Standard for an Online Space Ripe for Innovation

The internet is growing at a rapid rate, particularly when it comes to businesses looking to appeal more directly to their customers in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, as digital transformation has sent shopping increasingly online. 

This trend has had a significant impact on the world of programming. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of software developers is expected to grow by 22% over the course of the decade. As the World Wide Web continues to innovate its way towards the metaverse, we may see more businesses seek to enlist the help of developers to appeal to audiences more effectively. 

However, it remains to be seen just how the next generation of the internet will be powered. Should current trends continue, the world’s most prominent programming framework will be Django, which is a language that’s functional and scalable whilst encompassed within a pragmatic design. 

Created by a team of experienced developers, Django covers much of the complexity associated with web development, helping businesses to dedicate more time towards writing their apps or pages without having to struggle through the design process

(Image: Gustav Willig Medium)

As we can see from the table above, Django has become the world’s most popular programming framework based on Github starts, highlighting its value in modern programming and far surpassing many of its competitors. 

Today, some of the world’s most popular companies use Django in the form of YouTube, Google, and Instagram. 

One of the greatest assets for the framework comes in the form of its supreme versatility, which enables Django programming to cater to vast and varying levels of demand and programming complexity at the same time. 

With this in mind, let’s take a deeper look into why more businesses are turning to Django to achieve their online ambitions. 

A Framework to Suit any Project 

The beauty of Django is that it can suit any project, regardless of whether it’s based on mobile or the web. Furthermore, it’s possible to take on projects of any size and complexity – even significantly high-load applications can function well. 

Due to the fact that Django suits most major databases, and enables users to utilize a database that’s more suitable in different projects – or to even add multiple different databases at the same time, Django is highly efficient for developers. 

Because the framework features a built-in object-relational mapper (ORM), it’s extremely easy to migrate or move applications throughout databases with only a few lines of code to be edited. This is because Django’s ORM offers a layer between a developer and database. 

Although such functionality can make it possible for Django to be picked up by individuals with little programming experience, there are still plenty of Django development specialists available that are capable of making your ideas come to life for your business. 

Due to its versatility, businesses and organizations have turned to Django to develop many different applications, from content management systems to multi-platform social networks and more advanced scientific computing platforms. 

Additionally, Django performs well in security and performance-intensive industries like fintech, where platforms are required to be entirely secure, and fully compliant with both domestic and international regulators. They also need to be deemed trustworthy by their network of users in order to succeed. 

Significantly, Django’s popularity has contributed to make the language more scalable and reliable. Its open-source framework is frequently maintained and updated, and as a result, more cloud providers are looking to offer support for Django applications across various platforms. 

This fundamentally means that once the application is launched, it can be managed by verified developers with a single command in a cloud-based environment. 

Backed by a Vibrant Open-Source Community

One of the key perks of Django is that the framework doesn’t cut corners when it comes to security. This means that even if your developer hasn’t left you with a foolproof program, there’s likely to be no issues when it comes to avoiding security vulnerabilities. 

As such, security features are enabled as standard throughout the framework, making it far more difficult for hackers to attack your applications. 

One of the key reasons for Django’s comprehensive level of security is the framework’s vibrant open-source community. As the language has evolved to become one of the world’s favorite frameworks, it draws more attention from prospective hackers, but Django has stood strong against cyberthreats in comparison to rival frameworks. 

Django’s open-source nature means that it’s built a helpful community of users. Although there’s plenty of documentation to provide guidance, it’s easy to find solutions online should you encounter issues, with platforms like Stack Overflow brimming with queries and solutions directly related to Django, for instance. 

The future capabilities of the internet can be exciting and concerning for online businesses in equal measure. However, programming languages like Django allow companies to build applications today that can be appropriately scaled tomorrow to accommodate growth in traffic and the emergence of Web3.0. 

With a supremely trustworthy and scalable solution, there’s little doubt why Django has evolved to become the internet’s favorite programming framework today – and it’s likely to continue to grow in popularity tomorrow.

Double Glazing Vs Secondary Glazing for sash windows

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The debate about which glazing option is better – double glazing or secondary glazing for sash windows – has been raging for years. Pros and cons exist, so it’s a matter of personal preference, budget and requirements.

Here’s a rundown of the main points to consider when choosing between secondary glazing or sash windows double glazing for your original window.

The benefits of Double Glazing compared to secondary glazing

Double glazing for sash windows is more energy-efficient than secondary glazing if Low-E triple glazing or vacuum glazing is used. It will also reduce noise pollution from outside better.

The double glazing is a more high-end option; it looks sleeker. It is easier to operate double-glazed sash windows than the same windows but with secondary glazing.

Secondary glazing can reduce the amount of light that comes into your home and make your windows look ‘cluttered’ from the inside. It can also be difficult to find secondary glazing that matches the style of your existing windows.

Better energy efficiency 

Double glazing is a good option if you’re looking for a way to make your home more energy-efficient and reduce heat loss. Double-glazed units are made up of two panes of glass with a gap in between filled with inner gases, or the air is removed to create vacuum-sealed units. These gases or vacuums act as insulators and improve thermal efficiency, making heat less likely to escape through the window. With this type of glazing, you will need less energy to heat or cool down your home and save on your energy bills.

Reduce condensation 

Another benefit of double glazing is that it can help to reduce condensation on your windows. It keeps one of the glass panes warm, so the condensation is less highly to appear. less condensation means a healthier home and more sound timber frames and glazing bars. 

Better sound insulation –  Outside noise reduction 

If you live in a busy area or near the main road, you’ll know how annoying noise pollution can be. Double-glazed windows can help reduce the amount of noise that comes into your home, as the gap between the two panes of glass acts as a sound barrier.

The disadvantages of Double Glazing compared to secondary glazing

Secondary glazing is cheaper than double glazing, and a wide range of DIY kits are available for all types of timber windows. Secondary glazing can be installed behind the existing windows, which means less disruption during installation.

To get the double glazing benefits, you either buy new double-glazed sash windows or retrofit the original sash windows with slimline heritage double glazing. So it is not a straightforward process; you will probably spend around 3-6 months searching for sash window specialists, collecting and comparing quotes. The lead time for new windows or retrofitting will also make you wait for some time.

Types of Secondary glazing

There are two main types of secondary glazing – internal and external. Internal secondary glazing is fitted on the inside of your existing sash window; internal secondary glazing is the most popular type as it’s less disruptive to install and can be easily removed if you want to return

Types of secondary glazing units:

  • Hinged
  • Removable
  • Fixed panels
  • Vertical sliding
  • Horizontal sliding
  • Lift-out
  • Bespoke secondary glazing

Double glazing options for your property 

Several other options are available as well as the standard double-glazed units that are fitted into new windows. You could opt for triple-glazed units, which are even more energy-efficient, or you could choose to have Low-E glass fitted. You also have an option to fit vacuum slimline double glazing into existing sashes or fit new double glazed sashes into existing timber frames.

 New double-glazed sash windows 

If you think your current window frames are too rotten, you may consider opting for new double-glazed sash windows. Double-glazed sash windows are more energy-efficient than single-glazed units and will help to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. New windows also come with a guarantee for at least 8 years. They’re also much less drafty, so you’ll notice a reduction in noise from outside.

The only downside to double-glazed sash windows is that they can be more expensive than retrofitting double-glazing to existing windows, and they are not as long-lasting as you might think.

Retrofit double glazing to existing windows 

If you have existing timber sash windows that you want to make more energy-efficient, you could consider retrofitting double glazing. This involves fitting new thin-profile double-glazed units into your existing wooden window frames. It’s a relatively straightforward process which gives the same benefits of new double glazing windows but preserves the original features of your period property.

The only downside to retrofitting double glazing is that it can be still expensive compared to cheaper secondary glazing.

So, there you have it – a rundown of the main points to consider when choosing between double glazing and secondary glazing for sash windows

Which is better double glazing or secondary glazing for listed buildings?

If you live in a listed building, you may be wondering whether you can install secondary glazing. The good news is that you do not need permission from your local authority to install sash windows secondary glazing.

While double glazing is an option for listed buildings, secondary glazing is often the preferred choice. This is because it’s less disruptive to install and can be easily removed if necessary, but now the demand for double glazing retrofitting services is growing.

As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages of both double glazing and secondary glazing. Ultimately, the best glazing option for your house will depend on your budget, your needs and whether you live in a listed or non-listed building.

Conclusion about the choice between secondary glazing and double glazing.

The choice depends on budget, the type of property you live in, and personal preferences.

We believe that sash windows double glazing retrofitting is the best option as it is cheaper than new double-glazed sash windows; it preserves original windows as secondary glazing and costs something in between the new windows and secondary glazing.

You will still need a building consent from the conservation officer to fit double glazing into the original frames. Still, it is easier compared to getting permission for new bespoke windows.

UK finance professionals struggling to adapt to Making Tax Digital

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New survey shows tax is taxing despite going digital

23 June 2022 – Finance professionals are still struggling with the switchover to Making Tax Digital (MTD) software, according to a new survey, more than two months on since the UK’s latest deadline.

Training staff and getting employees to use new systems has been the biggest challenge so far, with more than a third (37%) of finance professionals struggling to get to grips with the software, according to a survey commissioned by Yooz.

Financial reporting (30%) and costs associated with adopting new software (30%) were also listed as significant challenges, while one in four (24%) still citing a lack of information and understanding on MTD compliance.

And this problem could be worse than feared, as the survey also found that finance professionals are having a hard time recruiting new staff.

Hiring people with necessary skills (40%) was highlighted as the biggest recruitment challenge within the next year – more so than wage demands (39%) and flexible/home working preferences (37%).

Fears of MTD readiness have loomed over finance and accounting department for years and while VAT registered businesses will (or should) be MTD-compliant now, digital processes are continuing to confuse many.

Just 17% of UK businesses are fully prepared for electronic invoicing, with a whopping 68% almost ready or with plans in progress.

“Although it’s natural that there would be a few teething problems with companies making the switch to Making Tax Digital, it’s clear that there are plenty of hurdles still to overcome,” said Laurent Charpentier, CEO at Yooz.

“There’s widespread acknowledgement that Making Tax Digital is the right approach for the future, but it seems the pace of change has left many wondering what they have to do to not just remain compliant, but remain in business. They say tax doesn’t have to be taxing, but it seems many within the business would agree entirely with that statement.” 

Yooz is providing an update on the current state of MTD in the UK and the recent April 2022 mandate in their webinar on June 23rd, 12pm BST. Register for the webinar here: https://www.getyooz.com/en-gb/webinar-edu-live-mtd-2022-06-23

Rise of The East: AsiaPac banking makes gains on Europe & North America as volume of new hires increases by over +60% in the past year

  • 64% global growth of job roles in financial services
  • London has experienced the highest job growth of any banking hub (101%)
  • Singapore financial services talent almost matches the number of global leader London
  • 2 in 3 banking professionals in AsiaPac are actively looking to move job roles
  • Recruitment of senior-level professionals in FS has tripled since start of pandemic
  • +40% pay increases offered for remote roles to tackle global talent shortage
  • Asia leads the way on gender diversity, with a near 50/50 split in workforce

Hiring has reached peak levels for financial services across the globe – where across the eight major hubs the number of job roles advertised has increased by +64%, making the sector one of the fastest hiring industries post-pandemic (after technology).

Whilst London powers ahead as being home to the most financial services professionals working in any one city (293,700) – AsiaPac have steadily made gains in the past 12 months with Singapore (250,000), Sydney (167,364), and Tokyo (166,000+) the most notable cities with high levels of financial services talent.

Job Growth in the Past Year by City

  • London: +101%
  • New York: +78%
  • Tokyo: +77%
  • Singapore: +76%

Job Growth by Region

  • Europe: +62%
  • North America: +60%
  • AsiaPac: +61%

New York (48,595), London (38,945), and Paris (24,165) continue to dominate on the hiring front – having the greatest number of advertised job roles. However, it is across AsiaPac where we see the best conditions for hiring, with professionals in Sydney (81%), Singapore (76%), Hong Kong (67%), and Tokyo (60%) all expressing a high willingness to leave their role despite this being the tightest candidate market seen in decades.

The findings come from a new report from global professional services recruitment consultancy Robert Walters – Hiring Trends in the World’s Leading Financial Services Cities – which puts a lens over the labour market across 8 key banking hubs; London, New York, Tokyo, Sydney, Paris, Singapore, Frankfurt, and Hong Kong.

Toby Fowlston, CEO of Robert Walters comments:

“The global financial services system is as solid as it was before the pandemic – and much healthier than after the last crisis in 2008 (GFC).

“Whilst the pandemic did not have the expected harmful financial effects on the global banking industry, it has certainly accelerated change in a multitude of other areas. Digital banking boomed whilst cash use fell, savings expanded and credit card debts were paid-off in record time, remote became a way of working, data-capture and usage is a central business function, and environment and sustainability are now front of mind for customers and regulators.

“All of this change has led to exponential hiring in the sector – with each hub trying to fight for the same talent at the same time, the results being a fiercely competitive recruitment market like we’ve never seen before, with execs being offered over +30-40% pay increases with the option to work from anywhere in the world.”

Asia Leading the Way on Female Diversity

It is across Asia where we see the most gender diversity in the financial services sector – in fact, Singapore (46%) has near 50/50 gender diversity, whilst women make up 44% of the banking workforce in Hong Kong.

Whilst the likes of New York (36%) and London (36%) lag slightly behind in gender diversity, they continue to make strides in cultural, racial, and socio-economic diversity – with many firms having advanced recruitment programmes to ensure their workforce is representative of the diverse population of the city they are based in.

Toby adds: “As a whole the global financial services sector has made solid strides in gender diversity – with near half of the entry-level workforce in financial services being women.

“The task now is to equal representation at the top, where in banking less than a quarter of high-level senior positions are held by women. We are seeing some worthy gains been made in this area, and I think the increasing diversity in senior positions will only help to speed up the rapid rate of innovation and change within the sector.”

An Imbalance of Seniority

Not surprisingly the recruitment of senior professionals – who have been in the industry for 15+ years – was rife as the pandemic hit, as major institutions snapped up professionals who had experience of dealing with the GFC.

Where typically senior hires represent around 8-10% of all new hires – with the bulk of hiring being at junior and mid-management level – this figure sky-rocketed in the past 12-18months where in some hubs up to 1 in 3 new hires in banking has been at a senior level.

  • London: 20% of new hires is for senior roles, an increase of 5%
  • New York: Team/Department Heads was the only area to experience growth in the pandemic (+26%)
  • Tokyo: 19% of new hires are at a senior level
  • Sydney: 28% of new hires is for senior positions, an increase of 5%
  • Paris: 63% growth at Manager-level and above
  • Singapore: 31% of new hires is for a senior role

Investment into training programmes and graduate hiring all came to a standstill in Q1 2020, with the ramifications of this being felt at mid-management level who have reported the highest levels of burnout due to having a weaker support team beneath them.

Toby comments: “Employers will continue to experience challenges in attracting junior analysts and associates as the traditional appeal of working for a large Financial Services organisation now finds itself in a battle with the lure of a career in a start-up or major tech firm.

“Reputational issues suffered since the GFC and workplace-related perceptions – around hours, flexibility, and culture – will all need to be addressed head on by financial services firms if they want to build out their future talent pipeline.”

Click here to download a copy of Hiring Trends in the World’s Leading Financial Services Cities.

Press Release – RBW Consulting wins a Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award

RBW Consulting has just been announced as winner of the Best Corporate Social Responsibility category at the 2022 Best Business Awards

Upon receiving the Award, RBW Consulting’s Chief Growth Officer, Emma Thorp, said: “As a business, we’ve always wanted to ‘give back’. Investing in patient-focused research is the most relevant, most immediate way of impacting the patient populations that our clients serve, hence the creation of our RBW IMPACT programme. I know first-hand the impact a rare disease diagnosis can have on a family, and we’ve been bowled over by the reception this first project has received from the community, which only goes to show how needed more action is. Our hope is that in some small way we can make a positive difference to better health outcomes, and having our endeavours recognised by the Best Business Awards is the icing on the cake”.

 The Best Business Awards pride themselves on having a large panel of independent expert judges who select winners according to strict criteria for each category and sector.

Commenting on RBW Consulting, the chairman of the judges said: “Specialist life science talent acquisition consultancy RBW Consulting can’t be praised enough for funding some patient-focussed research into the mental health impact of a rare disease diagnosis. It is a devasting moment for the patient and family when a diagnosis is made and to ease the shock RBW Consulting, working with the Rare Disease Research Partners, has developed a statement of good practice and guidance for healthcare professionals to help them improve their approach. This is a wonderful project that is being supported by many rare disease organisations and helping patients with their mental health.” 

The Best Business Awards are one of the UK’s highest profile awards and winning this accolade speaks volumes about RBW Consulting. Due to its high profile, the Awards attract a wide range of entries from across all sectors from large international PLCs and public sector organisations to dynamic and innovative SMEs. The winners all have one thing in common – they are truly outstanding at what they do.

The Rise of Mobile Gaming in South Africa

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The South African mobile gambling industry experienced a boost in the last decade partly because of increased smartphone use in the country. Increased smartphone use opened a floodgate of opportunities for mobile casino and sportsbook operators seeking to expand in South Africa.

Over 300 million Africans were using smartphones in 2019, comprising a market worth $15 billion. The last decade saw a 400% increase in mobile Internet subscriptions in the Sub-Saharan region. And today, 5G smartphone use is on the rise all over Africa.

Moreover, most of the African population is young, accounting for the rise of mobile gambling in the country. Experts estimate that the African youth population will grow in the years to follow, creating a consumer base exceeding 200 million mobile gamblers. All these factors indicate a bright future for the African mobile gambling industry.   

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Why Mobile Gambling Skyrocketed in South Africa  

Mobile casinos and sportsbooks have already captured a large share of the African gambling market. According to Statista.com, Africans accounted for 11% of Internet users worldwide. The number of Africans who access the Internet through smartphones, mobile phones, and tablets is rising because mobile devices and broadband Internet subscriptions are becoming affordable and accessible to many more Africans.

The biggest African gambling markets are Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya. According to the Pocket Gamer overview of 2021, gamblers wagered $290 million on mobile casino games in South Africa alone.

Here are some reasons for the growth of mobile gambling in South Africa:

South Africans Love to Bet: The South African love for betting is the number one reason for the mobile gambling boom in the country. Betting has long been a part of the South African lifestyle and culture. South Africans do not bet for entertainment alone but also to generate income and support their families.

Over 50% of South Africans gamble regularly, and the rest place occasional bets. Using mobile devices to place bets on sports events and casino games is convenient for most South Africans.

Covid-19 Pandemic: Mobile gambling and online betting apps experienced a boost because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions it imposed on people worldwide. Many South Africans found themselves unemployed and restricted to their homes during this time.

Young people took to sports betting on their mobile devices to pass the time and earn some money. During the lockdowns, they got more time to learn betting strategies and ways to predict game outcomes.

Betting Culture: Playing online casino games, watching sports events and betting on them is part of the South African lifestyle and culture. Popular sports in South Africa include horse racing, rugby, football, and golf, to mention just a few. When smartphone usage increased in South Africa, locals naturally started betting and enjoying online casino games while on the move.

Here are some facts and figures indicating the rising popularity of mobile betting apps and mobile gambling in South Africa:

  • 71% of the adults in South Africa play mobile casino games.
  • Mobile gamblers in South Africa spend 4+ hours per day on their smartphones and tablets.
  • Genres like sports, racing, action, and adventure are popular in South Africa.
  • While watching TV, more than 50% of South Africans play games.

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Customer Support: Check if the mobile casino has 24/7 live support and toll-free telephonic support for South African players.

South African Mobile Gaming Industry – Challenges

While the South African mobile gaming industry has a bright future, it also faces a few challenges that may hinder its growth. 

In the first place, most South African gamblers do not have the latest smartphones. Many still use Edge, 2G, and 3G Android phones that lower gaming speeds and lead to frustration.  

Operators have to consider factors like low internet speeds if they want to give South African players a good mobile gaming experience with enhanced user engagement.

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South Africa Mobile Casino FAQs

Q: Is Online Gambling Legal in South Africa?

There are many types of online gambling options available for South African players.  According to South African gambling legislation, online casinos aren’t allowed to be located within South Africa’s borders. However, most mobile casinos are located offshore and millions of players frequent these sites every month without any worry. Read more about the South African Online Gambling Law

Q: Can I Play at Online Casinos in Rand (ZAR)?

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Inflation reaches 9.1%: Industry Experts Comment

Household Finances
Connor Campbell at NerdWallet said: “A further spike in inflation was expected – but this will offer little comfort to struggling households, particularly as wages aren’t keeping up. Indeed, recent research from NerdWallet found that almost half (46%) of UK SMEs have not raised employee wages in line with inflation, suggesting that the financial strain will persist for some time.
 
“Clearly, the government must go beyond one-off financial support and develop a long-term economic recovery plan to help the UK emerge from its current economic predicament. Not all households, however, can afford to wait for such measures to be announced.
 
“Certain steps can be taken if you are seeking assistance. Free support is available in the form of debt charities StepChange and Citizen’s Advice, if you want to air your concerns or take steps to develop a financial recovery plan, while the Trussell Trust has a postcode tool that can allow you to find a food bank in your area. Price comparison sites could also offer some solutions, by allowing households to compare prices for a variety of necessities, from groceries to energy providers. 
 
“There is no quick fix to the cost-of-living crisis. However, Britons should know that  there are tools available to provide some short-term relief. And such action could set them on the right track towards regaining some control over their finances.”

Investors
Jatin Ondhia, CEO of FCA-regulated investment platform Shojin: “Prices are rising faster than they have for four decades and while May’s CPI figures represent little change from last month’s record hike, the tide remains strong and is set to continue rising, which could push inflation into double figures towards the end of the year.

“The combination of sustained and high inflationary pressure with sharp rate rises and generally tighter monetary policy constitutes a radically different macroeconomic environment, posing a serious threat to investment returns and consumers’ finances. As the global economic outlook darkens, investors must take the time to reassess their inflation toolbox and consider which assets are likely to help cushion their portfolios against further hikes. Maintaining a well-diversified portfolio and ensuring investments remain aligned with long-term goals will be key in navigating the challenges and it should be expected that the defensive and income yielding capabilities of resilient assets, such as real estate, will stand out ever more sharply against the current economic climate.”

Retailer Support for Consumers
Mohsin Rashid, co-founder of ZIPZERO, said: “Consumers are being battered on all sides. If you delve beyond today’s data about the eyewatering rate of inflation, the figures make for ugly reading: annual spending on food is expected to rise £380 this year, while energy bills are on track to pass £3,000 for the first time ever.

“Savvy financial management is important, yes. But to think consumers can work their way through such a challenging economic climate on their own is foolish. Businesses must do more – namely, retailers and energy providers.

“Positively, there’s a solution. Each year, retailers and brands spend a whopping £27 billion on digital marketing. This money could be redirected back to consumers in the form of cash rewards from their everyday shopping, helping them to pay their spiralling energy bills.

“This can only work if retailers and energy providers operate together on the same platform. Retailers can engage directly with shoppers, offering cash rewards from purchases; these cash rewards can then be used by shoppers to pay their energy bills. We are calling on retailers and energy providers to join ZIPZERO (and the major household names already with us) in our mission to tackle the cost-of-living crisis through a practical, long-term and mass-market solution.”

International Markets
Giles Coghlan, Chief Analyst, HYCM said: “If today’s CPI print tells us one thing, it is that the UK’s economic outlook looks very bleak indeed. With forecasts suggesting that GDP will head into negative territory for 2023, the Bank of England has an impossible task on its hands. Ultimately, policymakers have very little choice other than to hike interest rates to bring down inflation. Without adequate quantitative tightening, the Monetary Policy Committee risks inflation spiralling wildly out of control and causing a wage-price spiral, which would be disastrous for the economy.

“As today’s inflation data came in just a fraction below the market’s maximum expectations of 9.3% year-on-year, traders and investors should therefore watch for yet more aggressive action from the Monetary Policy Committee in August. Predictions are currently suggesting that inflation could top 11% this year – this, combined with the Ofgem cap rise due in October, means that the risk of a recession is looking more and more probable by the moment. Before the release of the inflation print, the short-term interest rate (STIR) markets were pricing in a 86% chance of a 50bps rate hike for the central bank’s August 04 meeting, so investors will no doubt be awaiting a hawkish response from the BoE.”

Suit up! The complete guide to men’s formal accessories 

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If you are a man, your wardrobe likely includes various pieces of smart attire you would deem essential — like suits, shirts, waistcoats and trousers. However, a few well-chosen accessories can complete an ensemble much like a cherry completes a cake. 

Here are some examples of accessories you could consider investing in ahead of the next formal occasion — like a wedding ceremony, a dinner date or a day at the races — that would call on you to look your best and most stylish. 

Leather wallets 

Naturally, you wouldn’t want an unsightly bulge protruding from a pocket of an otherwise pristinely prepared suit — so, when it comes to sourcing a wallet, you want one slim in design.

You would still have quite a lot of free rein over exactly what kind of leather wallet you buy, though. Wallet colours deemed classic include black, brown and oxblood, while some wallet styles you could consider include bifold, trifold, hipster and zipper. 

Dress watches

A watch doesn’t have to literally just tell you the time. When you pull down your sleeve to check that time, it would be ideal if the watch itself catches the eye for the right reasons — as indeed it could if you pair it with the right outfit. 

FLUX advises: “Consider choosing a silver or gold dress watch with a white dial or sub-dial.” It’s ultimately up to you whether you choose a metal band or leather straps for that watch. 

Sunglasses 

Again, these don’t just serve a practical purpose — in this instance, that of protecting your eyes from the sun. Sunglasses can also act as a finishing touch to your outfit — but, before you do buy your eye accessory, you should scrutinise your face shape in the mirror. 

As a general rule, rectangular frames go well with round faces, while oval faces can suit triangular shades. If you have a square face, curved frames might be the way to go. 

Black and brown leather belts 

Whether you are going for a strictly formal or more of a ‘smart casual’ look, you can rest assured that quality leather belts are capable of effectively complement the rest of what you wear. 

It would be a good idea for you to make sure your wardrobe includes one black belt and one brown belt — and, of course, you could keep more than one of each. These belts can easily be sourced from T.M. Lewin — and, for any formal event, you should make sure your shoes and belt match. 

Ties

Lifehack enthuses: “A tie has crossed a long way from an obligatory piece of bureaucratic formal wear to a strong statement item every elegant man can take a lot of pride in.”

Ties are also delightfully versatile, as they can satisfy both formal and casual dress codes. There’s a lot of scope for experimentation with ties; you could, for example, see what lengths and widths appear to complement different types of blazers.

You could also try various techniques for knotting ties and, if you wish, add a tie pin. 

Herman Gref on his way from a teacher to Sberbank’s top manager

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Contents:

  • Education
  • Career in the mayor’s office of St. Petersburg
  • Activities as head of the Ministry of Economic Development
  • Sberbank’s reforms
  • Personal life
  • Awards

Herman Gref is known as a banker and reformer minister who laid the foundations for the country’s economic development. Since 2007, the top manager has served as chairman of the board of Sberbank. Thanks to his efforts, the once sluggish financial institution has become a modern technological company with an ecosystem of digital services.

Education

Herman Oskarovich Gref is a native of Kazakhstan. The top manager was born on 8 February 1964 in the small village of Panfilovo with a population of just over a thousand. After graduating from high school in 1981, he worked for a while at the local agricultural department, and then joined the army and served for 2 years (from 1982 to 1984) in the special units of the Interior Ministry troops. After his demobilization, Gref applied to Omsk State University, passed entrance exams, and was enrolled as a freshman.

In an interview, Gref recalls that during his law school studies he didn’t strive to be among excellent students, but in his third year he discovered that his achievement sheet had only excellent marks. Like many students at that time, he was a member of the Komsomol organization and was active in social work. A proactive approach to life and excellent academic achievements helped Gref enter his postgraduate studies at LSU in 1990 and stay on to teach at the university.

The graduate didn’t stay at his native university long and in 1991 moved to St. Petersburg, where Anatoly Sobchak, the then head of the economic law department, became his academic adviser. In the northern capital Gref engaged in political activities, was a member of the liberal party Leningrad People’s Front, and advocated for radical reforms in the country. He completed his postgraduate studies in 1993, but didn’t finish his thesis. The top manager received his PhD in economics only in 2011 at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.

Career in the mayor’s office of St. Petersburg

Gref’s first position was a minor one – in 1991, the graduate student got the position as a legal advisor in the Property Management Committee of the Petrodvorets Administration. A year later, he was already working at the St. Petersburg mayor’s office, first as head of a district agency of the Property Management Committee and in 1994 he became head of the committee. During this period, the head canalized all his energies to transform the city economy in decline.

In 1997, Gref already served as vice-governor and supervised key utilities reforms. With his participation the first stages of structural changes were carried out: management companies began to be awarded only tender-based contracts, an independent building assessment was carried out, and a register of urban property was compiled. At that time, Gref worked in close contact with Dmitry Medvedev, Anatoly Kudrin, and Dmitry Kozak, who would later take top positions in the RF Government.

Activities as head of the Ministry of Economic Development

In 1998, a new stage in Gref’s biography came – the energetic reformer was offered the post of deputy head of the RF State Property Ministry. He moved to Moscow to begin transformations at the federal level. Over the next two years, the deputy minister laid the foundations of utilities management, which successfully exists to this day. The result of the reforms was the emergence of individual and collective meters, consumer rights to choose a management company, and the provision of services on a competitive basis.

After the establishment in 2000 of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Herman Gref was appointed its head. The minister became the author of the economic program for the next ten years, which he developed by order of President V. V. Putin. The key points of the strategy were the release of entrepreneurs from excessive tax and administrative burden, the support of investors, and the reduction of customs duties. With Gref’s participation, the process of Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization was launched, which ended in 2011.

Now Gref calls working in the government the hardest period of his life. The top manager notes that the burden of responsibility in high positions is very difficult to bear, and ministers have only to dream of days off and vacations. The rigid schedule and overload resulted in the fact that after another change in the government in 2007 the head of the MEDT asked to be relieved of his post and give him the opportunity to go into business.

Sberbank’s reforms

The country’s leadership entrusted the former minister with a no less responsible position. Since 2007 and for the next 15 years, Herman Gref’s place of work was Sberbank. Under the management of the top manager, there was a financial institution where clients had to stand in line for hours, and the management didn’t even think about introducing modern service standards and was not going to change anything.

Herman Gref became a driving force in the transformation of the country’s oldest bank. Among the main qualities of the head, colleagues note his desire to be one step ahead of competitors. On the initiative of the top manager, the bank introduced new technologies using artificial intelligence, which reduced the time for making decisions on granting loans. There were no more lines at branches, and the vast majority of transactions are available online.

It took the top manager little more than 10 years to turn a classic bank into a technology company with a deployed ecosystem. In addition to financial services, Sber is now developing a number of areas, including:

  • E-commerce and delivery services
  • IoT devices and robotics
  • Online drugstore and telemedicine services
  • DomClick housing ecosystem
  • Biometrics
  • Educational projects.

In the coming years, the company is planning to pay maximum attention to the development of its ecosystem. Sberbank has managed to master all the current areas of the fintech industry, thinks Herman Gref. News in foreign industry media suggest that global technology companies, for which financial services are becoming just one of the areas of activity, are winning today. In the coming years, Sberbank’s main goals include becoming a leader in e-commerce, continuing the development of AI-enabled services, and investing in the gaming industry. The company pays special attention to the implementation of ESG principles.

Herman Gref’s personal life

The top manager has been in his second marriage since 2004. Gref’s wife, Yana Golovina, is a designer. The spouses founded Khoroshkola Lycee together, where education is based on experimental methods. Sberbank’s head often criticizes the education system and is convinced that curricula must take into account the individuality and talents of each kid. Gref’s kids and even grandkids studied at Khoroshkola.

Awards

  • 2010 – Knight of the Legion of Honor
  • 2014 – Order of Honor
  • 2014 – Order of Alexander Nevsky
  • 2019 – Order of Merit for the Fatherland, II class
  • 2021 – Order of the Star of Italy (Commander)

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