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Will Northern Ireland protocol boost business investment in UK?

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The deal on the Northern Ireland protocol today will help “significantly revive” business investment into the UK from global investors, says the CEO and founder of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organisations.

The bullish observation from deVere Group chief executive Nigel Green comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled a Brexit deal with the EU on Monday that aims to overhaul Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit trading arrangements, brings a bitter dispute between the two sides to an end, restores devolved government in Belfast, and eases concerns from the US about the Northern Ireland situation.

The deVere CEO says: “Since the 2016 Brexit referendum, and the intense political wranglings it has caused, business investment into the UK from global investors has faltered.

“The possibility of an all-out trade war between the UK and the EU, plus the multifaceted political fallout, has triggered major uncertainty – which investors avoided due to the risks involved. Companies are never going to heavily invest where there are high levels of uncertainty. 

“This deal will help unleash business investment that has been held back by global investors.”

Brexit has been the direct cause of £29bn in business investment being lost and fuelled the slowdown in productivity, according to a Bank of England interest rate setter.

Jonathan Haskel noted the lack of business investment growth since the Brexit referendum was equivalent to 1.3% of UK gross domestic product (GDP).

“The deal announced on Monday settles the dispute that has been raging since 2021 when the UK left the EU single market and customs union through changes to the workings of the Northern Ireland protocol, which was part of the Brexit agreement signed by Boris Johnson back in 2019,” says Nigel Green.

“We expect this new development will help significantly revive business investment into the UK from global investors.”

The deVere Group CEO also notes that the British pound is likely to be given a much-needed bounce now a political agreement between the UK and the EU on the Northern Ireland protocol has been reached.

“We expect the pound will enjoy a bounce amid hopes for improved trading relations between the UK and the EU, which bolsters investor sentiment on Britain’s economic outlook.”

Since Brexit, the pound has been out of favour with FX traders, with the UK currency falling nearly 18% against a basket of currencies since the referendum. 

It has also been dragged down in recent months by fears over slowing economic growth and multi-decades high inflation.

“We could now be heading past peak pound pessimism.”

The deVere Group CEO concludes:

“Investors need certainty to invest. This deal on the Northern Ireland protocol helps bring that back.”

1 in 3 Brits have considered new jobs as a result of the Cost of Living crisis

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A new report from admin and temping recruitment specialists, Oriel Partners, has revealed the impact of the cost of living crisis on Britons. The survey of 1,000 UK residents found that 1 in 3 adults have considered changing their job to increase their salaries, with those aged 25-39 feeling the most pressure. 

According to the research, 76% of respondents have been impacted by the rising cost-of-living crisis. Of those affected, 27% are “very worried” about their financial stability and 52% have expressed “some concerns”. To cope with these worries, 58% are cutting back on gas and electricity use due to affordability concerns; 26% are using savings for bills; 15% are selling valuables or unneeded items to reduce expenditure; and 27% are considering changing jobs in order to improve their financial stability. 

Another study conducted by London storage company, Storage X, found that one in four UK-based adults have seen an increase in their monthly housing costs due to the Cost of Living crisis, with 12% of those living in London having been forced to consider moving home in response to rising costs.

Commenting on the findings, Oriel Partners Director Olivia Coughtrie said: “Our research shows just how much the cost-of-living crisis is affecting people’s lives – especially young people who are at an age where they should be building for their future rather than worrying about basic necessities. It’s clear that more must be done to address this issue and ensure everyone can access a secure job with good working conditions that pays enough for them to live comfortably without fear or worry.” 

The report also discovered that 9% of those aged 25-39 need to change jobs in order to improve their financial security and 35% of Londoners are considering a job change due to affordability issues. This is further proof that people all over the UK feel increasingly pressured by rising costs and wages not keeping up with inflation rates. 

Oriel Partners is committed to helping people find meaningful employment which provides sufficient income so they can live comfortably without worry or fear. Their team works hard every day to match employers with talented admin candidates who will thrive in their roles while being fairly compensated for their work.

Oriel Partners’ Top Tips On Landing A Higher Paying Role

Choose a Lucrative Industry

Choosing an industry that’s in high demand with good earning potential increases your chances of securing a high-paying job. Technology-related industries such as software development, data science, and cybersecurity are presently the most in-demand with a high earning potential. Research the career options that align with your interests and skills to guide your career choice. It’s also worthy of note to consider industries like healthcare, finance, and engineering that offer numerous high-paying positions.

Gain Professional Experience

Professional experience is a critical factor in career advancement. As you gain more experience, you’ll be considered for more senior positions, which often means higher salaries. This process can be achieved by starting at an entry-level job and progressing through the ranks. Also, joining professional organisations or community groups and volunteering with projects help advance your career.

Demonstrate Initiative To Current Employer

Your current employer provides you with the necessary experience and skills that can land you a high-paying job. To achieve this, it’s necessary to demonstrate initiative in your current role. Demonstrate your proficiency and willingness to take on additional responsibilities. This approach demonstrates your commitment to the organisation and highlights your potential value to future employers.

Develop Versatility and Skills

Employers seek individuals with a vast range of experience and skills. They need people that can bring different combinations of expertise to solve complex organisational challenges. By developing versatile and specialised skills, you differentiate yourself and become a valuable asset to your employer. Invest in online courses, join vocational schools or certification programs, attend related conferences and enhance your existing skills.

Become an Expert

Becoming an expert in a particular niche can open up opportunities in your career. As you focus on a specific area, you often gain a unique perspective and a deep understanding of your field. Share your expertise by writing research papers, blog posts, or by speaking at conferences. This approach demonstrates your proficiency, credibility, and can put you in greater demand among potential employers.

Develop Leadership Skills

Employers seek individuals with leadership skills to manage and lead projects to achieve results. Leadership skills include communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork. Volunteer with a project or take on leadership responsibilities at your current job to develop your leadership skills.

Aim High with Your Job Search

To secure a high-paying job, you need to apply for jobs that match your level of experience and desired salary. Avoid underselling yourself by only applying for entry-level jobs. Apply for jobs that offer a competitive salary and benefits package, even if it seems intimidating. A positive mindset and self-belief can help you achieve your career goals.

Research Prospective Employers

Before you apply for a job, it’s essential to research prospective employers. Check company websites, social media platforms, and third-party review sites for information about their culture, values, and financials. This pre-search often highlights red flags and discrepancies that can help you determine if the job is worth pursuing.

In conclusion, to get a high-paying job, you need a deliberate approach and a willingness to put in work. Choose a lucrative career path, gain professional experience, develop versatility, and leadership skills, become an expert in your field, aim high with your job search, and research prospective employers. By following these tips, you can take your career to the next level and secure a lucrative job role.

UK MENTAL WELLBEING HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TO DISRUPT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND EAP MARKET

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● UK based Thrive Mental Wellbeing has partnered with Vitality Works to launch Thrive Oceania – supporting workplace mental health in Australia and New Zealand.

● The joint venture will allow Vitality Works to extend its workplace health services with unparalleled mental health support services provided by Thrive.

● With one in five Australians suffering from at least one mental disorder in 2021, according to AIHW’s latest report, mental health support is vital now more than ever.

UK-based Thrive Mental Wellbeing is today announcing the formation of Thrive Oceania – a joint venture formed in partnership with Vitality Works, the workplace health services arm of the Sanitarium Group, which operates in Australia and New Zealand. According to the latest Australian Institute for Health and Welfare report on Mental Health, one in five (21%) Australians aged 16-85 had suffered from at least one mental disorder in 2021, indicating that there has never been a more important time for businesses to increase support for their employees.

Thrive Mental Wellbeing has grown to become globally recognised as a trusted workplace wellbeing solution specifically supporting mental health. With a mission to break the stigma in the UK and worldwide, Thrive Mental Wellbeing offers services to millions of employees to help deal with the challenges of declining mental health. By beginning the conversation in the workplace, Thrive Mental Wellbeing identifies those in need of support. This is achieved through smart tech, which screens users, applying the GAD/PHQ scales used by the NHS and internationally. This enables
engagement and recovery, but in addition offers increased awareness and improved communication around mental health, which will improve outcomes for its users and the wider community.

Vitality Works is well-respected in the workplace health, safety, and wellbeing market across Australia and New Zealand. With the increasingly rapid growth in demand for mental healthcare, the company knew it had to extend its employee wellbeing programme with professional, clinically supported mental health support and sought to find the ideal solution. Upon discovering Thrive Mental Wellbeing, Vitality Works was immediately taken with the services provided and the underlying app which facilitates them. It soon became apparent that there was a synergy between the two organisations, with both dedicated to improving the mental health landscape by focusing on outcomes.

Thrive Oceania offers Vitality Works customers and their employees all the benefits of Thrive Mental Wellbeing’s support services alongside existing Vitality Works workplace health, safety and wellbeing solutions. The establishment of the joint venture will also include the extension of Thrive Mental Wellbeing’s proactive Triage and Therapy Services to around-the-clock care – enabling support in other critical regions, including all time zones in North America.

Dr Andres Fonseca, Co-Founder of Thrive Mental Wellbeing, commented, “I am very excited about this joint venture with Vitality Works. Both organisations are focused on the things that I believe truly matter. We have strong human values at our core and are focused on providing evidence-based, clinically validated interventions that help prevent and treat mental health conditions. Thanks to our partnership, Vitality Works will be able to provide Thrive Mental Wellbeing’s high-quality mental health services to its customers, making them accessible in Australia and New Zealand. This is thanks to the deep relationship and positive collaboration achieved in a joint venture. I am looking forward to seeing first-hand the positive impact this will have on the people of Australia and New Zealand, now and into the future.”

Cathy McDonald, Executive General Manager of Vitality Works said of the joint venture: “We are delighted to welcome Thrive Mental Wellbeing to the Vitality Works family as part of our exclusive joint venture to bring the world’s best partner to revolutionise EAP in Australia and New Zealand. Trusted by over 1.6 million users with unparalleled impact and ROI, Thrive Mental Health will transform how individuals access psychologists and support services for the more than 50% of workers who experience mental health conditions in our region.”

Thrive Mental Wellbeing partners with businesses worldwide to provide employees with free at the point of access, unparalleled, evidence-based, and clinically validated mental health services. Supported by an intuitive app, companies have seen a significant improvement in mental wellbeing across their employee base. For case studies or more information about Thrive Mental Wellbeing, visit www.thrive.uk.com.

World first at MWC 2023: Greenerwave unveils the future brick of 5G network through its reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS)

5G demos: Greenerwave stand 5B19 Demo of RIS using Anritsu professional equipment: Anritsu Stand 5D41

  • Antennas reconfigurable in real time
  • Ten-fold reduction in infrastructure costs
  • Compatible with 5G standard equipment
  • Energy efficient    

It’s a world first! At MWC 2023, Greenerwave, the deeptech startup specializing in shaping the electromagnetic waves, will provide a real-time demonstration of its reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) technology – a brick necessary for the deployment of 5G mmWave networks.

The demo, broadcast live on video, will use OpenAirInterface, the benchmark 5G platform adopted across the world, and an RIS operating at mmWave frequencies. Thanks to this setup, with its simplified hardware, energy efficiency, limited costs and mass market compatibility, Greenerwave is today combining all the ingredients for the large-scale deployment of 5G, even in the most congested environments. MWC, Barcelona, February 27 to March 2, 2023, stand 5B19.  

Greenerwave will also showcase its beamforming antenna solutions which achieve unmatched capital and operating costs for telecom operators, addressing conventional 5G network infrastructure, as well as new 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) utilization cases. The beamforming antennas and RIS technologies developed by Greenerwave are the cornerstones of 5G networks and beyond.               

Millimetric 5G and 6G, with very high bandwidth but limited range

At a time when demand for data speeds is exploding, 5G will soon rely on millimetric waves capable of offering far greater bandwidths. These waves (28GHz), and those expected to reach even higher frequencies in 6G, travel in a straight line and are completely blocked if they run into obstacles. In these circumstances, it is hard for them to reach devices not in the direct sightline of base stations. This creates severe connection problems for users located in interior and urban environments.  

Greenerwave: an intelligent, green and low-cost solution to facilitate the deployment of millimetric 5G

The first solution, both costly and energy intensive, would be to expand the network of base antennae and amplifiers. The second consists in reflecting and redirecting signals, but conventional reflectors can only do this in fixed directions.  

With its intelligent surface capable of controlling microwaves at will, Greenerwave revolutionizes telecommunications in dense areas. This jewel of the French Deeptech sector has developed passive transponders capable of directing waves to a specific device, such as an individual mobile equipment, while adapting in real time to its position with relatively simple electronics. In total, infrastructure costs are reduced ten-fold!  

How does it work?

Greenerwave designs metasurfaces comprising elements that shape electromagnetic waves. These metasurfaces consist in a group of centimetre-sized elements called pixels that operate as a collection of micromirrors. Each pixel can modify the sign of the reflected wave. Interactions between pixels and microwaves are managed by algorithms from the world of physics that direct waves after they are reflected on the surface. Passive and cheap, this technology aims to improve the use of electromagnetic waves to lower energy consumption and infrastructure costs.

A technology validated by major partnerships

In addition to the direct 5G demonstration on its stand, Greenerwave has also joined forces with Anritsu, a Japanese instrumentation company, to make a live presentation of its RIS capacities on the Japanese stand.

The French deeptech’s technology has already been validated by the first 5G demonstration of RIS by NTT and AGC in Japan last year and the first RIS network distributed at the 6G Summit in November 2022.

UK Energy Experts Take the Guesswork Out of Going Solar

Solar and energy storage experts iJo Power are making the switch to solar easier for families and businesses throughout the UK. With energy prices fuelling the cost-of-living crisis, they’re developing smart solutions for those looking to lower their electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint. 
 
The Cornwall-based company uses industry research, testing, and analysis to help people get the most out of their solar setups. While the business is relatively new, Director Andrew Shaw has over 20 years in the industry and is regarded as one of the leading experts in solar and battery storage. He is on a mission to advance the energy industry.  
 
iJo Power designs solar and battery storage solutions, allowing power generated during daylight hours to be stored and used later. Customers use more of their own solar generated energy whilst drawing less from the grid, leading to savings of 75-80% on electricity bills. These savings can be increased further by making full use of battery capacity to charge during off-peak hours.
 
Despite the boom in the solar industry, many are still cautious due to a lack of understanding of the technology and the process. The energy experts at iJo Power recognise the difficulty this presents, and the hesitation experienced by many in making a significant financial investment. Removing the unknown by taking the time to explain the process as well as the pros and cons of different systems is a key focus for the iJo Power team, ensuring happy customers from initial quotation to final commissioning of a high performance system.  
 
The revamped website reflects the innovation and customer-centric approach that sets iJo Power apart from their competitors. In addition to invaluable content, including FAQs designed to educate those interested in solar and battery storage, the fast and efficient cost calculator gives domestic customers a better sense of the size of the initial investment as well as the expected long-term savings. The user-friendly calculator provides cost estimates based on current energy usage and roof size before generating a return on investment.  
 
iJo Power has streamlined the installation process, using its strong network of trusted and skilled installers to achieve the very best configuration for each client. Recognising that each customer’s energy usage is different, a flexible and technically sound approach is needed to ensure the very best performance. The fluidity of the operational infrastructure is backed by top manufacturers in the solar industry and agile supply chains.
 
Quality over quantity is fundamental at iJo Power – and by flexing their technical prowess and in-depth product knowledge, they’re helping people across the UK to achieve energy independence.

The watering hole, piggybacking, dumpster diving, and other social engineering attacks threatening employees

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Cybersecurity expert shares 10 intricate social engineering techniques that can harm anyone and ways to prevent them from happening

Social engineering attacks use human nature to their advantage, preying on our trust, greed, fear, curiosity, and even our desire to help others. A study shows that 75% of respondents believe that social engineering and phishing attacks are the biggest danger to cybersecurity at their company. Cybersecurity threats are evolving, and while the incidence of traditional attacks may decrease, more sophisticated ones will prosper. Staying alert and being educated are the keys to staying safe.

Carlos Salas, an engineering manager at NordLayer, shares 10 social engineering techniques that hackers may use to target both individuals and organizations. According to Salas, “Social engineering is one of the easiest ways to get access to sensitive data, especially when employees haven’t been trained on how to recognize and combat it. Because every member of the organization is a potential target, with interactive and informative training, such attacks can be stopped.” Below, he shares his expertise on how to avoid any potential loss and examples of such attacks.

  1. Baiting

Baiting attacks use a false promise to rouse a victim’s greed or curiosity. Social engineers use bait to lure users into a trap that steals their personal information or infects their systems with malware. For example, infected USB memory sticks are left in parking lots or offices, tempting people to see what’s on them. Don’t ever try to check what is inside the unattended USB devices, and make sure to report it to the security team if you see them lying around.

  1. Pretexting

An attacker uses a made-up scenario (a pretext) to provoke an employee to disclose sensitive information, for example, login details to IT systems or personal information about other employees. It often requires researching the target prior to the attack to make the scenario plausible and to gain the trust of the victim. If that happens, the most important thing is to verify the identity, avoid sharing personal details and report the incident to the IT team.

  1. Watering hole

In a watering-hole attack, the attacker infects an existing website or creates a fake website that mimics an existing website often used by a certain group of people, for example, employees of a company. The goal is to infect a targeted user’s computer and gain access, for instance, to the network at the target’s workplace. To protect yourself, only access websites that have HTTPS in the URL code, update your software, and use malware-detection tools.

  1. Quid pro quo

Quid pro quo attacks rely on people’s sense of reciprocity. Attackers offer services, assistance, or other benefits in exchange for information. For example, someone pretending to be an IT expert might ask for your device’s login credentials in order to make that device run faster. In order to prevent information loss, verify the identity of IT technician, question methods and tools, and use anti-malware software.

  1. Scareware

Scareware is a form of malicious software, usually a pop-up that warns that your security software is out of date or that malicious software has been detected on your machine. It fools victims into visiting malicious websites or buying worthless antivirus software. Use an ad-blocker and reputable antivirus and avoid clicking on pop-ups. 

  1. Tailgating and piggybacking

Tailgating and piggybacking involve an attacker accessing a secure or restricted area. For instance, a person might tailgate an employee into the office, claiming to have lost their access card, pretending to be a repair technician, or holding coffee cups in both of their hands and asking for your help with the door.

  1. Vishing

Vishing, also known as “voice phishing,” is a practice of eliciting information or attempting to influence someone via the telephone. In 2021 alone, TrueCaller reports that Americans lost $29,800,000 to phone scams. Avoid responding to emails or social media messages that ask for your phone number. Remember that your colleagues will never call you at home asking you to transfer funds or any other sensitive information.

  1. Shoulder surfing

Shoulder surfing is the bad actor watching their unsuspecting victim while they’re entering passwords and other sensitive information. But this technique doesn’t have to be used at close range, literally looking over their shoulder. It could be employed by the hacker from a distance if they use binoculars or hidden cameras, for example. In order to eliminate the risk of being snooped on this way, make sure to use strong, single sign-on passwords, biometrics, and 2-factor authentication.

  1. Dumpster diving

Dumpster diving is when attackers go through your company’s trash looking for documents containing sensitive or confidential information. Always use a file shredder to prevent information leakage.

  1. Deep Fakes

Deepfakes (“deep learning” + “fake”) are synthetic media in which a person in an existing image, audio, or video is replaced with someone else’s likeness. It is possible to detect deep fakes. Make sure to check for shadows appearing on the face, notice if eyes are blinking and try to detect wrinkles. Beware of poor-quality phone call recordings and pay attention to how letters like f, s, v, and z are pronounced — software has trouble differentiating them from noise.

Why you need to protect your business from international copyright infringement

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Despite international treaties developing a set of minimum requirements for copyright law, legal protection of copyright in business is a national concern.

While businesses assume their copyright covers multiple territories, they are in fact at risk of having their creative works and products exploited by competitors. As businesses continue to create and develop creative and innovative products, these products need to be safeguarded against illegal use and reproduction. 

Copyright, a legal type of protection, allows the copyright holder to profit financially from their innovation. Encouraging and promoting innovation in a variety of disciplines, copyright also makes knowledge and entertainment more accessible to the general public.

Commenting on international copyright, Hamid Bagherzadeh, Co-Founder of LegaMart said: “National governments are responsible for developing legal frameworks to protect the innovative works of creators in their territory, which can be challenging for international businesses. 

“To work in international markets, it is essential for your business to seek the protection of rights in your markets of interest. Without securing intellectual property rights in overseas markets, you could risk significant financial and reputation loss by allowing competitors to exploit your creative work and products.”

Hamid outlines the three main reasons your business should take advantage of copyright:

  1. Financial gain

By copyrighting your products, you can generate a significant financial profile for your business. Copyright protection will allow you economic rights to your material, meaning you can charge a fee or royalty for the reproduction of your work. If others are looking to reproduce your work internationally, you have the right to benefit financially from their efforts abroad.

  1. Protecting and enhancing your reputation

Copyright gives your business the moral right to be identified as the creator of your material or innovation. This also means you can object to the distortion and mutilation of your material, which you feel may damage your reputation or integrity. This is particularly important as your materials are reproduced internationally, where nuances can be lost through translation.

  1. Avoiding legal disputes

Securing copyright registration is a pre-emptive measure to stop others from the unauthorised utilisation of your work. By registering a copyright, your business serves the public notification of your intellectual property, showing others that you are the owner of the work. This will aid in reducing the number of legal conflicts you are forced into. 

In order to protect their business from such copyright infringement, it is important for businesses to:

Develop a comprehensive copyright policy. This policy should outline the acceptable use of copyrighted materials, explain applicable laws related to copyright infringement, and detail appropriate discipline in the event of an infringement.

Educate employees on intellectual property rights. Employees should be familiar with the copyright policy, be aware of the sources they can use to legally obtain copyrighted materials, and understand the potential consequences of copyright infringement.

Monitor compliance with copyright law. Regularly review documents to ensure that they are not using copyrighted material without permission. Additionally, audit employee activity to ensure they are not using copyrighted materials inappropriately.

Invest in digital security. In order to prevent unauthorised access to copyrighted materials, businesses should invest in digital security measures such as firewalls, encryption, and anti-virus software.

 By following these steps, businesses can better protect their business from the risks of international copyright infringement.

The UK’s first single parent dating app, Playdate, closes a £250,000 investment round from angel investors & social impact VC Ankh Impact Ventures  

Playdate, the Uk’s first dating app aimed solely at single parents and a bootstrapped family business,, is building on an extremely successful first year of trading by closing its first external investment round. The app has received a £250,000 angel and VC investment and is now ready to leverage its steady growth and scale the business. 

Playdate is the UK’s first dating app catering solely to single parents.  The app was founded by single mum and marketing entrepreneur, Nevine Coutry, who knows how tough dating as a single parent can be. Frustrated at the lack of opportunities to meet like-minded single parents, she decided to launch her own app. Her vision with Playdate is to allow single parents to find meaningful relationships, which work alongside their lifestyle and commitments.

Playdate launched in April 2021 and has continued to grow ever since.  The app has seen incremental growth from both single mums and dads and has proven that there is an untapped market out there of single parents looking for meaningful relationships. Stand out features of the app include an in-app childcare solution which is in partnership with the UK’s leading nanny and sitter app, Bubble, as well as an invisibility feature which allows users to make themselves invisible to ex-partners.

With this round of investment, Nevine plans on scaling the business in the UK by growing the team, optimising the tech, and amplifying the app’s digital marketing campaign to accelerate growth. Nevine’s vision with Playdate is for it to become the world’s leading dating app for single parents with expansion plans to penetrate the US and Europe first, followed by Asia, South America, and the rest of the world.

Nevine comments, “I’m delighted with the success that we have enjoyed during the first year of Playdate and can not wait to build on this, expand the app, and help many more single parents find love.  When I first started to develop Playdate the world was going into lockdown and when we actually launched there were still many restrictions around meeting.  Despite these obstacles, Playdate has flourished which is only testament to the fact that there is a huge audience for the app.  This untapped potential coupled with the organic growth over the past year is what has really driven this new investment.”

“AIV is very proud to support Playdate’s game-changing efforts to meet the unique needs of single parents,” says Pierre Rolin, Founder and CEO of Ankh Impact Ventures, the VC participating in this investment round. “Playdate’s mission is aligned with our focus on social impact and building an inclusive digital economy. By fostering new relationships and family units, Playdate will improve children’s mental wellness and happiness and bring financial security to more families.”

Research carried out by Playdate shows that there is a huge gap in the UK market, and the rest of the world, for a dating app for single parents. There are currently around 2.9 million single parents in the UK and 320 million single parents worldwide. Around 1 in 5 relationships start online in the UK and 68% of the UK population has either used a dating app before or are currently using dating apps. 

How Amazon price trackers and two little-known Amazon services can grab you a bargain 

Savvy bargain hunters are learning how a little-known Amazon tool can ensure they are paying the best price for any product.

Using Amazon price trackers can help shoppers secure products at the cheapest price according to analysis by price intelligence company Skuuudle.

Whether buying an item online or in-store, it’s essential to keep track of product prices so that consumers can get the best bang for their buck.

Instead of periodically checking product details pages, price tracking tools help consumers track price fluctuations and review pricing history, giving a sense of the best time to buy.

Quickly accessing detailed information on price fluctuations and current prices, empowers shoppers to make the best purchasing decisions whether in-store or online.

Price trackers allow consumers to easily track any product on Amazon and other retailers and are not restricted to a small selection of items.

With a range of price trackers to choose from, they are easy to find just by searching ‘Amazon price tracker’ on any search engine.

Many are free to use and once registered, will show pricing history charts for millions of Amazon products and alert shoppers when there is a price adjustment.

Some price tracking tools will even place an order for a product when a specified target price is reached.

Experts from price intelligence company Skuuudle believe the tools are a largely untapped resource which offer a whole host of benefits including:

  1. Relentlessly tracks pricing history on all Amazon products
  2. Monitors both new and used items
  3. Enables analysis of pricing trends
  4. Search for the best price for the products you want
  5. Receive email alerts when prices drop
  6. Search for deals in real time

A spokesperson for Skuuudle said: “Whether you’re hunting on Amazon for the best possible price, or you’re an Amazon seller looking to keep track of the best deals for competitive pricing purposes, you need to be aware of Amazon Price Trackers.

“Thanks to advances in technology there are now several price tracking apps that enable you to Amazon price check, quickly and easily.

“Amazon price trackers monitor millions of products so you can compare prices and find the best possible deal. There are a variety of Amazon price trackers with some having the functionality to send alerts when prices drop, making it easier to decide what to buy and when.

“Amazon price trackers have a variety of features, so it’s always worthwhile researching the best option when it comes to finding the right tracker for your buyer or seller needs.”

Skuuudle has also identified two other Amazon buying tricks that can help bargain-conscious shoppers save money.

In addition to Amazon price trackers, the little-known Amazon Outlet lets shoppers explore savings on hundreds of overstocked items, offering significant discounts on a range of products. Each product is perfectly saleable and includes the Amazon promise, with the supplier simply clearing stock to move seasonal products or having overcommitted and recouping sales at discounted prices. 

Amazon Warehouse is an Amazon service that invites you to ‘give a new life to returned goods’ by searching for repaired quality products such as laptops, TVs and tablets at up to 50% discount.

The products are like-new, open-boxed or pre-owned and inspected by Amazon before they’re allowed out of the warehouse. Some items find themselves in the Amazon Warehouse in perfectly good condition, with damaged packaging and will feature on Amazon Warehouse. 

But you’ve got to be quick, because once they are gone, they’re gone.

Genprex Announces Groundbreaking Data from Non-Human Primate Study Evaluating Novel Gene Therapy to Treat Type 1 Diabetes at 16th Annual International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatment for Diabetes 2023

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  • Results show statistically significant decreases in insulin requirements, increases in c-peptide levels and improvements in glucose tolerance compared to baseline
  • Disruptive gene therapy approach developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers may be a promising treatment for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

Genprex, Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with cancer and diabetes, today announced that data highlighting the potential of Genprex’s gene therapy for Type 1 diabetes is being presented by its research collaborators at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) at the 16th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD 2023) taking place February 22-25, 2023 in Berlin, Germany.

On the left is Dr. Mark Berger, Chief Medical Officer & Thomas Gallagher, Esq, Senior Vice President
On the left is Dr. Mark Berger, Chief Medical Officer & Thomas Gallagher, Esq, Senior Vice President

The abstract data were released, and the presentation will be delivered on February 25th at 2:25 pm CET by Ranjeet S. Kalsi, DO, a member of the laboratory of George Gittes, MD, from Pitt’s Division of Pediatric Surgery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The complete presentation will be available on the Company’s website here following the close of Dr. Kalsi’s presentation.

The presentation titled, “Pancreatic Intraductal Infusion of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) to Treat Non-Human Primates in a Toxin-Induced Diabetes Model,” will report results from eight non-human primates (NHPs) with toxin-induced diabetes after streptozocin administration. They received a novel infusion process that used an AAV vector to deliver Pdx1 and MafA genes directly to the pancreas.

“These results are compelling as they demonstrate the potential for this gene therapy to create newly formed beta-like cells that can produce insulin. They also validate earlier studies of this approach in diabetic mouse models that showed restoration of normal blood glucose levels for several months,” stated Mark Berger, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Genprex. “We are eager to continue working to advance this gene therapy into human clinical trials in order to replicate these outcomes in people and potentially provide long-term replacement of beta-cells.”

The statistically significant study results show that post-infusion of the AAV engineered construct, the eight NHPs had “decreased insulin requirements (p<0.001); increased c-peptide levels (p<0.05); and improved glucose tolerance compared to baseline (p<0.05) with one demonstrating reestablished normoglycemia. Immunohistochemistry revealed insulin and glucagon staining, which suggest the formation of insulin-producing cells.”

The diabetes technologies licensed from Pitt by Genprex were developed in the laboratory of George Gittes, MD, Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “We are delighted with the statistically significant outcomes from this NHP study in Type-1 diabetes as it further supports our thesis on the potential of our gene therapy approach in diabetes. Importantly, it shows a positive data progression from our earlier mouse model data to these NHP data,” noted Dr. Gittes.

“These promising data are very encouraging and further support our belief that this gene therapy approach to treating diabetes has the potential to change the course of the disease in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes,” said Rodney Varner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genprex. “Based on data from a number of preclinical in vivo studies, we are encouraged that our novel gene therapy approach could provide long-term efficacy in humans potentially making exogenous insulin unnecessary, which would be a gamechanger for the 537 million people around the world living with diabetes.”

About Genprex, Inc.


Genprex, Inc. is a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with cancer and diabetes. Genprex’s technologies are designed to administer disease-fighting genes to provide new therapies for large patient populations with cancer and diabetes who currently have limited treatment options. Genprex works with world-class institutions and collaborators to develop drug candidates to further its pipeline of gene therapies in order to provide novel treatment approaches. Genprex’s oncology program utilizes its proprietary, non-viral ONCOPREX® Nanoparticle Delivery System, which the Company believes is the first systemic gene therapy delivery platform used for cancer in humans. ONCOPREX encapsulates the gene-expressing plasmids using lipid nanoparticles. The resultant product is administered intravenously, where it is then taken up by tumor cells that express tumor suppressor proteins that are deficient in the body. The Company’s lead product candidate, REQORSA® (quaratusugene ozeplasmid), is being evaluated in three clinical trials as a treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Both NSCLC clinical programs received a Fast Track Designation from the Food and Drug Administration. Genprex’s diabetes gene therapy approach is comprised of a novel infusion process that uses an endoscope and an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to deliver Pdx1 and MafA genes directly to the pancreas. In models of Type 1 diabetes, GPX-002 transforms alpha cells in the pancreas into functional beta-like cells, which can produce insulin but are distinct enough from beta cells to evade the body’s immune system. In a similar approach, GPX-003 for Type 2 diabetes, where autoimmunity is not at play, is believed to rejuvenate and replenish exhausted beta cells.

For more information, please visit the Company’s web site at www.genprex.com or follow Genprex on TwitterFacebook and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements


Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management, are not guarantees of performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in Genprex’s reports that it files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and which you should review, including those statements under “Item 1A – Risk Factors” in Genprex’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Because forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the timing and success of Genprex’s pre-clinical development programs, clinical trials and regulatory approvals, including the extent and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the effect of Genprex’s product candidates, alone and in combination with other therapies, on cancer and diabetes; Genprex’s future growth and financial status; Genprex’s commercial and strategic partnerships, including those with its third party manufacturers and their ability to successfully perform and scale up the manufacture of its product candidates; and Genprex’s intellectual property and licenses.

These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events and Genprex cannot assure you that the events or circumstances discussed or reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. If such forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. You should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by Genprex or any other person that Genprex will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified timeframe, or at all. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Genprex disclaims any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

GNPX Investor Relations

investors@genprex.com

GNPX Media Contact
Ari Zoldan
ari@arizoldan.com
http://linkedin.com/in/arizoldan

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