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Boost Efficiency: The Importance of an EPOS System for Takeaways

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With all the fierce competition in the hospitality industry, running a restaurant or takeaway now requires more than just excellent food and customer service. Owners must be willing to make the jump to digitalisation. 

We recommend opting for an electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) system, a technology that has grown in immense popularity over recent years as more features and functionalities have been added to make it an end-to-end restaurant management system.

This article will explore five EPOS system features that explain why your restaurant or takeaway needs an EPOS system and how to choose the right provider for your business needs.

5 Reasons Why Your Restaurant or Takeaway Needs an EPOS System

EPOS systems now offer a wide range of valuable features that can help restaurants and takeaways increase operational efficiency, boost sales, and improve the customer experience. Here are some of the features:

Smart Inventory Management 

Most EPOS systems are able to automatically track and manage your inventory levels, improving cash flow and the customer experience for your restaurants or takeaway.

By tracking sales data, hospitality businesses can quickly identify which food and drink items are selling well and which are less popular with their customers. Owners can use this data to create special offers so they don’t have deadstock.

In addition, EPOS systems can track inventory levels and alert restaurant or takeaway owners when certain items need to be restocked. Having menu items in stock at all times increases customer satisfaction.

Online ordering and payments

One of the best and most helpful features of an EPOS system for restaurant and takeaway owners is its ability to accept online food and drink orders and customer payments. 

Customers can place orders through the restaurant’s website or mobile app, eliminating the need to wait in line or wait on staff. This speeds up the ordering process and improves customer satisfaction.

Integrating an EPOS system with your website or mobile app also allows your customers to pay from their smartphones. Payment flexibility is important to customers, so choose an EPOS system that will accept all payment types and offer split bill options.

Real-time data analytics

Many EPOS systems have embedded analytics tools that provide real-time sales and customer behaviour data. This data lets restaurant or takeaway owners identify their best-selling meals and track trends, which enables them to make data-driven adjustments to their menu or pricing.

EPOS systems also allow owners to create special promotions and discounts on food and drink to attract new customers or increase repeat business.

In addition, by tracking customer preferences, businesses can use behaviours and trends to create targeted marketing campaigns. This can help your restaurant or takeaway increase sales.

Customer profiles

Some EPOS systems allow you to create customer profiles that store a customer’s order history, preferences, and contact information. This customer information can help your restaurant or takeaway:

  • Personalise the ordering process;
  • Build a closer relationship with each customer;
  • Enable personalised food and drink recommendations;
  • Offer customised discounts and offers;
  • Create loyalty programs. 

A personalised experience enhances customer satisfaction, builds loyalty, and improves retention.

Integrations 

Due to the arrival of digitalisation, it is essential to choose an EPOS system that can integrate with other business applications and software that you already use, such as:

  • Food ordering platforms;
  • Payment processing software;
  • Delivery providers;
  • Accounting software;
  • Loyalty programs;
  • Table booking and reservation platforms;
  • Restaurant management systems. 

How to Choose an EPOS System for Your Restaurant or Takeaway

When choosing an electronic POS for your restaurant or takeaway, here are some of the key factors to consider:

  • Business size. Consider the size and type of your establishment, as this can affect the number of terminals and features you need. For example, a small café may only require a single terminal with basic features. In contrast, a large restaurant with multiple locations may require a more advanced system with centralised reporting and inventory management features.
  • System integrations. Consider whether the EPOS system can integrate with your existing systems and software. This will help streamline your business operations and manage everything from one place.
  • Customer support and training. Look for an EPOS provider that offers accessible customer support and training. This can help you get the most out of your system and ensure any issues are resolved quickly.
  • Hardware compatibility. When choosing an EPOS provider, it’s essential to check whether the system is compatible with your existing hardware (smartphone or tablet) or if they’ll provide you with new hardware.

Conclusion

This article has explored five features of a robust EPOS system that make it worth the investment for your restaurant or takeaway in 2024.

The features explored here can improve your cash flow, efficiency, and decision-making, all whilst enhancing the customer experience in a customer-first hospitality environment.  

Inventory management features can improve cash flow and customer satisfaction; seamless integrations can improve your efficiency; real-time data will improve your decision-making; and customer profiles and online ordering options will enhance the customer experience. 

Finally, there are many important things to consider when choosing an EPOS provider, but it is essential to select a scalable system that can grow with your restaurant or takeaway to accommodate new locations, menus, and staff. 

From Shadowboxing to Championing Opportunities: Bilat Shaista, Founder of Bil Sha Boxing Club, Breaks Barriers in Boxing

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Some people believe that boxing is fading into obscurity as newer forms of combat sports gain widespread popularity. However, Bilat Shaista, Bil Sha Boxing Club’s Founder, sees things differently. With his extensive background in boxing and recent endeavors like launching Undisputed Sports Promotions, Bilat is doubling down on the timeless appeal and enduring legacy of boxing

Bilat found his way to boxing by stumbling upon his hero’s journey, Mike Tyson. “He took over the game,” said Bilat. “I just stood there, fascinated and flabbergasted for a few moments. That’s what inspired me to lace up my gloves and step into the ring, determined to carve out my own path. ”

But getting into the sport wasn’t easy. He faced roadblocks and dead ends in the amateur boxing scene, where talent seemed to be overshadowed by connections.

From his early days working odd jobs to his eventual immersion in the family business, each experience shaped him in ways he never imagined. But amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, there was always one constant – boxing.

Amidst the mundane tasks and long hours, he would steal moments to shadowbox in the quiet corners of his workplace. It was a small gesture, but one that kept the flame of his passion alive amidst the chaos of everyday life

Navigating through the maze of amateur boxing clubs, Bilat encountered setbacks and disappointments, feeling the sting of being overlooked and underdeveloped. But rather than succumb to defeat, he carried with him the ethos of his boxing idol – resilience in the face of adversity. Determined to carve his own path, Bilat ventured into the world of business, drawing upon the same grit and tenacity that defined his boxing career.

In the arena of business, as in the ring, Bilat thrived on challenges, honing his skills through hands-on experience and unwavering dedication. From the fast-paced world of banking to the intricate dynamics of the hospitality industry, Bilat embraced each opportunity as a chance to grow and evolve. It was here that he discovered his knack for problem-solving, a skill honed through years of strategizing and adapting in the boxing ring.

But Bilat’s journey came full circle when he returned to his first love – boxing. Armed with a newfound perspective and a wealth of experience, he embarked on a quest to not only fulfill his own dreams but to empower others to chase theirs. Thus, the Bil Sha Boxing Club was born – a sanctuary where aspiring boxers of all backgrounds could find guidance, support, and above all, belief in themselves.

One afternoon, as I made my rounds through the gym, I noticed a young boy, barely reaching the height of the punching bags, diligently practicing his jabs and hooks with unwavering focus. His name was Adam, just 12 years old but already showing immense promise and dedication to the sport. Despite his age, Adam possessed a fire in his eyes and a determination that belied his years.

When the chance came for Adam to step into the ring for his first amateur tournament, there was a buzz of excitement in the air. It wasn’t about winning titles or accolades; it was about celebrating the journey and the spirit of determination that Adam embodied. And when he emerged victorious, it wasn’t just a win for Adam; it was a triumph for the entire Bil Sha Boxing Club community.

With the recent launch of Undisputed Sports Promotions, Bilat is turning his dream into reality, aiming to level the playing field for those who have been overlooked by traditional channels.

The idea behind Undisputed Sports Promotions is simple yet powerful – to give aspiring fighters a chance to shine, regardless of their background or connections. It’s a nod to Bilat’s own journey, where he experienced firsthand the challenges of breaking into the competitive world of boxing without the right opportunities.

“Trust, integrity, and excellent boxing are the cornerstones of Undisputed, a trailblazer in London’s boxing promotions scene,” he explains.

For Bilat, this venture is deeply personal. He says, “It’s a way of paying it forward, of giving back to the sport that has shaped me into the person I am today.”

When asked, “So, what aspect of your Undisputed Sports Promotions brings you the most joy, feels the most effortless, and truly touches your heart?” he simply answers – “to be the one where it’s all about and opportunities are accessible to all!” It’s a vision that resonates with fighters and fans alike, igniting a sense of hope and possibility in an often unforgiving industry.

Moreover, Bil Sha Boxing Club’s affiliation with England Boxing marks a significant milestone in Bilat’s journey, signaling a new era of growth and opportunity. With the establishment of their own academy within the club, Bilat and his team are poised to nurture the next generation of boxing champions, guiding them along the path to greatness.

Discovering B2Prop – B2Broker’s New Prop Trading Solution

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Prop trading, or proprietary trading, is becoming more popular in the financial markets. Once a niche practice, the global prop trading industry, valued at $6.7 billion in 2020, is estimated to grow at a CAGR rate of 4.2% from 2021 to 2028. The increase in interest is evident, and even the search demand for the term “prop firm” skyrocketed by 8,409% between January 2020 and March 2024.

As such, in response to the growing demand for prop trading among traders and the resulting need for specialised software solutions among brokerage firms, B2Broker introduced B2Prop, a powerful, sophisticated turnkey solution built to help businesses establish and grow their prop trading firm from the ground up.

What is B2Prop?

B2Prop is a comprehensive challenge-based platform serving various businesses—prop trading platforms, crypto and Forex brokers, and multi-asset brokerage firms—to boost their portfolio with a new product and reach a larger audience. The development process was based on best practices, paying special attention to the brokers’ needs.

B2Prop enables businesses to create customised trading challenges that set specific parameters like profit targets, risk limits, and performance benchmarks. These challenges can include multiple steps and offer multi-currency support to allow traders to trade in various currencies. More significantly, B2Prop does not have extra fees based on the number of challenges, accounts or steps.

When traders successfully complete the challenges, they get access to funded accounts with attractive profit-sharing models that enable them to retain 70-80% of their trading profits.

B2Prop integrates seamlessly with top trading platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, with plans to integrate B2Trader, TradeLocker and more in the future. B2Prop features advanced dashboards that allow businesses to track trader metrics from registration to getting funded accounts, ensuring the solution is practical and perfectly aligned with the business requirements.

Diverse Income Generation Models

B2Prop offers multiple income generation models:

  • Challenge Fees

Brokers can earn from the fees charged to trades when participating in proprietary trading challenges. Traders who fail the challenges can re-purchase and re-take the challenges three or more times, boosting the broker’s income stream.

  • Profit Sharing

Only top-performing participants who successfully complete the challenges can access the funded accounts. The broker determines the capital for these accounts and retains a share of the profits generated through the trader’s activities, typically ranging from 20% to 50%.

  • Enhanced Trading Conditions

Businesses can fine-tune trading conditions, like commissions, to their advantage. Companies can impose higher commission rates, which reduces the profits on traders’ funded accounts, resulting in reduced payouts that the company must make while benefiting from the difference.

  • Copy Trading Capabilities

B2Prop smoothly integrates B2Copy, a powerful copy trading platform owned by B2Broker. This opens up more revenue streams for brokers. Funding limits on trader accounts are adjustable, and the broker can copy strategies from successful traders into its own accounts. This offers the company ways to make extra profits without paying those traders.

A Comprehensive Prop Trading Turnkey Package

The B2Prop turnkey package provides a comprehensive solution for companies to create a lucrative prop trading firm.

A significant feature of this package is B2Core CRM. This is where new traders sign up, buy prop trading challenges, track their performance, and make payments. Moreover, it supports growth by integrating payment services, KYC providers, IB solutions, etc.

The B2Prop package also includes the white-label cTrader platform, which is custom-made for prop trading firms. It combines cTrader’s advanced features and utility with a cost-effective business deployment model. Furthermore, B2Prop can be integrated with MT4 and MT5 if the company owns the license.

The B2Prop package includes B2BinPay, B2Broker’s blockchain solution. B2BinPay facilitates crypto payments and processing, enabling clients to credit their accounts with different coins and stablecoins using 8 blockchain networks. Traders can purchase trading challenges with their funded accounts. This flexible payment system can attract more traders to the prop trading platform.

B2Copy is another key feature of the package. B2Broker’s copy trading platform allows firms to mirror the strategies of funded traders directly into their own accounts, securing extra profits without paying those traders.

The B2Prop turnkey solution offers three transparent monthly pricing plans:

Creating Prop Trading Challenges in B2Prop via B2Core

B2Broker seamlessly integrates B2Prop into the B2Core platform. Administrators can find the Prop Trading page under the Investment Platform menu in the admin panel. This area contains the Challenges List page, where admins can create new prop trading challenges and configure existing ones.

When admins create a new prop trading challenge, they must add the challenge name, description, and image to showcase the challenge on the front end.

Then, they must determine the challenge parameters, such as plans, steps, initial account settings, key performance metrics (minimum trading days, max loss limits, profit targets), fee amount and currency, and trading account amount and currency. Admins can also set the rule for disqualifying participants who breach the daily loss limit.

When the challenges are created, the admin panel shows the participants’ progress, offering a list of active previous accounts with their current status (started, successful, or failed). Upon successful completion, admins can select accounts and create funded accounts for those participants.

Traders can view the list of available challenges, which includes pictures and critical metrics. They can then join a challenge with a single click and pay the entry fees from their wallet if necessary.

As traders progress, they can track key metrics like maximum drawdown, equity, number of trades, etc. The platform also offers day-by-day trading breakdowns with P&L and volume details.

Participants can receive email notifications when completing challenges, with details about their prop trading accounts. Moreover, traders can check their past challenges with comprehensive results and trading data for each account.

Boosting The Prop Trading Market with B2Prop

B2Broker continues pushing the boundaries to deliver excellent liquidity and technology solutions that suit brokers’ needs. The new B2Prop launch expands the company’s turnkey solutions and offers an effective way to create a prop trading platform from scratch.

Businesses can utilise this ready-to-use solution to offer trading challenges, attract more clients and boost their profits.

Is Mr. Black Being Silenced by X in His Mission to Bring About the Messianic Age?

The enigmatic artist Mr. Black, known for his cryptic street art and ambitious 21,000-piece ordinal collection on the Bitcoin blockchain, claims that the Messianic Age will be revealed once the collection is fully minted. However, recent developments suggest that Mr. Black might be facing censorship on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Build-Up

Mr. Black has gained global attention with his mysterious posters and stickers in cities like Jerusalem, Rome, Mexico City, Paris, and Tel Aviv. These artworks have sparked intrigue and conversation worldwide, serving as preludes to his grand project. Mr. Black’s promise that minting out his collection will usher in a new era of universal peace and enlightenment has ignited both excitement and skepticism. The sheer scale of the project—21,000 unique pieces—combined with his audacious claims has made him a polarizing figure.

Controversial Art and Potential Censorship

Recently, Mr. Black has been posting provocative art pieces featuring high-profile figures such as Elon Musk (@elonmusk), Dana White (@danawhite), Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos), CZ from Binance (@cz_binance), and Ayatollah Khamenei (@khamenei_ir). These artworks, which blend commentary on power and influence, have sparked significant debate and controversy. The pieces are often laden with symbolism, critiquing the roles these individuals play in global affairs and technology.

Amidst this, there are growing concerns that Mr. Black’s posts are being suppressed on X. Followers have noticed a decrease in the visibility of his posts, with some claiming that his latest updates are harder to find or have been flagged by the platform. This raises the question: Is Mr. Black being silenced?

– Why would X, a platform that thrives on diverse voices, choose to suppress Mr. Black’s posts?**

– Are these actions aimed at stifling his bold claims about the Messianic Age?**

– Is there pressure from influential figures depicted in his art to curtail his reach?**

The Question of Silencing

Mr. Black’s recent art pieces, especially those calling out powerful figures, seem to be pushing the boundaries of acceptable discourse on mainstream social media platforms. This has led to speculation that these figures, or their supporters, might be pressuring X to limit Mr. Black’s reach. If true, this would not be the first time controversial art has faced suppression due to its challenging nature.

The implications of silencing Mr. Black are significant. If his claim that the Messianic Age will begin with the minting of his collection holds any weight, suppressing his voice could be seen as a direct attempt to hinder a transformative era. His followers argue that any interference with his mission is a broader attack on freedom of expression and artistic innovation. The potential for such suppression has raised concerns about the role of social media platforms in moderating content that challenges powerful entities.

The Messianic Age: A Bold Claim

The concept of the Messianic Age is one of universal peace, justice, and enlightenment—a time when humanity transcends its current conflicts and divisions. Mr. Black’s assertion that this era will be ushered in through the minting of his 21,000-piece collection is both bold and unprecedented. Such a claim naturally invites scrutiny and skepticism, but it also captivates the imagination of those who believe in the transformative power of art.

By linking his art collection to such a profound and universal promise, Mr. Black elevates the stakes. His work is not just seen as a collection of digital assets but as a catalyst for a new era. This narrative has attracted a global following, with supporters eagerly awaiting the minting of the collection and critics questioning the feasibility and sincerity of his claims.

The Impact of Censorship

If Mr. Black’s posts are indeed being suppressed, the implications are far-reaching. Censorship of his work could be perceived as an attempt to prevent a revolutionary change, especially if his followers believe in the promised Messianic Age. It raises important questions about the power dynamics at play in the digital age and the extent to which influential figures can control public discourse.

The potential silencing of Mr. Black also touches on broader themes of artistic freedom and expression. Throughout history, artists have faced suppression when their work challenges the status quo or criticizes those in power. Mr. Black’s situation is a modern manifestation of this age-old conflict, now playing out on the digital stage.

Key Questions

As the countdown to the reveal continues, several key questions remain:

– **Is Mr. Black’s mission too radical for mainstream platforms?**

– **What are the motivations behind potential censorship from X?**

– **How will this impact the reception and success of his 21,000-piece collection?**

– **What deeper message is Mr. Black conveying through his art?**

– **What will happen if the collection is fully minted?**

These questions are not just about Mr. Black’s work but also about the broader implications for artistic freedom and the power dynamics in digital spaces. The potential censorship of Mr. Black’s work underscores the ongoing tension between artists and the platforms that host their work.

The Role of Social Media in Artistic Expression

Social media platforms like X play a crucial role in how artists reach and engage with their audience. These platforms have democratized access to art, allowing artists to share their work with a global audience without the traditional gatekeepers of galleries and museums. However, they also come with their own set of challenges, particularly around content moderation and censorship.

Mr. Black’s experience highlights the double-edged sword of social media. While these platforms can amplify an artist’s voice, they can also silence it if the content is deemed too controversial or if it threatens powerful interests. This dynamic raises important questions about who controls artistic expression in the digital age and how artists can navigate these challenges.

Conclusion

As Mr. Black’s countdown continues, the art and crypto communities are watching closely. The potential suppression of his voice on X adds another layer of intrigue to his already mysterious persona. Whether or not Mr. Black’s vision of the Messianic Age will come to pass, the controversy surrounding his work highlights the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom in the digital age.

2024: Improving Bank Investment Choices with Key Approaches

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The financial landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting market dynamics. Banks, as key players in the global economy, must navigate this complex environment with precision and foresight. Making better investment decisions is crucial not only for their profitability but also for maintaining customer trust and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Below are some key ways in which banks can enhance their investment decision-making processes in 2024.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have transformed numerous industries, including banking. By harnessing AI and ML, banks can process large volumes of data at exceptional speeds, revealing patterns and insights that were once unattainable.

These technologies aid in forecasting market trends, evaluating credit risks, and spotting investment opportunities. For example, AI-driven algorithms can analyse customer behaviour and market conditions in real time, allowing banks to make more informed and timely investment decisions. Additionally, machine learning models can continuously learn and adapt to new data, improving their accuracy and effectiveness over time.

Enhancing Data Analytics Capabilities

Data is the new oil in the financial industry. Banks generate and collect enormous amounts of data daily, but the key lies in effectively analysing and utilising this data. Enhancing data analytics capabilities involves investing in advanced analytics tools and hiring skilled data scientists. By doing so, banks can gain deeper insights into market trends, customer preferences, and potential risks.

Advanced analytics (coupled with a reliable treasury management software for banks) can help in segmenting customers based on their financial behaviour, predicting loan defaults, and optimising investment portfolios. Moreover, integrating data from various sources, such as social media and market reports, can provide a comprehensive view of the market, aiding in more accurate investment decisions.

Strengthening Risk Management Frameworks

In the volatile financial markets, robust risk management is paramount. Banks need to strengthen their risk management frameworks to make better investment decisions. This involves adopting a proactive approach to risk assessment and mitigation.

Utilising stress testing and scenario analysis can help banks understand the potential impact of adverse market conditions on their investment portfolios. Additionally, implementing strong internal controls and compliance measures can prevent fraudulent activities and ensure regulatory compliance. With a thorough risk management strategy, banks can reduce losses and make well-informed investment decisions that align with their risk tolerance and business goals.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

Innovation is essential for success in the banking industry. Banks need to nurture a culture of innovation to remain competitive and make more effective investment decisions. This requires encouraging employees to think creatively and explore new ideas. Establishing dedicated innovation labs and collaborating with fintech start-ups can lead to the development of cutting-edge financial products and services. Moreover, investing in research and development can help banks stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and market trends. By embracing innovation, banks can identify new investment opportunities and create value for their customers.

Enhancing Customer-Centric Strategies

Customer-centricity continues to be a crucial factor in the success of banks in 2024. Understanding and addressing customer needs can result in more informed investment decisions. By utilising customer data and feedback, banks can customise their products and services to align with customer expectations. Implementing personalised banking solutions – such as customised investment plans and advisory services – can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, engaging with customers through digital channels and providing seamless experiences can strengthen customer relationships.

Combating Student Evasion: Effective Strategies for Schools and Colleges

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Student evasion, commonly referred to as dropout, is a significant challenge for educational institutions worldwide. The reasons for student evasion are multifaceted, including academic difficulties, socio-economic factors, personal issues, and lack of engagement. Addressing this problem requires an approach that involves early identification, targeted interventions, and creating a supportive learning environment. Education conferences, teachers and professors have been studying ways to prevent student evasion in all levels of education, from primary schools to colleges and universities.

Early Intervention in Primary Schools

  1. Early Detection of At-Risk Students: Identifying students at risk of evasion at an early stage is crucial. Teachers and counsellors should be trained to recognise signs such as frequent absenteeism, declining academic performance, and behavioural issues. Implementing a robust tracking system to monitor these indicators can help in early detection and intervention.
  2. Personalised Learning Plans: Every student has unique needs and learning styles. Developing personalised learning plans can help address these needs effectively. Adaptive learning technologies and individualised support can ensure that students receive the necessary assistance to stay on track academically.
  3. Engaging Curriculum: An engaging and relevant curriculum can spark students’ interest in learning. Incorporating hands-on activities, project-based learning, and interactive digital tools can make lessons more engaging and enjoyable. When students find the curriculum interesting, they are more likely to stay committed to their education.
  4. Parental Involvement: Involving parents in their children’s education is essential for preventing dropout. Regular communication between teachers and parents, parent-teacher conferences, and workshops can help parents support their children’s learning at home. Schools can also provide resources and training to parents to enhance their involvement.

Support Systems in Middle and High Schools

  1. Academic Support Programs: Providing academic support through tutoring, after-school programs, and summer classes can help struggling students catch up and excel. Schools can establish peer tutoring systems where older students or high-achieving peers assist those who need help.
  2. Counselling and Mentorship: Access to counselling and mentorship programs is vital for students’ emotional and social well-being. School counsellors can provide guidance on academic and personal issues, while mentors can offer support, motivation, and career advice. Establishing a mentorship program where students are paired with teachers, alumni, or community members can make a significant difference.
  3. Extracurricular Activities: Extracurricular activities play a crucial role in student engagement. Offering a wide range of clubs, sports, arts, and other activities can help students find their passion and feel more connected to the school community. Participation in extracurricular activities has been shown to improve attendance and academic performance.
  4. Flexible Learning Options: Not all students thrive in a traditional classroom setting. Providing flexible learning options such as online courses, blended learning, and alternative education programs can accommodate diverse learning needs and schedules. These options can be particularly beneficial for students who have to balance school with work or family responsibilities.

Retention Strategies in Colleges and Universities

  1. Academic Advising and Support: Academic advising is critical for college students to navigate their educational journey. Advisors can help students with course selection, career planning, and academic challenges. Regular check-ins and proactive advising can identify and address potential issues before they lead to dropout.
  2. Financial Aid and Scholarships: Financial constraints are a major reason for college dropout. Providing sufficient financial aid, scholarships, and emergency funds can alleviate financial pressures on students. Institutions should ensure that students are aware of the financial resources available to them and assist in the application process.
  3. Creating a Supportive Campus Environment: A supportive and inclusive campus environment can significantly impact student retention. Universities should foster a sense of community through orientation programs, student organizations, and campus events. Creating safe spaces and support networks for minority and marginalized students is also essential.
  4. Career Services: Career services can provide students with valuable resources and support as they prepare for their future careers. Offering internships, job placement assistance, resume workshops, and networking opportunities can enhance students’ prospects and motivation to complete their education.
  5. Addressing Mental Health: Mental health issues are a significant factor in student dropout. Providing access to mental health services, including counselling, workshops, and support groups, is crucial. Universities should promote mental health awareness and create a culture where seeking help is encouraged and normalized.

Preventing student evasion requires a proactive approach that addresses the diverse needs of students. Implementing targeted interventions, providing robust support systems, and fostering a supportive learning environment are key strategies. By focusing on early identification, personalised support, and creating a sense of community, educational institutions can significantly reduce dropout rates and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. The collaborative effort of educators, parents, policymakers, and the community is essential in making this vision a reality.

Berry Systems completes £1.4M Vicus Way Car Park Project

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Berry Systems, a specialist in sustainable car park and industrial solutions, has announced the successful completion of its £1.4 million contract for supplying cladding and Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) to the Vicus Way car park in Maidenhead.

The £11.68 million car park is a key component of Maidenhead council’s growth and regeneration strategy and was officially opened last year. It incorporates several future-proof design elements, including 52 fast chargers for electric vehicles with provisions for additional units in the future.

Berry Systems was selected to install cladding on the car park exterior and to integrate VRS throughout the internal structure, leveraging its extensive experience in delivering similar projects.

Speaking about the successful project completion, Mark Robbins, Head of Sales at Berry Systems said: “We are obviously delighted to have firstly been awarded the contract for such a high-profile car park scheme and secondly to successfully complete the project on time, on specification and on budget.

“As a business we’re very proud of the track record we hold for delivering projects of this nature and we were delighted to be a partner in the execution of this scheme.  We very much look forward to working on future projects like this and continuing to develop innovative and forward-thinking car park structures.”

Established in 1971, Berry Systems has over 50 years’ experience in the car park design, supply and installations industry, providing turnkey car park construction solutions that incorporate futureproof planning for businesses and urban requirements.

The company provides a wide range of solutions for car parks, warehousing, data centres, logistics facilities and commercial buildings including Vehicle Restraint Systems, Cladding and Facades and Car Park Solutions.

AccuWeather Estimates Hurricane Beryl’s Damage and Economic Loss in The U.S. at $28-$32 Billion

Hurricane Beryl caused severe storm surges along the coast near and east of its landfall, along with destructive winds and widespread flooding in central and eastern Texas and Arkansas, and several damaging tornadoes. Now a tropical rainstorm, Beryl will continue to pose life-threatening dangers in the coming days. As it moves northeast through the Midwest and into the Northeast, it will bring heavy rainfall and flooding from Illinois and Indiana to northern and central New England, along with the threat of severe thunderstorms east of its path.

AccuWeather’s initial assessment places the total damage and economic loss from Hurricane Beryl in the United States at between $28 billion and $32 billion. AccuWeather was the first to forecast the storm over 24 hours before any other source, providing crucial advanced warning to those in the eastern Caribbean Islands. The forecast also accurately predicted Beryl’s intensification into a major Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds reaching 140 mph, causing significant damage across the impacted islands. Beryl subsequently moved through the Caribbean, impacting Jamaica and the Yucatan Peninsula before turning northwest towards the central Texas coast. As a Category 1 hurricane, Beryl brought destructive storm surges of 6-10 feet to areas near and east of its landfall, accompanied by hurricane-force winds extending into the Houston Metro area.

“Beryl will go down in the history books as a record-shattering hurricane. It was the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record in the Atlantic basin, causing catastrophic damage in the Windward Islands. Beryl brought impacts to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands before slamming into the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico with damaging wind and storm surge,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter. “Very warm waters helped Beryl intensify in its final hours over the Gulf of Mexico before it made landfall in southeast Texas, amplifying the damage and impacts. Millions of people were left without power in scorching summer heat. Several people were tragically killed in flood waters and by falling trees. This was a devastating storm early on, in what is expected to be a very busy and impactful hurricane season for the United States.”

The Houston area was particularly hard hit once again following the destructive thunderstorm windstorm in May. This time, 8-12 inches of rain combined with these winds, leading to widespread flooding and wind damage, with more than 2 million homes and businesses losing power. Extensive cleanup will be required with numerous trees and power lines downed and many streets flooded.  Some homes and businesses sustained damage from the high winds with many cases of trees falling on structures resulting in significant damage.  It could take several days or even a week or more to get the power restored for the entire area. The summer heat and humidity in Texas, with AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures of 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit over the coming days, creates an elevated risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke for people cleaning up storm debris and repairing damage who do not have access to air conditioning, fans, or cooler shaded areas.

The storm also brought numerous tornadoes and flooding through eastern Texas, into Arkansas and southeastern Missouri, with the storm then moving toward the Midwest and then New England. At this point, flooding rain will become the main threat with the storm, as well as the risk for severe thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes east of the path of the storm.

AccuWeather’s estimate largely accounts for damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure, facilities, roadways and vehicles as well as power outages, which results in food spoilage and interruption to medical care and reflects damage that has already occurred as well as expected damage yet to occur over the coming days as Tropical Rainstorm Beryl moves up through the Midwest, Great Lakes, and to central and northern New England, causing flooding, localized tornadoes, and gusty winds.

AccuWeather’s damage estimate incorporates independent methods to evaluate direct and indirect impacts of the storm, includes both insured and uninsured losses, and is based on a variety of sources, statistics, and unique techniques AccuWeather uses to estimate the damage, to property, job and wage losses, crops, infrastructure damage, interruption of the supply chain, auxiliary business losses and flight delays or cancellations. The estimate also accounts for the costs of evacuations, relocations, emergency management, and the government expenses for cleanup operations. It also includes the long-term effect on business logistics, transportation, tourism as well as the tail health effects and the medical and other expenses of yet unreported deaths and injuries.

To put this event into context, last year Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall into the Big Bend of Florida, caused $18-20 billion in total damage and economic loss. Hurricane Ian, in 2022, caused $180-210 billion. Hurricane Harvey, which impacted a similar area in Texas, caused $230 billion in total damage and economic loss in 2017 when the storm stalled over southeast Texas for days, producing record rainfall amounts which led to catastrophic flooding.

Robert Walters Merges Brands Into a Unified Global Talent Solutions Company

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Robert Walters announced today that it is consolidating its three brands – Robert Walters, Walters People, and Resource Solutions – into a single brand, Robert Walters. This move represents a significant step in the company’s vision to become the world’s most trusted talent solutions provider.

This unification comes at a time of evolving global landscapes, where both the talent needs and hiring processes of businesses are changing, as well as the expectations of today’s professionals.

By merging its expertise in specialist professional recruitment, recruitment outsourcing, and talent advisory into one entity, Robert Walters aims to offer a comprehensive suite of talent solutions to help organizations address their hiring challenges more effectively.

Robert Walters will now provide three core service lines:

  • Specialist Professional Recruitment: encompassing permanent and temporary recruitment, executive search and interim management.
  • Recruitment Outsourcing: enabling organisations to transfer all, or part of, their recruitment needs to Robert Walters either through recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) or contingent workforce solutions (CWS).
  • Talent Advisory: supporting the growth of organisations through market intelligence, talent development, and future of work consultancy.

Toby Fowlston – CEO of Robert Walters, comments:

“In the past few years, organisations’ hiring requirements have become more complex. From managing talent pipelines, whilst ensuring hiring is inclusive, through to accommodating different modes of employment, our clients want guidance and advice from a single partner across their talent landscape and we have evolved to meet their needs.

“In this increasingly complex world, we want to make our clients’ lives easier. By combining our complementary expertise, products and services – specialist professional recruitment, recruitment outsourcing and talent advisory – we offer end-to-end talent solutions across the 31 countries we operate in.”

A New Look

As part of this brand unification, Robert Walters has introduced a new logo and visual identity that captures the essence of its global reach and expertise in talent solutions. The brand, designed to reflect the company’s commitment to quality of service, features refreshed design, imagery and typography – and has been awarded the Best Professional Services Rebrand at the Transform Awards earlier this year.

The company’s digital presence will be revamped to align with the new visual identity, providing a seamless user experience for clients and candidates across the globe.

Toby adds: “Next year will mark 40 years of Robert Walters, and we are excited to be evolving into a talent solutions business whilst building upon, and continuing to grow, our specialist professional recruitment offering.

“Our vision is to become the world’s most trusted talent solutions business, but our purpose remains unchanged – to help organisations find the skills and solutions to reach their goals and assist talented professionals to power their unique potential.”

Reed Donates £10,000 Weekly to Charity For a Year In Honor of Founder’s 90th Birthday

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In honor of Reed’s 65th year in business and Founder Sir Alec Reed’s 90th birthday, the Reed Foundation, part of the Reed Group, will be making charity donations of £10,000 weekly for a year to 52 different charities.

Each week, a randomly selected Reed employee will nominate a charity to receive the donation. By April 2025, the Reed Foundation will have donated an impressive £520,000 on behalf of 52 employees.

Sir Alec Reed, CBE, Founder of Reed, commented: “I’ve always believed it’s our duty as a business to have a positive impact on the world around us, by supporting communities both near and far. In the last twenty years, The Reed Foundation has donated over £22.5m to charities.”

Sir Alec Reed’s numerous charitable initiatives, including the match-funding charity Big Give, have raised hundreds of millions of pounds. Over the years, he has founded seven charities and two schools and authored four business books. Knighted in 2011 for his services to business and charity, Sir Alec also founded several companies, with Reed established in 1960.

Reflecting on the milestone, he says, “Reaching a milestone birthday this year, along with 65 years of the Reed Group, inspired us to do something extra special.”

The Reed Foundation owns 18% of Reed, making it the largest single shareholder of the business. Under the new scheme, employees can choose any UK-registered charity regulated by the England & Wales Charity Commission, Scottish Charity Commission, or Northern Ireland Charity Commission to receive donations.

“We are incredibly excited to see what charities will be picked and the impact it will have on the community that relies on them. This gives our co-members the opportunity to choose causes which matter to them and make a real difference to charities close to our hearts.

“We hope our donations not only drive a positive impact for a plethora of UK charities but will also help to offer support and stronger purpose to our much-appreciated employees”, concludes Sir Alec.

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