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Skilled Worker Visa: Visa Requirements, Eligibility, Salary Requirements

Claire James
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The primary pathway to immigration to the UK for non-UK resident employees is the Tier 2 (General) visa, which the Skilled Worker visa has superseded.

Understanding the Skilled Worker visa requirements will be important if you want to prevent problems or delays with the Home Office application, whether you are an employer trying to hire a skilled foreign worker or a person applying for a sponsorship visa.

If your application is denied, you will lose the application fee. Because there is so much risk for skilled workers and the companies that sponsor them, it is important to have legal advice to fully grasp the range of migration alternatives and ensure that the skilled worker visa is the best option.

My Legal Services have extensive experience and well-known expertise in helping employers and employees with UK employment sponsorship and Skilled Worker visa applications as specialised UK immigration lawyers. Contact us for the right immigration advice.

Requirements of Skilled Worker visa?

A new Appendix, Skilled Worker, lays out the guidelines and requirements for the path for skilled worker visas. For consideration under this method, applicants—including EEA citizens hired from outside the UK after January 1, 2021, and who are not qualified for status under the EU Settlement Scheme—must accumulate 70 points.

The required 70 points for a skilled worker visa are divided into 20 points for “tradeable” criteria and 50 points for mandatory or “non-tradeable” requirements.

Skilled Worker skill requirement

Roles with skill levels below RQF3 will not be accepted via the skilled visa route. There are no standard work permits or immigration routes for “low-skilled” workers or occupations below this level, while other immigration routes may be considered.

Salary Requirement of Skilled Workers Visa

Unless the “going rate” for the particular role is higher, the minimum annual salary for skilled worker visas is £25,600. Every occupational code has a going wage. Instead of only annually, the wage level must be calculated hourly. The minimum payment cannot be less than £10.10, even if the annual salary exceeds the required minimum.

The applicant may still be qualified to apply for a Skilled Worker visa in some circumstances where the job on offer will pay less than the general salary threshold or specific salary requirement for that role—but no less than £20,480—by trading some of their desirable qualities for a lower salary to gain the required number of points.

English language requirement

The minimum required level of English for reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension is B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Unless they have already shown their English proficiency as part of a prior UK immigration application or if they are a citizen of one of the numerous exempt nations, most candidates for a skilled worker visa will need to show that they meet the language criterion.

Unless exempt, language proficiency must prove by passing an approved Secure English Language Test and having a degree-level academic qualification taught in English.

Financial maintenance requirement

The applicant must demonstrate that they have the financial means to maintain themselves since they will need to access public resources like benefits. According to the criteria, candidates must have at least £1,270 in their bank accounts at the time of application. The money had to be available for at least 28 days straight, with day 28 happening 31 days after submitting the visa application.

Who is able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa?

Applicants must possess a Certificate of Sponsorship, a digital reference number issued by an employer who must have registered and been granted a licence to sponsor foreign employees to be eligible for this visa. The reference number, generally valid for up to three months, must be supplied on the application form to complete the application process.

Conclusion

My Legal Services have years of experience in immigration law and visa applications and a personal understanding of the procedure. For your application process, we offer individualised and efficient help and manage the case from beginning to end.

Forex Trading and Regulations in South Africa

Claire James
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Forex Trading and Regulations in South Africa

Forex trading, also known as foreign exchange trading or currency trading, is the buying and selling of currencies on the foreign exchange market. The goal of forex trading is to profit from the changing values of currencies in relation to each other. The foreign exchange market is the largest financial market in the world and is open 24 hours a day, five days a week.

Forex traders can use a variety of strategies to try and make a profit, including technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and a combination of both. Forex trading is considered to be a highly speculative activity and is not suitable for all investors.

Forex Trading and Regulations in South Africa

The forex market is the largest and most liquid financial market in the world and offers traders the opportunity to make significant returns on their investments. However, it is also a highly regulated market, and traders must comply with the rules and regulations set by the relevant authorities.

In South Africa, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority is the regulator responsible for overseeing the forex market.

FSCA Regulations for Forex Brokers

The FSCA is responsible for ensuring that all financial institutions and markets in South Africa operate in a fair and transparent manner. This includes setting guidelines for the conduct of forex brokers and requiring them to be registered and authorized to operate in the country.

As a trader, it is important to ensure that you are using a broker that is regulated by the FSCA, as this will provide you with a certain level of protection and oversight.

Importance of choosing a regulated forex broker in South Africa

When engaging in forex trading in South Africa, it is crucial for traders to select a forex broker that is registered and authorized by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. Such brokers are mandated to abide by the FSCA guidelines to ensure fair and transparent operation in the market.

It is also important for traders to be familiar with the FSCA regulations and guidelines regarding forex trading, as well as the tax laws set by the South African Revenue Service. Choosing a reputable and regulated forex broker in South Africa is essential for a safe and secure trading experience.

You may also review these points given below:

Leverage Limits

The FSCA also sets rules for the amount of leverage that can be used in forex trading. Leverage refers to the ability to trade with more money than you have in your account, which can amplify your potential profits but also increases the risk of loss.

The FSCA has set limits on the amount of leverage that can be offered by brokers, in order to protect traders from taking on too much risk.

Taxation

In South Africa, all financial transactions, including forex trades, are subject to taxes. The South African Revenue Service has specific rules for the taxation of forex trading, and traders are responsible for ensuring that they are in compliance with these rules.

This includes keeping accurate records of all trades and reporting any income from forex trading on their tax returns. Traders should consult with a tax professional or accountant to ensure that they are meeting their tax obligations.

Choosing a Forex Broker

Numerous variables need to be taken into account when selecting one of the best forex brokers in South Africa. Firstly, ensure that the broker is regulated by the FSCA and that they have a good reputation in the industry. It is also important to consider the types of trading platforms and tools that are offered by the broker, as well as the level of customer service and support that they provide.

Conclusion

Forex trading in South Africa can be a highly profitable investment opportunity, but it is also a highly regulated market. Traders must comply with the rules and regulations set by the and must also consider the economic and political factors that can impact the value of different currencies.

By familiarizing yourself with the regulations and guidelines for forex trading in South Africa, having a well-defined trading strategy and risk management plan in place, and choosing a reputable and regulated forex broker, traders can increase their chances of success while minimizing their risk of loss.

FAQs

Q: Who regulates the forex market in South Africa?

A: The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) is the regulator responsible for overseeing the forex market in South Africa.

Q: What are the rules for leverage in forex trading in South Africa?

A: The FSCA has set limits on the amount of leverage that can be offered by brokers in South Africa, in order to protect traders from taking on too much risk.

Q: Are there any special tax requirements for forex trading in South Africa?

A: Yes, all financial transactions, including forex trades, are subject to taxes in South Africa as per the rules set by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Traders are responsible for ensuring compliance with these tax requirements.

Q: What should I consider when choosing a forex broker in South Africa?

A: It is important to ensure that the broker is regulated by the FSCA, has a good reputation in the industry, and offers a range of trading platforms and tools, good customer service and support, and low spreads, fast execution times, and flexible leverage options.

Q: Are there any specific economic or political factors to consider when trading forex in South Africa?

A: Yes, South Africa’s economy is heavily dependent on commodities such as gold and platinum, and changes in the prices of these commodities can have a significant impact on the value of the South African Rand.

Additionally, political events such as elections and changes in government policies can also affect the value of the Rand and other currencies.

Pros & Cons Of Selling On Amazon

Sam Allcock
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Pros & Cons Of Selling On Amazon

Whether you love it or loathe it, there is no denying that Amazon is a big deal. With over 300 million active users and over 197 million monthly visitors, it is the biggest retail market in the world.

This makes it a very attractive sales channel for businesses of all sizes, and it stands to reason that most retailers will, at some point, consider whether or not to sell on the platform.

But is it a good idea?

Well, there are certainly some good reasons for selling on Amazon depending on the nature of your business, but there could be some issues too.

Below, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of using Amazon for your business, so you can decide if this is the right move for you and your customers.

The pros of selling on Amazon

Let’s start by looking at some of the reasons your business could benefit from selling goods on Amazon and why you should consider this as an option.

Opening your business up to a bigger audience

Setting up an Amazon business account can open you and your products up to a much wider audience. After all, Amazon works like a search engine and anyone that visits the site looking for specific products could be directed to your store.

Once you’ve got them through the virtual door, you increase your chances of securing repeat customers. Not only this, but as Amazon is used on a global scale, you can open yourself up to an international audience if you’re prepared to ship to other countries.

Increasing sales

Following on from the above, reaching this larger audience can lead to an increase in sales. After all, higher volumes of traffic to your products and online store will increase your chances of making a sale.

And as we said, with millions of consumers visiting Amazon every month, you are far more likely to convert visitors to sales than on smaller platforms.

Targeting customers where they like to shop

Marketplaces like Amazon, eBay and Etsy are becoming the chosen way to shop for many consumers. These platforms give shoppers an easy way to find what they’re looking for and to shop around for the best product at the best price.

Therefore, joining a marketplace like this means you can target consumers where they like to shop, therefore increasing your chances of making a sale once again.

Lowering marketing costs

There are several ways you can advertise on Amazon, and these can be a very affordable way to reach more customers. Firstly, you can take advantage of the fact that Amazon already attracts millions of visitors, but more than this, as visitors find your individual products, they can also be directed to your store to look at your full range of goods.

Then there is SEO and using keywords to your advantage. By optimising your product descriptions carefully, you can help more customers to find you. You can also pay to have your products featured and to show higher in search results.

Enabling you to start selling right away

In most cases, once you’ve set up your Amazon business account, as long as everything is OK, you should be approved within 24 hours. This means that you can get your store up and running quickly and start selling pretty much straight away.

Removing the need to hold your own stock

Lastly, Amazon fulfilment centres mean that you can ship your goods in bulk to Amazon, and they will fulfil your orders for you. This means you don’t have to hold this inventory yourself, and each time a customer orders from your store, Amazon will package and ship the goods directly from these fulfilment centres.

There are fees to pay for this option, but this is relatively little in comparison. This can help you to save time, money and resources on storing your goods, packaging them and paying to have them shipped.

The cons of selling on Amazon

While there are clearly some great benefits to selling on Amazon, there are also some downsides you need to consider before setting up your store.

Paying marketplace fees

Selling on Amazon opens you up to a much wider audience and can skyrocket your sales, but that will come at a cost. You will need to pay marketplace fees to use the platform, particularly if you’re relying on fulfilment centres.

The amount you pay will depend on what you’re selling and how much. Prices typically start from £25 a month to use the platform, plus additional selling fees deducted as a percentage of each sale you make, so you will need to take this into consideration.

This is particularly important if you’re selling products that already have a lower profit margin.

Competing with thousands of others

Amazon might attract millions of visitors each month, but it also attracts millions of sellers too. This can make the competition very fierce, especially if you’re selling popular products or in a popular niche.

Although you can use keywords to try and boost your rankings if multiple sellers have the same product, Amazon will determine who they think is the best fit and display those products higher on the page. This can make it even harder to get your goods in front of the right people.

Limiting your control

If you’re using Amazon fulfilment centres, you limit the amount of control you have in getting goods to your customers. Although Amazon typically promises quick shipping, you might be restricted in how much you can brand your goods and communicate with your customers.

Not only this, but you might even find you’re told what you can and can’t sell in some places, limiting the goods you can offer through your store. Therefore, you need to be prepared to relinquish control in some areas if you want to sell through Amazon.

Keeping inventory in sync

Finally, if you’re using multiple marketplaces, selling in-store or through your own website, managing your inventory can be tricky. As Amazon doesn’t sync with your shopping cart system, it can be challenging to keep on top of your stock status in real-time, which can increase the risk of running out and disappointing customers.

Therefore, if you’re selling on multiple platforms, you need to make sure that any orders placed through Amazon are brought into some sort of central order management system. This can lead to additional work and additional spending if you don’t already have this type of system in place.

Cryptocurrency & Tax: What You Need to Know

Claire James
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Cryptocurrency & Tax: What You Need to Know

Cryptocurrency has gone from being something very niche that only a handful of people were aware of, to a form of currency that is sweeping the globe and is now in the hands of a great many individuals. As this type of currency is unlike anything we have seen before, many people do not fully understand the implications of owning it, particularly when it comes to the subject of tax.

There are a lot of questions surrounding whether you can be taxed on the cryptocurrency that you own and how this works. Obviously, the rules will vary from country to country, but here, Rogers Spencer, Accountants in Nottingham share this insight on how UK tax laws can apply to cryptocurrency.

What is cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a new form of currency that exists only in the digital world. Encryption technologies have been applied to it so that it can be used as both a currency and a virtual accounting system, and it is now acceptable to use this as an alternative form of payment in some cases.

New digital coins are created through a process of mining, which is achieved through validating cryptocurrency transaction on a blockchain network. These are then added to a distributed ledger. Anyone can buy into cryptocurrency, and just like any other form of investment, its value can go up and down. That is why, for tax purposes, HMRC will base any calculations on what it perceives to be the fair value of the particular cryptocurrency that you hold.

HMRC and Cryptocurrency

When something as new and revolutionary as cryptocurrency emerges, it can sometimes take traditional institutions a while to catch up with developments, which often leaves people unsure of where they stand, as rules can change. Currently, HMRC views cryptocurrency as tokens, which means that they are representations of value, and not something which actually has value itself.

Therefore, the tax that HMRC have decided needs to be paid where cryptocurrency is concerned is based on its assumed fair value in Sterling, and any tax that needs to be paid should be made in Sterling as well.

As far as HMRC are concerned, cryptocurrency is liable for inheritance tax, capital gains tax, corporation tax and income tax where applicable. However, the taxes that are applicable to you will depend on whether you are viewed to be a business or an individual. HMRC will look at the number and frequency of your transactions, your organisation, your levels of risk, the commerciality of your activity, the amount of time that you devote to it and whether you are buying and selling within a matter of hours or minutes or whether you are holding onto instruments for longer. This will help them to determine how you should be classified, and therefore what tax you might be liable for.

Inheritance Tax

Inheritance tax is applied when any assets of value are passed from one person to another when they die. Cryptocurrency is considered to be one of those assets and will be treated in the same way as anything else left to you from the estate. If the value of that estate is valued at being below £325,000 or the entire value of the estate is left to a spouse, then there is no tax to pay.

However, you can be charged a standard rate of 40% on the amount of the estate that sits above the £325,000 threshold. That means you can pay inheritance tax on cryptocurrency if it totals more than this or is part of an estate that has a total value which exceeds the threshold.

Capital Gains Tax

Cryptocurrency is generally seen as an investment as is treated in much the same way as shares. That means that you are not taxed for owning them, but any profit or loss that you make when you sell them will become part of your capital gains allowance for the year. You should keep in mind that how much you hold and where you hold it is also important. HMRC may class you as a trader if you are subject to a high volume of investing activities and could charge you income tax instead of capital gains as a result. It is also worth remembering that you cannot hold cryptocurrency in an ISA.

Corporation Tax and Income Tax

Whilst many people first started holding cryptocurrency, they did so by investing in it, a growing number of individuals are now prepared to accept it as a form of payment for goods and services. Therefore, if you receive cryptocurrency as payment, it will be treated in the same way as any other business income. That means the fair value of your cryptocurrency will count as part of your company’s profits and will be subject to corporation tax. If you are a sole trader, then income tax will apply instead.

Tax on mining cryptocurrency

If you have decided to mine cryptocurrency, then the outcomes will depend on whether HMRC views this as commercial activity. For those who are not classed as acting commercially then you will simply be required to declare the fair value of your crypto on your tax return as miscellaneous income.

For those who are deemed to be acting commercially then you will be taxed on the profits that you make from your mining activities. This will be classed as business income and will therefore be subject to corporation tax or income tax. Any fees or rewards that you receive for staking activities will also be added, however, any reasonable expenses can be deducted. When disposing of mined cryptocurrency, any gain that you make in the value of that asset will be added to your trading profits and National Insurance will need to be paid for that transaction.

As with any form of financial investment, it is always wise to seek professional advice, particularly if you hold amounts of any great significance. This will help you to better understand the options that are open to you, and how you can avoid any pitfalls that you might have been unaware of.

CII Trials Flexible Coursework to Replace Written Exams for Key Qualification

Claire James
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CII Trials Flexible Coursework to Replace Written Exams for Key Qualification

A new way of assessing a key qualification taken by professionals in the insurance and personal finance sector is being piloted by the Chartered Insurance Institute.

The proposed change to the organisation’s R06 Financial Planning Practice unit follows feedback from its ‘Shaping the future together’ consultation, which gave members and other key stakeholders the opportunity to feed back on the services the organisation delivers and how the professional body can best meet their needs and expectations in the future.

The CII is conducting this pilot as the majority of financial planners who took part in the ‘Shaping the future together’ consultation told us they want us to bring in more flexibility and realistic assessed tasks to some of our assessments.

In place of the scheduled written exams, the professional body is piloting coursework assessments for the R06 Financial Planning Practice unit of the Chartered Insurance Institute Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.

The format of the coursework assessments for R06 will be assignments based on client case studies.

Gill White, Chief Customer Officer of the Chartered Insurance Institute, said: “Our R06 unit currently uses on-screen written exams available four times per year. We are piloting a flexible, client-focused coursework assignment assessment, designed to fit in with contemporary working practice. This means learners with commitments that prevent attendance of exams on the fixed dates will not face a barrier to completion of the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.

“The assessment is designed to meet the same syllabus learning outcomes and assessment criteria as the current R06 exam and meets the Level 4 qualification descriptors set out by education regulators. The assessment criteria include a requirement for analysis and justified recommendations, which are appropriate to assess in longer responses such as case-study-based assignments. 

“We worked with practitioners within the profession, advisory groups and the PFS Board to discuss how these skills are demonstrated in a professional context to design the coursework assessment approach and tasks.”

A review will be undertaken later this year once the pilot is completed and feedback from candidates has been received.

The Chartered Insurance Institute will then decide during 2023 whether assessment for the R06 Financial Planning Practice unit will switch from written examinations to coursework and the timetable for any changes.

THE KEY FEATURES TO EVALUATE WHEN CHOOSING ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR SOFTWARE

Sam Allcock
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THE KEY FEATURES TO EVALUATE WHEN CHOOSING ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR SOFTWARE

Investing in electrical contracting technology can help a company stay ahead of the competition, simplify tasks and boost customer satisfaction. An electrical contractor software is a specialized program designed to help electrical contractors manage and streamline their business operations. It is a tool that can help contractors increase efficiency, improve communication, stay organized, and increase profitability.

When looking for electrical contractor software, there are several key features to consider to ensure that the software will meet the specific needs of your business.

Job Management

Job management is one of the essential features to look for in electrical contractor software. This includes scheduling and tracking jobs, assigning employees tasks, and managing job progress and completion.

Invoicing and billing

The software should have features that allow you to manage your invoicing and billing process, including creating and sending invoices, tracking payments, and managing customer account balances.

Inventory management

Look for software that tracks inventory levels, orders supplies, and manages equipment. This will help you avoid stockouts and ensure you always have the materials you need to complete jobs.

Financial management

The software should have financial management features, such as job costing and budget tracking, to help you manage your finances and ensure that your business is profitable.

Reporting and analytics

The software should provide detailed reporting and analytics that can help you gain insights into your business and make more informed decisions. This will help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time.

Compliance management

The software should have features that help you ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety standards, which will protect your business from legal liabilities.

Mobile compatibility

Look for software that is accessible on mobile devices. This will allow you to manage your business while on the go and stay connected with your team.

Automation

The software should have automation features that can save you time by handling repetitive tasks, such as sending appointment reminders, automating invoicing, and generating reports.

Customer management

The software should have features that allow you to store customer information, track appointments, and communicate with customers. This will help you provide better service and improve customer satisfaction.

Scalability

As a business grows, its needs and requirements change. Scalable software can adapt and grow with the company, providing the necessary functionality and capacity to support it as it expands. That is also to help you manage and take on larger and more complex projects. Scalable software can be more cost-effective in the long run because it can grow with the business, reducing the need for costly upgrades or replacement software.

conclusion

When looking for electrical contractor software, it’s important to consider features such as job management, inventory management, financial management, reporting and analytics, compliance management, mobile compatibility, automation, customer management, and scalability. These features will help you manage your business more effectively, increase efficiency, and improve your bottom line. Evaluate the software’s features and choose the best fit for your business needs.

KYND appoints new Chairman of the Board to assist next stage of company growth

Elliot
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KYND appoints new Chairman of the Board to assist next stage of company growth

KYND Limited, a leading provider of next-generation cyber risk management products and services, today announced the appointment of Dave Moreau as the new KYND Chairman of the Board. Moreau succeeds Mike Harris, who recently retired after serving as Chairman since KYND’s inception and aided the company’s outstanding growth and transformational journey over the last four years. 

Leveraging a powerful combination of risk technology and expert cyber advisory, KYND offers a revolutionary approach to identifying, understanding, and managing complex cyber risk. KYND’s comprehensive risk management suite is repeatedly recognised by clients and industry experts as the most innovative, comprehensive cyber risk management solution leading transformative changes across multiple sectors.

After an extensive selection process, the KYND chairmanship baton will be passed to Dave Moreau. Moreau brings to the Board more than 30 years’ international executive-level experience in the media services and technology arenas, with particular focus on strategic partnership development, operational excellence, corporate governance, and leadership mentoring. Having a proven track record in business transformation, PE and VC fundraising and successful exits, Moreau currently serves as a non-executive director and chairman on a number of exciting and fast-growing projects across digital health, digital content, VR/AR, data and analytics, and advertising. 

Andy Thomas, KYND’s CEO and Founder, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Dave Moreau to the KYND Board. His deep expertise as well as his diverse and unique insight into the industry will be invaluable to our team as we grow our business and pursue our unswerving mission to make complex cyber easy to see, understand and manage for any business in the world. KYND has witnessed spectacular growth over the past few years with Mike Harris, and we believe Dave is a great fit for KYND, with the combination of skills and experience to support the business through its next strategic phase.”

Moreau said: “I’m honoured to be taking on the role of Chairman at a pivotal time in KYND’s journey as they are ramping up their global presence and building on their strong growth momentum. KYND’s industry-leading technology, tailored approach and in-depth cyber knowledge offers a next-generation service that brings immeasurable value to a number of sectors including insurance, financial services, and MSPs. This is a technology solution that businesses across multiple sectors need – the market timing for KYND is perfect – so I look forward to working collaboratively with management and the Board to help drive KYND’s vision, strategy, further expansion, and shareholder value for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

About KYND

KYND is on a mission to make complex cyber risks easy to understand and manage. KYND’s next-generation technology makes assessing, understanding, and managing cyber risks easier and quicker than ever before. Recognising one size doesn’t fit all, KYND has designed made-to-measure cyber risk management products that work for any size business, from any industry, anywhere in the world.

KYND’s unparalleled cyber-risk management tools remove complexity and provide instant insight of cyber risk profiles whilst reducing risk exposure with continuous monitoring and alerts.

For more information about KYND, visit: https://www.kynd.io/

3 Ways To Save Money On Your Broadband Plan

Josh Haines
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We’re all spending more time online than ever. And many of us are worried about the impact that the cost of living crisis will have on our bank balance at the end of each month. So it’s only natural that we want to make sure we’re getting the best value possible for our broadband – both speed and money-wise.

The Government is currently encouraging broadband providers to make sure low-income households have access to broadband social tariffs. Under its new scheme, providers can now means test customers with their permission for eligibility for these cheaper tariffs.

If you don’t qualify for social tariffs, don’t worry – there are other ways to save without sacrificing a good quality connection. Here are three ways to get broadband that doesn’t break the bank.

  1. Find the right broadband package for you

Not all broadband packages are equal: they can vary greatly from provider to provider. Not just in the base price, but also in the extra benefits they offer. For example, Utility Warehouse (also known as UW) offer a 10% discount on their broadband to customers who bundle multiple services with them.

As the UK’s only multiservice provider, they enable customers to bundle their broadband with energy, mobile and/or insurance. The more services bundled, the more savings customers can unlock – including for energy.

It’s also worth reviewing how you and your household use broadband. For example, a one-bedroom flat housing two may not need as powerful a connection as a large house with a family of five. And a keen gamer will need a little more ‘oomph’ than a casual browser. There are different packages with different speeds out there to suit everyone, and you don’t necessarily always have to choose the fastest, most expensive connection.

  1. Get a package without landline

With mobile phones increasingly becoming people’s main method of communication, fewer and fewer people are reaching for the home phone. And you might be one of many who either rarely or never use their home phone anymore.

But did you know that many broadband deals include landline in the package, meaning you could be paying extra for something you don’t use?

The good news is that there are several broadband-only packages out there. And packages that include free landline calls at certain times of the day or week for people who use their home phones infrequently, too. By not having to pay for line rental, you could save several pounds each month.

  1. Avoid in-contract price hikes

It’s well-known that some broadband providers significantly increase their prices as soon as the contract is over and automatically renewed. Although, thankfully, these days they’re obligated by law to contact customers to remind them before this happens.

But in some cases, they can also hike prices midway through the contract, which can come as a nasty surprise.

Not all providers do this though, so it’s worth shopping around to find a deal that’s both great value and consistent. Already mentioned above about their broadband deals, Utility Warehouse guarantees not to raise their prices mid-contract.

Remember, you don’t have to put up with broadband that doesn’t work hard enough for you. Spending a little time looking at all your different options and then switching can pay off in the long run, and continue to do so for years.

A Guide To Daily Jackpots

Claire James
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The World of Online Casinos can be hard to navigate, with many games and slots available. Even one of the simplest games (the slots) has thousands of games with their own unique rules, mechanics and bonus features. The most well-known bonus feature is the jackpot. However, even the universally known jackpot has different rules and varying amounts of money to be won.

One form of the jackpot in online casino slots is the daily jackpot. The daily jackpot is popular and can be found in many casino slots. What are daily jackpots, and why could they be the jackpot for you? 

What is a Daily Jackpot

Daily jackpot slots are quite simple; they include a jackpot paid out every day. These games operate with a progressive jackpot system, taking a small percentage of around 2-3% of every wager and adding that money to the jackpot. Unlike Progressive jackpots, however, daily jackpots aren’t allowed to keep building the pot indefinitely; the jackpot is triggered once a day at a completely random time. That time could be a minute before midnight or early hours in the morning. As a result, it means the chances of winning this jackpot are much greater than most other options, which is one of the reasons it has become the most popular form of jackpot. Although the chances of winning are improved when playing daily jackpots, the potential prize pool can be much smaller than other casino slots; typical daily jackpots usually range from £20,000 – 50,000. Once the jackpot is won, it becomes unwinnable until the next day, when the jackpot is reset for the next round of players.

Top Daily Jackpot Slots

Daily slots have become a staple of many online casino games over the years, with many slots choosing to incorporate daily jackpots as their main bonus payout feature. Here are a few popular Daily jackpots you can play right now!

Rainbow jackpot is an online casino slot set on a background with wooden pillars holding up the simple reel on a cobbled floor with tufts of grass sticking out the side. It’s a simple, aesthetically pleasing background. Rainbow Jackpot also has many exciting features, such as the magical symbol swap, which causes a symbol to land in various spots on the reels, leading to multiple winning combinations. There is also the beer bonus which allows you to pick a pint and receive a prize of up to 1000x your bet. Rainbow slots also have free spins featuring a daily jackpot for players to enjoy.

Another popular game that features daily jackpots is jewel scarabs. This game takes you to the sandy lands of Egypt with a dark orange sky and sand hills in the background. There are pyramids and camels in the environment too. The graphics are incredible, and the reel features a golden Egyptian-themed outline with a dark blue reel. The symbols in this game are stunning, with special symbols made to feature colourful statues of a bird, a cat and the Egyptian god Anubis. This game isn’t just about stunning graphics. Its exciting gameplay is furthered with bonus features such as golden scarabs that, when landing three, trigger a golden spins bonus round where the player is given multiple free spins to try and land as many scarabs as possible. Every scarab landed increases the multiplier by +1 each time.

Finally, Rocket Men is an interesting title from Red Tiger Gaming. Rocket Men is a unique slot that blends online casino gameplay with political satire. The slot is set over an ocean, and on the left is an animated military base led by a whimsical animated version of Donald Trump. On the right is a tower with, once again, an animated caricature of Kim Jong Un. This vibrant slot is jam-packed with creative animations as you play the slot while the two controversial political figures battle it out. This title is not just a Gimmick that riffs off a once hot topic as its gameplay is some of the most fun and exciting you will find anywhere, as it has 20 paylines and 5 unique bonus features. These bonus features include Don’s driving Range, where Trump hits golf balls at the top of his tower to ring down low-paying symbols and award higher prizes. Kim’s little game where Kim sends rockets at the reel leaving behind wilds wherever they land. Boom Time, where Kim aims a missile at the reel to try and award a generous cash prize. Party time, where Trump Tries to reward the player with a big prize, and Nuclear Spins, a free spins round where The two leaders will fire rockets at each other until a winner is declared. This game is jam-packed with content and unique animations, and it’s a slot I recommend trying out.

Summary

Daily jackpots are a popular form of casino jackpots, with game developers constantly including the feature in an ever-growing list of incredible game titles. It is important to remember always to gamble responsibly and never to chase the jackpots. Although a jackpot is guaranteed every day, the chance of winning it will be quite low. As we mentioned, the jackpot could have been paid out hours before you start playing, or it might only be intended to pay out many hours after you finish. For these reasons, you should always set a budget, stick to it, and never chase losses. That said, if you want to enjoy some online casino slots, then daily jackpots are a great option. With the previously mentioned titles, we have given you some great opportunities with all of those games being able to be played today!

Funding Options for Opening a New Shop

Claire James
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Funding Options for Opening a New Shop

Grim predictions regarding the imminent death of the High Street have (so far at least) proven to be woefully premature. True, the events of the past few years have radically transformed the way millions of shoppers approach their preferred retail activities. Even so, the High Street continues to play a role of immense importance in the UK’s broader retail landscape and is likely to do so indefinitely.

If anything, now could be the perfect time to consider opening a bricks-and-mortar shop. Demand for retail units remains comparatively low and leasing costs are likewise nowhere near as prohibitive as they used to be. There’s also plenty of flexibility where contractual terms and conditions are concerned, giving smaller businesses and start-ups looking to do so the opportunity to set up stores with minimal risk.

Still, covering the initial costs of opening a new retail store can be problematic for small businesses. Even if you intend to lease (rather than purchase) premises, you still need to cover a broad range of setup costs. Examples of these include upfront rent payments, deposits, renovations, equipment purchases, staffing your store and stocking up on essential inventory.

For smaller businesses with limited cash flow, all of the above can pose a problem.  But there are plenty of specialist funding solutions available for these kinds of purposes, which are well within the reach of even the smallest businesses.

If you are looking to transition your small business to a physical presence on the High Street, here are just a few of the funding options available:

Business Loans

Specialist business loans can be issued in the form of secured or unsecured loans, with terms and conditions tailored to meet the requirements of the borrower. An unsecured loan is a viable option only when the total sum of money needed is fairly modest. Secured loans can be taken out with no upper limits on maximum loan amounts, but are only available upon the provision of assets of value as security for the loan.  All types of business loans can be repaid gradually, enabling small businesses to spread the costs of their expansion projects.

Asset Finance

The most common type of asset finance is hire purchase (typically abbreviated to HP), which again provides businesses with the opportunity to spread the costs of major purchases over a period of several years. With hire purchase, you pay a deposit to take possession of the equipment and items you need, before repaying the full balance (plus interest) over a series of monthly instalments. The only downside with asset finance is that until the full balance on the facility has been repaid, the equipment purchased remains the property of the loan issuer.

Merchant Cash Advances

A merchant cash advance somewhat blurs the lines between secured loans, unsecured loans, and commercial overdrafts. The facility is technically issued in the form of an unsecured loan, but is nonetheless secured against the value of future card transactions. A sum of money is lent to the business, after which a fixed percentage (typically 10% to 20%) of monthly card payments taken by the business is automatically collected by the lender. This makes it a particularly flexible facility, as the amount you repay is directly tied to your takings.

Small Business Grants 

It is always worth checking what kinds of business grants, bursaries and low-interest loans are being offered by the government when planning your new retail project. Depending on the type of business you plan to open and the nature of the services you provide, you may be able to qualify for low-cost funding – perhaps even a government contribution that does not need to be repaid. If you plan on going this route, you will need to pitch your plan to the government as convincingly as possible, complete with plenty of evidence to prove the viability of your business.

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