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Ukrainian Top Officials and the Diia Portal are at the Center of a Corruption Scandal Involving a Wildcat Venture and Russian Gambling Capital

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Another corruption story is unfolding in Ukraine. It is related to top officials, the Russian gambling business, and the Diia unified state web portal, which millions of Ukrainians use daily.

According to the Ukrainian journalists from the Ekonomicheskaya Pravda broadsheet, a private and little-known “Yedinoye Prostranstvo” financial company was illegally chosen to process payments at the Diia platform. The company has become a monopolist, and it is the only payment system that processes tens of millions of payments for Diia every single year. At the same time, the company and its owners have earned millions of dollars by taking fees from each payment over several years. The journalists wanted to answer the following questions: Why an open competition was not organized? Why large state and private banks, as well as financial companies with much more experience and a proper technical base, were not allowed to process payments for Diia? The head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Mikhail Fedorov, who launched the Diia and who oversees it, could not explain why there was no open procedure for such a government contract and why the Diia is serviced by a little-known private financial company instead of using services of the most popular state banks. Interestingly enough, the owner of the “Yedinoye Prostranstvo” financial company is connected with the Russian gambling business.

As a result of a journalistic investigation, reporters were able to discover that “Yedinoye Prostranstvo” Financial Company LLC was founded in August 2019 with an authorized capital of UAH 6 million by Tatiana Varchuk. The company has all the signs of a wildcat venture. It is registered at the same address with hundreds of other fictitious companies. The number of its staff is just ten people, but none of them work in the office. The company’s income for 2019 was less than $10,000.

Starting from July 2020, Igor Zotko became the main owner of the company, with participation in the authorized capital in the amount of UAH 5.7 million (95%). In addition, at the beginning of 2022, he increased the authorized capital of the enterprise by UAH 2 million and raised it up to UAH 8 million. According to his declaration for the same period, his income was not enough to buy a company with such an authorized capital, and then increase it. This factor also indicates the fictitiousness of the purchase.

Starting from 2021 – the moment of establishing relations with the Diia platform at the end of 2020 – the company’s revenues started to grow. Already in 2021, the income of the company amounted to UAH 9.8 million. In 2022 it reached UAH 26.4 million (according to tax returns), and in the first half of 2023 – UAH 20.6 million (net income according to the financial report).

Igor Zotko is also the founder of “Ukr Game Technology” LLC. This company has obtained a license to organize and conduct casino and gambling activities online. It is used to operate the Pin-Up.ua casino. Zotko himself is the Chief Operating Officer at Pin-Up.ua. It is worth noting that the Pin-Up online casino is connected with the Russian business and is a part of it. It was stated by the head of the Pin-Up Partners partner program Alexander “Riddick” in February 2022. Moreover, he called the office in Kyiv one of the largest. Interestingly, this business was founded in 2018 in Russia and was positioned as a gaming holding. As of today, all assets of Pin-Up in Russia belong to the son-in-law of Russian Prime Minister, Mr. Mishustin.

Journalists believe that the “Yedinoye Prostranstvo” financial company is under the nominal management of Igor Zotko, who has worked for many years and probably continues to work for the Ukrainian banker Igor Fisun, who is also the shareholder of “Oxi-Bank”, and the owner of “UKRKART”.

Earlier, Igor Zotko was the nominee director at UKRKART and was officially associated with Igor Fisun in many areas.

Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have opened criminal case no. 72022000400000003. It says that Igor Zotko and Igor Fisun, using UKRKART and a dozen Ukrainian banks, created one of the largest online casino tax evasion networks in Ukraine.

Igor Fisun’s clients include 1xBet and Pin UP from Russia, as well as Parimatch, Favbet, Volcano, Slotoking, Joker, VBet, FanSport, GGPoker, and Pokermatch.

Among the banks that somehow participated in the largest tax evasion network are Igor Fisun’s Oxi-Bank, Poltava-Bank, Sergei Mammadov’s GlobusBank, and up to 10 other financial institutions.

Ukrainian journalists highlight the fact that the “Yedinoye Prostranstvo” financial company has patrons in high government offices. In addition to Mikhail Fedorov, this company operates thanks to the head of the National Bank Andrey Pyshny. In fact, it is actually controlled by him while he receives a lot of money as secret fees and commissions. In addition, the head of the National Bank continues to lobby the interests of “Yedinoye Prostranstvo” to process payments for Diia and turn a blind eye to numerous violations and questionable ties with the Russian Federation.

According to the journalists, Andrey Pyshny has long been exposed as a person lobbying the interests of various participants in the gambling business and banks, which are used to process billions of hryvnias of illegal payments to online casinos, including Oschadbank and ComInBank.

Journalists also have questions for the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries, which does not want to revoke the license of “Ukr Game Technology” LLC due to ties with Russian business.

Ukrainian journalists hope for the reaction of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and international structures, as well as Visa and Mastercard payment systems, which will help to stop corruption and lawlessness.

Empower Your Sales Journey: Meet the Salesforce Sales-Cloud-Consultant Who Deliver Results

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In the fast-paced and competitive world of sales, having a dedicated and effective team of Salesforce Sales-Cloud-Consultant can make all the difference. These skilled professionals are the driving force behind a company’s revenue growth and success. Learn about the world of Salesforce Sales-Cloud-Consultant, their unique qualities, and how they can affect your sales journey in this in-depth article.

The Role of Salesforce Sales-Cloud-Consultant

At the heart of any successful sales operation is a team of knowledgeable and persuasive people. Sales-Cloud-Consultant Exam Dumps are responsible for not only selling products or services to potential clients but also building and nurturing lasting relationships. They act as the bridge between the company and its customers, understanding their needs, addressing concerns, and presenting tailored solutions.

At the forefront of a thriving sales ecosystem, Salesforce Sales-Cloud-Consultant play a pivotal role in driving organizational success. Tasked with more than just selling products or services, they are architects of lasting client relationships. These representatives adeptly bridge the gap between company offerings and customer needs, leveraging their profound communication skills to articulate value propositions.

With an intimate understanding of their offerings, they become trusted advisors, tailoring solutions to resolve client pain points. Their ability to adapt to dynamic market landscapes and their empathetic approach set the stage for building credibility and trust. Beyond revenue generation, they serve as invaluable conduits of market insights, channeling feedback to inform strategic decisions. In essence, Salesforce Sales-Cloud-Consultant are the vanguards of customer engagement, leaving an indelible mark on both sales performance and client satisfaction.

Qualities That Set Salesforce Sales-Cloud-Consultant Apart

Salesforce Sales-Cloud-Consultant distinguish themselves through a remarkable fusion of qualities that elevate their effectiveness and impact. Exceptional communication lies at their core, enabling them to convey intricate ideas with clarity and engage customers with empathy. Possessing an in-depth understanding of their offerings, these representatives adeptly position products as tailored solutions.

Their adaptability and resilience empower them to navigate the dynamic sales landscape, transforming challenges into opportunities. Fueled by a genuine customer-centric approach, they forge lasting connections by addressing individual needs. Adept problem-solvers, they customize strategies, and their unwavering dedication to continuous learning keeps them at the forefront of industry trends. With each interaction, Salesforce Sales-Cloud-Consultant embodies professionalism, credibility, and unwavering commitment, shaping a new standard of excellence in salesmanship.

The Impact on Your Sales Journey

The presence of skilled Salesforce Sales-Cloud-Consultant significantly amplifies the trajectory of your sales journey. These professionals are the catalysts behind heightened revenue growth, utilizing their persuasive prowess to secure deals and enhance profitability. Beyond monetary gains, they construct an unbreakable foundation of trust and credibility through their customer-centric ethos. By interfacing directly with clients, these representatives glean valuable insights into market trends and preferences, enabling informed business decisions.

Moreover, they wield the power to positively influence brand image through impactful interactions. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, they streamline processes for optimal efficiency. In essence, Salesforce Sales-Cloud-Consultant are the driving force that propels your sales journey, ensuring a formidable blend of financial success, strategic insights, and an enduring reputation in today’s competitive marketplace.

The Journey to Becoming a Successful Salesforce Salesforce Cloud Consultant

Embarking on the path to becoming a proficient Salesforce Salesforce Cloud Consultant is a transformative journey marked by dedication and growth. It commences with comprehensive training and onboarding, immersing aspirants in product knowledge, sales techniques, and the company’s ethos. Continuous learning is paramount, with a commitment to staying updated on industry trends and evolving strategies.

Mentorship and collaboration foster an environment of shared wisdom, guiding novices through challenges and victories. A goal-oriented mindset drives this expedition, with targets set to achieve measurable success. As these individuals evolve, a strong customer-centric focus takes root, alongside proficiency in leveraging technology for streamlined efficiency. This journey is marked by continuous self-improvement, adapting to market dynamics, and the determination to provide unparalleled value to clients. Ultimately, the voyage culminates in the empowerment of a successful Salesforce Salesforce Cloud Consultant poised to shape the future of sales.

Get Prepare for the Salesforce Salesforce Cloud Consultant Exam

Mastering the Salesforce Salesforce Cloud Consultant exam necessitates effective preparation. The study material available on DumpsLeader.com proves invaluable in this endeavor. Their comprehensive resources offer a deep dive into essential concepts, guiding your understanding. Equally vital are the practice tests they provide, which emulate the exam environment and introduce various question formats, refining your skills.

Engaging with both the study material and practice tests not only enhances your grasp of the subject but also reinforces memory retention. Moreover, DumpsLeader.com offers an extensive collection of questions and answers, serving as a quick-reference during your final review stages. By effectively integrating these resources into your study plan, you position yourself for success in the Salesforce Salesforce Cloud Consultant exam.

Conclusion

Salesforce Sales-Cloud-Consultant are the unsung heroes of the business world, working tirelessly to drive revenue, build relationships, and represent the brand with utmost professionalism. Their unique blend of skills, qualities, and unwavering dedication empowers your sales journey, ensuring not only short-term success but also long-term growth and prosperity. In a world where every customer interaction matters, these representatives stand as beacons of excellence, ready to shape the future of your business. So, as you embark on your sales journey, remember that the Salesforce Sales-Cloud-Consultant you choose to partner with can make all the difference.

Expert Insights on Protecting Your Digital Identity and Outsmarting Identity Theft

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In today’s dynamic digital world, protecting your identity has become more critical than ever. Identity theft points to incidents where malicious characters use your sensitive data to pose as you or steal from you. In addition to draining your bank and investment accounts, identity thieves may also create new credit accounts, obtain utility service, steal your tax refund, use your insurance information to obtain medical care, or provide the police with your name and address when they are apprehended. That’s why it is crucial to be proactive to stop criminals from abusing your personal information.

How Can Your Identity Be Stolen

Scammers use various methods to steal your identity. They may:

  • Install skimmers at ATM machines, cash registers, and fuel pumps to digitally steal information from your bank card.
  • Get personal information from your phone when you use public Wi-Fi.
  • Use ‘phishing’ to get information from you through fraudulent emails, texts, or phone calls.
  • Look through your social media accounts to find identifying information in posts or photos. Or they may ask you for information in online quizzes and surveys.
  • Use malicious software like keyloggers or spyware to infect your devices, monitoring your online activities and steal sensitive data.

How To Keep Your Devices Safe

Protecting your devices is a key step in preventing identity theft. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain your devices security:

  1. Using Strong Passwords: Create complex, unique passwords for each of your online accounts and consider using a reliable password manager to keep track of them.
  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Use of Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification method, such as a one-time code sent to your phone.
  3. Install Security Software: Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software like Norton Identity Advisor Plus to scan for and remove threats.
  4. Regularly Update your Software: Keep your operating system and all software up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.
  5. Beware of Phishing: Be cautious when clicking links or downloading attachments in emails, especially from unknown sources.

Advantages of Using Norton Identity Advisor Plus

This security solution offers comprehensive protection and valuable features to help safeguard your digital identity:

  1. Identity Monitoring: It continuously monitors the dark web for your personal information, alerting you if any of your data appears in suspicious places.
  2. Dark Web Monitoring: It continuously searches the dark web and private forums probing for personal information and sends you notifications in case there’s a security issue.
  3. Social Media Monitoring: It monitors your accounts on popular social media sites and notify you of suspicious activity.
  4. Password Manager: It easily generates and manages strong, unique passwords for your online accounts.
  5. Identity Theft Insurance: It provides coverage for specific losses and expenses stemming from identity theft linked to your name. Such expenses comprise legal expense refund plus lost income for the duration you’re away from work to rectify financial records.

Conclusion

Your digital identity is precious, and with the right precautions in place, you can navigate the online world with confidence, knowing that your personal information is safe and secure. Be sure to stay vigilant, adhere to best practices linked to device security, and enlist the support of robust cybersecurity tools like Norton Identity Advisor Plus

Don’t wait for a breach to happen; take control of your digital security today and enjoy peace of mind in an increasingly connected world.

Navigating the VAT Maze of Food and Drink: How Accountants Provide Essential Guidance

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It’s common knowledge that Value-Added Tax (VAT) applies to goods and services in the United Kingdom, but what many don’t realise is just how intricate the rules get when it comes to food and beverages.

For businesses in the hospitality, catering, or retail food sectors, understanding VAT can become a Byzantine maze. While it’s often essential to have an accountant to help you traverse general VAT complexities, specialised VAT accounting services can be especially beneficial when your trade involves food.

Companies like Pearl Lemon Accountants offer this level of expertise, but let’s set that aside for now and explore the puzzling world of VAT on food and drink and why professional advice is indispensable.

VAT on Food: A Culinary Puzzle

VAT on food isn’t as straightforward as slapping a standard 20% rate on everything edible. In fact, some food items are zero-rated, meaning they attract a 0% VAT rate. These typically include most raw foods, such as vegetables, meat, and fish, along with some cold takeaway items.

But Here’s Where It Gets Complicated

You would think that all cakes are created equal, at least from a tax perspective, right? Wrong. While cakes are generally zero-rated, if you’re selling a product that closely resembles a cake but is considered a luxury item (yes, the infamous Jaffa Cake debate), it may attract the standard VAT rate.

Drinks: A Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

The VAT treatment of beverages is equally mind-boggling. While tea, coffee, and milk are generally zero-rated, as soon as you add an element of ‘luxury’ to it—think flavoured milk or alcoholic beverages—you enter the realm of standard-rated VAT.

The Exceptions Rule

But don’t sigh in relief just yet. There are exceptions to these categories. For instance, sports drinks that claim to be beneficial for hydration are standard-rated, even though they may contain milk.

How VAT Accounting Services Come into Play

Avoiding Classification Woes

Is your product a cake or a biscuit? Is that smoothie a beverage or a meal replacement? These aren’t trivial questions, but crucial tax considerations that could significantly impact your bottom line.

Misclassifying an item could lead to undercharging VAT and thereby absorbing a cost you could legally pass on to the consumer. On the flip side, you could overcharge your customers and risk losing your competitive edge in the market. Furthermore, incorrect VAT classification can trigger penalties and audits, consuming valuable time and resources to rectify.

A VAT accountant brings not just accounting skills but a wealth of knowledge about these nuances. They can conduct a detailed analysis of your product range, diving into ingredients, preparation methods, and how the product is marketed and consumed. This thorough evaluation helps in precisely categorising each product according to HMRC’s complex guidelines.

In doing so, they protect you from potential financial and legal repercussions, while also identifying opportunities to apply lower VAT rates where possible. Therefore, when it comes to the complicated task of food and drink classification for VAT purposes, the specialised skills of a VAT accountant are not just a good idea—they’re essential.

Catering vs. Retail

If you operate a café, the VAT on your sales may differ based on whether the food is consumed on-site or taken away. This distinction may sound simple, but it opens up a web of intricacies that can affect your pricing structure, menu design, and even the layout of your establishment.

For instance, hot food served for immediate consumption attracts the standard VAT rate, but the same item may be zero-rated if it’s sold cold for takeaway. Conversely, some cold items could attract the standard rate if they are consumed within the café premises.

Such disparities in VAT treatment can significantly affect your revenue and profitability. Incorrectly applying VAT could either make your prices uncompetitive or lead to a shortfall in the revenue needed to cover VAT liabilities. It might also attract unwanted attention from tax authorities, leading to time-consuming and stressful audits that could ultimately result in fines or other penalties.

VAT accounting services can guide you through these nuances by undertaking a meticulous evaluation of your business model, including the types of food and drinks you offer and how they are usually consumed.

They can then advise on appropriate pricing strategies that account for VAT differences, ensuring that you’re neither overcharging your customers nor selling yourself short. They can also help implement effective point-of-sale systems that automatically adjust VAT based on consumption location, ensuring ongoing compliance without the need for constant manual oversight.

Periodic Reviews and Updates

VAT regulations and rates change. Specialised accountants keep tabs on any modifications and advise you accordingly, ensuring your business is always in compliance.

Claiming Back VAT

Did you know you could claim back VAT paid on certain business expenses, like equipment and raw materials? An accountant can streamline this process, helping you recover funds you may otherwise overlook.

A Recipe for VAT Success

Whether you’re selling gingerbread men, providing fine dining, or brewing artisan coffee, the VAT rules governing food and drink in the UK are nothing short of bewildering. With ongoing debates on the classification of food items and beverages, ever-changing VAT rates, and the considerable financial implications of getting it wrong, seeking professional advice is often not just beneficial but essential.

So, while it’s good to know companies like Pearl Lemon Accountants are out there to assist with such intricacies, the key takeaway is this: if you’re in the food and drink industry, having a specialised VAT accountant is not just another business expense. It’s an investment in ensuring that your business is compliant, efficient, and, most importantly, financially sound. In the complex world of food and drink VAT, a seasoned accountant is the best guide you can have.

Entrepreneur Massimo Acquaviva Shares Insights on Crafting a Winning Business Brand

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Massimo Acquaviva, 2R Capital Investment Management Limited director, is an experienced businessman with many years of experience. This article will look at entrepreneurship, exploring the most important elements in terms of building and boosting brand.

Savvy marketers and entrepreneurs sometimes go to extreme lengths to differentiate their brand from the competition. An enterprise’s brand identity exists whether it is actively managed or not, and it is therefore essential for business owners to take a proactive approach to building and maintaining a strong and reliable market presence.

Building brand goes far beyond coming up with a catchy business name, logo and slogan. To stand out, companies need to identify the essential elements that define their business. Irrespective of size or industry, businesses need to build brand in order to remain relevant. Branding helps businesses to stand out from the competition, which is particularly important in highly competitive niches where many different companies offer similar products or services. Branding helps a company to convey its unique story and values, as well as providing an opportunity to showcase its products and differentiate itself from market rivals.

Implementing a consistent branding effort makes a business more memorable. When consumers can identify a company based on visual, auditory or physical elements, this breeds familiarity and in turn promotes trust, which 81% of consumers rely on when making purchasing decisions according to a 2019 Edelman report.

In order to succeed, every business needs a customer base. Building a loyal following is not a matter of chance or luck but rather stems from shrewd messaging, presenting customers with unique experiences, and building connections and rapport. Brands need to create and maintain an emotional connection with the customers they serve, building a following to support the business by sharing their positive experiences with the outside world – promoting not only repeat business but more referrals through word of mouth.

Brand is a manifestation of a company’s heart and soul, shaping how existing and potential customers perceive it. Take for example Apple, a brand that is all about innovation and modernity but also simplicity. With its minimalist approach to aesthetics, Apple has set itself apart, from its simple logo to the ultra-sleek Apple website. Apple also builds brand by highlighting its creativity, using phrases like ‘Think Different’, constantly innovating new products to make people’s lives easier and collaborating with market-leading influencers.

To build brand, businesses first need to identify their target audience, homing in on the proportion of the population its products are most likely to appeal to. Many business owners fall into the trap of trying to appeal to as wide a bracket of the population as possible, but it is impossible to be all things to all people. Rather, astute marketers identify and target their ideal customer. This can be achieved by examining existing customers and looking at the competition. Great marketers create buyer personas, imagining what their ideal customer might look like and creating a profile outlining their gender, age, behaviours and likes and dislikes. As an ecommerce brand grows, so will its opportunities to learn more about its audience from customer surveys and analytics tools, enabling it to add to and tweak customer personas to keep them accurate.

Establishing a business’s long-term goals is a critical step in building brand. Once these goals have been established, the business can formulate a business strategy, breaking down objectives into actionable steps to achieve these overarching objectives. Popular business goal examples include achieving higher conversion rates, improving customer retention and building a reputation as a premium brand. Returning to the example of Apple, the company has differentiated itself as premium brand, enabling it to charge much more for its smartphones compared with rival manufacturers. Establishing overarching goals is also critical to measuring performance and success.

Businesses need to highlight the main benefits and qualities their brand offers. For businesses operating in competitive industries where they are pitted against much larger market rivals, presenting products or services that no competitor offers can go a long way in terms of creating a memorable brand. Perhaps the company is known for its stellar customer service or offers a more affordable product than most of its rivals. It is important for business leaders to figure out how their company provides customers with value and what makes it unique.

In terms of building brand, it is also crucial for companies to look at their digital footprint, for example their presence on social media and their website’s visibility in search results. In a digital age where the consumer’s first port of call when researching a product or company is the internet, building a strong and positive online presence is vital.

Revolutionizing Risk Management: A Holistic Approach for Today’s Complex World

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Risk looms large in the ever-changing terrain of the contemporary business world. No matter its size or industry, every organisation faces a variety of hazards, whether they pertain to its physical assets, personnel, digital data, or even its own reputation. Therefore, firms today must develop a complete and integrated strategy to risk management in addition to simply acknowledging these risks. Better risk management results can be achieved by viewing risks as components of a larger, interconnected web of vulnerabilities as opposed to each risk as an independent problem.

Understanding the landscape

The success of a company is frequently rooted in its people, especially its important employees. This is where keyman insurance, a life insurance policy that a firm purchases on a crucial employee of the business, comes into play. If sad circumstances result in the passing of this important person, the organisation receives cash compensation, enabling smoother transitions, whether it be for hiring, training, or other related difficulties. Keyman Insurance does a good job of addressing a critical component of personnel-centric issues, but holistic risk management should cover a larger range of risks, including those to physical assets, operational dynamics, cyberinfrastructure, and even brand reputation.

Interconnected risks

Being aware of how intricately interwoven hazards are and how rarely they occur as separate events is a hallmark of a holistic viewpoint. Consider a cyberattack. Short-term financial losses may lead to brand loyalty reductions, reputational damage, and lost customer trust. Unexpected natural disasters can impair supply networks, operations, and revenue. These connected repercussions highlight how dangerous it can be to perceive dangers in isolation.

Beyond identification: Mitigation and recovery

Finding the dangers is only the beginning of the process. The following and equally important phases entail developing ways to both reduce these risks and create effective recovery plans should they materialise. This indicates that firms should prioritise and address the most significant risks first. They can considerably lower the chance of numerous threats by taking preventive measures. For instance, regular cybersecurity training can significantly reduce the likelihood that a worker will unintentionally cause a security breach. Having a clear recovery plan, whether it be through insurance options like Keyman Insurance or shrewd public relations strategies, can be invaluable should a risk materialise.

Employee engagement

Employees are the backbone of any business and are essential to comprehensive risk management. Employees can be empowered to identify, report, and, in many circumstances, avert possible dangers with the right training. Knowledgeable personnel are a company’s first line of defence, whether it is through routine password updates, assuring the appropriate maintenance of equipment, or remaining watchful about potential security threats.

Review and revise

The landscape of risk is dynamic and ever-changing. Old threats change and some disappear as new ones emerge. A comprehensive risk management strategy is therefore not a one-time project. It necessitates change and necessitates regular reviews and improvements. Organisations may stay one step ahead and be prepared to face issues in the future by performing evaluations, whether they are done annually or biannually.

Conclusion

It is essential for businesses to look beyond specific dangers in the complex business environment of today, where risks are more intertwined than ever. A comprehensive perspective is urgently required, from the critical function of products like Keyman Insurance in protecting against people’s difficulties to the complexity of cybersecurity risks. In addition to preparing firms for potential obstacles, a holistic approach to comprehensive risk management also prepares the way for expansion, resilience, and long-term success.

Harnessing Surveillance to Curb Retail Crime Amidst a Cost of Living Crisis

  • SmartWater, Veesion and Dahua Technology among the companies helping to curb retail crime in the United Kingdom
  • Retail crime on the rise across the country with Leeds City Centre taking the lead as the most affected area
  • Tighter security measures and addressing the root of the problem, key to tackling the growing rate of shoplifting

Co-op has recently warned that some communities could become ‘no-go’ areas for shops due to soaring levels of retail crime.

The convenience store operator said crime in its outlets has increased by more than a third over the past year, with about 1000 cases of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in its shops every day in the six months to June.

This comes as new research by the British Retail Consortium reveals that incidents of theft have increased by 27% across ten of the largest cities in the UK, with some cities up as much as 68%.

Amongst the areas affected the most is Leeds City Centre, having 2,157 recorded crimes in 2022, the equivalent of six offences and a surge of 83% on the previous year.

The trade association’s survey also uncovered that cases of violence and abuse against retail employees rose from more than 450 daily in 2019-2020 to more than 850 in the last year, including physical and verbal assault and threats with weapons.

For shop assistants and managers, this daily struggle can be costly and frustrating. A co-op store manager in Leeds said that shoplifting has always been a problem, but things have really changed since the pandemic.

According to another store manager in East London, the most frightening aspect is when the criminals clamber over the kiosks and just tip the products into their bags.

Offenders simply come in and take what they want, and the situation is aggravated by the fact that police forces do not have the resources or time to attend to these incidents.

Talking about the reason behind these remarkable statistics, Jamie Barnes from Fresh Start, a charity run by ex-offenders, states that with the cost of living crisis, many are facing the choice of either paying for food or paying rent and bills.

The cost of living increased sharply across the UK during 2021 and 2022 with the annual rate of inflation reaching 11.1% in October 2022, a 41-year high. This means that at the time when Kantar published its market research in March 2023, the average family’s annual grocery bill was approximately £800 higher than it was a year ago.

Testimonials gathered by BBC reporter Ez Roberts, show that given the current economic climate, security guards at convenience stores feel sorry for people’s financial situation, with one even apologising to a shoplifter when they got caught.

Yet this idea is rejected by many retail experts. The Association of Convenience Stores’ Head of Communications, Chris Noice, believes that products such as baby formula are targeted because they are high-value items that can be re-sold online. ‘Typically, people are stealing to fund their drug or alcohol habits’, he states.

Baby formula has also been known to be used to cut or bulk out drugs, with many stores now resorting to putting it behind the tills to stop them from being stolen.

These seemingly conflicting views can, however, be seen to be reconciled under one common goal – the implementation of effective preventative measures to dissuade prolific offenders and organised gangs.

Tighter security measures are becoming more common in supermarket aisles to tackle the cost of shoplifting, which stood at a striking £1.76 billion in 2021/22.

As an example, Police Community Support Officers in parts of West Yorkshire use SmartWater spray to mark people or items with a unique forensic code. Following incidents of retail crime, investigators can identify spray-tagged criminals, even months after, to verify a suspect’s guilt by placing the offender at the crime scene and therefore achieve a higher chance of successful conviction.

Using SmartWater has proved an effective crime deterrent, with stores like Homebase experiencing a 20% reduction in stock losses since it began using it.

Similarly, enhanced AI CCTV security cameras for video surveillance are also a successful measure to reduce retail crime.

Introduced in 2021, an AI-based system produced by French company Veesion, checks customers for suspicious behaviour, films them and alerts staff through an app within 20 seconds. By adopting this technology, a Nisa store in Poplar London has managed to cut its shoplifting losses from £1,000 a week to less than £100.

Dahua Technology’s AI and deep cognitive learning tech also has the ability to actively detect shoplifting in real-time by analysing gestures, movements and actions of body parts. The information can be then sent through a notification to a mobile phone where daily and weekly statistics can be viewed within an app, enabling the tracking of incidents and subsequent inventory levels.

The company’s advanced technology can also detect ‘bottom of basket’ theft which is usually invisible to Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems since they are often not tagged or secured electronically.

Ultimately, shoplifting strikes at the heart of local communities and tackling the issue successfully will only work if it is done by addressing the root causes such as addiction, mental health issues and the cost of living crisis. Yet, adopting visible, effective crime deterrence in parallel, can be of reassurance to customers, stores and employees ensuring a reduced economic impact across the industry.Surveillance to Curb Retail Crime Amidst a Cost of Living CrisisSurveillance to Curb Retail Crime Amidst a Cost of Living Crisis

Embracing Diversity: Inclusive Approaches in Modern Education

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Picture a classroom where every voice is heard and celebrated, where differences aren’t obstacles but gateways to understanding. Gone are the days when education meant a one-size-fits-all approach, where everyone had to conform to a single mold. Today, we stand on the threshold of a new era that values each student’s unique background, perspectives, and abilities. Let’s unravel the why, what, and how of inclusive education, from understanding the profound importance of diversity in the learning process to discovering innovative methods that cater to all learners.

The Power of Diversity in Learning

Imagine walking into a classroom buzzing with excitement. Students from different world corners surround you, each bringing unique experiences and viewpoints. This diversity isn’t just cool – it’s powerful. So diversity is like having a pizza with countless delicious toppings. Learning from people with various backgrounds is like trying new toppings that make the pizza of knowledge way more interesting.

Have you ever had a debate with a friend about the best movie? Hearing their point of view makes you think more deeply about your own. In education, interacting with different viewpoints is like having those debates all the time. It makes your brain flex its thinking muscles and become sharper. Moreover, learning about other people’s experiences, cultures, and challenges helps you understand their feelings better.

Challenges Faced in Traditional Education

Imagine wearing shoes that don’t fit. That’s what happens when teaching is one-size-fits-all. Each person learns differently – some zoom through math, while others love reading. Traditional methods often don’t consider these differences, holding back students who need a different fit to thrive.

A royal writer approaches different tasks with different approaches to accomplish what the task requires fully. The same thing applies to education. We all have unique learning styles. Some learn by doing, and others by listening. Ignoring these styles is like having a band of just one instrument – it doesn’t make a harmonious educational melody. What if you went to a party and felt you didn’t belong there because everyone spoke a different language? In education, some groups face this kind of exclusion. They might not see their own experiences and cultures in what’s taught, which makes learning feel like that awkward party.

The Essence of Inclusive Education

In inclusive education, everyone brings their unique talents to the learning table. No one’s left out. And the result? A feast of knowledge like no other. So, what’s this “inclusive education” thing? It’s like making sure all your friends get to join your game, no matter their differences. Education is about welcoming every student, regardless of background, abilities, or needs. The goal? To create a fair playground where everyone can play and learn together.

Imagine going to a buffet where some can only look at the food, not taste it. Sounds unfair? Inclusive education ensures every student has a seat at the table, gets the same opportunities, and can savor the learning experience fully. Students can be themselves, express their thoughts without fear, and know they’re respected and valued. It improves learning, making it rare for them to get stuck with coursework and wonder, “Who can help do my assignment?”

Innovative Approaches for Inclusive Learning

Have you ever tried solving a puzzle with a friend? You both bring different skills to the table. Inclusive learning is like mixing and matching strengths to open the treasure chest of knowledge. Imagine if your favorite game adjusted its difficulty level based on how well you were playing. Inclusive learning does something similar. It’s like having a learning journey just for you, where your strengths are highlighted and challenges are at the right level. That way, everyone gets to conquer their educational quests.

Ever used an app that lets you learn by playing? That’s technology working its magic. Inclusive learning taps into this magic by using tech tools that make learning more fun and accessible for everyone. It’s like turning to learn about an exciting adventure where nobody gets left behind. Inclusive learning thrives on teamwork vibes. It’s about working together with classmates who have unique talents and perspectives.

Benefits of Embracing Inclusivity

Why is diversity equity and inclusion important in education? Embracing diversity in education brings many unique minds together to create something amazing. Here’re the benefits of embracing diversity in education.

Supercharged Learning

Imagine getting a turbo boost for your brain. When everyone’s strengths are celebrated, and your unique learning style is respected, you’re likelier to ace your studies and feel confident in your learning.

Real-World Prep

Think of it as training for the big leagues. In a diverse classroom, you’re preparing for a world where people come in all flavors. You’re building skills to work with different kinds of people, which is a superpower in the real world.

Awesome Classroom Vibes

Remember when you were in a group where everyone listened and supported each other? In an inclusive classroom, everyone’s ideas and stories matter. It’s like creating an amazing environment where you learn facts and become more understanding.

Unique Insights Everywhere

Imagine having a bunch of treasure maps, each showing a different path. That’s what diverse viewpoints are like. You’re exposed to many ways of thinking in a classroom with people from various backgrounds. It broadens your horizons and makes your education richer.

Boosted Confidence

When your differences are celebrated, you feel awesome about being yourself. You don’t have to fit into someone else’s mold. This confidence spills over into everything you do – from class presentations to making new friends.

Better Problem-Solving Skills

Think of it as leveling up your brain power. Learning with people who think differently makes you a better problem solver. You start looking at challenges from all angles like a master strategist.

Big-Hearted Empathy

Remember the last time you understood how someone else felt? In an inclusive classroom, you’re exposed to different backgrounds and stories, which makes you more empathetic. You become a bridge-builder in a world that sometimes needs more understanding.

The Long and Short

Embracing diversity in education isn’t just about having a mix of faces in the room. It’s about creating a classroom where everyone’s strengths shine, where learning is exciting and respectful, and where you’re getting ready to rock the world outside those walls. Traditional education might work well for some, but it’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole for others.

Is There a Website That Will Write My Essay for Me?

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The academic workload takes a toll on most scholars despite their preparedness for a new academic year. Most students often seek help from fellow students, tutors, or, quite recently, the help of professional writers at write my essay services online.

The latter is becoming popular for most students burned with assignments and tight deadlines. These websites provide the perfect avenue for a professional in your niche to work on your assignment and deliver an original and high-quality paper.

Besides, these writing services are more than writing assistants for students. The delicate process includes drafting, researching, writing, editing, proofreading, plagiarism check, and final paper submission.

The pertinent question remains, where are these writing aids? How do they operate? Are they legitimate? Learn more answers to these questions.

Why Choose These Services in School?

Most people equate online writing services to cheating. However, this couldn’t be far from the truth. Moreover, students opt for these services due to different reasons. Here is a look at various reasons for choosing these services:

  • Tight deadlines are enforced on students due to the vast academic workload by instructors.
  • Complex assignments are assigned to students that need in-depth research and analysis from experts.
  • Non-native speakers often face language barriers in writing their papers in a language alien to them.
  • Unexpected life events occupy students’ schedules, such as the death of a loved one, job commitments, and other responsibilities.
  • Pressure to secure high grades by guardians and institutions to elevate to another level of their academia.
  • Poor writing skills and ability to craft ideas into logical arguments showcasing a student’s content comprehension.
  • Mental health is becoming a recurring issue for college students. These services ensure students stay on course with their academics while working on their mental health.

How to Write My Essay for Me Services Work?

Essay writing assistants work based on hiring an expert writer to craft and present an original, unique, and high-quality paper on your behalf. However, there is an intricate process students must take before receiving their end product.

Here is a basic breakdown of how these online services work:

  • Find a Preferred Service

There are many essay writing assistants available online. Moreover, each service boasts of offering customized papers from highly qualified staff. You must collaborate with trusted and reliable service for a smooth and seamless experience.

We recommend reading online forums with reviews and testimonials about different online services. This gives you an overall scope of what to expect when placing your order. Carry research into their services.

  • Place Your Order

After ascertaining whether a particular essay service fits your bill, it is time to place your order. The order placement process depends on the specific essay online service.

For example, you have a dissertation assignment done by an expert. Look for ‘write my dissertation UK‘ and reveal all details relating to your dissertation order, including the number of pages, formatting guidelines, language, and citation style, among many more.

In addition, it is essential to chat with the assignment writer to add more details for the writer to cover in the paper. Some experts recommend crafting an outline for how you expect the final paper to look.

  • Research and Writing Process

After fitting all the requirements, the writer is assigned to work on your order. The writer embarks on a holistic research process while considering all paper requirements. Moreover, the writer must stick to the order details.

  • Proofread and Edit

After completing the final paper, the writer proofreads and edits the paper for typos, spelling mistakes, grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors. This time-consuming process ensures the final product is high quality and meets the client’s standards.

  • Plagiarism Check

Most establish online writing services feature in-built plagiarism checkers that pass through the writer’s work to ensure no instances of plagiarism. A plagiarism report gets delivered with a plagiarism score sent to the customer.

  • Final Submission

After passing the plagiarism check, it’s time for the quality department to assess the paper to ensure it meets the client’s expectations. Moreover, the paper is checked for common errors to ensure the final product is high-quality and original. Afterward, the final product is sent to the client for further perusal.

  • Remarks, Feedback, or Complains

After receiving their order, a client reviews the paper while ascertaining it meets their standards and expectations. There is a grace window period where clients can make revisions and corrections to the writer free of charge. Also, the client can ask for alterations to the main paper with further details.

What to Look for on These Websites

Vigilance is vital when selecting a reputable and reliable writing assistant. Given plenty of options for these websites online, what makes the best option? Here is a look at options to consider before making your final decision:

  • Is it student-friendly pricing?

Quality doesn’t always cost an arm and a leg. Find a service that understands students’ tight budgets and tries to offer a cut-deal price for quality service. Moreover, check whether the service offers a full refund in case of unsatisfactory work.

  • Availability

What happens when you have a revision in three hours, and your writer isn’t online? Well, strive to work with an online service that is available 24/7. Also, check whether their customer support is available 24/7 and through multiple ways like live chat, email, and phone.

  • Quality policy

The mere fact you opted for a writing service means you have a stern policy on quality. It is not okay to waste your budget on receiving a mediocre paper that your instructor rejects. Ensure that the assistant can meet the highest expected standards when crafting your order.

  • Reliability and punctuality

Tight deadlines lead to a lot of frustration for students. Therefore, there’s a need to work with a reliable online service that delivers work on time with the highest quality. Additionally, you can receive a properly edited and formatted paper with no plagiarism.

  • Communication

A good online essay service lets you easily communicate with the writer while working on your order. This leaves room for a client to add instruction details or clarify certain aspects of the paper. A clear communication path means the client will likely accept their final product.

Key Giveaway

Finding a writing assistant that writes your essay from scratch and delivers a concise and proper paper is easy. However, prepare to vet from a wide variety of options available in the market. Follow our expert guidelines to find your preferred choice for your next assignment.

Growing Your Business with Professional Fee Funding

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Getting paid is the most important – and often the most difficult – part of doing business. When you’re issuing large invoices at the end of a job, professional fee funding services can help you and your clients manage payments more effectively.

Fee funding (sometimes called fee financing) allows you to improve cash flow and reduce bad debts. That’s a win for firms, and it gives customers more freedom to pay large invoices in manageable instalments.

The world of fee funding is revolutionising the way many firms do business. If you’re looking for a cash flow solution that benefits you and your clients, fee funding may be the answer. In this article we’ll explore professional fee funding in more detail and see how it can benefit your firm.

What is Fee Funding?

Obtaining professional services from accountants and lawyers can be expensive. Seeking expert advice is often out of the question for many, simply due to budgetary restraints. This can be a major hurdle, as these professional services play a critical role in managing your finances, and it may even hold you back from achieving your potential.

Fee funding is a payment solution that allows businesses and individuals to pay invoices that are issued by professional services (such as accountants and lawyers). Fee funding is essentially a type of short term credit. The credit provider pays the invoice up front, and then you repay the credit provider in smaller, more manageable instalments.

This allows you to improve cash flow and manage your money more effectively. Plus, it makes it easier to access expert support from industry professionals, which can have a major impact on your life and business. Depending on the provider you choose, you may pay up front fees and/or interest as you repay your loan. This allows the fee funding provider to make money for their services while breaking your repayments down into manageable chunks.

The Benefits of Fee Funding

Using a fee funding service is a simple and hassle-free way to pay large invoices issued by professional services. Fee funding comes with 5 major benefits:

  1. Improved cash flow – The invoices issued by professional services can be enormous. Paying a lump sum can be a serious challenge for a business. Instead, using a fee funding service means you can make small repayments over an extended period. This makes it easier to manage your budget and short-term cash flow.
  2. Increased customer base – Fee funding services work with both client businesses and the professional services that issue invoices. For professional services, engaging a fee funding provider can help you expand your customer base. Giving customers more ways to pay their invoice makes your services accessible to more people, and you’ll never be left chasing up debtors or non-paying customers.
  3. Greater customer satisfaction – Bill shock can be a serious hurdle for businesses. Although you’ve provided a high quality service, issuing a large invoice may put your customers off, or cause them to regret using your services. With fee funding, customers are able to spread out payments, which improves their opinion of your services.
  4. Grow your business – Being able to service more clients and leave behind a trail of happy customers is the key to growing your business. Not only that, but improving your own cash flow makes it easier to reinvest into your business, expand your offerings, take on new employees and meet increasing demand.
  5. Improved customer relationships – The way you manage client accounts and outstanding invoices can have a major impact on client relationships. By offering more payment options, you can improve your rapport with customers, and avoid the need for unpleasant interactions while chasing up unpaid debts.

Who Can Use Fee Funding?

Fee funding is essentially a service that works to manage invoices and cash flow between professional services and their clients. Most fee funding providers can tailor a package to suit:

  • Businesses – Has your business sought help from a professional service? You may be able to pay your invoice using fee funding. This allows you to spread out the cost over a longer period of time and improve your cash flow.
  • Individuals – Private individuals often need help from accountants and lawyers. As long as your invoice was issued in the last 12 months, a fee funding service will typically be able to help you with managing your invoice.
  • Professional services – Accountants, lawyers and professional consultants should always consider working with a fee funding service. Providing additional payment methods is a great way to grow your business and reach new customers that would otherwise be unable to afford your services.

Fee funding is subject to income and credit tests. The requirements are typically quite low, meaning that fee funding is accessible to people from all walks of life. This makes it the ideal solution for both businesses and individuals that are looking to improve the way they manage their cash flow.

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