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Who is Michele Tecchia?

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It’s a return to his roots for Michele Tecchia, this forty year old man in the prime of his life, trained in Great Britain, is launching his real estate business in Monaco.

Michele Tecchia was raised in the United Kingdom before moving to the United States and later to Monaco to practice his skills. Michele currently resides in the principality and has invested in real estate in the UK, France, and Monaco. Michele has engaged in all kinds of commercial projects from ground-up development to value add and currently has $10 million in several investments. His career kicked off as a salesman in the photocopier industry, where he marketed for various applications and later moved to the market for Xerox copiers.

Michele Tecchia gradually upgraded to more integrated applications like the white and black printers to full colors. He established himself as a renowned marketer for printing solutions. This made him walk up the ladder to production processes in Asia for the machines.

In 2008 and 2009, he traveled back and forth to China every two weeks. In an interview, he stated that traveling for 13 hours every two weeks to Bejin made him worn out, and he decided to tap into new ventures that would make him travel less. He further pointed out that although it lacked the technology pace, real estate was the business idea he found lucrative and had fewer associated risks.

Michele Tecchia: “Real estate is location independent and offers a lot of freedom and choice.”

In reply to whether real estate requires hard work, he answered, “having a lot of freedom and a lot of choices does not mean that I don’t work hard. At this point in my life, I am working harder than at any other time. But that is always a choice. So you know, no one in my backyard with a whip pushing me to work hard. It is all entirely upon me. This is always a path for an entrepreneur; you will only succeed if you are self-driven. You will do what it takes to fulfill your commitment to folks, which is my character and makeup. I work hard not because I have to.”

Michele was born in 1971 in the principality where he grew up. When he was 16, his parents divorced, forcing him to live between his principality and London. Michele has two kids whom he spent time with when not working. He speaks French and English fluently and enjoys practicing triathlon as his hobby.

Monaco’s history by Michele Tecchia

Money games

Monaco became a principality in 1848 after the communes Menton and Roquebrune seceded. During the 19th century, it was a small town famous for prohibiting Gambling. A businessman Francois Blanc who had made a fortune in the heart of a German spa in Gambling had an interest in Monaco, so in the 1960s, he invested a casino. Charles the third, the prince, then had a strong relationship with Francois Blanc, so he allowed him to build the casino. Michele Tecchia described the casino as “a magnet attracting many fortunes.”

The development of land

Prince Rainier inherited the throne at a time when the land was scarce. Due to the casino’s success, many luxury facilities, hotels, villas, and businesses have been established for eye-catching tax reasons. Thus, urban planning for the principality was developed.

With the great architectural and urban models during the “trente glorieuses,” nothing was impossible. Michele Tecchia explains that during that time, magnificent seaside resorts, including the La Grande-Motte, were constructed on the French Mediterranean Coast. “the pyramids along the sea stand 100 meters high and the enormous towers reach 100 to 150 meters high form the more significant part of the logic real estate of Monaco.

Monaco’s urban planning

The principality is currently the most expensive place worldwide, with a piece of land of a square meter going for 48,000 euros. The world’s most expensive flat was registered in Monaco, earning 300 million euros. However, the city is the world’s most densely populated, having per square kilometer 37,000 inhabitants compared to 20,000 that of Paris.

Urban planning in three dimensions

The city is expanding its territories in the sky, underground, and sea to meet the very dense population. Professions explained that land in Monaco is rare and that one must create or look for it. The city is looking to capitalize the basements to accommodate parking, waste treatment, and water management. Building on basements allows for more green space, accommodating 20% of the city compared to 9% of Paris.

Michele Tecchia: “Monaco is not only an attractive tax system. But…”

The city exempts Monegasques, residents, and companies from paying taxes. Either there is no wealth tax. The city generates a significant part of its revenue from real estate. Michele Tecchia explains that the city forms a base of billionaires who come to invest heavily in real estate. The revenue collected from VAT sale of new villas or flats and transfer duties on the sale of flats goes to the state expenditure.

Administrative planning

The principality is split into four sections (quartiers): The central residential and tourist district of Monte Carlo, with the casino in the east; Monaco-Ville, the historic city perched atop a rocky outcrop jutting into the Mediterranean; La Condamine, the northwest region, containing the port area; and Fontvieille, a recently developed area that was reclaimed from the sea.

The La Condamine quartier is separated into four more sections: La Condamine proper (the port area), the Jardin Exotique, Les Revoires, Moneghetti, and La Colle, located on the western edge of the Cap d’Ail neighborhood. Several neighborhoods are split up into the Monte Carlo quartier: Monte Carlo proper (the casino and resort area); Saint Roman/Tenao on the northeast corner; Larvotto, a beach region to the east of the principality; and the center.

More info about Michele Tecchia in Monaco: https://www.micheletecchiamonaco.com

Michele Tecchia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-tecchia-79a465242/?originalSubdomain=mc

Healthcare providers turn to cloud faxing for secure transmission of confidential and sensitive documents

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Security, privacy and regulatory compliance are the key factors driving uptake of cloud fax in healthcare

Monday 18 July 2022 – Cloud-based fax is playing an essential role in the day-to-day transmission of sensitive and confidential information across multiple sectors – including healthcare – thanks to its high levels of security and privacy, together with the need by organisations to be fully compliant with a range of data regulations, according to a survey of 1000 senior IT and business decision makers in the UK and Europe by eFax, the global provider of digital fax services.

The poll of senior executives in large enterprises, small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and public sector organisations found that 62 percent of healthcare organisations surveyed identified security as critical to their decision to migrate to cloud-based fax systems, with 21 percent describing the technology as “extremely” secure.

Among fax users in healthcare, 37 percent use cloud-based fax systems, while 21 percent use a combination of cloud and traditional faxing. 17 percent remain wedded to the traditional fax machine.

At the same time, 42 percent of healthcare organisations surveyed said they send and receive confidential documents via password protected emails. 25 percent said they use email encrypted software.

Commenting on the survey findings, Scott Wilson, Vice President of Sales and Service at eFax, said, “Despite being more than 40 years old, fax technology continues to be used by the healthcare sector for the transmission of important documents, such as Electronic Health Records (EHRs) containing patients’ medical records, test results, X-Rays and other scans.

“Patient information is increasingly digitalised. People also want direct access to their health records, which is why Electronic Health Records are so important. The question for healthcare providers is how to send and receive these records in a way that is safe and secure,” he continued.

“It’s clear that email is the established and widely accepted format for most communications, but it’s flawed and vulnerable to interception and hacking,” explained Wilson. “Cloud faxing is more secure than email – not least because fax infrastructure has limited exposure to the internet and internet connected devices.”

eFax identified the following factors as the reasons for faxing’s ongoing value and importance to healthcare organisations:

  • Security – Data security and privacy relating to patient records is a serious responsibility for every healthcare provider, especially at a time when cyber criminals are targeting the healthcare sector. Healthcare organisations need to use highly secure communications systems that are not vulnerable to internal and external attack, including ransomware threats.
  • Privacy – The misuse of confidential medical data is an ongoing concern for patients. As well as being highly secure, fax also ensures that any record or document that is sent is accurately date- and time- stamped and therefore auditable.
  • Regulation In the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)’s privacy laws and human rights protections include the creation and destruction of patient information. To be fully GDPR-compliant, any communications system must ensure that patient information is protected.
    In the US, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets out clear guidelines to ensure compliance related to the security and management of confidential information. Healthcare professionals must be compliant and ensure that they do not compromise patient information.
  • Exchange – In Europe, the European Commission (EC) has installed an exchange format for EHRs so that patients can access and exchange their medical records between EU member states. Healthcare providers in Europe therefore need a safe, secure, and compliant communications format for transmitting patient records not just from one hospital to another, but also one country to another.

eFax shares the findings of the study for the healthcare sector in a new downloadable ebook entitled, “The secret life of the fax – Healthcare”, which is available to download from the eFax website here.

Heatwave crisis can ONLY be tackled with mega amounts of private money

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The extreme heatwave crisis scorching parts of the UK, Europe, the U.S. and Asia underscores that private finance must be urgently unlocked and mobilised by the financial sector, as politicians continue to skirt the issue.

This is the call-to-arms cry from Nigel Green, the chief executive and founder of deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organisations.

He says: “The consequences of years and years of outrageous inaction from politicians on the climate crisis are now being laid bare.

“The UK’s Met Office has issued its first-ever ‘Red Extreme’ heat alert; the worst heat wave in Europe is causing an avalanche of devastating wildfires across Spain, Portugal, Croatia and France; a heat dome has formed over the southwest and central U.S, smashing temperature records; and almost 90 cities in China are living under heat alerts.

“Data shows heatwaves have been on the rise in recent years, yet governments around the world are either unwilling or unable to funnel the resources necessary to try and tackle the problem head-on.”

He continues: “Trillions of dollars are needed. This is why it is now critical that private money is unlocked and mobilised in the battle to mitigate the worst effects of human-created climate change.

“For this to happen, all sectors within the financial industry need to step-up, including financial advisories, insurance firms, banks, wealth and asset managers, investment companies, fintech groups, banks and auditors.

“If we fail on this, the level of finance will not be available, nor at the pace necessary, to halt the catastrophic effects of global warming.”

The deVere Group CEO’s calls come after he has publicly criticised some within the financial advisory industry who fail to urge clients to invest in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) orientated investments.

“I would say to that those in our industry who are looking to weaponize or politicise ESG investing by branding it as ‘woke virtue-signalling’, amongst other things, that they are placing themselves and their companies on the wrong side of history,” he wrote in a column in FT Adviser.

“The so-called ESG backlash is misguided and shallow.”

He goes on to add that clients’ investment strategies would also benefit.

“Funds investing in entities with robust ESG credentials have outperformed their benchmarks over recent years. From a risk management point of view, including these companies in your portfolio is, clearly, a sensible decision to take.”

It’s an issue on which Nigel Green’s been increasingly vocal in recent years. Last year ahead of COP26, deVere Group became one of 18 founding signatories of the UN-backed Net Zero initiative, the international alliance of powerhouse global finance companies that will help accelerate the transition to a net zero financial system.

The deVere CEO concludes: “If mega amounts of private money are not urgently put towards battling climate change – the defining issue of our time – we are doomed to fail.”

Do Natural MGF Levels Decrease With Age?

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Many variables influence the final form of IGF-1 that is synthesized. Several factors influence the splicing and production of IGF-1, including age, testosterone, growth hormone, and other developmental factors. According to recent research, the expression of IGF-1 isoforms is strongly influenced by age. Class 1Ea is preferentially expressed in young males, whereas class 2Ea is preferentially expressed in older males, both statistically and physiologically. However, it provides an experimental beginning point for a better knowledge of the aging process in terms of evident indicators of aging. Although additional study is needed, there is some speculation that MGF supplementation may be able to counteract the muscle-diminishing effects of aging.

Inflammation and the Mechano-Growth Factor

Inflammatory cells and their specific signaling chemicals are involved in muscle cell regeneration. According to this study, macrophages seem to be the principal makers of MGF in the context of muscle cell inflammation. As well as having anti-inflammatory properties, IGF-1Ea (MGF) also extends the lifespan of macrophages. According to some researchers, exogenous MGF treatment may increase muscle cell repair rates by influencing macrophages.

Research on MGF, Muscle Development, and Exercise Performance

MGF’s activation of muscle stem cells has been proven to enhance muscle growth and repair (called satellite cells). After only three weeks of intramuscular injections of MGF, studies in mice demonstrate a 25% increase in muscle fiber size. Peptides are thought to be valuable in the treatment of muscle-wasting illnesses and in enhancing the benefits of exercise. If that suggestion seems out of place from stolid experts, it is because muscle mass is critical to normal metabolic function. Increasing muscle mass has long been considered a beneficial strategy when it comes to enhancing metabolism and weight reduction. Increased lean body mass can be achieved with even modest exercise, which might be one component of a multi-faceted strategy to combat obesity and the plethora of health problems associated with being overweight.

Cartilage and Mechano-Growth

Osteoarthritis and other inflammatory diseases may cause damage to the cartilage in the joints (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). Unfortunately, cartilage does not repair efficiently due to a lack of blood flow and a shortage of essential stem cells for significant regeneration. There is some evidence that MGF may be able to overcome some of the intrinsic limits of cartilage regeneration, however.

The Role of MGF in Brain and Neuron Health

As far back as 2010, studies indicated that MGF was present in the developing brains of mice and that it had neuroprotective benefits. The overexpression of MGF in brain areas where neuron regeneration occurs has been shown in subsequent research in mouse models. It has been shown that the peptide protects neurons in the ALS animal model for the first time. Treating ALS patients with MGF decreases the progression of muscular weakening and slows the death of motor neurons. MGF protects neurons better than any other IGF-1 isoform in the context of ALS, and it has been detected in adult brains rebuilding after global ischemia. For the time being, there is some optimism that MGF may be utilized to treat ALS and prevent the death of motor neurons.

Cells of the Heart and Mechano-Growth Factor

MGF protects heart muscle against ischemia in animal models of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). Studies show that injections of MGF reduce cardiomyocyte damage by 35% and provide significant benefits after a heart attack. Until now, there have been just a few therapies that may lessen the effects of a heart attack while it is occurring. Unless a stent is inserted or clot-busting medicines are administered, little can be done in the immediate aftermath of a heart attack. Instead, most treatments aim to prevent injured tissue and restore function as much as feasible. Buy MGF peptide if you are a researcher interested in further studying this peptide.

OEG Offshore : The importance of charitable donations

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In November last year, the UK was hit by one of the most ferocious storms of recent times. The widespread devastation of Storm Arwen tragically led to loss of life, and thousands were left without electricity for several days.

Forestry and Land Scotland have estimated that around 4,000 hectares of Scottish forests were affected by storm damage, which is almost the equivalent area to the size of Dundee.

As Scotland continues to recover from the damage inflicted by the storm, OEG Offshore donated a container to the local voluntary conservation society, the Bailies of Bennachie, after their previous one was damaged during storm Arwen. 

While just one of the thousands of containers within OEG Offshore’s possession, the significance of this donation, or any charitable donation, goes beyond the measurable gift. They help communities come together, creating more sustainable practices while bringing attention to serious global issues.

Based in Huntley, Scotland, the Bailies of Bennachie charity was created to protect the natural environment, history, and culture of one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. Founded in 1973 with only 40 volunteers, the charity now boasts over 5000 members, all of which are committed to its goals of maintaining and improving public footpaths, encouraging the creation and preservation of features of natural, cultural, or public interest, and educating others on the benefits of Bennachie, all in an effort to preserve it for future generations.

Like many charitable organisations, Bailies of Bennachie thrive off donations and the efforts of its volunteers. When their previous container was destroyed in storm Arwen, we realised the goods and services we have at our disposal, such as our containers and delivery services, could directly benefit a local charity and the community it serves.

We are pleased to share that following our donation, the Bailies of Bennachie has continued its work on the hill, maintaining footpaths, improving drainage, and rebuilding dykes so that the larger community may have access to this outdoor space. Beyond bringing the community together, this donation has also highlighted the organisation’s work, drawing attention to its mission as a voluntary organisation and the areas it works in – the environment and education.

This is not our first charitable donation, nor will it be our last.

In the past, we have donated resources such as our containers to be used as storage for schools, businesses, and other charities and will continue to do so. Additionally, we hope to provide our services and financial donations to more charities and good causes in Scotland and abroad. As a business proud to be based in Aberdeenshire but reaching across the world, we will do our part to help others, bringing communities together both near and far.

Inaccurate Press Speculation: 1xBet Responds

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Recent press reporting has been referring to a video sponsorship that was organised by a third-party affiliate without 1xBet’s permission or knowledge. 1xBet would never deliberately promote or support disrespectful and politized content directed at Ukraine (or indeed any other country).

The lyrics that have caused offense were performed by just one participant in a much wider competition. 1xBet had no involvement in the creation of the offending lyric in question or the video’s production. As soon as 1xBet was made aware of the issue we acted immediately, directly contacting the organisers and instructing them to remove the original video (a request they have since complied with).

To ensure they do not conflict with the company’s values, 1xBet actively monitors affiliate partner promotions. However, unauthorised promotion of the business does occasionally – and regrettably – take place, as is the case with many major brands around the world. Once an unauthorised promotion is flagged, it is addressed quickly by the company.

To reiterate the above, any offensive lyrics or political viewpoints delivered by individual participants at the event should not be viewed as being in any way supported or endorsed by 1xBet – when it comes to disrespectful and politized content such as this, the company takes a zero tolerance stance.

When Do I Really Start Investing? The Bottom Line and the Gold IRA

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Many financial outfits will recommend investing in anything, retirement, stocks, or otherwise, as soon as possible. While this is generally very helpful advice if you have boatloads of cash just sitting around, for the average consumer the question of when is going to be a very important one indeed. If you are living desperate paycheck to desperate paycheck, chances are any investment will take away from some kind of important service, medication, or even just a hobby that gives you the drive to go another week. So, let’s go over some important tips for someone in this kind of situation, as well as some solutions.

Taking Stock

I am not going to tell you investment will let anyone rise out of poverty, and for many people, even the thought of investment is a cruel mockery of their current situation. For anyone in this kind of world, it can seem very daunting to recognize that someday you won’t be able to work, which means a fundamentally uncertain future. But, the first step to avoiding the worst cases is to take stock of your current situation.

There are many people who have gone through this process in great depth. If you want more expertly researched knowledge, click here for a summary. But, if you want the simplest summary of the tips, they start with writing down expenses. You can’t tackle a deficit in anything without knowing the amount of red you’re actually in.

This should ideally include every single expense, subscription, and paycheck. If you have multiple jobs and are trapped in the subscription hell of modern entertainment this will be complicated, and likely require multiple months and many headache-inducing phone calls to fully achieve. Even after this process, you will receive unexpected charges from institutions to which you swear you canceled your subscriptions, but fear not since knowing that will stop a drain on your bank account in the future.

Shaving Off the Top

Every financial advice article will recommend shaving off expenses, canceling things you love, and marching forward with the stoic drive of a superhuman money maker, and you can’t really avoid that kind of outcome. Often, people will emerge from financial hardship with well-earned trauma from simply not having the money to do things. But, if your income isn’t going to change, the only way to get the money to start climbing out is to take away things draining cash.

This can include anything, from meals out to creature comforts. This is hard, and the satire of modern money-making never recognizes that people need some things to live, food, water, and nowadays a phone for making important calls and emailing coworkers. Building on solid financial documentation of what you’ve spent money on, you can start ranking based on importance. You should have a penny-pincher mindset for this, but be specific at all times.

If you want more super useful information on how to get some spare cash for use in this kind of activity, here’s a great article by the charity United Way for doing just that: https://www.unitedway.org/my-smart-money/immediate-needs/i-cant-cover-my-expenses/how-to-cut-monthly-expenses#. Sacrifices are necessary, anger at where you are is okay, but getting out of this will take more than just exhausted frustration. In general, be proactive and optimistic as much as possible.

The Start to Discretionary Income

No income should be truly discretionary for the average person rising out of their background, but if you’ve done well consistently and actively you should start seeing some improvements. Overdraft fees or credit card debt will start to wither away, and you may end up with a few bucks for a fast food meal here or there. If you’re not born with the means, you can at least give those means to your children or loved ones, and you may start to see numbers grow that you can use to help those same people.

 Now is the time to invest. Many institutions are perfectly fine with encouraging you to go earlier, but if you start an account you can’t upkeep chances are you will be in a hole deeper than you can fathom. A charge for canceling an account isn’t much if you have that money, but when you are running against the $0 mark every month it can be a life-changer. In general, you can begin in this order: savings account, IRA account, and other investments.

IRA accounts are possibly the most important part of this kind of transition. So, even if the first few steps are a pain, this is the goal. Let’s talk a bit about your options in this realm, since to many people personal finances are a truly mysterious phenomenon.

Retirement Accounts For the Future

Saving money is something you should aspire towards, and nothing is more active in preventing old-age problems than a retirement account. IRA accounts are widespread, easy to apply for, and often can invest your money to start making passive income. This is a super quick way to get started on your future, but again, take it slowly, carefully, and step-by-step from the start.

There are many types of IRA accounts, from Roth IRAs to companies like Gold Storm IRA Investing that take your money and transfer it to physical capital. Regardless of your political leanings, capital and its associated capitalism is simply the act of generating this passive income that can have real effects on the way you live.

Don’t let the physical nature of gold or of a house take away your achievement. They may be outwardly modest, but physical things are the real goal. Numbers on a computer screen are cool, but they won’t feed your kids and they definitely won’t take care of you while you’re old. So, take your finances one step at a time and you may one day be able to take the step into housing, investing in a car, or buying an expensive asset, and that asset may be providing the financial stability you always wanted for your descendants for generations.

Practising lawyer Hannah Beko leads agenda for wellbeing change with new book

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For those in the legal profession who feel like wellbeing is not on the agenda at their firm, wellbeing consultant and practising lawyer Hannah Beko is commanding change.

The mum-of-three has penned a new book called The Authentic Lawyer which tells workers exactly how to get more from their lives and careers without working harder.

After more than two decades in the legal profession, she often wonders whether to steer her own sons away from a career in law or whether times might be changing with regards to wellbeing.

Since she realised the impact of chronic stress on her career, health and life in 2015, she became an avid researcher into the mental health of lawyers – and discovered that 95 per cent of those surveyed by the Law Society in 2015 reported suffering from moderate to severe work-related stress. At that time law was also considered to be one of the most stressful professions, above the emergency services and armed forces. 

Hannah believes that one reason for high stress levels is the huge pressure on legal professionals to deal with billing and chargeable hours targets, utilisation figures and write off explanations. 

She said: “I didn’t develop chronic stress as an employed lawyer. I was self-employed with no time recording, and no set targets. Very often my coaching clients who are looking for more work life balance, admit it’s not their firms asking them to work long hours, they have trouble switching off and calling it a day.  The work is never done. 

“Character traits that tend to bring us into law – the ones law firms even hire for – include: people pleasing, being a yes person, perfectionist tendencies and similar. 

“These sorts of personalities have a higher likelihood of succumbing to stress and ultimately burnout.  Especially combined with a profession who saw finishing on time, taking your holidays, resting and recuperating, as laziness or a demonstration of a lack of commitment.”

Hannah decided to write her book about how to help other lawyers take charge of their lives and avoid the same stress she had suffered.

She believes that the reason lawyers are leaving the profession in droves is because health and wellbeing matters to them and while those practising are told wellbeing is on the agenda, the numbers of lawyers suffering is still increasing.

Secondly, she blames management buy-in because if those higher up continue to prioritise the billing and client work, those they are a role model to, will do the same. 

“We need to start investing in our people and understanding what support they need, then providing it,” Hannah added. “Not only is it the right thing to do, to look after our people, but happy lawyers are more productive lawyers and even provide a better customer service.”

Gender Pay Gap Pushed Back by A Century Due to Covid

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Landmark study from QU finds 1 in 5 British female executives feel they’re not taken seriously as a business leader
  

  • 27% of British women state they have no support role whom they feel comfortable to take guidance from
  • 19% of British women agreed that their family do not support their entrepreneurial business endeavours
  • 20% of British female executives suffer from feeling under-qualified to confidently own their job title of Director/Founder/Senior Manager 
  • 22% of British women have no mentors that look like them or come from the same background 
  • 25% of British women feel they’re taken less seriously as a business leader

The COVID pandemic has served as a catalyst in widening the inequalities that underrepresented groups face in the UK’s business ecosystem – according to new research from the World Economic Forum (WEF), gender pay parity is at its lowest since their index was incepted. This reduction in the gender pay gap comes from women taking on disproportionate responsibilities of care for family members and children. British women’s high representation in sectors that were locked down and hard hit during the pandemic has meant that gender pay parity has been pushed back to 132 years, according to the WEF. In light of this, QU – a business consultancy for female and ethnic minority founded businesses – has commissioned new national research which found 27% of women in business receive much lower mentorship during their career due to a lack of representation in senior management roles with 18% of British women stating they left their sector due to this.

QU commissioned the unique study to better understand the lack of support networks that hinder women in businesses to successfully reach senior roles. The research found that a staggering 19% of British women don’t have support from their families to carry out their business endeavours with a striking 21% of British women stating they felt like an outcast from their family and community for having different career aspirations, indicating a critical lack of support and mentorship.

Key stats:

  • 27% of British women state they have no support role whom they feel comfortable to take guidance from
  • 19% of British women agreed that their family do not support their entrepreneurial business endeavours
  • 21% of British women state they’ve always felt like an outcast in their family and community for having different career aspirations to their families and the wider community
  • 31% of British women state they don’t know where to source investment opportunities to grow their business
  • 25% of British women feel they’re taken less seriously as a business leader
  • 19% of British women said that due to a lack of diversity in the higher ranks of their business they never saw a future in it, so they left that sector.

To address the disparities faced by female founded businesses, the recent Rose Review Progress Report has brought into effect the foundation of the Taskforce on Women-Led High-Growth Enterprises. The government backed initiative aims to help women in business by providing the tools to grow in their organisations as well as provide female entrepreneurs with access to finance and growth capital, increased technological adoption, and improved leadership skills. According to the report, if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men, up to £250bn of new value could be added to the UK economy. 

Shock UK economic growth provides optimism for dealmakers

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Chris Biggs, CEO and founder of consultancy and accounting company, Theta Global Advisors, discusses the external factors affecting the deals market and the importance of astute business advisors

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the UK economy grew by 0.5% in May – much higher than the flat rate of growth many were expecting after shrinking numbers in April and March. The Director of Economic Statistics at the ONS, Darren Morgan, has stated the UK economy has “rebounded” largely across sectors such as construction, services, and manufacturing. This could provide renewed optimism for dealmakers after the value of M&A in the UK dropped by 20% in the first quarter compared to the same time last year – though the actual number of deals has remained strong in 2022. Chris Biggs, CEO of accounting and consultancy firm, Theta Global Advisors, explains that the combination of a more positive outlook and company valuations that have plummeted, could provide a wealth of opportunities for deep-pocketed private investors.

An analysis from PwC has even highlighted that deals done during times of economic downturn often provide buyers with better returns, meaning that there could be a strong flurry of activity in the second half of the year, even if the growth in the economy progresses to a plateau or slight fall. There has also been an increasing number of public-to-private transactions so far in 2022, further highlighting the opportunities that can be found in the current market. Ultimately, during times of high inflation, investors do not want to be sitting on their cash. This means that despite current market uncertainty, there will continue to be activity from VC houses and institutional investors – whether that is through acquisitions or funding.

However, there has been a notable shift in the market away from late-stage start ups with high cash burn, as a much greater emphasis is now being placed on sustainability. Therefore, it is the early-stage start ups with this ethos in mind that stand in better stead amidst this challenging environment. In order for a deal or fundraising round to go smoothly, financial advisors are key in helping to facilitate the process and gain the best terms for the company involved. 

According to data from Deloitte, nearly two-thirds (63%) of businesses report that the success of their M&A was moderately or highly dependent on a successful transformation – often led by a senior level and external advisor. In order for start-ups to take advantage of the exit opportunities, Chris Biggs outlines the importance of bringing an experienced CFO or COO -on an interim basis- to implement transformational changes to working capital, reorganisation, increasing cost reduction, and legal entity restructuring to secure the best deal possible. 

Chris Biggs, CEO & Founder of Theta Global Advisors, explained how companies need to be agile in order to complete an IPO or M&A in the current market:

“Though the British economy bounced back in May, continuous rising interest rates have caused a significant shift in the deals market. That’s why we’re trying to encourage companies to get themselves as ready as quickly possible. Because, if you have that little opportunity that comes up in six months’ time, you must take it and not push it out to 12 months. In an uncertain market you need to be ready to take the chance when it arises, as there may not be many more on the horizon – especially if the cash flow runway is limited. 

“A key part of that is enlisting the help of experienced advisors that can help you get your business’ shop window in order, so to speak. This early and expert preparation gives companies the greatest chance of getting a deal, IPO or fundraise over the line. 

“I think the private equity houses are looking for opportunities to invest in new companies, because it’s that first phase where you can start to invest and grow it – that’s where you can add the most value and see your overall investment grow. So, the problem is, if it’s a company they have already invested in for three, four or even five years they have already gone through that cycle. So, if they invest more in it, they are going to get smaller returns for what they invest in.

“A lot of the PE houses would prefer to invest in companies where there is greater growth potential – i.e. that first round of funding that companies do. I think we are possibly moving into the environment where funding of private equity is going to become more common than funding through classic banks. Because these private equity houses need to get the cash out.”   

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