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

Sam Allcock
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0
Heatwave crisis can ONLY be tackled with mega amounts of private money

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?

Sam Allcock
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0
Do Natural MGF Levels Decrease With Age?

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

ABC Staff
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0
OEG Offshore : The importance of charitable donations

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

Sam Allcock
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0
Inaccurate Press Speculation: 1xBet Responds

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

Sam Allcock
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0
When Do I Really Start Investing? The Bottom Line and the Gold IRA

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

ABC Staff
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0
Practising lawyer Hannah Beko leads agenda for wellbeing change with new book

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

Sam Allcock
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0
Gender Pay Gap Pushed Back by A Century Due to Covid

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

Sam Allcock
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0
Shock UK economic growth provides optimism for dealmakers

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.”   

Human error remains a key challenge in Fintech security

Sam Allcock
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0
Human error remains a key challenge in Fintech security

Current State of Fintech Security: Expert Warns on Rising Phishing Attacks, Human Factor Remains Key Challenge

Cybersecurity challenges continue to rise for fintechs. The digital natives are more than ready to ward off threats from a technical standpoint, thus enabling them to focus on another crucial security point – human judgment – and limiting its errors through team and client education.

July 13, 2022. In Q1 of 2022, fintech companies have experienced 2.5 times more attacks than in the two previous years. The growing rate of cybercrime has added to the market unrest and questioned fintech preparedness; some claimed that the industry players are more susceptible to virtual threats than traditional banking, with greater resources at their disposal. 

Thibaud Catry, Head of Compliance at ConnectPay, said that claims about diminishing fintech security are far-fetched, although he encouraged ramping up defenses due to rising cyber threats.

“In today’s day and age, the size of your business does not determine the capability to fend off fraudsters”, said Catry. “The massive fraud prevention departments that traditional banks have are becoming obsolete, as the ‘strength in numbers’ paradigm has shifted to ‘strength in technology’. Now it’s possible to prevent fraud at the same — or even higher — efficiency with fewer people simply by utilizing the appropriate tools and automation.”

He also noted that, in a way, the long-standing credibility of legacy banks puts them at greater risk. For instance, in phishing assaults, large banks are frequently a better target for fraudsters as they service an incredibly high number of people. 

“If a person has an account with a well-known bank and receives a notice, stating that it has been blocked, it is more likely that s/he will click the link. As a result, scammers frequently target people using the most common bank names, exploit brand awareness to reel in unaware clients.”

Threats on rise

When comparing the pre-pandemic period with the first couple of years of the pandemic, reports indicate that online fraud attack rates have shot up by 233%. Fintechs have not been immune as well, with attacks on the industry players reportedly soaring by 70% in 2021.

Catry has shared this is largely felt across the industry, noting an increased amount of phishing attacks, Brand Abuse, and CEO scams (fraudsters impersonating a senior company manager). The latter is harder to stop, as social engineering types of frauds prey on and exploit human trust.  

“Even the best technology implemented might not work if a recipient blindly trusts any sender, does not take time to evaluate the legitimacy of content, and press any link s/he gets,” Catry said.

In the last few months alone, ConnectPay had to up their security several times; most recently – when Russia invaded Ukraine. Early preparations have helped keep scammers at bay and clients’ funds secure so far; Catry accredits resilience to securing not only their systems’ backend but also their website, having its backups on another domain. The company also uses its own cyber security solution to maintain ironclad safety.

Although the trend is continuing upward, he emphasized that being digitally native enables the fintech sector to handle cyberthreats with more ease than legacy banking could. Yet one crucial point on both sides needs greater attention. “The importance of sound tech safeguards in place cannot be overstated, but when it comes to security, human decisions, rather than technology, is still the weakest link in the chain,” he added. 

Educating clients to limit human error

Building awareness both internally and externally (the latter is often overlooked) could significantly change the power dynamic. Catry noted that while training employees on the most prevalent scam scenarios is a common practice, clients are usually not part of this process, even though they are the primary target.

“Raising awareness regarding fraud is key to making sure that the preemptive safeguards hold up. Of course, fraud prevention requires sophisticated technical solutions to quickly spot and address anomalies in transactions. However, you cannot be one step ahead if all the people, involved in the process, are not aware of possible risks.”

He mentioned that educating clients along with employees has bore fruit at ConnectPay as well, raising overall preparedness to ward off scammers. “Including clients into the equation can drastically tip the scales in financial service provider’s favor, adding an extra layer of security that is not easily penetrated, as con artists are left with fewer vulnerabilities to exploit.”

Domestic developers helping alleviate unbalanced levels of supply & demand in UK property market

Sam Allcock
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0
Domestic developers helping alleviate unbalanced levels of supply & demand in UK property market

There has been a 24% increase in homes brought to market, as millennial developers flood the property sector

Simon Bath is a property expert and the creator of Moveable – he discusses the increasing trend of remortgaging and developing, and why this is exactly what the housing market needs

A severe imbalance between supply and demand has driven house prices to the highest levels in almost two decades. With the government failing to deliver on their target of building 300,000 new homes a year, property expert, Simon Bath, explains that domestic developers could be the key to bringing the housing market back to its glory days. It appears they are already having an impact, with research from Rightmove revealing that there has been a 24% jump in the number of prospective sellers bringing homes to the market, as estate agent appraisals reach the highest level since January. 

Brits are becoming increasingly entrepreneurial in their motivations behind being a “homeowner”, not to mention the means with which they are accessing the capital to do so. In order to fund these ambitions, remortgaging to release equity will be key in giving borrowers a boost in capital and ultimately the ability to throw thousands of pounds into a deposit for a second home. 

In addition to Rightmove’s research, a unique study commissioned by property concierge platform, Moveable, has found that 1-in-10 homeowners are looking to re-mortgage their home in order to buy a second one – this figure rises to 1-in-5 for millennials – while a further 24% of millennials are looking to buy a home to develop, not to live in. This perfect combination of increased activity and stimulation within the housing market is not only providing existing homeowners with the chance to earn money, but also helping prospective homeowners get on the ladder by increasing levels of stock and reducing prices in the market. 

Moveable’s landmark study also highlights a surprising correlation between patterns of remortgaging and property development. In Milton Keynes and London, a respective 22% and 17% of homeowners (all ages) are looking to re-mortgage their home to buy a second property. This comes as both areas show a significant boom in property development, with 22% of developers (all ages) looking to do so in Milton Keynes and London. House prices in Milton Keynes have outstripped UK house price growth by 41.8% (£28,000 per year) in this decade alone, according to Lion Estates. Similarly, the value of a property in the capital is now £24,000 higher than March 2021, according to the ONS, demonstrating a significant increase in value.
Simon Says:
“Significant steps have been made this year in an attempt to help first-time buyers with getting onto the property ladder, including the removal of affordability tests, longer mortgage plans and the Right to Buy scheme. However, these schemes still haven’t addressed one crucial factor of such a volatile market  – the severe imbalance of supply and demand.

“There’s been a general change of pace around the housing market, meaning that Brits are now looking to property development and buy-to-let as another source of steady income. Ever since the beginning of the 2000s, the housing market has seen an increasing trend in the ownership of more than one home, with people having this objective in mind. Currently, one in ten adults in the UK have wealth from properties additional to their own home, with many of them receiving some form of income through developing and buy-to-let. Houses are way more valuable now than they used to be, and with that comes investment opportunities.

“Because there is currently so little stock, house prices are continuously increasing – making it near impossible for first-time buyers to lock in a property. Promoting domestic housing developers will essentially help to alleviate the current supply chain issues and make it more achievable for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder.”

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  • bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 117,608.00 0.17%
  • ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,944.35 1.09%
  • xrpXRP (XRP) $ 2.77 4.8%
  • tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.02%
  • bnbBNB (BNB) $ 688.75 0.09%
  • solanaSolana (SOL) $ 161.04 1.74%
  • usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.999904 0%
  • tronTRON (TRX) $ 0.301652 1.83%
  • staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,936.64 1.34%
  • cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.715657 1.94%
  • avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 20.86 0.62%
  • the-open-networkToncoin (TON) $ 2.99 0.63%
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