SUBSCRIBE
Home Blog Page 977

The Top 50 Unexpected Tasks British Workers Frequently Face

Jack Peat
-
0
The Top 50 Unexpected Tasks British Workers Frequently Face

A new report has highlighted the top 50 unexpected tasks British workers say they do in their job role in an effort to strike a dialogue about animal labour. The report found that 13 per cent of employees have been so disgruntled about the work they were being asked to do, as the tasks were too far removed from their job description, they’ve left the job.

Jeremy Hulme Chief Executive of working animal charity SPANA explains “The good news is that the majority of people do have a choice, and if a job becomes too inappropriate, difficult or stressful, they can often leave or do something about it. That’s the difference between working people in Britain and working animals abroad, which have no choice.”

Animal labour is a big issue overseas with many being mistreated in an effort to create profit. Jeremy Hulme continued: “We need to support these working horses, donkeys, camels and other animals to improve their conditions and ensure they have the vet care they need when they are sick or injured.”

So should British workers spend more time feeling lucky they are not animals working overseas or do we just need to buckle down and be grateful we have jobs? The report found that cleaning toilets, teaching English to foreign colleagues and wearing revealing or indecent clothes to model in are just some of the unexpected tasks Brits have been asked to do.

The research also found that when it comes to baby making, colleagues are expected to pick up the slack. One respondent told how they were asked to work overtime to allow another colleague to nip home and make love – as his partner was at the fertile point in her month. Another was asked to babysit a colleague’s children while continuing with their normal workload, while one ‘kind’ boss asked two staff members to dress up as the Easter bunny and deliver Easter eggs to all the other worker.

The truth is both workers and employees have to pick up the slack in the current working environment at a time when jobs are being cut and Brexit casts uncertainty on the year ahead. However one thing that must not be sacrificed is the respect for both employee and employer. Like it or not there are many workers who feel that they have gotten to a point in their career that means certain tasks are beneath them, this isn’t inherently a bad thing it simply means that they have pride in their job and respect for the work they have put in which employers should also recognise.

The flip side is that nowadays employees have more right than sense as many of the recent strikes should tell us. However, if you think it’s just grumbling employees take a look at the findings below and ask yourself how many of the tasks are you willing to do?

TOP 50 UNEXPECTED TASKS

1. Sweep the floors

2. Cleaning toilets

3. Clearing up rubbish

4. Feeding animals

5. Unknotting Christmas lights

6. Cuddle someone

7. Type phone contacts into a spreadsheet

8. Removing hair from hairbrushes

9. Stack books

10. Play computer games

11. Pack and stack boxes

12. Erecting fences

13. Wash people’s hair

14. Plan a wedding

15. Soak and peel the labels off bottles

16. Cut pre-made sandwiches into triangles

17. Peel the pith from satsuma segments

18. Shredding paper manually due to a broken-down shredder

19. Polish cutlery with vinegar

20. Hand grating massive bowls of cheese

21. Attaching security tags / labels to products

22. Teach English to foreign colleagues

23. Remove stitches

24. Taste testing

25. Separating security pins from tags

26. Dressing up as a cartoon character

27. Stacking coat hangers

28. Dust books with a paintbrush

29. Dress in a sandwich board in public

30. Wear fake tan and wax chest

31. Wear revealing or indecent clothes to model in

32. Packing fish

33. Do all the boss’s Christmas shopping

34. Cleaning the top of changing room mirrors

35. Stuff crackers

36. Colour separate skittles / sweets

37. Being a Sports mascot

38. Remove poo from swimming pools

39. Cleaning up road kill

40. Post false good comments about the company online

41. Fire someone, even though it wasn’t your place to do so

42. Fill donuts with jam

43. Chopping the heads off kippers

44. Write Christmas card jokes

45. Eat dog food

46. Delete all emails and files from the boss’s computer

47. Pose as a member of the opposite sex for the day

48. Spy on senior management

49. Buy underwear for the boss’s wife

50. Stand in a line pretending to queue for the sales

Britain’s Motorists Are Suffering From A Peculiar Fear

Jack Peat
-
0
Britain’s Motorists Are Suffering From A Peculiar Fear

Britain’s motorists are suffering from a peculiar fear. Forget rationale phobias such as heights, spiders and snakes, it seems our roads are occupied by countless numbers of people suffering from ‘parallelophobia’ – a fear of parallel parking.

Almost a third of drivers, that’s potentially more than 11 million, admit the prospect of trying to manoeuvre their motor into a parallel space drives them to distraction, and 34 per cent confessed they think it’s the hardest parking technique.

More than half of drivers have gone past an empty space because it meant they would have had to carry out the procedure they fear the most.

Three in ten admit to parking more than a MILE from their destination rather than attempt to parallel park.

And one in five said they would rather continue to circle round a car park or street until an easier space becomes available.

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com which commissioned the survey of 2,000 drivers to mark the launch of its new parking tool, said: “Parallelophobia is a fear that resonates with many drivers, with some going to great lengths to avoid performing the manoeuvre.

“As one of the more technical parts of driving, it’s understandable why some motorists may be frightened of damaging other cars as well as their own.

“This week drivers everywhere will be hitting the sales and competing for precious parking spaces, so it’s likely that this phobia of parallel parking will be heightened over the period.

“Those who are confident parallel parkers should use their fearlessness to their advantage as it will surely give them the best chance of getting a space during this competitive time.”

The study also revealed that 63 per cent of drivers said they struggle to park when they’re trying to get used to the size of their new car.

In fact, some of the most common problems when trying to parallel park were found to be bumping into the car in front or behind, becoming stuck mid-manoeuvre and unable to get out of the space or accidentally running someone over .

And of those who have bumped another car while trying to parallel park, only five per cent said they left their insurance details for the other driver.

But it seems stress might be a big factor as knowing there are other drivers waiting for you to complete the parallel park and having a partner in the car have been named as two of the most stressful parts about parallel parking.

In fact, parallel parking was named one of the most stressful things in life by 16 per cent of drivers, this was compared to 13 per cent who said meeting the other half’s family for the first time and 10 per cent who said being stuck behind a learner driver was a big stress for them.

While one in 13 said getting the children out of the house in time for school was by far the most stressful thing in life.

The study put together a list of the most stressful things in life, with parallel parking landing in 14th and finding a parking space came 15th.

The study found that many drivers struggle with the manoeuvre because they’re frightened of hitting someone else’s car, while one in five admit it’s because they have no spatial awareness.

Eighteen per cent said they have real problems parallel parking because they can’t see the front or back of their car from the driver’s seat.

Many will avoid the task altogether by parking on a curb and some have even asked their travel companion to get out and park the car for them.

The study revealed, one in 10 women thinks everything about parking is stressful to them – it’s one of the hardest parts about driving.

In fact 77 per cent of men find it easy to complete a parallel park, compared to only 44 per cent of women.

To help drivers save money and overcome the stresses of parking Confused.com, the No.1 site for car savings, has launched a parking tool which allows drivers to find and book over 250,000 parking spaces nationwide.

Amanda added: “We spend far too much time trying to find a space to park and often this comes down to the type of space we’re comfortable in parking in, as well as the cost of fees and availability of space.

“The Confused.com parking tool overcomes this by allowing drivers to compare numerous car parks within a certain area, including their costs, availability and other features, such as the type of space, access hours and security. Drivers can book in advance, so less confident parallel parkers and fearless parallel parkers alike can ensure they have a parking space.

“Whether you’re a commuter looking to book a long-term parking space or you want to guarantee parking ahead of a concert or sporting event, the tool will help you find and book a space to suit you. You may even get a better deal by booking in advance!”

TOP 25 MOST STRESSFUL THINGS IN LIFE ACCORDING TO DRIVERS

  1. Running late
  2. Applying for a job
  3. Losing your phone/bank card
  4. Long queues
  5. Driving the car with very little petrol and not knowing where next petrol station is
  6. Unrealistic deadlines
  7. Noisy neighbours
  8. Driving somewhere you’ve never been before
  9. Anticipating an awkward conversation
  10. Planning a wedding
  11. Missing your train/bus
  12. Crowded public transport
  13. Trying to find your keys when you’re in a rush
  14. Parallel parking
  15. Finding a parking space
  16. Plans being changed at last minute
  17. Meeting the other half’s family for the first time
  18. Having to get work finished before a holiday
  19. Trying to find a last minute outfit
  20. Being stuck behind a learner driver
  21. Going through security at an airport
  22. Remembering people’s names
  23. Getting children out of the house in time for school & work
  24. Receiving a text or call from an unknown number
  25. When your child is rude to someone and there’s nothing you can do to retract their statements

Has investment in fines wines outperformed many other major financial indexes?

Sam Allcock
-
0
Has investment in fines wines outperformed many other major financial indexes?

The world of investments is a powerful industry in which the most intuitive, talented and well-prepared investors manage to achieve high financial returns by making smart decisions every step of the way. Apart from traditional asset classes, you also have the option of considering alternative investment options next year and increase your winning rates in the industry.

Among all possible valuable alternatives, fine wine plays an essential role for investors looking to outperform many other major financial indexes and build a real business empire that might bring them financial fortunes next year. Let’s discover more about this type of investments, why you should choose fine wine instead of other possible assets and how you can turn your investments into pure gold in 2017.

FWI versus World Equities in the world of valuable investments

Fine wine has been a valid choice made by serious investors for many years. Why? Because it represents a finite product that increases in quality over time as well as a tangible asset to rely on. Also, a convincing factor of the viability of fine wine as compared to other assets in the investment industry is represented by the fact that it has managed to produce positive absolute returns for a long period. Positive effects in the case of such investments usually come every 5 years since the first period in record.

In comparison to global equities for example, FWI seems to outperform 98%of the time when considered over 5-year investment horizons. Moreover, the FWI offers diversifying benefits to any well-established portfolio of global equities. Such indicators also prove the fact that fine wine becomes less volatile over time thus become the best option to consider when you establish long term business plans.

The secret value of the limited production of fine wine

Another reason why fine wine outperforms other financial indexes in the world of investments is represented by its limited production every year. You will not find endless offers of great wine across the world because it is expensive and its value increases when there is high demand and less available offers to consider.

People have become more and more interested in making valuable purchases in the last few years. Moreover, investors willing to place high bets in the business world focus on tangible assets that are limited in terms of production and which will be high in demand as they reach a certain age or stage. This is exactly the case with fine wine. It gets better as it matures. In addition, as the supply starts diminishing its prices go over the roof and the increase in demand becomes huge in comparison to other financial indexes.

Finite product with long term value for connoisseurs

This is what makes fine wine the wisest asset you could choose for your future investment plans. It is a finite product that always improves its overall quality as it matures, it is a tangible asset which brings high returns and it is always sought for by those willing to spend serious money for making valuable purchases.

Shrewd investors also focus on the fine wine market more than on other options to achieve medium to long term returns in this volatile economic climate featured at a global level. The value of fine wine from top chateaux has increased a lot in the last decade due to the huge increase in demand. Wine connoisseurs want the best when they decide to make a new purchase and investors are looking to offer them what they could not purchase from someone else. This helps them keep their prices high and never lack customers willing to pay big bucks for liquid treasures they love to consume.

Finally, 2017 is the year that is predicted to bring notable changes in the world at an economic level. The global financial crisis has done its worse in the last couple of years and this might be the perfect time for things to get back on their normal track so that the investment world might be revived. Investors looking to hit the jackpot next year have already started focusing on valid investments in fine wine because these have provento outperform many other major financial indexes.

Rely on famous brands with proven results given their valuable wine brands like Chateau Lafite Rothschild and you will win the lottery with your smart investment plan.

How to Take your Domestic SME Overseas

ABC Staff
-
0
How to Take your Domestic SME Overseas

Despite its obvious advantages, it appears as though SMEs throughout the UK have an inherent reluctance to export their goods (and services) overseas. This is a long-standing issue that defines the British economy, and one that continues to restrict growth within an already challenging financial and political climate.

The precise reasons for this remain a mystery, as any economist worth their salt will testify that expanding a business into international markets in an effective and organic way of achieving growth. Perhaps the biggest issue is the perceived lack of expertise and resources that exist within smaller businesses, as many fear that they will become stretched and ultimately unable to maintain the necessary quality of service to their existing customers.

Business associates shaking hands in office

Despite these challenges, however, ambitious, informed and organised SMEs have a unique opportunity to prosper in the international marketplace. This is so long as they heed the lessons taught by the emergence of remote working within the workplace, which has already enabled small business-owners to expand their infrastructures and tap into a global workforce. With 72% of professionals now of the belief that traditional office culture is no longer relevant, it is time to re-imagine your venture and fulfill your ambition of becoming a globally-renowned brand.

With this in mind, here are some steps that will help you to take your domestic SME and launch it internationally: –

Start Small and Trial Your Products Through an Online Marketplace

In general terms, you should look to start small when taking your first steps in the international marketplace. After all, making a large-scale commitment will require a significant investment, and it is crucial that your trial your unique products and services overseas before spending your business capital.

Instead, it makes far more commercial sense to begin your journey by selling one or two products (or perhaps a small range) through a global, online marketplace. After all, a recent Pitney Bowes study confirmed that roughly half of the world’s consumers do most of their online shopping through outlets like eBay and Amazon, which in turn creates a vast global audience that you are able to target with your brand’s proposition.

Additionally, this strategy also reduces the initial cost to your business, both in terms of manufacturing (as you are minimising the product range that you sell overseas) and distribution. Even though selling through affiliate sites such as Amazon may require you to pay 10% commission on each sale, this is a small sacrifice and one that enables you to determine which (if any) of your products have the potential to generate profit on the international market.

Refine Your Market Choice Over Time

For some products, there is a universal level of demand that barely fluctuates from country to country. Take motorhomes, for example, which are popular throughout the Western world and particularly in regions such as Europe and North America. So as the UK industry reported a huge increase in sales during March of this year, this growth trend was replicated throughout the world.

For most products, however, demand fluctuates wildly across international markets and it is therefore crucial that your SME refines its global strategy over time. Most importantly, you must determine which international markets are likely to optimise your ROI, based on the nature of your product range and the target market that you have identified.

Once you have done this, you can begin to sell your products across a wider range of sites that are specific to selected countries.

While this is all well and good, the question that remains is which international markets should feature heavily in your thinking? Clearly China will spring to mind, given its huge consumer base and the recent success of the region’s Alibaba website. We would also recommend that you consider outlets in nations such as Korea, Canada or even Saudi Arabia, particularly with the former driving significant sales during the last two Cyber Weekends.

The key is to gather data and analytics that enable you to make an informed decision, however, as you look to create a tailored strategy that optimises your conversion rates.

Reduce Risk When You Begin to Trade

SMEs can also struggle with the practicalities of trading internationally, from language and cultural barriers to the risk associated with managing foreign debtors. It is therefore crucial that you simplify this process and manage risk from the outset, using your existing infrastructure and external services to help you achieve these aims.

In terms of the latter, service providers Market Invoice have innovated a trade solution that increases your SMEs working capital while also reducing the risk of dealing with overseas customers. This solution offers funding against foreign debtors, based on completed orders that have been exported and invoiced. These invoices are effectively sold for their full value, creating immediate cash flow and driving real-time growth. The money is repaid when the debtor settles the invoice, creating a simple and efficient process that make international trading more accessible to smaller firms.

This type of service is crucial if you are to replicate your domestic business model overseas, as even the most thoughtful and informed strategy can fall apart without practical assistance.

So there you have it; some insightful tips that will enable you to turn a domestic SME into an international business. Hopefully, these will remove many barrier to growth and enable you to embrace the full potential of a diverse, international marketplace that continues to grow.

The Impact of Fraud and How Forensic Accounting Can Help Combat It

Sam Allcock
-
0
The Impact of Fraud and How Forensic Accounting Can Help Combat It

One of the biggest threats to a businesses and the markets is fraud. All businesses of all sizes are at risk of fraud. The two main types of fraud are misappropriation of assets by employees and fraudulent financial reporting. The latter point being a process whereby the figures are purposely adjusted in order to mislead investors, stakeholders and the public. Typically misappropriation of asset fraud is conducted by employees whereas fraudulent financial reporting fraud is often conducted by those higher up in a company such as senior management or the directors themselves. Both types of fraud can devastate a company and affect the economy on a local, national and international stage.

Financial Losses

The first major effect of fraud is perhaps the most obvious; financial loss. In its most basic form a misappropriation of company assets can be as simple as an employer taking 20 pounds from the till. This type of fraud has embezzled the company of 20 pounds. When we begin to look at fraudulent financial reporting the results are much harder to decipher. The risk of fraudulent financial reporting doesn’t have an exact monetary value. It’s risks become apparent when we take a look at the financial impact of investigation fines, the costs of civil suits to recoup investor and creditor losses as well as the long term impact of banks and companies refusing to extend a line of credit or a loan to you and your business in the future. In the long run these financial restrictions can end many businesses.

Reputation

Someone who steals and lies isn’t to be trusted. This also applies to businesses who steal and lie in order to gain a financial advantage over their competition. Many cases of fraud when investigated by the police will reach the media. Be that the national or international news for major corporations or local news outlets for smaller, local businesses. Either way in the impact is felt the same. Existing customers will lose trust and potential new customers will stay well away. The reality is that businesses lose the trust of their customers when they get involved in fraudulent acts. The impact and drain of an investigation on a taxpayers money is often the stick that the public will use to bash a fraudulent company damaging your reputation well into the future.

Employee Moral

Employees who know their employers are corrupt and fraudulent will often feel a full range of emotions that negatively affects their work production. Some may feel embarrassed to work with a company that acts in this manner Some will begin to distrust their employers, if an employer can lie on their tax returns that why wouldn’t they lie about how much overtime you are owed? Some employees will begin to feel apathetic towards their employers. All of these emotions always lead to the same result; an unhappy and unproductive workforce which in turn will turnover lower profits.

Increased Audit Costs

Come the hour of the dreaded audit most auditors will raise their prices and their attention to a businesses that has a history of fraudulent activity. This inevitably leads to higher fees and tighter restrictions all of which will affect the financial movement of a business.

If you are worried about fraud in your company or you suspect foul play then why not hire a forensic accountant. A forensic account will apply the application of accounting techniques to legal disputes.

Anyone can hire a forensic accountant if they have a financial dispute or if they want to know the potential downside or upside to a financial decision. Forensic accountants are often hired by individuals, companies and lawyers.

 

The January Sales Survival Guide

Elliot
-
0
The January Sales Survival Guide

If the tag is red, it doesn’t make it a great bargain is just one of the tips from a team of experts on tackling the January sales.

 

The penny pinching gurus at PromotionalCodes.org.uk, say there are plenty of ways to achieve a stress-free sales shop, without coming home overloaded with bags of things you don’t need.

 

Among them is writing yourself a list before you leave, withdrawing cash instead of paying on card and making sure your tummy is full.

 

Taking regular breaks and being cautious of the ‘last chance to buy’ signs are other ways to ensure you make a triumph of your sales shopping.

 

Darren Williams from PromotionalCodes.org.uk said: “Keeping a clear head and avoiding being sucked into all of the price reduction labels can be tricky.

 

“There’s nothing worse than coming home feeling beaten by the sales, exhausted and having spent a fortune on the bargains you thought you simply must have.

 

“Most of the time people don’t end up coming home with what they set out to get, so we’ve compiled a handy list of the best shopping hacks. They’ll have you handling the sales like a boss.”

 

Here are PromotionalCodes.org.uk, top sales shopping tops:

 

  1. Fill up your tummy

Don’t be tempted to skip breakfast and make it to the shops early. No breakfast could have you feeling faint and tired all too soon. You’ll need lots of energy to run like a lean mean shopping machine throughout the day.

 

  1. Make a plan of attack

There’s nothing wrong with doing a little forward planning. Look online, make a wish list of what you really want and get an idea of which shops to head to first. If you have a plan of attack in mind, you’re less likely to waste unnecessary time and energy.

 

  1. Cash NOT card

Withdrawing a maximum spending value is likely to help you avoid impulse buying on the card. Buying on your card is way too easy and can turn into a slippery slope.

 

  1. Bag up

Load yourself with plenty of big sturdy bags. This way you won’t fall into the trap of queuing for a trolley. Plus we’ve all felt the finger-pain of carrying a million little heavy plastic bags.

 

  1. Don’t worry about other shoppers

Don’t pay attention to what everyone else is doing. Keep your list and your rough plan in mind to stop yourself getting carried away with the crowds.

 

  1. Red isn’t always a bargain

It’s not the bargain of the century just because the tag is red. Ask yourself if it is such a great bargain and if you really do need it. We all have those sale items that sit at the back of the wardrobe collecting dust. If you’re not sure if you’ll wear it, don’t buy it.

 

  1. Beware the ‘last chance to buy’ sign

This is not the last chance saloon, no matter how much those ‘last chance to buy’ signs make you feel that way. Most signs are there to encourage you to panic buy, so ignore them.

 

  1. Have a breather

Sales shopping is generally a marathon, not a sprint. So take breaks to collect yourself now and again, stay hydrated and use these little stops to remind yourself of your wish list.

 

  1. Learn the returns

Make sure you have a handle on the returns policy. The queue to the changing rooms is likely to be massive and there’s not always time to try before you buy. Check if you can return before you purchase.

 

  1. Don’t get roped in

Sales are a great opportunity for many shops to rope customers into signing up to their credit card scheme. These encourage over-spending and what they don’t tell you is that you’ll still be paying for the items months after buying them.

 

ENDS

6 big trends property investors must be ready for next year

Sam Allcock
-
0
6 big trends property investors must be ready for next year

The same as in every other business area, investors have started doing their research on big trends in their domain for 2017. Planning in advance allows you to develop effective strategies and schedule every next move for successful investments in the future. Therefore, today we have prepared a general forecast with six big trends you must be ready for next year so that your real estate business might grow and bring you positive financial revenues. Discover more details below.

Playing for advantage:  Big is the keyword in real estate

Every trend for property investors starts with a big word: serious assets, big competition, and a wide capital. 2017 is the year when investors should play for advantage and guard the flank. The same way the game of chess is not one of chance, the real estate industry is not one in which to play games without proper planning and effective strategies to ensure your success. As an investor, you need a master plan and a complex set of skills that can be considered both science and art. You might make a lucky guess once but overall success is always achieved following the big plan that features serious investments and a winning game against powerful competition.

Achieve positive transformation through effective location choice

Another big trend of 2017 as far as property investments are concerned refers to essential transformations achieved through effective choices in terms of location for investment. A new breed of powerful CEOs seems to have turned a widespread economic development process upside down which has led to a serious transformation of perspectives and strategies in the real estate business. Instead of serious negotiations for generous packages of incentives, business leaders turn their attention towards private employers who can benefit their enterprises. This is a trend you should pay attention to if you want to become known in this business and achieve more success than ever through smart choices and investments.

New reality in terms of investments in real estate

As far as Europe is concerned, the big property investment trend to pay attention to is represented by the shift in terms of its center of gravity. The focus that was once given to real estate as a financial asset has now shifted to its value as a product or more importantly, as a service. Despite the numerous discussions and concerns regarding the European real estate market, professionals in the industry still see great value in it. However, there are no great return expectations in the short term. Moreover, the value of active asset management in this industry is being talked up in terms of means to access new income there.

Shift of focus beyond traditional boundaries in real estate

The emerging trends in the property investment industry reveal a market that needs to look beyond traditional boundaries. Investors might not have all the answers to important questions right now but 2017 will definitely be the year of revelations and innovation in this industry. Those who have already studied the market well and have become aware of emerging trends are the ones who will take their business to the next level at the beginning of next year.

More focus on gateway cities

A big trend regarding the European real estate market as well as other similar ones is represented by a shift in focus on gateway cities. The appetite for property has remained as strong as it used to be for investors. However, given latest discoveries in the industry and the new trends, it looks like most of them will consider alternative real estate sectors as well as gateway cities which will lead to return expectations being scaled down.

Focus on the bigger picture in terms of trends

Although emerging trends all come with serious effects on the changes that will occur in the real estate industry, these will not go hand in hand perfectly. Various factors influence their real value so the most important trend is to focus on the bigger picture and be ready for situations in which cross-currents between trends occur. Whereas certain property markets might be struggling with a lack of affordable housing options, a real increase in opposition to potential solutions might be registered.

Finally, these are six of the biggest trends to consider in terms of real estate investments. Whether you are planning to purchase apartments in Istanbul or shift your focus to the European or British market, careful attention needs to be paid to such changes to ensure effectiveness.

Carrying the Torch for a Great British Pastime: Where Technology and Traditional Collide

ABC Staff
-
0
Carrying the Torch for a Great British Pastime: Where Technology and Traditional Collide

Synonymous with Britishness alongside national favourites such as fish and chips, football and a lack of sunshine; Bingo is another great part of the country’s identity.

Unfortunately, the fast-paced innovation of technology means that some of the old ways of life have been transformed dramatically as gadgets improve and enhance our experiences. Traditional bingo has also suffered amid falling levels of disposable income in the UK, with Chancellor Philip Hammond’s autumn budget revealing that we are unlikely to see real wage growth for at least the next decade.

While bingo operators are unable to do anything about the economic climate, however, they have seized the opportunities provided by technology to reach their customer base and many more new players, potentially saving the industry as a whole.

Bingo Halls Lose out to Technology

In the not so distant past, Bingo Halls used to be popular destinations for punters looking to win some money while enjoying the company and a good night out. The halls are now mostly the preserve of an older generation for whom bingo was a big part of their social life, but the pastime is far from dead, however.

The numbers make depressing reading for those who love bingo as up to a third of halls have shut down in the last decade, that’s down to just under 400 from a high of over 600 since 2005. Other factors such as the introduction of the smoking ban are also attributed to this decline, as well as high taxes on gambling operators.

With the ability to provide a bingo experience on the go, online bingo games are carrying the torch for one of the nation’s favourite pastimes. Many UK bingo sites are even attracting new, younger players due to their accessibility and entertainment value that online based models excel at.

The Rise of Online Bingo

Online Bingo’s popularity has risen exponentially as the format benefited from internet connected mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. This means that players could gamble at their convenience whether while commuting or in the comfort of their homes – hence the reduction in footfall to bingo halls. Not only is online bingo available at the click of a mouse or tap of a screen, the number of available games has also grown. In addition to digital versions of traditional bingo games and casino slots, there are also a variety of themed games including tie-ins with popular TV and Film franchises.

As mentioned above, while physical locations have suffered many operators now also provide online versions of their bingo games. Their ease of access and improved user experiences have actually attracted millions of new and former players. Simply put, today’s bingo players can have instant access to a huge library of games, more than what was ever available in traditional halls, from the comfort of home. That is a hard act to follow for physical buildings that are constrained by their size, cost, and unaltered format.

Looking ahead, physical halls may need to invest in digital focused services to augment the experiences that bingo halls offer. Accessibility is what has helped online bingo grow its user numbers in addition to better variety and number of games.

Therefore, with more technological innovations available or on the way, such as Virtual and Augmented Reality, that will improve players’ experiences of online bingo even further, the online bingo industry will only continue to grow.

Self Storage For Commercial Business Reasons

ABC Staff
-
0

Self storage had built a bit of a reputation as simply being a place for homeowners and long term property renters to store all of their unwanted possessions that they just did not have the heart to throw away, with some people associating storage units as just a place to store junk.

And whilst, for some this might still be the case, over the past ten years the demand for self storage facilities across the UK has risen dramatically with new storage units popping up everywhere, meaning that if you need storage, you are often only a very short drive away from your nearest facility, even in the most rural areas. In popular business districts such as Camden and Westminster in London, self storage facilities are a huge help to business owners.

And with the rise in demand and supply, has come a much better understanding about self storage and just how cost effective it is, and when it comes to commercial self storage and businesses making use of a storage facility, more and more now actually make use of this fantastic space giving solution. Whilst self storage is not the option for every business and industry, across the UK, thousands of small to medium sized businesses, charities and organisation will have a long term storage unit (or two), as a way of utilising cost effective space saving.

The team at Bristol based Thornbury Self Storage agreed to an interview to look at why commercial self storage really can be a lifeline for a growing company.

There are many, many reasons why and how commercial self storage can be used and these include:

  • Holding Stock
  • Document Storage
  • Archive Storage
  • Furniture / Production Materials
  • Seasonal Products

And as we say, many more reasons, but if you are a business that is lacking space, then commercial self storage really can be a winning solution for so many reasons.

Operating a business is tough, no matter how successful it is, but when it comes to expansion and getting more room, this is one hurdle that is often too high for many. Whether it’s down to the cost of expansion or the locational difficulties, businesses knowing they need more space to grow can often be left in a horrible situation where they simply cannot make the next step.

Reasons Why Self Storage Works For Business:

Flexibility

Most self storage facilities offer a very flexible approach when it comes to short, medium and long term storage, as you simply rent the unit per month and then give a months’ notice should you want to close the agreement down. And, if you need more or less space they will generally allow you to downsize or upsize, meaning that your storage unit can grow to reflect your business.

Security

When it comes to security, many of the best storage facilities invest thousands in alarms, CCTV, boundary fencing and lighting, meaning that your stored items are often far safer in a self storage unit than they would be at your place of work. Security is such a key aspect, including fire and flood protection as well.

Affordability

Hiring a self storage unit is far more cost effective than building a new warehouse or expanding your office, there is no doubt about that. And, you can grow as and where your business needs to grow, rather than having to spend thousands relocating your business just to find a place big enough to accommodate your needs.

Featured image by Self Storage (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

How do you choose a saving account?

ABC Staff
-
0
How do you choose a saving account?

With so many complicated savings products on the market these days, it is easy to think back to  the days when saving simply meant slipping money under the mattress.

But with interest rates very low, it is more important than ever to make sure your money is working for you as hard as it can be. We look at some of the different types of product available on the market.

Help to buy ISA
The help to buy ISA is available to people saving to buy their first property. You can deposit up to £1,200 in the first month, and up to £200 per month thereafter – and the government will then give you a 25% tax-free bonus on everything you save when you use the money to buy your first home. Although the bonus is so generous, clearly not everyone will qualify for one, and you can’t open a Help to Buy ISA in the same year as a cash ISA.

Cash ISAs
With a cash ISA, you can save up to £15,240 a year tax-free – and you don’t, as many people believe, have to actually tie up your money. While they’ve become much less attractive to some with the introduction of the new personal savings allowance, a rise in interest rates could tip the balance back.

They are good for people paying higher-rate tax – or those who think they might do so in future – and they do have better interest rates than ordinary easy-access savings accounts.
Instant access savings accounts
These accounts offer great flexibility to save and spend your cash when you need to, but they tend to come at the cost of lower interest rates than less flexible alternatives. With interest rates at rock bottom, they are looking extremely disappointing at the moment. However, on a positive note, the new personal savings allowance means basic rate taxpayers don’t pay tax on the first £1,000 of interest on their actual savings (and higher-rate taxpayers do not pay tax on the first £500).

Fixed-rate bonds
If you are prepared to tie your money up for a quite a while, a fixed-rate bond can give better rates of interest. Interest can usually be paid monthly, annually or at the end of the term. However, you need to be able to tie your money up for at least a year and as long as five years, plus there’s always the risk that interest rates will rise while your money is locked away, so you need to think about this and weigh it up against the extra interest.

Current account
It’s probably the last place you’d think of putting your savings, but many current accounts do offer a great rate of interest in turn for a monthly fee. Whether or not these deals make sense for you will depend largely on how much money you are likely to have in the account at any one time, and how much the interest on it is offset by the fee.

Of course, once you’ve decided on the type of savings account you would like, there is a huge number of individual products on the market – and they are changing all the time.

Your best bet is to go to a comparison website such as MoneySupermarket or MoneySavingExpert and compare the rates and terms and conditions.

You’ll need to consider how much you’re likely to be able to save, and whether it will be the same amount every month. You will also need to ask yourself whether or not you can afford to lock the money away, and if so, for how long, this decision needs lots of consideration.

Remember once you don’t have to put all your savings in one place, there  is no reason why you can’t save for say your property deposit in one account, and your next holiday in another.

1...976977978...1,051Page 977 of 1,051

ABC Money 2025 - 1st Edition

Magazine - 2025 Edition

Explore the latest insights, trends, and expert analyses in finance with ABC Money 2025. Stay ahead in 2025!

LEARN MORE

Leading news network for crypto, finance and business.

More from ABC

Contact

Contact: advertise@abcmoney.co.uk © ABC Money Team @ 2006

  • bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 115,371.00 0.33%
  • ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 4,453.30 0.72%
  • xrpXRP (XRP) $ 2.97 0.24%
  • tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0%
  • bnbBNB (BNB) $ 1,049.49 0.61%
  • solanaSolana (SOL) $ 236.65 1.18%
  • usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.999702 0%
  • staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 4,446.86 0.74%
  • tronTRON (TRX) $ 0.342973 1.09%
  • cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.886328 0.85%
  • avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 33.10 0.3%
  • the-open-networkToncoin (TON) $ 3.08 0.33%
Enable Notifications OK No thanks