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How Can Holiday Loans Ensure You Get A Perfect Holiday?

Elliot
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How Can Holiday Loans Ensure You Get A Perfect Holiday?

Dreaming of your perfect holiday? Well, that dream may come to a screeching halt, unless you have some money squirreled away. But what if there was another way to pay for it? Holiday loans are unsecured loans you can use to borrow money to pay for your holiday. After that, you just repay in flexible instalments over a longer period, just like you would with any other loan. It’s convenient and affordable, that’s true. But how can it help you achieve the perfect holiday experience?

What Can Holiday Loans Help Pay For?

You know that holiday loans can help you out with costs and whatnot, but do you know exactly what expenses you can cover with the money you borrow? Let’s take a look at some of the options.

  1. Flights & Transportation

The first thing people book when organising a holiday is the flight, for multiple reasons:

  1. The earlier you book and pay, the cheaper it is
  2. Your dates need to be set and ready
  3. You may want flexibility for other aspects, such as accommodation

Flights are expensive, especially if you’re planning on flying in first class, so it makes sense to get a loan to cover this cost. You can pay it off completely in one go, and then just repay the loan in flexible instalments over the course of several months, as you can afford it.

  1. Hotels & Accommodation

Another major expense that will take up a massive part of your budget is, of course, the hotel and other accommodation you may require. Sure, staying in hostels can be fun and exciting if you’re 18 and have a built-in resistance to smells and mysterious foreign substances, but a lot of people will not be willing to sacrifice their comfort, and that is perfectly understandable. 5-star hotels must be experienced at least once in a lifetime, and a holiday loan is the perfect excuse, isn’t it? Just make sure you browse several options to get the best prices.

  1. Car Hire & Travel Guides

You’re probably not going to know how to get around the place you are visiting, which means that you need some help. Now, that help can come in multiple ways, or more accurately, it can be bought. A car hire can go a long way, as having someone to wait for you at the airport and take care of your baggage can save you a lot of stress and anxiety. They’ll just pick you up and drive you wherever you need to go. A travel guide is also an excellent thing to invest in, as they can provide you with tremendous help and information about local sights and culture.

  1. Travel Insurance & Other Expenses

I know you don’t want to think about getting ill or injured on holiday, but unfortunately, that’s something that can happen and something to be prepared for. You do not want to get stuck paying medical bills overseas, especially in countries where they do not have socialised medical care. You can rack up quite the bill for a hospital stay or even just an ambulance ride, so travel insurance can save you all that cash.

What Kind Of Trips Can You Take?

Ok, so holiday loans can actually be pretty helpful! But can you use them for any kind of trip? Where can you go with holiday loans? Here are some suggestions.

Trips With Friends

You don’t need a special occasion to take a fun trip with your group of friends! But what you do need is money to pay for the holiday, especially if it’s a late-night impromptu booking after one too many drinks. Holiday loans can’t help with the hangover you’re going to suffer from the morning after, but they can help cover the costs of this spur-of-the-moment friend trip. Just make sure you take every precaution and stay safe on your exciting adventure. Here is some valuable foreign travel advice.

Trips Abroad

The beauty of travelling is that you don’t need to stick to what you know, and can instead go out and see so many beautiful and special places far away from home. Travelling abroad is always exciting, whether you’re doing it alone or with friends, but it is also more expensive than just a trip around the UK. For once, you need to pay for a flight, and depending on how many tourists your destination attracts, accommodation can be pricy, as well. A holiday loan is the perfect financing solution for a trip like this.

Honeymoon

Congratulations on getting hitched! May you be as happy as you were on your wedding day for the rest of your life! Do you know what comes after marriage? If you said babies, you’re getting ahead of yourself, because the honeymoon comes first. But in order to go on this lovebird holiday, you do need some extra cash, and that may be gone with all the wedding festivities. What do you do? Get a holiday loan!

Gap Year

You’re done with school and heading for university next, and that is a reason to celebrate! However, perhaps you’re not quite ready for more education just yet and would like to take a break. Plenty of students take a gap year to travel, explore the world and get to know themselves, so it’s not at all a bad idea. However, it’s an idea that can require a lot of money, but you know what to do to get it.

All in all, holiday loans can offer a tremendous amount of help with planning holidays and other trips. You don’t always have enough money saved up for an amazing foreign holiday, but a holiday loan is always there to be used, should you need it to cover costs for hotels, flights, or even extra expenses, like insurance. Take a look at the requirements you need to meet and apply as soon as possible. The sooner you get it, the sooner you can leave! Have a safe flight!

How to combat unacceptable behaviour in the workplace

Elliot
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0
How to combat unacceptable behaviour in the workplace

Bullying and sexual harassment in the workplace has taken centre stage in the news in recent months following the allegations of sexual assault and rape against film producer Harvey Weinstein.

Hollywood has been under the spotlight whilst investigations of sexual harassment are under way. For many people, having Hollywood stars come forward about their experiences of bullying and sexual harassment in the workplace has given other individuals the confidence to come forward about their unfortunate experiences at work.

But just how big is the issue? Badgemaster, retailers of button badges, investigates how pressing the matter of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace is and how we can combat the issue moving forward.

How severe is sexual harassment in the workplace?

Around 14% of people in the workplace have reported sexual harassment in the workplace, with figures significantly higher for women (20%) then for males (7%). One in five women claim to be victims of sexual harassment, with a significant number saying they were targeted by their boss. 12% of male victims said they were targeted by managers, as opposed to 30% of women – and it appears that the younger generation make up the majority. 19% of female victims are aged between 18-34 years old, while 7% of female victims were over 55.

Worryingly, these figures may be an inaccurate representation of reality, with the BBC revealing that two thirds of female victims do not report their sexual harassment to anyone. Likewise, 79% of male victims keep their incidents to themselves. This could be what is pushing many people to leave their job roles as a result. One in 10 women leaves their job as a result of a sexual harassment incident.

Sexual harassment covers a wide spectrum of incidents – from sexual comments and unwanted touching to verbal sexual advances and sexual assault. 12% of victims who had the courage to step forward and report an incident said the incident was not even acknowledged by their company. A further 31% said although their report was acknowledged, no action was taken. Unfortunately, figures reveal that just three in 10 victims said that their offender was given a warning, and just 4% said that their offender was removed from the company.

How to deal with an incident in the workplace

The importance of dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace properly has been highlighted following the uncovering of celebrity victims in Hollywood. HR departments must make it clear that it won’t be tolerated in the workplace. However, HR has been the victim of scrutiny recently.

An employee needs to feel safe, confident and comfortable enough to report an incident to you, knowing that something will be done about it. With such a high rate of acknowledgment and no action taken, you need to make it clear that sexual harassment is unacceptable.

A confidential process is required in every workplace for safeguarding and dealing with complaints. Identifying sexual harassment isn’t always obvious – consider how the actions and words affect the victim. Does it make them feel uncomfortable, hostile or does it offend them? With many victims not reporting incidents themselves, it is important to be able to spot the tell-tale signs of harassment in the workplace.

Obviously, any report needs to be investigated properly and formally, but what happens when the accused it guilty? What should the punishment be? The incident needs to be acknowledged, and action needs to be taken.

According to Avvo, ‘Employers, rather than individuals, are liable for sexual harassment in the workplace. That means if an employer is found guilty of neglecting to stop or prevent sexual harassment, the employer may face court-ordered penalties.’

However, the accused can face penalties from their employer for their actions. Punishments are usually measured on how serious the offensive behaviour was. Penalties range from a warning, demotion, transfer or salary reduction to monitoring, suspension and termination.

Do we have a bullying problem?

Unacceptable behaviour in the workplace includes bullying – and there appears to be an issue in the UK. According to a YouGov poll, 29% of workers have been the victim of workplace bullying – that’s almost every three in every 10 workers, which would equate to 9.1 million of the UK workplace.

Again, women appear to be the most likely victims. 34% of women have experienced workplace bullying as opposed to 23% of men. However, it is the older generation who appears to be the most affected by workplace bullying. 34% of 40-59 year olds are affected.

Worryingly, nearly three quarters of bullying incidents are carried out by a manager. Furthermore, in 2015, the BBC revealed that Acas received over 20,000 calls about harassment and bullying in the workplace during the previous year — with some callers admitting to having suicidal thoughts as a result.

Gender, disability, religion, beliefs, ethnicity and sexual orientation are amongst the most common reasons behind bullying. Women are reported to be 11% more likely to be a victim of bullying, while an Opportunity Now survey reveals that 71% of disabled women have been victims of some kind of workplace abuse or bullying. Additionally, one in five people who identified themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual experienced bullying too.

How to tackle workplace bullying

Further reports by Acas revealed that workplace bullying is costing the UK economy £18 billion a year – which combines sickness-related absences, staff turnover and reduced productivity. Whilst it is clearly significantly costing the UK economy, the effect it has on businesses and employees is also significant.

It is an employer’s responsibility for duty of care and welfare of their employees and that includes the prevention of bullying and harassment. It is also your responsibility to fully investigate a reported incident. A grievance is likely to be filed by the HR department or manager, to which it must be upheld and acknowledged. Worryingly, 99% currently believe that workplace bullying is not dealt with appropriately.

Organisations should have a clear policy set in place in the event of a bullying incident or report – and it should state that it will not be tolerated in the workplace. Staff need to feel confident and comfortable reporting the matter, and it should then go on to be dealt with in a respectful, confidential manner.

Is your business switched on to the smart meter opportunity?

Elliot
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0
Is your business switched on to the smart meter opportunity?

Smart meters: they’ve been dominating headlines for months (if not years), so you’d be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t at least heard or read about them.

So far, though, the conversation has primarily been centred on how they can benefit owner-occupiers and renters in the residential sector – but is the opportunity for small businesses to keep tabs on their commercial gas and electricity usage being overlooked?

The smart meter revolution

Firstly, let’s put the rise of the smart meter into context. The government has set electricity and mains gas suppliers the target of making the technology available to every home in England, Scotland and Wales by 2020 – that’s 26 million households in total.

The idea behind this? To phase out imprecise estimated readings in favour of up-to-the-minute digital energy usage recordings, taken by smart meters. These measurements are then sent directly to energy suppliers and used to generate fully accurate bills, based on actual usage.

Homes across the country are already being fitted with smart meters as we speak – but crucially, it’s not just homes that are eligible. Run a small business with fewer than 10 employees? Then, chances are, you’re entitled to a smart meter too. If in doubt, simply ask your energy supplier or broker. If your energy bills are included in the rent you pay for your commercial premises, it’s the bill payer who needs to make the request for your smart meter – so ask your landlord.

What’s in it for my business?

We hear you: accurate energy bills are all well and good, but can getting a smart meter offer any real business benefits above and beyond that? The short answer is yes, and these are just some of them:

  • No nasty surprises

No more projected bills based on estimated readings means no more nasty surprises, which in turn makes managing your overheads a whole lot easier – a big plus for small businesses.

  • Better understanding, smarter usage

Smart meters’ display units are designed to show clearly the correlation between habits and energy usage. Are those 3 o’clock office tea rounds causing a spike in usage as the kettle goes into overdrive? Is your business wasting energy outside of normal working hours because computers are being left on overnight? These are issues a smart meter can help you identify and, more importantly, act on – whether that means investing in a hot water urn or reminding employees to switch off their machines at night. Developing a heightened awareness and understanding of your energy usage also makes you more likely to make smarter money and energy-saving decisions across your business.

  • No more meter readings

Manual meter readings can be disruptive to the working day – but having a smart meter in place eliminates the need for these. It does its thing, you do yours. Simple.

  • Faster response to power cuts

As Britain’s energy network upgrades in line with the mass rollout of smart meters, energy suppliers will be able to respond quicker to power cuts in turn.

  • A 21st-century approach to energy

Smart meters are part of a much bigger picture when it comes to Britain’s future energy supply. Put simply, the long-term plan is to create a fully integrated smart grid linking different hardware, communications and other technologies together in something of an internet for gas and electricity. Smart meters are a crucial step towards this vision, which will eventually serve homes and businesses alike with greener, more efficient, less wasteful and more cost-effective energy.

  • Innovative energy tariffs

Smart meters aren’t just there to give customers a better understanding of their usage; they help suppliers to identify usage patterns too – and it’s this kind of information that suppliers need to develop new, innovative and increasingly competitive tariffs.

OK, I’m convinced. How do I get one?

Good news for time-poor business owners: if you want a smart meter, you barely need lift a finger yourself.  Once you’ve made the initial move of speaking to your energy supplier or broker (or your landlord, in the case of rented premises), here’s what will happen:

  1. Agree a time and day

Provided you’re eligible, your energy supplier will contact you to arrange a time to fit your smart meter. They will work with you to ensure this is a time that works for both parties, and causes minimal disruption to the running of your business

  1. Let your supplier in on installation day

A specially trained installer from your energy supplier will call round at the time you agree to fit your smart meter, so make sure you’re there to let them in

  1. Plug and play

Once they have completed the fitting, your installer will show you and your staff how your new smart meter works, and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

And that’s it! As soon as your smart meter is in, your business can start reaping the benefits.

 Results that speak for themselves

Last but not least, post-installation surveys have shown high levels of satisfaction from customers with smart meters. For example, the Smart Meter Customer Experience Study carried out in August 2017 by the government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy revealed that 80% of those surveyed were satisfied with the technology itself, while 89% were pleased with the installation visit.

Ready to join the smart meter revolution? Talk to your supplier today, or visit www.smartenergygb.org for more information.

Should You Get A Merchant Cash Advance For Your Business?

ABC Staff
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Should You Get A Merchant Cash Advance For Your Business?

Do you want to get a merchant cash advance? If your business is struggling financially, or you could use a small injection of cash, you may be considering this popular financing option, but should you get an advance? According to FSB, 99.3% of companies in the private sector are small businesses, so this issue is probably relevant to a lot of different business owners. There are arguments to be made both for and against, and the best course of action is to carefully consider both sides before making a final decision. Who knows, maybe it’s your ideal solution, or perhaps you are better off with an alternative.

What Is A Merchant Cash Advance?

If you are not familiar with merchant cash advances by now, you should know that they are a financing solution for small to medium businesses. As the name suggests, this is not a typical loan, but an advance, and the difference lies in the terms of the transaction. You can apply and receive money for your business, just like you would with any traditional type of lending.

However, when repayment time comes around, you won’t be repaying in fixed instalments, but in a fixed percentage, according to your sales. In addition, the repayments will be made exclusively from income you make from credit card and debit card transactions. Requirements and documentation include 12 months’ worth of transaction history, as well as a minimum amount in income from credit card and business card transactions.

Should You Get A Merchant Cash Advance For Your Business? Why?

First, let’s consider all the reasons why merchant cash advances may be a good idea for your business. What can they offer you? Are the advantages enough for you to opt for this sort of financing?

The repayment is flexible

The first thing to point out is that the repayment method is quite different from normal loans. Instead of making regular, fixed payments, you pay the money off in a fixed percentage. Every single day, you are going to pay a small percentage of what you make out of transactions with credit cards and debit cards. That means that the amount you repay will actually fluctuate depending on how much you make in a day. You never run the risk of not being able to afford your repayment, because it’s always going to be proportional with the amount you make.

You don’t need to secure it

The other thing that can serve as a major advantage is the fact that there is no real need to secure this money. You do not need to provide any sort of collateral to secure the loan, there is no increased interest rate, and you don’t really need to have good credit. That is because the lender is not in any real danger of losing out on the money you borrow. Since they automatically take the repayments out every day, they have access to your accounts and you cannot default on the loan or skip payments, make them late, etc. The Money Advice Service has more information on the difference between secured and unsecured loans.

Should You Get A Merchant Cash Advance For Your Business? Why Not?

What about disadvantages? What’s negative about merchant cash advances? What should put you off them?

Your business needs to have been operating with credit card transactions for at least 12 months

One factor that may take you out of the running from the very beginning is the fact that in order to be approved for merchant cash advances, your business needs to a) operate with credit card and debit card transactions and b) to have operated with them for at least 12 months. You see, when you apply, you need to provide the lender with the history of these transactions dating back at least 12 months. Based on this, they make an idea on your projected income for the foreseeable future and they can judge how much they can allow you to borrow.

You must make a minimum amount in income from credit card transactions

The other thing you need to keep in mind is the fact that there is a minimum amount you will need to make from these credit card and debit card operations. Because the repayment of the money you borrowed is made exclusively from this income, the lender needs to make sure that you can actually afford to pay it back. Unfortunately, that means enforcing minimum amounts, which can severely limit the selection of businesses that can be approved for this financing solution. This minimum will differ from company to company, though, so do make sure to browse several options before giving up or settling on one.

All in all, whether or not you should get merchant cash advances is a decision best left entirely up to you. There are certainly both pros and cons to consider, and the suitability of this option will depend on what kind of business you have, how it operates, and what your financial needs are. You may consider that other similar options would work better for you, or maybe a business cash advance is exactly what you were looking for. Either way, make sure to take the time to review positives and negatives before making a decision, as well as any alternatives that may fit your criteria.

If you still can’t decide, have a read through the great guide put together by the guys over at Merchant Cash Express They are a trustworthy company based in the UK and offer excellent rates for fast merchant cash advances and there service is free of charge.

What Type of People Are Entitled to Claim Criminal Injury Compensation?

Elliot
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What Type of People Are Entitled to Claim Criminal Injury Compensation?

Have you been injured during a criminal act? Established in the 1960s as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) allows people who have been injured in a “crime of violence” to claim financial compensation.

If you’re a victim of a violent crime, you may be eligible to make a claim. Below, we’ve explained the eligibility criteria for making a claim for criminal injury compensation, as well as the best path to take if you believe you’re eligible.

What is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is an institution of the UK Government that runs a compensation scheme for people injured in violent crime. In England and Wales, CICA is funded by the Ministry of Justice; in Scotland, the agency is funded by the Justice Directorate.

CICA was originally founded in the 1960s as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. Since it was established in 1964, the scheme has paid out upwards of £3 billion. More than £200 million in compensation payments are made to victims of violent crime every year.

The compensation scheme was reformed in September 2012. Currently, the maximum amount a victim of violent crime can potentially claim under the scheme is £500,000. Payments can be made for injuries, loss of earnings, bereavement, dependency and other conditions.

Who is Eligible to Make a Criminal Injury Compensation Claim?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme has specific eligibility criteria, meaning that not all victims of crime may be able to make a claim.

Working out whether or not you’re eligible to make a claim can be a confusing process. The UK government operates an in-depth, detailed website that covers eligibility criteria for the scheme.

In general, people who are “blameless victims of violent crime, or people whose loved ones have died as a result of a violent crime” are eligible to make a claim.

In order to qualify as an eligible victim, the person needs to be a “direct victim” of a “crime of violence.” There is no legal definition of this term in the UK — as such, the scheme provides a list of crimes that are considered “crimes of violence” for eligibility purposes.

In determining eligibility, several steps are taken. The first is establishing that a violent crime has occurred. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a violent crime, it needs to be reported to the police as soon as is reasonably practicable.

There are also residency limits on eligibility. Claimants are required by law to be British citizens, close relatives of British citizens or nationals of member states of the EU or EEC. In order to be eligible for compensation, the crime must have taken place within the UK.

The injury must have a value of £1,000 or more. Injuries can be either physical, psychological or a combination of the two. The criminal responsible for your injuries does not need to have been caught or convicted — you can still potentially make a claim if they are unidentified.

More Information for Victims of Violent Crime

The full eligibility criteria for the scheme is quite complicated, making it difficult to work out if you or a loved one are eligible for compensation. For most people, the best approach is to speak to a lawyer that specialises in making criminal injury claims to learn more about your eligibility.

Are you considering making a claim? Defence Solicitors London provide a criminal injury claim service and can help you learn more about the scheme, from your eligibility to the legal process of making a claim for compensation, you can get in touch with them here.

Top Ways to Manage Your Personal Finances

ABC Staff
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Top Ways to Manage Your Personal Finances

With busy lifestyles and the growing concern about how economic factors may affect how far your wages go each month, it is becoming increasingly important to consider your financial future and how you manage money on a regular basis. It would be great if there was a magic wand to help transform our spending and saving habits for the better but unfortunately, it is not that easy. The concept of managing your personal finances may be simple but implementing it into already stretched budgets is a more difficult task.

Check out some helpful ways to reduce your financial stress and start planning a cash healthy future.

Planning and setting goals

One of the first steps to achieving financial stability is to analyse what you are spending regularly. Setting goals for your specific lifestyle and money aspirations are key to deciding how best to manage your money. Different stages of your life require different ways of managing money so considering what stage you are at is another important factor.

Prioritising your financial goals is the next step in realising them. Some goals will require long-term commitment such as saving for retirement whereas other may be shorter such as saving for your next holiday. If you’re looking to make substantial savings, for example, purchasing a new home, considering how you will achieve this is also a part of the planning process, as substantial changes in money management may be required.

Sticking to a budget

Once you’ve set your goals and decided on the best plan of action in bringing them to fruition, creating a budget will bring you another step closer to successfully reaching them. Budgeting is one of the harder aspects of money management and may call for an end to overspending and keeping a clear record of how much is spent each week. Long-term goals will require keen commitment to saving for retirement or a first home will require a significant savings pot.

An important factor to consider when budgeting regularly is to remember this is not something that is punishing you, although it might feel like it at first. This goal is set to make a clearer and healthy relationship with money and build on your life success for a stable financial future. Just remember to look at the end goal and concentrate on this exciting step to achieving it.

Getting out of debt

If you have a debt hanging over you, no matter how hard you try, you may be stuck in a debt spiral. Saving for long-term goals with debt can be a struggle and it is sometimes best to focus on clearing it before you start a serious savings plan. Eliminating debts can be tricky if you are struggling for cash but trying to clear credit cards more quickly, resolving unsecured loans and getting back into the black on overdrafts will help to put you in a better position.

Ways to help increase the amount you can put towards debt include:

  • Considering a second job in the short term can help you put this money into further debt payments.
  • Sell unwanted items and release some money from things you no longer use
  • Tighten budgets to release further funds for your debt payment plans

If you have considerable debt, you may feel overwhelmed and do not know where to start in the process of trying to clear it. In these situations, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling with money management. There is a host of resources and debt advice available for anyone looking to resolve their financial issues. Debt payment plans, financial planners and using budgeting software are some of the ways to control your finances and start getting ahead for future wealth building.

If you’re looking to start making changes to your financial future, taking simple steps can help you achieve your goals and ensure you lead a healthy and happy lifestyle for years to come.

 

What impact will GDPR have on SMEs?

ABC Staff
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What impact will GDPR have on SMEs?

The General Data Protection Regulation is set to shake the marketing industry.  As its implementation date looms (25th May, 2018) some businesses are still a little confused with regards to its impact.  Here, the direct marketing experts at Romax give us the low down….

 

 

 

 

What Are the Best ePayment Options for Playing Poker Online?

ABC Staff
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What Are the Best ePayment Options for Playing Poker Online?

When playing poker online, once you feel confident enough to bypass the practice games, it’s time to start playing for actual money. But the way money transfer works when playing online can send some running for the hills. In fact, it couldn’t be easier when it comes to transactional payments when playing poker online. With the rise of many payment options, as well as the cryptocurrency, which helps ensure a greater degree of security, there are several secure payment methods. Choosing an online payment method is determined by exactly what you are using the payment for, with each provider specialising in a different area. Here is a rundown of the most popular and secure payment options for both playing poker online and a range of other transactions.

Online payment options in 2018 go beyond credit and debit cards

Skrill

Skrill allows money to be transferred from online sources to a bank account. Benefits include the zero fees for money transfer and the competitive rates for foreign exchange, which can benefit those playing online in other domains. Skrill is a popular option for playing poker online due to the high level of security placed in your digital wallet. The anti-fraud team are on hand for every transaction, which can be quite large depending on the poker wins, and vary based on poker game chosen, from 7 Card Stud to Omaha Hi-Lo. Skrill is a complete digital wallet, which combines store cards, credit and debit cards, and online transactions to ensure everything is in one place, which is beneficial for those who may need greater control over their money.  Skrill’s benefits lie in the range of payments that can be completed through the system, which include Bitcoin and most major credit card providers. For beginner players, Skrill can be beneficial for the initial free play money that some poker rooms offer for new accounts. So, Skrill is a service of choice for poker players in order to have their money sent directly to their accounts when they win the jackpot.

Mastercard and Visa

Mastercard and Visa are household names when it comes to making payments, and their indelible reputation around the world stands them in good stead as a strong contender to choose for making online transactions. The insurance offered for larger purchases places Mastercard and Visa as transaction options for big ticket items such as white goods, pricey electronics, or larger items from overseas. Transferring this to playing poker online, the transaction is more likely to be protected, especially for larger payouts. The worldwide acclaim also tells both sides of the transaction that the payment can be trusted and will go through without issue.  Chargeback allows money to be recouped from your bank should the purchase not be delivered, which gives greater peace of mind as a means of transaction. In its current form, MasterCard has been around since 1979, previously known as InterBank and Master Charge since 1966, as a multinational financial services corporation, which adds to its reliability as a business. While Visa was founded in 1958 as BankAmericard, also adding to its established roots in society as a dependable payment option.

Online payment options can vary based on the transaction

Paysafecard

Paysafecard bill themselves as a provider of payment for entertainment services – from music and film to gaming and social media. Encompassing aspects of payment that millennials will be more likely to use goes hand in hand with the cashless society that the future is promising. Paysafecard involves the purchasing of a pre-loaded paysafecard, which will then be used to pay for things online. The benefits are the greater security because it minimises your bank account’s use online as well as only being able to have the amount of money taken that is the card balance – so no extra money can be deducted from your bank account for any reason. Paysafecards can be bought as WHSmith, ASDA, PayPoints and various One Stops and McColl’s around the country, which legitimises their use online. Paysafecard can be used for social media purchases, such as in-app Facebook purchases, which one may not want to have linked to their bank account. Paysafecard also includes the draw of the myPLUS rewards, a loyalty scheme for customers for the more they use the service. In keeping with their gaming and social market, rewards include money off Steam games, Skype use, and even League of Legends. Paysafecard may be a more niche market for paying online, but they are definitely one that spends a hefty amount on online transactions. Paysafecard is therefore quite a good option for playing poker online, as online gaming is a speciality here.

Paypal

Perhaps the most well-known name when it comes to online purchases, Paypal is used as the preferred method of payment in e-retail giants Amazon and eBay, as well as offered as an option on almost every online transactional site. Paypal’s security is a huge draw for users and the protection consumers feel through the brand and the safeguarding of their bank account through the service helps explain how it is so popular. Paypal is as beneficial for a business, with their merchant services division as they are for individual consumers, which helps offer parity across the board in the financial services offered. Reviews on Card Payment Options are generally favourable, giving Paypal a 3.8/5 for their services. Although reviews should always be considered subjective, as those with unfavourable experiences are more likely to leave a review. Paypal’s marketing division is perhaps more effective than its competitors and Paypal as an alternative way of payment is a household expression. Paypal’s greatest asset is therefore the widespread use of the service from smaller vendors to large companies, which ensures your finances are all monitored and secured from the same platform.   

When making any online transaction, from playing poker online and receiving winnings from a live Texas Hold ‘Em tournament to making large white goods transactions by finally replacing the fridge and to opting for alternative currencies such as Bitcoin, there are a variety of online payment methods to choose from. It’s important to consider the benefits as they apply to the kind of transaction you may make, as well as the general reputation of the company both in the global marketplace and from peers and other users. Ultimately, the payment method will likely change, and as we move into a more digitised world, payment methods may even be completely different in just a few short years’ time.       

 

Best value for money events in 2018

ABC Staff
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Best value for money events in 2018

When looking for the best value for money events to attend, value for money doesn’t necessarily mean the cheapest event you can go to.  When picking an event you want to consider how much bang for your buck you’re getting.

You can pay a small fortune to go to some sporting events (cough cough, a Premier League Football match), which only last 90 minutes. However, there are brilliant events all over the country that provide atmosphere, fun, intrigue and something different.

Here’s our list of the best value for money events in 2018…

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons

3rd – 27th August

The home of over 50,000 performances and heading for more than 3,000 shows. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes place over three weeks every August.

This is the world’s biggest arts festival and it’s the place to go for dance, stand-up comedy, theatre, spoken word, opera, art exhibitions, circus, and more.

Tickets are purchased for whichever acts you would like to see, so do your research.   Each show/ performance is individually priced (averaging £10 per performance) so make sure you have a rough plan for each day otherwise you can end up spending money on performances you wish you hadn’t.

However, if you are willing to just put yourself out there and try new things this is the place for you. If you’re lucky you might see the next Peter Kaye or Ricky Gervais for just a few quid.

The Fringe does provide you with the perfect opportunity to explore the city. Edinburgh is stunning and well worth a visit so why not kill two birds with one very dramatic stone?

Grand National

14th April

Horse racing is the most stylish way to celebrate sport.  You don’t get to put on those platform shoes, top hats and fascinators at Wembley Stadium!

The Grand National is like no other horse racing event in the country.   It is the longest horse race in the Country at two and a half furlongs. The distance alone guarantees you value for money when compared to some of the shorter races that take place on other tracks around the UK.

The bookies take some incredible bets on the day with nobody batting an eyelid at £50,000 each way bets. But, you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy the thrill. It’s just as exciting places your £1.00 to win bet and then cheering like a banshee from the side lines.

Everyone has heard of Red Rum (no not from The Shining), the legendary triple-winning, formidable horse.

Over 600 million people watch the event live at home. 40 horses and jockeys line up to race across the famous fences including Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn, Valentine’s and The Chair.

You could be at Aintree to witness the drama unfold in person and to watch the hero come through at the end.

Tickets start from a bargain £29 and if there are more than seven of you a discount of 10% can also be claimed.  How often can you get a full day out with incredible sporting action, live music and the possibility of having that winning feeling for under £30? A keen eye can also spot some more favourable Grand National Odds with the on-track bookies.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show

By muffinn (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mwf2005/14098177757/) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

22nd – 26th May

Now timing is everything for this beautiful show. Trying to get it when the crowds aren’t too full-on, the weather being dry and sunny, and the flowers at their peak can be a fine art. However, to be perfectly honest it isn’t worth worrying about.

The event is stunning. Even if you are damp, chilly and being herded like cattle, the incredible displays will still awake your senses.

Our top tip is to be to become an RHS member before you buy your tickets. This will allow you access on a discounted ticket price.  You can become a member for £47.50 with the cheapest tickets available for £29.00.

There is a lot more than flowers and plants at the flower show, including food, drink, retail, shows, etc, which is why demand for tickets is high every year.

Be prepared to get garden inspiration by the wheelbarrow load. You’ll will be rushing home to get your Titchmarsh on in the back and front garden.

The Royal Wedding

19th May

You are cordially invited to the marriage of HRH Prince Henry of Wales and Megan Markle.

This is a date for your diary, a day when the nation will come together to give the happy couple a ‘right Royal knees up’

If Harry and Megan’s wedding is anything like previous Royal events, Windsor and London will transform into one big party for the day. So, why not dig out your Union Jack and take to the streets  to enjoy the atmosphere. The UK has been a little short in national pride of recent years but events like this make everyone feel good.

If you can get to Windsor the atmosphere is sure to be buzzing. Local residents are also taking full advantage of the upcoming nuptials and renting out their properties for over £15,000 per night, so be sure to pack your tent or have your taxi or hotel pre booked. Although the day itself is a freebie, hotels and restaurants will be cashing in on this once in a lifetime event. But, you can still find the odd bargain and now is the time to get booking.

 

Boomtown Festival

9th – 12th August

Yes, large festivals are notoriously expensive with tickets normally starting from around  £200. BUT, with most concerts now charging anything upward of £40 for a position in the nose-bleed seats, just to just see one act, festivals are definitely the best way of seeing some of the top performers crammed into one weekend.

With Glastonbury not on this year, Boomtown takes the crown for value for money.  There are still tickets available through resale tickets sites and the line up this year is pretty incredible from Soul II Soul through to Goldie & the Heritage Ensemble with literally everything in-between.  Boomtown is celebrating its tenth year and we think this will be an anniversary you won’t want to miss.

Let’s just hope there are no car-park fires this year!

The tickets are priced in tiers, Tier 1 (£155*) Tier 2 (£170*), Tier 3 (£195*)

How to Choose the Best Conveyor System for Your Business

Elliot
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0
How to Choose the Best Conveyor System for Your Business

A conveyor system is a piece of equipment that is used to package or move products within a business. When most people think about conveyors, they imagine the heavy machinery used in industries. While this is partially true, even small businesses use conveyors for ease of packaging and transporting products. Conveyors are extremely useful in companies that manufacture and produce products in diverse industries.

Unlike ordinary conveyors, industrial ones are built with heavy-duty materials to withstand the intense workload and ensure long-term use.

What to consider when buying a conveyor for your business.

Apart from costs, there are other important aspects of a conveyor.

Speed – how many products do you need to be moved in a minute or an hour will depend on the speed of the system.

Power – the size of the motor determines the power of the machine which determines speed and workload. There also those that can be moved manually.

Noise level – if you are in a residential area then you can’t buy a noisy system or else you will get a visit from environmental regulatory bodies.

Size of the conveyor – the size of the room where you plan to use is also crucial. It should be spacious enough to allow movement when a conveyor is installed.

Operational costs – you will need to maintain the conveyor regularly to prevent breakdown. A system may be cheap, but then the operational cost becomes too expensive. You would rather buy an expensive one that will cost less to maintain.

Types of Conveyors

There are many types of conveyors for a wide range of business uses available in the market today. Here are just some of the common ones:

  • Slat conveyors – They use wood or steel to convey products. They are most suitable for heavy and large items like drums, steel mills or pallets and crates. Built for industrial use, they can withstand constant wear and tear.
  • Belt conveyors – These are the most common of conveyors in most companies. They are utilizing a continuous belt to move the product. Just as the name, they come in different belt types, length, and width.
  • Beltless magnetic – These conveyors use magnets that are stationed below the tables to transport magnetic products. They come in different shapes and sizes.
  • Bucket conveyors – They used to deposit materials in a bucket-like container in the intended measurements during production. Most of them can be positioned at different levels when needed.
  • Overhead conveyors – specifically used to hang materials for cooling or drying purposes.
  • Other significant types of conveyors are; powered roller, screw, wheel, drag, chute etcetera
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