Business (Page 19)

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is issuing a reminder to all app developers regarding the paramount importance of safeguarding users’ privacy, following its examination of period and fertility apps. In its recent review, the ICO meticulously scrutinized period and fertility apps to assess their handling of personal data and ascertain any potential adverse effects on users. The review involved direct communication with various app providers to delve into their privacy protocols, alongside engaging with app users to gauge their experiences. While the review did not uncover any significant compliance issues or evidence of harm, the ICO is emphasising the need for all app developers to prioritise the protection of users’ personal information, particularly when sensitive data is involved. Emily Keaney,Continue Reading

In today’s competitive job market, employers face numerous challenges when it comes to hiring the right candidates. Among these challenges, ensuring a safe and secure work environment ranks high on the list of priorities. Criminal record checks play a pivotal role in this regard, offering employers valuable insights into the backgrounds of potential hires. Here’s why these checks are so important: Safeguarding Workplace Safety Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Conducting criminal record checks helps mitigate potential risks by identifying candidates with a history of violent or criminal behaviour. This proactive approach can prevent incidents of workplace violence and ensure the well-being of all staff members. Protecting Company Assets Businesses invest significant resourcesContinue Reading

Addison Lee, London’s largest private hire and taxi firm, has today announced a new partnership with the WizAnn Knowledge School to safeguard the future of the black taxi industry, and support drivers looking to establish a successful career in the field. The number of black taxi drivers licensed by TfL has faced a steady decline in recent years, with latest figures showing just 17,625 taxi driver licenses in the capital1. Joint forces have been contributing to the ongoing workforce decline, such as the pandemic and the extensive training required. To help address this shortage, and ensure Londoners have ongoing access to all forms of reliable transport, Addison Lee has partnered with the WizAnn Knowledge School, to provide private hire driversContinue Reading

Rupert Soames, the newly appointed head of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), voiced concerns over the organisation’s survival in the wake of recent controversies. Soames acknowledged the “reputational disaster” that has rocked the CBI following allegations of rape and sexual assault, leading to the departure of several prominent members such as John Lewis and BMW. Despite the challenges, Soames emphasized the CBI’s enduring importance in advocating for business interests. He highlighted the organization’s role in securing tax breaks for UK businesses and influencing government policies, including additional free childcare in England. Addressing the fallout from the dismissal of former director general Tony Danker, Soames stressed that the CBI remained committed to its mission, with 80% of former members havingContinue Reading

The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program once made Portugal a haven for high-income foreigners. Eager for NHR tax breaks, they invested in the Portuguese economy and real estate market for the long term. However, the new socialist government in Portugal is rolling back NHR benefits, creating big problems for NHR beneficiaries and the Portuguese economy. As Portugal navigates this transitional phase, understanding the potential effects and future trends is paramount for investors, developers, and policy-makers alike. “Ending this program will not only disrupt the real estate market, but it could stop attracting highly qualified, wealthy foreigners to Portugal,” explains Portuguese real estate developer and Square View co-founder Luis Horta e Costa. Real estate experts Luis Horta e Costa, Maryline Valente, andContinue Reading

Prepare yourselves, UK gamblers, for the latest update from MyBettingSite – a thorough expansion into in-depth casino reviews. Originally focused on sportsbooks, this site has been a go-to platform for comprehensive evaluations of the best sports betting sites in the UK, covering aspects such as the best bonuses, promotions, available sports, and more. In a strategic move, they have decided to broaden their horizons by catering to casino enthusiasts as well. The platform now offers professional reviews of various casino websites, providing players with insights into exclusive features, game libraries, bonuses, and more. For any gambler, these reviews serve as invaluable tools to make well-informed decisions, allowing them to assess whether the casino they are considering is truly worth joining.Continue Reading

5G technology represents the latest evolution in wireless communication. It aims to provide faster internet speeds, lower latency and more reliable connections than previous generations of wireless technology, such as 4G. 5G networks use a higher frequency than 4G networks, allowing more data to be transmitted in less time. With faster internet speeds and lower latency, 5G technology has the potential to revolutionize the user experience on mobile devices and digital businesses of the present and future. Applications of 5G technology Software application 5G technology promises to revolutionize many aspects of digital business, as its connection speed and ability to handle large amounts of data in real time can provide a significant competitive advantage. The case of online casinos isContinue Reading

“If your team doesn’t know what good looks like, then it’s unlikely they are going to achieve it.” COMMENTS made by one of the country’s most influential business experts towards the end of last year put the issue of leadership firmly in the spotlight. Anne Francke, the chief executive of the CMI, told the Financial Times how the need for more skilled managers across the UK was being “dangerously overlooked”. Ms Francke added in her FT interview a call to arms for the government to step up its support for better preparing leaders of the future. Her comments followed the results of a survey last year by 101 cross-party MPs, which found that just one in four (24 percent) respondentsContinue Reading

A government initiative reminiscent of the famed “Tell Sid” campaign could soon see NatWest shares made available to the public, with plans potentially taking shape as early as June, according to an official from the entity managing the state’s nearly £7 billion stake in the bank. Speculation has been mounting regarding the timing of a potential sale since Chancellor Jeremy Hunt hinted in November at the possibility of the first retail offer of the taxpayer’s stake to individual investors. Overseen by UK Government Investments (UKGI), the shareholding is undergoing strategic consideration, with Holger Vieten, representing the group, indicating to MPs on the Commons treasury committee that a sale could materialize “around summertime,” at the earliest, possibly in June. “We areContinue Reading

Barratt Developments has sealed a monumental £2.5 billion deal to acquire Redrow, propelling itself to the forefront as the nation’s largest housebuilder. Pending shareholder approval, this merger will fuse the capabilities of both entities, enabling them to construct nearly 23,000 homes across the UK and generate a turnover of £7.5 billion, based on last year’s figures. Amidst challenges like heightened mortgage rates dampening home sales over the past 18 months, both firms anticipate that this collaboration will fortify their resilience throughout market cycles. Forecasts suggest that within three years of integration, synergies could slash £90 million from their combined annual costs. Moreover, Redrow shareholders can anticipate a substantial increase in dividend payouts compared to previous years. The amalgamation aims toContinue Reading