Business (Page 50)

Profits almost tripled at Amazon in the latest quarter as consumers continued to spend heavily despite the sharp rise in interest rates. The world’s largest retailer forecast that sales would continue to rise at a robust pace for the rest of the year. Growth had been knocked by surging prices and customers returning to bricks-and-mortar stores. Revenue at the group rose 13% to $143.1bn in the three months to 30 September, clearing expectations on Wall Street. Profits surged to $9.9bn, from $2.9bn a year ago. Amazon – best known as the world’s largest retailer – has built a sprawling digital empire around its e-commerce platform, from smart speakers to sports broadcasting. Through Amazon Web Services (AWS), it also leads theContinue Reading

Businesses use a variety of tactics as the digital space gets increasingly congested to stand out and attract the interest of their target audience. Businesses are doing everything from focused content strategies to captivating social media campaigns. E-commerce and online casino platforms like online-casino.in are at the forefront, harnessing the power of the digital space to its fullest. Social media and search engine optimization (SEO) become powerful tools in this environment. While distinct in their functionalities, their combined prowess can amplify a brand’s online visibility. The Interplay of SEO and Social Media SEO and Social Media, though distinct, are intertwined in many ways. While SEO focuses on improving website visibility in search engines, Social Media aims at building brand identityContinue Reading

UK house prices will continue to slide this year and in 2024 and will not start to recover until 2025, Lloyds Banking Group has forecast. The lender, which owns Halifax and is Britain’s largest mortgage provider, said that by the end of 2023 house prices would have fallen 5% over the course of the year and were likely to decrease by another 2.4% in 2024. The forecasts, which were released on Wednesday alongside the group’s third-quarter financial results, suggest an 11% decline in property prices from their peak last year, when the market was still being fuelled by a rush for larger homes after the coronavirus pandemic. Santander is predicting a larger drop in UK house prices for the wholeContinue Reading

Many are expecting the Chancellor to unveil measures for first-time buyers, as well as tax cuts as the Government aims to help Britons with the cost of living crisis. However, others will be wanting Hunt to clarify how drivers will be helped following the Government’s pledges to scrap anti-motorist laws. Paul Holland, managing director for UK/ANZ Fleet, FLEETCOR, said the new budget would be a “transitional phase” for drivers and fleets across the UK. He added that net zero had “slipped down the agenda” for Rishi Sunak and the Government, potentially dampening the mainstream rollout of electric vehicles. While Rishi Sunak was optimistic about the future of electric car sales, he said more time was needed to lower costs forContinue Reading

When people imagine a successful investment firm they’re likely to think of big, financial institutions like global banks, hedge funds run by traders, or even the likes of corporate raiders who swoop in to buy failing companies and break them down to sell off as parts. When people think of a successful investment company, rarely do they think of a family business focusing on long-term investment and growing companies over the course of decades. But that’s exactly what investment firm 3G Capital feels like — a balance of long term investment horizon with a deep rooted connection to family owned businesses. While media shy, there is much to glean from co-founder and co-managing partner Alex Behring’s FT interview where heContinue Reading

The attorneys general of dozens of US states are suing Instagram and its parent company Meta over their impact on young users, accusing them of contributing to a youth mental health crisis through the addictive nature of their social media platforms. Filed in federal court in Oakland, California, on Tuesday, the lawsuit claims Meta, which also operates Facebook, has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its platforms and knowingly induced young children and teenagers into addictive and compulsive social media use. “Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage and ultimately ensnare youth and teens,” said the complaint, filed by 33 states including California and Illinois. “Its motive is profit.” The suit alleges that MetaContinue Reading

Running a company is stressful and overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. However, networking can be an effective way to share ideas, build a support system, and boost your personal and business development. In this post, one of the UK’s leading company formation agents Rapid Formations explores the main advantages of networking for small business owners. They also share useful tips on how to find your first networking event and how to overcome common initial barriers. Get your brand name out there Getting your brand name out there is one of the biggest advantages of networking. As a business owner, you’ll know that one of the vital but trickiest steps to growing your brand is establishing a credible reputation,Continue Reading

HMRC has reminded self-employed workers, including those with side hustles, that there are less than 100 days until the self-assessment tax return is due. By midnight on 31st January, those earning income via self-employment are required to file their tax returns and pay tax owed to HMRC or risk fines, which start at £100. Taxpayers are issued a penalty if they need to send a tax return and miss this deadline. Late filing penalties start at £100 if your return is up to 3 months late, with charges increasing beyond this. Late payments to HMRC receive interest of 7.75% – 3.5% higher than the interest paid by HMRC (4.25%) on money owed back to individuals who are due tax repayments.Continue Reading

The Leus Family Foundation, founded by businessman Dmitry Leus, is marking its fifth year of supporting children in the most need. The organisation supports disadvantaged and vulnerable young people throughout the UK, helping in settings including hospitals, hospices, foodbanks and youth clubs. The foundation targets community projects with grants to support their work, preferring action-based initiatives where direct results can be seen. Long term partners of the foundation include Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, The Harrow Club, Bright Lights Youth Club for children with special needs, Brixton Fencing Club and Runnymede Foodbank. The foundation’s motivation is to provide opportunity where it is most needed, with the philosophy being that when we invest in children, we show them that we believe inContinue Reading

Ever have any questions concerning the “green gold rush”? We’re referring to the cannabis industry’s explosive growth! A cutting-edge digital tool called The Marijuana Index intends to keep tabs on the top companies in the cannabis and hemp industries. However, why is there such a commotion over it? Background and Evolution Cannabis was on the periphery of mainstream business a few decades ago. Today, with time, it is a thriving enterprise. The need for a specialized digital platform increased as it did. Let’s introduce The Marijuana Index. Today, with time, it is a thriving enterprise. States and nations are gradually legalizing it as they realize its medical usefulness as well as the possibility of recreational usage. Businesses, companies, and inventionsContinue Reading