Business, Management, Marketing, Money, Tax, Law, People

Profit is (not) a dirty word

How addressing contractor profits builds a stronger construction sector that can deliver better infrastructure outcomes for society. Paul Royds Director, Advisory paulroyds@hka.com +61 402 318 441 Profit has long been a whispered word in government corridors as bloated project teams, commercially compromised evaluation ensembles and acquiescent steering committees wave their collective decisioning wands. With contracts awarded, there is almost a collective gasp that a contractor would dare to turn a…

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“Facing” the possibility of registering human faces as trade marks – EUIPO clears up the issue

It is well known that one of the main functions of a trade mark is to identify a person or trader’s products or services. In this way, trade marks must be unique or distinctive.  What if then, a person or individual is the product being sold? Could they, for example, seek to register their appearance as a trade mark?  Are human faces even registrable as trade marks? In a recent…

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Lonely at the Top – The Challenge of Connection for Senior Leaders

Perceptyx research reveals that approximately 4 in 10 workers experience loneliness at work. Yet, senior leaders are twice as likely to report feelings of isolation when compared with employees at more junior levels. This phenomenon, encapsulated by the adage "it's lonely at the top," highlights a paradoxical reality in which those at the highest levels of organizational power confront real challenges making meaningful and sustaining social connections. Harvard Business Publishing…

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Regarding Green lending: Do banks walk the talk?

Banks are talking more about the environment. But does such talk go hand in hand with greener lending? The ECB Blog finds a disconnect: banks talking more about their environmental policies and goals tend to lend more to brown industries. Banks have a crucial role to play in financing the transition to a greener economy. In light of increased concerns about sustainable finance, supervisory authorities and investors closely monitor banks’…

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An Expert knows better: Just stop oil is easy to shout but it cannot just happen – and not ‘justly’

  That may not be a popular approach right now – to stop fossil fuels from causing further global warming before we stop using fossil fuels. But it is going to be a major topic of debate in the UAE because, if we do not reach agreement on this, then 1.5 will most definitely be dead. We are going to generate more carbon dioxide than we can dump in the atmosphere and still limit warming anywhere near…

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Emphasis on Self-Care is Transforming the Beauty Industry

As society transitions to a more xintrospective and health-focused world, we’re seeing growth in skincare trends, wellness-oriented products, and new market segments within the beauty industry. This new integrated approach to wellness is impacting the beauty community as consumers focus on products that incorporate both natural ingredients and non-traditional products into their self-care routine – focusing not only on their internal well-being, but external, too.  As our economy is experiencing…

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Designing for growth, cost, speed, (and everything in between)

The article provides a versatile approach to organisational design that effectively balances multiple strategic priorities, such as growth, cost, and agility. It offers concrete advice for reconciling conflicting business priorities within an operating model redesign. Drawing on Q5’s proven methodologies and tools, a practical blueprint is also given for establishing a solid base for organisational redesign. An environment that calls for a mindset shift Businesses today navigate exceptionally challenging market…

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key considerations when investigating and reporting white-collar crime

In late 2022, the Canadian Bar Association released the Guide for Internal Investigations of White-Collar Crime (the Guide)1, which consolidates and clarifies best practices for corporations conducting an internal investigation in response to suspicions or allegations of criminal activity. While the Guide will help to promote consistency in approach, practitioners continue to look for guidance from Canadian courts on key issues with respect to the conduct of investigations and issues…

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Ways and Examples of How Digital Disruption Impacts Businesses

We live in a time of radical business evolution. Technological innovations are fundamentally changing industries, businesses, and customer journeys. This major shake-up is aptly named digital disruption for its ability to do everything from disturbing to reinvigorating how we do business. And there is no time like now to ask, “How does digital disruption impact […] The post How Digital Disruption Impacts Businesses: Ways & Examples appeared first on Accelare.

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A Light into the Black Box of the Art Market

Q: What’s the state of the art market? Over the last decade, the size of the art market has maintained a relatively constant level, remaining close to the $60 billion mark. Although this seems like a large number, it significantly falls short when compared to FedEx’s revenue, which exceeded $90 billion last year. So all participants in the art world, including auction houses, galleries, and art advisors, collectively generate less…

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Fines and Penalties for Non-Compliance: DSA, GDPR, CRD

In the digital age, regulations and directives have been established to protect consumers and ensure a level playing field for businesses. Three significant pieces of legislation in this realm are the Digital Services Act (DSA), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Consumer Rights Directive (CRD). This article provides a brief overview of each and outlines the fines and penalties associated with non-compliance. 1. Digital Services Act (DSA): Overview:…

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Navigating the Elevator Services Market: Trends, Dynamics, and Investment Considerations

Stax possesses significant recent experience in evaluating elevator service providers. This expertise has prompted discussions about current interest in the elevator services market—a growing sector with a strong potential for investment. There are currently over 1M vertical transportation units in the U.S., which are expected to slightly increase each year through 2026. Stax estimates the U.S. vertical transportation services market to be ~$5.5-7B, growing in the mid-single digits through 2026.…

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What if Santa damages your chimney this Christmas?

Has a child ever asked you how Santa fits down the chimney? Has this ever made you wonder who would be liable if the chimney stack collapsed and your party wall was damaged in the process?! If so, continue reading this article for an overview on party walls and how to make sure your Christmas stays merry. A party wall is a wall shared by two adjoining properties. The Party…

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Politics Keeps Consumers on a Short Leash

Former Federal Minister of Finance Ueli Maurer described lowering the value exemption limit as a “mission impossible”. This is the maximum amount up to which foreign goods can be imported without paying VAT in Switzerland. The limit is currently at 300 francs per person per day. However, a reduction is expected to result in high administrative costs. The “Mission Impossible” saga includes seven films. At least as many times in…

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Too leveraged to reduce emissions?

29 November 2023By Olimpia Carradori, Margherita Giuzio, Sujit Kapadia, Dilyara Salakhova and Katia VozianThis post is the second in our series accompanying COP28.European firms need to invest in new technologies to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. This often requires them to take on debt. But what if a company is already highly leveraged? The ECB Blog looks at the relationship between firms’ indebtedness and their success in reducing emissions.With the…

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Avoiding common pitfalls of workplace investigations

Workplace investigations are a crucial tool for maintaining a safe and fair work environment. A failure to conduct such investigations with tact and sensitivity, however, could compromise the entire process, and potentially expose your organization to liability. To help employers, including general counsel and HR teams, refine their workplace investigation policies and procedures, our Employment, Labour & Equalities Group hosted a webinar exploring the common pitfalls that often befall such…

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Christine Lagarde: Now is the time to climate-proof Europe’s economy

  Europe must push the green transition forward if it wants to remain competitive in the world. New technologies and green energy aren’t just better for the environment, they also make good economic sense. To be successful, however, the transition needs to be just and inclusive. Climate change is accelerating. Our time to limit global warming to 1.5°C is running out. We can either play our part within our mandates…

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Tax and VAT Implications – Functions and Staff Gifts

With the festive TV adverts appearing on our screens, thoughts inevitably turn to staff Christmas parties and gifts.   In this this article we look at the often misunderstood tax and VAT consequences of functions and staff gifts. Entertainment In general, the cost of business entertainment, e.g. treating a client to lunch or tickets to a football match, is not deductible for tax purposes. However, there is an exception for staff…

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Divorce Finances critical questions – Will I have to share my inheritance?

Many clients contemplating divorce ask whether they will have to share a current or future inheritance. The answer is that it depends. Monies or assets inherited or gifted before or during a marriage, are not automatically excluded from the matrimonial pot. In other words, they are not automatically ring-fenced and may have to be shared when a couple divorce. Whether or not you will have to share your inheritance when…

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‘When people don’t trust science, that’s bad for society’

Science has a replication problem. In recent years, it has come to light that the findings of many studies, particularly those in social psychology, cannot be reproduced by other scientists. When this happens, the data, methods, and interpretation of the study’s results are often called into question, creating a crisis of confidence. “When people don’t trust science, that’s bad for society,” said Jon Krosnick, the Frederic O. Glover Professor of…

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As if you had a choice

Over the past decade, Robert Sapolsky—a Stanford professor of biology, of neurology, and of neurosurgery, as well as a bestselling author of popular science books—has added another line to his CV: witness in murder trials. The hours waiting outside courtrooms are long, the pay beside the point. But the role allows Sapolsky to act in service of a core belief, one rooted in an epiphany he had as a 13-year-old and…

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The Three Next-Generation Marketing Skills You Need

The marketing landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT). In 2019, the estimated number of IoT-connected devices stood at 8.6 billion, but by 2030, this figure is projected to soar to 29.4 billion. This exponential growth is blurring the boundaries between products, services, data and software, heralding a significant shift in how marketing is perceived and executed. On September 21st,…

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How to beat a sexual assault charge

The question of how to beat a sexual assault charge is one that criminal defence lawyers field on a regular basis. In today’s climate, defending these allegations has become extremely difficult. This is due to a range of factors such as the onset of the ‘metoo’ movement, changing attitudes to accusations and the introduction of numerous pieces of legislation designed to improve conviction rates for sexual assault offences. It is…

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A (casual) Interview with Helena Naaman, General Manager of ‘Accountants in Cyprus’ and ‘Lawyers in Cyprus’

When someone searches over the Internet for very important (and difficult to rank) terms such as 'Lawyers in Cyprus', 'Accountants in Cyprus' and other similar, they get some very interesting suggestions as search results, 2 being managed by Sedinvest Enterprises Ltd. The 2 sister websites, Accountants in Cyprus and Lawyers in Cyprus' are the 'brainchilds' of Helena Naaman, a businesswoman who, if you are a lawyer or accountant in Cyprus…

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Legal Framework for Lotteries, Competitions, and Prize Draws in the UK

In the United Kingdom, promotional activities like lotteries, competitions, and prize draws are common marketing tools used by businesses to attract customers. However, these activities are governed by specific laws and regulations to ensure fairness and transparency. Understanding the differences between these promotions and the relevant legal framework is crucial for business. Lotteries: A Game of Chance Definition and Legal Framework A lottery in the UK is defined as a…

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Do Hiring Managers Discriminate against Stay-at-Home Fathers?

It is well documented that women suffer disadvantages in the labor market due to motherhood and gender stereotypes. The “motherhood penalty,” for example, causes mothers to be perceived as having lower competence and commitment, which in turn leads to lower likelihood of hiring and promotion, and lower recommended salaries, as compared to non-mothers and men. A new professor in Tuck’s Organizational Behavior group, Julia Melin teaches Managing Organizations as well…

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That is funny: Jack Daniel’s loses trademark dispute against comedians

The well-known Tennessee whiskey business, Jack Daniel’s, failed in its attempt to oppose a UK trade mark application for the mark “Jack & Victor”. The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) ruled in favour of Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan, the creators of the Jack & Victor brand, and said their trade mark application could proceed to registration. Facts Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan are directors of Jack & Victor Ltd…

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Protecting your financial wellbeing

Financial wellbeing is an important consideration when it comes to managing your money. Ensuring that you’re at ease with your financial position and feel like you have everything under control is a key step. George Howard, one of our Chartered Financial Planners based in Dubai, shares her insights into how to protect and boost your financial wellbeing. What does financial wellbeing mean? Just like many aspects of finance, financial wellbeing…

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Employee Negativity Is Like Wildfire. Manage It Before It Spreads.

Regulating our own emotions in stressful situations is difficult enough, but business leaders face the added challenge of attempting to regulate the collective emotions of the groups they lead to guide them toward success. Now, research by Harvard Business School Assistant Professor Amit Goldenberg explores how emotions intensify within groups and uncovers ways that leaders can reorient the negative feelings of employees, shareholders, and other stakeholders to help them work…

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Purpose-driven organisations: Moving beyond profit-driven strategy

Many traditional organisations are profit-driven, but we believe that to keep up as the world evolves, businesses need to become more progressive. One of the key characteristics of a progressive organisation is a common purpose and set of values that look beyond just making money. Money is to an organisation what breathing is to every human being. We don’t get out of bed every morning excited to breathe but without…

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More on Geopolitics and the harsh reality

This is precisely why the US has quickly moved its aircraft carriers into position close to the Israeli theatre of war to prevent the conflict from spreading. It’s also why Poland is rearming and acting as if it were one of NATO’s leading powers. Lastly, it’s the lesson that many Asian countries, chief among them Japan and the Philippines, have drawn from the conflict in Ukraine: to be effective, deterrence…

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Evaluate New Revenue Streams Through Digital Platforms

The consumer products (CP) industry, along with many others, has experienced an evolution in recent years. In our 2023 CP Trends, we note two key trends – defining omnichannel strategy and execution, and implementing digital marketing strategies – which serve as drivers for further growth and innovation in a competitive market. CP companies have a number of avenues to further these trends, stand out from competition, and continue to grow…

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The Importance of Intercultural Communication in every Organization

In the age of globalization, organizations are evolving into hubs of diversity, uniting individuals with varied cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and perspectives. The process of diverse talents and experiences can lead to innovation and enhanced problem-solving capabilities. However, to harness the full potential of this diversity, organizations must prioritize effective intercultural communication. What is Intercultural Communication? Intercultural communication is the exchange of information and ideas between individuals hailing from diverse cultural…

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Black Friday bargains: Insider tips from an advertising lawyer

As the echoes of back-to-school bells and the laughter of Halloween fade away, advertisers are gearing up for what is often their grandest event of the year: Black Friday and Cyber Monday! But as consumers prepare to snag incredible bargains and marketers embark on crafting strategies to attract shoppers, has your business carefully considered the legal aspects that underpin these promotional events? In Canada, price and savings claims are regulated…

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How do you deal with an Angry Boss? Well…

In the workplace, dealing with an angry boss is not uncommon. They might get upset for a moment or be consistently frustrated. It can be tough to handle, but if you figure out why it’s happening and find good ways to deal with it, you can make the work situation better. It’s like sailing through rough waters at work when your boss is upset. Maybe they’re stressed or always seem…

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Building a hospital with no walls

Q: How do you relay that kind of information between the hospital and the home? A: That is a critical question, because nothing I described will work at scale without having the appropriate platforms that can exchange information across the care chain. You need a solid foundation before you can build a house. It’s the same with information infrastructure in healthcare, which is still quite fragmented today and which was…

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The End of Averages for Marketing Budgets

Marketers have long benchmarked their budgets against their peers’ spending. But it’s time to seek better metrics than the average budget. In his 2015 book The End of Average, Todd Rose warns against “averagarians” designing systems based on the mean or judging success in terms of the deviation from the mean. He highlights Gilbert Daniels, an anti-averager hero, whose research in the 1950s led the U.S. Air Force to design…

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The Power of Kindness at Work

Last Monday, November 13th was World Kindness Day. As an organization that is focused on building positive and healthy work environments, being kind doesn’t just make us feel warm and fuzzy; it actually helps us achieve awesome results, especially as we’re growing. Think about it: a simple “thank you,” “please,” or “you’re welcome” creates a big impact in communication. And guess what? Science backs this up! Being kind isn’t just…

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Exercise at consistent times could help re-align your body clocks for better skeletal health and performance, scientists suggest

Consistent daily patterns of exercise and rest can synchronise the local body clocks associated with joints and spine with the brain clock, potentially helping individuals to maintain skeletal health, improve athletic performance and avoid injury, research by University of Manchester scientists has argued. Though the study, published in Nature Communications today (14/11/23) was in mice, the scientists suggest there is a high probability human cartilage and intervertebral discs - which…

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