Digital transformation creates new experiences for GCC-based UK investors

Digital transformation creates new experiences for GCC-based UK investors

Speed, accessibility and usability can help providers meet the growing demand of Middle Eastern investors. World-class technology designed around the customer is the solution What is the appetite for Middle Eastern investors looking to buy UK property, and have their expectations changed? Home purchases in some of the most exclusive UK postcodes have long been associated with Middle Eastern buyers. Although prime central London has historically served as the preferred location for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) investors, satellite locations such as Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Milton Keynes have grown in popularity in recent years as investors look to dodge the London premium, seek higher rental yields and diversify their portfolio — especially in the new-build market. The perceived long-term safe-haven benefits of UK property, and personal ties to the UK — such as enrolment of their children at world-class UK schools and universities — continue to play a major role in driving demand for British properties among GCC-based investors. The unstoppable rise of the digital economy means that, unless banks and lenders are prepared to be faster, more accessible and more user-friendly, opportunities with GCC buyers will be missed. At Nomo, we saw a chance to digitise the mortgage […]

World’s Largest Zinc Smelter Sees Opportunity in US Energy Bill

World’s Largest Zinc Smelter Sees Opportunity in US Energy Bill

WATCH: Korea Zinc, the world’s largest zinc smelter is betting on electric-car batteries in a move to decarbonize its fossil fuel-driven metals refining. The world’s largest zinc smelter is betting on electric car batteries and clean energy to help decarbonize its fossil fuel-driven metals refining business and hopes US President Joe Biden’s landmark climate bill will create opportunities rather than obstacles. Korea Zinc Co. , a Seoul-based company that processes many of the Earth’s major metals, is seeking to diversify into electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy sources, in addition to holding onto its almost half-a-century-old zinc refining roots, with the ambition of turning net zero by 2050. One of those moves that’s been drawing market watchers’ attention is a joint venture between Korea Zinc’s affiliate Kemco Co. and battery giant LG Chem Ltd. that makes investments in the production of precursor, a key element for EV cells. “Kemco itself will need to make significant investment in the near future in order to secure its position in the battery industry,” Korea Zinc Chairman Yun Choi said in an interview with Bloomberg News at the company’s office in Seoul on Thursday. It’s a “possibility that Korea Zinc will increase its […]

TikTok: a missed opportunity by health professionals to provide accurate weight loss information?

TikTok: a missed opportunity by health professionals to provide accurate weight loss information?

Obesity is a key risk factor for many non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. It has been associated with a reduction in life expectancy by 5-20 years. This makes weight-loss interventions important, and recent research has shown that social media may be successfully integrated into such interventions to curb the obesity epidemic. In this regard, a new Public Health study analyzed the 100 most trending TikTok videos related to weight loss. TikTok: a far-reaching opportunity for health professionals to address weight loss Background Cancer Research eBook Besides the risk of diseases mentioned above, a high body mass index is also associated with an inferior body image, which could lead to poor mental health. Generally, treatment strategies for obesity start with small goals leading up to a 5-10% loss. Changes in dietary habits and increased physical activity are generally recommended. The digital world has now transformed people from passive receivers of information to active seekers of information. Individuals can now reach out to people with similar health goals, and social media has a big role in this. Sharing and discussing "lived experiences” can be empowering for individuals trying to lose weight. Additionally, barriers such as cost and […]

Amazon's first HQ2 incentive payment delayed to at least 2026

Amazon’s first HQ2 incentive payment delayed to at least 2026

Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) could have received its first HQ2-tied incentive payment from Virginia this July, based on its payment schedule with the commonwealth — but it has yet to apply for any funding, pushing disbursement at least three years into the future, the Washington Business Journal has learned. The e-commerce and cloud computing giant’s memorandum of understanding with Virginia requires it to formally apply for cash incentives based on its local hiring progress and capital investments, payments that could reach $750 million by 2039. To this point, the company has instead submitted progress reports to the commonwealth in April 2020, April 2021 and April 2022. The Washington Business Journal has obtained those reports through a Freedom of Information Act request. Under the MOU, agreed to in 2019, Amazon is required to submit its first application for payment no later than April 1, 2023. The choice to delay will push its first payment to at least July 1, 2026, the amount of which will be based on Amazon’s performance through Dec. 31, 2022, said Suzanne Clark, spokeswoman for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. In a statement, Amazon said it never intended to apply for payments prior to 2023. The […]

U.S. Businesses Need to Be More Prepared for Physical Risks

U.S. Businesses Need to Be More Prepared for Physical Risks

Summary. Today’s threat environment for businesses is more extreme than ever, with risk events like homicides, gun violence, and catastrophic weather on the rise. CEOs need to apply the same rigor to physical security as they do to cybersecurity. Business leaders need… With supply chain disruption, civil unrest, gun violence, global pandemics, catastrophic weather, war, inflation, and fear of recession, we’re in a new era of risk. Organizations have never faced a more extreme or uncertain threat environment. Business leaders should stop asking if they’ll face a crisis and get prepared for when . Most businesses are already doing this in the area of cybersecurity — which they view as the top business risk, according to recent data from PwC’s Pulse Survey . Now, CEOs need to apply the same rigor to physical security as they do to cybersecurity. Business leaders need to implement new operational strategies and cultivate new skills to protect their organizations. Specifically, this means creating new risk frameworks and implementing well-defined crisis plans to protect their organizations proactively. In short: Prepare now, or be caught unawares when the next crisis hits. Threats have been increasing Leaders should start by assessing today’s risk landscape and identifying […]

The Walt Disney Company Announces Strategic Restructuring, Restoring Accountability to Creative Businesses

The Walt Disney Company Announces Strategic Restructuring, Restoring Accountability to Creative Businesses

The Walt Disney Company today announced details of its strategic restructuring that will refocus the organization on creativity, empower creative leaders and ensure they are accountable for all aspects of their businesses globally, and put the company’s streaming business on a path to sustained growth and profitability. Effective immediately, the company will be organized into three core, collaborative business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The leaders of each business segment will have full operational control and financial responsibility for creative development, marketing, technology, sales, and distribution, and will be accountable for driving business efficiencies globally. “For nearly 100 years, storytelling and creativity have fueled The Walt Disney Company, with virtually every interaction we have with our consumers emanating from something creative,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “I am committed to positioning this company for a new era of growth. Our strategic restructuring will return creativity to the center of the company, increase accountability, improve results, and ensure the quality of our content and experiences.” Disney Entertainment will be co-chaired by Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, who will be responsible for the company’s full portfolio of entertainment media and […]

Globus Medical's $3 bln deal for NuVasive to fortify spinal business spooks investors

Globus Medical’s $3 bln deal for NuVasive to fortify spinal business spooks investors

Woman holds U.S. dollar banknotes in this illustration taken May 30, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration Feb 9 (Reuters) – Globus Medical Inc (GMED.N) said on Thursday it would acquire peer NuVasive Inc (NUVA.O) in an all-stock deal valued at about $3 billion to build scale in the competitive market for spinal devices. NuVasive shareholders will receive 0.75 of Globus shares, implying a per-share offer of $57.72 and a premium of about 26% to Wednesday’s close. Shares of Globus Medical fell more than 17%, with analysts raising concerns around deals in spinal device space. NuVasive traded much lower than the offer price at $46.53. Similar deals in the spinal device market, such as Stryker (SYK.N) acquiring K2M Group and several others, have had more revenue "dis-synergies and loss of integration" than other areas of medtech over the years, said Baird analyst Jeffrey Johnson. There were also some added concerns about how the deal is of value for Globus. "To double-down on spine is somewhat surprising in our view and adds a lower growth organization," said BTIG analyst Ryan Zimmerman. The companies said there was minimal overlap among the geographies and customers that they cater to, and the complementary nature of their […]

ONU Dicke College of Business Administration earns reaccreditation

ONU Dicke College of Business Administration earns reaccreditation

The James F. Dicke College of Business Administration at Ohio Northern University has received full five-year extension of accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB-accredited schools have the highest quality faculty, relevant and challenging curriculum and provide educational and career opportunities that are not found at other business schools. Of the more than 16,000 business programs in the world, less than 6% have earned AACSB accreditation. “This full extension of accreditation is a tribute to the talented Dicke College faculty and staff. Our College provides a very focused high-impact educational experience that is based on experiential learning and prepares our students for success in their careers,” College of Business Dean John C. Navin, Ph.D., says. “Beyond helping students understand the theory of business, we emphasize the importance of developing the analytical skills that allow our graduates to apply these theories in an ever-changing workplace,” Navin continues. “We stress the importance of developing interpersonal and teamwork attributes that employers value. Further, the Dicke College of Business offers students a range of experiential-learning opportunities, such as internships, study abroad, and live cases with business clients that connect the classroom with the workplace.” This focused approach yields […]

GOP officially requests records from Biden’s family on foreign business deals

GOP officially requests records from Biden’s family on foreign business deals

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans made the first official requests Thursday for documents from Hunter and James Biden regarding their foreign business dealings, further escalating a wide-ranging investigation into the president’s family. Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, sent letters to President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter; the president’s brother, James; and their former business manager seeking documents and communications related to foreign business pursuits “with individuals who were connected to the Chinese Communist Party.” “If President Biden is compromised by deals with foreign adversaries and they are impacting his decision making, this is a threat to national security,” Comer said in a statement. The letters are the most recent action by Republicans in pursuit of the Biden family for what they have alleged is “influence peddling,” but have so far failed to produce evidence supporting those claims. The broad requests include any record “designated classified” and communications between the president or James Biden and his wife, Sara Jones Biden, and Hunter Biden from Jan. 20, 2009, regarding travel and financial activity. A lawyer for Hunter Biden dismissed the request Thursday as an effort by Comer to peddle his own “inaccurate and baseless conclusions under the guise […]

Black Business Extravaganza in Berkeley Co. to bring owners together

Black Business Extravaganza in Berkeley Co. to bring owners together

Inside of the Berkeley County Library in Moncks Corner, the library is working to encourage Black History Month themed events.(Live 5) MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCSC) – In honor of Black History Month, the Berkeley County Library Systems are hosting a Black Business Extravaganza on Saturday. Any local Black-owned businesses are encouraged to sign up and attend to meet other professionals in the industry and to share and brainstorm ideas. The event organizer, Romoma Shahe, says that many community members do not know these businesses exist and that Saturday can hopefully shine a light on them. “We hope that it can bring people to the library and that the library is more than just checking out books,” Shahe says. “We offer all kinds of services, and we hope to be a beacon or even a partner with other businesses here in Berkeley County.” Eight businesses have signed up so far, but the library is hoping for even more to enroll. The event takes place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berkeley County Library in Moncks Corner. “Hopefully, if all goes well, we can do it again, and we can do it outside of Black History Month and shine […]