How a relationship break-up spurred this founder to build ‘Ebay for travel’ to help flog unwanted holidays May 20, 2019 When you think of unwanted items, holidays don’t tend to spring to mind. But according to Simon Powell, founder of TransferTravel, billions of dollars are wasted globally on unwanted travel every year, while an estimated 220,000 hotel rooms are paid for and never used every day in the US alone, wasting $8.6bn annually. And with [...]
Handshake, bow, or kiss? A global guide to business etiquette May 20, 2019 When it comes to international business etiquette, there is one overarching rule: when in a foreign country, do as they do. Having a good working knowledge of social and regional business protocols will help avoid misunderstandings that can jeopardise business. Here are some tips to help you out. Namesake Use the correct titles when making [...]
Familiarity bias: how to overcome the fear of the unfamiliar to reach your investing goals May 20, 2019 | City Talk For the vast majority of people, like you and me, trading is not a full-time job. Though you try to do your best and make impactful investment decisions, you tend to make things “easier” (at least, you think you do so) and gravitate towards the familiar. In this case you may end up investing in [...]
To avert the deluge, business must unleash its heroic spirit May 20, 2019 After us, the deluge. These are the words not of our Prime Minister, but from another troubled time and uttered by Madame de Pompadour, the lover of King Louis XV of France. The French Revolution would prove the prophecy. And for revolutionaries since, the idea of the deluge has inspired. Karl Marx went as far [...]
DEBATE: Are workplace non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) being attacked unfairly? May 20, 2019 Are workplace non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) being attacked unfairly? Trevor Bettany, partner at Charles Russell Speechlys, says YES. Workplace NDAs have long been used to enable employers and employees to protect their reputations and move on following the breakdown of a working relationship, by providing assurances that neither party can discuss details of the often-disputed complaints. [...]
The secret to the productivity puzzle? Work fewer hours May 20, 2019 The UK faces a tough productivity problem. According to the Office for National Statistics, British productivity has improved by just 0.5 per cent per year since 2008, and lags 15 per cent behind other G7 countries. Productivity is measured as value added per hour worked. Obviously it rises if we produce more value – which [...]
Fintech startup Wagestream picks up £15m from Balderton and Northzone May 20, 2019 London fintech startup Wagestream has today closed a £15m series A funding round, co-led by venture capital investors Balderton Capital and Northzone. The round was raised in addition to a credit facility of up to £25m Shawbrook Bank. At £40m, Wagestream chief executive Peter Briffett said the total amount raised marks the largest single social impact [...]
Monzo hits 2m customer milestone as fintech race heats up May 20, 2019 Digital banking darling Monzo's current account is set to surpass 2m customers today, as it races to catch up with London rival Revolut. The two fintech startups have been locked in an intense race to command market share in the nascent mobile banking sector, as well as to expand overseas. Read more: Monzo to roll [...]
Burning the candle at both ends? How to spot the signs of sleep deprivation May 17, 2019 We live in a 24/7 economy, and while this means that everything is on-demand, it poses a problem for the modern-day workforce. With short deadlines, urgent deal closures, and international companies operating in different time zones, staff are often expected to respond irrespective of the time of day or night. It’s certainly not unusual for employees [...]
Let’s be open about this: Staff should be encouraged to work outdoors May 17, 2019 Mental Health Awareness Week is an important event that highlights the need for honesty and openness when it comes mental health issues at home and in the workplace. In business, the focus on concepts such as wellbeing and wellness has had a positive impact on employee engagement, and it is clear that good mental health [...]
