Browsing: Business

If you are thinking about a career change later in life, you are in good company. More people are embracing new paths at every age, proving that a shift in work can be energising, fulfilling and –especially in franchising – well supported. Franchising offers a fantastic opportunity for those ready to bring their life skills into something new, regardless of age. There is a common misconception that franchising is best suited to young go-getters in their twenties or thirties. While those starting out earlier in life between 20 and 40 certainly benefit from building long-term business careers, the truth is…

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Did you know that 78% of customers are willing to spend more on sustainable, eco-friendly, ethically-made products? As consumer interest in ethical and sustainable shopping continues to rise, Pedddle is meeting this demand by promoting artisan markets, many of which prioritise responsible production, local craftsmanship and other eco-friendly values. Shopping within your local area automatically reduces your carbon footprint, and many of the businesses that Pedddle work with source eco-friendly products themselves, therefore every purchase from them will be more ethically environmental in turn. As a platform, Pedddle connects conscious consumers with independent makers and markets that focus on sustainability,…

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From 4th to 7th December 2024, Plast Eurasia Istanbul will welcome the global plastics industry to the Tüyap Fair and Congress Centre for its 33rd edition. With over 1,500 exhibitors and more than 70,000 visitors expected, it remains a key platform for advancing innovation and sustainability in the sector. Organised by Tüyap Fair Group in collaboration with PAGEV (Turkish Plastic Industry Research, Development and Education Foundation), this year’s event places a strong emphasis on sustainable solutions. Bioplastics will take the spotlight, with examples such as bioplastic cups made from recycled coffee waste demonstrating the practical applications of these materials. The…

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Data from the Netherlands Statistical Office (CBS, 2024) highlights the country’s success in attracting international talent. In 2023, the Netherlands welcomed 21,500 highly skilled migrants (HSM), showcasing its strong appeal. The Netherlands is actively recruiting highly skilled professionals to address talent shortages through its Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) program. Recent data from CBS shows that 21,500 individuals moved to the Netherlands as highly skilled migrants last year (CBS, 2024). Unusual Payroll, a consultancy that specialises in HSM applications and payroll management for international employers, has analysed this data to provide insights into the changing landscape of Dutch immigration and the challenges associated with international hiring.…

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In an era dominated by digital mass production, the preservation of artisan skills has never been more crucial. Traditional crafts not only offer unique, high-quality, handmade products, but they also foster a sense of community and cultural heritage that modern manufacturing lacks. Handcrafted goods reflect individuality, creativity, and sustainability – values that today’s consumers are increasingly seeking. Artisan businesses are keeping these skills alive by passing down time-honoured techniques that define local identities and promote thoughtful consumerism. It is these values which we must all work together to preserve. Caitlin, a Manager at Pedddle, comments, “AI can certainly help us…

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As the nights draw in and winter is well and truly upon us, it is the season of new beginnings for the UK’s market-leading nursery franchise, Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, with three new sites in Horsham, Sevenoaks and Stevenage. Monkey Puzzle Horsham, a brand-new setting run by new franchisees Bhabani and Sampa Sahoo, opened to the public in the early autumn. The husband-and-wife duo dreamed of opening their own nursery, explained Bhabani: “It was the perfect time. We looked into running our own nursery to start with, but our research showed we needed the backing of a franchise – Monkey…

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As the holiday season approaches, Peter Bowen Art invites you to discover the perfect gift that beautifully combines artistry and functionality: our exquisite handmade ceramic clocks. This Christmas, give the gift that not only tells time but also tells a story—one that will last for years to come. Crafted by renowned artist Peter Bowen, each ceramic clock is a unique masterpiece that showcases the beauty of hand-crafted art. With intricate designs and earthy colours, these clocks are more than just timekeepers; they are stunning additions to any home decor. Whether displayed in a living room, kitchen, or office, a ceramic…

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CLOWD9, a leading cloud-native, B-Corp certified issuer processor, is excited to announce its strategic agreement and certification with Discover® Global Network, a prominent global payments network. This relationship marks a significant milestone in the realm of cross-border payments and issuer processing, ensuring enhanced services for customers worldwide. Driven by specific customer demand, the collaboration with Discover Global Network allows CLOWD9 to offer a third network option for fintechs and programme managers, expanding opportunities for cross-border card issuance. Notably, CLOWD9 has prioritised offering both virtual and physical cards through this work, demonstrating its commitment to providing comprehensive payment solutions. Suresh Vaghjiani,…

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With charities lobbying the government to be exempt from National Insurance changes announced in the budget, one North-West London-based organisation is hoping for a boost to its own budget, after partnering with FreeWills.co.uk, one of the UK’s largest will-writing services. Centre for ADHD and Autism Support (CAAS), which supports, educates and empowers individuals diagnosed with ADHD or who are autistic, their families and the community has teamed up with the Wills specialist to help their supporters make their own personalised wills for free online. Last year CAAS supported over 5,000 people across North-west London. Thanks to Free Wills’ advanced technology,…

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AI

The very nature of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation seems juxtaposed with the tradition of artisan craft, yet Pedddle, the artisan market directory, have already found a way to meld traditional artisan markets and their stallholders with the world of social media and online marketing. AI is on the rise, but instead of it causing the death of small artisan businesses and creative crafts, it could be a way of helping them survive. Rebecca Adams, Pedddle’s Market Liaison Manager, explains, “Pedddle is an online directory of artisan markets and their stallholders. We are trying to help traditional marketplaces be discovered…

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