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…
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…
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…
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,…
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,…
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…
Taking place from 7-10 January, the Carpet and Flooring Expo 2025 at the Istanbul Expo Centre will serve as a key event for European buyers to explore new carpet and flooring trends. The addition of three new halls highlights the event’s focus on innovation and collaboration. The Carpet and Flooring Expo 2025 (CFE) is scheduled for January, with marketing and exhibitor sign-ups well underway. Building on its successful launch in December 2023, the expo returns with 120,000 square metres, offering more space for exhibitors and visitors alike. Following the initial event, which drew over 21,000 visitors from 103 countries, the…
Corteva Agriscience has warned that weeds are continuing to emerge and grow in oilseed rape crops later than usual due to unseasonably mild temperatures. Weeds are growing rapidly which, if unchecked, could be detrimental to the crop. While the national picture varies, later-drilled crops are still small and weeds are only just coming through. Where early-drilled rape established well, crops are forward with large canopies. Warmer weather also means most growers have the conditions to apply autumn herbicides to control key problem weeds. Joe Martin, Oilseed Rape Herbicides Field Technical Manager, said: “After last autumn when many farms either struggled to…
This holiday season, Hedges & Hurdles Country Skills & Crafts invites you to experience the magic of a sustainable Christmas with hands-on wreath-making and creative Willow Craft workshops that blend festive cheer, traditional craft, and environmental stewardship. As a holder of the prestigious Trade Mark Surrey Hills, Hedges & Hurdles transforms Willow, seed heads, dried grasses, and a range of coppiced and foraged foliage into enchanting holiday decorations that are as gentle on the earth as they are beautiful. Hosted at stunning Surrey Hills locations like Hogs Back Brewery in Farnham, Albury Organic Vineyard in Shere, Birtley Woodland Art Space…