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Stanislav Kondrashov Dives into the Fascinating World of Egyptian Mummies

Sam Allcock

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17/10/2023

Stanislav Kondrashov Dives into the Fascinating World of Egyptian Mummies

In his latest publication, titled “Secrets of Egyptian Mummies By Stanislav Kondrashov,” the author delves into the captivating mysteries surrounding Egyptian mummies. Kondrashov begins by emphasising their immense historical and cultural significance, particularly their unique ability to silently narrate ancient tales that had lain buried in the sands of time.

The publication delves into the ancient Egyptian perspective on death, highlighting that death was not viewed as an end but as a transformation and a new beginning. For the Egyptians, mummification represented the final tribute bestowed upon the departed, with the hope that their impeccably preserved body would navigate the journey to the afterlife more smoothly. It was seen as a means to secure the possibility of eternal life for the deceased.

Kondrashov also explores the intricate stages of the mummification process, which extended beyond the mere wrapping of the deceased in linen fabric. This meticulous procedure could span up to 70 days and encompassed cleansing, embalming, and elaborate steps to safeguard the soul during its transition to the next realm. Notably, vital organs, except for the heart, were extracted and placed in specially crafted containers known as canopic jars.

The publication delves into various aspects of ancient Egyptian culture, highlighting their advanced knowledge of chemistry. Ancient Egyptians employed specific substances such as oils, salts, and resins to achieve optimal preservation effects and impart an aromatic fragrance to the mummies.

Furthermore, Kondrashov unveils the practice of placing amulets or talismans within the folds of the linen wrapping by the priests involved in mummification. These amulets, often crafted from precious stones and metals, served a profound purpose beyond ornamentation, aiming to protect the deceased from malevolent spirits.

The author also explains that the Book of the Dead was interred amidst the linen layers enfolding the body, serving as a guide for the soul in preparation for the challenges it would encounter in the underworld.

For a comprehensive exploration of these captivating revelations, readers are encouraged to peruse the full publication and watch the accompanying video.

England hoping for some payback against Italy

Sport

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16/10/2023

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England hoping for some payback against Italy

England’s Kyle Walker is hoping for “a little payback” against Italy on Tuesday as his side look to secure Euro 2024 qualification.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference alongside manager Gareth Southgate, Walker reflected upon that devastating night in the Euro 2020 final. However, he was optimistic ahead of the tie and his future in international football.

He said: “We fell short that night. Hopefully [this time] we can get a little bit of payback.

“We’re all trying to achieve the same thing and create a successful England team.

“There’s one of the best connections between the team and the group for many a decade.”

Walker went on to discuss the number of games they are playing with little rest and the impact this has on the side. He was also asked about the future of his space in this England side:

“We’ve got used to it [busy fixture shcedule] over a number of years, especially at club level playing every three to four days.

“Your body adapts to it. It’s not up to me to rewrite the laws.

“I can’t comment on whether it’s right or wrong. I’ll [just] always give it my all.

“I’m going to keep going forever.”

YoungOnes expands UK operations as it hits ‘seven million support hours’ milestone

Business

Helen Greaney

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16/10/2023

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YoungOnes expands UK operations as it hits ‘seven million support hours’ milestone

Freelance staffing platform YoungOnes is expanding its UK operations into Manchester after it hit a new milestone of having provided seven million hours of support to businesses.

The Dutch start-up first landed in London in 2021.

It was founded by Pim Graafmans, in Holland in 2017 as an offshoot of YoungCapital recruitment agency.

The platform turbocharges how businesses connect with quality freelancers to meet both long-term and last-minute workforce needs.

Since its launch, it has helped connect countless businesses across a range of industries including retail, logistics and events with trusted and reviewed staff at short notice.

YoungOnes has seen almost 350 UK businesses sign up to the platform to find quality freelancers since 2021.

The platform already assists an array of big names with their staffing needs including Nando’s, HelloFresh, IKEA and H&M.

In London, YoungOnes currently provides gigs at luxury hotels and A-List celeb haunts including Shangri La at The Shard and the exclusive Berkeley Hotel.

The platform not only meets short-term business needs – with responses to gig posts as fast as five minutes – but is also able to connect staff from a quality talent pool with companies’ long-term needs, replacing the need for agencies.

Ian Brown, head of operations at Manchester-based sales samples company, Showcase, said: “YoungOnes have been an invaluable support. While running pop-up luxury sample events in Manchester, finding staff on the platform has been easy.

“It is especially great to be able to see freelancers’ star ratings and know you will be getting quality people to join the team. We couldn’t have done it without them!”

YoungOnes set its sights on the hospitality and industrial hotspot of the North, to help the city’s fast-moving businesses meet their ever-changing staffing needs.

To launch its Manchester expansion, YoungOnes connected Manchester City Council’s neighbourhood team with a squad of litter pickers.

Making its mark in the city, the platform is already working with some renowned Manchester favourites such as Masons Bar and Restaurant, connecting them with quality freelancers.

YoungOnes city launcher, Joe Loughlin, has said: “YoungOnes’ fantastic success in the Netherlands has continued since its launch in the UK and, as we reach nearly 7 million hours of work provided to our freelancers, we’re delighted to expand to the Northern powerhouse of Manchester.

“Since its launch, YoungOnes has connected countless businesses with quality freelancers, and we look forward to helping Manchester businesses do the same, across its thriving hospitality, retail and logistics sectors.”

Southgate asks England fans to get behind Henderson

Blog

Jon Fisher

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16/10/2023

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Southgate asks England fans to get behind Henderson

Gareth Southgate has called on the England supporters to get behind under-fire midfielder Jordan Henderson in tomorrow night’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy at Wembley.

Henderson was booed by the home fans as he was substituted in Friday’s 1-0 friendly win over Australia due to his decision to move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq over the summer after previously being a vocal supporter for the LGBTQ community.

Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia.

A draw against Italy will be enough for England to progress to the finals next summer and Southgate is hoping the fans will put their grievances with Henderson to one side and cheer the team on to a place in Germany.

Asked if he will continue to pick the former Liverpool captain, Southgate said: “Yes, 100 per cent. I’ll always pick the players that I think give us the best chance of winning unless there is something there that’s not appropriate.

“People may disagree with Jordan’s decision [to move to Saudi Arabia] given the stance he’s taken in the past to support the LGBTQ community but I don’t think that’s a reason to not select him, and I don’t think that’s a reason to boo him.

“We’d like all the fans to get behind us. We’re a stronger team when the fans support us.

“We’ll assess Jordan like every other player. If I select on popularity the team would look very different.”

Getting set for Italy. 💪 pic.twitter.com/VThZUOh7YJ

— England (@England) October 16, 2023

Southgate has been questioned for his continued support of Henderson and Harry Maguire, who has struggled for form with Manchester United over the past 12 months.

But he insisted they were there on merit, adding: “I will always assess how people are playing and assess what our strongest team is.

“It wouldn’t be fair to say I select the players regardless. But I will always defend our players because we need that strength.

“The two players you’re taking about have performed time and again in massive games for us. Their experience, the unmeasurable factors that they have, is [key to] our team spirit and their characters are a big reason for that.”

Pressed further on why people would feel the need to boo Henderson, Southgate said: “I don’t understand why we’d boo our own team.

“What I do understand is that people would feel the decision that Jordan took doesn’t align with his strong support of the LGBTQ community in the past.

“I don’t think he’s an individual whose values and principles have changed.

“He’s someone I’d back against pretty much anyone in the country in terms of what he stands for and believes in.

“But I accept the decision to go and play there doesn’t align with that, and he understands that. But I repeat when we’re playing for England I feel as though everyone should be behind the team.

“If people choose not to be then we have to deal with that.”

Insurance and liability: Key considerations for UK motorcycle couriers

Helen Greaney

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16/10/2023

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Insurance and liability: Key considerations for UK motorcycle couriers

In the bustling world of e-commerce and on-demand delivery services, motorcycle couriers play a vital role in ensuring that goods reach their destinations swiftly and efficiently.

While this profession offers numerous benefits, it also comes with a unique set of challenges and risks.

One of the most critical aspects of being a motorcycle courier in the UK is understanding the importance of insurance and liability. In this article, we will explore key considerations for UK motorcycle couriers regarding insurance and liability.

The role of motorcycle couriers

Motorcycle couriers are individuals or companies responsible for transporting goods, documents, or parcels quickly and securely from one location to another. They are known for their ability to navigate through traffic and deliver items within tight timeframes, making them essential for businesses that rely on prompt deliveries.

However, with this speed and efficiency comes an increased risk of accidents and damage, which makes insurance and liability coverage imperative.

Types of insurance for motorcycle couriers

There is now a huge range of insurance to cover every eventuality. But this also means that you need to take great care to ensure that you have the cover you need.

Third-party liability insurance

This is the most basic form of insurance that motorcycle couriers in the UK must have. It covers damage or injury caused to third parties or their property while performing courier duties. In the event of an accident involving another vehicle or pedestrian, third-party liability insurance ensures that the injured party is compensated for medical bills or property damage.

Comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive insurance goes beyond third-party liability coverage. It also provides protection for your own motorcycle in case of accidents, theft, or damage. This type of insurance can be particularly useful for motorcycle couriers, as their livelihood depends on the condition of their vehicles.

Goods in transit insurance

This insurance covers the value of the goods you are transporting. It safeguards you against losses or damage to the items you are carrying, whether it’s a valuable package, confidential documents, or fragile goods.

Public liability insurance

In addition to third-party liability insurance, public liability insurance is vital for motorcycle couriers who interact with the public while making deliveries. It covers legal costs and compensation claims in case a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged during the delivery process.

Employer’s liability insurance (if applicable)

If you employ other couriers, even on a part-time basis, you are legally required to have employer’s liability insurance. This covers the cost of claims made by employees who are injured or fall ill while working for your courier business.

Key considerations for motorcycle courier insurance

1. Legal requirements

Ensure that you have the necessary insurance coverage to comply with UK laws. Failure to do so can result in fines and penalties, not to mention potential financial ruin in the event of an accident.

2. Coverage Limits

Carefully review your insurance policies to understand the coverage limits and any exclusions. Make sure that your coverage adequately protects both your motorcycle and your liability in various scenarios.

3. Cost vs. coverage

Evaluate different insurance providers to find the best balance between cost and coverage. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it’s essential to consider the level of protection it provides.

4. Annual vs. pay-as-you-go policies

Some insurers offer pay-as-you-go policies that allow you to pay for insurance only when you’re actively working as a motorcycle courier. This can be a cost-effective option for part-time or seasonal couriers.

Liability risks for motorcycle couriers

It’s essential to realise that not only are other road users at risk, but also, according to this article, there is also the risk of accidents for the couriers themselves.

Motorcycle couriers face a range of liability risks while carrying out their delivery duties. These risks can have serious legal and financial consequences if not adequately managed or insured against. Here are some of the primary liability risks for motorcycle couriers:

Accidents and injuries to others

One of the most significant liability risks is the potential for accidents involving other vehicles, pedestrians, or property. If a courier is at fault in a collision and causes injuries or property damage, they can be held liable for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other related expenses.

Package or goods damage

Motorcycle couriers are responsible for the safe transport of packages and goods. If items are damaged, lost, or stolen during delivery, the courier may be held liable for the replacement or repair costs, especially if they didn’t have proper goods in transit insurance.

Late or failed deliveries

Couriers often work under strict delivery deadlines. If a courier fails to deliver a package on time, it can result in financial losses for the recipient. In some cases, clients may seek compensation from the courier for business interruptions or missed opportunities.

Property damage

While manoeuvring through tight spaces and traffic, there’s a risk of accidentally damaging parked vehicles, infrastructure, or other property. Couriers can be held liable for repairing or compensating for the damage they cause.

Public liability

Motorcycle couriers frequently interact with the public while making deliveries. There’s a risk of injuring pedestrians or causing damage to third-party property while parking or moving their motorcycles. Public liability insurance can cover legal costs and compensation claims in such scenarios.

Traffic violations

Couriers are at risk of traffic violations, such as speeding, running red lights, or illegal parking, while trying to make timely deliveries. These violations can result in fines and penalties and can also impact insurance premiums.

Weather and road conditions

Weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice, as well as poor road conditions, can increase the risk of accidents for motorcycle couriers. They may be held liable for accidents resulting from their inability to adapt to adverse conditions

Fatigue and human error

Long hours and tight schedules can lead to fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents due to human error. Couriers need to be cautious and well-rested to mitigate this risk.

Mitigation of risk

Whist every motorcycle courier needs insurance, there are steps they can take to reduce the risk of an incident to begin with.

Maintain Adequate Insurance: Ensure that you have the necessary insurance coverage, including third-party liability, comprehensive insurance, and goods-in-transit insurance.
Follow Safety Protocols: Adhere to safe riding practices and traffic rules to minimize the risk of accidents.
Regularly Maintain Vehicles: Keep motorcycles in excellent working condition through regular maintenance and safety checks.
Comply with Delivery Schedules: Strive to meet delivery deadlines to minimize the risk of late or failed deliveries.
Stay Informed: Stay informed about changes in traffic laws and regulations that may affect your courier work.

By understanding these liability risks and taking appropriate measures to manage them, motorcycle couriers can minimize the likelihood of accidents and financial setbacks, ensuring a safer and more successful career in the courier industry.

Conclusion

Insurance and liability are critical aspects of being a responsible and successful motorcycle courier in the UK. By understanding the various types of insurance available, complying with legal requirements, and taking necessary precautions, motorcycle couriers can protect themselves, their motorcycles, and their livelihoods.

In this fast-paced industry, having the right insurance coverage can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and successful career as a motorcycle courier.

EURO 2024: Who needs what, when and where

Sport

Francesca Turner

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16/10/2023

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EURO 2024: Who needs what, when and where

As we head towards the business end of the European qualifiers, there is still a lot to be decided.

We know that it can be difficult to keep up with the standings and all of the if’s, buts and maybes of every group, so we have put together this guide to (hopefully) make things a bit simpler.

Who has already booked their places to the Euros?

Germany (hosts)
France
Belgium
Portugal
Spain
Scotland
Turkey

Brief qualifying recap:

Confirmed in play-offs: Georgia

Assured of at least a play-off spot*: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Serbia

Cannot finish in top two of group: Andorra, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Malta, Northern Ireland, Norway, Republic of Ireland, San Marino

Groups:

Group A – Matchday 9 fixtures (Thursday 16 November)

Georgia vs Scotland, Cyprus vs Spain
Scotland & Spain – Q

Group B – Matchday 8 fixtures (Monday 16 October)

Greece vs Netherlands, Gibraltar vs Ireland
France – Q
Netherlands – no top two (will go into the play-offs) if lose to Greece by four goals or more.
Republic of Ireland – cannot finish in top two.
Gibraltar – cannot finish in top two.

Group C – Matchday 8 fixtures (Tuesday 17 October)

England vs Italy, Malta vs Ukraine
England – will qualify with win or draw against Italy.
Italy and Ukraine – cannot qualify or be eliminated from top-two contention on Matchday 8.
North Macedonia – unable to finish in top two if Ukraine win and Italy do not win.
Malta – cannot finish in the top two.

Group D – Matchday 9 fixtures (Saturday 18 November)

Armenia vs Wales, Latvia vs Croatia

Turkey – Q
Wales – qualify if beat Armenia & Croatia lose to Latvia.
Croatia – unable to finish top two, confirmed in play-offs if lose and Wales win.
Armenia unable to finish in top two if they lose or draw and Croatia win.
Latvia – cannot finish in top two.

Group E – Matchday 9 fixtures (Friday 17 November)

Moldova vs Albania, Poland vs Czechia
Albania – qualify if avoids defeat by Moldova or if Poland beat Czech Republic
Czech Republic – qualify if beat Poland & Moldova do not win.
Poland – unable to finish in top two if do not win or if Moldova beat Albania.
Faroe Islands – cannot finish in top two.

Group F – Matchday 8 fixtures (Monday 16 October)

Azerbaijan vs Austria, Belgium vs Sweden
Belgium – Q
Austria – qualifies if beat Azerbaijan or avoid defeat by three goals or more & Sweden fail to beat Belgium.
Sweden – must beat Belgium, hope Austria do not win to stay in contention to finish in top two.
Azerbaijan – must beat Austria by at least three goals to remain in contention to finish in top two.
Estonia – cannot finish in top two.

Group G – Matchday 8 fixtures (Tuesday 17 October)

Serbia vs Montenegro, Lithuania vs Hungary
Hungary – qualify if beat Lithuania
Serbia & Montenegro – cannot qualify or be eliminated on Matchday 8.
Lithuania – must beat Hungary and hope Serbia lose to Montenegro to stay in contention to finish in top two.
Bulgaria – cannot finish in top two.

Group H – Matchday 8 fixtures (Tuesday 17 October)

Finland vs Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland vs Slovenia, San Marino vs Denmark
Slovenia – cannot qualify or be eliminated from top-two contention on Matchday 8.
Denmark – qualify if beat San Marino, Slovenia, avoid defeat against Northern Ireland and Kazakhstan draw.
Finland – will be unable to finish in the top two if they lose to Kazakhstan and both Denmark and Slovenia win.
Kazakhstan – will be unable to finish in top two and would be confirmed in play-offs if lose to Finland and Denmark and Slovenia win.
Northern Ireland – cannot finish in top two.
San Marino – cannot finish in top two.

Group I – Rescheduled Matchday 7 fixture (Wednesday 15 November)

Israel vs Switzerland

Matchday 9 fixtures (Saturday 18 November)

Switzerland vs Kosovo, Belarus vs Andorra, Israel vs Romania.
Romania – qualify if Israel lose to Switzerland and Romania beat Israel.
Switzerland – qualify if beat Israel and Kosovo.
Kosovo – unable to finish in top two if Switzerland beat Israel
Belarus – cannot finish in top two.
Andorra – cannot finish in top two.

Group J – Matchday 8 fixtures (Monday 16 October)

Luxembourg vs Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Portugal, Iceland vs Liechtenstein

Portugal – Q
Bosnia and Herzegovina – unable finish in top two (will go into the play-offs) if lose to Portugal and Slovakia beat Luxembourg.
Iceland – unable to finish in the top two if lose to Liechtenstein or if Iceland draw and Luxembourg, Slovakia or Bosnia and Herzegovina win.
Liechtenstein – cannot finish in top two.

Record visitors recorded at National Football Museum

News

Helen Greaney

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16/10/2023

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Record visitors recorded at National Football Museum

The National Football Museum in Manchester welcomed a record number of visitors during the 2023 summer season, continuing its strong annual performance from the previous year.

This summer, between June 1 and August 31, the attraction welcomed a total of 68,253 visitors through its doors – a record high for the museum – which is a 35% increase on the same period last year and a 31% rise on pre-Covid figures for the museum (2019).

The museum’s record-breaking summer is even more remarkable from a national perspective. The 2022 report from Visit England on UK visitor attraction trends showed the volume of visits were still 35% lower than pre-pandemic (2019).

Overseas visitors

Beyond Manchester and the rest of the country, visitations from overseas tourists are back on the rise, in particular from the USA.

The museum is responding to the needs of international visitors who are ‘experience seekers’. In fact, 32% of visitors in the summer period were from overseas.

Sheona Southern, managing director of Marketing Manchester, said: “The National Football Museum is a much-loved attraction in Manchester and is a key driver for sports-loving visitors who come to enjoy great events, including football.

“It is fantastic to see the museum’s visitor numbers are now even higher than before the pandemic, and particularly encouraging to see the strength of the international visitor market, which the museum and other attractions in Greater Manchester will see great benefits from.”

New season tickets

To accompany one of their most content rich summers to date, the museum also introduced its season ticket for visitors. This allows a visitor unlimited visits to the museum for 12 months, plus free admission to special exhibitions, events and tours from just £13 per year for adults, £11 for concessions and £7 for children.

Thanks to continued support and funding from the Manchester City Council, Manchester residents and schools can still visit the museum completely free of charge too, something the museum deems vitally important in the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis.

Fifteen new jobs have been created since April 1, 2022.

Image courtesy of the National Football Museum

Police bolster resources as National Hate Crime Awareness Week starts

News

Helen Greaney

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16/10/2023

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Police bolster resources as National Hate Crime Awareness Week starts

Greater Manchester Police is reassuring communities about the force’s response to hate crime, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

As National Hate Crime Awareness Week begins, police resources have been bolstered to keep communities across Greater Manchester safe and reassured.

In case of increased incidents and reporting, additional officers – overseen by a senior detective – have been assigned to ensure the delivery of outstanding service to victims.

Traumatic impact

Detective superintendent Lewis Hughes said: “Hate crime can have an incredibly traumatic impact on victims and communities – particularly at times such as this when they may be deeply distressed and feeling vulnerable.

“There is no place for this type of crime in Greater Manchester – GMP is committed to safeguarding people and property, investigating reports, and taking action against offenders, in line with national guidance.

“All officers have been reminded of best practices to ensure the best possible response to reports, and we are working alongside those who represent our communities to ensure consistency.

“Throughout this distressing time, we will continue to take a robust approach to those who break the law and we are also taking action against those whose actions are intended to cause alarm or distress to people.”

Victims of hate crime

Anyone who feels they are a victim of hate crime, should report it to the police via gmp.police.uk, 101 or in an emergency, dial 999.

Anonymous reports can be made via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Editorial credit: Sang Cheng / Shutterstock.com

Next generation of hospitality leaders get a taste of restaurant life

Hospitality

Helen Greaney

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16/10/2023

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Next generation of hospitality leaders get a taste of restaurant life

Jobseekers looking for a hospitality career have had a taste of what it’s like, thanks to a new restaurant masterclass.

The pilot scheme, which launched in Liverpool last month, is now supporting benefit claimants in Manchester to gain an industry recognised skills ‘Passport’ accreditation. It is is endorsed by hospitality leaders including Greene King and the Marriot Hotel.

Last year the hospitality sector was worth over £16 billion to the UK economy with over a quarter of a million people in the North West employed in the sector.

Those enrolled in the scheme were offered hands on learning as they took part in a table services and restaurant serving masterclass at the Manahatta restaurant in Deansgate this week.

Industry experts

The event was led by industry experts which demonstrated the skills needed to work in and run a successful kitchen and restaurant.

Minister for employment, Guy Opperman MP said: “This innovative collaboration between DWP and UKHospitality is a national first and underscores our commitment to work with industry to address challenges, fill vacancies and grow the economy.

“The standardised and industry backed Hospitality Skills Passport will help bridge the gap for those looking for work in the hospitality sector, helping jobseekers to boost their skills and kickstart their careers.”

The Manchester course will also see participants taking part in a cocktail making masterclass session, history of the distillation processes, and a hands-on tutorial on the skills needed to prepare cocktail classics.

Accredited training

Benefit claimants will complete qualifications and accredited training in areas such as health and safety, food safety, licensing, and conflict resolution to add to their Hospitality Skills Passport – a digital pass which can be added to CVs to show employers jobseekers have the skillset required by the sector. They will also receive training in confidence and assertiveness to build personal skills and strength.

The programme will culminate in a guaranteed job interview for all participants, helping jobseekers with a valuable progression opportunity to apply their new skills and a pathway to apprenticeships.

Pilot

The pilot is set to launch in other cities across England and Wales throughout October and November.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality said: “Hospitality is a fantastic sector that offers a diverse variety of career opportunities, which is why it’s so well suited to helping people back into work. We’re delighted to be partnering with the government to help run this exciting programme, which we hope can be a real positive for both jobseekers and businesses.”

High Digital Ltd X Hanse Analytics: An AI Application for the Future

News

Danielle Trigg

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16/10/2023

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High Digital Ltd X Hanse Analytics: An AI Application for the Future

In 2020, High Digital secured funding from ‘The Sustainable Innovation Fund’ administered by Innovate UK, the United Kingdom’s Innovation Agency, to propel the Hanse Analytics application beyond its initial Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage.

The MVP version of the Hanse Analytics software was designed to offer international trade analytics, drawing data from the UN Comtrade Database. The funding was instrumental in enhancing the application’s functionality, versatility, and scalability. Consequently, the evolved Hanse software application now provides more comprehensive international trade analytics. It includes monthly goods data sourced from the UN Comtrade Database, an expanded range of reporting countries, and a host of new analytical reports.

Initially, Hanse Analytics targeted Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) engaged in international trade. With the unprecedented challenges of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic on importers and exporters to and from the UK, Hanse Analytics emerged as a valuable resource to aid decision-making through data-driven insights.

Dr Ousmène Mandeng, Founder of East-West International Trade Analytics Ltd, emphasizes the significance of such tools, stating, “Covid-19 and Brexit have hugely complicated international trade relations and require new tools to help SMEs navigate the new environment successfully.”

High Digital’s latest enhancement to the Hanse Analytics application introduces a suite of features powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). These AI capabilities assist users in navigating the data, unveiling hidden trends, patterns, and opportunities that might not be discernible through manual analysis.

Oliver Mackereth, Founder of High Digital Ltd, highlights the role of AI in enriching the Hanse Analytics application, stating, “AI features from the Microsoft suite allow us to add AI-powered functionality to the Hanse Analytics application relatively quickly, giving users incredible capabilities to query these large datasets.”

The AI features encompass natural language processing, enabling a Q&A function and intelligent data analysis to detect notable influencers, and anomalies, and suggest insights. Importers and exporters can harness these AI-driven tools to explore alternative markets or suppliers within the data.

Interestingly, Hanse Analytics has experienced increased adoption among academics, researchers, and journalists seeking to extract valuable insights from import-export data. The global landscape, marked by events ranging from conflicts to environmental crises, is directly reflected in trade data.

For instance, the conflict in Ukraine has significantly impacted exports to Russia since the invasion in February 2022. Allegations have arisen that Russia relies on components, including semiconductors from everyday electronic items like washing machines and laptops, to support its military machinery. While exports to Russia in these products dwindled, they surged to countries considered friendly to Russia. The anomalies of increased exports of washing machines and computers to nations such as Armenia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan could indicate Russia’s quest for alternative sources of sanctioned hardware. Swift anomaly detection and insightful analysis revealed that Germany’s exports of washing machines to Kazakhstan tripled since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine through April 2023, compared to the average shipment levels (the value of shipped products has not been reported since December 2021). Similarly, Italy’s exports of washing machines to Georgia soared tenfold during the same period. These critical insights, essential for decision-makers, would be challenging to extract without the aid of AI, demanding specific expertise and considerable time and investment.

As AI continues to advance, the Hanse Analytics team remains committed to augmenting the application with more functionalities. The goal is to provide users with key insights tailored to their chosen sectors and countries. Moreover, the team is exploring opportunities to integrate Comtrade data from Hanse Analytics with other datasets, such as climate data or migration data, to facilitate deeper and more comprehensive analyses. Keep an eye on this space for future developments.

The role of motorcycle couriers

Types of insurance for motorcycle couriers

Third-party liability insurance

Comprehensive insurance

Goods in transit insurance

Public liability insurance

Employer’s liability insurance (if applicable)

Key considerations for motorcycle courier insurance

1. Legal requirements

2. Coverage Limits

3. Cost vs. coverage

4. Annual vs. pay-as-you-go policies

Liability risks for motorcycle couriers

Accidents and injuries to others

Package or goods damage

Late or failed deliveries

Property damage

Public liability

Traffic violations

Weather and road conditions

Fatigue and human error

Mitigation of risk

Conclusion

Overseas visitors

New season tickets

Traumatic impact

Victims of hate crime

Industry experts

Accredited training

Pilot

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Company

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