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Is Your Company Breaking the Law?

Thought Leaders

Sam Allcock

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11/11/2022

Do you sometimes lose sleep wondering whether your business is in full compliance with all the current laws, regulations, and industry standards? If so, you are not alone. Many owners and entrepreneurs feel as if there’s a never-changing set of guidelines that forces them to consult legal experts and stay informed about the latest changes in their industry. That’s extra work for those who are already tasked with operating an ongoing company.

What’s the solution? Step one is to review all the major areas in which there are significant compliance issues. The single most effective way to find out if your company is breaking the law is to gather objective facts. If you own or supervise a vehicle fleet in the transport industry, consider using a modern tachograph system to stay ahead of compliance requirements. Other areas where you should stay up to date include rules and laws pertaining to email communications, ethical advertising claims, protection of customer data, and hiring practices. Here are more details about what every owner should know.

Fleet Managers and Tachograph Data

Supervisors who oversee transport vehicle fleets have dozens of responsibilities. One of the most critical is complying with multiple legal and industry-based standards that pepper the transportation sector. Fortunately, fleet managers can use one of many all-in-one software products that offers a wide range of compliance solutions. Utilizing tachograph software streamlines the otherwise complex task of amassing and retaining huge databases of distance, vehicle speed, and total driving time. In the ultra-busy world of fleet supervision, software products save owners time and money.

Email Storage

State and federal laws, as well as industry regulations, govern the way in which businesses must handle email. Depending on where your organization is located, there are various time-sensitive rules about how long a company must store messages they receive in the ordinary course of operations. In general, keeping all incoming and outgoing email correspondence in secure digital storage for at least three years is wise. Many databases are subject to legal subpoenas should government authorities do an investigation of your practices. Always consult a competent lawyer to determine the rule in your industry and geographic area.

Advertising Claims

For more than a century, there have been strict laws on the books about what companies can and can’t say in advertisements. Claims can be exaggerated but not wholly false in most cases. There’s a fine line between promotional speech and outright falsehood. That’s just one reason that every business owner should be careful about writing ad copy and putting it on the internet. Make sure to obtain competent legal advice before making any advertising claims about products or services.

Customer Data

In the digital age, there are numerous laws related to how owners must handle customer data, files, and information. In most situations, companies must safeguard identifying information about their clients. Of course, the particular rules vary depending on the industry, location, and specific elements of customer information. Ignorance of the pertinent law is not a defense, so be certain to get good advice at every turn.

Be Beautiful, Be Yourself – Message of Fashion show drums up £75,000 for Manchester charity

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11/11/2022

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Be Beautiful, Be Yourself – Message of Fashion show drums up £75,000 for Manchester charity

Hundreds of people came together last week in a bid to support the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself charity drive, organised by Manchester-based charity, The Friendship Circle.

The event saw models with physical and learning disabilities have the opportunity to take to the catwalk, with the staggering benefit of raising £75,000 for the cause.

The show, filmed by the BBC, was held at the Hilton Suite in Prestwich and formed part of the charity’s ongoing crusade to break down barriers and smash through stereotypes.

One of those who took to the catwalk was model Hannah Mendell. She said, “Yes, we’ve got disabilities, but that doesn’t mean that anything can hold us back or stop us and what we want to achieve in life. Before I came to the Friendship Circle, I had very little confidence. So to be on the catwalk was the most phenomenal experience.”

Those taking part in the event were following in the footsteps of fashion’s move towards greater visibility for disabled and visibly different models – a charge led by Britain’s Ellie Goldstein, the Down Syndrome model who has fronted campaigns for Gucci and Adidas.

The money raised will now help the charity continue its work throughout 2023.

Esty Bruck, Operations Director Friendship Circle : “Our charity is all about breaking barriers and smashing stereotypes, it may be through fashion, it may be through sports, or it may be via the hundreds of activities we run throughout the year.

“I have so much pride in our fabulous members, both those who were walking the catwalk and those who were not. Our members are taught that self-confidence is the best outfit. We encourage them to rock it, own it and wear it with pride. Thanks to this fantastic fundraising total we will be able to continue to help people in the future.

Among the businesses who supported the event were the Manchester-based fashion wholesaler Whispering Smith. They provided outfits for the show, and also donated £5,000.

Director Diane Heslop said: “Fashion and clothing should never be a barrier, and we have made sure to adapt our styles so that all of those taking to the catwalk could feel at their most confident. The work The Friendship Circle carries out across the region is fantastic and continues to help transform lives.” Manchester-based NBrown also acted as a sponsor too, supplying clothes.

Flagship Northenden Housing Development Opens To Public

News Desk

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11/11/2022

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Flagship Northenden Housing Development Opens To Public

Miller Homes opens the doors to its sales centre on Saturday 19^thNovember 2022 at its flagship development Varsity Quarter. Following a successful digital launch the Manchester based-development is poised for continued success.

Work is well underway on site which will transform the old Manchester College city campus into a brand-new neighbourhood of 224 energy efficient homes. The show homes are expected to launch later this year, with he first occupations following shortly afterwards.

Every house style has been designed with modern family life in in mind, including open-plan living spaces and ample space to work from home. Homes currently listed on the website following the launch include the Burnett and Wilson, and prices of available plots start from £370,000. The interest of the first phase of homes can be reserved online

Members of the public are encouraged to come along to see brand new sales centre and find out more about this exciting development. No pre-booking is required.

Clare Noakes, Sales Director of Miller Homes in the North West, commented: “We’re very excited to open the doors to Varsity Quarter. This development is one we’ve all been looking forward to for a while, and it will be great to meet future homeowners.”

For those looking for more information about Varsity Quarter, interest can be registered online. The sales centre is located at Sale Road, Northenden, Manchester M23 0DD.

LSH Auto takes sponsorship to the next level with Macclesfield FC

News Desk

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11/11/2022

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LSH Auto takes sponsorship to the next level with Macclesfield FC

LSH Auto is now the exclusive sponsor of the VIP lounge at Macclesfield FC. The Mercedes-Benz of Macclesfield VIP Lounge opened this season, and has already been proving popular with VIP fans and guests.

In the summer, LSH Auto and its local dealership Mercedes-Benz of Macclesfield, confirmed that it would continue as the ‘Official Van & Car Supplier’ to Macclesfield FC for the coming season.

LSH Auto is already a key sponsor of the Macclesfield FC men’s and women’s teams and as such has its logo featured on the arm of the shirts. The new deal has seen this extended to shirt sponsorship of the BTEC Academy Kit and U7’s, U8’s, U10’s, U11’s, U15’s and U16’s.

Martyn Webb, Managing Director of LSH Auto, said: “It’s important to us to support the younger players as well as the first teams. Last season, the Under 15s and Under 16s won the league championship, and the Under 16s won the Cheshire County Cup, the Primary Cup and the Manchester FC County Cup, so the youth programme at Macclesfield FC is clearly working well.”

As part of the new deal, the VIP Lounge has been named and fully branded as the Mercedes-Benz of Macclesfield VIP Lounge. LSH Auto and Mercedes-Benz of Macclesfield also have a number of advertising boards around the ground, and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle is shown outside the Fan Zone on matchdays, plus a half-time challenge is regularly incorporated into the experience for fans.

The Mercedes AMG G63 12V kids’ electric car that was donated to the club by LSH Auto, continues to be used at Macclesfield FC home fixtures by match ball carriers who travel onto the pitch in style.

Martyn Webb said: “We’re excited to build on our existing relationship with Macclesfield FC and to continue to support our local club and community. As Official Van & Car Supplier over the past two years we have provided Mercedes-Benz vehicles for everything from grassroots training and community events to transporting the first team players. Now, we’re pleased to be extending our shirt sponsorship to the BTEC Academy and youth teams and to be the exclusive sponsor of the Mercedes-Benz of Macclesfield VIP lounge. It’s is a perfect fit for our prestige brand and I’m sure it will continue to be enjoyed by VIP fans and guests over the coming season.”

Macclesfield FC’s Director of Football, Robbie Savage said: “I’m delighted that a company as prestigious as LSH Auto has chosen to extend its presence here at the Leasing.com stadium, with the sponsorship of the VIP lounge, Junior and BTEC academy kits. As one of our most valued partners, I look forward to building a long-standing relationship with LSH Auto and I’m excited to see some of our plans come to life over the next few weeks and months.

With Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the North West and the Midlands, LSH Auto offers all-new models from the Mercedes-Benz and smart car collection, premium approved used vehicles and exceptional aftersales services including maintenance, repairs, servicing, parts and accessories.

For more information visit lshauto.co.uk.

BrightHR is pleased to announce the appointment of Thea Watson as Chief International Growth and Marketing Officer

News Desk

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11/11/2022

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BrightHR is pleased to announce the appointment of Thea Watson as Chief International Growth and Marketing Officer

She will work closely with both the executive and marketing functions at BrightHR, a global HR tech company supporting over 85,000 organisations.

Thea brings more than 15 years strategic marketing experience to the role. She joins BrightHR from Hays, where she spent 10 years, most recently as Global Customer Experience Director.

During that time Thea established the marketing function for the Hays Americas region; led the brand and marketing strategy through the acquisition of Veredus, an IT recruitment firm in the US; and built the Canadian brand from a top 10 position to a market leader, helping establish a nationwide footprint, before moving to the UK in 2016.

Other career highlights include establishing the global marketing programme that helped grow Hays technology into their leading specialist business, launching Thrive, a learning platform and micro-learning offer in response to the COVID pandemic, and leading on the Hays global rebrand.

Thea says: “I am excited to join BrightHR and the Peninsula Group. BrightHR’s customer centric approach to addressing real business challenges, and commitment to adding value to the customer in the areas they need it, matches my ethos in marketing and really sets them apart. The speed to which the business operates means they are equipped to move with the market as required while the world deals with unprecedented change

“The BrightHR team demonstrates passion, drive, and care – providing a unique proposition of technology with expertise and advice. To be part of a technology business that is about people is incredibly exciting. I’m looking forward to helping shape the future of BrightHR as they continue to go from strength to strength on the global market.”

Alan Price, CEO at BrightHR, says: “We are delighted to welcome Thea to the Senior Leadership Team at BrightHR. She joins at an exciting time following recent expansion into Canada and Australia. We have ambitious plans and I’m confident that Thea is the right person to continue driving forward our growth into new markets, supporting businesses with smart software designed to help them succeed.”

Are you at risk of being hacked? The Insurance Octopus has created a quiz to test your knowledge!

Cyber

News Desk

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11/11/2022

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Are you at risk of being hacked? The Insurance Octopus has created a quiz to test your knowledge!

According to findings made by The Insurance Octopus, cyber crime currently costs the UK economy £1 trillion a year. Small to medium-sized businesses are reportedly the most at risk, with data from the Manchester-based insurance company revealing that over 65,000 attempted breaches per day impact businesses of this size.

One small business is successfully breached every 19 seconds in the UK due to a lack of IT security infrastructure or trained IT professionals who are able to identify, react and neutralise potential threats. Large organised crime groups target smaller businesses that have fewer cyber security measures in place, utilising the access breach to spread to larger businesses within their supply chain.

Small to medium-sized businesses find it difficult to afford robust enough cyber security technology, which is typically expensive, research conducted by The Insurance Octopus finds. In 2021, over a third (39%) of UK SMEs reported a cyber breach. Businesses across the UK also faced solvency issues, with 1 in 5 SMEs sharing that they had to pay associated costs as a result of a cyber attack.

For National Computer Security Day, The Insurance Octopus has created an interactive quiz, styled in a coder design, to put common knowledge surrounding cyber security to the test. The goal is to educate business owners on the importance of cyber security and help them to better protect themselves against hacking attempts and malware attacks.

Christopher Ashton, Cyber Security Expert at The Insurance Octopus, gives advice to victims of scams, fraud or cyber breaches: ‘Hackers are getting smarter with technology and detecting suspicious activity can sometimes go completely unnoticed. It’s important to have the right tools in place to protect your personal, business and financial information. Investing in cyber protection tools like antivirus software and cyber insurance will help give you the extra protection you need to keep your business out of danger.

‘If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, we recommend you contact Action for Fraud. You can report fraud or cyber crime to Action for Fraud any time of the day or night using its online fraud reporting tool. You can also report and get advice about fraud or cyber crime by calling 0300 123 2040.’

RAINY CITY AGENCY APPOINTS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Appointments

News Desk

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11/11/2022

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RAINY CITY AGENCY APPOINTS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Manchester’s Rainy City Agency has recently announced the appointment of John-Paul Atley as Operations Director.

The leading ecommerce agency, based in Manchester, was founded by CEO Rebecca Worsley in 2017, employs 22 people and is on a fast-growth trajectory – expected to exceed £1m turnover for the first time this year.

John-Paul Atley – known as JP – has over 10 years experience in scaling up agency businesses, streamlining and improving process and delivery, whilst maximising profitability and efficiency.

He has held a range of leadership roles for digital agencies like Bliss and The EWord as well as specialist consultancy Focus Education UK Ltd.

JP will supervise the development and expansion of the Rainy City Agency team and ensuring that the agency’s values and culture remain strong.

He said; “I am delighted to be on board. My focus will be on strengthening how we do things, to work more efficiently and introduce a ‘culture of excellence’ across the agency.”

Rebecca Worsley commented: “JP brings all the skills we need to take our business to the next level to better deliver across multiple complex projects and manage a growing, super talented workforce. I am excited to see what we can achieve under his operational lead.”

JP’s appointment comes as the e-commerce sector continues to grow after the post-Covid ‘stay-at-home’ boom, but now faces challenges around the cost of living squeeze.

He continued: “There is a real risk of consumer spending dropping off – which is a worry for our clients – although it tends to be the bricks and mortar side that feels the pinch first. We will be ensuring our clients can respond to market fluctuations and are better placed to stay relevant with brand-first, fast and responsive websites.”

JP will also be heading up the agency’s staff recruitment and retention strategy and acknowledges that culture has an increasing influence on potential recruits.

He said: “Of course there is the drawing power of a solid salary but having a really positive, employee-focused culture will be key to attracting and keeping people for the long-term. If people choose to join us, they will get the flexibility and respect they deserve in a modern working environment.”

BRUNTWOOD AND TRAFFORD COUNCIL RECEIVE PLANNING APPROVAL FOR STRETFORD’S KING STREET TRANSFORMATION

Construction

News Desk

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11/11/2022

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BRUNTWOOD AND TRAFFORD COUNCIL RECEIVE PLANNING APPROVAL FOR STRETFORD’S KING STREET TRANSFORMATION

The redevelopment of King Street has been given the green light

Plans to focus on attracting independent businesses and creating a thriving high street environment
The plans have been approved following extensive community engagements with local residents, stakeholders and businesses

Bruntwood and Trafford Council have been given the green light to commence the ambitious transformation of Stretford’s King Street – the first phase of the wider Stretford Masterplan.

The planning application was submitted in March 2022, following an extensive period of consultation with the local community to understand how the proposed development could reshape the future town centre to best serve its residents.

The historic beating heart of Stretford is to be revived to provide a thriving high street, as well as pedestrianised streets, more greenery and open spaces, as well as a reconfigured town centre.

The development will also create a home for retailers, eateries and bars to boost the local evening economy, spilling out into a new south-facing community space, which will feature a covered shopping area aimed at local independent businesses, boosting collaboration and community across Stretford.

The plans also include significant investment to create a new King Street Square that will provide outdoor seating areas, and spaces for market stalls and to host events. It will also see a significant transformation of the existing multi-storey car park, making it more secure and easier to access and navigate through. It will also be made safer for the public with improved lighting.

The development will also see a quiet service street adjacent to the mall repurposed to create the new ‘Little King Street’. This new street will create a safe and welcoming place for activities to spill into, and become a destination for a variety of food and beverage offerings.

Preparatory works for the transformation of King Street have begun, with development works set to commence in early 2023, with completion set for Summer 2024.

The planning approval for King Street follows Bruntwood and Trafford Council receiving outline planning approval for the Stretford town centre transformation masterplan in March.

Andrea George, town centre and consumer brands director at Bruntwood, said: “Transforming the heart of Stretford and creating a community hub that promotes collaboration is our main driving focus for the re-development of King Street. The high street is an integral part of any town and we want to revitalise King Street to give the people of Stretford a town centre that provides for their needs while also creating a dynamic and inspiring environment. Now we have the green light we can start the transformation process and begin working with national, regional and independent operators and retailers to build a new community in Stretford.

“This first phase of development cements Bruntwood’s commitment to creating thriving towns. We are very excited to be kickstarting development soon and look forward to completion in summer 2024.”

Cllr Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council, said: “This first phase of development is another milestone in the redevelopment of Stretford for the local community. It’s brilliant to work closely with Bruntwood towards a shared goal, and equally so to have the community involved in the decision making process.

“The extensive development of King Street and the wider Stretford area will significantly increase connectivity by introducing green and open spaces where people can come together and interact. With King Street playing a large role in the plans, the wider masterplan will enhance the quality of life for Stretford residents while injecting a surge of businesses into the community to boost the local ecosystem.”

Working in partnership, Bruntwood and Trafford Council have made a multi-million-pound commitment to transform Stretford town centre. Following approval of the King Street proposals, exciting plans for up to 800 new homes, substantial new green public open space, and a new canal side neighborhood are due to be submitted later this year.

Stretford has a burgeoning community of unique independent businesses looking to make the town centre their permanent home. One of these vibrant eateries, popular pop-up restaurant, Stretford Canteen, has recently opened on Chester Road fronting side of Stretford Mall. The family-run Anglo-French inspired restaurant is just one of an array of businesses to benefit from the extensive development of King Street.

As a vibrant destination for visitors and residents, Stretford’s footfall has grown significantly every month this year. Last quarter, footfall in the town centre reached its highest levels since the pandemic began – ahead of the national trend, according to research by retail data analyst Springboard.

The King Street plans are one of the projects to receive funding from the Government’s £830m Future High Streets Fund (FHSF). The fund, launched by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in December 2018, is designed to support and fund local areas’ plans to make their high streets and town centres fit for the future. Last year, Trafford Council received £17.6m funding to regenerate and transform Stretford town centre – one of only four areas of the North West to receive the full allocation.

Bruntwood and Trafford Council have worked closely with local authorities to minimise disruption to footfall throughout the town centre.

The design team includes architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios in collaboration with Studio Mutt, Exterior Architecture, DW Consultants, Hydrock, Avison Young and Civic Engineers.

Manchester Drinks Co flies flag for UK with another export deal

News Desk

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11/11/2022

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Manchester Drinks Co flies flag for UK with another export deal

MANCHESTER Drinks Co has signed its third export contract of 2022.

The Bury based business has signed a deal with Aldi in Australia to supply its Blood Orange Gin Liqueur to 570 stores across the continent.

Buyers at the retail giant placed orders for the new product after sales of the company’s Hot Cross Bun Gin Liqueur flew off the shelves earlier this year.

This is the third significant export for the company and follows a deal to supply Mystical Unicorn Gin Liqueur to the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation in Canada in May.

Closer to home, the drinks producer has also signed a deal to supply its newly created SLUSH PUPPiE water enhancers to Home Bargains, which has over 500 stores in the UK.

Richard Benjamin, co-founder of Manchester Drinks Co, said:

“This has been quite a year for us. As well as domestic success, the export side of our business just keeps gaining traction. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love flying the flag for Manchester overseas!”

Manchester-based ski resort transfer provider climbs to new peaks following NPIF investment

Growth

News Desk

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11/11/2022

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Manchester-based ski resort transfer provider climbs to new peaks following NPIF investment

A Manchester-headquartered international airport transfer provider has expanded its services by opening two new lines of business into the golf and cruise tourism sectors following a further round of investment from NPIF – Maven Equity Finance, which is managed by Maven and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).

Operating in over 200 resorts across 14 countries, including notable locations such as Chamonix, Tignes, and Avoriaz, Ski-Lifts helps tourists hit the slopes by organising their transfer to and from the airport to their ski resort. Starting out with just a few hundred passengers in 2003, the company now makes sure over 100,000 passengers per season make it to their final destination.

After adding its new golf service, Golf-Drives, to the business, funding has also helped Ski-Lifts invest in its technological capabilities and improve internal efficiencies. This includes better automation for complicated pick-up and drop-off routes, where customers are staying at multiple hotels or golf courses over several days or weeks.

Since the initial investment in 2019, Ski-Lifts has secured a further three rounds of investment from NPIF – Maven Equity Finance, taking total invested funds to £950,000. Funding has helped quadruple its workforce across its sales, marketing, and tech teams. Ski-Lifts has also made a handful of senior hires including new directors and a new head of IT and ecommerce.

Prior to the pandemic, Ski-Lifts was on track to achieve 40 per cent year-over-year growth, however was heavily impacted by two years of restricted foreign travel. Its ability to generate revenues was restricted for around 22 months amidst disruption to its supply chains. Despite these setbacks, its team, headed up by Richard Smith, managing director at Ski-Lifts, were able to return to full strength by navigating supply chain issues, cutting costs and preserving cash, which ensured the business was well positioned to take full advantage once market conditions improved.

With travel restrictions finally lifted in January 2022, Ski-Lifts closed its financial year reporting results close to its pre-pandemic levels, with expectation to add another 10 new hires to the team by the end of the year. Its cruise division, Sea-Lifts, was recently launched in August 2022, which will further anchor Ski-Lift’s presence as one of the most active guest transfer providers in Europe.

Richard Smith, managing director at Ski-Lifts, said: “We’ve been growing rapidly since we first started, and the investment came at a time when much of our activity was put on hold due to the pandemic. Since then, we’ve bounced back to almost full capacity and NPIF and Maven have been brilliant at supporting us throughout. With our cruise division recently setting sail, we’re continuing to grow our team to meet demand and make sure our customers enjoy stress-free holidays once again.”

David Kemp, at Maven Capital Partners, said: “Richard and the team have been working tirelessly through the pandemic and are now reaping the rewards as the tourism industry recovers back to normal levels. The funding we’ve provided has been key in supporting Ski-Lifts’ growth plans and we’re look forward to seeing the success of their latest golf and cruise offerings.”

Sean Hutchinson, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “We’re all familiar with how tough the last few years have been, particularly for the tourism sector. Ski-Lifts have managed the disruption caused by the pandemic well and we’re delighted to see it come out stronger than ever before with new hires and the launch of Golf-Drives and Sea-Lifts. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund has supported businesses right through the economic turmoil and continue to do so. It’s fantastic that Ski-Lifts is able to use this funding to expand and grow now that new travel opportunities in their markets are returning again.”

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