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Decoding the Enigma: Car Expert Delves into the Intriguing Significance of Letters on Number Plates

While the typical individual is acquainted with the structure of car registration plates—a combination of letters and numbers—few realise that this arrangement isn’t merely a random fusion. Unveiling the hidden layers behind this façade, one uncovers an intriguing tapestry of meaning.

Common knowledge dictates that the numerical component on the plate denotes the year of the vehicle’s registration, coupled with the specific half of the year. An illustration of this is evident in this year’s context, where automobiles registered before September 1 bear a 23 number plate, while those enrolled thereafter sport a 73 registration.

Yet, a lesser-known revelation pertains to the two letters that precede these numbers. Jon Kirkbright, the Sales Director at Private Number Plates, possesses over a decade’s worth of expertise in this realm. He enlightens us that these letters are no arbitrary symbols, but rather regional identifiers.

“To the casual observer, number plates may appear as an amalgamation of arbitrary letters and numbers. While many grasp the connection between the numbers and the car’s manufacturing and registration year, the concealed meaning behind the preceding letters may elude them. These letters, aptly referred to as ‘regional identifiers,’ shed light on the DVLA office responsible for the car’s registration.”

This intricate feature could well explain the similarity in the starting letters of number plates for those who procure multiple vehicles from a single dealership. Contrary to mere coincidence, these shared letters reflect a deeper narrative.

However, those opting for private registration plates diverge from this norm, as they are bestowed the liberty to personally choose their letter-number combination. Jon emphasises the importance of understanding that private plates shouldn’t be manipulated to falsely age a vehicle.

He asserts, “Misrepresenting the registration is a violation. While you can make your vehicle seem older, you are prohibited from bestowing it with a deceptive appearance of being newer. For instance, affixing an ’11’ number plate onto a car with a ’07’ plate is strictly off-limits.”

For individuals yearning to obscure their vehicle’s age, an appealing alternative is to consider a dateless private registration plate. Jon highlights, “Contrary to popular perception, dateless personalised registrations are attainable at remarkably affordable rates. These are ideal for those seeking an entirely unique plate or aiming to veil their car’s age. However, they tend to find new owners swiftly.”

Equipped with the newfound comprehension of these enigmatic letters, vehicle owners with original plates can unearth their car’s registration origin across the country. The data below facilitates this quest:

Regional Identifiers | Location | Postal area
AA AB AC AD AE AF AG AH AJ AK AL AM AN | Anglia | Peterborough
AO AP AR AS AT AU | Anglia | Norwich
AV AW AX AY |  Anglia | Ipswich
BA – BY | Birmingham | Birmingham
CA CB CC CD CE CF CG CH CJ CK CL CM CN CO | Cymru | Cardiff
CP CR CS CT CU CV | Cymru | Swansea
CW CX CY | Cymru | Bangor
DA DB DC DD DE DF DG DH DJ DK | Deeside to Shrewsbury | Chester
DL DM DN DO DP DR DS DT DU DV DW DX DY | Deeside to Shrewsbury | Shrewsbury
EA – EY | Essex | Chelmsford
FA FB FC FD FE FF FG FH FJ FK FL FM FN FP | Forest & Fens | Nottingham
FR FS FT FV FW FX FY | Forest & Fens | Lincoln
GA GB GC GD GE GF GG GH GJ GK GL GM GN GO | Garden of England |  Maidstone
GP GR GS GT GU GV GW GX GY | Garden of England | Brighton
HA HB HC HD HE HF HG HH HJ | Hampshire & Dorset | Bournemouth
HK HL HM HN HO HP HR HS HT HU HV HW HX HY (HW will be used  exclusively for Isle of Wight residents) | Hampshire & Dorset | Portsmouth
KA KB KC KD KE KF KG KH KJ KK KL | | Borehamwood
KM KN KO KP KR KS KT KU KV KW KX KY | | Northampton
LA LB LC LD LE LF LG LH LJ | London | Wimbledon
LK LL LM LN LO LP LR LS LT | London | Borehamwood
LU LV LW LX LY | London | Sidcup
MA – MY (MN + MAN Reserved for the Isle of Man) | Manchester & Merseyside | Manchester
NA NB NC ND NE NG NH NJ NK NL NM NN NO | North | Newcastle
NP NR NS NT NU NV NW NX NY | North | Stockton
OA – OY | Oxford | Oxford
PA PB PC PD PE PF PG PH PJ PK PL PM PN PO PP PR PS PT | Preston | Preston
PU PV PW PX PY | Preston | Carlisle
RA – RY | Reading | Theale
SA SB SC SD SE SF SG SH SJ | Scotland | Glasgow
SK SL SM SN SO | Scotland | Edinburgh
SP SR SS ST | Scotland | Dundee
SU SV SW | Scotland | Aberdeen
SX SY | Scotland | Inverness
VA – VY | Severn Valley | Worcester
WA WB WC WD WE WF WG WH WJ | West of England | Exeter
WK WL | West of England | Truro
WM WN WO WP WR WS WT WU WV WW WX WY | West of England | Bristol
YA YB YC YD YE YF YG YH YJ YK | Yorkshire | Leeds
YL YM YN YO YP YR YS YT YU | Yorkshire | Sheffield
YV YW YX YY | Yorkshire | Beverley

For additional information or assistance regarding private number plate acquisition or sale, consider visiting Private Number Plates or reaching out via Facebook.

TiPJAR Prevails over Twitter in Landmark Trademark Confrontation

TiPJAR, the pioneering trailblazer of cashless tipping platforms, proudly announces a significant legal victory in its resolute trademark dispute against the social media titan, now known as X. Co-founder James Brown has recently unveiled the remarkable saga of this David-and-Goliath encounter on the popular Tech on Toast podcast, illuminating the strategy that enabled TiPJAR to stand its ground against the tech giant.

In an authoritative pronouncement by the Munich Court in Germany, TiPJAR emerged triumphant, firmly securing its exclusive entitlement to the coveted name “Tip Jar.” The court’s definitive ruling mandated that Twitter—now X—cease the utilization of the “Tip Jar” designation for payment service brokerage within the Federal Republic of Germany, under the specter of substantial fines reaching up to €250,000 for each violation of the injunction. This verdict bore extensive ramifications, necessitating a comprehensive global rebranding effort by Twitter, as the digital realm transcends geographical confines, potentially subjecting worldwide users to penalties upon encountering any allusion to “Tip Jar” on the platform.

This high-stakes clash erupted when Twitter introduced its “Tip Jar” feature, enabling users to integrate selected third-party payment services into their profiles. However, TiPJAR, a compact yet driven startup with trademark dominion across the UK, EU, and US, staunchly refused to be overshadowed by the industry behemoth.

“It was an astonishing turn of events,” reminisced James Brown, Co-Founder of TiPJAR. “Upon their product launch announcement, our social media platforms, emails, and phones were inundated with activity.” Confident in their trademark ownership, TiPJAR was taken aback as messages of congratulations poured in, mistakenly assuming a collaboration with Twitter. Faced with the possibility of a legal showdown that could imperil their fledgling enterprise, TiPJAR sought a strategy to fortify their brand and safeguard their future. Opting for Germany as the arena for this contest due to its streamlined legal processes and cost-effective approach.

Following the lawsuit against Twitter, a court date was established, and TiPJAR’s legal team devised an astute plan that eventually culminated in a favorable judgment. An unexpected twist followed the initial verdict when Twitter’s representatives proposed a substantial sum to acquire TiPJAR’s trademark holdings in multiple jurisdictions. Yet, cognizant of their name’s true value, TiPJAR rejected the offer, presenting a substantially higher sum and requesting a brief meeting with Jack Dorsey, Twitter’s co-founder and CEO at the time.

During the negotiation call, Twitter declined to disclose whether they had conducted a rudimentary trademark search prior to launching their product. Swiftly, TiPJAR invoked the German Courts’ injunction, compelling Twitter to rebrand as “Twitter Tips” to evade hefty fines. However, vestiges of the previous “Tip Jar” still lingered on the platform, leading to additional penalties for non-compliance, and an order for Twitter to bear substantial legal costs incurred by TiPJAR.

Following the rebrand, Twitter lodged an appeal against the German court’s decision, igniting another round of intense legal combat as TiPJAR tenaciously defended its intellectual property rights. Eventually, the Munich Regional Court reaffirmed TiPJAR’s entitlements, delivering a resounding blow to Twitter and mandating Twitter to reimburse the legal costs of the UK-based startup.

In an openhearted discussion on the Tech on Toast podcast, TiPJAR Co-founder James Brown shared the extraordinary odyssey of this legal skirmish, unveiling the trials encountered by a fledgling startup in its showdown with a tech titan. Brown’s narrative underscores the significance of safeguarding intellectual property rights and stands as an inspiration for fellow startups and small-scale enterprises.

“Frankly, we are relieved to finally unveil this narrative. We were previously bound from discussing this matter publicly due to our efforts to secure trademark status for our brand in Twitter’s major jurisdictions. I’m delighted to reveal that we now possess the TiPJAR trademark in 70 countries across the globe, encompassing regions from Brazil and Australia to Japan and South Korea.”

TiPJAR was represented in these proceedings by the esteemed legal and trademark practice, JA KEMP, whose integral role contributed to the successful resolution of this legal engagement.

Distinctive Welsh Distillery Expands Prestigious Spirits Collection with Novel Vodka Creation

Wild Moon, an acclaimed Welsh distillery, renowned for its award-winning spirits, is poised to broaden its opulent selection with an innovative addition—Vodka. Hailing from Wrexham, North Wales, this distillery was established by the visionary Jade Garston, a Welsh enchantress with a penchant for conjuring exceptional concoctions. The new vodka, christened “Lammas” in homage to a pivotal phase of the Wheel of the Year, is a manifestation of the first grain harvest, marking a season of gathering and gratitude for nature’s bounty.

Embedded within familial roots, the distillery has been producing spirits since 2019, earning commendation and recognition from eminent bodies such as the Great Taste Awards. With a trifecta of their spirits adorned with accolades, Jade Garston and her adept team envision a promising trajectory for their latest creation—the triple-distilled vodka.

Distinguished by its unique identity as the sole female-owned distillery, influenced by the lunar rhythm, the Wild Moon distillery crafts its elixirs with distilled Welsh water sourced from the Ffynnon Beuno Welsh mountains. This aqueous essence resonates with the Celtic pagan origins of the Welsh Witch Spirit assortment. The intricate crafting process involves meticulously guiding the vodka through reiki-imbued crystals—aquamarine, amethyst, and moonstone—infusing the spirit with energy cleansing properties, fostering equilibrium and completion. The final touch entails hand-corking and waxing each bottle in the distinctive apothecary style emblematic of the brand.

Jade Garston, a distinguished female distiller, one of the rare gems in the UK, articulates, “Our freshly minted vodka is a captivating addition to our treasury. It’s been an ardent labor of time and dedication, and we’re thrilled to present it to the world. Our passion lies in perpetually crafting beverages that resonate with people’s hearts, and each of our spirits is imbued with an intricate process that sets it apart in a realm of its own. The artisanal essence of our North Wales distillery, reflected in small-batch production, ensures meticulous care and devotion to every nuance, aligning seamlessly with our core values.”

Jade’s sentiments continue to flow, “We’re eagerly anticipating the response from our cherished customers regarding our nascent vodka. Personally, I relish it and often pair it with a rejuvenating botanical cola. In the imminent future, you’ll spot our vodka adorning the shelves of your local bars and pubs, holding court alongside our distinguished gins and rums. This is a moment brimming with excitement for the Wild Moon Distillery.”

Those enticed by this novel elixir can procure it starting today via the distillery’s online emporium: https://www.wild-moon.co.uk/. A direct link to the distinguished vodka can be found here: https://www.wild-moon.co.uk/shop/welsh-witch-vodka

Founders’ Transition Amid Exponential Growth: Citypark Fitness Sees Shift in Leadership Dynamics as Steven Dick and Scott Agnew Redirect Focus to The Fitness Group Education

In the midst of an evolution marked by perplexity and a resurgence of energy, the co-founders of Citypark Fitness, Steven Dick and Scott Agnew, have unveiled a momentous decision to disengage from the daily operations of Citypark Fitness after a formidable eight-year tenure of stewardship.

This deliberate move is geared towards concentrating their efforts into nurturing The Fitness Group Education Limited, a distinctive institution dedicated to the holistic development of prospective personal trainers. Going beyond the confines of conventional fitness paradigms, this educational entity seeks to forge a new echelon of professionals with an acumen that transcends the ordinary.

Citypark Fitness, an eminently distinguished independent gym spanning an expansive 7,000 square feet, came into fruition in 2015 under the collaborative initiative of Steve, Scott, and Thomas Anderson. The physical locus of this thriving establishment is the illustrious Citypark building, ensconced in the heart of Dennistoun, Glasgow.

Despite the laurels garnered by Citypark, Agnew and Dick, their hearts weighed with both reverence and reluctance, have judiciously opted for a change in course. Reflecting on the journey, Steven Dick articulated, “From the inception of Citypark Fitness in 2015, a journey shared among Thomas, Scott, and myself, every juncture has been embraced with fervor. Even in the face of adversities cast by the pandemic, this juncture was harnessed as a platform for metamorphosis, as we ingeniously recalibrated our services towards the realm of intimate group training. This strategic shift bore fruit, etching a chapter of triumph within the narrative of Citypark Fitness. A narrative that persists and thrives, sculpting the lives of our patrons through specialised support.”

Citypark Fitness, now steered by the stewardship of Thomas Anderson, perseveres undeterred, poised to champion an innovative and resplendent approach to the realm of fitness within Glasgow. As Steven underscores the outlook for Citypark’s evolution, “Recent integration of a new gym manager infuses renewed vigor, propelling the streak of excellence onward. The annals of the past two years narrate an unbroken continuum of achievement, a continuum to be perpetuated under the tenacious guidance of Thomas, synergising with the acumen of Peter, our astute gym manager, and the entire collective force of Citypark Fitness. My unwavering support fortifies this progression.”

The seeds of The Fitness Group Education were sown in 2018, borne from the personal trials of Steven and Scott in the recruitment of personal trainers at Citypark Fitness. Rooted in the mission to disseminate their erudition, they aspired to arm aspiring personal trainers with proficiencies surpassing the threshold of conventional training credentials. Simultaneously, this pursuit aspired to elevate the standards of pedagogy in the expansive landscape of fitness. This genesis surpassed its Glasgow confines, extending its influence to strategic nodes across the United Kingdom, encompassing metropolises such as Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and London.

The present-day manifestation of The Fitness Group Education encompasses a global outreach, transcendently nurturing learners both within and beyond the United Kingdom. Central to this mission is the provision of avant-garde online fitness education, encompassing domains such as personal training and sports massage. The aegis of The Fitness Group Education extends in partnership with esteemed entities such as the Ministry of Defence, TRX, Strength and Conditioning Education, The PFA, My PT Hub, English League Education, and a confluence of other distinguished establishments.

Pioneering the cause to furnish fledgling personal trainers with a comprehensive foundation, the pursuit encompasses not only the conventional dimensions of health, fitness, and nutrition but delves into the subtler precincts of wellness. These encompass exigencies such as emergency first aid, pre and post-natal qualifications, mental health sensitivity, and the art of guiding youthful cohorts in the pursuit of physical activity.

Steven Dick amplifies, “The mantle of The Fitness Group Education is emblematic of a vanguard, one that beckons accessibility within the realm of education catering to personal trainers. In the nascent chapters of the industry, tomorrows’ torchbearers must be stewards of their own well-being, nurturing a confluence of health consciousness and entrepreneurial spirit within a panorama oversaturated with specialised fitness establishments and technological novelties.”

As Steven Dick and Scott Agnew embark on their recalibration, Citypark stands as an indelible testament to their legacy. Embracing an array of industry-defining features, including premier equipment by eminent gym brands, female-exclusive group sessions, and personalised mentorship, Citypark bears the imprimatur of The Fitness Group Education, heralding an era of boundless possibilities.

Steven concludes, “Within the embrace of The Fitness Group Education, an unceasing alliance with Citypark Fitness takes root, nurturing mutual growth and prospects. A tableau of brilliance awaits both these entities, an undulating canvas on which to inscribe an illustrious narrative.”

AZoNetwork Celebrates 1 Million Scientific Subscribers

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AZoNetwork, a global leader in delivering marketing solutions for science, engineering and life science businesses, celebrates the achievement of reaching 1 million named subscribers across its digital platforms. This accomplishment further solidifies AZoNetwork’s position as a trusted resource for science, engineering and healthcare professionals around the globe.

Sharing Science

Founded with a mission to break down barriers between the audience and the increasingly technical scientific world, AZoNetwork provides quality, scientific news and content to over 100M annual unique users. 1 million of these users are professionals now signed up to receive updates across a wide range of disciplines from Antibodies and Aerospace to XRF analysis and Zoonotic Diseases.

The publishing platform categorises its content flow and subscribers into 100+ subject-specific disciplines so each audience receives the latest news and insights relevant to their interests.

AZoNetwork operates in a digital marketing and advertising environment where many of the world’s leading scientific Fortune 500 enterprises buy lead generation, brand awareness and digital media campaigns to reach these vast scientific audiences.

“Reaching this milestone is testament to our commitment to providing valuable, trusted scientific content to our audience of over 1 million first-party subscribers,” stated Dr. Ian Birkby, CEO of AZoNetwork. “We are proud that so many professionals around the globe trust us as a primary source of information.”

Andy Coveney, COO added “We have learned so much from sending over 250 million email sends across 100+ scientific disciplines. We are particularly proud of achieving all of this with an extremely low unsubscribe rate of 0.07% which demonstrates our ability to match content with reader’s interests.”

“We are continuing to streamline our processes so we deliver more value to both the subscribers consuming the content and the advertisers who sponsor it.” He added.

AZoNetwork is the leading content marketing platform for Science, Engineering and Healthcare.

Press Contact: Frank Barker, Head of Marketing,
Ian Birkby is available for further interviews.
Frank Barker
Marketing@AZoNetwork.com
+44 (0)161 4577 150

Clear Start Accountants Announces Top Team Member During Record Month

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Clear Start Accountants Announces Top Team Member During Record Month

Clear Start Accountants, a leading Manchester-based firm, has announced its latest employee of the month as it celebrates a new company record.

In recognition of their strong work ethic and commitment Dmarniea Benjamin has been awarded the coveted accolade in what has been a record month for the firm.

Dmarniea was also commended for his positive approach to work, helping to create an energetic and inspiring working environment for the wider team. His dedication has seen Dmarniea use his own initiative to ensure that all targets are met and excelled, while also going the extra mile to help other departments.

Each month, a group of Team Leaders at Clear Start Accountants nominate a member of their team for the award, before reaching a conclusion together on the deserving employee that month. The recipient of the award has the choice of an additional £250 in their monthly pay or a gift voucher of the equivalent value.

Fiaz Ashraf, Founder and CEO of Clear Start Accountants comments: “It is always a pleasure to celebrate the successes of our team members – I would like to congratulate Dmarniea and thank him for his valued contributions this month, and throughout his time here at Clear Start. Dmarniea is a great role model for colleagues that have recently joined the company; he started as an apprentice three years ago and has worked his way through the departments to reach the position that he is now in, demonstrating the career progression opportunities available here.

In further support of its hard-working colleagues during the cost-of-living crisis, Clear Start recently made a commitment to increase the annual salary of each staff member by £2,000.

With an employee base of over 50 people, and operating from its state of the art, contemporary headquarters in Universal Square, Devonshire Street North, Manchester, as well as from its offices in Stockport and Canada, Clear Start Accountants offers general accountancy services for sole traders and smaller firms, such as HMRC returns as well as its pioneering, tech-enabled, personal budgeting service for both business and private individuals.

Clear Start Accountants has helped countless consumers and small businesses in reducing their living costs, with the assistance of their bespoke client software ‘Client Master’.

This Feeling By The Sea announce competition winners to perform on same bill as indie heavyweights Red Rum Club & The Lathums

LISTEN TO BOTH ARTISTS: 

ABOUT-FACES – ‘UNDER THE SUN’ 

RUBY J – ‘TRY’  

“This Feeling is the best club night for future rock ‘n’ roll stars.” – Noel  Gallagher  

“This Feeling were the first to take a real punt on us.” – Blossoms  

“If you’re going to see the emergence of a new great band, you’re going to see them at This Feeling first.” – Carl Barât   

“Flying the flag for British guitar music.” – Sergio Pizzorno 

This Feeling By The Sea is shaping up to be one of the most exciting new festivals of the summer when it debuts at Bridlington Spa’s stunning 3800 capacity Art Deco Royal Hall on August 18th-19th

The rock ‘n’ roll tastemakers have put together an enviable line-up led by bands at the peak of their game: The Lathums, who recently  followed their second #1 album with a standout Glastonbury performance; another recent UK album chart-topping band in the shape of Lottery Winners, who just completed a triumphant set at Kendal Calling; plus Red Rum Club and The K’s, who recently graduated to the main stage at Y Not?. And with a line-up paced with essential new bands, the question is – which of them will follow The Lathums and Lottery Winners to the top of the charts? 

Now the line-up is boosted as This Feeling announce the winners of their competition to give two new artists the opportunity to open the festival. Judged by the This Feeling team together with new music champions and festival DJs Jericho Keys (BBC Introducing) and John Kennedy (Radio X), the winners are: 

about-faces: Leeds quintet about-faces have already ignited a buzz in their home city, having sold-out a headline show in Oporto in just four days. Remarkably they only released their debut single ‘Under The Sun’ a month ago, a song which finds them contorting emotional indie-rock, alt-rock and anthemic echoes of U2 in their own utterly engaging fashion. Frontman Sennen Ludman already possesses a magnetic rock star charisma, while his lead vocals are supported by beautiful harmonies from keyboardist Danielle Capstick. The band is completed by Cormac Connolly (lead guitar), Nigel Ngwenya (bass) and Joseph Schofield (drums). 

Jericho Keys says, ‘Under The Sun’ sounds like a tune that was specifically written to open a summer festival on the coast. It’s full of poignant lyrics and evocative melodies that will have any punter that’s ever been heartbroken dancing through the tears to optimism.” 

 

about-faces photo by Barnaby Fairley 

Ruby J: Just 18-years-old, Midlander Ruby J possesses a remarkable voice that has inspired comparisons to Amy Winehouse and Macy Gray, as heard on her early standout tracks ‘Try’, ‘The Game’ and ‘Should Be Me’. While soul, blues and jazz are her core reference points, she plays those genres with a rock band’s intensity – a hybrid which reflects her varied influences, which range from Billie Holiday and Tash Sultana to Arctic Monkeys and Paolo NutiniRuby J has already played shows with The Lathums and Jamie Webster as well as festivals such as the Isle of Wight, Black Deer and Y Not?. 

John Kennedy states, “Ruby J is an outstanding talent who will be a brilliant addition to an already incredible line up.” 

 

 

Ruby J photo by Alan Wells 

 By The Sea represents a landmark moment and a celebration of everything that This Feeling founder and figurehead Mikey Jonns has achieved with the rising rock ‘n’ roll platform. Every artist on the bill has in some way benefited from This Feeling’s support – from being booked for early shows or big festivals, being highlighted on the annual ‘Big In…’ vinyl collection,  or being signed to This Feeling Records.  

He adds, All the acts have played This Feeling gigs in grassroots venues as well as most of our stages at major festivals including the Isle of Wight, Truck, Y Not? and The Great Escape. Two bands on the line-up have had #1 albums and there’ll be many more, no doubt. It’s a dream come true to bring a line-up of bands we love and have supported from the off to Bridlington Spa for our very own festival By The Sea!” 

Limited tickets for This Feeling By The Sea remain available HERE. They are priced at £50 for the weekend, £25 for Friday tickets, or £30 for Saturday tickets. 

Follow This Feeling: 

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter 

NOT-SO-PREMIUM BONDS? SAVINGS EXPERTS HAIL TRADITIONAL SAVINGS ACCOUNTS OVER ‘LOTTO-STYLE’ PREMIUM BONDS, DESPITE INCREASED CHANCES OF WINNIN

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Savings experts have hailed traditional savings accounts over Premium Bonds, despite the latest boost to winning odds.

Following consecutive interest rate hikes, savings account operators have been under pressure to offer better interest rates, resulting in the leading rate on easy access savings accounts rising to 4.75% currently.*

This has forced the body responsible for Premium Bonds, National Savings and Investments (NS&I), to improve their offering to remain competitive, with the odds now standing at 21,000 to one – the highest level for more than 15 years.

This means that there will be 90 prizes of £100,000 in the monthly draws of all investors who have purchased bonds, compared with 77 at present and up from just six in May last year.

However, savings experts at money.co.uk/savings-accounts reveal that traditional savings methods, like easy-access savings accounts and ISAs, still remain a good option for reliable and consistent savings.

Lucinda O’Brien, expert at money.co.uk savings accounts, said: “Despite Premium Bonds offering the chance to win tax-free money, swapping regular interest for a chance to win money in monthly prize draws means you are likely to be missing out on savings.

“The odds aren’t in your favour when you compare 21,000 to one, to earning interest on your savings 100% of the time in a typical savings account, as only the minority win on Premium Bonds and even then it may only be a small prize amount.

“You also have to wait a full month before you’re eligible to win, whereas you start earning interest straight away in a normal savings account.

“Many people are attracted by the fun and exciting ‘lottery effect’ of Premium Bonds but when you consider these points, they are not so great in terms of returns.

“Despite the increased number of prizes, there are still only two winners each month of the £1m jackpots – out of the 22 million investors who hold Premium Bonds.

“If you want to generate a more reliable income from your money, you might want to consider a traditional savings account, cash ISA or investments, including stocks and share ISAs.

“Otherwise you might be waiting for a cash injection that never comes and miss out on years of savings earned gradually in interest.”

For more information and guidance on saving, visit: at money.co.uk/savings-accounts

Looking to the Future: The Leadership Styles Gen Z Brings to the Workplace

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  • Jessica Moores at RADA Business shares insight into Gen Z leadership styles

As Gen Z continues to enter the workforce and assume positions of influence, organisations worldwide are experiencing a shift in common working styles. By 2025, Gen is projected to make up 27% of the workforce[1]. The generation born between the late 1990s and early 2010s is bringing fresh perspectives to the workplace. Is this reshaping the future of work?

Purpose-Driven Leadership

Gen Z leaders often possess a strong sense of purpose. Many seek out meaningful work which aligns with their values and can make a positive impact on the world; 32% want to know how their employer invests in responsible and sustainable business, compared to 14% of Gen X and 21% of Millennials[2]. This purpose-driven leadership can inspire and motivate the team around them, fostering a sense of collective purpose and shared goals.

Digital Natives and Tech Fluency

Having grown up in the digital age, members of Gen Z possess an innate familiarity with technology – 83% of this age group report that they actively stay up-to-date with the latest technology and trends[3]. With their tech fluency, they are able to adapt quickly to emerging tools and platforms, enabling efficient collaboration and helping to bring innovation into organisations. They are able to harness the power of digital solutions to solve complex problems, helping organisations to stay ahead of the curve.

Authenticity and Inclusivity

Many members of Gen Z seek to create a workplace which emphasises collaboration and inclusivity, recognising that diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.

Research shows that 31% of Gen Z will choose to work for employers who proactively prioritise diversity and inclusion in their workforce, compared to 11% of Gen X and 13% of Millennials[4]. These leaders often encourage open dialogue, actively seek input from team members, and leverage the strengths of each individual to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, enabling effective collaboration.

Gen Z often prioritises authenticity and transparency in their interactions with team members[5]. They value open and honest communication, which fosters trust and creates a supportive work culture. They lead by example, displaying genuine emotions and vulnerability, which often leads to similar behaviours within their teams. This authenticity can build strong relationships, enhances teamwork, and boosts overall employee engagement.

Continuous Learning and Development

Members of Gen Z regularly seek out learning opportunities, both formal and informal, to expand their skill sets and stay ahead of industry trends; 76% see upskilling as key to their career advancement[6]. This thirst for knowledge and continuous personal growth can transfer to team members, and a culture of learning is actively encouraged. This common investment in their growth and that of their team members suggests we can look forward to a high-performing and innovative workforce for years to come.

The ever-changing nature of the modern workplace demands adaptability and agility. Gen Z workers commonly embrace change as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

Organisations can benefit by offering Gen Z a seat at the table, to understand new viewpoints and harness fresh skills, especially in a time characterised by volatility, complexity and rapid change. These skills can be built upon within RADABusiness’ leadership courses, designed to help individuals to reconnect with their teams, showcasing the importance of having a diverse set of skills, values and approaches in order to communicate better across generations and ensure a well-rounded workplace.

Jessica Moores, Head of Open Courses at RADA Business says: “over the past six months, we’ve seen some common themes in the areas of support that Gen Z have been raising, including how to increase their confidence and boost their impact, as well as specific scenarios such as handling challenging conversations. It’s clear that Gen Z are already focussing on their professional development and taking steps to enhance their skills.”

To learn more about RADA Business, please visit radabusiness.com.

Gethin Jones touches down in Bristol with Clogau

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Rugby legend and TV presenter Gethin Jones was in Bristol this week to open Welsh jewellery brand Clogau‘s newest store, alongside Smoking Gun’s lifestyle PR team. Renowned for its ties to the British royal family, Clogau appointed the brand building marcomms agency last year, and this latest initiative is part of its strategy to expand bricks and mortar stores.

Welshman Gethin welcomed shoppers, media and influencers to the new 610 sq ft site at flagship shopping centre The Mall, Cribbs Causeway.

The new location showcases some of Clogau’s best-selling ranges, including the Tree of Life® and Lily of the Valley ranges, both inspired by the breathtaking natural beauty of the Welsh countryside.

Clogau Bristol Store Opening 2 scaled

Smoking Gun’s MD Rick Guttridge commented: “Gethin was the ideal personality to bring the warmth of Clogau’s exceptional in-store experience to life, as well its proud Welsh heritage. It’s a pleasure to be part of Clogau’s journey as it gains growth momentum in the expansion of both its physical and digital stores.”

Clogau has a unique history of crafting immaculate pieces inspired by the beauty of the natural world, containing rare Welsh gold from the Clogau St David’s gold mine. This precious metal is beloved not only by jewellery enthusiasts but also by the Royal Family, who have used Welsh gold for their wedding rings, including that of Queen Elizabeth II in her marriage to Prince Philip, for over 100 years.

For more information about Clogau, visit www.clogau.co.uk