#Loans for Christmas marketing campaigns
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How can small business loans help fashion retailers?
From short-term business loans so you can employ seasonal staff in the lead up to Black Friday and the Christmas sales, to medium-term business loans that mean you can secure next season's stock today, small business loans can provide significant support to fashion retailers in multiple ways. In this article we look at how our carefully considered cash flow solutions for SMEs can power retail businesses as part of a sensible commercial strategy and judicious approach to capital management.
Read Full Blog - https://www.riversfunding.com/news/how-can-small-business-loans-help-fashion-retailers?searchQuery=&pageNo=1&limit=25
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How to get your small business ready for christmas festive season?
The holiday season is crucial for small businesses in Australia. As customers flock to stores and local services, business owners must prepare according to the demand. In 2022, Australian customers will potentially spend about $64 billion on pre-Christmas shopping. This number indicates the overwhelming demand businesses have to deal with this year. How do get set for this season? From spending on marketing activities to stocking up on inventory, there are multiple expenditures during this time. A small business loan can help your firm prepare for this promising period. Let's understand how you can leverage this financing avenue to jumpstart your business prospects this Christmas season!
What Expenses Can You Cover with Small Business Loans?
Business owners must tighten their control over multiple operational areas in preparation for the much-awaited holiday season. They need liquid capital to tackle these needs. The following are some areas where you might need to spend for preparing your small business:
● Wages: You may need to hire additional staff members and pay bonuses to the people on your current payroll. These expenses can add significantly to your financial needs during the holiday season.
● Stocking Inventory: You must have adequate inventory available to meet the rising demand during pre-Christmas sales. The availability of your working capital can determine your ability to buy the requisite stocks.
● Marketing Expenses: Every business wants to catch its customers' eyes, especially during the holiday season. You will need funds to start remarkable campaigns that generate consumer interest in your products.
Financing the Holiday Rush: How to Get Funding to Prepare Your Small Business
Once you project your demand for the holiday season, you must plan your expenses. But where will you get the money to finance them? Here are the best funding options as you gear up for the sale season!
#1 Small Business Loan
A small business loan can help you navigate these busy periods. If you get this loan, the lender will give you a lump sum amount to cover your expenses. The loan terms will include details about the interest you must pay and the repayment timelines. There are different loan options for small businesses. You can take a reputed broker's help to determine which loan suits your needs.
The eligibility criteria for getting this loan include the following requirements.
● An active Australian Business Number (ABN).
● History of operating for six months or more.
● Monthly turnover exceeding $5000.
Why are these loans excellent for small businesses? Let’s break down their salient features.
● Minimal documentation and no hassle for business owners.
● Loan amounts range from $5000 to $1,000,000.
● Repayment terms can be between three months and three years.
● The interest rates start from 5.5% per annum.
● Business owners can get secured or unsecured loans quickly due to fast approvals and easy settlement.
#2 Business Line of Credit
If you have a fluctuating cash flow and do not need the funding on an ongoing basis, you can opt for a Business Line of Credit. This funding option involves a pre-approved credit limit so you can draw money at your convenience. Your loan amount must be within the stipulated limit and you have to pay interest only on the amount you draw. This financing option is helpful for managing short-term issues and cash flow fluctuations.
If you want to explore these options in more detail, you can reach out to Broc Finance. They are the top finance brokers in Australia, helping firms navigate their financial exigencies!
Source: https://www.brocfinance.com.au/blog/how-to-get-your-small-business-ready-for-christmas-festive-season/
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Why go to Rivers - an award-winning business lender?
Rivers Funding is a subsidiary of Rivers Finance Group Plc, an independent own book, multi award-winning business lender and recognised business funding provider established in 2010.
Our team of Business Finance Specialists are experienced professionals providing independent business finance and loans with a special focus on supporting SMEs in any sector.
It's that combination of tried and tested heritage and experience that makes us a top UK lender for small businesses.
Read Full Blog - https://www.riversfunding.com/news/why-go-to-rivers-an-award-winning-business-lender?searchQuery=&pageNo=1&limit=25
#Cash flow solution loans#Clear fee structure business loans in UK#Transparent fees for small business loans#Affordable loan renewal with transparent fees#Business growth funding loans#Trusted lender transparent fees#Business growth funding#Cash flow loans#Affordable business loan renewal options#Small business loan renewal process#Easy business loan renewal in UK#Loans for Christmas marketing campaigns#Loans for seasonal staff#Loans for Christmas stock#Loans for seasonal stock#Affordable loans with transparent fees#Affordable startup loans UK#Affordable loans for small businesses#Best affordable business loans UK#Affordable financing for small businesses#No hidden fees loans in UK#Transparent pricing business loans#UK small business loans no hidden fees#Business loan providers no hidden charges#Transparent fees business funding#Clear pricing for business loans UK
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How UK business loans can be a building block for your business
Most people looking to buy a house in the UK will seek to do so by getting a mortgage. The reason for that approach is twofold:
Most of us would not be able to buy a house until well after pensionable age if we waited until we saved to buy it in cash.
Whether it's at the forefront of our minds or not, we take the calculated risk that the property will go up in value over time, and ultimately exceed the value of the loan (mortgage).
When it comes to UK business loans, the same logic can be applied. If you have an idea that requires investment money that you don't currently have in cash, but which you plausibly believe will increase the value or success of your business, then a business loan could be a sensible approach to growth.
Read full blog - https://www.riversfunding.com/news/how-UK-business-loans-can-be-a-building-block-for-your-business
#Cash flow solution loans#Clear fee structure business loans in UK#Transparent fees for small business loans#Affordable loan renewal with transparent fees#Business growth funding loans#Trusted lender transparent fees#Business growth funding#Cash flow loans#Affordable business loan renewal options#Small business loan renewal process#Easy business loan renewal in UK#Loans for Christmas marketing campaigns#Loans for seasonal staff#Loans for Christmas stock#Loans for seasonal stock#Affordable loans with transparent fees#Affordable startup loans UK#Affordable loans for small businesses#Best affordable business loans UK#Affordable financing for small businesses#No hidden fees loans in UK#Transparent pricing business loans#UK small business loans no hidden fees#Business loan providers no hidden charges#Transparent fees business funding#Clear pricing for business loans UK
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PropTech Switzerland Innovation Index
We are pleased to present the first semi-annual Innovation Index. The currently extraordinary situation and his impact on the real estate industry are in this index analyzed. Actually the index should be released on March 30th, 2020. But we had other tasks due to the lockdown and had to react to the current situation and support PropTech companies.
The effects of Covid-19 on the Swiss real estate industry are enormous.
The main risk here is the lack of financial resources of the tenants rsp. in that they cannot fulfill the contracts in the short and medium term. It was the important discussion just after begin the lockdown on March 15th 2020.
More than 100,000 SMEs received loans with State-guaranty under the Covid-19 program. The Swiss confederation remembered the Startups very late and not all the canton wanted to join credit-program to support the Startups.
During the lockdown we followed more than 50 PropTech companies, how they react against the new work style and how they reorganize their companies to continue to the currently projects. We should have to say, the most of PropTech companies and the new Startups did not stop to working. They were active and operative. They have continued to offer their services with the new instruments, such a chatbots, webinar, video-call, streaming, social media etc.
Home-Office was the new workplace. Nobody expected to work at home. When the government started the lockdown on March 15th 2020, there was no another choice to reorganize the workplace. Maybe there is no another sector, such a PropTech, who quickly started to work at home and continue to the currently projects. We are very proud of the PropTech companies.
Also we did not sleep in that time. PropTech Switzerland was the first organisation, who started the campaign “We are strong together” on social media. Our campaign was a role model for the others. Many have followed our slogan and organized their own events.
Before Christmas we started two new projects; PropTech Podcast and Video-Streaming. Nobody had had interest for them at that time. But during the lockdown every company, organizations used them more than ever.
On March 3rd 2020 we started to write “PropTech 2020 Homepage Analysis” and published on April 7th 2020. 101 PropTech companies homepages with more than 40 parameters analyzed and Top 10 best PropTech homepages were announced. It was the first and detailed study ever in switzerland (624 pages, 9 categories and 101 companies).
For this 1st edition, we thank all contributors and companies, who joined and support the innovation index.
Sectors & Topics
PropTech Switzerland Ecosystem
Ecosystem in first half-year
The fast-growing sectors
Marketplace
IBuyer Platforms
Real Estate Investment
Digitalization replaces Property Management
Construction
Smart Buildings & IoT
Virtual Reality, 3D, Augmented Reality and Drones
Big Data Analytics
Valuation Models
Real Estate FinTech
What is PropTech
Made in Switzerland
The impact of the Covid-19 on the PropTech ecosystem
Is the Real Estate Market Going to Crash?
What said What happened
Statistics
Top Locations & Innovative Sectors
PropTech Switzerland Map 2020
Geographic distributions of the companies
The amount of the companies between 2019 – 2020
Founding locations in sectors
Sectors, Contents and companies
The percentage of the sectors in PropTech Industry
Size of organisations
We are PropTech
The statistics of the founder, BMs and employees in sectors
The amounts of the employees in sectors
Female founders and employees in sectors
The gender of employees in sectors
Financing rounds in first half-year
Agenda & Publications
Switzerland as a Service (SWaaS)
PropTech 2020
PropTech Homepage Analysis 2020
Agenda PropTech Switzerland
Selected publications in 2020
Coming Soon
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What Do You Believe?
The global markets continued to advance last week despite the normal twists and turns about trade which will continue until there is certainty one way or another. After listening to Trump at the New York Economics Club last Tuesday, it only reinforced our belief that he will NOT do anything, including trade policy, that would set back the U.S economy and stock market. This is how he gauges his success and is his ace in the hole to get re-elected. The bottom line is that we expect Phase I of a trade deal with China to be completed, any additional tariffs to be postponed, a steepening yield curve and further advances in stock prices.
Let’s review what transpired last week on the four key topics that we are monitoring: monetary policy, trade, Brexit and Trump:
Monetary Policy: Fed Chairman Powell spoke last week to the Joint Economic Committees of Congress stating that he believes the current Fed policy is appropriate and will not likely be changed in the foreseeable future unless there is a major shift in their economic outlook. While that part of his presentation was expected, we were very surprised to hear him mention that low interest rates are here to stay as long as the economy remains on its current path. Interest rates could move lower if economic growth was lower. We have long argued that low interest rates are not transitory therefore the stock market multiple could easily reach/exceed 19 times earnings especially with bank capital/liquidity ratios so high. Remember that the stock market multiple has averaged over 15 times earnings over the last 25 years with interest rates 3 - 600 basis points higher with bank capital/liquidity ratios much, much lower than now. Even if the Fed does not lower its funds rate, don’t forget that the Fed is effectively easing further by buying $60+ billion of Treasury bills per month. The bottom line is that global monetary policy will remain extremely accommodative; low inflation will keep interest rates lower than you may think; and investors will be forced to move further out on the risk curve which is favorable for stocks.
Trade: While we continue to hear that snags remain on completing Phase I of a U.S/China trade deal, we are not surprised as each side will continue to negotiate down to the wire. On the other hand, we hear from top authorities on both sides that a deal is near which is likely as each side needs to complete it. Trump needs one to get reelected and Xi needs one if he intends on achieving his goal for China 2025. The real truth is that the U.S economy can do quite well without a deal, but the Chinese economy will continue to weaken without one. The bottom line is that we do expect Phase I to be completed before December 15th when the next round of tariffs is to go into effect. On another note, Nancy Pelosi commented Thursday that there was a breakthrough in the House and that the trade deal with Canada/Mexico could be passed imminently. That is important and very goods for stocks!
Brexit: As we mentioned last week, it now appears that Johnson may have the vote on December 12th to win the election and control of Parliament. If so, his Brexit deal with the Eurozone should get passed. If not, he will have another 6 weeks to conclude a new deal. Either way, both sides need a deal as their economies, which are already in bad shape, would only tank further.
Trump: Trump has clearly put his economic policy at the center of his 2020 campaign as the numbers are good for sure. A standing President who has had a strong economy in his first terms almost always wins reelection and he knows it. We really doubt that he would shoot himself in the foot by escalating trade tensions with China and the Eurozone. We do expect Phase I to be completed and Trump to push out any thought of auto tariffs against European manufacturers until after elections next year. In addition, we are already hearing about a huge middle/lower class tax cut paid for by closing tax loopholes benefiting only the wealthy; a new health care policy as well as an infrastructure bill to be introduced next year. Trump will do any and everything to get reelected using his power of the Presidency for sure.
We do expect trade deals and aggressive monetary ease to support stronger global economic growth as we move through 2020. Clearly bond investors agree as global rates continue to move up as we anticipated.
What do you believe?
Before we go on, we would like to comment on Elizabeth Warrens misplaced attacks on self-made, philanthropic billionaires. We despise personal attacks especially those that hit below the belt. We can agree to disagree and debate the strengths/weaknesses in any proposals putting personal attacks aside. We do not accept the excuse that this is how politics works. It is time that this country come together rather than being dominated, at least in the media, by the far right or far left.
Now let’s review the most recent data points by region that support/detract from our view that there is no place like home as the Chinese/Eurozone/Japanese economies continue to weaken.
United States
Virtually all of the economic statistics reported last week support continuing strong consumer demand and fiscal spending which make up over 90% of our economy: retail sales rose a seasonally adjusted 0.3% in October while industrial output weakened 0.8% which was no surprise due the impact of the GM strike; the core CPI rose only 0.2% and is up 1.8% from a year ago; the PPI fell 0.3%; small business optimism rose to 102.4; and finally the U.S October budget gap widened to $134.5 billion from a year ago which is highly stimulative.
We continue to anticipate that the U.S economy will expand by 2% +/- 0.25% for the foreseeable future without any significant increase in inflation. We were pleased that the GM strike ended which will boost manufacturing and Ford just ratified a new deal with the union.
China
China’s economy continued to weaken as industrial output has risen only 4.7% from a year ago; retail sales have grown only 7.2% compared to an expected 7.8% gain; and fixed-asset investment has slowed to only 5.2% so far this year. Notwithstanding we were not surprised to see Alibaba’s “Singles Day” knocking the ball out of the park with sales increasing to over $38.4 billion worldwide. Jack Ma, the company’s founder, was surprisingly disappointed with the results.
The Chinese economy is continuing to decelerate and badly needs a trade deal to even get close to 6% growth which the government considers a necessity to provide enough jobs to give credence to achieving China 2025 which appears less likely by the day as manufactures shift their supply lines at an accelerating rate. For instance, Ralph Lauren has cut its dependence on Chinese suppliers in half since the beginning of the year.
Eurozone
The European economy is already in a technical recession in our opinion. Just imagine what it means if the strongest country in the region, Germany, grew only 0.1% in the third quarter. No way can Germany reach 0.5% growth for the year which is their current forecast. Can the government hold off much longer using its budget surplus to increase fiscal spending? We doubt it. Clearly the region, like all others, are banking on a U.S/China trade deal to boost their growth rates. But what if there is no trade deal?
Japan
Japan’s growth depends on global trade which is suffering as we all know. It certainly did not help their economy that the government went ahead with increasing the consumer retail tax to 10% on October 1st. The government is hopeful that the U.S and China will sign a trade deal and that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be signed early next year with more than a dozen countries in Asia Pacific. Without these trade deals, Japan’s economy will stay stuck in the mud.
Investment Conclusions
Global hope springs eternal that the U.S and China reach an initial trade pact ending the continuing escalating in trade tensions around the world. We do expect one and if so, global growth will improve next year. Clearly the markets agree as evidenced by the sharp rise in interest rates globally as well as higher stock prices.
While we continue to emphasize investing in the U.S as we are less vulnerable if no trade deal is forthcoming. We bought some global industrials, capital goods, machinery and industrial commodity companies; added to technology emphasizing semis as you know and raised our financial exposure that will benefit from a steepening yield curve and acceleration in loan demand. We have increased our retailer exposure here expecting a great Christmas season. Naturally we maintain a number of special situations selling well beneath intrinsic value. We own no bonds as we the yield curve to continue to steepen and are flat the dollar although we do expect it to fall.
The weekly Investment Committee webinar will be held on November 18th at 8:30 a, Eastern Standard Time. You can join by typing https://zoom.us/j/9179217852 into your browser.
Remember to review all the facts; pause, reflect and consider mindset shifts; look at your asset mix with risk controls; do independent research and…
Invest Accordingly!
Bill Ehrman
Paix et Prospérité LLC
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Alright, lets run down the problems here.
Many, like Butcher, say they’re in training. Others report disability. All are missing out on a hot labor market and crucial years on the job, ones traditionally filled with the promotions and raises that build the foundation for a career.
I don’t think it needs mentioning just how offensive lumping someone who’s on disability in with a group your article is centered around painting as making unwise career decisions. I’m pretty sure most of the people who are disabled would much rather be fully able-bodied and working.
Their absence from the working world has wider economic consequences. It marks a loss of human talent that dents potential growth. Young people who get a rocky start in the job market face a lasting pay penalty. And economists partly blame the decline in employed, marriageable men for the recent slide in nuptials and increase in out-of-wedlock births. Those trends foster economic insecurity among families, which could worsen outcomes for the next generation.
“How dare you not buy weddings you don’t want and houses you can’t afford!”
It’s difficult to pin down whether the demographic wants to remain on the sidelines or is kept there by a dearth of attractive options.
It’s the second one. As a member of the demographic in-question, I can tell you with 100% certainty that it’s the second one. I’d much rather be working, making money, saving up to move out. I spent all summer applying to entry-level jobs supposedly aimed at people with lower skill levels, as well as for jobs my degree should have me eminently qualified for. I’m not unemployed because I want to be, I’m unemployed because nothing is hiring that pays enough to have anything to save after taxes, bills, transit costs, student loans, etc.
Other social changes could be exacerbating the trend. Better video games might make leisure time more attractive, some economists hypothesize, and opioid use might make many less employable. Young adults increasingly live with their parents, and cohabitation might be providing a “different form of insurance,” said Erik Hurst, an economist at the University of Chicago.
“Clearly the problem isn’t a lack of competitive wages or work-life balance, it’s those damn videogames! That, and they’re all drug-addicted layabouts. Those are probably tied to the out-of-wedlock children we mentioned too...”
Replace “videogames” with “rock music” and you have literally the exact same argument that’s been made about every single generation for the past 70 years.
Young men have been reporting higher rates of school and training as a reason for their non-employment in a Labor Department survey, and a large share say that disability and illness are keeping them from work. Those factors explain much of the wider post-2007 participation gap between 25- to 34-year-olds and their older counterparts, according to an analysis by Evercore ISI economist Ernie Tedeschi.
“Those damn lazy millennials, ignoring this booming economy!”
“Actually, a lot of us are too sick to work, and a lot of those who are able to work are too busy getting more advanced training to get a job too. We spent 20-30 years watching our parents work themselves to death in jobs they hated, while they spent the entire time telling us that education and advanced training were the ticket to a better life than that.”
“Of course, it’s the videogames! That and the drugs...”
I can go on about this article for a while, but I have better things to do. Like, topically, applying for jobs. One last thing I want to touch on though is to give my personal experience about why I, a man between the ages of 25 and 34 who is ostensibly the target of this article, am currently unemployed and not partaking in that “hot labor market.”
I graduated college in 2015, and managed to get a job in my field a few months after graduation. I worked that job until mid-2017, when I quit to go back to school. The main reason I quit was because it became clear pretty quickly that there was no room for advancement in that company. Two annual reviews in, I was working the same entry-level part-time position that I started with, at the same entry-level hourly wage I started with. With the exception of Jewish holidays - which I think I made up for by coming in on Christmas and Easter - jury duty, two days I was bedridden, and that time there was literally an overturned truck blocking the highway, I never missed a day, and I never said no. They said jump, I said how high, did everything you were supposed to.
Both of my annual reviews were glowing, and yet in this job that, according to the article, was supposed to be full of raises and promotions, and doing work that, according to my manager, was top-notch, I repeatedly got passed over for both.
Annoyed that I was working borderline full-time hours - technically you’re not full-time unless you’re working 40+ hours a week, and I was routinely working 36-38 - without any of the benefits of full-time work, regularly getting at-most one day off a week, all just for an attaboy and a paycheck that barely covered commuting costs and student loans, I quit and went back to school.
I thought about getting a different job in the same field, but I decided school made more sense, because programming and network security, the two fields at the heart of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s jobs initiative, a jobs initiative he’s so proud of that it was one of the core pushes to his reelection campaign earlier this week, had much higher earnings potential than my old field.
To recap, I found a job, worked it for a year or two, did everything I was supposed to and then some according to my boss, yet got passed over for a raise or a promotion multiple times. Dissatisfied, and at the urging of my pro-business, pro-jobs governor, I left and went back to school to get certifications and complete coursework to change careers into the field he was aggressively pushing for more people in my state to change into. I did very well in my courses, got certified, and spent all summer applying to entry-level jobs in my new field. I got one call-back all summer, and it was for a company that wanted me to relocate to Northern Virginia for a job that paid less than $20,000 a year. Housing in northern VA is ridiculously expensive, with a median house value over $500k. To call that financial suicide would be an understatement, especially since my interviewer made it very clear that raises, promotions, or other advancements would not be happening for at least three years. Eventually, I got desperate enough to apply for jobs in my old field, and the only place that returned my call was the place I used to work. I’d prefer not to return there, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I’m considering it.
I’m not asking for pity. My ship will come in eventually, even if it’s less of a ship and more of a canoe, and even if I have to build the damn thing myself, board by board. All I’m asking is that instead of assuming that that millennials are out-of-work because we’re lazy drug-addicted gamers with unrealistic standards, consider that maybe we’re out-of-work because we’re getting next-to-no job offers, that the job offers we are getting pay so little that once you factor in the costs necessary to take them, they’re a net loss, and that when we do actually get a job, those raises and promotions you seem to think are so plentiful are nowhere to be found even after literal years of good, hard work.
Also, stop calling this a red-hot booming economy. Wages are stagnant and haven’t kept up with inflation in our lifetimes, housing has become prohibitively expensive in the majority of cities with jobs to offer, underemployment is at the highest it’s been in decades, and the vast majority of jobs that have been created since the recession are low-wage, part-time jobs with no potential for advancement or career prospects.
The only people this is a booming economy for are people who were already well off. For people trying to get started or who don’t have much money in the bank, the people that this article is criticizing for our lack of economic participation, this is a horrible economy where everything is expensive, home ownership is a pipe dream, nobody’s willing to hire anyone for more than minimum wage, and in the off chance you do land a job that’s not a dead end, they have no interest in giving you a raise or a promotion at any point.
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2022 Serie A Preview: Milan
Last Season: 1st
Predicted Finish: 1st
Odds To Win Serie A: 4-1 via Oddschecker
Prospects:
Milan secured their first Scudetto since 2010/11 when the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Thiago Silva and Gennaro Gattuso were at the Rossoneri. Back then, a young Swede was banging goals and helping those legendary figures win the scudetto and etch their names in history. Now 40 years old, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a locker-room leader, empowering his younger charges and acting as a steadying voice for the club, even while injured. The veteran battled through last season’s campaign with a severe knee injury and has undergone surgery this summer, meaning he could be out until the new year, but as seen last season, the Swede’s presence will be felt regardless. Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao helped fire Milan to a club-record points tally of 86 and their form after Christmas was something to admire, losing just once and going unbeaten from mid-January, also beating Inter and Napoli in the process. Theo Hernandez was a revelation, becoming one of the better players in Serie A, and the growth of Sandro Tonali throughout the season as the lynchpin of the midfield bolds well for Milan's prospects this season. The addition of Charles De Ketelaere is an interesting one, and if he hits the ground running, Milan will be well-poised to repeat as they have not seen someone with his technical ability, size, and poise since the aforementioned Zlatan was in his youth. But it goes back to Hernandez, the heartbeat of the club who really makes them tick. Decisive, the heart of the defense, but often taking on swashbuckling runs that generate offensive chances, Theo has become an indispensable part of the team and a future captain. His growth, along with the growth of CDK, Leao and Tonali will be crucial to a repeat of last year's success. Transfers:
The biggest departure for champions Milan this summer has been Franck Kessié who has left on a free transfer to Barcelona upon the expiry of his contract. Kessié played an integral role in helping Milan to their first title in over a decade and he will be sorely missed by the Milan faithful, but constant pressuring to leave and indecisiveness regarding his wages has seen him leave the San Siro for greener pastures (financially, definitely not footballing-wise). Rade Krunic and Ismael Bennacer both featured heavily in the league last season and are likely to fill the void left by Kessié, with increased minutes and responsibility alongside lynchpin Sandro Tonali. Tommaso Pobega is set to return to Milan following a successful loan spell at Torino the last term and offers depth in the midfield, while also inviting the possibility that given the opportunity, he could secure the spot next to Tonali in the 4-2-3-1. Matteo Gabbia could be in line for an increased role in the Milan defense this season with the departure of Alessio Romagnoli on a free to Lazio. However, Milan could look to the market for additional help at the back. Both Japhet Tanganga and Evan Ndicka have been linked as potential recruitments.
Milan’s biggest addition so far has been Charles De Ketelaere from Club Brugge in a deal that could potentially be worth €36 million. He joins Pioli’s side after his most prolific season to date, scoring 14 goals and assisting eight in Belgium’s top flight last season. Incisive, versatile, and technically gifted, De Ketelarere is as talented as he is an unknown commodity. If he adapts, Milan has struck gold. Divock Origi has also been acquired on a free transfer from Liverpool as he joins Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud in the Rossoneri’s array of sizeable forwards. Lastly, Junior Messias has completed a permanent transfer to the Giuseppe Meazza and will be looking to kick on from his five goals and two assists in Serie A last term.
One To Watch:
De Ketelaere. Standing at 6ft 3in, 21-year-old De Ketelaere was a highly sought-after prospect this summer with clubs such as Leeds United and Leicester City showing interest. Nonetheless, he was kept an eye on by most of Europe’s top sides but Milan secured his signature. De Ketelaere helped Club Bruges to their 18th title last season and his versatility across the front line certainly gives Pioli options. Truthfully, CDK has the ability to line up on the flanks and cut inside, but as a striker, he is potentially most dangerous, working off the ball and making deep and underlying runs while beating the off-side trap and working beautifully on hold-up and link-up play. Furthermore, CDK has the ability to fall back, fully capable as a 10, where he has played. Regardless, CDK gives you a myriad of options and gives Pioli a different look than this team had last season. Giroud up-front flanked by Leao on the right, CDK on the left, and Brahim Diaz at the 10 is a scary proposition for anyone in Serie A. Outlook:
While rivals have strengthened, Milan still boasts one of the most talented teams top-to-bottom in Serie A and although they have seen talent leave out the backdoor, have replaced that talent with sensible transfers from loans made permanent, or smart investments in their attack. De Ketelaere and Origi provide depth and youth, with both having the ability to tilt a game given the opportunity. Pobega has just been looking for an opportunity to have sizeable and consistent minutes at a top club, but this time next year could be a nailed-on starter for this team. Messias has been made permanent and for a team with aging forwards, provides quality and depth as well. Meanwhile, Maldini, Leao, Saelemaakers, and Tonali are all a year older, more experienced, and wiser. A title won at a young age gives them the knowledge and capability to understand what is needed and what has to be given to ascend that mountaintop again. I see Milan making a serious run at repeating.
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Important Techniques to Manage Financial Risks in Business
New business owners are experts in what they sell and provide. But as a business, one requires having a tab over certain things like consumer interests, behaviour, and finances.
With a steep road to survival in the few years, it is vital to learn the ropes of financial management.
Risk management helps companies optimise earnings and minimise risks in the future. Thus, a comprehensive risk management plan helps analyse and predict the issues, and the practices help scale the business operations. Whether it is about taking the guaranteed Christmas loans or meeting any existing business requirement, it is essential to have a risk-management plan.
It also ensures the smooth execution of business operations.
Thus, it is therefore essential to manage financial risks, even if they outsource the management:
How to Manage Financial Risks in Your Business?
For small businesses, it is possible to lower down risks by analysing the following risks:
· Market Risk
· Credit Risk
· Operational Risk
· Liquidity Risk
Let’s analyze each market in detail.
1) Market Risk
When launching a new product or service, you need to know your business inside out. You need a though knowledge about the landscape and industry landscape. 42% of the businesses due to lack of demand for their product and services.
Launch a minimum viable product (MVP), test it on your customer target group and ensure to get feedback from your customers and analyze what your customers want to know.
And devising a business plan, make sure to do a scenario analysis as negative cash flow could affect your cash flow.
If nobody wants to buy your product and customers do not show interest in the products, then you need to re-define your products.
2) Credit Risk
Credit risk is the most common risk facing SMEs. If clients don't always pay on time, the business flow may suffer. Unfortunately, the loans from banks do not solve the issue. The traditional financial institution has requirements of credit that SMEs may find hard to meet when they apply for a loan.
Banks may require a long track of profitability. However, they may ask for collateral as property or any possessions. However, pledging cold create liquidity risks. Thus, businesses need to mitigate the threat in advance.
3) Operational Risks
Operational risks are the risks that a business goes through while initiating business operations. It can vary from launching marketing campaigns to delivering products and services. For example, the manufacturing industries. Making the correct business decision but sorting out the finances for sustaining the business operations.
The businesses should refrain from undertaking any risks, such as violating copyright laws and rules by accident.
As a result, businesses should consult a financial advisor in order to mitigate some operational risks.
For managing operational risks, analyse:
· Mortgage foreclosure practices
· Mis-selling
· Foreign-exchange misconduct
· Financial crimes
4) Liquidity risks
Liquidity risk occurs when cash stays locked in a business. Because of this, the company cannot pay the due amount or the debt obligations. A simple illustration of this can have a significant forecast from a client leading to overstocking of the product in the inventory. And apart from this, the company needs to pay the debt as well.
The only solution to this problem is selling off the product at a price lower than the original one.
Before finalizing the high cash incentive operations, all terms and conditions should be considered. Businesses require a proper cash management strategy and overflow to achieve this. Analyzing financial ratios and short-term assets to liabilities is crucial.
Liquidity management techniques include:
· Cash concentration
· Notional Pooling
· Interest enhancement
· Implementing a centralized or decentralized model
· Improve cash forecasting
· Focus on receivables and Payables
Apart from these major ways to manage financial risks in business, you can go for the further points as well:
5) Frame a team of advisors
For maintaining the financial risks of your business, consider making a team of advisors-attorneys, CPA, and bankers. Business owners should avoid switching to any bank and discussing financial issues and goals. Focus on creating a team of experts who would help you manage finances effectively.
6) Ensure to have enough capital
Ensure that profit margins stay within industry standards. Earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes and amortization should be 15 to 20% of the revenue. You can complete a cash flow projection and look out for financing options. Refrain from bootstrapping a business. A business having capital gains is likely to succeed than one that does not have it.
7) Track everything
A loss never comes with a warning. Therefore, for managing your finances well, you need to keep track of the cash flow in business and the fluctuations. Try diversifying your source of income and limiting your expenses.
Refrain from taking any such loan that you may find hard to repay. In precise, it is essential to have a defined structure of cash payments, and insurance covers necessary for your business to meet unexpected accidents.
8) Keep a tab on your credit
To maintain a positive cash flow for your business, it is essential to have complete knowledge about credit. Well, you do not need to go into detail and study critical aspects of credit. Before choosing the creditor and the quick cash loans for the unemployed, it is essential to know your finances, how much you can afford, and the repayments to manage.
You can either hire a financial advisor or study the credit report yourself to manage the funds. It will help you analyse financial risks in business and take immediate measures for them.
9) Leverage financial management tools
Cash management is vital to carry out business operations smoothly. For having a successful business, you need to manage your finances successfully. Using financial management tools or hiring an expert can help you do this. You can streamline cash and finances by using financial management tools.
Thus, as a business management manager or CEO, you need to take a grasp of the credits and finances to shoot for your dreams. Learn how to manage financial risks by consulting the best financial services.
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Alter Nation Action Figures Phase 2
Hi, everyone! We're back with our Toy of the Year Nominated, Dark Horse Comics adapted, action figure brand, Alter Nation! When we launched, we promised two new villains, Alpha and Bomber, were "coming soon," and, well, they're finally here. We could really use the support from the community for our Kickstarter campaign.
Its success represents a watershed moment for our company. We have plenty of more new toy brands planned across categories. Unfortunately, the lockdowns really put a damper on our plans, and instead of taking loans or stimulus, we are taking the crowdfunding approach to see if it can work for us to bring out these new products. I'll be talking more about these and future Alter Nation products in Kickstarter updates as the campaign continues.
We made it easy to find our campaign at www.AlterNationKickstarter.com. More information on the campaign is included in the press release below.
Thanks a lot for the support we've been getting from the collector's community and from you parents out there that introduced this to your kids!
Ryan Magnon Company President Panda Mony Toy Brands, LLC
Panda Mony to Release Alter Nation Phase 2 Action Figures
Bomber and Alpha: The second wave of Alter Nation action figures.
Franklin, TN, August 2, 2021: Setbacks from COVID-19 restrictions aren’t going to stop Panda Mony Toy Brands. Cancellations of the company’s 2020 live-event tour for its Toy-of-the-Year-nominated action figure brand, Alter Nation, compelled them to change their marketing approach, and even relocate to Tennessee.
At its Christmas 2019 brand launch, Alter Nation packaging indicated two new villains, Alpha and Bomber, would be “coming soon.” Panda Mony has been receiving regular fan inquiries asking when these figures will be available, but excess inventory intended for conventions and retailers made it nearly impossible to bring in new products.
“Like most small businesses, the restrictions did a number on us,” said company president Ryan Magnon. “Production has to be planned well over a year in advance, so we made enough product to carry us through 2020, but then the niche toy shops were all forced closed, and conventions, where we planned to sell directly, were all postponed.” After taking 2020 to rebound, the company decided to take production of the new figures straight to the fans using Kickstarter.
“It took us time to adjust to an online-only strategy and clear out inventory, but now we’re glad we’re able to get kids and fans involved in helping us fulfill our promise of new Alter Nation toys!” said Magnon.
Alpha and Bomber, like Alter Nation’s first wave, will combine modern 1:12 action figure’s 10-20 articulation points with an animal-inspired play feature. Bomber ($24.99 MSRP), being part scorpion and bombardier beetle, has a tail which launches a sticky, bright-green, rubber splat-ball. Alpha ($29.99 MSRP), is an enormous figure with articulated bat wings, a snake-like opening jaw, glow-in-the-dark eyes, and color-change skin. Stretch goals include M.U.T.T.S., collectible hybrid-animals that double as action figure accessories.
The Kickstarter is going on now until August 30. Along with taking pledges, the company will be offering backers insights into the future of the brand and company. They’ve already started taking suggestions on the campaign pre-launch page, AlterNationKickstarter.com.
Founded in 2017, Panda Mony Toy Brands, LLC is a toy manufacturer, outspoken against sequels, reboots, and remakes, that develops only new entertainment brands and licenses for today’s kids.
submitted by /u/PandaMonyToys [link] [comments]
source https://www.reddit.com/r/toys/comments/ox5t1i/alter_nation_action_figures_phase_2/
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SBS Spotlight: The Administrative Mom
Our business relies on small business: that is why we came up with the small business spotlight where we select one small business a month to feature on our website and all of our social media platforms. We like to find small businesses that have been looking for unique ways to stay afloat, businesses powered by passion and not profits. The businesses where the owners are truly invested in what they have and only want to see their dreams prosper. We want to support the real small businesses of America. To be featured as part of our Small Business Spotlight, please reach out to us either by calling or texting 862-803-0225, by emailing us at
, or by visiting us on our website at
www.justork.com
. Our own unique way of giving back to the community we serve; the spotlight is a free post to our website blog and social media channels, with additional paid marketing features available as well for extra promotion. Justork Lifestyle is back with the Small Business Spotlight. This Saturday we are featuring The Administrative Mom! Mirena Heigh provides virtual administrative services to small businesses. Who she is:
Hometown / state / country origins - I was born in the US, Washington, DC
Where are you located now? - Washington, DC
Enneagram number - I don't know what that is.
Zodiac sign- Pisces
Wake up / start your day routine - I am usually up by 6am. I work from home with my full time job and I have a child.
First job ever - I was a summer counselor when I was about 13.
Your best quality / skill - I get along with everyone. I have a knack with building good rapport with people.
Worst habit - drinking sodas. I am getting better at cutting down.
Introvert or extrovert ? Definitely an introvert. LOL
Business motto - influential motto? Keep pushing, you never know who is watching you.
3 things you love about being self employed - the idea that I can have more flexibility with my time, controlling my time, knowing that being self employed is possible.
Favorite holiday - Christmas
Favorite small business you admire - I don't have one in particular.
Favorite Instagram to follow - The Virtual Savvy
Favorite vacation / place to unwind and let off steam - At home, reading a book or watching travel videos.
Next place you wish to travel - England/Hawaii
2021 personal goals - I am looking at getting the Certified Administrative Professional certification.
2021 business goals - to continue to grow my business.
Best business related purchase - I bought another cell phone to use as my business phone.
Ideal client - Someone who is willing to give me an opportunity to help them.
Your biggest business related failure - I don't think I have one as of yet. I am quite surprised I was about to get 2 clients this fast.
A mistake that taught you the most / that you learned from - I feel like I am a lifelong learner. So everyday I am learning more about myself and my potential.
How / why you chose to work for yourself - I think I am at the point where I am tired of the 9-5 rat race and just not having control of my time. I am a single parent and I have a 6 year old. I realize that I really need more flexibility with my time to be there more for her.
Your entrepreneurial summary / journey to how you got here - I have a full time job and I have been working from home for a year. I realize that there are so many opportunities to earn an income from home. I have enough work experience that I can branch out on my own.
Your biggest win - Acquiring 2 clients within my first 30 days of being in business!
Advice for new business owners - Do your research. This is not for the weak. It takes time and patience and you need both. Success does not happen overnight.
My Favorite recipe - spaghetti.
Mac or PC? PC
Mobile: 202-549-8251
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirena-heigh-05801729
Facebook: The Administrative Mom
Instagram: theadministrativemom202
Website: www.theadministrativemomllc.com
******************************************************** ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ Justork Lifestyle Please click on the link at the bottom of the page and fill out our short form so that our lenders will reach out to you for available financing options. Justork lifestyle is a business consultant and financial advisor. We help small businesses from start to finish; from the funding stage all the way to product launch. One of our consultants is with you, every step of the way, to answer all of your questions and drive your business to success. For more information, please visit our website or reach out to us via email at [email protected]. We offer a variety of services, including but not limited to: Financial: Business loans Real estate loans Buy & flip / fix & flip loans Short term and long term Mortgages Cannabis business loans Startup loans Franchise loans Cash advance Business line of credit Services: Custom uniform and apparel Screen printing, embroidery, DTG direct to garment, heat transfer vinyls Social media marketing Branding and logo design Custom websites Google ad campaigns Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns Fulfillment and warehousing for apparel/product Business planning and strategy Financial consulting Marketing PPC campaigns SEO & back links Blog publicationsGoogle ranking
https://www.justork.com/business-loan-application
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Ian Rankin
No Sanity Clause
It was all Edgar Allan Poe’s fault. Either that or the Scottish Parliament. Joey Briggs was spending most of his days in the run-up to Christmas sheltering from Edinburgh’s biting December winds. He’d been walking up George IV Bridge one day and had watched a down-and-out slouching into the Central Library. Joey had hesitated. He wasn’t a down-and-out, not yet anyway. Maybe he would be soon, if Scully Aitchison MSP got his way, but for now Joey had a bedsit and a trickle of state cash. Thing was, nothing made you miss money more than Christmas. The shop windows displayed their magnetic pull. There were queues at the cash machines. Kids tugged on their parents’ sleeves, ready with something new to add to the present list. Boyfriends were out buying gold, while families piled the food trolley high.
And then there was Joey, nine weeks out of prison and nobody to call his friend. He knew there was nothing waiting for him back in his home town. His wife had taken the children and tiptoed out of his life. Joey’s sister had written to him in prison with the news. So, eleven months on, Joey had walked through the gates of Saughton Jail and taken the first bus into the city centre, purchased an evening paper and started the hunt for somewhere to live.
The bedsit was fine. It was one of four in a tenement basement just off South Clerk Street, sharing a kitchen and bathroom. The other men worked, didn’t say much. Joey’s room had a gas fire with a coin-meter beside it, too expensive to keep it going all day. He’d tried sitting in the kitchen with the stove lit, until the landlord had caught him. Then he’d tried steeping in the bath, topping up the hot. But the water always seemed to run cold after half a tub.
‘You could try getting a job,’ the landlord had said.
Not so easy with a prison record. Most of the jobs were for security and nightwatch. Joey didn’t think he’d get very far there.
Following the tramp into the library was one of his better ideas. The uniform behind the desk gave him a look, but didn’t say anything. Joey wandered the stacks, picked out a book and sat himself down. And that was that. He became a regular, the staff acknowledged him with a nod and sometimes even a smile. He kept himself presentable, didn’t fall asleep the way some of the old guys did. He read for much of the day, alternating between fiction, biographies and textbooks. He read up on local history, plumbing and Winston Churchill, Nigel Tranter’s novels and National Trust gardens. He knew the library would close over Christmas, didn’t know what he’d do without it. He never borrowed books, because he was afraid they’d have him on some blacklist: convicted housebreaker and petty thief, not to be trusted with loan material.
He dreamt of spending Christmas in one of the town’s posh hotels, looking out across Princes Street Gardens to the Castle. He’d order room service and watch TV. He’d take as many baths as he liked. They’d clean his clothes for him and return them to the room. He dreamt of the presents he’d buy himself: a big radio with a CD player, some new shirts and pairs of shoes; and books. Plenty of books.
The dream became almost real to him, so that he found himself nodding off in the library, coming to as his head hit the page he’d been reading. Then he’d have to concentrate, only to find himself drifting into a warm sleep again.
Until he met Edgar Allan Poe.
It was a book of poems and short stories, among them ‘The Purloined Letter’. Joey loved that, thought it was really clever the way you could hide something by putting it right in front of people. Something that didn’t look out of place, people would just ignore it. There’d been a guy in Saughton, doing time for fraud. He’d told Joey: ‘Three things: a suit, a haircut and an expensive watch. If you’ve got those, it’s amazing what you can get away with.’ He’d meant that clients had trusted him, because they’d seen something they were comfortable with, something they expected to see. What they hadn’t seen was what was right in front of their noses, to wit: a shark, someone who was going to take a big bite out of their savings.
As Joey’s eyes flitted back over Poe’s story, he started to get an idea. He started to get what he thought was a very good idea indeed. Problem was, he needed what the fraudster had called ‘the start-up’, meaning some cash. He happened to look across to where one of the old tramps was slumped on a chair, the newspaper in front of him unopened. Joey looked around: nobody was watching. The place was dead: who had time to go to the library when Christmas was around the corner? Joey walked over to the old guy, slipped a hand into his coat pocket. Felt coins and notes, bunched his fingers around them. He glanced down at the newspaper. There was a story about Scully Aitchison’s campaign. Aitchison was the MSP who wanted all offenders put on a central register, open to public inspection. He said law-abiding folk had the right to know if their neighbour was a thief or a murderer – as if stealing was the same as killing somebody! There was a small photo of Aitchison, too, beaming that self-satisfied smile, his glasses glinting. If Aitchison got his way, Joey would never get out of the rut.
Not unless his plan paid off.
*****
John Rebus saw his girlfriend kissing Santa Claus. There was a German Market in Princes Street Gardens. That was where Rebus was to meet Jean. He hadn’t expected to find her in a clinch with a man dressed in a red suit, black boots and snowy-white beard. Santa broke away and moved off, just as Rebus was approaching. German folk songs were blaring out. There was a startled look on Jean’s face.
‘What was that all about?’ he asked.
‘I don’t know.’ She was watching the retreating figure. ‘I think maybe he’s just had too much festive spirit. He came up and grabbed me.’ Rebus made to follow, but Jean stopped him. ‘Come on, John. Season of goodwill and all that.’
‘It’s assault, Jean.’
She laughed, regaining her composure. ‘You’re going to take St Nicholas down the station and put him in the cells?’ She rubbed his arm. ‘Let’s forget it, eh? The fun starts in ten minutes.’
Rebus wasn’t too sure that the evening was going to be ‘fun’. He spent every day bogged down in crimes and tragedies. He wasn’t sure that a ‘mystery dinner’ was going to offer much relief. It had been Jean’s idea. There was a hotel just across the road. You all went in for dinner, were handed envelopes telling you which character you’d be playing. A body was discovered, and then you all turned detective.
‘It’ll be fun,’ Jean insisted, leading him out of the gardens. She had three shopping bags with her. He wondered if any of them were for him. She’d asked for a list of his Christmas wants, but so far all he’d come up with were a couple of CDs by String Driven Thing.
As they entered the hotel, they saw that the mystery evening was being held on the mezzanine floor. Most of the guests had already gathered and were enjoying glasses of cava. Rebus asked in vain for a beer.
‘Cava’s included in the price,’ the waitress told him. A man dressed in Victorian costume was checking names and handing out carrier bags.
‘Inside,’ he told Jean and Rebus, ‘you’ll find instructions, a secret clue that only you know, your name, and an item of clothing.’
‘Oh,’ Jean said, ‘I’m Little Nell.’ She fixed a bonnet to her head. ‘Who are you, John?’
‘Mr Bumble.’ Rebus produced his name-tag and a yellow woollen scarf, which Jean insisted on tying around his neck.
‘It’s a Dickensian theme, specially for Christmas,’ the host revealed, before moving off to confront his other victims. Everyone looked a bit embarrassed, but most were trying for enthusiasm. Rebus didn’t doubt that a couple of glasses of wine over dinner would loosen a few Edinburgh stays. There were a couple of faces he recognised. One was a journalist, her arm around her boyfriend’s waist. The other was a man who appeared to be with his wife. He had one of those looks to him, the kind that says you should know him. She was blonde and petite and about a decade younger than her husband.
‘Isn’t that an MSP?’ Jean whispered.
‘His name’s Scully Aitchison,’ Rebus told her.
Jean was reading her information sheet. ‘The victim tonight is a certain Ebenezer Scrooge,’ she said.
‘And did you kill him?’
She thumped his arm. Rebus smiled, but his eyes were on the MSP. Aitchison’s face was bright red. Rebus guessed he’d been drinking since lunchtime. His voice boomed across the floor, broadcasting the news that he and Catriona had booked a room for the night, so they wouldn’t have to drive back to the constituency.
They were all mingling on the mezzanine landing. The room where they’d dine was just off to the right, its doors still closed. Guests were starting to ask each other which characters they were playing. As one elderly lady – Miss Havisham on her name-tag – came over to ask Jean about Little Nell, Rebus saw a red-suited man appear at the top of the stairs. Santa carried what looked like a half-empty sack. He started making his way across the floor, but was stopped by Aitchison.
‘J’accuse!’ the MSP bawled. ‘You killed Scrooge because of his inhumanity to his fellow man!’ Aitchison’s wife came to the rescue, dragging her husband away, but Santa’s eyes seemed to follow them. As he made to pass Rebus, Rebus fixed him with a stare.
‘Jean,’ he asked, ‘is he the same one …?’
She only caught the back of Santa’s head. ‘They all look alike to me,’ she said.
Santa was on his way to the next flight of stairs. Rebus watched him leave, then turned back to the other guests, all of them now tricked out in odd items of clothing. No wonder Santa had looked like he’d stumbled into an asylum. Rebus was reminded of a Marx Brothers line, Groucho trying to get Chico’s name on a contract, telling him to sign the sanity clause.
But, as Chico said, everyone knew there was no such thing as Sanity Clause.
*****
Joey jimmied open his third room of the night. The Santa suit worked a treat. Okay, so it was hot and uncomfortable, and the beard was itching his neck, but it worked! He’d breezed through reception and up the stairs. So far, as he’d worked the corridors all he’d had were a few jokey comments. No one from security asking him who he was. No guests becoming suspicious. He fitted right in, and he was right under their noses.
God bless Edgar Allan Poe.
The woman in the fancy dress shop had even thrown in a sack, saying he’d be wanting to fill it. How true: in the first bedroom, he’d dumped out the crumpled sheets of old newspaper and started filling the sack – clothes, jewellery, the contents of the mini-bar. Same with the second room: a tap on the door to make sure no one was home, then the chisel into the lock and hey presto. Thing was, there wasn’t much in the rooms. A notice in the wardrobe told clients to lock all valuables in the hotel safe at reception. Still, he had a few nice things: camera, credit cards, bracelet and necklace. Sweat was running into his eyes, but he couldn’t afford to shed his disguise. He was starting to have crazy thoughts: take a good long soak; ring down for room service; find a room that hadn’t been taken and settle in for the duration. In the third room, he sat on the bed, feeling dizzy. There was a briefcase open beside him, just lots of paperwork. His stomach growled, and he remembered that his last meal had been a Mars Bar supper the previous day. He broke open a jar of salted peanuts, switched the TV on while he ate. As he put the empty jar down, he happened to glance at the contents of the briefcase. ‘Parliamentary briefing… Law and Justice Sub-Committee…’ He saw a list of names on the top sheet. One of them was coloured with a yellow marker.
Scully Aitchison.
The drunk man downstairs… That was where Joey knew him from! He leapt to his feet, trying to think. He could stay here and give the MSP a good hiding. He could… He picked up the room-service menu, called down and ordered smoked salmon, a steak, a bottle each of best red wine and malt whisky. Then heard himself saying those sweetest words: ‘Put it on my room, will you?’
Then he settled back to wait. Flipped through the paperwork again. An envelope slipped out. Card inside, and a letter inside the card.
Dear Scully, it began. I hope it isn’t all my fault, this idea of yours for a register of offenders …
*****
‘I haven’t a clue,’ said Rebus.
Nor did he. Dinner was over, the actor playing Scrooge was flat out on the mezzanine floor, and Rebus was as far away from solving the crime as ever. Thankfully, a bar had been opened up, and he spent most of his time perched on a high stool, pretending to read the background notes while taking sips of beer. Jean had hooked up with Miss Havisham, while Aitchison’s wife was slumped in one of the armchairs, drawing on a cigarette. The MSP himself was playing ringmaster, and had twice confronted Rebus, calling for him to reveal himself as the villain.
‘Innocent, m’lud,’ was all Rebus had said.
‘We think it’s Magwitch,’ Jean said, suddenly breathless by Rebus’s side, her bonnet at a jaunty angle. ‘He and Scrooge knew one another in prison.’
‘I didn’t know Scrooge served time,’ Rebus said.
‘That’s because you’re not asking questions.’
‘I don’t need to; I’ve got you to tell me. That’s what makes a good detective.’
He watched her march away. Four of the diners had encircled the poor man playing Magwitch. Rebus had harboured suspicions, too… but now he was thinking of jail time, and how it affected those serving it. It gave them a certain look, a look they brought back into the world on their release. The same look he’d seen in Santa’s eyes.
And here was Santa now, coming back down the stairs, his sack slung over one shoulder. Crossing the mezzanine floor as if seeking someone out. Then finding them: Scully Aitchison. Rebus rose from his stool and wandered over.
‘Have you been good this year?’ Santa was asking Aitchison.
‘No worse than anyone else,’ the MSP smirked.
‘Sure about that?’ Santa’s eyes narrowed.
‘I wouldn’t lie to Father Christmas.’
‘What about this plan of yours, the offender register?’
Aitchison blinked a couple of times.
‘What about it?’ Santa held a piece of paper aloft, his voice rising. ‘Your own nephew’s serving time for fraud. Managed to keep that quiet, haven’t you?’
Aitchison stared at the letter. ‘Where in hell…? How…?’
The journalist stepped forward. ‘Mind if I take a look?’
Santa handed over the letter, then pulled off his hat and beard. Started heading for the stairs down. Rebus blocked his way.
‘Time to hand out the presents,’ he said quietly. Joey looked at him and understood immediately, slid the sack from his shoulder. Rebus took it. ‘Now on you go.’
‘You’re not arresting me?’
‘Who’d feed Dancer and Prancer?’ Rebus asked.
His stomach full of steak and wine, a bottle of malt in the capacious pocket of his costume, Joey smiled his way back towards the outside world.
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DA to provide loan to market vendors affected by price cap
#PHnews: DA to provide loan to market vendors affected by price cap
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has given its word to market vendors in Metro Manila that they will provide financial assistance in the course of the 60-day implementation of the new Executive Order (EO) mandating a price ceiling on meat and chicken products.
“Magpapautang tayo sa mga market vendors, alam naman nating sila ay at the mercy of wholesalers (We will lend money to the market vendors, they are at the mercy of wholesalers),” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said during the Laging Handa briefer on Monday with Communications chief Martin Andanar.
Dar is yet to share the details on the loanable amount offered to vendors but he mentioned it will be paid with zero-interest in five years.
“We are offering it to association members,” he added.
EO 124 orders a price ceiling of PHP270 per kilo for "kasim" (pork shoulder) and "pigue" (leg), PHP300 per kilo for "liempo" (belly), and PHP160 per kilogram for dressed chicken effective today (February 8).
In the Christmas season, the pork products coming to the metro were priced more than PHP300 due to high demand as people prepared for the holidays but the price did not lower when it was expected to, Dar said.
The secretary also maintained his position that the viajeros or traders were the ones behind the price manipulation in the market; hence, the implementation of the EO 124 and the creation of the new subtask group on Economic Intelligence that seeks to charge unscrupulous traders and manufacturers jacking up the prices or manipulating the supply of pork.
On Monday, some stalls in Metro Manila’s wet markets have opted not to sell meat in declaring some kind of a “pork holiday”. They also complained of having difficulty in getting supply of the commodity.
Dar has urged the vendors to avail of the loan programs and participate in the DAs strategy in lowering the market prices of basic commodities.
This as the DA also gathers live hogs from other provinces to increase the meat supply in Metro Manila.
The DA chief said more than 260 live hogs were being transported from Mindanao raisers.
Dar said Southern Cotabato Swine Producers Association Edward Ang committed to transport 10,000 hogs per week until the prices of pork stabilize.
Aside from the market vendors, Dar also bared the availability of PHP27 billion sourced from funding facilities Landbank of the Philippines (PHP15 billion) and Department of Budget and Management (PHP12 billion) to be offered for loan to hog raisers.
“This is for the repopulation campaign so we continue to increase our supply,” he said.
He said it is their “number 1 strategy” to provide assistance for commercial hog raisers to help them repopulate in their area. (PNA)
***
References:
* Philippine News Agency. "DA to provide loan to market vendors affected by price cap." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129983 (accessed February 09, 2021 at 01:16AM UTC+14).
* Philippine News Agency. "DA to provide loan to market vendors affected by price cap." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129983 (archived).
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