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International Women’s Day: How Candice Bannister became a female founder

Helen Greaney
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International Women’s Day: How Candice Bannister became a female founder

Owner and founder of Candy’s Cupcakes, Candice Bannister, began making tasty treats as  hobby from her home kitchen in 2011 and grew a local loyal customer base via social media.

Today, Candy’s Cupcakes offers nationwide delivery of its cupcakes, cakes in jars, cakes in boxes, brownies and cookies, and has recently announced a massive £900,000 turnover in 2023, up 31% from 2022.

She now has plans to break the one million pound turnover imminently.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we spoke to Candice (pictured) all about being a female founder and even asked for some top tips to help the next women looking to start a business.

Top tips from Candice Bannister

Don’t be afraid of failure

“Starting my own business has taught me many things. Firstly, anything is possible if you put in the hard work and stay focused. It’s important to take the tough times with the smooth and don’t be afraid to fail! Failure is the key to growth as you will learn from your mistakes. If you’re looking to start your own business, don’t worry about needing a lot of money, as starting small is often the key to success.”

Mum-guilt is normal

“When it comes to being a woman in business, I felt I was only able and willing to begin growing my business when my children were growing up. I set up in 2011 but only began properly expanding and employing staff in 2019 when my youngest was 7 years old and in full time education. The parental responsibility and ‘mum-guilt’ is always there as a business owner.

“I am grateful that I share this experience with my husband and our children and they are able to understand when we are busy or need to work a little extra. I’ve also found that, more often than not, my insight into business pathways and opportunities get questioned, however being strong minded and having a clear focus has meant that I have been able to hold my ground and get my point across, despite this.”

Being a role model

“My physical capabilities as a female in the workplace often get underestimated as we get asked by delivery drivers, on a daily basis, if there’s “a man about to assist”. What I love about being a female founder is that I get to work with great people each day. Personally for me, I love the freedom of not working in a corporate environment anymore and more importantly being able to be a role model to my children and demonstrating to them that they can do whatever they want in the future.

“Both my children are creative and ambitious; they’re my biggest achievement. In fact, becoming a family-focused business, bringing my husband on board in 2021 has also been one of my biggest achievements, as it’s enabled the business to grow physically and financially.”

Seek peer support

“In 2022, we were delighted to get the keys to our current unit, taking it from a complete wreck, investing £35k, and turning it into the five star food hygiene rated kitchen it is today. This is one of our business highlights as it means we can now operate 8am-10pm and open 6 days a week.

“My advice for women looking to start their own business is to seek peer support and join local networking groups. The Business Growth Hub is a great starting place for peer support, as they offer free advice and more importantly signpost to others who can assist with common business issues as well as the more obscure. Also, make sure you find the right work/life balance and it’s important to take time out to do the fun things in life.”

Consistency is key

“If you’re going through a rough time, albeit financially, dealing with customers, managing a team, or simply working too many hours, you must always remember that tomorrow is a new day and you can wipe the slate clean. Don’t get worked up about something that has not yet happened because business is very unpredictable and things can change!”

Salford Business School Industry Advisory Board members selected for UN Conference

Helen Greaney
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Salford Business School Industry Advisory Board members selected for UN Conference

Two women from the Salford Business School’s Industry Advisory Board – which helps to make decisions about the direction of the School and its industry partnerships – have been chosen as United Nations delegates at an internationally renowned event.

The 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) takes place from March 11 – 22, and is the largest global gathering on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls of the United Nations.

Dr Sally Penni MBE and Naomi Timperley (pictured main) are attending to share their expertise across the fields of law and technology respectively.

Co-founder of Tech North Advocates and We Are GSI, Naomi is an Honorary Industry Fellow at Salford Business School as well as a member of the Industry Advisory Board.

She has been a mentor for over 10 years, helping hundreds of businesses with her expert advice during that time and collecting many awards. She has featured in the top 50 Computer Weekly most influential women in UK IT, reaching 3rd and 4th in 2021 and 2022.

Dr Sally Penni Dr Sally Penni MBE (pictured left) is a high-profile and award-winning barrister specialising in crime, GDPR, data protection and employment law.

She is a bencher at Gray’s Inn, master of the bench. Outside of her role as a barrister, Sally is also a prolific public speaker, patron and board member, diversity leader, radio broadcaster and media contributor, as well as a proud mother of three.  She is also the founder of Women in the Law UK.

Both women will attend this year’s CSW68, which will be held in New York. The priority theme for this year’s conference is “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.”

Dr Penni MBE said: “It is extremely exciting to be selected as a delegate for UN Women UK for the upcoming 2-week conference of the 68th session on the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW68). I’m really looking forward to learning and sharing my own experiences at this most impactful gathering.”

Naomi Timperley added: “I’ll be joining other gender equality advocates as we contribute to the largest global policy-making body dedicated to empowering women. It’s an honour to be involved with CSW68.”

To find out more about Salford Business School’s Industry Advisory Board, including a full list of board members, visit: Industry Advisory Board | University of Salford.

Solicitor shortlisted for prestigious award on International Women’s Day

Helen Greaney
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Solicitor shortlisted for prestigious award on International Women’s Day

A top Manchester solicitor has been named among the finalists for a highly coveted legal award which celebrates women in the industry.

Amina Ali, partner at Veritas Solicitors (pictured) has been nominated “Mentor of The Year” in The Women, Influence & Power in Law UK Awards which honours top female lawyers who have made a difference in the profession.

The award celebrates female lawyers across the country who shape the law and achieve excellent results for their clients – and the shortlisting comes perfectly timed for International Women’s Day. (March 8)

Mrs Ali, who heads up the clinical negligence department at Veritas Solicitors, said she was surprised but very proud to be shortlisted having started mentoring early on in her career.

“It’s nice to be considered because I was always given that responsibility of training new starters, helping them progress at their own pace,” she said.

“It gives me a sense of pride seeing somebody that I have mentored progress over the years, and I’m humbled to be recognised among such great company.”

The worldwide celebration recognises the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while also raising awareness about the ongoing challenges they face worldwide.

Pushing barriers

Mrs Ali said it was a massive achievement getting such praise and exposure, particularly being from an ethnic minority background.

“It’s really inspiring to see ethnic minority women doing so well in these top positions and being recognized for their skills, knowledge, and expertise.

“Women are pushing barriers and I’m somebody that has always given a lot of importance to my career.

“I’ve managed to hold down a high responsibility job and balance a family life which hasn’t been easy, but worthwhile in the end. And I have no doubt there are many others with similar circumstances to mine. If my nomination inspires other women, that’s a very positive thing.”

The mum of one said she is very grateful to be in the position she’s and glad to see awards specifically for women in what she says is a very male dominated industry.

“I think managing and mentoring isn’t an easy job, and it requires a lot of patience and fortitude. If done well, it can really help someone advance and has a lasting impact,” she added.

“When I get messages from people who I’ve mentored over the years, it’s a nice feeling knowing they’re still thinking of me and how I have helped them.

“The best feeling for me is when I see a person whom I’ve mentored go from a paralegal to a qualified solicitor, independently running a caseload and winning trials because I know that I’ve had some part to play in that.

“To all the mentors everywhere, your actions have the power to profoundly impact lives for the better.”

LandlordBuyer Unearths 41% Boost in UK Housing Construction in the Last Decade

News Desk
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LandlordBuyer Unearths 41% Boost in UK Housing Construction in the Last Decade

A recent exploration by LandlordBuyer has unearthed a 41% boost in the construction of new homes across the UK over the previous ten years, in the face of ongoing challenges with housing overcrowding that plague local government bodies.

The exploration indicates that from January through September 2023, the UK saw the erection of 138,570 new residential units. This figure shows a significant 41% boost over the homes constructed in the same timeframe ten years earlier, where 98,080 homes were built from January to September 2013.

However, even with this considerable increase, the problem of overcrowded living conditions remains, affecting over 1.1 million households in England and Wales, which makes up 4% of all households.

The predicament of overcrowding is particularly acute in cities such as Birmingham, London, and Leicester, with a higher incidence among households in private rentals (7% of households) and social housing (9% of households), compared to those owned outright (2% of households).

Jason Harris-Cohen, Managing Director at LandlordBuyer, remarked, “It’s absolutely essential that we build more new homes, and it’s great to see an uplift in supply over the last decade. While this is positive, we need to look at how the figures break down to establish why we still have a serious issue of overcrowding.”

He further observed, “While 153,300 new build homes were started in 2023, only 138,570 were actually completed/built. That means almost 15,000 new homes never made it over the line in the year construction started.”

Harris-Cohen cited the shortage of labour and the escalation in the cost of building materials as significant barriers to the completion of many new housing projects, urging local government bodies to offer more backing to developers.

He also questioned the allocation of new homes, stating, “The allocation of new homes also needs scrutiny. Overcrowding is most prevalent in the social housing sector but housing associations and local authorities only gained 32,290 new homes in 2023. Conversely, the private sector gained 106,280 new homes – an out-of-kilter proportion given owner-occupiers were the least likely to suffer overcrowding.”

Harris-Cohen pointed out that private landlords could be instrumental in mitigating overcrowding issues.

He expanded on this, saying, “New builds are an attractive proposition as they are low maintenance and energy efficient but they have always attracted a price premium. Furthermore, landlords have tended to favour apartments in city centre locations – the locations identified where overcrowding is at its worst. When figures show 7% of private renting households suffer from overcrowding, more houses to rent, rather than a saturation of flats, may help address the issue.”

He wrapped up by suggesting that developers could better encourage private landlords to invest in family homes through various incentives, “It does fall on housebuilders, however, to incentivise private landlords in the same way they do owner-occupiers. Legal fees paid, a stamp duty contribution and a furniture pack attached to family homes would help property investors reassess what they purchase and where.”

Business Expo Wigan makes its return to the borough this March 

Helen Greaney
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Business Expo Wigan makes its return to the borough this March 

Business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to attend Business Expo Wigan, which makes its return to the borough this March.

Businesswomen Nichola Howard and Jo Leigh, who are founders of the event, are delighted to launch the expo, marking their first in-person event in the borough in four years.

The free-to-attend event will take place at The Edge on Tuesday, March 12 and invites business people at every stage of growing their company to network and attend skills workshops throughout the day.

Business owners will gain start-up advice from the Build A Business team at Manchester Libraries, finance know-how from event sponsors Simplify and marketing lessons from Apprentice semi-finalist, Lewis Ellis.

The event will conclude with a panel debate featuring award-winning Leigh business owners, Adam Vause and Tyldesley’s Antony Grace and Bury-based entrepreneur and Prince’s Trust Ambassador for their “women supporting women” campaign, Charlotte Knowles.

The panel will be hosted by Standish-based social entrepreneur, Grace Dyke.

Nichola said: “After four years, we’re excited to bring the Business Expo in Wigan back to life.

“We are a survivor of the pandemic – 74% of events companies sadly failed to make it through – and we wouldn’t have made it without the support of other businesses in the borough who are all rooting for each other to succeed.

“Our goal is to create a space where Wigan and Leigh’s businesses can connect and feel supported to take on the challenges that running a business throws at them.

“It’s the perfect place to find opportunities, build meaningful partnerships, and invest in yourself and your local business community.”

The event will take place 10am to 3pm. To register for free, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/launch-north-west-presents-business-expo-wigan-tickets-656607078447?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Pictured (from left) are event organisers, Nichola Howard and Jo Leigh 

Can Manchester United defeat Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter finals?

Helen Greaney
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Can Manchester United defeat Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter finals?

Following Manchester United’s 1-3 defeat at the hands of their rivals Manchester City on Sunday, the Red Devils face another crisis. Helped by Marcus Rashford’s wonder strike, United’s first-half performance at the Etihad Stadium was bullish, but City’s second-half showing blew the visitors away with three unanswered goals. Phil Foden, in particular,  produced an unstoppable performance for Pep Guardiola’s men.

The defeat has further dented Man Utd’s slight UEFA Champions League qualification hopes as well as the club’s potential chances of competing in other European competitions next season. As a result, Erik ten Hag will place increased emphasis on his squad’s FA Cup campaign as it remains the only trophy Man Utd can still win in 2023/24.

After a promising start to 2024, consecutive Premier League defeats, with a 1-2 loss to Fulham at Old Trafford preceding the Man City reversal, Man Utd’s next match against a hapless Everton takes on even more importance, not only from a result perspective but also as a confidence builder. 

By the time Bruno Fernandez leads his team out to face an in-form and confident Liverpool at Old Trafford in their all-important FA Cup quarter-final on March 17, supporters and sports bettors alike will expect a more cohesive and positive showing from The Red Devils. 

While sportsbooks listed on safebettingsites.com make Jurgen Klopp’s Reds the overwhelming 10/11 favourites for the clash, Man Utd’s home-ground advantage and the unpredictability of FA Cup ties mean the host’s 3/1 odds will encourage many punters to risk its underdog status with the bookies before or on match day.

Man Utd’s recent talisman, striker Rasmus Hojlund, will likely be fit for the FA Cup quarter-final, with his muscle injury responding well to treatment. England international Harry Maguire should be fit to join Raphael Varane in central defence, providing a welcome boost against a Liverpool side that welcomed back Darwin Nunez in time to score a last-gasp winner against Nottingham Forest last time out. 

Man Utd defenders Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez will miss the mid-March encounter, with ten Hag hopeful to have Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to join Diego Dalot on the flanks and further bolster his defence against a Liverpool attack also likely to include star player Mohamed Salah. 

The United boss will hence prepare to face a full-strength Reds attacking line-up, while defensive playmaker Trent Alexander-Arnold may also be available for the clash.  

While the return of Hojlund should boost Man Utd’s chances substantially in the quarter-final, much will also depend on which Marcus Rashford turns up on the day. In the first half against Man City, Rashford’s pace occasionally troubled the hosts, and his long-range goal was from the top draw. Unfortunately,  the forward’s impact faded as the game progressed, leading to a premature second-half substitution.

Editorial credit: Debu55y / Shutterstock.com

Arsenal can still move through the gears, says confident Arteta

Jon Fisher
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Arsenal can still move through the gears, says confident Arteta

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal have “another gear or two to go” as they bid to maintain their challenge to Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners will go top on Saturday evening if they can see off Brentford at the Emirates, although they could be overtaken again when Liverpool host City in Sunday’s eagerly anticipated clash at Anfield.

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Arsenal were the closest challengers to eventual winners City last season and Arteta feels that experience will stand them in good stead this time round.

He said: “The team want to keep improving, they feel they have another gear or two to go.

“That’s the level we want to push them to. Experience is a factor. They have played more time together and understand the system better.

“Confidence grows when results are positive too.”

The Spaniard says he will then sit back and watch Sunday’s blockbuster with his children.

“We can’t control that, we just have to focus on our game, try to win and then on Sunday it’s a game that should be beautiful to watch for any supporter,” he added.

“I can’t control it but I will enjoy watching two of the best teams in Europe. I will sit there with my kids and enjoy the match.”

All three of the Premier League contenders are in good form but it is Arsenal that have caught the eye recently, scoring 21 goals and conceding just one in their last four league games.

Arteta said: “It’s great, it shows our quality. The way we scored those goals too is really positive to see.

“The fact we are conceding very little, those two ingredients are great.

“We know the demands we have and what Brentford will ask of us to win the game.

“We want to be better so we know we have to win.”

Arteta will be forced into at least one change for the visit of Thomas Frank’s side with goalkeeper David Raya ineligible against his parent club.

That means a rare opportunity for former number one Aaron Ramsdale with Arteta confident the England international will shine.

“He’s fully prepared and desperate to play,” said Arteta.

“On Saturday it will be a great day for him. He has been brilliant, really supportive and pushing every day in training. It’s a joy to have two great goalkeepers in the team.

“One of the toughest things is to deal with players that don’t get the gametime they deserve.

“We have an unbelievable group of players and try to support them. When they get the opportunity they want to contribute to the team in the best way possible.”

Children across Greater Manchester celebrate World Book Day

Helen Greaney
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Children across Greater Manchester celebrate World Book Day
Children across Greater Manchester are being inspired by their favourite authors to read more this World Book Day.
Today, lots of schools and libraries are marking the occasion by making reading fun and accessible for thousands of children – as well as their parents – fostering a love of books from an early age.

Events are being held in Manchester, with readings by award-winning authors at some local schools and libraries, as well as a free book giveaway for all the family.

After distributing hundreds of free books on tram routes for children and adults to collect in 2023, this year Manchester Libraries and Read Manchester will be hosting a big book giveaway with more than a thousand free books for children and adults up for grabs from the main concourse at the Forum Wythenshawe throughout the day to help further inspire the joy of reading.

World Book Day free books for younger children will also be given away throughout the next week at Libraries’ ever-popular fantastic story time sessions which are held in libraries across the city.

Although World Book Day itself takes place today, there will be a fortnight of events on across the city.

Nick Sharratt (pictured) winner of the Red House Children’s Books Award and illustrator of over 300 books including titles by Jacqueline Wilson is in Manchester this week during a whistle-stop tour of the city’s libraries. He visited both the Forum Library and Moss Side Powerhouse library ahead of World Book Day which will also see him in Manchester Central Library.

The sessions saw him sit down with primary school pupils to talk about his books and read some of his classic children’s stories to them, showcasing his vibrant illustrations and how he brings them to life, along with the story of how he grew up to become a renowned author.

This week has also seen author and illustrator Emma Reynolds deliver two online school sessions about her books to children in the city’s schools.  And for older audiences, Josh Silver is set to visit two high schools next week – Cedar Mount and Chorlton High School – to talk about his book ‘Happyhead’ and the nature of happiness, finding your place in the world and working out who you are and who you love.

Across Greater Manchester, lots of schools including Peel Brow Primary in Ramsbottom, have invited children to wear pyjamas and bring in their favourite book today.

Councillor John Hacking said: “World Book Day is a brilliant opportunity for children in Manchester to learn, delve into their creativity and ultimately be inspired by the power of reading.

“Engaging with talented authors and illustrators who bring books to life and making diverse genres of books readily accessible to all children is a core part of the incredible work that continues to instill them early on with the confidence and skills that are important for their progression.”

FBW Engineering completes six-figure acquisition

Helen Greaney
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FBW Engineering completes six-figure acquisition

Wigan-based FBW Engineering Services Limited has acquired ARL Consulting in a six-figure deal completed today.

FBW aims to leverage ARL’s specialist expertise in the food and beverage sector, providing valuable access to the industry. Simultaneously, ARL stands to benefit from the inclusion of FBW’s Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) services, enhancing the overall value of its existing portfolio.

In a strategic move, both businesses will maintain their autonomy and operate independently under the umbrella of FBW Group; FBW co-owner Ian Hampson will assume the role of managing director at ARL as part of the arrangement.

Working in tandem with the existing management team and collaborating closely with ARL’s founder, Simon Binyon, Ian aims to ensure a seamless integration of operations at the Chester-based enterprise.

Having taken the reins of FBW in 2016 through a management buyout, Ian, alongside co-owner Mike Dawber, has actively fostered growth and invested significantly in the business over the past eight years.

Ian said: “Mike and I share a passion for growth and have consistently invested in the business since our takeover. We’ve successfully elevated FBW’s profile, securing clients both domestically and internationally.

“The acquisition is the next natural step, aligning with our growth strategy, and providing us with the opportunity to explore new markets and integrate additional expertise into our business. ARL is a well-respected brand in the effluent treatment sector, with an impressive client portfolio and a specialist skillset that we are proud to invest in moving forward.”

The deal marks a period of growth for FBW; in late 2023 the team grew with new appointments including Emma Carter as team administrator and Tom Smith as a mechanical engineering apprentice.

 Pictured (from left) Mike Dawber and Ian Hampson of FBW, with ARL founder, Simon Binyon.

Unlocking the Fast Track: Streamlined House Selling for Cash

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Unlocking the Fast Track: Streamlined House Selling for Cash

Selling a house can be a complex and time-consuming process, involving estate agents, listings, showings, negotiations, and more. However, there’s another option that’s becoming increasingly popular: selling your house for cash. This method offers several advantages, including speed, convenience, and avoiding the hassle of traditional sales. 

If you’re considering selling your house for cash, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.

Understand the Benefits

Before diving into the process, it’s essential to understand why selling your house for cash might be a good option for you:

Speed: Cash sales typically close much faster than traditional sales, often within a matter of days or weeks.

Convenience: Selling for cash eliminates the need for repairs, staging, showings, and open houses, saving you time and effort.

Certainty: Cash house buyers don’t rely on financing, which reduces the risk of deals falling through due to loan denials or appraisal issues.

Avoiding Fees: When selling for cash, you may avoid agent commissions, closing costs, and other fees associated with traditional sales.

Evaluate Your Property

Before listing your house for cash sale, take a critical look at its condition and market value. Consider factors such as:

Repairs: Determine if any repairs or renovations are needed to make your house more attractive to buyers.

Comparable Sales: Research recent sales of similar properties in your area to get an idea of your home’s market value.

Local Market Conditions: Understand the demand and supply dynamics in your local real estate market, as this can influence your pricing strategy.

Find Cash Buyers

Once you’ve assessed your property, the next step is to find potential cash buyers. Here are some avenues to explore:

Real Estate Investors: Look for local real estate investors or investment companies that specialize in buying properties for cash.

Online Platforms: Utilize online platforms that connect sellers with cash buyers, such as real estate marketplaces or investor networks.

Networking: Reach out to your network of friends, family, and acquaintances to see if anyone is interested in purchasing your property or knows someone who might be.

Prepare Your Property

While cash buyers are often willing to purchase properties in as-is condition, it’s still essential to present your home in the best possible light. Here are some tips:

Clean and Declutter: Ensure your home is clean, clutter-free, and well-maintained to make a positive impression on potential buyers.

Minor Repairs: Address minor repairs and cosmetic issues to enhance the overall appeal of your property.

Consider Staging: While not always necessary, staging can help buyers envision themselves living in the space and may lead to quicker sales.

Negotiate the Sale

Once you’ve attracted potential cash buyers, it’s time to negotiate the terms of the sale. Here are key considerations:

Price: Determine a fair and competitive price based on your property’s condition, market value, and comparable sales.

Terms: Discuss the terms of the sale, including the closing timeline, earnest money deposit, and any contingencies.

Documentation: Ensure all agreements are documented in writing to avoid misunderstandings or disputes later on.

Close the Deal

Once you’ve reached an agreement with a cash buyer, it’s time to close the deal. Here’s what to expect:

Title Search: The buyer will typically conduct a title search to ensure there are no liens or encumbrances on the property.

Closing Process: The closing process for cash sales is usually faster and less complex than traditional sales. You’ll sign the necessary paperwork and transfer ownership of the property to the buyer.

Receive Payment: Upon closing, you’ll receive payment for the sale of your property in cash or via wire transfer, depending on the agreed-upon terms.

Conclusion

Selling your house for cash offers a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional real estate transactions, particularly if you’re trying to alleviate financial vulnerability. By understanding the process and following these steps, you can successfully sell your house for cash and move on to your next chapter with ease. 

Remember to do your due diligence, evaluate your options carefully, and work with reputable buyers to ensure a smooth and satisfactory transaction.

 

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