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Manchester derby will be different to Luton rout – Guardiola

Pep Guardiola hailed the genius of Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland following last night’s 6-2 mauling of Luton in the FA Cup – but warned it will be more difficult against Manchester United on Sunday.

Haaland scored five goals to take his tally for City to 79 in 83 games in all competitions with De Bruyne also looking back to his best with four assists in a masterful display.

Read our other stories here:
United boss Ten Hag ‘knows future’
Aguero denies Independiente rumours
Ten Hag hits back at Carragher criticism

“I think Erling needs a guy with the vision, the quality and generosity [of De Bruyne],” said Guardiola. 

“Kevin is a less selfish player in front of the goal, and if he could have helped him score another one, he would do it.

“And Kevin needs the movement from Erling but of course we know how aggressive they are.”

Next up for City is the Manchester derby with United at the Etihad and Guardiola is expecting a different type of challenge.

“It’s a completely different game – when you have these up and down transitions, when you can have metres behind them to run it’s difficult to control, but they have courage to do it,” he added.

“What can I say? The passing was good, the goals were good and we had two or three more chances to score more. The players played really well.

“United will be completely different. They defend differently and have experienced players.

“Two days off now to refresh our minds and legs and prepare for the game.”

The only negative on a good night for Guardiola was the injury suffered by Jack Grealish that forced the England international to make way after 39 minutes following his recall to the starting line-up.

“I didn’t speak to the doctor but I think he was complaining a bit about his groin,” said Guardiola.

“He felt really good but unfortunately was injured again. It’s been a tough season for him. He’ll have to recover well and help us when he’s able to come back.”

Increasing win rates with proposal software solutions

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In today’s competitive business landscape, securing new clients and winning projects is essential for the growth and success of any organisation. One of the most critical elements in this process is crafting compelling proposals that effectively showcase your capabilities and offerings.

However, manual proposal creation can be time-consuming, prone to errors, and lacks the efficiency needed to stay ahead in the market. This is where proposal software solutions come into play, revolutionising the way businesses approach proposal management and significantly increasing win rates.

Proposal software solutions have transformed the traditional proposal creation process, offering a wide range of features and functionalities designed to streamline and optimise every aspect of proposal management.

These innovative tools leverage automation, collaboration, customisation, and analytics to empower businesses to create high-quality proposals efficiently and effectively.

How does proposal software work?

Proposal software works by providing a streamlined platform for businesses to create, manage, and track their proposals throughout the sales process. Here’s how it typically works:

  1. Template creation: Proposal software offers a library of customisable templates for various types of proposals, such as sales proposals, project proposals, or grant proposals. Users can select a template that best fits their needs or create a new one from scratch.
  2. Content generation: Users can easily populate their proposals with relevant content using built-in tools and resources. These may include pre-written sections, product descriptions, pricing tables, images, and multimedia elements. Some advanced proposal software may even offer AI-powered content generation capabilities to automatically generate personalised content based on user input and data.
  3. Tracking and analytics: Proposal software provides tools for tracking the progress of proposals and analysing their performance. Users can monitor when proposals are opened, viewed, and acted upon by clients, allowing them to follow up at the right time and adjust their strategies accordingly. Analytics features may also offer insights into which sections of the proposal are most effective and which need improvement.
  4. Integration: Proposal software may integrate with other business tools and platforms, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, project management software, and accounting software. This seamless integration allows for the smooth transfer of data between different applications, streamlining the sales process and improving efficiency.

You can also read in detail about how proposal software works in this article.

Using proposal software offers numerous advantages for businesses looking to streamline their proposal creation process and increase their efficiency and effectiveness. Here are some key benefits:

  1. Time savings: Proposal software automates repetitive tasks such as template creation, content generation, and approval workflows, saving significant time for teams. This allows businesses to respond to client requests more quickly, increasing their agility and responsiveness in the market.
  2. Consistency across proposals: Maintaining a consistent brand image and messaging is crucial for building trust and credibility with clients. Proposal software ensures uniformity across all proposals, presenting a cohesive and professional image to clients.
  3. Increased productivity: By automating manual tasks, proposal software frees up employees’ time, allowing them to focus on more strategic activities. This boosts overall team productivity and enables businesses to generate a greater volume of high-quality proposals.
  4. Enhanced collaboration: Modern proposal software often operates on cloud-based platforms, facilitating collaboration among team members. Multiple stakeholders can contribute simultaneously, and updates are instantly visible to all, promoting a seamless workflow.
  5. Customisation capabilities: Proposal software offers advanced customisation features that allow businesses to tailor proposals to the specific needs of each client. Whether it’s adjusting content, branding, or pricing details, businesses can easily customise proposals to address individual client requirements.
  6. Real-time tracking and analytics: Proposal software provides real-time tracking of proposal progress and analytics tools that offer insights into client interactions. This helps businesses understand which elements of their proposals are most effective and allows for continuous improvement.
  7. Cost efficiency: While there may be an initial investment in acquiring proposal software, the long-term cost savings are substantial. Reduced man-hours, improved conversion rates, and minimised errors contribute to a more cost-efficient proposal creation process.
  8. Flexibility and scalability: Proposal software is designed to adapt to the evolving needs of businesses. Whether a company is a startup or an established enterprise, these tools offer scalability, growing alongside the organisation and supporting its growth and expansion.

In addition to streamlining the proposal creation process, proposal software solutions provide valuable insights and analytics that help businesses improve their win rates over time. This data-driven approach ensures that businesses are continuously optimising their proposal efforts and increasing their chances of success.

Moreover, proposal software solutions offer scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to adapt and grow without being limited by their proposal management tools. Whether a business is a small startup or a large enterprise, proposal software can scale to meet their evolving needs, providing the agility and versatility required to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment.

In conclusion, proposal software solutions are invaluable tools for businesses looking to increase their win rates and stay ahead in the market. By leveraging automation, collaboration, customisation, and analytics, these innovative tools empower businesses to create high-quality proposals efficiently and effectively.

With the ability to save time, maintain consistency, enhance collaboration, customise proposals, and gain valuable insights, proposal software solutions are essential for any organisation serious about winning new business and achieving long-term success.

Financial Advisers Gain Access to Timeline’s Model Portfolios on SS&C Hubwise

In a strategic move to support financial advisers, Timeline has integrated its well-regarded model portfolios into the SS&C Hubwise platform, responding to adviser demand and widening the availability of its low-cost, evidence-based investment solutions and advanced financial planning technology.

Advisers on the SS&C Hubwise platform can now leverage Timeline’s portfolios, which were acclaimed as ‘the most recommended by advisers in 2023′ by Defaqto. This integration holds particular significance for firms preparing to adopt wealthlink, the collaboration between intelliflo and SS&C.

Wealthlink combines the capabilities of intelliflo office with the platform technology of SS&C Technologies, enabling financial planners to efficiently execute their clients’ investment and pension strategies via intelliflo’s software. The available Timeline models include:

  • Timeline Classic – Globally diversified portfolios that leverage key alternative beta factors such as the small and value premia, with equity allocations ranging from 0-100% and an average OCF of 0.13-0.22%.
  • Timeline ESG Classic – A globally diversified portfolio aimed at capturing the value and small-cap premium while enhancing ESG performance, featuring sustainable, low-carbon focused equity funds, with an OCF of 0.13-0.27%.
  • Timeline Tracker – This model seeks to replicate market returns by tracking the global market cap weighted equity index and includes a diversified fixed-income portfolio, with a typical OCF of 0.08%.
  • ESG Tracker – A diversified portfolio with robust ESG credentials designed to mirror global market performance with minimal active risk, featuring a typical OCF of 0.11%.

Ed Carey, Chief Commercial Officer at Timeline, discussed the collaboration’s impact, saying, “We’re all about making advisers’ lives easier through technology and low-cost investment options that generate great client outcomes. intelliflo and SS&C are market leaders and share our goals around using deep integration to provide real value to advisers. Pulling data seamlessly from fact-finding and risk profiling to investing and portfolio management is crucial for time, cost-efficiency and error reduction. We’re excited to be a part of it.”

Damien Barry, Head of GIDS EMEA at SS&C Technologies, also expressed his delight, commenting, “We are delighted to add Timeline’s portfolios to our growing SS&C Hubwise platform. Timeline’s models will be available to all of our partner firms for use in their different propositions. This integration is another example of leading providers collaborating across the value chain to deliver great client outcomes whilst helping to drive down the overall cost of advice.”

ICON Projects Unveils Majestic Transformation of Manchester’s Old Law Library

In partnership with Solus Ceramics, ICON Projects proudly presents the opening of its new studio showroom, nestled at 14 Kennedy Street, Manchester. This venue, which doubles as a headquarters and entertainment hub, finds its home in the ground floor and basement of the historic Manchester Law Library, an edifice crafted by Thomas Hartas in 1885. The library’s grand facade on Kennedy Street demands respect and captures the admiration of all who pass by.

Ashley Kemp, Operations Director at ICON, states, “The pictures speak for themselves. The whole space screams detail from the moment the door opens. To quote the Incognito design team, it’s rare that the finished space looks perfectly like the initial CGI imagery, and yet, in this case, it did just that. That is a testament to the level of detail the ICON team went into during design team meetings and supply chain engagement.

The custom joinery stands out significantly and truly must be seen to be fully appreciated. Every piece is tailor-made, with painstaking detail and seamless coordination between trades. The lighting system is exceptionally sophisticated – fully programmable via iPad, it provides unique functionality for the space, whether in its showroom, HQ, or entertainment mode.”

The project, a collaboration with Incognito, Manchester’s leading designers, and the creative minds at Solus, aimed to create a functional interior that honors the historical and architectural significance of the building.

Ryan Bennett, the managing director of Solus, reflects on the venture, “We’re delighted to be in Manchester, a city that shares our scale of ambition. A great team effort has gone into delivering the opening of the Manchester Studio, and we’re happy to welcome the design community to our new space. The Venetian Gothic facade really sets a dramatic stage for our latest endeavour. Please do drop in for a cup of something.”

Sam Frith, Creative Director at Solus, highlights the project’s demands, “The Grade II* listed status of the building meant that this was a sensitive fit-out, requiring a high degree of skill, accuracy, and attentiveness. ICON has been amazing to work with and has brought the outstanding design from Incognito and Artin Light to life.”

To arrange a visit, please contact Jazzmine Barrett, Studio Manager, at [email protected] or call 0161 399 2356.

Photography credit: Gunner Gu

iMed Medical Aims to Boost Türkiye’s Stake in Health Tourism with Tailored Services

Zubeyde Akdas, the visionary behind iMed Medical, a health tourism agency based in Istanbul, highlighted that their offerings are tailored to the latest trends, akin to providing a personal assistant for health tourists in Türkiye. She emphasised the competitive edge Türkiye has in medical costs, being at least 30-40% less expensive than in the UK, Europe, and the US, thus making Istanbul an attractive destination for health tourists.

Akdas elaborated on their mission to augment the nation’s portion in the health tourism sector by facilitating connections between overseas patients and Türkiye’s esteemed health institutions and specialists, stating: “We have the International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate issued by the Turkish Ministry of Health. We provide services in plastic surgery, obesity and hair transplantation. Those who prefer Istanbul can plan their course of treatment by phone, online, or in consultation with our personal counselors in the Netherlands and Belgium.”

Türkiye’s Ascendancy in Health Tourism

A report by Future Market Insights, a US-based analysis firm, projects a 6.6% surge in Türkiye’s health tourism revenue from 3,751.6 million dollars in 2023 to the close of 2033.

Akdaş remarked on Türkiye’s burgeoning reputation in health tourism, saying:

“With its geographical location, cultural beauties, professional health personnel, and clinics, Türkiye, and mainly Istanbul, is the address of choice for people who desire to have better treatment services at more affordable prices. Turkish clinics that follow world trends enhance patient satisfaction with innovative treatments.”

Comprehensive Support: Interpreters and Personal Nurses

Akdas, Founder of iMed Medical, underlined their agency’s extensive offerings in the medical tourism sector, from plastic surgery to hair transplantation and obesity surgery, adding:

“Procedures do not only refer to surgical procedures for us. It is also a step towards redefining the beauty standards of individuals on their own terms. With the latest surgical techniques and a patient-centered approach, we offer a journey that is both transformative and comfortable. We have a wide choice of hospitals, surgeons, and medical staff. That’s why we don’t have a waiting list. After the necessary and desired treatments are determined, we quickly schedule and invite our foreign patients to Istanbul. Our patients are accommodated in 5-star luxury hotels. During your stay, we provide personalized services with the support of our interpreter, private nurse and team. Our patients can easily integrate their visits with vacations or business trips.”

A Return to Natural Aesthetics

“We follow all developments and innovations in the rapidly developing health tourism sector with about 45 colleagues. We prioritize the wishes of our patients. The preferences of celebrities have a great influence on foreign patients coming to Türkiye,” says Zubeyde Akdas,
“There is a comeback to the natural in aesthetics. The exaggerated look gave way to a natural appearance. Particularly celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Cardi B, who decided to undergo hip reduction made statements supporting the natural appearance by expressing their experiences. These statements have not only raised awareness but also helped to normalize those reversing cosmetic regulations is a common choice. Women embraced natural body aesthetics. Especially buttock implant removal and BBL reduction operations have increased in popularity. The smaller and shaped butt appearance has become the new favorite of patients.”

Embracing Natural Beauty Without Implants

In her concluding remarks, Akdas affirmed their commitment to prioritising patient satisfaction and delivering VIP service, collaborating with specialist doctors, clinics, and top-tier hospitals:

“We listen to our patients and take their wishes into consideration to provide quality healthcare. Many women now seek comfort, natural beauty, and inner peace. In this regard, we have recently encountered mostly patients wishing to farewell their implants.
“Fashion and beauty standards change over time. Women who want to keep up with fashion may want smaller buttocks. Some women care too much about societal expectations. Others undergo surgery due to physical ailments. Overall, due to many external factors, women now prefer a firmer and smaller butt.”

What to do if your business course is affecting your mental health

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Business courses can be incredibly advantageous to those who want to start their own company, but this doesn’t mean they don’t come at a cost.

Many students find that their mental health suffers due to the importance of tight deadlines and achieving a good qualification.

If you are struggling to cope with your learning, here are some of the steps that you can take to alleviate the impact that your business course is having on your mental health.

1. Look into medical cannabis

Although a lot more research needs to be performed when it comes to medical cannabis, the substance might be able to turn around stress and improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.

This could help you to lead a calmer student life and enjoy your course while it lasts rather than having anxiety take over your life. However, medical cannabis is not suitable for everyone.

This means that you should consider looking around for a medical cannabis clinic that will be able to test your eligibility and develop a treatment plan for you that can specifically combat your stress. You should be aware, though, that as an alternative treatment, it might not always be effective for you, and you might have to pair this with other treatments, such as counselling. More common medical treatments should be considered as well as these may benefit you more.

2. Get support

If you are taking a business course and your mental health is being drastically affected by
the work load, you should try to ensure that you are getting all of the support that you need and have access to.

For instance, if you are struggling with the course’s content and you are not getting the grades that you want, you should try to schedule a meeting with your tutor, who will be able to take you through what you are doing wrong and what you need to do to boost your results. However, if you are battling the emotional impact of your course, you might look at what pastoral care is offered by the institution that you are getting your qualification from, as they might provide counselling services or simply be able to talk to you about how you are feeling.

You should also get support from family and friends, as well as other students, who might be able to reassure and motivate you to succeed, as well as help you with any aspect of the course that you are finding difficult.

3. Suspend your course

If your mental health is impacting your ability to do your studies and to achieve the grade
that you know is possible, you might consider suspending your studies. This is especially the case if your education is the number one reason why your mental health is so poor. Doing this gives you time to focus on yourself and your wellbeing until you feel more like yourself.

Once you have done this, you will be able to return to your course feeling refreshed
and ready to take on the challenge of your business course. You should always speak to the
university in question before you do so, though, as they will be able to talk you through your options and make sure that your withdrawal does not impact your overall grade.

4. Focus on a hobby

Although it is important to dedicate a lot of time to your studies, it is also important to give
yourself time to chill out and relax. You could consider focusing on a hobby that brings you
joy. This can give you something else to think about when times are tough and can mean
that your coursework is not constantly playing on your mind.

You might decide to play a team sport where you can let off steam and burn energy, or you might take up a creative hobby, such as fiction writing, drawing, or journaling. These hobbies can help you to express your emotions and prevent you from bottling up how you are feeling.

5. Try deep breathing

A quick fix if your mental health is poor is to try out deep breathing exercises. These can
slow down episodes of panic and allow you to ground yourself when your anxiety is at an
extreme high. Deep breathing can be done anywhere and without anyone noticing and can
give you a moment to yourself.

This can be especially useful when you are about to do something that makes you nervous and fretful, such as an exam or an interview. There are many guides online that can help you with breathing exercises.

Sergio Aguero denies rumours he will train with Independiente

Manchester City’s all-time leading goalscorer Sergio Aguero has denied reports he is set to come out of retirement and train with Independiente.

Aguero retired from football in December 2021 due to a heart condition but it has been speculated in his native Argentina that he had been tempted into a return by Independiente boss Carlos Tevez, another former City man.

Read our other stories here:
United boss Ten Hag ‘knows future’
Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford plans get council approval
Ten Hag hits back at Carragher criticism

However, Aguero, now 35, said: “It’s totally a lie, I’m not going to train with Independiente.

“Sometimes things are invented. I reiterate that the cardiologist said that I am well, that it is important that I am in good health. But to return to training at the First Division level, I would need to undergo a lot of tests.”

Aguerto started his professional career with Independiente before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2006.

He joined City in 2011 and went on to score 260 goals in 390 games, helping the club to five Premier League titles and an FA Cup.

A move to Barcelona followed in 2021 but he made just five appearances for the Blaugrana before being diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia and opting to retire aged 33.

Six Nations 2024: France chief insists Galthie’s job is safe

Fabien Galthie is not in any immediate danger of losing his job as head coach of France, according to the president of the country’s rugby federation.

There has been speculation this week surrounding Galthie’s position following Sunday’s 13-13 Six Nations draw with Italy – only secured after the Azzurri’s Paolo Garbisi missed a match-wining penalty with the last kick of the game.

Read our other stories here:
United boss Ten Hag ‘knows future’
Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford plans get council approval
Ten Hag hits back at Carragher criticism

That result followed a home thumping by Ireland and a controversial win against Scotland at Murrayfield.

French Rugby Federation chief Florian Grill told AFP: “I am a manager. I am not the type of person to make swift changes due to pressure.

“It’s not a decision made based on one game, one point and not on a transition period of matches that are difficult.

“Fabien Galthie is absolutely not under pressure.”

France won the grand slam in 2022 under Galthie and went into a World Cup they hosted among the favourites only to crash out to eventual winners South Africa in the quarter-finals.

Grill added: ”There’s a big transition period to manage. It’s not done overnight.

“You have to give them time. The message is resilience, solidarity, work.”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe plan for new Man United stadium backed by council

New Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s designs on creating a new stadium which could be a ‘Wembley of the North’ has been described as “wonderful” by the leader of the local council’s redevelopment plans.

Businessman Ratcliffe said he wanted to replace United’s Old Trafford home with a stadium that could be used as a national venue when his purchase of 27.3% of the club for more than £1 billion was ratified last week.

“That is great ambition from Jim Ratcliffe and these plans match that in terms of the setting and the future of the area,” councillor Liz Patel said, according to BBC News.

“How United get together the finances for their own stadium refurbishment would be separate.”

Read our other stories here:
United boss Ten Hag ‘knows future’
Loftie-Eaton breaks T20 international record
New Zealand’s Wagner retires from international game

The report said that a new stadium built on land adjacent to Old Trafford within the Trafford Wharf area could cost around £2bn.

The stadium proposal is a key part of the council’s development plans which will go out to public consultation next week, with Patel seeing a role for the council in organising funding.

New Man United stadium could replace ‘tired’ Old Trafford

While the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City’s newly-built stadiums have played a part in regenerating the local areas, Old Trafford – the largest stadium in the Premier League, with a capacity of 74,310 – is regarded as relatively dilapidated.

Ratcliffe told BBC sports editor Dan Roan that the stadium had become “tired and in need of refurbishment”.

The leader of the Ineos group, which has taken over football operations at United, said a “conversation” with the government would be required about taxpayer funding if the stadium serves a national purpose.

Patel is said to have received cross-party support for regeneration plans which could take up to 20 years to be completed.

“This vision for Trafford Wharfside is tremendously exciting and we are proud to be supporting Trafford Council with their ambitious plans for an area with such huge potential,” said United’s chief operating officer, Collette Roche, speaking earlier this month.

“We will continue to work closely with the council and other local stakeholders on how any future development work at Old Trafford can complement their vision and, most importantly, benefit the local community.”

Revolutionising Guest Experiences: A Comprehensive Guide to Selecting the Perfect Toiletries and Amenities for Your Hotel Stay

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When it comes to creating a memorable experience for your hotel guests, every detail counts. From the décor of the rooms to the quality of the service, it all adds up to leave a lasting impression. One often overlooked aspect of this experience is the selection of toiletries and amenities provided in guest bathrooms. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of toiletries available for hotels – from miniature bottles to eco-friendly options – and why offering a great range of hotel amenity kits can truly elevate your guests’ stay.

  1. Miniature Toiletries: Miniature toiletries for hotels are a classic choice for establishments looking to provide guests with essential amenities in a convenient size. These small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion are perfect for short stays or travellers who prefer not to carry their own products. They add a touch of luxury to the guest experience and create a sense of pampering that guests appreciate.
  2. 300ml Toiletries: For guests staying longer or those who prefer larger quantities of products, 300ml toiletries are an excellent option. These larger bottles provide enough product for an extended stay without the need for frequent refills. They are also cost-effective for hotels as they require less frequent restocking compared to miniature sizes. Offering both miniature and 300ml options allows you to cater to different guest preferences and needs.
  3. Refillable Toiletries: Refillable toiletries have gained popularity in recent years due to their sustainability benefits. By providing refillable dispensers in guest bathrooms, hotels can reduce plastic waste and promote eco-friendly practices among guests. Refillable options also allow you to customise the products based on guest feedback or seasonal trends, keeping your offerings fresh and appealing.
  4. Eco-Friendly Toiletries: In addition to refillable options, there are many other eco-friendly toiletry choices available for hotels looking to minimise their environmental impact. From biodegradable packaging to natural ingredients, these products appeal to eco-conscious travellers who prioritise sustainability in their choices. By incorporating eco-friendly toiletries into your amenity’s lineup, you can attract environmentally conscious guests while demonstrating your commitment to responsible hospitality practices.
  5. Hotel Amenity Kits: Apart from individual toiletry items, offering hotel amenity kits in guest bathrooms can enhance the overall guest experience significantly. These kits usually include a selection of essential items such as dental kits, shaving kits, sewing kits, shower caps, and more – providing guests with everything they might need during their stay. Customising these kits with your hotel’s branding or unique touches adds a personal touch that sets your property apart from others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right toiletries and amenities for your hotel plays a crucial role in creating a memorable guest experience that keeps them coming back again and again. Whether you opt for miniature bottles, 300ml sizes, refillable dispensers, eco-friendly options, or hotel amenity kits – each choice contributes to enhancing the overall comfort and satisfaction of your guests. By understanding their preferences and adapting your offerings accordingly, you can differentiate your property from competitors while showcasing your commitment to guest well-being and sustainability practices.