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Save Big with These Business Optimisation Strategies

News Desk
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Save Big with These Business Optimisation Strategies

We all know that saving money is pretty essential for everyone, but especially businesses. To ensure that your business is profitable, you might need to think about ways of cutting down your overhead costs.

Here are a few simple ways you can grow your business and increase your revenue.

Budget and financial planning

Create a detailed budget and financial plan that outlines your revenue, expenses, and financial goals. Regularly review and adjust your budget as needed. This might include expenses including:

1. Overhead Costs

This is everything from your staff to the building expenses. Usually, this is where most of the money goes so finding ways to reduce this can be very beneficial.

Here are a few ways to do that:

● Remote Work: Embrace remote work to reduce costs related to office space, utilities, and commuting.
● Energy Efficiency: Invest in energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems to lower utility bills. This might cost more money upfront but will save you lot in the long run.
● Paperless Operations: Reduce printing and paper-related expenses by doing everything digitally.

2. Technology Optimisation

This is very easy to do, and can save you a lot of money! Evaluate your software and technology subscriptions regularly. If you use that software infrequently, unsubscribe. You’ll find most software will also have a free option.

3. Insurance Policies

Make sure that you are regularly reviewing your insurance policies to ensure you have adequate coverage without overpaying for unnecessary extras. If you run into any issues, insurance can be essential.

Making the most of perks

A lot of places will offer reduced prices or deals on a wide variety of products. This could be something simple like bulk buying or using reward schemes like fuel cards.

A fuel card is a specialised payment card that is typically issued to businesses, particularly those with a fleet of vehicles or heavy equipment, to manage and control fuel expenses more efficiently.

Fuel cards are similar to credit or debit cards but come with specific features tailored to meet the needs of businesses that rely on vehicles for their operations.

Screenshot 2024 02 02 at 14.54.49

Companies like radius offer fuel cards for all major brands. Image: radius

What are the features of a fuel card?

● Fuel Purchase: Fuel cards are used for purchasing fuel. They are accepted at a network of affiliated fuel stations, which can vary depending on the card provider.
● Expense Tracking: Fuel cards often come with detailed reporting capabilities that provide businesses with insights into their fuel spending. These reports can help track fuel consumption, monitor costs, and identify potential savings opportunities.
● Control and Security: Businesses can set restrictions on how fuel cards are used. This includes specifying which types of fuel can be purchased, setting spending limits, and specifying where and when the cards can be used, which helps prevent misuse and fraud.
● Tax Benefits: Some fuel cards provide features for tracking and claiming tax deductions related to fuel expenses, simplifying the process of complying with tax regulations.

Who Can Apply for a Fuel Card?

Fuel card eligibility typically extends to businesses and organisations that rely on vehicles or equipment that require fuel. Here are some common types of entities that can apply for fuel cards:

● Fleet-Based Businesses: Companies with a fleet of vehicles, such as delivery services, trucking companies, courier services, and construction firms, often use fuel cards to manage their fuel expenses effectively.
● Government and Municipalities: Government agencies, including local municipalities and public services, often use fuel cards to manage fuel expenses for their vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and public transportation.
● Nonprofits and Charities: Organisations that operate vehicles for charitable purposes or transportation services may also be eligible for fuel cards.
● Small Enterprises: Small businesses with a few vehicles can also benefit from fuel cards, as they help control fuel expenses and simplify accounting.
● Large Corporations: Large corporations with extensive vehicle fleets often use fuel cards as part of their expense management strategies.

Of course, these are just a few simple ways to begin making the most out of your business. There are plenty of other ways to reduce costs, but for now why don’t you start making the most of the perks that are available to you?

 

Woman jailed for unprovoked knife attack in Manchester

Helen Greaney
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Woman jailed for unprovoked knife attack in Manchester

A woman who stabbed her victim three times in her head with a steak knife has been jailed.

Jessica Taylor (19) of Haddington Drive, Blackley, was sentenced to three years, five months at Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday.

She had already pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article.

Taylor stabbed her female victim three times in the head in Piccadilly Gardens in July 2023 following a minor verbal exchange.

The victim received two puncture wounds to the right side of her head and one to the left side of her forehead, all of which required stitches. She also sustained substantial bruising around her left eye.

Taylor was tracked down through social media.

Unprovoked attack

DC Annabel Lewis said: “This was a vicious and unprovoked attack in a busy location that resulted in the victim sustaining serious head and facial injuries.

“The victim was stabbed with a steak knife that Taylor pulled out of her handbag.

“After being arrested she made no comment in interviews and was later positively identified via a video identification parade.

“Hopefully this sentence will demonstrate that it is not acceptable to carry a knife on the streets of Greater Manchester and anyone found doing so will be arrested and dealt with accordingly.”

Scars

The victim of the attack has been left with ‘physical and emotional scars’.

She said: “Before this happened, I used to go out several times a week to socialise with friends. Now I barely go anywhere other than to visit family.

“I wish this incident has never happened, but I know I can’t change it. Aside from the physical scars there has been quite a significant emotional change in me.

“I have become quite short-tempered and irritable and often just isolate myself from people. On occasion this has caused outbursts with my family where I have felt completely out of control. This behaviour is completely out of character and really hard for me to come to terms with.”

 

Guardiola confirms Haaland ready to start, rubbishes Madrid reports

Harry Carr
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Guardiola confirms Haaland ready to start, rubbishes Madrid reports

Pep Guardiola has confirmed Erling Haaland could return to Manchester City’s starting lineup when they face Brentford on Monday, also rubbishing reports that the striker is unhappy in England.

Haaland missed 10 games across all competitions throughout December and January after suffering what was initially thought to be a minor foot injury in a Premier League defeat to Aston Villa.

Guardiola later revealed Haaland had sustained a fracture in his foot, and the striker only returned to action on Wednesday, playing 20 minutes as a substitute as City beat Burnley 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

Read our other sports news stories here:
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Manchester United sell youngster Hansen-Aaroen to Werder Bremen
Brilliant Jaiswal holds up persistent England

City have handled the Norwegian’s absence well, recording 10 wins and one draw across all competitions since he suffered the injury, but they could be boosted by his return to the starting XI at the Gtech Community Stadium on Monday.

Asked if Haaland was fit enough to start at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “Yeah. He’s ready. Everyone is ready.

“Manuel [Akanji] is back as well. The busy period is here, and the Champions League is around the corner. It’s good to have everyone.”

Despite spending almost two months on the sidelines, Haaland remains the Premier League’s joint-leading scorer this season, with only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah matching his 14 goals in the competition.

Earlier this week, reports in the Spanish media suggested Haaland has grown tired of life in Manchester and is interested in a move to Real Madrid, but Guardiola has rubbished those suggestions.

“I don’t know, you have to ask the media from Madrid if [Haaland’s camp] are happy. Maybe they have more info than we have,” Guardiola said.

“I don’t have that feeling he’s unhappy. He was… because he didn’t play for two months, he was injured. But maybe the media from Spain, especially Madrid, have more information than us!

“You cannot say he didn’t adapt quickly or he was not fine since he arrived, with the level he showed since day one.

“We can’t control what you say or the people say. If he’s happy or not happy, he will take his decision.”

Building bridges: A deep dive into Instagram API and its capabilities

Helen Greaney
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Building bridges: A deep dive into Instagram API and its capabilities

In the age of digital connectivity, application programming interfaces (APIs) are the linchpins that bring together different software components and allow them to communicate seamlessly.

They function as the bridges between distinct entities, enabling them to work in harmony. One such powerful API that has made waves in the world of social media is the Instagram API. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the Instagram API, its technical structure, features, scalability, performance, and its successful applications.

Technical insights: Examining the technical architecture underpinning Instagram API

The Instagram API, like other APIs, acts as the intermediary that enables third-party applications to interact with the Instagram platform. It follows the principles of REST (Representational State Transfer), making it stateless and thus easier to manage. The API is built upon HTTP and uses standard methods like GET, POST, and DELETE for data communication.

The Instagram API comprises various endpoints, each representing a specific type of data – such as users, media, comments, relationships, and tags. These endpoints are accessed via specific URLs, with the data returned in JSON format. This consistency in structure and data representation makes the Instagram API relatively simple to work with, even for developers who may not have previous experience with APIs.

However, it’s not just the simplicity that makes the Instagram API stand out. The API is designed with robust security measures to ensure the safety of user data. OAuth 2.0 protocol is used for authentication, providing a secure method for third-party applications to access Instagram data without needing to store user passwords. This layer of security, coupled with the API’s scalability and rich feature set, makes it an optimal choice for integrating Instagram functionality into other applications.

Feature spotlight: Unveiling hidden gems and lesser-known functions in Instagram API

The power of the Instagram API lies in its wide range of features. Beyond the basic functionality of retrieving user profiles, photos, and comments, there are many lesser-known functions that can greatly enhance the potential of any application integrated with Instagram.

For instance, the Instagram API is equipped with comprehensive search functionality. Developers can use the API to search for posts based on specific hashtags or locations, making it an excellent tool for social listening or brand monitoring. Additionally, the API provides an Insights endpoint, which allows businesses to access detailed analytics about their Instagram performance – including follower demographics, post reach, impressions, and more.

The Instagram API also offers a Comment Moderation endpoint. This feature enables businesses to manage and moderate comments on their posts, providing a useful tool for maintaining a positive and respectful community on their Instagram page. By leveraging these and other lesser-known API features, developers can create more refined, interactive, and engaging applications that truly tap into the potential of the Instagram platform.

Scalability and performance: Optimising your application for a seamless Instagram API experience

To maximise the benefits of the Instagram API, it is crucial to consider scalability and performance. As your application grows, it needs to handle increasing amounts of data and user requests without compromising on speed or functionality. Fortunately, the Instagram API is designed with scalability in mind.

The Instagram API uses rate limiting to ensure fair usage and maintain its performance. While this might initially seem restrictive, it actually encourages developers to write efficient code and use resources optimally. By understanding and adhering to these rate limits, developers can ensure their applications remain fast, reliable, and responsive even as they scale.

Moreover, the Instagram API provides several techniques to optimize performance. For instance, pagination is used to limit the amount of data returned in a single request, thus reducing bandwidth and improving response times. Developers can also use conditional GET requests to only retrieve data that has changed since the last request, saving valuable resources.

Case studies: Success stories of applications flourishing with Instagram API integration

To illustrate the power of the Instagram API, let’s look at some real-life success stories. A popular example is Hootsuite, a social media management platform that uses the Instagram API to enable users to schedule posts, monitor comments, and analyse performance – all from a single dashboard. By leveraging the API’s features, Hootsuite has been able to provide a comprehensive and seamless social media management solution for businesses.

Another success story is Iconosquare, an Instagram analytics and marketing tool. Using the Instagram API, Iconosquare provides in-depth analytics, competitor benchmarking, comment tracking, and more to help businesses optimize their Instagram strategy.

These are just a few examples of the many applications that have leveraged the power of the Instagram API to enhance their functionality and provide unique value to their users. The Instagram API’s robust architecture, rich feature set, and scalability make it an invaluable tool for developers looking to extend their applications’ capabilities and tap into the vast user base of Instagram.

In conclusion, the Instagram API serves as a powerful bridge, connecting applications to the dynamic world of Instagram. Whether you are building a social media management tool, a marketing analytics platform, or simply wish to incorporate Instagram features into your application, the Instagram API offers a wealth of possibilities. Start building your bridge today!

Manchester United boss Ten Hag: I wanted a striker but FFP scuppered any deal

Jon Fisher
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Manchester United boss Ten Hag: I wanted a striker but FFP scuppered any deal

Erik ten Hag says Financial Fair Play rules prevented Manchester United from bringing in a striker during the January transfer window.

United only have Rasmus Hojlund as an out-and-out number nine and, following Anthony Martial’s injury that will keep him out until April, Ten Hag was hoping to dip into the market to strengthen his attack.

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But United, like many clubs, were afraid of falling foul of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability guidelines so opted to stick with what they have.

Ten Hag said: “It’s not a secret, I wanted a striker because with the injury to Martial we don’t really have a back up. It was not possible because we had to match the FFP rules.

“There are some disadvantages to FFP. To make space for FFP you have to sell players, good players. I don’t think that’s how you build a team.”

Hojlund is in form having netted in his last three Premier League games – including last night’s dramatic 4-3 success at Wolves – and Ten Hag is confident he can find a workaround if the Dane sustains an injury.

He added: “We have Omari [Forson], Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford, who can all play there.”

One player who won’t be making an impact any time soon is midfielder Mason Mount.

The England international has started just four Premier League games following his £55million move from Chelsea over the summer but Ten Hag is confident he will return from a calf injury before the end of the season.

“He’s [been] struggling from the second game of the season,” said the Dutchman, whose side host West Ham on Sunday.

“He returned for a period and picked up another injury. Of course, that’s not great and very frustrating for him.

“I really feel for him, I really want to be there for him because he has such high expectations and I had high expectations.

“I’m sure he’s a very good player for us but first of all, we have to get him fit and be secure in the process, step by step, don’t force it, and then hopefully by the end of the season, he can stay fit and find himself in the team or at least play a role in the team.”

Asked whether Mount would play again this season, Ten Hag said: “Absolutely, I expect him to return.”

Sofyan Amrabat is available for United on Sunday following Morocco’s exit from the African Cup of Nations while defender Victor Lindelof could feature having returned to training.

Popular Oldham nursing home sold following 40-year ownership

Helen Greaney
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Popular Oldham nursing home sold following 40-year ownership

Park Hills Nursing Home in Oldham has been sold for an undisclosed amount, following a 40-year ownership.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co announced the sale of the ‘good’ rated care home that provides nursing for up to 17 elderly residents.

For the last 40 years, the home has been owned by Barbara Rogers who recently decided to sell to pursue a well-earned retirement.

It was a difficult decision for her to sell after such a long time, but she leaves behind a very good team of staff who will ensure continuity of care post-sale.

Following a confidential sales process with Jonathan Wickens, director at Christie & Co, it has been acquired by C24 Healthcare Limited.

Mrs Rogers said: “After nearly 40 years of owning and managing Park Hills, it is difficult to retire as the staff, residents and many visitors are part of the ‘Park Hills family’.

“I would like to thank the many staff who have worked at Park Hills, especially those with over 20 years of service. It has been my pleasure to work alongside them all.

“Park Hills now passes over to Mr Hussain of C24 Healthcare Limited who I am certain will uphold all the values, standards, and reputation of Park Hills.”

Shaikh Hussain, director at C24 Healthcare Limited, said: “I am delighted to have acquired
Park Hills and look forward to working with the dedicated team built up by Barbara over the
last 40 years. C24 Healthcare is dedicated to providing excellent standards of care already
in place at Park Hills.”

Christie & Co director, Mr Wickens said: “It was a real pleasure working with Mrs Rogers and her family, and it is fantastic to see a team of people working so passionately to provide our elderly population with the care they deserve.

“We wish C24 Healthcare every success and feel sure they will continue to provide the same good service levels for all residents.”

Teens who murdered Brianna Ghey named

Helen Greaney
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Teens who murdered Brianna Ghey named

Two teenagers who murdered Brianna Ghey have been named for the first time before sentencing this afternoon.

A judge lifting reporting restrictions to allow killers Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, (both 16) to be named.

They were just 15 when they lured Brianna to Linear Park in Culcheth, near Warrington, where she was stabbed 28 times in her head, neck and back with a hunting knife on February 11, 2023.

Manchester Crown Court heard that since her conviction, Jenkinson had admitted taking part in the stabbing of transgender girl, Brianna (16) and had found it “exciting.

The trial also heard how the teens were obsessed with violence, torture and death, and exchanged  texts and WhatsApp messages discussing their plans to kill.

Jenkinson watched torture and murder videos on the dark web, called herself a “Satanist” and talked of her fascination with serial killers.

She and Ratcliffe were arrested within 24 hours of Brianna’s body being found by walkers.

A knife and blood-soaked clothes were found in Ratcliffe’s bedroom.

The pair are to be sentenced this afternoon, after being convicted in December.

Police appeal after pedestrian knocked down in Rochdale

Helen Greaney
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Police appeal after pedestrian knocked down in Rochdale

Police are appealing for information following a collision between a HGV and a female pedestrian in Rochdale.

At around 12.20pm yesterday, officers were called to the incident at the dipped curb pedestrian crossing on Spotland Road, just before the junction with High Street.

Emergency services attended but a 63-year-old female pedestrian had passed away.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and remains in custody for questioning.

PC Philip Drummond: said: “Tragically a woman has died after the incident earlier today.

“My thoughts are with her family and friends at this devastating time.

“We’re already following up on a number of lines of enquiry and would urge anyone with information to come forward to assist us.

“We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or may have dash-cam or CCTV footage. The investigation is in the early stages so any information, no matter how big or small, could really help us piece together what happened.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting log 1373 of 1/2/24, or alternatively call  Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

One in three young people say their mental health will stop them achieving

Helen Greaney
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One in three young people say their mental health will stop them achieving

A third of 16–25-year-olds in Greater Manchester are worried their mental health will stop them achieving their career goals, according to the Prince’s Trust NatWest Youth Index 2024, released today.

The Youth Index is an annual research report based on a YouGov survey of 2,239 16- to 25-year-olds across the UK which aims to gauge confidence and happiness across a range of areas, including physical and mental health to money and working life.

The report finds that 38 per cent of 16 to 25-year-olds in Greater Manchester have experienced a mental health problem, with happiness in work, education, qualifications and money at all-time lows.

In Greater Manchester, over a tenth (13 per cent) of young people report a mental health issue has stopped them applying for a job, or attending an interview (14 per cent) during the last 12 months, with a fifth (20 per cent) missing school or work in the past year due to their mental health.

The findings suggest that the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty is exacerbating mental health issues and its impacts, with 37 per cent claiming money worries have made their mental health much worse.

Hatim (19) from Greater Manchester is thriving in his role as a display assistant at the media agency Manning Gottlieb OMD (MG OMD), but prior to coming to The Prince’s Trust, he was struggling at college.

He said: “Failing my second year at college knocked my confidence, and I wasn’t sure what direction to go in. But the Team programme took me out of my comfort zone, in a good way. It pushed me, built my confidence and taught me independence.

“The Prince’s Trust and WYK were massive support systems during my time on the Digital Marketing course. I got so much invaluable experience and I feel that it really prepped me for what I’m doing now.”

Julie Ainscough, head of service delivery for Greater Manchester, at The Prince’s Trust said: “With unemployed 16 – 25-year-olds consistently reporting the worst overall wellbeing, it also shows us – and young people tell us – that being in employment is good for their mental health, gives their lives stability and financial security, and enables them to feel positive about their future.

“We must work together to address this trap, where poor mental health and employment struggles exacerbate each other, or risk it closing in on a generation. Urgent support is needed from partners, governments and employers, to help young people break this cycle.”

In Greater Manchester, over half (56 per cent) worry about not having the right skills and qualifications, or the right experience (62 per cent) to get a job in the future.

A third (34 per cent) of young people don’t feel in control of their future. They also report not feeling confident they will achieve their goals in life (20 per cent) and similar numbers (22 per cent) say they feel like they will fail in life.

NatWest has worked in partnership with The Prince’s Trust for over 20 years, helping thousands of young people to start their own businesses or develop skills for employment and supported hundreds of staff to volunteer with young people across the UK.

Brilliant Jaiswal holds up persistent England

Jon Fisher
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Brilliant Jaiswal holds up persistent England

Yashasvi Jaiswal frustrated England with a batting masterclass as India edged an absorbing first day of the second Test.

The hosts reached stumps on 336 for six, Jaiswal contributing an unbeaten 179, to rescue a top-order that again struggled to make a significant impact.

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Every other Indian batter got in but then failed to convert into a meaningful score as England’s spinners – and returning seamer James Anderson – kept them on a tight leash while taking wickets on a regular basis.

Debutant Shoaib Bashir was arguably the pick of the England attack, taking two for 100 off 28 overs. Rehan Ahmed claimed two for 61 with first Test hero Tom Hartley taking one for 74.

The day was all about Jaiswal, though. He batted all day and displayed another example of his precocious talent to make his second Test hundred, his first being a brilliant 171 on debut in the West Indies.

“I was just batting session by session, and made sure that if they were bowling well I play out that spell,” Jaiswal says. “That’s it.”

India will rue the fact his batting partners did not follow the same formula.

Captain Rohit Sharma’s poor run continued – he has not passed 50 in any of his last seven Test innings – and he provided Bashir with his first Test wicket with a lazy flick that was taken at leg slip by Ollie Pope having made 14.

That dismissal prompted a familiar tale for India. Shubman Gill (34) edged behind of Anderson, Shreyas Iyer fell to Hartley, Rajat Patidar’s debut was ended by Ahmed for 32 while Bashir accounted for Axar Patel (27).

Patel’s mode of dismissal – caught at backward point while attempting to square cut – was mirrored when KS Bharat (17) was removed by Ahmed as England profited late in the day.

If England can keep India below 400 tomorrow with Jaiswal’s wicket key, the tourists will fancy their chances of doubling their advantage in the series following the remarkable first Test victory in Hyderabad last week.

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