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UK Start-up launches new forklift platform in Manchester

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UK Start-up launches new forklift platform in Manchester

UK-based startup Forkify today announces the official launch of its new online platform which helps people in Manchester to buy or hire forklifts. 

Forkify aims to simplify the forklift hire and sales process by connecting customers with forklift suppliers using proprietary technology. 

Users can submit their forklift requirements on the website, before being matched with a forklift dealership who can fulfil the order. 

Forkify has set up partnerships with high quality dealerships across the city. Thanks to its proprietary technology, the company is able to match these dealerships with the end user based on their location and specific requirements. 

Will Bradley, co-founder and CEO, said: “Finding the perfect forklift can be an expensive and time consuming process. Forkify allows you to do it in under two minutes and gives you peace of mind you’re getting value for money.”

Forkify has generated interest across a range of industries – namely warehousing, construction and manufacturing, where forklifts are integral to day-to-day operations. 

Jake Dickerson, co-founder and CTO said: “Manchester is a really strong market for the materials handling sector. Everyone always wants the best deal possible, and with forklifts that’s no exception.”

The platform has also been welcomed by forklift suppliers, since it enables them to take advantage of online demand they might not otherwise capture. 

You can find out more at https://forkify.com 

 

VibePay Revolutionises Payments Industry with New Messaging Feature

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VibePay Revolutionises Payments Industry with New Messaging Feature

VibePay, the cutting-edge account-to-account payment platform, is delighted to unveil its latest innovation: messaging within channels. This pioneering feature is set to redefine the user experience, merging the convenience of communication and financial transactions into a single, unified channel.

Gone are the days of juggling between messaging and payment platforms. VibePay’s latest update allows users to seamlessly interact with peers, family, and clients while engaging in financial exchanges, all within one integrated space, thus rendering the cumbersome process of copying and pasting bank details obsolete.

A standout benefit of this update is the secure exchange of financial information, eliminating the risk associated with sharing banking details over conventional messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Messenger. VibePay’s unique VibeMe links ensure transactions can be made and received while safeguarding users’ banking information, heralding a new era of secure and user-centric digital payment solutions.

The feature also introduces bidirectional communication channels between businesses and consumers, a move VibePay believes will significantly benefit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sellers by facilitating direct engagement with customers within the payment platform. This integration could potentially save businesses substantial amounts on traditional communication services such as MailChimp.

Chris Franklin, VibePay’s Chief Marketing Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the update: “We are excited to bring a new dimension to the world of payments with the introduction of messaging in the VibePay app,” highlighting the feature’s ability to make transactions more interactive and providing businesses a direct and cost-effective way to communicate with their customers.

Key Features of the Messaging Integration in VibePay:

  • Secure Transactions: Avoid sharing sensitive bank details on conventional messaging platforms.
  • Seamless Communication: Experience a cohesive platform for both messaging and payments.
  • Direct Business-Customer Interaction: Enable SMEs and sellers to directly connect with their customers, strengthening relationships.
  • Cost Savings for Businesses: Utilise the messaging feature to potentially save significant amounts on traditional communication platforms.

With the launch of in-app messaging, VibePay continues to lead in the digital payments space, offering a comprehensive, secure service for financial and communicative needs.

To delve into the future of payments combined with messaging, download the VibePay app’s latest version. For additional details, please visit www.vibepay.com.

FD Capital Urges UK Government for a Corporation Tax Reduction to 19% in Upcoming March Budget

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FD Capital Urges UK Government for a Corporation Tax Reduction to 19% in Upcoming March Budget

FD Capital, a front-runner in financial recruitment within the UK, is advocating for a reduction in both personal and corporate taxes in the upcoming March budget, voicing opposition to the recent hikes in Corporation tax. The agency is pressing the government to promptly revert to a 19% corporation tax, or lower, to prevent further detriment to the nation’s economic future.

The firm suggests that the government could lower corporation tax to 19% in the March 2023 budget by curtailing government expenditure and downsizing the civil service, strategies the government has already hinted at before this year’s general election.

Corporation tax is identified as the tax most detrimental to economic health, often leaving employees and the general populace to shoulder its impact. Reducing corporation tax is seen as a boon for all economic facets, enhancing salaries and attracting new international investments.

The government had previously reduced corporation tax from 28% to 20%, and then to 19% in 2018. Rishi Sunak, in his capacity as chancellor at the time, declared an increase to 25% from April 2023, attributing it to pandemic-related government revenue losses. Liz Truss, during her brief tenure, suggested scrapping this increase. The hike was executed in 2023 by Jeremy Hunt, serving as Chancellor under Rishi Sunak.

Contrary to the belief that corporations primarily suffer from higher corporation tax rates, recent studies indicate that the adverse effects are distributed between business owners and lower-income employees.

For the UK to thrive post-Brexit, it’s crucial to establish itself as a prime business locale globally. However, its corporation tax rate lacks competitiveness, especially compared to the Republic of Ireland’s 12.5% rate, which is notably lower just across the Irish Sea.

The proposition to lower corporation tax to 19%, funded by trimming the civil service to numbers seen before the pandemic and Brexit, is seen by FD Capital as a pathway to revitalising the UK economy, enhancing global competitiveness, and fostering economic growth through heightened business assurance and new investments.

For further insights into FD Capital and its economic and recruitment analyses, visit at https://www.fdcapital.co.uk

Demand for personal guarantee backed SME finance rose by 68% in 2023

Helen Greaney
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Demand for personal guarantee backed SME finance rose by 68% in 2023

More than a third of the owners and directors of the UK’s small businesses had to take the big step of signing a personal guarantee to keep their businesses afloat in the final quarter of 2023, according to the latest research from Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance.

34% of PGI applications in Quarter 4 2023 were for loans to provide working capital to the business – the highest level recorded for the whole of 2023.

Demonstrating that personal guarantees have become an almost unavoidable part of securing a small business loan, looking at the whole of 2023 vs 2022, there has been a 67.5% rise in applications for personal guarantee insurance. Furthermore, comparing Q4 2023 to Q4 2022, applications were up 63%.

The Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance monitor is the only quarterly analysis of personal guarantee backed loans taken by small business owners and managers.

Demonstrating the barriers to finance some firms are facing, just 10% of applications were from new businesses, trading less than 2 years, the lowest number recorded by Purbeck since the insurance provider launched in 2017.

45% of applications were for unsecured loans, the highest recorded.  This type of lending occurs when there is not sufficient capital/assets in the business to cover the debt and offer the lender as security. Again, this demonstrates the precarious nature of small business finances right now.

This news comes as the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reveals a tightening credit environment for SMEs with only 53% of credit applications successful in the last quarter.  Meanwhile as SMEs appear to be stuck between a rock and a hard place when accessing new finance, the latest company insolvency figures reached their highest level since 1993.

Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance said: “The rise in the number of founders and directors applying for PGI to support unsecured loans is indicative of the way personal guarantees have become part and parcel of lending to small businesses.  It also highlights the precarious nature of running a small firm.

“Inflation, the energy crisis, government cuts for support and supply chain issues have all impacted the rise in cost of doing business.  Our data highlights how Personal Guarantee Insurance has proved so crucial in overcoming the risks of providing a personal guarantee, helping many smaller businesses access the cash they so desperately need.”

McIlroy understands Hatton’s defection to LIV

Jon Fisher
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McIlroy understands Hatton’s defection to LIV

Rory McIlroy says he understands Tyrrell Hatton’s decision to join LIV Golf after speaking to the Englishman on Sunday.

Hatton became the latest player to join the Saudi Arabian-backed breakaway league ahead of the season’s start on Friday, having signed a deal for a reported £50million.

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Presented with that figure – more than twice Hatton’s career earnings on the PGA Tour – McIlroy said it was easy to see why he jumped ship.

The four-time major champion said: “I had a long talk with Tyrrell on Sunday – completely understood where he was coming from.

“It got to the point where they negotiated and got to a place he was comfortable with, and he has to do what he feels is right for him. I’m not going to stand in anyone’s way from making money and what they deem life-changing money.”

The PGA Tour, who today signed a $3billion deal with the Strategic Sports Group, is still negotiating with LIV organisers PIF with regard an agreed calendar that would help shape the future of the game.

McIlroy’s stance on LIV has softened over recent months having initially been an outspoken critic.

He has also changed his opinion on whether LIV players should be allowed to play PGA events, adding: “Life is about choices. Guys made choices to go and play LIV. Guys made choices to stay here.

“It’s hard to punish people. I don’t think there should be a punishment.

“If people still have eligibility on this tour and they want to come back and play or you want to try and do something, let them come back.

“I’ve changed my tune on that because I see where golf is and I see that having a diminished PGA Tour and having a diminished LIV Tour or anything else is bad for both parties.”

In addition to Hatton, LIV have also signed Adrian Meronk and Lucas Herbert.

Pole Meronk won three times on the DP World Tour in 2023 and was named player of the year. However, he will now play for Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks GC.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to the new challenge and next chapter of my career as I team up with Martin and the Cleeks.

“While I appreciate this decision didn’t come easy, joining LIV Golf is a very special moment for my career.

“The 2023 season made me feel that, despite all of my successes, 287 days a year which I spent away from home is too many.

“The LIV schedule gives me more time with my loved ones and more space to work on every aspect of my game.”

Why should your business consider AP automation software

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Why should your business consider AP automation software

If you’re looking for resources to help boost your company’s productivity and deliver an even stronger performance this year, then you can’t go wrong with seeking out digital tools that will help to streamline your workflow.

One particularly useful tool to consider is accounts payable automation software, which can take a lot of the hassle out of managing your business’s accounts payable. When it comes to finance matters you need to invest a lot of time and work in making sure that everything runs smoothly and to avoid any potential errors.

However, by implementing AP automation you can cut down on the headache of juggling invoices and improve the efficiency of your finance team. Let’s break down just three of the ways that it can benefit your business:

1. Increased productivity

In the process of managing accounts payable a lot of time is spent in the nitty-gritty of approving invoices and filing purchase orders. While these tasks are very repetitive in nature,they are still crucial to keeping your business finances flowing smoothly.

If you implement AP automation software this can shoulder the burden of the most mundane tasks involved in managing all your business’s finances. As the tool can be taught to automatically code and approve invoices, this streamlines the process and saves your stafffrom having to spend so much time doing the same job.

This frees them up to do other things with the time they’d otherwise be spending on that tedious admin and data entry, giving them the chance to be more productive in other areas of their work.

2. Faster processing times

As fast as your finance team works, they aren’t likely to be able to match the speed of a program. After all, to make sure that they’re being accurate and check for any potential errors they need to take their time on each invoice approval.

With the help of AP automation, however, things can be sped up considerably. Once you’re fully set up on the software and have all your processes and checks in place, it can start processing and approving invoices as soon as they come in.

Faster processing times are not only good for your business but they will also increase the satisfaction of clients and suppliers alike. Nobody likes having to wait around for ages on a payment, after all.

3. Better paper trails

Have you ever struggled to locate an invoice from six months’ ago that you suddenly need to look at again? Keeping track of physical paperwork can be a serious hassle, not least because filing cabinets take up valuable office space.

But, when it comes to financial matters, it’s essential to maintain a proper paper trail for auditing purposes.

That’s where AP automation software can really help, as you can shift all your invoices over to a digital format. This, naturally, makes it much easier to keep track of any given piece of paperwork, being able to file and organize them within the system so that you always know exactly where they are.

Going digital means you never need to worry about struggling to retrace a paper trail again.

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In terms of both time and cost savings, AP automation software is a clear win for any business and its finance team. Find out all the other ways that it can benefit your business and speak to an AP automation specialist today.

O’Neil unhappy Manchester United clash falls on deadline day

Jon Fisher
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O’Neil unhappy Manchester United clash falls on deadline day

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil admits it is not ideal trying to juggle transfer deadline day with tomorrow night’s home game with Manchester United.

Wolves are still hoping to recruit a new striker between now and tomorrow at 11pm with the window closing less than an hour after the final whistle blows against Erik ten Hag’s men.

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Manchester City v Burnley: preview, how to watch and prediction
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O’Neil would rather focus fully on the game but concedes he may be needed to offer his opinion on a transfer.

He said: “I don’t like the transfer window closing on a matchday. It’s a bad idea. For me, it’s going to be 100 per cent focused on the game.

“But there may be stuff going on which may need input from me as well. So from a management point of view, it’s not ideal. But if I had to make a choice between the two, it would be 100 per cent focus on the game.”

Wolves were today linked with Corinthians and Brazil forward Yuri Alberto.

O’Neil added: “Matt Hobbs and the recruitment team have got everything in hand, they’re working very hard on hopefully trying to add something to the group. 

“Hopefully we can get a few bits done and have a successful day on the pitch as well.”

Wolves are 11th in the Premier League and go into the game against United in good form, having lost just one of their last 10 games in all competitions and buoyed by beating bitter rivals West Brom 2-0 in a tempestuous FA Cup fourth-round clash on Sunday.

International Women’s Day event will support Prevent Breast Cancer

Helen Greaney
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International Women’s Day event will support Prevent Breast Cancer

An International Women’s Day event is being held as part of the Paint Altrincham Pink initiative.

Altrincham BID and Capstone Financial will host the ‘Stringer Together – Sharing Success’ event in support of the Prevent Breast Cancer charity.

The event will take place from 1-5pm on Friday, March 8, at Prana on Ashley Road in Altrincham.

The aim is to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women from diverse fields. Attendees can look forward to an inspiring lineup of speakers from the worlds of business as well as health, and wellbeing, offering valuable insights and empowering stories.

Guest speakers include Rimi Thapar (CEO at Love Raw), Kate Hulley, (owner pf Belmont Packaging), Sarah Fogg, (founder of Brows by Sarah) and many more.

There will also be a fashion show which will showcase the latest collections from some of
Altrincham’s independent boutiques.

Sarah Healey of Capstone Financial said, “We are incredibly excited to be working with Altrincham BID on this event. Having the opportunity to bring together some brilliant women in business and have them share their stories of success and also challenges faced, will hopefully inspire many.

“Prana is a great venue to host this, with up to 80 people attending for an afternoon to inspire and celebrate the achievements of the women around us and contribute to a great cause”.

Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity committed solely to predicting and preventing breast cancer and is based locally at the Nightingale Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital.

Mandy White, Altrincham’s BID manager added, “Altrincham’s businesses show huge support each year for Paint Altrincham Pink, and we would encourage the community to come and support this great cause.”

More information is available at :visitaltrincham.com and tickets for the event are available at: Eventbrite.co.uk

Rashford case ‘closed’ says Manchester United boss Ten Hag as attention turns to Wolves

Jon Fisher
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Rashford case ‘closed’ says Manchester United boss Ten Hag as attention turns to Wolves

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag refused to discuss Marcus Rashford’s latest indiscretion, insisting it was “case closed”, but did acknowledge every professional footballer knows there is a line they must not cross.

Rashford missed training on Friday after being pictured in a Belfast nightclub on Thursday night and was subsequently left out of United’s squad for Sunday’s 4-2 FA Cup win at Newport County.

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Manchester City v Burnley: preview, how to watch and prediction
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Talks on Monday between club and player resolved the matter with a United statement saying Rashford had taken “responsibility for his actions” and was available for tomorrow night’s trip to Wolves.

Ten Hag was in no mood for embellishment, insisting “the statement is clear”.

When asked again about the England international, he said: “He has taken responsibility and for the rest it is an internal matter. Case closed.”

It is not Rashford’s first mis-step over the past few months, and asked if he felt the player had shown him a lack of respect, Ten Hag added: “It is nothing to do with that. 

“As I say, let’s focus on the game. I think the statement is clear and we have to focus on winning football games.”

The former Ajax boss did admit, however, that players need to behave professionally away from the playing field if they are to be successful.

“In football you need discipline on the pitch but also off the pitch – there is a line between,” he said. 

“Every professional knows what is required. We have to focus on winning football games, that’s all that matters. Every top professional knows what is required.

“The last two Premier League games, two goals and an assist – he [Rashford] is developing a strong bond with Rasmus Hojlund and we want to continue that process.”

United have suffered numerous injury problems this season but they are starting to clear up with Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Casemiro all in the squadolved at Newport.

United go to Wolves in ninth place in the Premier League, 11 points adrift of the top four, but Ten Hag is hoping having a fit squad to choose from will see them start to move up the table.

He added: “Every game we have to see as a final and every game we have to get the best out of it. This team has so much experience, they know that.

“I’m positive now we have our players back, although they need to get match-ready.

“We have to make the next step as a team and as individuals to get the performance. We know we have to catch up [on the top four].

“The team will be stronger. When we miss players in crucial positions it weakens the team, especially when you have to swap almost every game with the line-up.

“First of all, now we have to keep players fit; second, get them into form; and third, when we have all of that, the results will be better.”

Mason Mount remains sidelined through injury but goalkeeper Andre Onana is available following Cameroon’s exit from the African Cup of Nations.

India v England, 2nd Test: preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

Jon Fisher
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India v England, 2nd Test: preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

The State of Play

England head to Visakhapatnam with an advantage that not even their most ardent supporter could have imagined during the majority of the first Test in Hyderabad.

Having conceded a 190-run first-innings deficit, England were staring down the barrel and odds on to go 1-0 down in the five-match series.

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But then the remarkable happened. Ollie Pope hit a brilliant 196 before debutant spinner Tom Hartley ran through the Indian second innings, taking seven for 62, as the tourists won by 28 runs to secure one of their greatest ever Test victories.

It leaves India desperate for swift retribution on what is expected to be another slow, spin-friendly wicket. The home side are not used to losing on home soil – the first Test defeat was just their fourth in 12 years.

But with the home side missing some key players, England will seek to extend their advantage and put themselves in a commanding position in the series.

Team News

India have some notable absentees. Virat Kohli was already ruled out of the first two matches due to a personal matter while KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who both performed well in Hyderabad, are missing due to injury.

Rajat Patidar is likely to replace Rahul with Kuldeep Yadav stepping in for Jadeja.

England have suffered a blow with Jack Leach ruled out. The 32-year-old, who has suffered continuous injury problems over the past couple of years, has a knee problem which will mean a Test debut for his Somerset team-mate Shoaib Bashir.

James Anderson also comes in to the team in place of Mark Wood, who made little impact in Hyderabad. It will be a 184th Test cap for Anderson. The rest of England’s spin-heavy attack have three between them.

Expected line-ups

India: Jaiswal, Sharma (c), Gill, Patidar, Iyer, Bharat (wk), Yadav, Patel, Ashwin, Bumrah, Siraj

England (confirmed): Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Bairstow, Stokes (c), Foakes (wk), Ahmed, Hartley, Bashir, Anderson

What they said

England captain Ben Stokes to BBC Sport on Shoab Bashir

“He possesses that natural ability, where he releases the ball from and how much energy he tries to put on the ball. Someone releasing the ball from height and putting that much on the ball is going to get that natural variation. That is very hard to play against out here. Some balls will spin, some will skid on.”

India batting coach Vikram Rathour on the pitch

“It looks like a wicket which will turn. Maybe not from the first day, but it should turn.”

When and how to watch

The second Test takes place in Visakhapatnam, starting at 4am. You can watch it in the UK on TNT Sports or Discovery+ with the programme starting at 3.45am.

Prediction

Opportunities to win in India are scarce but with the home side shorn of several key players and with their top order struggling to make meaningful contributions, this is England’s chance.

McCullum and Stokes will be aware of that and will throw everything at India to try to claim a 2-0 lead.

It should be a cracker with England just coming out on top.

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