Home Blog Page 499

Entrepreneur Aims to Deploy Electric Planes in Ukraine Conflict to Help Home Country

News Desk
-
0

Gene Avakyan, an aerospace engineer and entrepreneur, has developed electric “robot” planes that he believes can revolutionize the world. Avakyan, who was born in Ukraine and left as a child, wants to utilize his creations in the ongoing conflict in his birthplace to aid the country’s efforts. His company, Edison Aerospace, originally focused on designing robotic aircraft for crop-dusting but has now expanded its scope to include military applications such as locating anti-aircraft missile batteries, cargo delivery, and munitions deployment.

Reflecting on his own experiences fleeing Ukraine, Avakyan recounts the challenges he faced as a child during his journey to the United States. This formative experience has instilled in him a sense of urgency to help Ukraine in any way he can, both in terms of military aviation and agricultural modernization.

Avakyan, who studied aerospace engineering at UCLA, currently resides in Florida but remains deeply connected to Ukraine and feels a strong sense of injustice regarding the ongoing conflict. He expresses his desire to be on the right side of history and believes that the war in Ukraine is a clear-cut case.

Avakyan’s technology involves electric, optionally-manned aircraft that can be piloted remotely from the ground or fly autonomously. These planes have a flight time of approximately one hour and are powered by a battery similar in size to those used in Tesla Model Three cars. The aircraft, with a wingspan of 40 feet, can carry 200 gallons of payload for spraying purposes, making them a viable replacement for currently used manned spray planes.

Beyond their potential military applications, Avakyan hopes that his electric planes will contribute to the country’s reconstruction and improve global agriculture practices. Current crop spraying methods involve pilots manually flying low and fast, which poses significant dangers. Avakyan’s aircraft aim to reduce fatalities caused by accidents during crop spraying and lower operating costs for companies involved in the industry.

Avakyan also envisions a future where electric passenger planes, including air taxis, become a reality. He is seeking funding to develop prototypes for these innovative aircraft.

In addition to Edison Aerospace, Avakyan and his wife, Victoria Unikel, have founded several other successful businesses. They complement each other’s strengths and work collaboratively to achieve their goals.

Avakyan expresses gratitude for the opportunities and luxuries he now enjoys compared to his childhood in Ukraine. He acknowledges the sacrifices his parents made to provide him with a better life in the United States and is committed to leveraging his success to support his home country.

As Avakyan continues to work with the US Federal Government and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), his innovative electric planes hold the potential to make a significant impact in the military and agricultural sectors, as well as contribute to the overall advancement of aviation technology.

Viewpoint and TrustQuay Successfully Merge, Driving Automation and Digitalization in Wealth, Trust, Corporate, and Funds Services

News Desk
-
0

TrustQuay and Viewpoint have successfully concluded their merger transaction after obtaining regulatory approval. The merger, which was initially announced in February of this year, has established a prominent technology provider based in the United Kingdom. This new entity specializes in wealth management, trust administration, corporate services, and fund solutions, aiming to enhance their offerings in these sectors.

By combining their strengths, the merged organization now serves over 660 customers across Europe and Asia. These customers include corporate services providers, trust and fund administrators, PLCs, family offices, trust banks, lawyers, and accounting firms.

The consolidation of TrustQuay and Viewpoint brings several benefits to customers. They will gain access to expanded capabilities, a wider range of products, and increased coverage of regulatory environments. Furthermore, the global customer service now operates 24/7, providing comprehensive solutions in entity management, client accounting, practice management, compliance, governance, and workflow. These services cater to 46,000 operational users across 80+ jurisdictions.

With a total of 270 employees spread across 12 office locations, including Jersey, Guernsey, the UK, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia, the merged business is well-positioned for growth. It can now drive product innovation, scale up professional services, customer support, and business development efforts across all key product areas.

As part of the merger, Rolf Heemskerk, the former CEO of Viewpoint, has assumed the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the combined group and has joined the board.

Keith Hale, the Group CEO of TrustQuay and Viewpoint, expresses his excitement about the merger: “Through our newly combined product capabilities, development scale, and global customer service coverage, we can offer our customers and the wider market a unique range of solutions. By joining forces, we now provide comprehensive services in entity management, practice management, regulatory compliance, workflow, and digital capabilities for corporate services providers, trust administrators, law firms, and trust banks. Additionally, we continue to expand our product offerings for global corporates and fund administrators.”

Rolf Heemskerk, the CIO of the group, emphasizes the compatibility between TrustQuay and Viewpoint: “TrustQuay and Viewpoint are an excellent fit, both in terms of product capabilities and geographic coverage, as well as organizational strength. I look forward to collaborating with Keith and our combined management teams to leverage the talents of both organizations and the strengths of our products. Together, we aim to support our customers in their digital transformation journey, facilitating future growth and profitability with our cutting-edge cloud technology and associated services.”

The merged business is supported by Hg, a leading investor in European and transatlantic software and services businesses, and BPEA EQT, the Asian private equity arm of EQT, a purpose-driven global investment organization specializing in active ownership strategies.

For further information, please visit: https://trustquay.com/

Launch of New Pineapple Pale from SEVEN BRO7HERS Brewing Co

News Desk
-
0

The Salford-based brewery, SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO, will launch a Pineapple Pale Ale this year, just in time for Summer!

The beverage will be available in Asda stores from May 25th where the 440ml can will be added to the supermarket’s seasonal rotation of craft beers. The fresh fruity pale is set to join the shelves with the brewery’s much-loved Juicy IPA – which has been a permanent option in stores since 2021.

The Pineapple Pale Ale will be available in 280 of ASDA stores across the UK, RRP £3.00. Ready for BBQ season, this beer is a fruity explosion. At 5% ABV, it packs a tangy pineapple punch, perfect for drinkers looking for a light and fresh drink.

The vegan beer was initially designed by head brewer Jack Dixon as part of a celebration series for the brand in 2021. Back by popular demand, tweaked and reworked for ASDA’s customer profile, the beer will be available until November.

Jack – who has been with SEVEN BRO7HERS for more than six years – is part of the talented team behind some of the company’s most exciting brews, including the Kellogg’s upcycled cereal beers, and the award-winning Honeycomb Pale Ale which has also featured instore as an ASDA special.

CEO Keith McAvoy said: “The launch of Pineapple Pale Ale in ASDA really speaks to the talent of our brewing team – its fresh, fun, and sessionable – perfect for summer. We are proud to see it revisited, the recipe reworked to be the best it could be and ready for ASDA shoppers.

“To see another of our special edition range land in ASDA stores is a great moment for our business. As one of the UK’s biggest superstores, it is a fantastic platform for customers to explore all that SEVEN BRO7HERS has to offer and makes craft beer accessible for everyone. In a tough climate for the beer industry, it is a win for our brand and supports our growth.”

In March, SEVEN BRO7HERS collaborated with ALDI to produce two unique beers for the discount retailer. The Watermelon Pale Ale and Passion Fruit Pale Ale – under the ‘Hop Foundry’ banner – are now available in 850 ALDI stores nationwide.

This month the brewery has also launched its first ‘Helles’ lager, adding it to its core range. The beer is aimed at appealing to everyone who loves to drink a lager and rivals the best in the business, it is now available via the brand’s new redesigned webstore and trade buyers.

SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO was founded in 2014 by McAvoy brothers, Guy, Keith, Luke, Daniel, Nathan, Kit, and Greg, inspired by their dad’s home-brewing in their cellar at home. In January 2023, the brewery joined forces SIS4RS DISTILLERY putting all 11 McAvoy siblings under one roof in Salford – making SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO home to largest alcohol family business in Europe.

In the last two years SEVEN BRO7HERS has significantly grown its listings portfolio. The brewery is also currently listed select Co-Op & SPAR stores, Booths Supermarket and Amazon.

Fieldfisher promotes two Real Estate stars to partnership in Manchester

News Desk
-
0

Two rising stars have been promoted to the partnership at European law firm Fieldfisher’s Manchester office. Adam Hattersley and John Smith took on the management of the Property Finance team November 2020 and have achieved an impressive 25% growth in the team’s client base over the past year. They became partners on 1 May.

Adam specialises in short term finance acting for a wide variety of lending institutions and bridging finance providers. With a wealth of experience in complex property transactions involving corporate borrowers, trusts, off-shore vehicles and technical issues, he has developed a reputation for his commerciality, efficiency and technical knowledge.

John specialises predominantly in bridging and development finance, working closely with the firm’s bridging finance clients on investment funding, transactions and development of property.

He has over 10 years of experience in Property Finance including his recent involvement in the financing of the 144,040 sq. ft. Cavern Walks centre in Liverpool and completing a bridge over a portfolio of multiple properties in just 18 days for client Aspen Bridging.

Managing Partner of Fieldfisher Manchester, David Bowcock, commented:

“Adam and John fully deserve their promotions. They have driven our Real Estate Finance work and proved themselves brilliant relationship-builders. Clients not only trust them, they thoroughly enjoy working with them, and our people focus is something Fieldfisher prides itself on.”

In 2022 the Real Estate team in Manchester were shortlisted as Property Law Firm of the Year at the North West Insider Property Awards and received the Highly Commended Award as Commercial Property Team of the Year at the Manchester Legal Awards.  The team also received the Highly Commended Award in the category of Best Solicitors at the National Bridging and Commercial Lending Awards.

About Fieldfisher 

Fieldfisher is a European law firm, with market-leading practices in energy and natural resources, technology, financial services, and life sciences.

Our lawyers advise some of the world’s largest corporations including major technology firms, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, energy suppliers, infrastructure companies, global banks and financial institutions. We take a collaborative approach with clients tailoring our services to their needs and integrating cutting-edge legal technologies into our advice where possible.

Our international network spans over 1,700 people across 25 offices in 11 countries, enabling us to seamlessly advise clients across time zones and disciplines.

We are based in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Beijing, Belfast, Berlin, Birmingham, Bologna, Brussels, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Guangzhou, Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Rome, Shanghai, Turin, Venice and Silicon Valley.

As a responsible and socially-conscious firm, we strive to lead from the front in our industry and make ourselves accountable for our actions. Our commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable future for our people, clients and communities is at the heart of our ESG strategy.

Fieldfisher Manchester is now over 200-strong and has strength across the board, being highly regarded for its TMT, Banking and Finance, Corporate, Employment, Life Sciences, Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency, Fraud and White Collar Crime, Real Estate and PI and Clinical Negligence, work. Notable clients include Liverpool Football Club, The Cooperative Group and JD Sports.

8 Reasons Company Culture is Key in Headhunting

News Desk
-
0

Good company culture holds the organization together and gives employees a sense of belonging. Headhunters Recruitment believes it is the key to attracting top talent and advises employees to create a great company culture to find the best employees.

Headhunting is naturally a competitive process, but with excellent company culture, getting professional managers, sales executives, social media experts, and marketing gurus is easier. Keep reading this post to learn why company culture matters in headhunting.

Why Is an Organisational Culture Essential in the Recruitment Process?
Attracts the Right Candidates

Getting the best candidates for your job is not easy, especially in a world where everybody wants to work remotely. But with a firm and excellent organizational culture, you will attract employees who align with the company’s visions, mission and values. When employees accept a company’s values, they become motivated and engaged, leading to higher productivity and returns.

Differentiate from Competitors

Headhunters take company culture very seriously because it allows them to differentiate from other competitors in the market. It is a great selling point for headhunters. Job seekers or candidates will evaluate all the positions open, and when they find a company culture that stands out, they are more likely to accept it. This is because it shows the company values its employees.

Retain Top Talent Easily

As mentioned earlier, company cultures play a role in attracting the best performers in the world. But if you want to retain them, you must show a strong organizational culture that supports employees and creates a great working environment for them. This will help minimize turnover costs while boosting employee satisfaction.

Promotes Employee Referrals

When headhunting, you want to shortlist as many candidates as possible to find suitable ones. Great company culture will improve employee referrals, allowing you to get professionals quickly. Employee referrals are usually more effective in getting the best talent in the market.

Enhances Employer Branding

A great organizational culture is significant when it comes to employer branding. When a headhunter advertises a job position, he has to brand the employer and the company for job seekers to determine if the employment suits their skill level. A strong culture makes headhunting easy because it allows headhunters to brand employers in the best way possible.

It Nurtures Diversity and Inclusion

An organizational culture that values diversity and inclusion can attract a wider pool of professional candidates worldwide. It makes it easier for headhunters to find all kinds of talent globally. Employers should also not forget that diversity and inclusion breed more creativity and innovation in the work environment.

Employee Engagement and Productivity

Headhunters require candidates that are productive and more engaged in what they do so that they can attract more clients. With a great company culture, employees feel valued and are more likely to go an extra mile and come up with solutions and innovative ideas that will boost the company’s performance.

Effective Interviewing Process

When headhunting, you want to ensure your clients get what they are looking for. The last thing you want to do is recommend candidates who are not suitable for the position. A company culture allows headhunters to know what the business is looking for, allowing them to interview and skill-test candidates easily.

A positive and strong company culture impacts the headhunting process significantly. It is vital for long-term success in attracting and retaining top talent. It also allows headhunters to find candidates and vet them for new positions easily and quickly.

What does a falling pound mean for the global economy?

News Desk
-
0

The British Pound sterling (GBP) is an important currency in the global financial system.

GBP is one of the major currencies along with USD, EUR, JPY, and others. Pound is used by many countries as a reserve currency. The UK is the global financial hub for Forex and European stocks trading.

The United Kingdom has historically played a significant role in the global economy and continues to be an important participant in the global economy.

Effects of falling GBP

The British Pound sterling is in a downtrend against major currencies. The depreciation of British Pound Sterling can have several implications for the UK and global economy:

Inflation

A weaker pound can contribute to higher inflation in the UK. When the value of local currency decreases, the cost of imported goods increases and consumers start spending more on locally produced goods. High inflation hurts the local economy, it makes planning and price calculations difficult for businesses and individuals. It is likely that the Bank of England will keep strict monetary policy to try to counter the falling pound.

The strict monetary policy makes it costly for the citizens of the UK to take out loans. Less money in the consumers’ pockets means less income for the British businesses. When businesses suffer, they start laying off workers, which damages the economy even further.

The economy of the UK and European economies are strongly tied. Weaker GBP can impact the value of the Euro. Falling GBP is a bad sign not only for the UK but also for Europe.

Tourism and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI)

Weaker pound sterling can attract more tourists and investors from all over the world. In addition, investors might find British company stocks attractive, as they become cheaper during hard times.

Tourism plays a significant role in the UK economy and contributes to its GDP and employment. It’s worth noting that the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the tourism sector in the UK and globally. Travel restrictions, lockdowns and limited international travel have led to a decline in tourism activity from which the country is not yet fully recovered.

Trade balance

The falling pound will make imports more difficult and exports from the country much easier, as local producers have less money to spend on workforce and production. While it’s true that trade has been decreasing between the UK and Europe, the numbers remain significant. According to the UK parliament, by 2022, the EU accounted for 42% of UK exports. This figure was much higher prior to Brexit. Between 1999 and 2007, the EU exports number was 50-55%.  European exporter companies in the UK will be the first to feel the hit from the falling pound.

How to benefit from the falling pound

Deppretiation of the GBP can be bad for the UK’s economy, however, retail currency traders can benefit from it. If you are new to Forex trading, it should be mentioned that traders need to have realistic expectations on returns of the FX market.

The British pound is actively traded against major currencies. The most trade volume has GBP vs USD pairs and GBP vs EUR pairs. High trading volume and good liquidity means that you can trade those pairs with minimal spreads. It should be mentioned that the Euro and British Pound are positively correlated due to the many factors we have already mentioned above, such as economic and political ties. Traders interested in making profits from depreciating GBP will find better market moves by trading GBP against the US dollar, or other major currencies such as, Japanese Yen, Canadian Dollar, Swiss Franc, New Zealand Dollar, and Australian Dollar.

Things to consider when trading GBP against major currencies

  • Volatility: GBP is a highly volatile currency. Its volatility depends on various factors, including economic and political events, Brexit, and good liquidity.
  • Risk management: managing risks is crucial for success in currency trading. Never risk the capital you cannot afford to lose in trading, always use stop loss orders and choose a proper risk to reward ratio.
  • Have a trading strategy: successful traders plan their trades and trade their plans. When you have a trading strategy, trading decision making becomes easier.
  • Learn trend following strategies: since the GBP is in a falling trend, strategies and indicators that help traders find entries in a trend are even more important.

Top 3 Trading Accounts For Spread Betting In The UK

News Desk
-
0

In the dynamic world of financial trading, spread betting has emerged as a popular alternative for investors seeking flexible and potentially lucrative opportunities. Spread betting allows traders to speculate on price movements of financial instruments without owning the underlying assets, offering a range of advantages. This unique form of trading is particularly prevalent in the United Kingdom, where a number of reputable account types have gained recognition.

In this article, we delve into the benefits of spread betting and introduce three top trading accounts in the UK, each offering a diverse set of features to cater to the needs of modern traders.

Top 3 Accounts You Should Try;
XM

XM’s Ultra Low trading account is well-suited for spread betting in the UK for several reasons. Firstly, the account offers tight spreads, allowing traders to enter and exit positions at competitive prices. This can help maximize potential profits and minimize trading costs. Secondly, ultra low account from XM provides access to a wide range of tradable instruments, including major currency pairs, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This diversity enables traders to capitalize on various market opportunities.

Lastly, XM is a reputable and regulated broker, providing a secure and reliable trading environment. The platform offers user-friendly tools and resources, making it suitable for both novice and experienced spread bettors seeking a seamless trading experience.

Capital.com

Capital.com offers a suitable account for spread betting in the UK known as the “Spread Betting Account.” This account is ideal for several reasons. Firstly, it provides access to a broad range of financial markets, including indices, stocks, commodities, forex, and cryptocurrencies. Traders can expand their portfolios and capitalize on a multitude of market opportunities through spread betting, resulting in increased diversification. Secondly, the Spread Betting Account offers competitive spreads, allowing traders to enter and exit positions at favorable prices.

Furthermore, Capital.com offers traders a convenient and user-friendly platform equipped with advanced charting tools, real-time market data, and an intuitive interface, catering to traders of all experience levels. Lastly, as a regulated broker, Capital.com ensures a secure and reliable trading environment, instilling confidence in traders. Overall, the Spread Betting Account by Capital.com offers a comprehensive package for spread betting in the UK.

ETX Capital

ETX Capital offers a well-regarded account for spread betting in the UK known as the “Spread Betting Account.” This account is highly recommended for several reasons. Firstly, it provides access to a wide range of markets, including indices, stocks, commodities, forex, and cryptocurrencies, allowing traders to explore diverse trading opportunities. Moreover, the Spread Betting Account provides traders with competitive spreads, allowing them to enter and exit positions at advantageous prices.

ETX Capital also provides a user-friendly and intuitive trading platform with advanced charting tools, analysis, and risk management features. Lastly, being a regulated broker, ETX Capital ensures a secure and reliable trading environment, instilling trust and confidence in traders. With its comprehensive offering, the Spread Betting Account by ETX Capital is an excellent choice for spread betting in the UK.

Everything You Should Know About Spread Betting in the UK

Spread betting has gained significant popularity in the United Kingdom, with its unique characteristics and advantages attracting a large number of traders. The demand for spread betting can be attributed to several key factors.

To begin with, spread betting offers individuals the opportunity to engage in speculation across a diverse range of financial markets, encompassing stocks, indices, currencies, commodities, and various other assets. This versatility allows traders to access a diverse range of assets and take advantage of various market conditions.

Secondly, spread betting offers flexibility and leverage. Spread betting grants traders the flexibility to assume both long and short positions, enabling them to generate profits regardless of whether the market is rising or falling. Furthermore, traders can leverage their positions in spread betting, amplifying their market exposure with a smaller initial capital investment. This amplifies potential returns, although it also increases the risk of losses.

Furthermore, spread betting is attractive due to its tax advantages in the UK. Profits generated from spread betting are generally tax-free for UK residents, making it an appealing option for individuals seeking tax-efficient trading opportunities.

To engage in spread betting, there are a few key requirements. First and foremost, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have a valid identification document. Additionally, traders should have a good understanding of the markets they wish to trade and the risks involved. Spread betting involves speculation and carries a high level of risk, as traders can potentially incur losses greater than their initial investment.

It is crucial for traders to conduct thorough research, develop a trading strategy, and have a disciplined approach to risk management. While spread betting can be a rewarding endeavor, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and seek professional advice if needed.

Overall, spread betting popularity in the UK can be attributed to its accessibility, flexibility, tax advantages, and the diverse range of markets it covers. However, individuals should carefully assess their own financial situation and risk tolerance before engaging in spread betting activities.

Intriguing individual battles in the FA Cup final

News Desk
-
0

While the Premier League and the Champions League are widely seen as the premier competitions for an English club to win, the FA Cup still holds a special place in the hearts and minds of football fans hailing from the United Kingdom.

This year’s contest will be particularly interesting given it’s a Manchester derby between two top four Premier League outfits. Man City are the prohibitive favourites with those who bet on football, with Pep Guardiola’s men garnering a short price of 8/15, while Man United are outsiders at 11/2.

It’s easy to see why punters are so optimistic about the Sky Blues’ chances, as they recently won their third consecutive Premier League title and seventh in 12 years. Couple that with the fact that they have the opportunity to become just the second team in the England top-flight’s history to secure the historic treble (Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League), and Kevin De Bruyne and company will be entering this upcoming FA Cup fixture brimming with confidence.

Write off a club as accomplished as the Red Devils at your own risk however, and given it is a one-off game at a neutral venue, anything can happen. While gameplans and mid-game adjustments will be crucial in determining the winner on June 3, it is the individual match-ups that could arguably prove even more pivotal.

With that in mind, read on as we take a look at a few of the intriguing individual battles we are likely to see in the FA Cup final between these cross-city rivals.

Marcus Rashford/John Stones

No-one has ever doubted Marcus Rashford’s talent – however – he hasn’t been able to put it all together consistently since joining the professional ranks in 2015. That was until this season, as the 25-year-old has been sublime for United as the club’s main striker. With the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this season, there has been greater pressure heaped on the shoulders of Rashford, and he has taken to the role like a duck to water.

With 28 goals across all competitions this campaign, Rashford has come into his own, and could pose City plenty of problems. That is why John Stones will need to play an integral role in trying to limit the damage of his England teammate. Stones has experienced yet another solid season in 2022/23, completing a league-leading 93% of his passes and being successful on 92% of his tackles at the time of writing.

He will need every ounce of his consistent tackling against a player as explosive as Rashford – and if he can swarm the United talisman effectively early on, it could go a long way to giving City the upper-hand.

Kevin De Bruyne/Bruno Fernandes

When looking at the match-up in the midfield, City have the clear advantage. That’s not to say that Bruno Fernandes isn’t an elite player, it’s just that he will be going up against arguably the best player in the Premier League in Kevin De Bruyne. The latter has had an exceptional season, notching up ten goals and 28 assists – with 16 of those assists coming in the Premier League. That is the most by anyone in 2022/23, and the second most of De Bruyne’s career.

While his numbers aren’t as eye-popping, Fernandes has most certainly had a solid season. With nine goals and 12 assists across all competitions, the Portuguese star has proven to be one of United’s biggest threats with the ball at his feet. If he can slow the game down and starve his opposition of possession, United stand a chance of winning the battle in the midfield.

Erling Haaland/Lisandro Martinez

If De Bruyne is deemed the best player in the Premier League today in many people’s eyes, you would have to say at this stage that Erling Haaland is grabbing the mantle as the second-best player. Boasting 52 goals, a record-setting 36 of which came in the Premier League, the Norwegian’s résumé this season speaks for itself.

The 22-year-old’s athleticism and awareness in front of goal is unlike any player in the game today, and if United aren’t careful, he has the talent to put multiple past them in the early proceedings. That is why Red Devils central defender Lisandro Martinez will be so pivotal if his side is to upset the applecart.

For what the 5’9 Argentinian lacks in size, he makes up for in positional play, toughness and overall football IQ. If Martinez can use his muscular and squat physique to his advantage by utilising power to disrupt Haaland’s driving runs into the box, it gives Erik ten Hag’s men a strong hope.

The Strength and Depth of the UK Bar Scene Celebrated as the Class Bar Awards Turn 20

News Desk
-
0

THE STRENGTH AND DEPTH OF THE UK BAR SCENE IS CELEBRATED AS THE CLASS BAR AWARDS TURN 20

  • Bars and bartenders from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Cornwall are among the winners of the CLASS Bar Awards 2023 as new regional awards debut
  • Schofield’s Bar in Manchester becomes a double winner of Bar of the Year, having been voted as the CLASS Collective’s favourite once again. Joe and Daniel Schofield’s bar also took the inaugural award of Best Bar in the North
  • Female bartenders take three of the top individual prizes, with Mia Kumari of London’s Satan’s Whiskers crowned Bartender of the Year, Courtney Francis of Couch taking Emerging Bartender of the Year and Cristiana Pirinu of the Donovan Bar winning Front of House Star.
  • Tommy Matthews’ Passing Fancies in Birmingham is named Best New Bar and Best Bar in the Midlands & East Anglia.
  • The career of global rum ambassador Ian Burrell is celebrated with the CLASS Bar Awards Outstanding Contribution award

On Tuesday May 23rd, CLASS magazine announced its highly anticipated CLASS Bar Awards 2023. The Awards, which debuted in 2003, is the highest-attended and longest-running UK bar industry ceremony.

Representatives from the UK’s leading bars attended the Awards last night (May 23rd at Battersea Arts Centre, London) along with internationally renowned industry personalities. Judged by the CLASS Collective (a group of 100 bar experts from across the country), the CLASS Bar Awards recognises the talent, achievements and diversity of the UK bar scene.

Schofield’s Bar in Manchester was the choice of the CLASS Collective, winning Best Bar in the North sponsored by The Busker and the nationwide title of Bar of the Year sponsored by Stauning. Opened in spring 2021, Joe and Daniel Schofield’s debut bar set in Manchester’s Sunlight House, has become an instant classic, winning plaudits across the UK. Its period, classy looks – with dark woods and touches of green – and focus on five-star service makes it the UK’s best bar 2023. It is the only the third time since 2003 that a bar has won consecutive Bar of the Year titles.

Elsewhere in the newly launched regional awards, Passing Fancies was voted Best Bar in the Midlands & East Anglia sponsored by The Busker and also New Bar of the Year sponsored by Hapusa Gin, having only launched last autumn by Tommy Matthews, Matt Arnold and Eve Green. The bar is billed as having the casual vibes of a “kitchen at a house party”, but serves ingredient-led cocktails that draw on the latest bar lab techniques. A finalist in this field, Couch in Birmingham, went on to shine in the Emerging Bartender of the Year category sponsored by La Hechicera, with the bar’s Courtney Francis taking the award.

In the Best Bar in Scotland & NI sponsored by The Busker category, Hey Palu took the gong. Alex Palumbo’s stylish Edinburgh cocktail haunt presents a modern take on Italian aperitivo culture, with classic cocktails, warm hospitality and amaro and vermouth aplenty. Finalist in that category, Panda & Sons, didn’t leave empty handed as its owner Iain McPherson took Bar Innovator of the Year sponsored by Paragon, chiefly for his work on his bar’s Transcend menu, which delves into sub-zero flavour creation.

Best Bar in London & the South East sponsored by The Busker saw some heavyweight bars compete, with Satan’s Whiskers coming out top in the vote. At almost a decade old, Kevin Armstrong’s evergreen Bethnal Green classic has mastered the fundamentals – drinks, hospitality and atmosphere – like few others.

Fellow London finalists Tayēr + Elementary and Swift also had their time on stage, both winning awards. Tayēr + Elementary took Bar Food Menu of the Year sponsored by Altamura Vodka for its revolving bevy of cocktail-paired small plates, while Swift took Cocktail of the Year sponsored by Lanique for its famous Irish Coffee, having been a finalist last year.

Meanwhile the Best Bar in Wales & West sponsored by The Busker saw Lab 22 from Cardiff triumph. A beacon of bar culture in Wales, Tani Hasa’s venue has made its name through ever more creative cocktail making. Meanwhile Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly in Cornwall was a beaten finalist in this regional category, but did take home the Sustainable Practices Award sponsored by Avallen Calvados, thanks to an approach that places local ingredients on a pedestal, while making an enemy of waste.

Connaught Bar in London once again took the gong for Hotel Bar of the Year sponsored by Everleaf Drinks. Famed for its sparkling art-deco décor, Connaught Bar’s cocktails carefully bridge classicism with modernism, while its service is elevated to an artform.

Elsewhere in the London hotel bar landscape, Donovan Bar’s Cristiana Pirinu was awarded Front of House Star sponsored by Rabbit Hole for her impeccable hosting skills, while the American Bar at the Savoy’s former charge, Mia Kumari, was voted Bartender of the Year sponsored by Savoia Americano. Now at Satan’s Whiskers, the British bartender has seen a meteoric rise, with a series of cocktail competition wins, catapulting her to bar-world stardom.

Ryan Chetiyawardana’s Southbank hotel bar Lyaness at Sea Containers was also among the winners. James Wheeler, who has been integral to much of the bar’s success in recent years, won Bar Manager of the Year sponsored by Italicus, while the bar also took home the trophy for Drinks Menu of the Year sponsored by Franklin & Sons. Lyaness’ Ancestral Cookbook menu goes beyond a cocktail list to explore how food and drink has shaped culture, with five new ingredients created as a base for the 15-cocktail menu.

The award for Specialist Bar of the Year sponsored by Sipello went to Deano Moncrieffe and Emma Murphy’s Hacha – now with sites in Brixton and Dalston – for the second year running. The agaveria offers a chic and contemporary take on Mexican décor and cocktails – not least its former Cocktail of the Year, the Mirror Margarita – a revolving back bar of 25 handpicked agave bottles and authentic Oaxacan food. 

The title of Bar Employer of the Year sponsored by The Lost Explorer was awarded to Speakeasy Entertainment, whose stable includes Nightjar, Oriole and Swift. With development plans for every employee in the business, four-day weeks, away days and staff feedback surveys, the group’s 50-plus staff are well looked after. A finalist in this category Junkyard Golf instead won Social Media Presence of the Year sponsored by Villa Sandi, after impressing judges with its laser-targeted campaigns that have brought in real-world customers.

The ceremony climaxed with the Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by Master of Malt Trade which went to Ian Burrell. The self-titled global rum ambassador has spent almost thirty years in the service of rum, promoting its interests and educating bartenders globally on the spirit’s diversity, authenticity and quality. His work has made an invaluable contribution to the global drinks industry.

Hamish Smith, editor of Class and co-host of the Class Bar Awards, said: “The 78 finalists this year were the strongest and most geographically diverse since we relaunched the Awards in 2017.

“London remains strong but the Bar of the Year is in Manchester again, the New Bar of the Year is in Birmingham, the Bar Innovator of the Year is in Edinburgh and the bar leading sustainable practices is in Cornwall – there are countless other bars up and down the UK propelling the industry forward.

“Not in recent memory has the UK bar scene felt as rich in talent, or as evenly spread. London doesn’t lead the global bar industry anymore, the UK does.”

Anticipation Rises as New Zealand Sports Fans Prepare for Record-Breaking Bets on Women’s World Cup

News Desk
-
0

The upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, is expected to generate an unprecedented number of bets from enthusiastic New Zealand sports fans, according to NZCasinoClub.com, an online casino directory. The growing popularity of women’s football, coupled with the intense competition for the coveted FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup title, has sparked a surge in online betting interest.

NZCasinoClub.com predicts that with the tournament taking place on home turf, New Zealanders’ interest will reach extraordinary levels. While the United States remains the favorite to win with odds at +275, England is a strong contender at +350, having triumphed in the European Championship against Germany last year. Many anticipate that England could dethrone the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). Betting enthusiasts are well aware that sporting events can bring unexpected surprises, so it’s worth considering that Germany, Spain, and France, who closely trail the USWNT and England’s Lionesses, could also emerge as formidable competitors.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup will feature 32 nations divided into eight groups, marking the first time such a large number of teams will participate. In the previous tournament held in 2019, 24 teams competed. The top 10 contenders in this summer’s tournament include hosts Australia, Netherlands, Canada, Brazil, and Sweden. The tournament is set to commence on 20th July, with opening matches held simultaneously in New Zealand and Australia. New Zealand will face Norway at Eden Park, while Australia will compete against Ireland at Stadium Australia in Sydney. The final showdown will take place on 20th August at Stadium Australia, with matches also scheduled in Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide in Australia, as well as Wellington, Dunedin, and Hamilton in New Zealand.

AA1bDTlO

NZCasinoClub.com’s spokesperson noted that while the men’s FIFA World Cup generated NZD $57 billion in bets worldwide last year, with 65,000 New Zealanders placing bets solely on the men’s tournament, this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup is expected to surpass all previous records in women’s football. The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup saw approximately NZD $160 million in bets worldwide, but NZCasinoClub.com predicts that this year’s event will far exceed that total.

NZCasinoClub.com serves as an online directory of trusted casino sites, providing a secure platform for punters to place their bets. The company’s experts simplify the process of comparing different gambling sites, taking into account factors such as bonuses, available games, and payment methods, to help players find the right gambling website. Each casino featured on the site has undergone a rigorous evaluation process, with a focus on safety and fairness. The spokesperson for NZCasinoClub.com emphasized their commitment to prioritizing players’ interests over gambling sites, ensuring unbiased expert advice based on strict criteria. The site’s lists are regularly updated, and they are dedicated to reporting both the positive and negative aspects of gambling sites.

1...498499500...1,082Page 499 of 1,082