: Key Takeaways: In a surprising turn of events, the demand for small move and Man and Van services has witnessed a staggering 41.3% increase between December 2023 and February 2024 in the UK, according to data from Compare My Move. As the property market continues to gather momentum, with house prices on the rise and a flurry of activity in the real estate sector, the question arises: Is 2024 the ideal year to embark on the journey of starting your own Man and Van business? Let’s delve deeper into the trends and statistics shaping the landscape of the moving industry The post Revealed: Surging Demand for Moving Services – Is 2024 the Year to Start Your Own Business? appeared first on Business Today
: Key Takeaways: The Crossroad of Hobby and Business Recognizing the Business Potential of Your Hobby In the UK, transforming a hobby into an income-generating activity requires understanding tax obligations and the point at which a hobby qualifies as a business. The distinction hinges on the intent to make a profit and the annual income threshold set by HMRC. Navigating the Tax Landscape The transition from hobbyist to business owner is marked by surpassing the HMRC’s Trading Allowance limit. Once this £1,000 threshold is exceeded, it becomes imperative to register as a business, invoking a series of tax responsibilities and financial The post Turn Your Passion into Profit: Navigating the New Tax Year as a Budding Entrepreneur appeared first on Business Today
: Key Takeaways: In today’s fast-paced business environment, small enterprises are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new avenues for growth. A recent survey conducted by The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council (SBEC) revealed that nearly half of all small businesses have integrated AI tools in the past year alone, citing substantial cost-effective benefits. Oxford Capital, a leading investment firm, sheds light on the transformative potential of AI for small businesses in 2024. Let’s explore how AI integration is revolutionizing the business landscape and propelling companies towards unprecedented success. 1. Enhancing Operational The post The AI Revolution: 6 Ways Small Businesses Are Embracing Innovation for Explosive Growth! appeared first on Business Today
: Key Takeaways: Uncovering Financial Challenges in the Trades Sector Recent research conducted by Simply Business, a leading small business insurance provider, has revealed concerning trends in the earnings of tradespeople across the UK. The findings shed light on income disparities, top-earning trades, regional variations, and the impact of external factors on the financial stability of tradespeople. Plummeting Earnings: A Struggle for Tradespeople Tradespeople faced a daunting reality in 2023, with average earnings plummeting by £14,000 compared to the previous year. This stark decline of 17% in average income raises questions about the financial resilience of individuals in the trades sector The post Shocking News for Tradespeople: Average Earnings Plummet by £14k! appeared first on Business Today
: Key Takeaways: Embracing Remote Work: A Paradigm Shift in Work Culture From Novelty to Norm: The Evolution of Remote Work As we approach the four-year milestone of the pandemic-induced lockdown, the landscape of work has undergone a profound transformation. What started as a temporary adjustment has now become the new standard, reshaping how we work and challenging traditional notions of workplace flexibility. Data Insights: ADP’s Annual People at Work Report Surge in Flexibility: The Rise of Remote Work Preferences Data from ADP’s annual People at Work report reveals a significant shift in employee preferences post-pandemic. What was once a novelty, The post Unlocking the Secrets of Four Years of Remote Work: What You Need to Know! appeared first on Business Today
: Key Takeaways: The Ecommerce Boom: Unveiling Spectacular Growth The digital landscape of Ecommerce is witnessing an unprecedented surge, as revealed by Casaleggio Associati’s latest report. With a remarkable growth rate of 27.14% in 2023, the Italian Ecommerce market has soared to new heights, signaling a paradigm shift in consumer behavior and business strategies. Sectoral Dynamics: Winners and Challenges The AI Revolution in Ecommerce As Ecommerce charts a path towards innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a game-changer, reshaping the customer journey and operational efficiency. Casaleggio Associati predicts 2024 to be the year of AI-Commerce, envisioning a future where AI-powered personal The post Explosive Growth in Ecommerce: AI Revolutionizes Online Shopping! appeared first on Business Today
: Green Lights & Red Flags: FTC Rules of the Road for Business rocks on in Cleveland sgressin September 21, 2020 | 12:03PM Green Lights & Red Flags: FTC Rules of the Road for Business rocks on in Cleveland By Seena Gressin Natives and fans heartily agree that “Cleveland Rocks!” That’s why the Federal Trade Commission and its Ohio partners are ready to roll with the next installment of Green Lights & Red Flags: FTC Rules of the Road for Business , set to make its online debut on October 29, 2020, from Cleveland. The free business workshop focuses on current topics in truth-in-advertising law, social media marketing, data security, business-to-business fraud, and more. Who should attend the virtual event? Ohio business owners, marketing and advertising professionals, attorneys — anyone who needs to know how established consumer protection principles apply in today’s fast-paced marketplace. The Office of the Ohio Attorney General, Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland, and the Cuyahoga County Departme[...]
: Key Takeaways: Armalytix: A Driving Force in Property Transactions In a groundbreaking development, Armalytix, the leading UK-based data intelligence firm specializing in source of funds and affordability checks, has emerged as the driving force behind legal firms responsible for 1 in 8 residential property transactions conducted in England and Wales. Within just two years since its market introduction, Armalytix’s technology has rapidly evolved into the foremost provider for legal firms engaged in property transactions. A Year of Success: Recognitions and Uptake Following a successful 2023 marked by nominations for Modern Law and the British Conveyancing Awards, Armalytix has witnessed a The post Revealed: The Secret Behind 1 in 8 Property Transactions in England and Wales! appeared first on Business Today
: Key Takeaways: In a bold strategic move set to revolutionize the education sector, Ludenso, a leading provider of spatial technology for publishers and educational textbooks, has announced the appointment of Karen V. Ordones as its new Director of Partnerships. With a stellar career spanning 15 years in education and a decade of experience in startup management, Karen is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing Ludenso’s mission of reshaping the learning experience through augmented reality (AR) technology. Empowering Education Through Innovation: Ludenso’s Vision As the world grapples with the evolving demands of education in the digital age, Ludenso stands The post Revealed: Education Industry’s Secret Weapon Unleashed! appeared first on Business Today
: The troika of artificial intelligence, pricing, and talent transience has been with us for some time now. As a result, traditional pyramid-structured law firms grappling with these bet-the-business juggernauts are at an inflection point. I propose a flatter way forward. I have been writing and talking about this issue for many years, most recently as part of my ‘The Law Firm’ series: Pyramid Rollover , Private Equity Puzzle , Disappearing Act , Foundational Rebuild , and now this one, Inflection Point. My argument throughout this series is that traditional law firm pyramid structures will not hold against AI, pricing, and . . . [more] The post The Law Firm Inflection Point appeared first on Slaw
: The Genesis of The Eden Aeroponics Project In Puslinch, Ontario, a groundbreaking initiative has taken root in the form of The Eden Aeroponics Project, spearheaded by Dan Atkinson, a visionary with over thirty years in hydroponics. This project is not just about gardening; it’s a movement towards sustainable living, offering state-of-the-art indoor aeroponic gardens that promise to revolutionize how we cultivate food in our homes and communities. The Future of Home Gardening Aeroponic Advancements The Eden and The Eboo represent the pinnacle of aeroponic gardening, combining style with sustainability. These systems are designed to fit seamlessly into living spaces, producing The post Grow Your Own Future: The Aeroponic Revolution Is Here! appeared first on Business Today
: Key Takeaways: Living Nightmare: A Mother’s Struggle with Toxic Mould Beverley McNally’s journey through the past five years has been marked by adversity and frustration as she battled against the insidious threat of toxic mould infiltrating her home. A devoted mother of two, Beverley faced unimaginable challenges as her family’s health and well-being were jeopardized by the relentless spread of mould. A Growing Menace: The Emergence of Toxic Mould What began as a minor leak in Beverley’s bathroom extractor fan burgeoned into a full-blown crisis, shrouding her Ealing townhouse in a veil of dampness and decay. As the mould crept The post The Shocking Reality: Mum’s Battle with Toxic Mould Reveals Landlord’s Negligence appeared first on Business Today
: Key Takeaways: The Alarming Reality of Road Collisions Dominance of Driver Error Recent research has pinpointed driver error as the predominant cause of road collisions in the UK, with two-thirds of accidents each year attributed to this factor. This startling statistic reveals a widespread issue that spans across the nation, with London experiencing the highest incidence rate. The Observation Crisis Failing to look properly is the second leading cause of road accidents, responsible for over a third of collisions. This problem is particularly acute in London, where nearly half of all accidents are due to this oversight, indicating a critical The post Driving Danger: UK’s Road Collision Epidemic Unveiled appeared first on Business Today
: Key Takeaways: Introduction to Innovation A Legacy of Success Following a highly acclaimed event last year, EAI is gearing up to host the 5th iteration of its International Conference on Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Education (TIE2024). The conference promises to be an epicenter of technological advancements, showcasing innovations that intersect with significant global sporting events. Technology in the Spotlight Broadcasting Breakthroughs TIE2024 will delve into the technological advancements shaping the broadcasting, networking, and dissemination of content for major international sports events. The conference aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and practical application, offering insights into the future of The post Future Unleashed: The Mega-Conference That’s Redefining Technology and Entrepreneurship appeared first on Business Today
: Key Takeaways: A Game-Changer in Fintech Emerges In a landscape dominated by financial giants, a rising star has emerged in the form of Allica Bank, a fintech disruptor redefining banking for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With a stellar performance in 2023, Allica Bank’s Annual Report paints a picture of extraordinary growth, substantial financial gains, and groundbreaking achievements. Trailblazing in the Fintech Realm Allica Bank’s journey to success is nothing short of extraordinary. Within just three years of opening its doors to lending, the bank has etched its name as the fastest-growing UK fintech ever, a title bestowed upon it The post Unveiling a Fintech Phenomenon: Allica Bank’s Spectacular Rise to Profitability appeared first on Business Today
: Key Takeaways: In recent years, the soaring salaries of Premier League footballers have sparked widespread debate, revealing a stark income disparity between elite athletes and the average worker. A recent study by Ticketgum sheds light on the staggering earnings of top-tier footballers and the considerable time it takes for regular individuals to match their weekly wages. Earnings Disparity: A Deep Dive into Premier League Salaries The study unveils the substantial surge in Premier League players’ salaries, which have escalated by over 200% since 2000. By 2019, the average annual income for a Premier League player exceeded £3 million, showcasing a The post Revealed: How Long It Takes Regular Workers to Match Premier League Players’ Weekly Wages appeared first on Business Today
: Key Takeaways: Navigating the Hiring Maze: Challenges and Frustrations In an ever-evolving job market, UK businesses are grappling with the complexities of hiring, with 74% expressing heightened difficulty in recruitment over the past five years. A recent survey conducted by global job matching platform Indeed sheds light on the inefficiencies plaguing the hiring process, revealing a landscape fraught with frustration and inefficiency. Mismatched Expectations: Ambitious Targets vs. Sourcing Challenges Despite ambitious hiring targets set by businesses—amidst over 908,000 job vacancies in the UK—finding quality candidates remains akin to a daunting treasure hunt. The disparity between demand and supply is glaring, The post Unlocking the Secret to Effortless Hiring: AI-Powered Solution Shakes Up UK Businesses appeared first on Business Today
: Key Takeaways: Introduction to a New Era of Fraud Prevention Mangopay’s Strategic Move In a significant boost to its fraud prevention capabilities, Mangopay has appointed Bertrand Dezard as the Head of Sales for Fraud. Dezard’s role will be pivotal in driving the company’s international strategy, particularly focusing on expanding the reach of Mangopay’s advanced cybersecurity solutions in Europe and Latin America. Bertrand Dezard: A Veteran in Fraud Prevention Background and Expertise With over 15 years in the payments and fraud prevention sector, Dezard brings a wealth of experience to Mangopay. His previous stints at major companies like Visa Europe and The post Guarding the Gates: The Mastermind Behind the Next Big Leap in Fraud Prevention appeared first on Business Today
: FTC consumer protection year in review offers 2020 vision for your business lfair January 8, 2020 | 9:26AM FTC consumer protection year in review offers 2020 vision for your business By Lesley Fair They say hindsight is 20/20, but what about foresight? We’re not ones to prognosticate, but a look at notable FTC cases and initiatives from the past year suggests some topics likely to be top of mind in months to come. Here is a non-exhaustive list of issues in our 2019 rearview mirror and likely visible through the 2020 windshield. Consumer privacy. The FTC’s $5 billion enforcement action against Facebook made history and headlines, but the other notable part of the case is the monumental change the order mandates to Facebook’s privacy ecosystem. The Commission opinion in Cambridge Analytica reaffirms the proposition that like any other claim, a company’s privacy promises are viewed through the lens of established FTC consumer perception principles. A series of cases demonstrates the agency’s continued commitmen[...]
: New data from the Federal Trade Commission reveal that people reported losing a staggering $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, with reported losses increasing nearly three times since 2020. FTC data also show that people reported imposter scams more than any other fraud category in 2025—nearly one in three fraud reports were about imposter scams. These scams lured consumers through text, phone, email, social media, search engine results and other means. Some of the costliest impersonation scams start with a fake security alert, often from a bank. People are convinced to move money to “protect” it, with their losses often limited only by their available funds. Last year, people reported losing nearly $1 billion to business impersonators with the highest reported losses to bank impersonators—and about $920 million to government impersonators, up from $866 million and $789 million respectively in 2024. The FTC has seen a striking increase in reported fraud losses to all types of fraud—about $16 billion was [...]
: Franchise Fundamentals: Taking a deep dive into the Franchise Disclosure Document lfair May 23, 2023 | 6:41PM Franchise Fundamentals: Taking a deep dive into the Franchise Disclosure Document By Lesley Fair Love at first sight may (or may not) be a real thing, but when it comes to investing your money, it’s unwise to fall for a franchise without first subjecting it to tough-minded scrutiny. The third in the FTC’s Franchise Fundamentals blog series walks through an essential part of that evaluation: an in-depth review of the Financial Disclosure Document (FDD) required by the FTC’s Franchise Rule . You must receive the Franchise Disclosure Document at least 14 days before you’re asked to sign any contract or pay any money to the franchisor or one of its affiliates. In fact, you have the right to the FDD once the franchisor has received your application and agrees to consider it. So speak up if you don’t receive it and ask questions – lots of them – as you review the FDD and any attached documents. Image Ind[...]
: Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson today announced he has appointed Taylor C. Hoogendoorn as Deputy Director of the Bureau of Competition and Katherine White as Deputy Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. Hoogendoorn is a talented litigator with expertise in a wide range of litigation, including antitrust, tort, contractual, energy, and intellectual property matters. Hoogendoorn joins the FTC after spending time in private practice at a law firm in Houston. He clerked for the Hon. Samuel A. Alito Jr. on the Supreme Court of the United States; the Hon. Gregory G. Katsas on the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit; and the Hon. J. Harvie Wilkinson III on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Hoogendoorn holds a J.D. from Yale Law School, where he won the Morris Tyler Moot Court of Appeals and served on the Yale Law Journal, and a B.B.A. with majors in Economics, Finance, Mathematics, and Business Fellows from Baylor University. While at Baylor, h[...]
: First Consumer Review Fairness case takes on promoter’s “big bucks on Amazon” claim lfair August 6, 2018 | 11:11AM First Consumer Review Fairness case takes on promoter’s “big bucks on Amazon” claim By Lesley Fair T he marketers behind a purported money-making promotion called Sellers Playbook appear to have skipped the chapter about complying with federal and state consumer protection laws. That’s the allegation in a complaint filed by the FTC and the Minnesota Attorney General . In addition, it’s the FTC’s first case charg ing violations of the Consumer Review Fairness Act. The roots of the allegations go back to another venture sued by the FTC earlier this year: FBA Stores, also known as Amazing Wealth System and Amazon Wealth Systems. The defendants in that case ran online ads and in-person workshops that claimed to reveal the secret s of making major money on Amazon. But few, if any, of the consumers who forked over thousands of dollars and implemented their “plug-and-play systems” earn ed the kind of c[...]
: Today, the FTC granted early termination of its review of Mars, Incorporated’s proposed acquisition of Kellanova. Mars is a global manufacturer of pet care, snacking, and food products. Kellanova owns legacy Kellogg brands, including in snacks, crackers, and frozen breakfasts, after spinning off its North American cereals business in 2023 as WK Kellogg Co. “The Commission cares deeply about any competition concerns that affect American consumers, including in food products,” said Daniel Guarnera, Director of the Bureau of Competition. “Commission staff closely reviewed every aspect of this transaction, including both specific product markets and potential portfolio effects from the acquisition. They turned over every stone needed to arrive at a robust assessment of the likely competitive effects of this transaction. After nearly a year of investigation, dozens upon dozens of interviews with non-parties at all levels of the supply chain (including large chains and small, independent businesses), extensive dat[...]
: Le texte français suit. CALLeagues, This will be my last message as your president, and to start, I am grateful to each of you for reading this monthly bulletin and staying informed about the business of CALL/ACBD. In an age when we are bombarded with emails (I am rather embarrassed by the number of unread messages in my inbox), the fact that this newsletter is opened by ~60% of you each month is a positive indicator of your engagement. As the month of May coincides with our marquee annual conference and the transition of leadership on the Executive Board and some of our Committees and Special Interest Groups, it is my hope that some of you will elevate your engagement by lending your time and expertise as a volunteer. As I mentioned in my first message as your president in June 2025: “the ongoing vitality of our association is built on the dedication of our volunteers, and each of you has invaluable skills, expertise, and life experience with which to contribute” and nearly a year later, this remains very m[...]
: Speaking of Spokeo: Part 2 — The company’s allegedly bogus endorsements wfg-adm109 June 13, 2012 | 12:25PM Speaking of Spokeo: Part 2 — The company’s allegedly bogus endorsements By Lesley Fair The lawsuit against data broker Spokeo is the FTC’s first Fair Credit Reporting Act case addressing the collection of online info — including data from social networking sites — when used in the context of employment screening. But that’s not the only way the Spokeo settlement touches on social media. The FTC also charged that Spokeo violated Section 5 by having employees post glowing recommendations of the company’s services on news and technology websites without disclosing their true identity. Perhaps just the work of a rogue cubicle occupant? No, said the FTC. According to the complaint , Spokeo directed its employees to write the comments. Spokeo managers then edited what they wrote and had the staffers post the endorsements using account names provided by Spokeo. The purpose, says the FTC, was to give read[...]
: Root, root root for the regions lfair September 24, 2018 | 2:03PM Root, root root for the regions By Andrew Smith, Director, FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection T his year eight major league baseball teams are celebrating milestone anniversaries – and so are the FTC’s regional offices. In 1918, the Commission opened the first three of its regional offices. Today, eight regional offices continue to knock it out the park on behalf of America’s consumers. So it’s only fitting that on this momentous day we acknowledge the regional offices’ century of pennant-winning performances. According to the Commission’s 1918 Annual Report, “In order to expedite the greatly increased work of the Commission . . . small branch offices were established in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.” Over time, the FTC has added other locations for a current total of eight offices in seven regions. Regional staff work with the Bureau of Consumer Protection and the Bureau of Competition on investigations and litigation. But they are in [...]
: FTC recaps consumer complaint data for 2017: Who’s on the list? lfair March 1, 2018 | 5:17PM FTC recaps consumer complaint data for 2017: Who’s on the list? By Lesley Fair Once bitten, twice shy. That fundamental principle of human behavior is why reputable businesses that work hard to earn consumers’ confidence should support the FTC’s ongoing efforts to fight fraud. According to the FTC’s 2017 Consumer Sentinel Data Book , consumers reported losing a total of $905 million to fraud last year. That’s close to a billion bucks people won’t be able to spend on legitimate products and services from credible companies. That figure is up $63 million from last year, although the total number of reports received from consumers is down from 2.98 million in 2016 to 2.68 million in 2017. Topping the list that no industry wants to be on is debt collection, making up 23% of the total number of complaints. But there are two caveats: 1) that number is down from 2016; and 2) the high number of debt collection reports was du[...]
: Lights out on unsubstantiated pain relief claims and deceptive native advertising lfair June 25, 2020 | 3:00PM Lights out on unsubstantiated pain relief claims and deceptive native advertising By Lesley Fair For consumers struggling with severe or chronic pain, ads for a product called Willow Curve appeared to offer light at the end of the tunnel. But the FTC alleges the marketers made false and unsubstantiated claims for the product , a device that applied low-level light and mild heat to the site of pain – and set people back between $599 and $799 in the process. The proposed settlement also sheds light on the FTC’s ongoing concern with deceptive native advertising. The complaint names two Michigan companies, Physician’s Technology, LLC, and Willow Labs, LLC, and two individuals affiliated with both businesses, Dr. Ronald Shapiro and David Sutton. In ads on national TV, satellite radio, online, and in social media, the defendants claimed that for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropa[...]
: Made in USA? Avoiding a Yankee Doodle Don't wfg-adm109 October 21, 2013 | 11:17AM Made in USA? Avoiding a Yankee Doodle Don't By Lesley Fair There are lots of nifty phone accessories, bottle holders, tow straps, pet items, and lanyards out there. So a label that says the product is Made in the USA may help make the decision for some consumers. When it bears the American flag and says “TRULY MADE IN THE USA,” that just might seal the deal. But according to an FTC lawsuit , a lot of the “Made in the USA” merchandise touted by Logan, Utah-based E.K. Ekcessories wasn’t really made in the USA – turning the company’s claims from a Yankee Doodle Do to a Yankee Doodle Don't. E.K. Ekcessories sells a variety of outdoor equipment through popular retailers and on its own site. In addition to the labels, the company touted its products’ U.S. pedigree with statements like “For 28 years E.K. Ekcessories has been producing superior quality made accessories in our 60,000 sq. ft. facility in Logan, Utah,” and “Our source[...]