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ATO Ventures Launches Free, Step-by-Step Startup Program for Aspiring Entrepreneurs; $300K Investment

06/17/2021 San Juan:  ATO Ventures today announces the launch of a free business program designed to walk 100 aspiring entrepreneurs without prior business experience through the startup process, step-by-step. At the end of the eight week program, four teams will be offered pre-seed funding and invited to Puerto Rico, where the fund is based, for an all-expense-paid, pre-launch bootcamp. Submissions are open to founders worldwide through July 23, 2021.

First-time entrepreneurs need hand-holding; ATO Ventures steps up

While venture capital funding is at an all-time record high, first time entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of business development still struggle to find capital. While this is partly due to the contraction of micro funds that offer pre-seed funding, it is also true that these early founders often have not yet proven that their idea is investment worthy. For those just starting out, more guidance is needed on how to validate an idea before having the money to build it.

The new ATO Ventures program is a virtual incubator offered through Valid Startup, an interactive, online program developed by the fund’s Managing Partner, Jennifer Hopp. Structured as an extremely detailed checklist of ordered tasks, the Valid Startup program focuses on developing a “sell first, build after” mentality, whereby founders prove there is a viable market before developing the actual product. It enables cohort leaders, like ATO Ventures, to hold the entrepreneur’s hand throughout the process, in an efficient manner.

“There is a lot of information out there on lean startup models and what entrepreneurs should do, but there isn’t much information on exactly how to do it. First time entrepreneurs who do not have a business background are unlikely to know what terms like CAC and LTV mean, much less how to calculate them,” said Hopp. “We received 450 startup submissions during 2020; yet, we only found one pre-launch company that was actually ready for potential investment. Would-be entrepreneurs are skipping important steps.”

Valid Startup enables new entrepreneurship programs worldwide

The Valid Startup program helps address this problem and, as of today, is available to organizations and individuals who want to start entrepreneurship programs in their own communities. Such programs may include online incubators, college courses and business coaching services, among others. Each cohort leader is able to specify their own participation criteria, include add-ons such as mentoring sessions and set their own prices.

“By making it easy for others to launch startup programs designed for first-time, aspiring entrepreneurs, we create the opportunity to have a significant impact in emerging economies around the world,” said Hopp. “We see this first hand in Puerto Rico, where the startup scene is new, and many residents simply have not had access to the business tools and education needed to start a viable company.”

More information on starting a program can be found on the Valid Startup website or by writing to Hopp at “hello @ Hopp.vc.”

The ATO Ventures cohort offers $300K in pre-seed funding

As for the ATO Ventures “virtual incubator” cohort, it brings with it an opportunity to gain up to $300K in pre-seed and seed stage funding. Although the program is free of charge and does not require startups to give up any equity, it is a rigorous program that does require a significant time commitment. Hopp will hold weekly office hours, host a private chat room and connect founders with industry experts to help guide them through the process. Four participants selected for investment will convene in Puerto Rico in October to work and play with other entrepreneurs and the ATO Ventures team.

“Our goal is to find the next unicorn before it hatches. To do that without a crystal ball requires rolling up one’s sleeves and helping the entrepreneur make it happen,” suggests Hopp.

The deadline to submit to the ATO Ventures Virtual Incubator is July 23, 2021 11:59pm AST. Visit ATOventures.com/incubator for more information.

ATO Ventures

ATO Ventures is one of the first early stage venture capital firms in Puerto Rico. The fund backs pre-launch technology startups worldwide with a special focus on the USA and LATAM. ATO Ventures uses a Market Validation Testing (MVT) strategy to mitigate the risk of pre-seed investments by helping startups capture their first paying customers prior to launch.

Valid Startup

Valid Startup is an online, interactive program that guides aspiring entrepreneurs and early stage startup founders through the process of building a company, one step at a time. The program is now available as a platform for organizations and individuals who would like to start entrepreneurship programs such as incubators, college courses or business coaching services.

SOURCE

Cloud WMS software solutions for modern business

The evolution of the IT industry has led to a gradual shift from on-premises software to the cloud. Nowadays, modern companies are actively introducing innovative technologies for operation management in logistics, such as cloud warehouse management systems (WMS). It is necessary to speed up and automate logistics processes, simplifies the administration system and reduces costs. The use of professional software makes it possible to automate and remotely manage both all warehouse operations and the accounting infrastructure.

GoRamp has been successfully developing IT technologies since 2016, supplying WMS and TMS systems to the market. The company’s specialists emphasize the merits of a full-featured warehouse management system that automates all the main business processes: acceptance and placement of goods, their movement and packaging, order processing, document flow, employee control, etc. And also, note the advantages of implementing cloud solutions over installation software.

Advantages of a cloud-based WMS system

The main advantages of cloud solutions include:

  • quick launch of a WMS system without a complicated implementation process;
  • no financial costs associated with the initial purchase of a local system;
  • flexible monthly subscription: all payments are predictable;
  • the ability to stop using the system at any time without losing money;
  • quick addition or reduction the number of the system users;
  • viewing, control and adjustment of all logistics processes in one place;
  • every employee has access to accurate information at any time online.

This speeds up internal communication in the company and eliminates multiple mistakes.

Another advantage of using a WMS system is the ability to integrate it with other cloud programs of the company, TMS, for example. In addition, users can order customization and revision of the program by the specifics of running their business. On the GoRamp website, you have the option to sign up for a short online presentation with an experienced logistics expert, as well as get a free trial of the product.

Second-hand Laptop Site Notes Huge Sales and Traffic as Lockdown Persists and Work From Home Continues

A leading online used laptop store has seen traffic to its site soar and sales rise at a steady rate as the nation continues to work remotely throughout the lockdown.

The online destination Used-Laptops.co.uk is a one-stop store where customers can visit to both browse and buy and find out about the best methods and approaches for investing in used laptops. Offering up goods from leading brands including Apple, Dell and HP, the site is a popular choice for those on the lookout for high-quality, used laptops.

The dynamic laptop store sells a wide range of high-quality used laptops, and with a variety of options available, there is something for every type of laptop user. Statistics have shown that over half (57.2%) of the people living in the capital city have carried out some work from home over the last year, and with the Government still urging people to work from home where possible, it’s no wonder that laptop sales are rising in staggering numbers.

Since the pandemic began the landscape of work has changed for many, and as we continue to work from home and connect with clients, friends and family via technology, it’s not surprising that UsedLaptops.co.uk has seen traffic to its site increase by 60% over the last 3 months alone.Website Manager Andy Russell said:

“The second-hand laptop industry has been steadily growing since the pandemic forced us into a national lockdown, and with the closure of stores, online shopping will continue to be the preferred choice for over 80% of consumers. We are proud to offer consumers something different and provide much more than just a place to spend money on used technology. Rather, we provide handy and comprehensive guides, ensuring that buyers with no experience of purchasing second-hand laptops don’t go into the situation blindly.

“We appreciate that every buyer wants something different. Whether they are updating to facilitate more time working from home or need additional hardware in the home for home schooling and connecting with family, we have the information and expertise on our site to truly provide something for everyone.”

Used-Laptops.co.uk has seen a notable rise in the number of people purchasing laptops over lockdown, with sales up by around 40%. Their most noticeable rise in sales has been with second hand Apple laptops, with sales on these devices having increased by 88%, perhaps as people prepare to work from home for the foreseeable future.For more information visit https://www.used-laptops.co.uk/Published on PRFIRE

New research shows a seismic shift in the UK workforce as a quarter of all adults make permanent lifestyle shift to have “second jobs”

A new report released today from global market research agency The Mix reveals a permanent shift to side hustling in the UK, with one in four adults taking on extra jobs.While Dolly Parton famously sang about the 9-5 in the 1980’s – the pandemic has accelerated the shift to new ways of working for many different reasons.The desire for extra cash and a passion for being your own boss are the primary motivators for this shift in work/leisure patterns, with side hustlers spending six to fifteen hours a week on second jobs in addition to their full-time occupation, a significant new study from The Mix reveals.

The UK is rapidly moving away from the 9-5 employment landscape that has traditionally dictated how we work, with the number taking on extra jobs soaring. The Mix’s deep exploration into the lives of side hustlers uncovered a fundamental shift in how people work in the UK spend their time outside their primary job.Side hustlers typically displayed a determination to work in the evenings and get up and go on a Sunday morning rather than lazing in bed.

The “Hustle” study shows many as one in four adults are engaging in part-time money marking activities in addition to their primary job.Over a quarter of these (26%) have set up crafts style businesses through social media sites and selling on online marketplaces. Some 27% focus on wealth building by day trading or dealing in shares, forex or cryptocurrency. 20% are monetising digital and online services; 19% are involved in service/retail and delivery. 15% in health, food, beauty and wellness schemes; 13% in writing blogs or making podcasts. 10% have taken up odd jobs such as labouring or gardening.

This seismic shift to a quarter of the working population will profoundly impact how this new demographic interacts with business and brands.While side hustles used to be male-dominated, women are increasingly involved with over62% starting up in the past two years. Women are also more likely to have more than oneside hustle (51% female vs 41% male).The majority of side hustlers are motivated by money. Almost half of 35-54-year-olds saythey want to make “lots of money”, while the over 55s enjoy the extra income that this workbrings.However, for many others, it’s the experience that comes with being their own boss, especially among 18-32-year-olds, some 32%.

Enjoying connecting and making friends with like-minded people is listed as a perk by 71%.Overall 92% say they are proud of the extra work they do and the skills they have developedthough they often feel the need to hide it from their bosses, the HMRC and colleagues.Two thirds (65%) plan to carry on with their side hustle alongside their primary job, and a fifth(21%) would like to make the extra activity a full-time job.Gemma Mitchell, MD at The Mix, said: “In the context of side hustles, brands and businesses need to think about; audience definition, occasion spaces, communications, and brand role and purpose inside hustlers’ lives.

There is a distinct lack of acknowledgement and support from big business models and the companies they work for.”She continued, “Entrepreneurs are starting to be spoken to – but not side hustlers. Nobody talks to them, about them, for them. Side hustling remains a huge but underground struggle that deserves amplification. It’s not a career change ambition – it’s a new way of life.”Published on PRFIRE

Creating a perfect trading routine with few easy steps

Having a routine life is very helpful to have a healthy mind as well as in every profession. No matter which profession you are in if you maintain a to-do list then it will be really easy for you to shine in your profession. Trading is one of the riskiest professions in the world and traders always trying to reduce the risk of trading by taking lots of measures. Maintaining a trading routine is a must if you want to make a career in trading. 

As an example, suppose you want to learn to drive a car as a result you must need to know to appoint someone to teach you driving. Let’s say, your mentor shows you how to drive and puts you in the driving seat. Still, you need to do certain things like adjusting seat belts, belts, steering wheel, mirrors, fuel meter, and around you. These things are a must before you set yourself to drive. You always need to do this thing before you go for a drive and it can be considered as a driving routine and with time it will become a habit. 

So, in the trading profession, you need to make and follow a trading routine until it becomes a habit for you. In this article, we are going to guide you in making a trading routine for yourself.

Check yourself 

In the trading industry, every trader is trying to get hands-on money so there is no place for mistakes. Traders often need to take certain decisions which might not always give a positive result. Because of that traders must need to be physically ok and in a psychologically balanced condition when he is making a trading decision. 

Traders need to understand that everyone is competing for the trading market with a clear mind so if you don’t feel physically and mentally well then you should skip trading at that time. So always try to check yourself if you are 100% all right before starting a trading day.

Check balance 

Traders must need to check their balance daily before starting to trade because it works as the fuel of trading. It is important because you might not remember your account from the previous day or the previous week. Checking the balance will help you to calculate the risk and lot size for that day. 

Because the balance in your account will not be the same each day rather than it might grow or fall with your daily trading. So checking your balance will help you to understand if you can take more or less risk than the last trading day. Visit this link and learn more about advanced risk management techniques so that you can manage your trade in a better way.

Check your orders 

After you check all this then you must need to look for trades that are still open and should look at its chart if you need to close it or should move the stop loss. If your trade looks bad and the chart says that it will continue to go against you then it will be clever if you close that trade. 

Check the economic calendar

Many variables often makes the market extremely volatile.When any economic news or announcement is published, the market often makes an insane amount of movement. It is clever not to trade in that period and because of that checking, the economic calendar is a must before starting a trading day. 

Check commodity price 

If you are already a trader then you must know that currency price is related to the price of gold, oil, and copper. So, starting every trading day you must need the charts to these commodities so that you can have an idea of how the currency pairs can act that day. 

Check long term charts 

The last thing you must need to do before starting to trade you just need to check all your preferred currency pair’s chart in the longer time frame. It will help you to have a rough idea about the market. 

Having a trading routine and maintaining it is a must if you want to be a professional trader. We hope our discussed step will help you to make a trading routine for yourself and it is necessary for your betterment.

Onboarding Top Gainers Polygon and Theta: How Crypto Exchange Aggregator Swapzone Addresses Community’s Demands

While some of the mainstream cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple, have been treading water and witnessing a downtrend movement, Theta’s THETA and TFUEL, as well as Polygon’s MATIC, have been showing positive trends: though occasionally hitting lows, all three demonstrated spikes and overall growth in price, positioning themselves as one of the top-performing cryptocurrencies on the market over the last month.

The buzz around the two networks and their native currencies as well as the community’s demand for more lucrative crypto exchange offers for MATIC, THETA and TFUEL made an instant crypto exchange aggregator Swapzone take a closer look at listed currencies to address the need for the best crypto exchange rates that it picks across the cryptocurrency exchange market.

Both Theta’s tokens gained over 50% in the light of the forthcoming Mainnet 3.0 launch, scheduled for June 30. But that may not be the only reason. Governed by THETA and fueled by TFUEL, the Theta network has also recently partnered with Creative Artists Agency, or CAA, one of the most prominent Hollywood sports and entertainment agencies that will join other big-name validators, such as Google, Sony and Samsung. This collaboration, according to Theta Labs co-founder and CEO Mitch Liu, will steer the project’s advancement in terms of full decentralization and help gain Theta wider acceptance.

Another hidden gem to look out for is Polygon’s Matic. Despite the fact that the MATIC price is falling after the recent breakout, according to analysts, the market may anticipate a sharp trend reversal, thanks to Polygon’s sidechain architecture. With social media dominance, immense tech milestones achieved and Mark Cuban’s vocal interest in the project, Polygon only continues to attract investors and secure partnerships to penetrate new industries, including insurance. Together with Infosys Ltd. Polygon hopes to reshape the sphere with the M-Setu initiative – an open-source Ethereum bridge designed to facilitate the porting of insurance policies.

“Adding support for currencies that are in great demand is crucial for us as a crypto exchange aggregator, whether a certain trend is random and occasional or not, since our main priority is to serve as an all-encompassing one-stop solution that has offers for any crypto pair, be it DOGE to BTC or BTC to THETA. Having projects with solid technology frameworks like Polygon and Theta is also something we’re very proud of”, says Swapzone.

About Swapzone

Swapzone is one of the leading cryptocurrency exchange aggregators that provides the widest selection of currencies and aggregates only the best exchange rates from over 15 exchange providers. Being non-custodial and instant, it lists exchange offers, sorting them out by real-time rates, speed, and rating, and lets users make an exchange in the same interface, ensuring common user flow for every swap. It acts both as an exchange tool and as a knowledge gateway so that the community could make an informed choice.

Tips and Tricks for Marine & Leisure Battery Maintenance in 2021

Exide Technologies (www.exidegroup.com), a leading provider of stored electrical energy solution, is helping consumers and retailers make the most of its Marine & Leisure battery range with tips for the new season. This includes guidance on battery selection, battery recharging, battery maintenance and how to store batteries to maximise lifespan.Marine and Leisure batteries are designed for boats, mobile homes and caravans, so they are often used seasonally or occasionally. But batteries can degrade when left unused for extended periods. All batteries self-discharge when at rest, which can permanently reduce their lifespan and energy storage capability. Following the tips outlined below will help keep batteries in optimal condition for use and maximise their lifespan.

Take charge of battery lifespan

To prevent batteries from degrading, it’s recommended that you recharge them fully before leaving them to rest for any extended time. Batteries are not inert material like steel or plastic – they have chemical components that change over time, even when not in use. This natural degradation can be slowed or prevented through periodic maintenance.Always ensure your battery is properly charged. Marine & Leisure batteries are not designed for total discharges, and in fact this reduces their lifespan and energy storage capability. To avoid this, these batteries should always be recharged when OCV falls below 12.5V.When a battery is deeply discharged, an external charger will be needed to restore its energy. Solar panels alone cannot supply the strong currents needed for charge recovery. Repeated use of batteries that are insufficiently recharged can reduce their energy storage capability and lifespan. A good recharging protocol combines periodic voltage checks with the use of a reliable charger that can fully recharge the battery. A battery tender can be a good alternative to a charger, as it ensures that overcharging does not occur.During periods when the vehicle is not in use, always remember to disconnect the battery or make use of the disconnector switch if present. This ensures electric appliances do not continue to draw energy when not needed, and is particularly important if the vehicle will not be in use for extended periods.

Designed to support life on board

Choosing a supply battery is different from choosing a starter battery. It is based not on the vehicle or vessel but on how the on-board power supply will be used – how much electrical energy will be consumed and how long you’ll be away from a recharging point. It is vital to choose the right battery for your needs. Having insufficient stored energy is inconvenient at best, and life-threatening in the case of a boat without access to its navigation and communication systems.A unique advantage of Exide’s supply batteries is their specification and labelling in Wh (watt-hours) rather than the traditional Ah (amp-hours). This makes it much easier to calculate the typical daily usage of onboard electrical equipment, and therefore to select the right batteries for your power needs. Exide’s energy calculator demonstrates this process: www.exidegroup.com/eu/en/battery-finder/leisure/boat

Smart stock management strategies

Batteries are best stored in a cool (0–25°C), dry, well-ventilated environment free from sparks and frost. If you have a stock of batteries, use a suitable system such as FIFO (first-in, first-out), to minimise the time that any battery spends in storage. It is important to check voltage periodically, especially for flooded batteries.Battery self-discharge is influenced by room temperature. The warmer the storage space, the faster the self-discharge, and therefore the more frequently recharging is required. At the other end of the scale, conventional lead-acid batteries are sensitive to sub-zero temperatures when deeply discharged. In this state, the electrolyte can freeze, ruining the battery.For this reason, it is strongly recommended that conventional lead-acid batteries be fully recharged before resting over winter. Exide AGM and GEL batteries are not susceptible to the same freezing effect, so these are a good option if they are suitable for your vehicle’s needs.Batteries at rest should be kept clean, and not just for appearance’s sake. Dust, oil and moisture can accumulate on a battery to form a conductive layer that drains small current from the positive pole to the negative. Over time, this contributes significantly to self-discharge, decreasing battery power. Keeping the top of batteries clean helps minimise this current.Exide has a well-earned reputation for its Marine & Leisure battery range. As an original-equipment manufacturer, it also supplies high-quality aftermarket batteries to meet users’ needs. Exide’s M&L range comprises Exide Start, Start AGM, Dual, Dual AGM, Dual EFB, Equipment, Equipment AGM, Equipment GEL, and Equipment Li-Ion.  The range includes products that are approved by DNV, the highest endorsement available for a marine-market product.Published on PRFIRE

IRS International Money Transfer Limits

Transferring money internationally has become an increasingly popular and easier thing to do than it was in previous decades. Individuals and businesses have an unprecedented amount of information at their fingertips, and the ability to make investments and open accounts anywhere in the world. However, these liberties don’t come without responsibilities.

If you’re planning on sending or receiving international funds in excess of $10,000, you should familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations governing such transfers. The IRS has parameters within which you need to operate to avoid hefty fines for transferring money unlawfully. The majority of these regulations pertain to the amount of the transfer, the purpose of the transfer, and the country from which it came.

What is the IRS International Money Transfer Limit?

The IRS international money transfer limit is $10,000. If you receive an international transfer of funds into the US that exceeds that amount, you are required by law to report those funds to the IRS. This law is applicable whether you’re from the US or not. It exists to protect you, your money, and the interests of the American government and her people.

Banks in the US are required by law to report any transfers from overseas exceeding $10,000. They also report any transactions that seem suspicious or raise proverbial red flags within the banking industry. Some wire transfer companies go even farther and report transfers as low as $1,000.

Why is There a Limit on Money Transfers into the US?

The US government reserves the right to obtain information about funds coming into the country as part of national security measures. Large sums of money being transferred into the US are often investigated for potential fraud, money laundering, and other suspicious activities. The IRS places a limit on funds transfers to protect the security of the banking system and the government.

How to Receive a Large International Transfer

Receiving a large sum of money from a foreign country is less complicated than it sounds. Although it requires quite a bit of information and reporting, the process itself is fairly simple.

The Process

To ensure a smooth transfer of funds from overseas into your bank account, you should be prepared to follow the appropriate steps.

  1. Gather and provide the necessary information to the sender. Ask your bank for their international wire transfer instructions and follow them. If you don’t follow the instructions and give the sender the proper information, you risk delay or cancellation of your transfer.
  2. Understand the fees that are involved in your transfer. There are usually tons of fees involved in an international wire transfer, including fees from both the sending bank and the receiving bank, among others. If the transfer is between two individuals, the payment of fees can be discussed ahead of time. If you prefer, you can use a wire transfer company that can help reduce the total fees being paid.
  3. Notify your bank about the incoming transfer. It’s important for your bank to know when to expect the money and what it’s for. You likely gave them this information during step one, but if not, now is the time!
  4. Know when to expect your transfer and follow up on it. In the world of international banking, there are tons of things that could go wrong. Make sure you’re prepared to investigate if the wire transfer is less than what you anticipated, or takes longer than it should.

Documents Required

As you can imagine, there is quite a bit of information required in an international transfer. Here are the documents that are required to process the transfer. Depending on your banking institution, these may be online or physical forms that need to be completed.

  • Photo ID
  • Proof of bank account, including account and routing number
  • IRS Form 3520 to inform the IRS of the money you received

Information Contained in Those Documents

The documents listed above will require a variety of information about the transfer. That information may include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Your full name
  • Your contact information
  • The name of the sender
  • The contact information of the sender
  • Your financial details, including applicable codes such as SWIFT Code and BIC
  • The name and physical address of your bank
  • Your account and routing numbers
  • The amount of money you received

How to Report it to the Government

In the United States, you are required by law to report any international transfers exceeding certain limits. If you are receiving money from overseas, it is your responsibility to report that money to the IRS when applicable. The form necessary to make this claim is form 3520.

Form 3520 should be used when one of the following statements is true:

  • You have received gifts or bequests in excess of $100,000 from a nonresident alien or foreign estate
  • You have received $15,601 or more from a foreign corporation, partnership, or person(s) associated with those corporations or partnerships

Filing this form is less about taxes and more about information. This form is designed to provide information to the government about the funds entering the country, who they’re from and why they exist. If you fail to report these funds appropriately, you could be subject to penalties and fines as a result.

Why Does the Government Need to Know?

The US government has a host of regulations in place to protect the country, US banks, US consumers and more. To do so, they must obtain detailed information about money coming into the country from foreign accounts. This helps lower the risk of fraudulent or illegal transfers.

Additionally, this practice helps the US government more accurately detect money laundering schemes. The quicker they discover those schemes, the more efficiently they can react and protect the interests of the victims. It also helps deter tax evasion by making it more difficult to hide funds in offshore accounts for later use.

Final Thoughts

There are tons of reasons for receiving transfers from overseas and the vast majority of them or legitimate, legal transfers. However, in order to protect the interests of the government and the country, you should be prepared to report your transfers and the reasons for them. If you do, it will alleviate several headaches that could arise by trying to hide those transfers that might save you a few bucks. When in doubt, report your transfers!

Reconomy Reveals Banking Giants as Leaders in Sustainability

Reconomy, the UK’s leading outsourced resource management and recycling services provider, has revealed banking giants HSBC and Lloyds as two businesses who are shaping sustainability in the financial services sector.

The waste management specialists, who offer consultancy-led sustainability and circular economy solutions, analysed 157 companies in a Sustainable Giants study to determine which businesses were owning the conversation and making an impact.

HSBC and Lloyds ranked fifth and ninth respectively on the interactive study, which saw company strategies cross-referenced with social media insight to see who was doing the most to bring about change.

Global drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola topped the rankings overall, having used the most key terms on sustainability, with 676 mentions across social media and business strategy.

The study reflects businesses enhancing their sustainability efforts following the introduction of the Green Finance Strategy in July 2019, which promotes investment in clean, resilient, and sustainable growth.

Harvey Laud, Divisional Director at Reconomy, said: “With the pandemic highlighting vulnerabilities of current business practice, whether that be international trading, supply chain fragility or the current unsustainable level of consumption, it is encouraging to see many businesses, particularly those in the financial sector, placing such focus on sustainable commitments in 2021.”

Another key driver for change is the Government’s Environment Bill and 10-point plan which set out a target of 68 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

For many businesses, this target provides a clear milestone. The focus now should be on calculating scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and introducing opportunities to minimise carbon. Reconomy advises that specifically on the subject of waste this relates to prevention, reuse, and recycling versus damaging methods such as incineration and disposal. This can be achieved through a more sustainable design, manufacturing process, and product use.

Natural catastrophe losses have been receiving considerable attention of late and they are only due to increase in the coming years without drastic changes – like the ones we are seeing promised – being made. These events and the damage they have on the global economy are all interconnected, with funding of unsustainable practices inevitably leading to climate change, which in turn inhibits sustainable growth. When it comes to financial lending then, the importance of supporting causes which consider the viability of future generations needs to be solidified.

Laud added: “The year ahead will be one of both challenge and opportunity – post-pandemic learnings, resource preservation and increased secondary resource utilisation will be more important than ever as we face a period of prolonged economic stress. The ethos of utilisation, rather than ownership and consumption is far more efficient and an approach that many have appreciated and experienced during 2020.”

The Bank of England and G20 ministers have also stressed the importance of more informed investment when it comes to sustainability and climate change. TCFD recommends that organizations describe the resilience of their strategy, taking into consideration different climate-related scenarios, including a 2°C or lower scenario, where such information is material. This is also supported by the EU Taxonomy by helping users to identify the sustainability of a financial product, to demonstrate accountability and transparency to reassure investors.

Laud summarised: “Having worked with a number of financial services businesses, developing sustainability plans and assisting them with their waste management strategies as they consolidate on their landfill avoidance and set a course for zero waste, we fully appreciate the concerted efforts being made. However, ambitious targets across the sector will only be met once all areas have been assessed, from bidding to lending, to eliminating wasted resources.”

For more information, visit https://www.reconomy.com/

CONTACT: For more information, imagery, or interview requests, please contact:

Stephen Kellie: stephen.kellie:@mediaworks.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Reconomy:

  • Reconomy is the UK’s market-leading provider of outsourced environmental services including recycling, waste and resource management.
  • Reconomy works with thousands of UK businesses – from SMEs through to large blue-chip companies – helping them to manage their waste in a responsible, sustainable and cost-effective way using technology to enhance customer experience.
  • From its offices in Telford, Shropshire, Reconomy co-ordinates over 100,000 waste movements every month and annually manages approximately 3m tonnes of waste.
  • Reconomy is supported by a network of more than 1,000 pre-approved supply chain partners, ensuring all clients receive an efficient and environmentally compliant waste service.
  • Reconomy principally operates across five key sectors: commercial construction, housebuilding, infrastructure, business & industry and compliance

More information about Reconomy can be found here: https://www.reconomy.com/

The Potential Cost Saving Benefits of a Sustainable Supply Chain

Back in 2016, a report from McKinsey showed that a typical company’s supply chain accounted for 80 per cent of its greenhouse-gas emissions. But not only is the impact on the environment severe, but it can also lead to financial issues for companies who don’t take action to be more sustainable.

A prime example of this is Unilever, who in 2014, stated natural disasters relating to climate change created annual losses of $300m. The severity of this led to then-Unilever CEO, Paul Polman, calling for robust action, not just from his own company but others too.

Fast forward to the present day and supply chain sustainability is no longer a luxury of choice. But with necessity comes the opportunity to reduce costs by operating in a greener way. Today we look at the potential cost-saving benefits of a sustainable supply chain.

Reduced environmental impact

At the heart of sustainability is the environment and how it can be protected. But often there’s a misconception that this comes at a cost. To highlight the benefits of an eco-friendly supply chain, let’s take a look at what French dairy producer Danone has been able to achieve.

In Evian-les-Bains, Danone worked with local authorities and farmers to convert 40,000 tons of organic waste into natural fertiliser while also producing biogas to provide power for 1,200 inhabitants. The organic waste helped to avoid contamination of spring water and ensured that farming continues without disruption or damage to the environment.

The switch from traditional farming to organic practices can see a 20% dip in milk production. But in the long term, the benefit of being able to sell at a higher price is realised, while using fewer resources keeps costs down and profits high.

It all forms part of Danone’s vision to be carbon-neutral across the full supply chain by 2050, something which will benefit the environment, the brand, and the profit margins.

Protecting against reputational damage

With information readily available online, your supply chain also affects your brand reputation, so it’s important to make sure that a lack of sustainability across the supply chain isn’t resulting in negative attention.

Warren Buffet, the American investor, famously once said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”

In the world of sustainability, Swiss confectionery giant Nestlé felt the wrath of a palm oil scandal that left it unable to claim the use of certified sustainable palm oil in its chocolates and other products.

In an age where consumers are more eco-conscious, it was a business headache that has led the company to publicly map out what it’s doing to ensure palm oil is sourced sustainably in an attempt to repair a damaged reputation that started over a decade ago.

Attracting new business

The world of online retail has experienced a major boom over the course of the last 12 months, and growing demand is shining a spotlight on supply chains.

According to a 2019 report, 85% of consumers are more likely to buy from a company with a reputation for sustainability. With so much worldwide focus on sustainability, green credentials can be the difference between winning new business and seeing it walk away.

Take Amazon for example. Its quarterly sales recently hit $125 billion, but that isn’t stopping it from creating a fleet of 100,000 electric vehicles, as part of its pledge to be carbon net zero by 2040. It’s a sign that even when you’re at the very top, you can’t ignore the need to go green.

A sustainable summary

If your business reviews its supply chain and can make changes, the rewards can follow. For retail and e-commerce businesses, it could be something like using a plastic pallet to reduce the reliance on single-use plastics.  

For those in the food and drink industry, it could be the introduction of rotating crops to improve soil fertility – a step that helped France become the world’s most sustainable food country in 2019.

Taking positive action can lead to big savings and better margins, along with reducing damage to the planet. A sustainable supply chain is no longer a choice, it’s a necessity.

Sources

https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/sustainability/our-insights/starting-at-the-source-sustainability-in-supply-chains

https://www.unilever.com/news/press-releases/2014/14-04-08-Unilever-CEO-calls-for-decisive-action-to-tackle-climate-change.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikescott/2019/02/11/companies-look-to-supply-chains-for-sustainability-gains/?sh=127a96d61c55

https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikescott/2019/02/11/companies-look-to-supply-chains-for-sustainability-gains/?sh=127a96d61c55

https://www.nestle.com/ask-nestle/environment/answers/palm-oil-sourcing

https://youmatter.world/en/sustainability-supply-chain-27935/

https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-creating-fleet-of-electric-delivery-vehicles-rivian-2020-2?r=US&IR=T

https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/96476-study-shows-france-to-be-the-worlds-most-food-sustainable-country