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How to set up a smart home on a budget after graduation
Business

How to set up a smart home on a budget after graduation

by August 20, 2025

Moving into a first home is a milestone for many graduates. Between rent deposits, furniture and everyday bills, the costs quickly add up.

In this context, smart technology is increasingly being seen not as an extravagance but as a way to manage expenses, improve comfort and adapt to new patterns of working life.

Smart home devices have developed far beyond their early reputation as luxury add-ons. A decade ago, automation was the preserve of high-end properties, often requiring specialist wiring and bespoke design. Today, the technology is far more flexible. Entry-level devices such as smart plugs, light bulbs and thermostats can be installed without major alterations, making them suitable even for small rented flats or shared student houses.

Market data suggests this shift is accelerating. The UK smart home sector is projected to generate more than £9 billion by 2028, with annual growth above 12 per cent. Energy management is expected to be the leading driver, reflecting both rising utility costs and growing interest in sustainability. According to Energy Saving Trust, a smart thermostat can cut heating bills by up to £75 a year, while smart lighting systems can save 15 per cent compared with traditional bulbs.

The cost of automation is often less straightforward than people expect. According to how much a smart home costs in the UK, prices can range from modest starter setups to comprehensive whole-home installations. For graduates, this flexibility is key. A single connected thermostat might cost around £200, while a basic starter kit of smart bulbs can be purchased for less than £50. The modular nature of the technology means new features can be added over time, spreading costs and avoiding large upfront commitments.

Convenience remains one of the strongest appeals. A smart thermostat can be adjusted remotely from a phone, ensuring the heating is only on when it is needed. Connected lighting makes it easy to create comfortable study environments or save energy when nobody is home. Voice assistants are increasingly common in shared living spaces, offering a hands-free way to control music, lighting and reminders. For renters, portable devices that can move easily between properties are especially attractive.

Security has also become a growing consideration. Video doorbells, connected locks and motion sensors provide reassurance in busy urban areas and can help protect packages or bicycles kept outside. For those away from home during university holidays or internships, the ability to monitor a property remotely adds an extra layer of confidence.

Entertainment is another driver of adoption. Smart speakers and streaming devices have transformed the way students and young professionals consume media, offering cinema-style experiences in living rooms without the need for expensive equipment. As costs fall further, integrated systems that combine lighting, sound and display are expected to become more mainstream.

Looking ahead, the role of smart homes is likely to expand further. Advances in artificial intelligence will make automation more predictive, adjusting lighting, heating and even appliance use based on patterns of behaviour. The growth of electric vehicles is also expected to connect more directly with domestic energy management, with homes using automation to balance charging needs against renewable supply.

Technology that was once confined to luxury estates is now woven into everyday life for students and graduates. As devices continue to become more affordable and energy efficiency becomes a national priority, smart systems are likely to be viewed as a standard part of setting up a home. For graduates starting out, even a modest investment in connected devices can provide immediate convenience and long-term savings.

Read more:
How to set up a smart home on a budget after graduation

August 20, 2025
8 Best Strategic Planning Software in 2025
Business

8 Best Strategic Planning Software in 2025

by August 20, 2025

Businesses of all sizes must invest time and resources into strategic planning. While ideas can flourish on whiteboards, they are more straightforward and insightful to track within specially designed programs.

Companies often have multiple metrics and objectives to hit simultaneously to achieve the most significant growth possible. So, what is the best software for tracking progress on multiple initiatives?

1. AchieveIt — Best Overall for Organizations With Multiple Initiatives

AchieveIt was founded in 2012 and has been one of the most reliable and robust platforms for high achievers. It allows businesses to manage numerous initiatives with a clean, accessible interface that prevents users from becoming overwhelmed. Its dashboards collect information transparently, giving teams the best chance of being on the same page.

It is cross-functional, allowing teams from across departments to understand the big picture of the organization’s goals. The service includes many integrations with other business tools, so interoperability with other efficiency tools is never a concern. AchieveIt is a tool that encourages team-building and digital literacy because of its structure and depth of data.

2. Cascade Strategy — Best for Aligning Values and Goals

Cascade is another performance manager and strategic planning platform for designing goals. It has extensive key performance indicator (KPI) tracking to assist teams in creating the best strategies for success. It has been around for over a decade, earning consistently high reviews and regard across sectors, including governments and international businesses.

The program has several ways for teams to view progress, which is why it is one of the best for creating a goal-focused workplace culture. Its visualizations and strategic mapping features are some of the best in the industry for making daily activities and accountability as tangible as possible.

3. OnStrategy — Best for Consulting

OnStrategy is a consultant and strategic planning software provider. It has been in the business for over 20 years, refining its focus on helping clients create plans and execute them without losing sight of any goal. Its products are packed with templates and guided planning tools to delegate some of the administrative responsibilities away from the team. The resources allow employees to focus more on what matters.

The business also offers extensive coaching services if clients want more hands-on attention to get the most out of their experience. Its experts are known for quality customer service with organizations of all sizes, especially when boosting tech literacy and honing plan reviews until clients see results.

4. ClearPoint Strategy — Best for Automation

ClearPoint Strategy is a fantastic resource for planning multiple initiatives, and it has robust reporting tools. It promises to revolutionize the idea of a broken spreadsheet, providing clarity on every measure and project, monthly and quarterly. The software gives teams a scorecard for accountability, giving them goalposts for the future.

The software has a user-friendly dashboard but still embeds innovative, AI-powered features that synthesize data and transform it into actionable insights for teams. This could save users tons of time when clarifying what to do next. ClearPoint offers a free demo, during which clients can experience what it offers in a short and sweet 30 minutes.

5. Workboard — Best for OKR Management

WorkBoard is objective key results (OKR) management software for enterprise-level clients. Fortune 500 companies like Mars and Capital One trust WorkBoard with their growth, demonstrating its high-quality analytics. Its trustworthiness and reputation are enhanced by its compatibility with many third-party integrations, including Slack and Jira.

Its design encourages the usability of multiple assets to drive businesses to better outcomes. Testimonials about WorkBoard praise its speed and instant gratification in improving productivity. It also leverages AI to suggest realistic yet challenging targets and provide data-based advice from its progress heatmaps, executive briefs and more.

6. Envisio — Best for Public Sector Focus

Public sector workers and nonprofits should check out Envisio for their goal-setting initiatives. Its specialty is helping cities and educational institutions better serve their constituents. With over a decade of experience, it focuses on transparency because its unique clientele needs it the most. Alongside its plan-tracking tools, it has public transparency portals to encourage this mindset.

Envisio has thorough compliance measures, as its target audience needs these resources more than most organizations. The software blends regulatory recommendations with performance dashboards to ensure they follow community standards and priorities. Mission-driven organizations would gain the most value by organizing their thoughts in Envisio.

7. Asana — Customizable for Organizations of All Sizes

Asana is among the biggest names in productivity and goal management for individuals and organizations. Customers will enjoy its high personalization in every feature, including task tracking, goal management and assignment delegation. It is one of the most experienced names in the industry, having been operating since 2008.

Millions of people trust their initiatives within Asana’s adaptable platform. One of the best qualities about Asana is its affordability. Given how customizable it is for teams of all dynamics, it is one of the easiest to justify at least experimenting with.

8. Smartsheet — Best for Traditional Spreadsheet Users

Smartsheet is the perfect option for companies that favor using conventional spreadsheets in the modern age. It was founded in 2005, and the majority of Fortune 500 companies use it. While it can sustain enterprise-level clients, it is also powerful for small businesses and individuals.

The tools extend beyond standard KPI measuring and venture into resource management, automation and in-depth reporting to give businesses the most meaningful visualization of as many initiatives as they have in the books. It is also a cloud-based platform, making it one of the best options for wide-reaching teams with multiple access points.

Platforms in Context

What is the best software for tracking progress on multiple initiatives? Compare each option’s best features and applications.

Company
Best Use Case
Integration Ability

AchieveIt
Organizations with multiple initiatives
Great

Cascade
Aligning values and goals
Great

OnStrategy
Consulting
Fine

ClearPoint
Automation
Fine

Workboard
Objective key results management
Great

Envisio
Public sector focus
Fine

Asana
Customizable for organizations of all sizes
Great

Smartsheet
Traditional spreadsheet users
Great

What Is the Best Software for Tracking Progress on Multiple Initiatives?

Organizations can only scale if they have visibility over their goals. Tracking projects and their progress becomes more complex as teams grow and branch into new verticals. Investing in monitoring software from the beginning makes it easy. Contact one of these providers to keep your company on a constant track for success, never losing sight of what matters most for building reputations and satisfying clientele.

Read more:
8 Best Strategic Planning Software in 2025

August 20, 2025
Future-Proofing Your Home Energy: Now Is the Time to Invest in a Smart Solar Battery Backup
Business

Future-Proofing Your Home Energy: Now Is the Time to Invest in a Smart Solar Battery Backup

by August 20, 2025

Extreme weather events and rising electricity rates have made energy resilience a must-have for houses all around the world.

In the US, families now spend more than $2,000 a year on power, and rates have gone up more than 14% in the last two years. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says that these rates will keep going up since the grid is getting older and more people want power.
Even more worrying is how much less reliable the grid has become. The US has had 64% more large grid failures in the last ten years.
Most of these outages were caused by extreme weather events related to climate change, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and heat waves. Because of this unpredictability, there is a strong need for clean, independent, and stable energy solutions, especially ones that can store and manage solar electricity in case the grid goes down.

The growing support for energy storage at home

More houses are using energy storage devices to get the most out of their solar panels as they become more popular. Much of the electricity that rooftop solar systems make is wasted or sent back to the grid if they don’t have a good solar battery. This doesn’t help much during blackouts.
This is where EcoFlow’s OCEAN Pro and other all-in-one solutions come in. OCEAN Pro is made for real homes, not simply off-grid cabins. With it, homeowners can control how much energy they use, which lowers their reliance on the grid and their electricity bills. Smart homeowners who want to lower their carbon footprint are increasingly preferring to buy a reliable home battery solution, whether they’re worried about power interruptions, energy bills, or both.

The Significance of Intelligent Solar Battery Storage

To fully comprehend the effects of solar-plus-storage systems, let’s look at some important statistics:
The average American home loses power for at least eight hours every year. This can cause food to decay, people to miss work, and safety problems.
Rooftop solar systems without battery storage can lose more than 30% of the power they make when residential consumption patterns and solar generation don’t match up.
Households with solar panels and a backup battery had 90% fewer power disruptions than households that simply use the grid.
Zillow says that homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% higher. Homes with storage systems are even more desirable because they are more durable.
To put it simply, solar panels alone are no longer enough. A strong battery backup system lets homeowners store extra energy during the hottest parts of the day and use it at night or during blackouts. This is the best way to get the most use out of it and save money.

Why the EcoFlow OCEAN Pro Is Unique

EcoFlow’s OCEAN Pro system isn’t just another battery—it’s an intelligent, modular, and scalable energy management solution. It integrates effortlessly with solar panels, smart home systems, and existing electrical infrastructure to deliver seamless energy security.
Key performance specs include:
Base module capacity: 10 kWh, expandable up to 80 kWh
Continuous/Surge Output: 24 kW / up to 50 kW
Solar Input: Up to 40 kW
Efficiency: ~97.5% (solar-to-home/grid)
Safety & Resilience: IP67, UL 9540B, wide temperature tolerance, flood resistance
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, LTE, app control (iOS/Android)
Capacity for Heavy Loads: 205 A LRA
Modularity: Homeowners can make the system fit their needs by stacking the parts in different ways.
Smart Monitoring: You can keep an eye on and control things in real time with EcoFlow’s mobile app.
Installation: The Smart Panel from EcoFlow works with it and is easy to set up.
The OCEAN Pro is a strong home battery backup for homes of various sizes, from little apartments in the city to big homes that aren’t connected to the grid.

Real-World Flexibility: Designed for Modern Homes

Modern houses are always evolving. Smart technology, electric cars, hybrid work patterns, and bigger families all have an effect on their growth. The goal of OCEAN Pro is to grow with you. The system may work with your lifestyle, whether you need to be completely off the grid or only have a backup power source.
This is how you could set up your system:
Use Case
Recommended Capacity
Typical Coverage
Emergency Backup
3.6 – 5 kWh
Lights, fridge, Wi-Fi router
Daily Optimization + EV Charging
10 – 15 kWh
Whole-home energy + EV Level 1 Charger
Full Off-Grid Living
20 – 25 kWh
Entire household, including HVAC and electric cooking
Users can start small and increase over time without having to overhaul their electrical systems or pay a lot of money to update because the battery units are easy to add on to and are modular.

No need for maintenance, clean, and quiet

Gas or diesel powers traditional backup generators, which give off hazardous emissions and need regular maintenance. OCEAN Pro, on the other hand, is fully silent, safe to use inside or outside, and doesn’t give off any emissions.
This means that during a blackout, you won’t have to deal with the loudness or hassle of fossil fuels. You may still stay connected, stay comfortable, and even utilize important medical equipment.

Control of apps and smart automation

With the EcoFlow app, users can keep track of how much energy they use, switch between power sources, and set priorities for how they utilize energy. For example, if the power goes out, you may turn off less important equipment and leave your Wi-Fi and refrigerator operating.
The device also lets you optimize your time of use, which means you can store solar energy when rates are low and use it when rates are high, which saves you even more money.

Works perfectly with solar panels

New or old, OCEAN Pro works perfectly with rooftop solar installations. With its 4000W solar input, you may be sure that you will still get electricity even when it’s cloudy.
When paired with the EcoFlow Smart Panel, the OCEAN Pro automatically shifts between solar, grid, and battery sources to provide the best performance. The technology intelligently controls the flow of energy, whether you are charging it up during the day or using it at night.

Personalized Consultation to Get the Most Out of Benefits

EcoFlow knows that every home has different energy needs and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Because of this, they offer free consultations to help you figure out, plan, and guess what your ideal OCEAN Pro setup might look like.
During the consultation, you can: –
Look at how much energy you use now and what you want to do in the future
Look at system sizes based on the number of people in your home, the number of solar panels, and your history of power outages.
Get a clear price that fits your budget and energy needs.
This customer-focused strategy makes sure you don’t spend too much or too little for storage, which is common with generic battery solutions.

Why EcoFlow is the Best

The DELTA and RIVER product lines from EcoFlow have helped the company build a reputation for high-quality, cutting-edge energy solutions. The OCEAN Pro builds on this history by using smart design, reliable performance, and cutting-edge technology that is the best in the business.
Unlike other companies that only provide products for off-grid or industrial usage, EcoFlow makes products with the current home user in mind. It’s easy to set up, grow, and take care of their systems.
EcoFlow is noted for its fast technical assistance, great customer service, and growing product line, which means you’re buying a long-term energy solution instead of just one item.

Conclusion

As power disruptions and energy costs keep going up, proactive homeowners are making solar-plus-storage the new standard. EcoFlow’s OCEAN Pro has a modular architecture, a lot of storage space, and smart integration that make it the most reliable, convenient, and future-ready product on the market.
Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, escape peak utility rates, or protect your home during natural disasters, a solar battery like OCEAN Pro is a foundational step. Combined with a scalable home battery and resilient home battery backup, you can ensure that your home remains powered, connected, and secure, regardless of what comes your way. The energy future is here. The only question is: Are you ready for it?

Read more:
Future-Proofing Your Home Energy: Now Is the Time to Invest in a Smart Solar Battery Backup

August 20, 2025
94% of XRP holders worldwide choose RICH Miner to convert XRP assets into stable returns
Business

94% of XRP holders worldwide choose RICH Miner to convert XRP assets into stable returns

by August 20, 2025

August brought a wave of positive news for the cryptocurrency market. 94% of Ripple (XRP) holders are currently profitable, making XRP one of the most promising crypto assets of 2025.

As a key pillar of the global cross-border payment network, XRP not only offers advantages in practicality and liquidity, but also creates enormous wealth potential for investors.

Against this backdrop, RICH Miner officially launched its XRP-based cloud mining and profit conversion service, helping users convert their XRP holdings into a stable daily passive income.

Why choose XRP combined with cloud mining?

High Liquidity: XRP is widely traded on exchanges around the world and has a strong payment and settlement network.
Potential for Value Growth: Over 90% of holders have already profited, and market confidence in XRP continues to strengthen in the long term.
Stable Passive Income: RICH Miner combines cloud mining with a profit distribution mechanism, allowing users to not only enjoy asset appreciation but also earn daily returns.

How RICH Miner Cloud Mining Works:

Although traditional “mining” is no longer applicable to XRP, RICH Miner helps users convert XRP into stable daily returns through a cloud computing power + distributed revenue model:

Signup Bonus: New users receive a $15 trial credit upon registration, which can be used directly to experience XRP cloud mining contracts.
Flexible Contracts: The platform offers a variety of contract options, suitable for short-term trials or long-term profit planning.
Daily Settlement: Profits are automatically settled daily and can be withdrawn at any time by linking a wallet.
Transparency and Security: The platform uses SSL encryption and DDoS protection to ensure the safety of your funds and data.

Start earning passive income from XRP in three steps:

① Create an account – Sign up for free and receive a $15 trial bonus.

② Select an XRP cloud mining plan – Choose a contract based on your investment goals.

Contract Type
Contract Price
Contract duration
Daily income
Total revenue

New User Experience Contract
$100
2
$3
$100 + $6

Canaan Avalon A15XP
$500
6
$6.00
$500 + $30

Bitdeer SealMiner A2
$1,000
12
$13.00
$1000+ $156

Bitmain Antminer L7
$3,000
18
$42.30
$3000+ $756

Bitmain Antminer S21
$5,000
25
$75.00
$5000+ $1875

Bitmain Antminer S21 XP Hyd
$10,000
30
$162.00
$10000+ $4860

[Click here to view the full contract]

③ Enjoy daily returns – Returns are automatically calculated and distributed to your account daily.

RICH Miner Advantages:

Low Entry Points – No need to purchase mining equipment or incur maintenance costs.
High Transparency – Monitor daily returns in real time.
Global Trust – Used by users in over 100 countries and regions.
Environmentally Friendly and Energy-Saving – Relying on green energy data centers to reduce energy consumption.

Conclusion

With 94% of XRP holders now in profit, Ripple is becoming a new wealth generator for crypto investors. RICH Miner’s XRP cloud mining app not only provides investors with a stable passive income channel, but also opens a convenient entry point for global users to participate in blockchain finance.

Whether you’re a long-term XRP holder or a beginner looking to try low-barrier cloud mining, RICH Miner is the ideal platform for growing your wealth. Sign up now and start your journey to earning stable daily XRP income!

Official Website: https://richminer.com

Official Email: info@richminer.com

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94% of XRP holders worldwide choose RICH Miner to convert XRP assets into stable returns

August 20, 2025
Rachel Reeves plans to tax high-value homes to plug fiscal hole
Business

Rachel Reeves plans to tax high-value homes to plug fiscal hole

by August 20, 2025

Chancellor considers ending capital gains exemption on properties above £1.5m amid £40bn funding shortfall

Rachel Reeves is weighing plans to impose capital gains tax (CGT) on the sale of high-value homes, a move expected to be framed as a “mansion tax” as she seeks to address a £40 billion hole in the public finances.

Currently, homeowners do not pay CGT on their primary residence thanks to private residence relief. But under proposals being explored by the Treasury, this exemption would be withdrawn for properties above a certain threshold — potentially £1.5 million.

If adopted, the change could see higher-rate taxpayers facing a 24 per cent levy on the gains made when selling homes, while basic-rate taxpayers would pay 18 per cent. Treasury officials believe the measure could generate billions, with some estimates suggesting around 120,000 homeowners would be affected. A property sold for £1.5 million, for example, could incur a CGT bill close to £200,000.

Analysts and estate agents have warned the plan risks backfiring. Homeowners could choose to delay selling rather than face hefty tax bills, choking supply in an already subdued housing market. Pensioners looking to downsize may be hit particularly hard.

Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons, said: “It’s a big change that would hit long-term owners hardest and create a cliff-edge at £1.5 million. While headline gains look substantial, they’re often the result of decades of ownership. For households who don’t need to move, this could be a strong disincentive to sell, dampening transactions and potentially weighing on house price growth and Treasury revenues alike.”

Some property experts added that any levy may raise little money if applied only to recent price gains. Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank, said: “Prices in prime central London are down 20 per cent over the last decade. If demand fell further, the prospect of taxable gains at the top end would pretty much vanish.”

Reeves is said to be motivated by concerns that Britain’s property tax regime is outdated. Council tax bands, based on 1991 valuations, have long been criticised as regressive. A £1 million property pays roughly double the council tax of one valued at £80,000, despite being worth over 12 times as much.

While the Treasury has examined adding higher council tax bands, such reforms carry significant political risk. Ending private residence relief for homes above a threshold is seen as a simpler, if controversial, alternative.

Isaac Delestre, senior research economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said: “Short of reinventing council tax entirely, the system could be made more proportional by increasing multipliers in the highest bands or adding new ones. Another option is for central government to levy a new, separate tax on high-value properties.”

The Chancellor has pledged not to raise income tax, VAT or national insurance, limiting her room to manoeuvre. Property taxes have therefore emerged as a key target ahead of the autumn budget.

But critics warn of unintended consequences. Simon Brown, chief executive of Landmark Information Group, argued: “If downsizing becomes less attractive, larger family homes stay off the market, reducing choice for buyers and shrinking the tax base.”

TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp was more blunt, warning that talk of mansion taxes risked “destabilising the property market”.

No decisions have yet been taken, but government sources confirmed property tax reform is under active consideration as Reeves puts “fairness” at the heart of her first major budget.

Read more:
Rachel Reeves plans to tax high-value homes to plug fiscal hole

August 20, 2025
Christina Georgaki – Greece as a Magnet for Global Wealth
Business

Christina Georgaki – Greece as a Magnet for Global Wealth

by August 20, 2025

After weathering a decade-long financial crisis, Greece has re-emerged as a magnet for global wealth and investment and is now a Continent-defying pioneer of economic growth.

Central to this transformation is the country’s ability to attract high-net-worth individuals – particularly through the Golden Visa program – which has positioned Greece as a top destination for millionaire migration.

Introduced in 2013, Greece’s Golden Visa scheme offers residency to non-EU nationals who invest at least €250,000 in real estate. This has opened the door for a diverse range of international investors, driving significant investment and capital into the Greek economy. The economic ripple effect these investments have had has been profound. Meanwhile, the real estate market has had a vital injection of liquidity, with formerly stagnant neighbourhoods experiencing a surge in development, opportunity and local employment.

According to a recent study by Henley & Partners, in 2024 alone, 1,200 millionaires chose to settle and work in Greece. By contrast, countries like the UK are forecasted to lose a record 16,500 millionaires this year – in part due to unfavourable tax reforms to the non-domiciled status. Greece – with its more favourable position for wealthy innovators and now well established political and economic stability provided by the New Democracy government -is a pivotal strategic base for European business.

The broader global context further enhances Greece’s appeal. As countries like Spain close their golden visa program and Italy doubles its flat tax on foreigners to €200,000, Greece offers a rare combination of tax efficiency, residency benefits, and quality of life. Investors – especially from the United States, which accounted for 36% of foreign investment in 2023 – increasingly see Greece as a gateway to the European market, with business-friendly reforms and pro-investor governance under the New Democracy administration.

Greece now has 64,700 millionaires in total, including 105 ultra-high-net-worth individuals with assets over $100 million and eight billionaires. According to Forbes, the number of millionaires in the country has increased by 14% over the past decade, a period which aligns with Greece’s record growth figures and improved investment climate. This is no coincidence.

Under the innovation-friendly leadership of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece has seen its wealth spread, changing the lives and opportunities of families and businesses across the country. Wealthy newcomers have brought industry specific acumen, new business networks, and vital capital. Greece’s startup ecosystem for instance – supported by government initiatives such as Elevate Greece – has blossomed. In 2024, 63,000 new businesses were registered – a 11% increase from the previous year – boosting the economy and job creation. The startup sector has reached a valuation of $8.2 billion, with over $1 billion in annual capital inflows, proving that millionaire migration can catalyse long-term economic growth and opportunity for all.

This is a vote of confidence in Greece, which will only continue to grow. As a lawyer specialising in Foreign Direct Investment and an academic, examining the motivation of investment migration, we are increasingly seeing people move to Greece with intergenerational benefits in mind. This is compounded by recent legislation authorising the establishment of private universities. This will help Greece’s economy in the short term, but more importantly, will help diversify society and enhance the skills of the population, fostering talent within the country.

At a time when geopolitical uncertainty and economic unease are pushing the global elite to seek new opportunities around the world and new locations for investment, Greece stands out. It offers not just a favourable lifestyle, but most importantly, stability, opportunity, and a now well-established economic environment. Millionaires are not merely visitors to our country—they are a key component in Greece’s long-term economic future.

Read more:
Christina Georgaki – Greece as a Magnet for Global Wealth

August 20, 2025
Cambridge unveils first SPARK incubator cohort of 24 startups
Business

Cambridge unveils first SPARK incubator cohort of 24 startups

by August 20, 2025

King’s College, Cambridge has revealed the 24 startups selected for its first-ever incubator programme, SPARK 1.0, an initiative designed to turn research-backed ideas from students and alumni into investable companies.

The new scheme, created by King’s Entrepreneurship Lab (King’s E-Lab) in partnership with Founders at the University of Cambridge, aims to support the next generation of entrepreneurs tackling global challenges ranging from disease prevention to climate resilience and fertility support.

King’s College has long been associated with transformative breakthroughs in science and technology, counting Alan Turing, Geoff Hinton and Fred Sanger among its alumni. Now, SPARK 1.0 aims to continue that legacy by nurturing founders working across software, AI, life sciences, semiconductors and sustainability.

The programme received more than 180 applications, with 24 companies chosen. Of these, 42% are still at the idea stage, 40% already have an early-stage product, and 17% have initial users. Half of the selected companies are led by women.

The ventures include:
• Dielectrix, developing next-generation semiconductor dielectric materials.
• GreenHarvest, using satellite data to predict climate-driven changes to crop yields.
• Dulce Cerebrum, building AI models to detect psychosis from blood tests.
• Neela Biotech, working on carbon-negative jet fuel.
• Egg Advisor, a digital fertility platform for women freezing their eggs.
• Zenithon AI, applying machine learning to advance nuclear fusion.

Other companies span agritech, medtech, e-mobility, AI-powered mental health and novel therapeutics.

The four-week incubator, which begins at the end of August, will provide hands-on mentoring, workshops and access to Cambridge’s network of investors and entrepreneurs. Founders will leave with a validated business model, a clear product pathway, and the chance to pitch for £20,000 in seed funding at Demo Day.

They will also be able to compete for additional angel investment and join a wider Cambridge innovation community.

Kamiar Mohaddes, co-founder and director of King’s E-Lab, said the aim was to encourage more students to see entrepreneurship as a viable path: “Cambridge has been responsible for many world-changing discoveries, but entrepreneurship isn’t the first thought of most people studying here. SPARK is a catalyst to help students turn bold ideas into ventures that contribute meaningfully to the economy.”

Gerard Grech CBE, managing director of Founders at the University of Cambridge, added that the initiative comes at a time when Cambridge is seeking to double its tech and science output in the next decade: “Tech already contributes £159 billion to the UK economy and three million jobs. This grassroots energy is where the next wave of transformative businesses will come from.”

Provost of King’s College, Gillian Tett OBE, said the programme demonstrated the strength of Cambridge’s AI and life sciences ecosystem: “Through SPARK, we can support students, researchers and alumni to make the leap from lab to marketplace. This isn’t just a game-changer for King’s, but for all of Cambridge.”

The incubator is supported by Cambridge Enterprise and made possible by a personal donation from King’s alumnus Malcolm McKenzie, chair of the E-Lab’s senior advisory board.

The programme is free for eligible Cambridge students, postgraduates, post-docs, researchers and alumni who graduated within the past two years.

With its first cohort now underway, SPARK 1.0 marks a significant step in Cambridge’s efforts to ensure its world-class research translates into high-growth startups.

Read more:
Cambridge unveils first SPARK incubator cohort of 24 startups

August 20, 2025
Tax raid forcing pubs and restaurants to close one day a week
Business

Tax raid forcing pubs and restaurants to close one day a week

by August 20, 2025

Hospitality businesses across Britain are being forced to shut their doors at least one day a week as soaring wage costs and higher taxes pile pressure on the sector.

A new survey by leading trade bodies found that almost three quarters of pubs, restaurants and cafes were operating at or below 85 per cent of their normal capacity, with many cutting back opening hours in a scramble to save cash.

The closures follow the Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s decision to raise employers’ National Insurance contributions (NICs) by £25 billion and increase the minimum wage in April. While summer trading has remained strong, the rise in labour costs has tipped many operators into crisis.

The survey, carried out by the British Institute of Innkeeping, the British Beer & Pub Association, UKHospitality and Hospitality Ulster, revealed that 73 per cent of businesses had less than six months of cash reserves, while one in five had none at all.

To offset the new costs, 79 per cent of businesses said they had raised prices for customers, more than half had cut staff numbers, and many were reducing operating hours.

According to UKHospitality, Reeves’s tax raid has added £3.4 billion in costs to the sector, prompting 84,000 job losses since last year’s autumn Budget.

Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, accused the Government of ignoring industry warnings: “The Government stubbornly ignored clear warnings about the jobs tax and state-imposed wage rises from hospitality businesses because Reeves thought she knew better. Now, instead of a roaring summer trade, businesses can’t afford the staff they need and are watching their cash reserves fade faster than a tan after a holiday.”

Figures from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation showed hospitality job vacancies fell by more than 22,000 in June compared with a year earlier. Wider ONS data also recorded a decline in national vacancies to 718,000 in the three months to July, down 44,000 on the previous quarter.

The British Beer & Pub Association last month warned that one pub a day is expected to shut this year, as landlords battle the combined pressures of Reeves’s tax rises, higher wages and stubbornly high energy bills.

In a joint statement, the trade bodies behind the survey said: “Unsustainable tax increases are squeezing businesses, stifling growth and investment, and threatening local employment, especially for young people. It is forcing businesses to make impossible decisions to cut jobs, put up prices, reduce opening hours and limit the support they want to give their communities.”

They called on the Government to roll back April’s NIC changes, reduce VAT, and cut business rates to safeguard jobs and investment.

A Government spokesperson defended its record, saying: “Pubs, cafes and restaurants are vital to local communities, that’s why we’re cutting the cost of licensing, helping more pubs, cafes and restaurants offer pavement drinks and al fresco dining, and extending business rates relief for these businesses – on top of cutting alcohol duty on draught pints and capping corporation tax.”

But industry leaders argue such measures fall short of tackling the structural costs created by the recent Budget, warning that without further action Britain’s hospitality sector faces a winter of closures.

Read more:
Tax raid forcing pubs and restaurants to close one day a week

August 20, 2025
UK steel industry given digital roadmap to reach net zero
Business

UK steel industry given digital roadmap to reach net zero

by August 20, 2025

A new study has set out a strategic digital roadmap to fast-track the UK steel industry’s transition to net zero, warning that overcoming skills shortages, regulatory hurdles and investment uncertainty is vital if the sector is to meet its climate goals.

The research, developed by academics at the University of Warwick and supported by the InterAct programme, identifies 12 critical barriers to the adoption of Industrial Digital Technologies (IDTs). These include everything from regulatory complexity to a lack of skilled workers and funding pressures.

Using a seven-layer framework, the study maps out how these challenges interconnect and ranks which need to be prioritised by policymakers and industry leaders. The aim is to guide the steel industry — which comprises more than 1,100 companies and contributes £2.3 billion to the UK economy — towards more resource-efficient and sustainable production.

While steel is endlessly recyclable, its production is highly energy-intensive, accounting for a significant portion of global CO₂ emissions. That makes decarbonisation a pressing priority, both nationally and internationally.

“Our research provides targeted, actionable recommendations that empower decision-makers to focus their efforts where they’ll have the greatest impact,” said Dr Taofeeq Ibn-Mohammed, one of the study’s authors. “A strategic blend of policy reform, technological innovation, organisational change and smart economic planning is key to overcoming these barriers and building a greener, more competitive steel industry.”

The findings have already been presented at AISTech, the Iron and Steel Technology Conference in the US, where they were welcomed by global industry stakeholders. A practitioner’s report is now in preparation to provide practical guidance for UK companies.

Dr Aitana Uclés Fuensanta, the project’s lead researcher, said: “This is the first empirical analysis of its kind to map the causal relationships between barriers to IDT adoption. Our insights will enable stakeholders to prioritise action, share best practices, and drive meaningful progress toward net zero.”

The study is part of the wider InterAct programme, which is funded through the government’s Made Smarter Innovation initiative. InterAct brings together academics, manufacturers, policymakers and digital technology providers to examine how new technologies can support sustainable change in UK industry.

Professor Jill MacBryde, co-director of InterAct at the University of Strathclyde, said: “The work undertaken by the University of Warwick team represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable future for the steel sector. By focusing on the human, regulatory and operational issues as well as the technology itself, this roadmap shows a clear path forward.”

The methodologies developed in the research are also being applied to other energy-intensive industries such as ceramics and glass, helping to reinforce the UK’s role as a leader in industrial sustainability innovation.

Read more:
UK steel industry given digital roadmap to reach net zero

August 20, 2025
Air fares and food prices push UK inflation to 18-month high
Business

Air fares and food prices push UK inflation to 18-month high

by August 20, 2025

Inflation climbed to its highest level in a year and a half in July, driven by surging air fares, hotel stays and grocery bills, dealing a blow to Rachel Reeves as she prepares her first autumn budget as Chancellor.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said annual consumer price inflation rose to 3.8 per cent last month, up from 3.6 per cent in June and the sharpest reading since January 2024. The figure overshot economists’ forecasts, reviving fears that the cost-of-living crisis is far from over.

The uptick was led by an extraordinary 30.2 per cent monthly rise in air fares — the steepest July increase since comparable records began in 2001 — fuelled by school holidays and peak summer travel demand. Hotels and restaurants also contributed heavily, with prices up 3.4 per cent year on year. Analysts suggested the Oasis reunion tour had intensified pressure on city accommodation markets where the band performed.

Grocery prices climbed 4.9 per cent, their fastest pace since February, with coffee and chocolate among the biggest drivers. Rising utility bills added further pressure on households.

Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the ONS, said: “The main driver was a hefty increase in air fares, the largest July rise since collection of air fares changed from quarterly to monthly in 2001. This increase was likely due to the timing of this year’s school holidays.”

The figures underscore the difficult balancing act facing Reeves, who acknowledged that while inflation is far below the double-digit highs of 2022 under the previous government, “there is still more to do to ease the cost of living”.

The Chancellor is already under pressure to prove that Labour’s economic strategy can deliver growth and higher living standards. Economists warn she may need to find up to £50 billion in tax rises or spending cuts to stabilise the public finances. Reports suggest Treasury officials are examining measures including a new capital gains tax on the sale of high-value homes.

The inflation surprise also complicates the Bank of England’s path on interest rates. Earlier this month, the Bank trimmed its base rate from 4.25 per cent to 4 per cent and projected inflation would touch 4 per cent in September — the figure that determines annual increases to pensions and benefits.

But services inflation, a key gauge of domestic cost pressures, rose to 5 per cent in July, well above the Bank’s forecast. Core inflation, which excludes energy and food, edged up to 3.8 per cent.

Suren Thiru, economics director at ICAEW, said July’s data “probably extinguishes hope of a September interest rate cut”. However, Monica George Michail, associate economist at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, suggested the Bank may “look through” seasonal pressures and cut rates again before year-end.

Despite the inflationary jolt, the economy has shown signs of resilience, expanding by 0.7 per cent in the first quarter and 0.3 per cent in the second, according to the ONS. Reeves will be hoping that growth momentum and easing pressures on households later in the year can shore up confidence ahead of a politically charged autumn budget.

For now, though, the combination of rising prices, fading hopes of further rate cuts, and looming tax hikes leaves Britain’s households and businesses braced for another squeeze.

Read more:
Air fares and food prices push UK inflation to 18-month high

August 20, 2025
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