Business

Shareholders of Wise have approved a controversial plan to shift the UK fintech’s primary listing from London to New York, while also granting co-founder and CEO Kristo Kaarmann another decade of enhanced voting rights—cementing his control of the £11 billion payments business despite owning just 18 per cent of its shares.

The dual-class structure extension, which was opposed by Wise’s former chairman and co-founder Taavet Hinrikus, passed on Monday with 91 per cent of class A and 85 per cent of class B shares voting in favour. A suite of related resolutions underpinning the move and governance structure changes received similarly strong backing.

The result gives Kaarmann, who holds a 55 per cent voting majority, a renewed mandate to direct the company through its US expansion, even as critics accuse Wise of betraying its founding principles of transparency and shareholder democracy.

Hinrikus, who still owns a 5.1 per cent stake, had fiercely opposed the proposal. He accused the company of “burying” the extension of Kaarmann’s power in the fine print of the plan to move the listing, arguing the measures should have been presented as separate votes. In comments ahead of the vote, he warned the board had broken with the “spirit” and “core values” that Wise was founded on.

“It was entirely inappropriate and unfair that the dual-class share extension and the listing move were bundled together,” Hinrikus said.

When Wise floated in London in 2021, shareholders were explicitly told that the dual-class structure would expire by July 2026. The extension to 2036 was not mentioned in the public announcement of the listing change, but appeared in a 94-page shareholder circular—a detail Hinrikus used to reinforce his claims of a lack of transparency.

Chairman David Wells, speaking after the vote, said the board was pleased with the outcome and that the company now had a “strong mandate to proceed”. He defended the extension of voting rights, describing Wise as “a company that thinks in decades” and adding that the proposal had been “set out clearly … and received positively.”

The AGM proceeded without questions or comments from shareholders.

Proxy voting agencies including Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) initially recommended backing the plan but updated their guidance following Hinrikus’s intervention to raise concerns about the concentration of voting power. Wise was also forced to retract a claim that the proxy firm Pirc supported the proposal.

Wise, originally known as TransferWise, was founded in 2011 by Kaarmann and Hinrikus, two Estonian entrepreneurs who built the company into one of Europe’s most prominent fintechs, used by millions for cross-border payments. The business has made billionaires of both founders and was once viewed as a key success story in the UK’s tech scene.

However, the decision to leave London for New York is a further blow to the City, which has seen several high-profile firms defect to the US in search of deeper capital pools and higher valuations. Wise’s move comes amid sluggish UK market performance and wider concerns over the attractiveness of London as a destination for growth companies.

While the company denies any attempt to obscure the governance changes, and argues that dual-class structures often produce superior long-term returns, the episode has fuelled wider debate about corporate governance, transparency, and investor rights in the UK’s tech sector.

With the vote now concluded, Kaarmann’s grip on Wise is stronger than ever — but the discontent from one of its founding figures is likely to leave a lasting mark.

Read more:
Wise shareholders vote to move primary listing to US and extend co-founder’s voting control

Vodafone’s Annual General Meeting was disrupted today by a group of former franchisees demanding accountability over a £120 million legal claim against the company, as tensions over the long-running dispute escalated in public.

The franchisees, who allege they were driven to financial ruin, homelessness, and in some cases suicidal despair, confronted Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle and Chairman Jean-François van Boxmeer, demanding answers and accusing the telecoms giant of continuing to ignore their plight.

One former franchisee, Donna Watton, 42, from Boston in Lincolnshire, directly challenged Della Valle during the AGM, asking: “How do you sleep at night knowing that Vodafone’s actions have left franchisees suicidal, losing their homes and drowning in debt?”

Chairman van Boxmeer responded on behalf of the company, reiterating Vodafone’s position that the case remains a commercial dispute. Della Valle did not respond directly to the challenge. Despite repeated assurances from Vodafone leadership that the company is open to dialogue, franchisees say no meaningful talks have taken place.

The confrontation marks a dramatic new chapter in the ongoing legal battle, which is set to proceed to full trial. The claim, brought by 62 former franchisees, alleges that Vodafone imposed sudden and arbitrary contract changes, as well as disproportionate fines and clawbacks, that left many of the business owners insolvent and destitute.

Franchisees argue the issue goes far beyond a commercial disagreement, describing it as a matter of corporate accountability, ruined lives, and a failure of governance. Their campaign has drawn political attention, with MPs recently debating the issue in Parliament. Enterprise Minister Gareth Thomas has confirmed that the government is closely monitoring the case, which has been compared by some to the Post Office Horizon scandal and may have implications for the future regulation of UK franchising.

A spokesperson for the franchisees said the decision to attend the AGM was fuelled by frustration and a sense of being repeatedly dismissed by Vodafone’s leadership.

“Yet again, Vodafone has tried to portray this as simply a commercial dispute. It is much more than that — lives have been ruined,” the spokesperson said. “We came to the AGM to get meaningful engagement from Margherita Della Valle because she has the power to resolve this dispute. After everything we’ve lost — our businesses, our homes, our mental health — we deserve answers.”

“We will not continue to be ignored. We’re calling on the CEO and the Board to show true leadership, meet with us, and take responsibility for the damage Vodafone has caused.”

The protest comes at a difficult time for Vodafone, which is under pressure from sluggish share performance and underwhelming results in several key markets. The company’s decision not to disclose the legal claim as a contingent liability in its FY2025 financial statements has raised questions about how seriously it is treating the allegations.

Read more:
Vodafone CEO challenged by ex-franchisees at AGM over landmark legal dispute

Young shoppers are transforming the landscape of payment disputes, according to a new report from Chargebacks911, as mobile-first habits and expectations for instant service reshape how consumers resolve transaction issues.

The 2025 Cardholder Dispute Index, based on responses from more than 1,200 consumers in the US and UK, reveals a sharp generational divide in dispute behaviour. Shoppers aged 18 to 44 are increasingly bypassing merchants altogether and heading straight to their bank or card issuer to challenge transactions, often via mobile apps. According to the report, 83 percent of this age group now prefer to resolve disputes directly through their bank, while more than half initiate chargebacks without ever contacting the seller.

Monica Eaton, CEO of Chargebacks911, said the findings reflect a profound shift in customer expectations, particularly among younger consumers who have grown up in an on-demand digital world. “Younger shoppers are digital natives who want what they want, when they want it,” she said. “When it comes to disputing a transaction, they aren’t waiting on hold or looking for support emails. They’re tapping an app, filing a dispute with their bank, getting a refund, and moving on. And it works nearly every time.”

The rise of mobile wallets and flexible payment tools such as Buy Now, Pay Later services is reinforcing this behaviour. Consumers under 30 are more than twice as likely to prefer mobile wallets than those over 60, while nearly half of those aged 18 to 44 have used BNPL options, compared to just a third of older shoppers.

This evolving behaviour is presenting new challenges for retailers. Eaton warned that merchants who fail to offer fast, digital-first resolution options risk more than lost revenue. Increased chargeback volumes, declining customer trust, and long-term erosion of brand loyalty are now all on the table if businesses don’t adapt to modern dispute expectations.

The report argues that this trend is not simply about combating fraud or tightening security—it is about delivering a consumer experience that reflects the way people shop and engage today. Younger customers now expect fast, seamless service across all digital touchpoints, including when something goes wrong. When businesses fall short, the bank becomes the default route.

Eaton said that to remain competitive, merchants must transition from reactive dispute handling to proactive, frictionless customer support. That includes investing in clear billing, real-time refunds, transparent communication, and mobile-optimised support channels that are available around the clock.

“This isn’t just about better fraud protection—it’s about the modern customer journey,” she said. “If merchants continue to operate with legacy systems that rely on email support and manual resolution processes, they’re going to be left behind.”

With the rise of a generation that rewards efficiency and punishes friction, the stakes for merchants are clear. Businesses that modernise their dispute response and customer care systems stand to earn lasting loyalty. Those that don’t risk being cut out of the conversation entirely.

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Young consumers reshape payment dispute behaviour, putting pressure on retailers to modernise

The UK Supreme Court has ruled against Uber in a long-running legal battle that could have forced all private hire operators in England and Wales to charge VAT, a move that industry bodies had warned would lead to “seismic consequences” for businesses and passengers alike.

The case, brought by Liverpool-based DELTA Taxis and supported by law firm Aaron & Partners, challenged Uber’s bid to compel all private hire firms to contract directly with passengers — a structure that would have rendered many long-standing business models unlawful and added 20% VAT to fares.

In a judgment handed down on Tuesday, the UK’s highest court dismissed Uber’s appeal, confirming that private hire operators can lawfully continue to operate under alternative licensing models, such as the widely used agency model, without being forced to follow Uber’s specific contractual framework.

The ruling ensures that operators outside of London are not automatically liable for VAT and can continue to run under business models that have been in place since the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1976, preserving lower fares for passengers and safeguarding thousands of small firms.

“This is a monumental decision,” said Layla Barke Jones, Dispute Resolution Partner at Aaron & Partners, who represented DELTA. “Had this gone the other way, the cost and complexity of implementing VAT systems would have pushed many firms to the brink. This ruling protects business diversity and, critically, ensures continued access to affordable transport for vulnerable communities.”

The case has been closely watched across the transport and legal sectors since it was first brought in March 2022. An initial High Court ruling favoured Uber, concluding that private hire firms must contract directly with passengers, but the Court of Appeal overturned that judgment in July 2024, siding with DELTA and fellow operator Veezu. The Supreme Court’s ruling now cements that decision as the final legal word.

Had Uber succeeded, all operators would have been required to adopt Uber’s post-2022 model, triggering VAT liabilities on every fare and likely resulting in price increases of more than 20% for passengers across England and Wales.

DELTA, which operates in the North West, warned that such a shift would have made taxi services unaffordable for many, especially in low-income areas where taxis are often a lifeline.

“Private hire firms are vital to communities,” Barke Jones added. “They’re used frequently by older people, people with disabilities, and families with limited incomes. Imposing VAT on all journeys would have left many of them unable to afford essential travel.”

Uber had argued that its model — in which the operator contracts directly with the passenger — should be the legal standard, effectively requiring competitors to fall in line. But the Supreme Court found that the law allows multiple compliant models, and that requiring uniformity would be inconsistent with long-standing regulation.

“This decision affirms that the 1976 Act allows flexibility in licensing models,” said Barke Jones. “It avoids the danger of a one-size-fits-all regime and ensures that smaller operators can survive alongside platform giants.”

The ruling is being hailed as a landmark moment for the private hire industry, protecting operator flexibility, safeguarding affordability for passengers, and reinforcing that legal innovation cannot be weaponised to undercut competition.

Read more:
Landmark Supreme Court ruling rejects Uber’s attempt to impose VAT on all private hire fares

Everyone, whether they’re a writer or not, is trying to fit into the content world, which is the main reason why so many people rely on deepfakes, AI-generated writing, and machine-crafted content.

You need to put in a lot of effort to stand out and gain credibility as a content creator.

This authenticity will lead to your success. But how do you ensure that your content or your partner’s content is authentic and acceptable to your audience? It is simple: by relying on an AI detector.

Here are all the reasons to use an AI detector today.

Why AI-Written Content Is Everywhere Now

Have you noticed how AI is now writing more content than ever? This includes social media updates, product advertisements, and blog pieces. It’s quicker and simpler, but the caveat is that people can detect when something is too simple or false. Trust begins to erode at that point.

Even worse, if a piece of material doesn’t fit their criteria, certain platforms may flag it or lower its ranking. Therefore, employing an AI detector could be the wise step your business needs.

An AI Detector Helps You Adapt Quickly in a Fast-Moving Content Market

Sometimes, you’ll spend hours creating your content, and then it ends up being identified as artificial intelligence, and to say this is annoying, would be an understatement. Your credibility and internet exposure may suffer as a result.

Using an AI detector like Walter Writes AI lets you identify and correct anything that sounds too robotic before you post, especially as platform content guidelines get increasingly stringent. It helps your work feel more authentic and ensures that it also resonates with readers. This is more important than just producing content.

It Safeguards Your Brand’s Credibility

Let’s face it: everything you do is built on trust. Whether you’re writing blogs, making videos, or managing online content, people come back because they trust your voice. But what if they begin to believe your content was written by a machine? They may quickly lose interest.

Using an AI detector is especially beneficial for this reason. It enables you to proofread your work twice, giving your style a genuine, unique feeling. This way, your brand remains current, genuine, and worthy of being followed.

Using AI Detector helps to Maintain Your Lead and Preserve Your Rankings

You’ve invested time in creating visually-appealing content and selecting the appropriate keywords. The question is, though, what if search engines devalue your page because it appears to have been written by a robot?

Many platforms are rewarding content that feels more human. To gain your reward, you can rely on the best AI humanizers to add a natural touch to your work. Better rankings, more readers, and increased trust may result from this minor change.

The Editing Process Is Made Easier and Faster

Editing can be exhausting sometimes. After reading a sentence, have you ever thought, “This doesn’t feel natural”? In this case, an AI detector may be helpful. It facilitates the identification of areas that may appear unduly flat or robotic.

It then clearly explains what should be altered, what should be made more human, and what is acceptable. Think of it as your wise editing companion that will help you save time while improving the quality and authenticity of your work.

Ensure the Honesty of Guest Writers and Freelancers

Are you collaborating with freelancers or guest writers? Sometimes, it isn’t easy to discern if their work was produced by AI or by hand. What happens if the material is subpar or sounds artificial? That could damage your brand.

Using an AI detector, you can rapidly check their work, see any issues, and ask for changes before publishing it. That way, you preserve the caliber of your content and protect your reputation.

Final verdict

Rely on a trustworthy AI detector today and watch your content get noticed everywhere. As you can see, there are numerous benefits associated with this decision. You just need to do your research and find the best AI detector that will help you safeguard the voice of your work. Get started now!

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Why Every Content Creator Needs an AI Detector Today

Müller UK & Ireland has acquired kefir brand Biotiful Gut Health, marking a strategic move into the fast-growing functional health yogurt and drinks sector.

Founded in 2012 by Natasha Bowes, Biotiful has helped introduce kefir — a fermented milk drink popular in Eastern Europe — to mainstream British consumers, creating a category from scratch and securing listings in Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose & Partners.

Bowes first pitched her idea on BBC’s Dragons’ Den over a decade ago, seeking £200,000 for 10% of the business. The Dragons passed, doubting the viability of an unfamiliar product. Undeterred, Bowes launched the brand from her kitchen, and over the next decade built a household name by educating UK consumers on kefir’s gut health benefits.

The acquisition gives Müller immediate access to a segment it had previously not operated in, as consumer demand for natural and functional health products continues to rise.

Biotiful will continue to operate independently, with Bowes remaining involved in an advisory capacity. Richard Williams, CEO of Müller Yogurt and Desserts, will join the Biotiful leadership team to help steer the next stage of growth.

“Biotiful Gut Health is a business we have long admired,” said Williams. “It is one of the fastest-growing brands in the sector, with great tasting products and a real focus on consumer and innovation. It fits extremely well with our portfolio and strategy to grow our presence in health and nutrition.”

Williams added that Müller’s investment would help accelerate Biotiful’s growth, benefiting both consumers and retail partners through improved innovation and scale.

Bowes welcomed the deal, describing it as a natural next step for the brand.

“Since founding the company 13 years ago, Biotiful has grown into a successful, consumer-centric business thanks to best-in-class innovation and a focus on product quality,” she said. “I’m proud of the brand’s role in shaping the kefir category in the UK, and excited about the opportunities that Müller’s backing now unlocks.”

The deal positions Müller to compete more directly in a segment currently dominated by smaller, specialist brands and emerging health-focused players. With the functional dairy market continuing to expand, the acquisition signals Müller’s ambition to diversify its offering and respond to evolving consumer trends.

No financial terms of the acquisition have been disclosed.

Read more:
Müller acquires Dragon rejected Biotiful Gut Health as it enters functional dairy market

Sergei Mikhailovich Glinka is a businessman whose entire career is tied to the development of transport. He can see decades ahead and turn complex projects into working systems that improve city life and drive the economy

His journey began in challenging times, and it was then that he learned to act quickly, precisely, and with an eye on the future.

Biography of Businessman Sergei Glinka: From Early Projects to the European Stage

Sergei Glinka was born in 1966. In the early 1990s he entered the logistics field. At that time, Baltic transit routes were only starting to take shape, and he understood how important it was to build transparent, efficient links between countries. During those years he headed a company in Estonia that helped launch international routes and created transit corridors between East and West.

In 2005 the businessman obtained Estonian citizenship, giving him the opportunity to work officially within the European Union and tap into EU business-support mechanisms. At the same time, he began taking part in large-scale projects to modernize rail transport. For many years he worked in an international holding that produces rail cars and electric trains, negotiating with leading European firms.

Later, investor Sergei Glinka oversaw metro-train deliveries for Budapest and Sofia—proof that Eastern Europe can be competitive when the business model is set up correctly.

New Transport Must Be Comfortable, Smart, and Green

Businessman Sergei Glinka believes that developing transport is not just about speed and routes. It is about convenience, safety, economic growth, and caring for the environment we live in. He speaks calmly and confidently, because he knows the future of transport is being built today, not tomorrow.

He advocates step-by-step modernization: you cannot simply abandon diesel overnight, but you can improve what already exists. Glinka’s approach is based on hybrid technologies, a transition to electric buses, the creation of green zones in cities, and the expansion of infrastructure ready for autonomous and eco-friendly solutions.

In Romania, investor Sergei Glinka has launched a major production venture. At a plant in Mediaș he is developing the manufacture of trams and electric buses. The factory relies on local components, uses eco-friendly technologies, creates jobs, and runs training programs. Next-generation vehicles are already being assembled there, hydrogen engines are being tested, and digital services are being developed. It is an example of how private business can influence an entire industry.

Businessman Sergei Glinka’s View of the Future

Focused on family, Sergei Glinka is convinced that transport is the key to the development of cities, regions, and nations. He says every investment project should not only solve current challenges but also set a direction for years ahead. That is why he takes part in international forums, supports projects in Central Asia, and develops technology areas related to autonomous delivery and hybrid systems.

He watches the market evolve: demand for metro cars is growing, electric-train networks are expanding, and new environmental standards are taking shape. “We must make transport accessible, convenient, and safe—only then will millions choose it,” notes Sergei Mikhailovich Glinka. He does not speak of the future as something distant; he works on it every day.

While some people look up the family of Sergei Glinka on his Wikipedia page, the entrepreneur focuses entirely on his work. His approach is built on precise calculations, experience, and an instinct for where the market is heading—qualities that keep him a prominent figure in Eastern Europe’s transport sector.

Read more:
Businessman Sergei Glinka: biography, family, photos, and his view on the future of transport

In the constant rush of modern life, it’s easy to lose sight of who we are and what truly matters. Our schedules are packed, our notifications never stop, and stillness often feels like a luxury we can’t afford.

Yet in this whirlwind, personal reflection is more than just a moment of pause—it’s a vital practice for mental clarity, emotional resilience, and genuine connection. Books like Rogues in Paradise remind us that taking the time to observe, reflect, and engage with the world on a deeper level is a powerful act of self-preservation and growth.

Reclaiming Time for Thought

The pace of life has accelerated dramatically in recent years. We are constantly connected—digitally present but often emotionally and mentally distant from our own inner landscapes. This makes reflection not only important but essential. It allows us to process our experiences, learn from our missteps, and gain insight into our decisions and behaviors.

Reflection is often seen as something that requires hours of solitude or retreat, but it doesn’t have to be so elaborate. Even a few moments at the end of the day spent reflecting on what went well, what challenged us, and how we felt, can cultivate a habit of mindfulness that has long-term benefits. In a world that praises multitasking and speed, taking time to think deeply is a quiet rebellion with profound rewards.

Why It Matters More Now

In a society driven by external validation—likes, shares, achievements—it’s increasingly easy to shape our lives according to what we think others expect. Reflection pulls us inward and helps us distinguish between what is truly ours and what has been imposed by cultural influences. Without it, we risk becoming strangers to ourselves, chasing goals that don’t align with our values or strengths.

Moreover, reflection nurtures empathy. When we take the time to consider our reactions, motivations, and emotions, we begin to better understand those of others. This inward attention fosters outward compassion. It sharpens our ability to listen—not just to others, but to the unspoken undercurrents of conversation, context, and emotion. At a time when polarization and miscommunication are widespread, this skill is invaluable.

Books like Rogues in Paradise showcase this dynamic beautifully. By reflecting on the quirks, struggles, and humanity of people in everyday life, the author invites readers to do the same. What seems on the surface like a celebration of Caribbean character becomes, at its core, a meditation on what it means to truly see and be seen.

The Practical Benefits of Reflection

Personal reflection isn’t just a lofty ideal; it has measurable benefits. Studies have shown that regular reflection can reduce stress, enhance problem-solving abilities, and lead to more informed decision-making. It can help clarify priorities, enhance creativity, and improve interpersonal relationships.

Professionally, reflection equips us to lead with intention rather than reaction. In a busy work environment, it’s easy to get caught up in the next deadline or crisis. But when we step back and examine our roles, choices, and contributions, we make space for thoughtful strategy and meaningful leadership. Reflection doesn’t slow us down—it makes us more effective.

Emotionally, it offers grounding. When the world feels chaotic or overwhelming, having a habit of checking in with ourselves brings a sense of stability and calm. It reminds us that while we may not control external events, we can control how we respond to them. That awareness is where true power lies.

Making Space for Stillness

Of course, the irony is that when we most need reflection, we feel least able to make time for it. That’s why intentionality matters. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Journaling for five minutes a day, taking a short walk without distractions, or even pausing for breath before answering a tough question—these are all forms of reflection. What’s important is the commitment to be present, to be curious, and to be honest with ourselves.

Reading reflective works can also be a catalyst. Immersing ourselves in someone else’s introspection often nudges our own. In Rogues in Paradise, the author’s quiet observations and humorous takes on human behavior spark not just amusement, but recognition. We see ourselves in the stories. We remember the people who’ve shaped us. And we begin to ask deeper questions about our own journey.

Conclusion

In a time defined by speed, distraction, and noise, personal reflection is no longer optional—it’s essential. It roots us in who we are, lights the path to where we want to go, and helps us move through the world with more understanding, grace, and purpose. Whether through quiet moments of thought, intentional writing, or engaging with reflective literature like Rogues in Paradise, we each have the power to create space for clarity in the chaos. And in doing so, we reconnect with what makes life meaningful, not just busy.

Read more:
Why Personal Reflection Is More Important Than Ever in a Busy World

New sector insights and research reveal why a rising number of UK and international infrastructure and energy companies are selecting Cyprus as their regional headquarters, with ongoing uncertainties affecting neighbouring markets.

The island is quickly establishing itself as the location of choice for organisations seeking security, connectivity and sustainable growth throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa and beyond.

Relocation Decisions Bolstered by Regional Stability

Instability in parts of the Middle East, North Africa and nearby regions is prompting many infrastructure and energy companies to reconsider their operational footprints. Cyprus stands out for its:

Political predictability as both an EU and Eurozone member
Legal frameworks based on English common law
Robust financial services and business-friendly regulation

As global supply chains encounter new geopolitical headwinds, an increasing number of UK-based and international businesses view Cyprus as a pragmatic alternative. The island provides both the flexibility to serve markets further east and south, and the regulatory safety and certainty offered by the European Union.

Connectivity: Europe, Middle East and Africa Within Reach

Cyprus’s outstanding geography is a calculated business asset:

Gateway to major energy corridors and shipping lanes
Direct port and airport links to key international cities
EU membership, which grants frictionless trade and legal protections

For firms weighing up relocation or expansion, being able to access several strategic markets without increased exposure to regional volatility is more important than ever. Cyprus’s infrastructure, especially at Limassol and Larnaca ports and its modern airports, underpins both operational flexibility and business continuity.

Incentives and Costs: A Competitive Edge

Transparent regulation and an internationally aligned legal environment are key attractions
Companies benefit from highly competitive tax rates and various investment incentives, helping to offset set-up and operating costs
The government is continually refining processes for foreign direct investment, creating one of the most attractive business climates in the Mediterranean

Recent upgrades in digital administration, banking and professional services further bolster Cyprus’s reputation as a stable base for international entities.

Strategic Innovation and Sustainability

Cyprus is not content with stability alone. The government is proactively supporting sustainable infrastructure and energy initiatives:

Major investment in renewables, smart grids, desalination and battery storage
Flagship multinational projects such as the EuroAsia and EuroAfrica Interconnectors will connect the Cypriot grid with Israel, Greece and Egypt, boosting regional energy security
Close alignment with the EU Green Deal and Digital Decade, unlocking opportunities for international collaboration on climate-resilient infrastructure

These ongoing projects present genuine opportunities for businesses engaged in next-generation infrastructure, from renewables to advanced grid solutions, all seeking a base that links Europe with the Middle East and Africa.

Talent Pool and Quality of Life

A multilingual, internationally educated workforce offers expertise and proximity to both EU and regional talent pools
Companies see cost savings with overheads typically lower compared to other major European hubs
Cyprus’s high quality of life, safety and widespread English proficiency all play a part in talent attraction and retention, especially for expatriate professionals

UK-Cyprus Synergy: A Bridge for Growth

Trade and business collaboration between the UK and Cyprus continue to thrive, with nearly £3 billion in annual trade and robust projects in energy, technology and services. Both economies are capitalising on opportunities for:

Knowledge-sharing in green technology, digital innovation and infrastructure management
Joint ventures in offshore gas, renewables and specialist service centres
Enhancing value chains that link the UK with the wider EMEA region

For firms already active in London, Cyprus offers access to new markets alongside continued connection with EU legal frameworks and digital infrastructure.

Addressing the Challenges

Of course, no location is without its challenges:

Ongoing reforms in Cyprus’s judiciary and regulatory bodies are essential to further minimise administrative obstacles
The energy sector’s transition from imported petroleum and recurring cost issues are being tackled through collaboration and investment in renewables
Continued modernisation of infrastructure, especially power and digital connectivity, remains high on the agenda although signs of progress are clear

It is wise for companies to assess these factors closely and consult local advisers for a seamless move or expansion.

Future Outlook

Cyprus’s role as a prime relocation hub will only become more significant as changes in the region reshape infrastructure and energy landscapes. Companies like EY, Shanda Consult and Bollen Advisors continue to recommend Cyprus to companies in these industries as the island offers both a reliable operational base and a platform for sustainable, adaptable growth.

Read more:
Cyprus Solidifies Its Status as a Strategic Relocation Hub for Infrastructure and Energy Firms Amid Regional Instability

Qt’s solid architecture, easy-to-use APIs, and many tools have made it a popular choice for building multiplatform projects. Qt’s signals, slots, widgets, and QML are well-known by developers. Qt has many advanced capabilities that are underutilized.

These capabilities enable rapid user interfaces, high-performance graphics, multithreaded design, and native API integration. These advanced technologies help speed up and improve difficult software for skilled engineers and teams.

If you’re working on a project that demands deep platform integration, real-time rendering, or complex workflows, understanding our expertise in Qt – Vakoms can help you recognize how far this framework can stretch.

Qt Quick and QML: Building Modern UIs

Qt Widgets are still helpful for old-fashioned desktop apps, but Qt Quick and QML (Qt Modeling Language) are superior for modern, touch-friendly, animated interfaces. This declarative method of making user interfaces separates design from logic, which lets developers and designers work on the same project at the same time.

Advanced use of QML includes:

Custom QML components are reusable, modular pieces of UI that make development faster.
Dynamic property bindings: When data changes, the code updates in real time, which cuts down on boilerplate code.
JavaScript integration: You can write logic and behavior right in QML files.

If your team is making apps with complex UI/UX needs, especially for mobile or embedded contexts, learning QML can make a big difference.

Multithreading with QtConcurrent and QThread

In current apps, responsiveness is very important, especially when doing file I/O, networking, or CPU-intensive tasks. Qt has a number of techniques to make multithreading work, such that heavy tasks don’t stop the main UI thread..

Two key options include:

QThread: Gives you precise control over threads, which is great for managing your own threads or working with platform-specific APIs.
QtConcurrent makes parallelism easier by letting you perform processes in the background with little code. For working with big data sets, parallel loops, and asynchronous calculations.

When you use these tools with signals and slots, threads can talk to each other without worrying about losing data or crashing.

Model/View Architecture: Clean Separation of Data and UI

Qt’s model/view architecture supports a clean separation between data representation and user interface. While it’s commonly used with simple lists and tables, it truly shines in more complex scenarios:

Custom models: When built-in data structures aren’t enough, subclassing QAbstractItemModel allows for custom tree structures or dynamic datasets.
Proxy models: Provide filtering, sorting, or on-the-fly data transformation without altering the original data source.
Lazy loading: Helpful when working with big datasets or sources that are far away, making sure performance stays high.

Mastering this architecture makes it easier to build scalable, maintainable UIs—especially when data is dynamic or hierarchical.

Graphics and Rendering: OpenGL, Scene Graph, and Shader Effects

Qt has extensive rendering capabilities beyond basic widget painting for developers who make applications that need a lot of graphics, like games, dashboards, or simulation tools.

Qt OpenGL module:Allows you to connect directly to OpenGL for precise control over rendering. Useful for observing objects in three dimensions in real time.
Qt Quick Scene Graph: Underpins QML rendering, optimizing how items are drawn on screen. Developers can create custom scene graph nodes for even more control.
Shader effects in QML: Fragment and vertex shaders can be applied directly in QML using the ShaderEffectelement, adding real-time visual effects without diving into C++.

These capabilities make Qt a solid choice for developers who need both ease of use and low-level graphics power.

Qt WebEngine and WebAssembly

Qt isn’t limited to native environments—it also supports embedding web content and compiling to the browser.

Qt WebEngine: Built on Chromium, this module allows developers to integrate fully functioning web pages or single-page applications (SPAs) into their Qt apps. Useful for hybrid desktop applications or rendering complex web content.
WebAssembly support: Qt applications can be compiled to WebAssembly and run directly in modern browsers, opening new opportunities for delivering cross-platform applications entirely through the web.

WebAssembly is particularly useful when portability and fast load times are priorities, such as for demos or temporary tools.

Plugin System and Dynamic Loading

Modular design is often essential in large applications. Qt supports dynamic plugin loading, enabling parts of your application to be developed, compiled, and loaded independently.

This pattern is especially useful in:

Enterprise tools: Where different modules are maintained by separate teams.
Customizable platforms: Allowing end users to load or extend functionality.
Embedded systems: Where only a subset of features may be deployed depending on the hardware or use case.

Using QPluginLoader and implementing QFactoryInterface, developers can easily create a robust plugin ecosystem within their Qt app.

Native API Integration and Platform Abstraction

Although Qt is cross-platform, it doesn’t restrict access to platform-specific features. Developers can:

Use native APIs via QOperatingSystemVersion and conditional compilation.
Access native event loops and hooks to handle edge-case behaviors.
Extend Qt types with platform-specific enhancements while keeping most code portable.

This flexibility is vital when applications must tie into native sensors, biometric systems, or enterprise-grade device management tools.

Testing and Debugging Tools

Large Qt applications benefit from a well-rounded toolkit for testing and debugging:

QTestLib: A unit testing framework that integrates cleanly into Qt projects.
Qt Creator Debugger: Offers built-in support for inspecting object hierarchies, signals, and property states.
GammaRay: An powerful introspection tool that can look at live Qt apps while they are running. It is very helpful for finding UI problems or performance concerns.

Efficient debugging and robust testing make the difference between software that works—and software that works well.

Internationalization and Localization

Qt’s internationalization system supports seamless translation of applications through:

tr() macros for wrapping strings
.ts files generated for each language
Qt Linguist for translating content visually

For global products or applications aimed at multilingual users, this built-in feature set removes much of the friction in managing translated content.

Final Thoughts

People who simply use Qt for basic desktop apps usually don’t know about its more advanced features. But if developers are willing to go a little further, they will see that Qt is a very adaptable toolkit that works well with many types of applications, including scientific visualization tools, multimedia programs, and embedded platforms.

If you know how to use these advanced Qt features, you can make the development process much better and make the end user much happier, whether you’re designing a smooth, animated UI or linking together extensive backend processes.

And when you’re ready to build with confidence, collaboration, and technical depth, you can always trust Vakoms to bring your vision to life.

Read more:
Advanced Qt Features: Going Beyond the Basics