Tag Archives: economy

Woking for 1000

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Today, Frost were extremely privileged to have spent the day making meals for the capitals food banks alongside 200 others with School of Wok. Wok for 1000 is the first of it’s kind, large scale cookery class helping to create 1000 meals in just one day. This incentive is a collaboration with charity, Plan Zheroes, who are an online database helping to put food businesses in touch with participating shelters. For the past two years the School, based in Covent Garden, were inviting corporate parties to cook double the portions which totalled somewhere near 800 meals in total which then supplied Passage, a non profit homeless shelter in Victoria. Pang then explains that if he can double the portion through his cookery school, why not hold a mass cookery class for corporate parties and try and make 1000 meals in a day! So, this morning that’s exactly what we did. 200 participants from small businesses took their away day for a three hr cookery class in London’s Borough Market and not only did we enjoy a lesson in Chinese cookery from Jeremy Pang himself, we also got to enjoy the meal whilst creating meals for those in need. When setting up this incentive, what most food businesses quickly realise is when trying to get this off the ground was that getting charities to accept food in the first place is the hardest part. Having spoken to other eateries in cafés in the past, there is a lot of red tape when dealing with food liability and even the differing amounts which could be donated day to day.

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With the help of Plan Zheroes, Wok for 1000 could not have been possible. They are the superstar charity with an online system in place which links food businesses and their food waste to participating shelters. In the UK alone, we waste 10 million tonnes of food per year so we think that’s enough to sustain the people that are in desperate need of a meal. As well as all guests enjoying an incredible cookery class in their corporate teams, this was a fabulous team building experience with wonderful community spirit. In turn, Wok for 1000 helped to feed a number of different homeless charities, as well as, care homes for the elderly, mental health trusts and children who have been affected by the refugee crisis.

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School of Wok were extremely lucky to have had some incredible sponsors for the event who helped to make it extra special for participants and also to those who donated ingredients, space, appliances and of course TsingTao for their beer. With Wok for 1000 being such a success they are hoping to continue this incentive annually but there are also other ways you can help to end food poverty in the country. Sarah from Plan Zheroes explains, there are many ways to lend your support, firstly, you can ask shops of food businesses to donate surplus food through Plan Zheroes, you can donate food yourself or you can continue to fundraise for this worthy cause.

We think that it’s the little things that help, so even by becoming aware of this issue, gradually, we can start to combat food poverty in the UK. School of Wok continue to run their corporate social responsibility incentive and you can find out more here:

https://www.schoolofwok.co.uk/events/cook-for-the-homeless

Preventing Food Poverty with Wok for 1000

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Studies have shown that we are becoming increasingly aware of the negative effect food wastage is having on the environment. Not only is this causing a massive blow to our economy, but we are also wreaking harm to the environment by increasing our green-houses gasses significantly. As well as this, a study has shown that approximately 870 million people go hungry each day so as well as food wastage being detrimental to the environment, we also find ourselves in a moral dilemma. Remarkably, the wonderful team at School of Wok have come up with a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative to help us make some small differences to combat this downward spiral we find ourselves in by making sure this doesn’t have to be a laborious task.

Following on from their previous (CSR) initiative which invited guests to cook double the portion to donate to food banks, Wok for 1000 is the follow-up, one of kind, very first large-scale cookery event and will be showcasing this Tuesday November 1st at Borough Market. Hosted by Jeremy Pang and his School of Wok, they are inviting you to sign up in groups of ten, if you’re part of a small business or incentive, and help to produce 1000 meals. This event is designed to build awareness of the ongoing issue of food poverty across our country and demonstrate how we can work to address this issue in future. The most wondrous part is that you not only get to enjoy a cookery class with Jeremy himself and enjoy your meal after, you will also be producing 1000+ meals which will be delivered across the capital to various different food banks.

The event will feature;

3 hour cookery class with Jeremy Pang and School of Wok expert Chefs.

A sit down meal for all participants

Prizes, goody bags and give-aways from participating sponsors

Following on from the lunch, 200 or so charity beneficiaries will also be invited to Borough to enjoy the freshly cooked meal. Participants will be welcome to stay and volunteer here as well.

Prices will be £100+Vat and ALL Proceeds will go be donated to charity Plan Zheroes working to achieve zero food waste and hunger.

Find out more about Plan Zheroes here: https://planzheroes.org/#!/

For more info for Wok for 1000 visit;

https://www.schoolofwok.co.uk/partners/wok-for-1000

One In Three In The UK Can’t Afford To Eat Healthily

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appleMore than a third (39 per cent) of people in the UK – around 25 million – say they do not eat healthily because it is too expensive to do so.   One in seven people (14 per cent) said they do not have time to prepare healthy food, and one in ten (10 per cent) said they do not know how to eat healthily.

 

These are the findings of new research out today from UK health charity Nuffield Health, who questioned more than 3,100 UK adults.  The figures provide a snapshot of the UK’s views on obesity and healthy lifestyle choices.  Experts say the findings are concerning, and show poor understanding about healthy living and an acceptance that obesity has become the norm in society.

 

The research, carried out to support National Obesity Awareness Week, highlights the urgency for effective obesity prevention strategies.  Of those polled, a third of people said they had noticed a rise in obesity in the area they live.  40 per cent of people said that seeing obese adults in the area they live in is common, with almost the same number – 38 per cent – saying that childhood obesity is now the norm.

 

The figures back up research released this week by the National Obesity Forum which shows that current strategies are failing to halt the rise in obesity, and a 2007 prediction that more than half of people in the UK will be obese by 2050 will in fact be exceeded.

 

Of the respondents, a further 550 people who were measured as obese – with a Body Mass Index of more than 30* – were questioned about their views on weight management.

Of this group:

  • Nearly half (48 per cent) are resigned to remaining obese due to a lack of willpower
  • 17 per cent said they had never attempted to lose weight
  • One in five (20 per cent) would rather be overweight than watch what they eat.

 

When questioned about attitudes towards exercise, the figures showed:

  • 40 per cent said they find exercise boring
  • A quarter (25 per cent) do not have time to exercise
  • One in seven (14 per cent) would rather be overweight than have to exercise.

 

When questioned about the Government’s response to tackling the problem, almost half (45 per cent) said that GP referrals for exercise should be considered. 40 per cent would like to see increased funding for recognised weight management programmes, 43 per cent want stricter regulations on ‘unhealthy’ food and drink chains from sponsoring high profile events and 40 per cent said that school meals should be regulated as a matter of urgency.

 

While the majority of respondents (81 per cent) said obesity is the fault of the individual, when questioned about contributing factors to the UK’s obesity epidemic, more than half (55 per cent) said the blame lies with the food industry.

 

Jackie Donkin, Nutritional Therapist at Nuffield Health, said; ”People who are trapped in the rut that is obesity need to take a step back and really think about the food they are eating.   As a nation, if we continue in this way we are heading for not only an obese population of children and adults, but a chronically ill population.  The key to success is not just dieting, it is long-term lifestyle changes that people need to adopt and which will only work if taken in small steps over a long period of time.

 

Eating more fruit and vegetables, cutting down on takeaways, or eating food in its natural state, rather than covered in rich sauces, will drastically reduce the amount of fat and sugar we eat.  Increasing day-to-day activity; walking up the stairs instead of taking the lift; walking those short distances instead of taking the car; going for a walk around the block in the evening, will all contribute to a healthier lifestyle, which once adopted will become much easier to maintain over time.”

 

Sterling rises sharply versus the euro and US dollar after better than expected UK GDP data

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“The pound rose sharply versus the euro and US dollar after today’s first-quarter 2013 UK GDP data suggested the economy avoided an unprecedented triple-dip recession by a wider than expected margin. Sterling remains some 2% lower versus the dollar compared to three months ago.” Chris Saint, Head of Currency Dealing, Hargreaves Lansdown

 

Despite the mildly positive GDP outcome for Chancellor Osborne, this does little to alter the bleak overall picture. The economy remains 2.6% smaller than at its 2008 peak, which compares unfavourably with many of the UK’s peers. It also does little to enable the government to refute critics’ claims that its austerity programme is doing more to stifle growth than it is to curb rising public debt. Absent an improbable U-turn from the government’s plan A, hopes of the recovery gathering momentum will inevitably be pinned to monetary measures such as quantitative easing and the newly extended Funding for Lending Scheme. From a currency viewpoint, this should keep the pound on the back foot in the near term given a widespread scepticism that these measures will be sufficient for the economy to gain suitable traction going forward.”

 

At the time of writing, the exchange rates stand at:

 

  Interbank rate                   % daily change

Sterling / US dollar           1.5402                                    0.79%

Sterling / Euro                    1.1805                                    0.62%

Calling The UK’s Female Entrepreneurs: Enter The NatWest Everywoman Awards

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beyonce_super_bowl_The UK’s longest-running programme for championing female enterprise, the NatWest everywoman Awards is welcoming entries for 2013. These awards, in their eleventh year, differentiate themselves by recognising business success at every stage of maturity – from embryonic start-ups demonstrating promise to established enterprises that are making a significant contribution to the British economy.

The search is now on to find the female entrepreneurs who will join the ranks of past winners; Chrissie Rucker MBE, Jo Malone MBE, Cath Kidston MBE, Hilary Devey and Dame Mary Perkins as well as the dozens of other women of all ages, household names of tomorrow, who are leading successful businesses the length and breadth of the country.

The number of people setting up their own businesses has jumped by 367,000 since the start of the downturn in 2008*, demonstrating how while necessity may be the mother of invention, a recession can be the mother of innovation. Every year, these awards demonstrate how women from all backgrounds are turning to entrepreneurship to realise their career ambitions. The NatWest everywoman awards raise the profile of pioneering, innovative, inspiring women whose journeys serve to encourage others to join the existing 4.2 million business owners in the UK.

The NatWest everywoman Awards are free to enter and individuals can be nominated or can enter themselves. The core award categories are:


Artemis – given to the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged 25 or under.

Demeter – awarded to the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged between 26 and 35.

Athena – presented to the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged between 36 and 49.

Hera – for the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged 50 or over.

Specialist categories include:

Iris – presented to the most inspirational and successful female entrepreneur who runs a technology business that makes a difference provides real solutions in the world today and, ultimately, is instrumental in building a smarter planet.

Hestia – for the most inspirational and successful female entrepreneur who runs a business in a remote rural location and makes a contribution to the local community.

Gaia – awarded to the most inspirational and successful female entrepreneur who runs a business with a clearly defined social and/or ethical purpose at its heart.

Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder and director of everywoman comments: “These awards recognise that starting and building a successful enterprise does not come with an instruction manual. We understand that business success is driven by women of all ages, from all backgrounds, across industry sectors. Over the years we have recognised hundreds of women who exhibit diverse skills and characteristics that have helped them succeed. Enterprise has never been more popular, and it is encouraging that so many more women are pursuing this route. We want to search out and identify the country’s hidden female entrepreneurs, whether they are just a year into their journey or are growing an established business turning over millions of pounds. By spreading the word about the triumphs of these trailblazing women, others will appreciate how rewarding owning a business can be, and have the confidence to follow in their footsteps.”

Nominations are made online at http://www.everywoman.com/ewawards until 8 July and will be judged by a panel of accomplished businesswomen and entrepreneurs.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony held on 4 December 2013 attended by hundreds of the UK’s leading businesswomen, politicians, media and VIPS. For further information and for table bookings, please contact everywoman directly on 020 7981 2574.

Is China Buying The World? | Book Review

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This short book is more than food for the brain, it is fascinating, a snapshot of history. Touching on a popular subject and often asked question by the global media; Is china buying the world?

Peter Nolan’s well researched short book is full of facts and weighty political and financial debate. Nolan certainly knows his stuff, as well he should; he is Professor of Chinese Development at the University of Cambridge and is one of the leading international experts on China and the global economy.

Did you know?: China accounts for 26 percent of the total foreign holding of US debt. However Britain and Japan hold more US public debt than China. China only holds 12 per cent of total US public debt.

Everyone in business should read this book. It also has lots of fun, fascinating graphs and tables. This book gives a stunning insight into business in China, the UK, US and beyond.

Another point I got from the book is a certain racism against China. I know China has a dodgy history of human rights, but it would seem that the western world is finding it hard for anyone else to take over it’s dominance: perceived or otherwise. A point that Nolan point out is not good for peace or international relations. The book also touches on another subject “Who are We?” and are there any business which are British, or American left?

China is the world’s second biggest economy and its largest exporter. It possesses the world’s largest foreign exchange reserves and has 29 firms in the FT 500 list of the world’s largest companies. ‘China’s Rise’ preoccupies the global media, which carry regular articles suggesting that it is using its financial resources to ‘buy the world’.

Is there any truth to this idea? Or is this just scaremongering by Western commentators who have little interest in a balanced presentation of China’s role in the global political economy?

This book is a must-read. A lot of people are worrying about the ‘awakening giant’ of China, let Peter Nolan allay your fears.

You can buy Is China Buying the World? here.

What Recession? How Biomedical Device Companies Thrived in a Bad Economy

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New Study Reveals the Secrets to this Industry’s Success during an Economic Downturn

The biomedical devices industry grew, invested, and prospered from 2007 to 2009, flouting an overwhelming trend that saw many of the world’s largest companies collapse during the worst economic climate since the Great Depression. How did they do it? A new analysis of this industry from WTP Advisors, the global tax and business advisory firm, reveals three key traits that helped recession-proof the top independent biomedical device makers around the world, and determines whether or not their success is sustainable over the long-term.

The study is published in the current online edition of the biomedical industry journal MD+DI.

“In short, our study shows that the best of biomedical device makers succeed by making very little, very well, for sale at very high prices,” says lead author, Yair Holtzman, director at WTP Advisors and Global Life Sciences practice leader.

The authors looked at 25 of the top independent biomedical device makers worldwide[1] and analyzed their business strategies, financial results, marketing investment, product portfolios, and research and development to better understand what drove growth and profitability in a time of worldwide downturn.  They found three common characteristics shared by the most successful of the 25 firms that appeared to contribute to their growth during the recession, and are still a factor today, including:

  • High Value-Added Manufacturing: Building advanced technology products in developed markets while adding a very high level of value to base costs has and will continue to do well for this sector.  For highly differentiated products sold as customized solutions, the U.S. and Europe have been great places to establish and grow businesses.
  • Increased Marketing Efforts: These companies continued to increase spend on marketing efforts during the Great Recession of the last couple of years (2008-2010).
  • Investment in Research & Development and New Products: The most successful biomedical device companies developed a robust pipeline of new products and R&D capabilities, which allowed them to navigate challenging times successfully. Even during the great recession they were increasing their R&D spend.

However, Holtzman warns, “Despite the unparalleled success of the biomedical device industry from a 10,000 foot view, our close study reveals operational fissures that, if left unchecked could threaten future growth.”

For instance, some firms, having grown through acquisition of start-ups and by purchasing of piece parts of organizations now have too many plants and too many labs to be efficient.

Holtzman believes that consolidation will be a key driver facilitating growth over the coming years and that companies should sweep up the collections of purchased parts and turn these businesses into coherent and focused companies in order to achieve maximum efficiency.

In the future, the industry review reveals that the big opportunity for the biomedical device business – one already being grasped by the best in the industry – will be to move beyond the sometimes bumpy revenue stream from selling things, and migrate to a business model focused on selling systems that provide a point of control and differentiation (through software) or that yield sustained revenues from related consumable products used in caring for patients.

“This is the kind of strategy that worked for King Gillette when his business first adopted the razor and blades model, and one that has also worked for IBM as it has migrated from a hardware business to one driven by sustained revenue streams from software and services,” Holtzman says.

Going forward, Holtzman concludes, biomedical device companies will need to demonstrate that a particular intervention improves a specific patient outcome and is more cost effective than existing alternative treatments available on the market.

WTP Advisors is a leader in tax and business advisory services for a global marketplace. Our highly skilled professionals equipped with years of industry experience, coupled with our cutting-edge technologies, make substantive and long-term differences to an organization’s profitability. WTP Advisors is headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., with offices across the Americas, Asia and Europe.

[1] The organizations that were examined in this analysis include:  Abbott Labs, Alcon, B. Braun, Baxter, Beckman Coulter, Becton, Dickinson, Biomet, Inc., Boston Scientific, C R Bard, Inc., CareFusion, Covidien, Danaher, Fresenius Medical Care, Getinge AB-B, Hospira, Medtronic, Smith & Nephew, Inc., St. Jude Medical, Stryker, Synthes, Terumo, Tornier, Varian Medical, Wright Medical, Technology, and Zimmer Holdings.

 

SOURCE WTP Advisors

Betting on Snake Oil By Matt Harwood

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The sinking of my stomach and the pure shame can be felt just as hard-hitting as it will do the day my grand-children ask the question.

“You mean your generation based a majority of their economy, transport infrastructure, and manufacturing on a natural resource you knew was finite and running out? And you did nothing? Are you insane?”

The idea is insanity. To bet such critical parts of our society as transport and energy on an increasingly scarce resource as oil, goes against every human survival instinct. The financial “free market” has over-ridden sensible action.

Petrol prices are only going to go up, as the slick stuff becomes extinct. Anyone waiting for them to subside is fooling themselves.

The “free market” favours oil because you need to keep buying it, so it makes profits. Very nice profits, at that.

You know what doesn’t make such nice profits? Solar energy. After all, you don’t need to keep paying the piper for sun rays. This is the fundamental reason that I worry our switch to renewable sources of energy will fall too late.

I am personally ashamed of fellow humans that put profit before people. Somewhere along the way, the priorities got mixed about.

Now this isn’t a rant against capitalism, nor a cry for help against climate change. This is a statement of common sense – right now we are betting our future on something we know, for a fact, won’t be around in a few decades.

Would you buy a house in an area you knew is going to be knocked to the ground in 5 years time? Would you sign up for an 18 month phone contract with a company that has announced their shutting up shop in a few weeks?

As the day of oil extinction nears, serious investment and intelligence is needed in to alternative energy and ways to replace plastic. The “free market” stops those seeking profits spending too much time on it, so we need a philanthropic, non-profit market to take the slack.

Oil companies know that one day, they won’t have a business. They know that, eventually, they’ll have no product and the energy market won’t be worth what it is today. But they continue on, with almost the same excuse I have used for smoking – “I’ll stop by the time it does me damage. I can’t imagine that far in the future”. Short-term thinking, when so much is at stake, is a mug’s game.

We need a group of smart people to come together in a real initiative to solve this problem once and for all. Any takers?