Month: April 2022

Britain’s journey to the EU: When Churchill called for European unity

LONDON – Britain officially withdrew from the European Union on 31 January, following a weak political period that has sharply divided the nation since the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Establishing new relations between Britain and its Europeans is a difficult negotiation Neighbor Will continue throughout 2020. This series of stories describes Britain’s tortured relations with Europe from the post-World War II years to the present.

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Europe seems to be the source of controversy in Britain forever. This is probably why there was never a consensus on the benefits of being a member of the European Union and why the country was so divided in the run-up to Brexit Day.

While there may be no greater lover of the horrors of Scandinavian or Greek beaches than the British, sentiment towards the European Union was much warmer in the country’s 47-year membership. One of the ironies of Brexit is that Britain now has some of the most pro-EU supporters anywhere in the bloc.

Many reasons for the complex relationship have been mentioned. Perhaps, an imperial past has clouded Britain’s membership. Maybe it’s just the fact that there’s a strip of water that separates the country from what is often referred to as a “continent.” Britain has always been wary of the changing alliances in Europe since the Norman conquest of 1066.

Whatever the primary implications behind the Brexit vote in 2016, Britain has always considered itself as a landlocked country.

Ironically, it was Winston Churchill who called for a “United States of Europe” in the aftermath of World War II.

In a speech in Zurich in 1946, one year after the end of the war and after he was forcibly ousted as British Prime Minister in a general election, Churchill outlined his vision for post-war Europe.

He said that peace and prosperity could come only if France and Germany removed their centuries-old mistrust and started working as partners.

“The structure of the United States in Europe, if built in a good and genuine sense, would be like making the material strength of a single state less important,” he said. “Small nations will count as adults and earn their respect through their contributions to the common good.”

Churchill did not imagine Britain as part of this great endeavor. Its role, like that of “strong America” ​​and even Soviet Russia, will be to act as “friend and patron of the new Europe.”

This notion of Britain’s role provides an explanation for its decades-long obscure relationship with Europe. It was late joining the club, the rules were written 16 years later, in fact. As a member, it often mumbles about all the integration suggestions that came up. Words like “awkward” or “semi-isolated” were not unusual descriptions of Britain’s membership.

Despite a narrow 52% -48% majority in favor of leaving the club, probably inevitably, that vote ended in June 2016.

After all, perhaps Brexit was inevitable.

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Follow the full coverage of Brexit and British Politics AP here: https://www.apnews.com/Brexit

Pan Pilas, Associated Press

Amazon Advertising: 3 Tips for an Effective Campaign

Amazon is an incredible tool for an ecommerce business, and taking the time to create and implement ads is a great way to expand your audience and see more success. But what should you focus on to see a successful campaign? With so many different aspects to focus on when combining Amazon ads, this can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. Check out our top three tips for an effective Amazon ad promotion!

1. Create brand awareness

Creating brand awareness should be a major focus for you, especially when selling something on Amazon. Taking advantage of the many retailer platforms, brand awareness is a great way to help customers know who you are and what you sell and give you the desire to be true to yourself and your brand. When it comes to Amazon advertising, one of the most effective ways to create brand awareness is to take advantage of Amazon-sponsored brand ads. These ads will put your brand and your items at the top of an Amazon search, helping customers see your product more often. Sponsored brand ads give you the ability to customize banner ads, so take advantage of this opportunity to really sell your brand here with the right kind of design.

2. Use keyword research

Keyword research is a key part of the digital marketing puzzle, and it’s vital for you to succeed at Amazon. Regardless of the tool you use to complete your keyword research, get a list of the keywords you’re ranking for and apply them to your Amazon ads. In fact, they apply to everything related to the products you sell on Amazon Use them in your title tags, title tags and product descriptions. Ask people to leave reviews because they probably don’t realize they’re going to use keywords in their reviews. Keywords are a key to getting people what they’re looking for, so take some time, do your research and roll them out.

3. Track your performance

The key to your success with your Amazon ad is to measure your results. That way, you’ll know which ones are working best for you and what tweaking might be used to help drive more results. With Amazon trends constantly evolving and evolving, tracking your performance is something you want to constantly focus on. The three main points you want to track are your clickthrough rate, cost per click, and your conversion rate. Clickthrough rate is the number of clicks your ad receives, which usually means your ad is more effective. Cost per click is the average cost you pay per click: The more clicks you receive, the less you pay per click. The conversion rate tells you how many clicks have been converted to sales

So be sure to consider these three tips as you prepare to launch your Amazon ads. Taking the time to create the best Amazon ads is a surefire way to see the success of your ecommerce business. So take your time and measure your success. You got this!

World shares mixed before the central bank’s decision

TOKYO – Stock markets traded narrow on Monday as investors awaited the central bank’s decision and earnings report next week. The US stock market will be closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

In Europe, France’s CAC 40 fell 0.2% to 6,089, while Germany’s DAX rose 0.1% to 13,541. Britain’s FTSE 100 fell 0.3% to 7,654.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.2% to close at 24,083.51, while Australia’s S&P / ASX 200 added 0.2% to 7,079.50. South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.5% to 2,262.64, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 0.9% to 28,800.63. The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.7% to 3,095.79.

China’s central bank has kept its one-year loan prime rate unchanged at 4.15%, keeping credit more flexible as it uses other methods to pump liquidity into the market before the Lunar New Year.

The rate became the norm in China in August, based on quotes from major banks. The People’s Bank of China could indirectly influence this through its own interest rate decisions, and “seems to have taken a wait-and-see approach in response to the recent improvement in economic data,” said Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics. A comment

However, “with the potential for growth to come under renewed pressure, we expect the PBOC to resume its rate cuts much earlier,” he said.

Elsewhere, investors are looking to a statement from the Bank of Japan when its two-day policy meeting ends on Tuesday. The European Central Bank will decide on interest rates later in the week. Markets around the world are also watching for expected earnings reports from companies next week.

On Friday, Wall Street limited a milestone-setting week to more modest gains that pushed major stock indices to all-time highs.

The benchmark S&P 500 index also marked its second-straight weekly gain.

Technology stocks have driven much of the broader market gains with communications service providers and banks. Energy sector stocks were only falling. Bond prices have fallen, yields have risen.

The latest batch of positive corporate earnings reports and economic data have helped keep investors in a buying mood since the mid-week signing of a preliminary trade agreement by the United States and China. Progress in trade has reduced fears that the conflict could escalate further on Wall Street.

Energy: Benchmark crude oil rose 3 2 cents to .8 58.86 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Internationally, Brent crude rose 45 cents to. 85.30 a barrel.

Currency: The dollar rose from 110.13 yen to 110.18 Japanese yen on Friday The euro fell from $ 1.1191 to $ 1.1084.

Yuri Kageyama, Associated Press

How to build a career in real estate development

Those who are successful in real estate do so through hard work.

What do they do?

Real estate developers like Roger Austin Jacksonville Professional choose a property and plan for its long-term use. They often buy the property themselves or secure funding to do so. These projects may include residential areas, commercial property or large-scale government initiatives.

What kind of carriers are available?

Many developers have a niche. Some work independently to purchase property and build low-cost housing or apartment complexes. Others become financial analysts or advise urban planners for large investment firms. You can finally run your own development group like founder Roger O’Stein Jacksonville. Managing a real estate loan for a bank is another potential career path.

Do you need education?

Developers do not have to have a specific degree. Many businesses have specialized training and / or have a real estate license. In this case experience is more important than education.

What does it feel like to work on real estate development?

Working in this case is rarely boring. You have to take some risks to buy and develop the property, but you can also take home an impressive salary. Your job is to oversee the entire project, so you need to bring together a team of experts in areas like law, construction and labor. You must agree to the terms of the contract with each member of your team regarding pay and expectations. Planning is a time consuming but crucial part of being a developer. You will be responsible for ensuring that all buildings are well-constructed, comply with building codes and completed in accordance with your plans and deadlines. Promoting your business will also take a part of your time.

On a typical day, you may need to go to meetings with your team, visit different worksheets, and resolve issues as they arise. However, no two days will be one!

Security is tight in Davos as protesters march on the venue

DAVOS, Switzerland – Hundreds of disgruntled protesters against the elite World Economic Forum are heading to their annual rally in Davos amid snowfall, as officials with US President Donald Trump and other dignitaries on Monday detailed additional security measures such as vehicle checks and webcam closures. Arrive.

Zurich regional police said about 130 participants who were “protected under international law” – including the royal family, the president and the prime minister – were expected to attend the rally in Davos from Tuesday to Friday. All told, about 3,000 leaders from civil society, business, politics and other places in 118 countries are expected to mark the 50th anniversary of the forum.

Protesters with the “Strike-WEF” group, who began marching on Davos on Sunday, issued a security measure: a regional police order that no more than 300 people could take part in a planned protest near the town hall. Authorities insisted the square was too small to hold many people. They call such restrictions anti-democratic.

“While they can accommodate 3,000 people – who are the richest people on the planet – but only 300 of the remaining 99% of us, it’s a joke,” said Payal Parekh, a spokesman for the group. . Members of the group and its supporters – some dressed as Ronald McDonald’s get-up – were heading for Davos but were blocked off the main road.

“There are ways to get to Davos,” he said. “We are creative and flexible.”

Rosalina Mueller, a spokeswoman for the Young Socialists who helped organize the protests in Davos, praised the idea of ​​leaders coming together, but said they had failed to help the world in the last half-century.

“They say they want to make the world a better place, but for 50 years they have done nothing,” he said. The organizers of the forum point to a number of initiatives, such as planting trees, listing businesses in advocacy programs, and bringing together thousands of promising young people to help their communities around the world.

Swiss national authorities were limiting airspace and allowed 5,000 troops to take part in increased security. Authorities and forum organizers have allocated 9 million for additional security during the event.

Zurich authorities are stepping up security checks on people and vehicles and advising visitors at Zurich airport to use public transport for Trump’s expected arrival on Tuesday.

Jamie Keaten, The Associated Press

Here are 5 ways to make sure your small business is consistent

It’s important to make sure your business complies with all state, local, and federal compliance laws because your business could face serious penalties if you fail. Here are five ways you can help ensure your business meets compliance requirements.

1. Use compliance software

One of the most difficult aspects of maintaining compliance is keeping up with all the changing rules and regulations. Using compliance software, such as Azakaw, can help you stay on top of changing laws because these programs need to be updated whenever a law, procedure, rule or guideline changes. To ensure compliance, it is best to use either a subscription service or a program that updates automatically.

2. Make sure you are in a good position

To make sure your business is currently relevant, you should obtain a certificate of good location from your state and periodically check to make sure it is still valid. This certificate verifies that your business is registered with the state, has paid the fee, has submitted all the required documents and has been given permission to conduct business in the state. Most certificates have an expiration date. You will usually need to renew your certificate and submit the required documents and fees by the expiration date.

3. Register and get a license

In most states, businesses have to register with the state to conduct business legally. You must follow your state guidelines to register your business name and obtain the required license or permit.

4. Consider outsourcing your HR department

Many small businesses cannot afford a full time human resources department. You can ensure that your business stays loyal by outsourcing these functions to an independent HR service. Since doing HR should be their full-time business, they should be familiar with the rules and regulations and be up-to-date on anything that changes.

5. Consult an attorney

An attorney may be able to review your processes and documentation periodically to make sure you are still loyal. An experienced attorney should be familiar with your state’s laws and find areas of non-compliance that internal employees may miss. An attorney may be able to assist you if you face disciplinary action because of compliance oversight.

Since many laws govern business and those laws change over time, adhering to a small business can be a challenge. Setting up internal methods and double-checking those methods with external help can make it easier to stay consistent.

Growing inequality is destroying confidence in capitalism – survey

DAVOS, Switzerland – Growing income inequality is undermining capitalist confidence around the world, according to a survey conducted by public relations firm Edelman ahead of a gathering of elites at a Swiss ski resort in Davos.

Among those surveyed in the report released on Monday, 56% feel that capitalism is doing more harm than good in spite of strong economic growth and almost full employment for another year in many developed countries.

This scathing search could spark a stir among business executives and political leaders as they approach the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

“We live in a trust paradox,” said Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman, who has been conducting the confidence survey for 20 years. “As we begin to measure confidence, economic growth has encouraged growing confidence.”

While the link between economic growth and trust remains in developing regions such as the Middle East and Asia, the survey found that growing inequality in many rich countries has weakened confidence in capitalism.

“Fear is dampening hopes, and long-held speculation about hard work leading to upward dynamics is now illegal,” Edelman said.

Corruption, corporate Abuse And fake news is destroying trust, Edelman said, fear of automation in the workplace, lack of training, immigration and the gig economy. According to the survey, 83% of employees worldwide are worried about their jobs.

Businesses and NGOs are the organizations that people trust most to tackle global problems, a blow to governments influenced by populist and partisan politics.

Climate issues are paramount, and business leaders can no longer ignore consumer concerns because brands can quickly become tarnished if they are viewed as unethical.

“There’s a growing risk of sucking brands and CEOs have an order to work from customers and employees,” Edelman said.

Recently, BlackRock CEO Lawrence Fink said his firm, which manages about $ 7 trillion for investors, will focus climate change and sustainability on its investment approach. And Credit Suisse, after a protest against its activities at a branch in Switzerland, said it would stop investing in new coal-fired power plants.

Consumer product giant Unilever, which manufactures Sure Deodorant or Comfort Fabric Conditioner, has promised to halve the use of Virgin Plastics by 2025.

“A catalyst for business change,” Edelman said.

The survey involved 30 minutes of online interviews with more than 34,000 people worldwide between October 19 and November 18 in 28 countries.

Pan Pilas, Associated Press

Why you should get involved in the community

Communities are an important part of society. They organize, protect and enrich the lives of those who live among them. No matter where your community is, getting involved is important. Your voice is important! Here are some reasons why it’s important to get involved in the community and how to get started.

Connection

There are many ways to connect and communicate with others, but engaging with the community is a great way to find people who are close to you and share your interests. There are many service opportunities within the community. Whether you have young children, retirement or single adults, you can find partners in the community. Consider looking for opportunities in the community to realize your hobbies or interests.

Experience

The community offers many ways to gain experience. If you are an adult, consider running for city council or other committee. As a youth you can also participate in the city youth council. As you participate, you can find ways to use your skills to help the community. The community is involved with all sorts of different things like stores, schools and local groups. As you become more involved, you can explore opportunities for professional development. Join groups or volunteer for events that will help you further your career.

How to get involved

Looking to get involved in the community? There are many things you can do, and you can start today. Here are a few options.

1. Start voting

One of the best ways you can get involved is to vote! Whether you are part of a democratic, republican or moderate political party, cast your vote. No matter which political party you follow, it is important to provide input to help your community. You can vote for those who are running in your community, state and country.

2. Find the event

Your community probably hosts many events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for events where you can volunteer or participate Try to support local stores, musicians and theater groups You can learn more about these events by visiting the city, joining a Facebook group, and tuning in to community meetings.

3. Donate food and supplies

No time to volunteer? All right. You can still participate by donating to those in need. Whether you donate food to a local food bank or donate clothes to a homeless shelter, you are contributing to the city and helping those who need your resources.

By getting involved you can learn important skills, discover new things and meet new people. Learn how you can get involved today!

Growing inequality is destroying confidence in capitalism – survey

DAVOS, Switzerland – Growing income inequality is undermining capitalist confidence around the world, according to a survey conducted by public relations firm Edelman ahead of a gathering of elites at a Swiss ski resort in Davos.

Among those surveyed in the report released on Monday, 56% feel that capitalism is doing more harm than good in spite of strong economic growth and almost full employment for another year in many developed countries.

This scathing search could spark a stir among business executives and political leaders as they approach the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

“We live in a trust paradox,” said Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman, who has been conducting the confidence survey for 20 years. “As we begin to measure confidence, economic growth has encouraged growing confidence.”

While the link between economic growth and trust remains in developing regions such as the Middle East and Asia, the survey found that growing inequality in many rich countries has weakened confidence in capitalism.

“Fear is dampening hopes, and long-held speculation about hard work leading to upward dynamics is now illegal,” Edelman said.

Corruption, corporate Abuse And fake news is destroying trust, Edelman said, fear of automation in the workplace, lack of training, immigration and the gig economy. According to the survey, 83% of employees worldwide are worried about their jobs.

Businesses and NGOs are the organizations that people trust most to tackle global problems, a blow to governments influenced by populist and partisan politics.

Climate issues are paramount, and business leaders can no longer ignore consumer concerns because brands can quickly become tarnished if they are viewed as unethical.

“There’s a growing risk of sucking brands and CEOs have an order to work from customers and employees,” Edelman said.

Recently, BlackRock CEO Lawrence Fink said his firm, which manages about $ 7 trillion for investors, will focus climate change and sustainability on its investment approach. And Credit Suisse, after a protest against its activities at a branch in Switzerland, said it would stop investing in new coal-fired power plants.

Consumer product giant Unilever, which manufactures Sure Deodorant or Comfort Fabric Conditioner, has promised to halve the use of Virgin Plastics by 2025.

“A catalyst for business change,” Edelman said.

The survey involved 30 minutes of online interviews with more than 34,000 people worldwide between October 19 and November 18 in 28 countries.

Pan Pilas, Associated Press

Managing the most challenging aspects of a family business

Family business can enjoy greater competitive advantage than other businesses because of its unity of leadership, commitment and long-term vision. However, the familial nature of such initiatives, despite being a source of such a lasting benefit, can often lead to undoing.

Ineffective family dynamics can sometimes overwhelm business discussions that lead to unhealthy management practices such as problem avoidance, emotional decision making, or lack of clear communication.

Discussing how to run your business is a key part of your business plan. For example, if a developing Alcohol business plan For a multi-generational business, it is important to address how HR strategies will affect family and non-family employees.

Below we discuss some of the most difficult parts of running a family business and how they can be managed.

Talent development

Raising the next generation for future leadership roles is crucial for a family business. You need to plan for an overall talent development. Which will instill in the next generation a sense of pride in their family heritage and equip them with the skills needed to run their business. Because of the lofty goals of the talent development plan, preparation must begin. Engage the next generation in family business discussions while in college. Communicate regularly with them about the business, so that they understand what it takes to create and run a business. This will help them to draw a realistic picture for their family business.

It is equally important to set out how the next generation can join the business. Highlight the importance of skills and abilities to overcome any bias. Set such guidelines in advance and communicate clearly to the next generation. They will be able to assimilate these rules as they mature, leaving no room for ambiguity or unpleasant surprises. Furthermore, talent development policies that prioritize competence over family bias will ensure that the role is fulfilled by talented, interested individuals, and not just those who are doing it outside of pure family obligations.

Finally, be sure to address how you do it Increase productivity for remote workers Employee options expand in the workplace.

Performance management

In order to effectively manage employee (both family and non-family) performance, family businesses must first and foremost articulate job expectations. Performing job descriptions and reviewing performance frequently. Doing so will give employees the much-needed clarity about their goals, making the performance review process more equitable and more beneficial to both employees and the organization.

One performance issue that is unique to the family business is dealing with under / performing family executives. This is a delicate issue that still needs to be addressed effectively to maintain the health of a business. One way to address this problem is to appoint non-family leaders to oversee family executives. There needs to be a clear policy to support and encourage such non-family employees to evaluate family members without any discomfort or apprehension.

Struggling workers should be given training opportunities or performance improvement plans. If all else fails, get a decent departure strategy planned for the employee in question. Insistence on keeping unemployed family members in business can annoy other employees (especially non-family members). Seeing such a shameless display of family bias can lead to a decline in top talent. It will also have a negative impact on the larger culture of the organization.

Institutional culture

Sometimes due to some complex interpersonal dynamics family businesses may shrink from solving important problems like the ones mentioned above. This type of avoidance strategy may save some family members some discomfort for the moment but it will permanently endanger the business. Strong mechanisms need to be put in place to help family businesses discuss these messy but relevant issues.

Create an organizational culture where no problems are forbidden. Encourage everyone, family and non-family, to ask questions and discuss any issues that affect business and need to be discussed. Apart from that, many family businesses became rigid in their path over the years. They prioritize tradition over change which sometimes causes irreversible loss of business. Try to develop a culture that embraces change and transparent communication to create a business that grows stronger with each generation.