Latest news with #GMW
Auto Car
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Up to £10k off EVs as makers slash prices to beat new grant
Car makers from Hyundai to Volvo are offering up to £3750 off new electric cars as they wait for the arrival of the UK government's new Electric Car Grant (ECG). Announced earlier this month, the ECG has been introduced as a way of stimulating EV sales in the UK, following a period of stagnation since the previous government's Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) was pulled in 2022. The new ECG, backed by £650 million of government funding, will yield a discount for qualifying cars of either £1500 or £3750, depending on their environmental impact. To qualify, car manufacturers themselves must meet science-backed emissions targets, while the individual model lines must start at below £37,000 in entry-level trim. Which discount a model receives is determined by how much CO2 is emitted in an EV's production, assessing the energy used in vehicle assembly as well as battery manufacturing. Threshold levels have yet to be made public. While any manufacturer can apply for their car to be included in the scheme, it's thought that, due to this criteria, cars produced in Asian countries, such as China, South Korea and Japan, will not be eligible for the ECG. This would include cars from Hyundai, MG and GMW – all three of which have already launched their own equivalent discounts, likely pre-empting that their cars will be denied access to the ECG. Below are the discounts already being offered by car makers as they await the results of the ECG applications. Alfa Romeo The Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica – the Italian marque's first EV – can now be had with £1500 off its list price. This leaves the Polish-made compact crossover retailing for £32,405. GWM Chinese firm Great Wall Motor has launched a £3750 grant for the Ora 03 hatchback. The MG 4 EV rival, which was previously named the Funky Cat, now costs just £21,245. Hyundai Hyundai is matching the government's incoming ECG by offering a discount of £3750 on its new Inster hatchback, bringing it down in price to £19,755. The prices of all its other EVs – such as the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Kona Electric – have been slashed by £1500.
Business News Wales
22-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Leaders Reflect on Growth Deal and Wider Investment in Mid Wales
Senior representatives from the UK and Welsh Governments joined Growing Mid Wales (GMW) at the Royal Welsh Showground to reflect on the continued progress being made across the region – and to reaffirm their shared commitment to unlocking further investment and opportunity. With many initiatives gearing up to enter the delivery phase over the next 12–15 months, momentum is building across the Growth Deal as Mid Wales looks to the future and the discussion focused on how joint working continues to drive economic development in the region. The Mid Wales Growth Deal remains a cornerstone of regional investment, with over £110 million jointly committed by the UK and Welsh Governments. The investment is expected to unlock over £400 million in total investment, support between 1,000 and 1,400 jobs, and contribute to raising productivity and GDP across the region. Over the last 12 months, the Deal has continued to move forward, with key achievements including: The launch of the Mid Wales Commercial Property Investment Fund, providing targeted support to develop high-quality commercial space across the region. Full business case approval for projects through the Digital Programme, helping to improve broadband connectivity in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Progress within key areas such as tourism, fostering innovation and resilience in foundational sectors. The Growth Deal is part of a broader, integrated and complementary set of initiatives being driven by GMW – designed to tackle long-standing challenges while building on the region's unique strengths and assets. Together, these initiatives are helping to create the conditions for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Beyond the Growth Deal, the region has also made significant strides through other GMW activity: Investment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is supporting place-based regeneration and local business growth. Energy projects are developing new models for clean, rural energy systems through innovation funding. The Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership continues to align training with employer needs, and Work is underway on a new Regional Transport Plan to improve connectivity across Mid Wales. In a joint statement, Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, joint Growing Mid Wales Board Chairs, said: 'We've reached important milestones through the Growth Deal, but that's just part of the story. By building on our strengths and working collaboratively, we're securing wider investment and laying the foundations for a more prosperous, better-connected Mid Wales. 'We're proud of the progress made not only through the Growth Deal, but across our broader regional work – from energy to skills and regeneration. We look forward to working with both governments to realise future opportunities as part of the new UK industrial strategy and any further investment to continue delivering our shared ambitions for Mid Wales.' Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: 'The UK Government is proud to invest in the future of Mid Wales through the Growth Deal, helping us achieve our mission of economic growth for every part of Wales. 'We are already seeing positive results, and by continuing to work closely with local partners, we can ensure the region thrives and there are good opportunities for generations to come.' Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'The £55 million Welsh Government contribution into the Mid Wales Growth Deal will foster the right conditions to promote economic prosperity and enable businesses to flourish in Mid Wales. 'It will unlock the region's significant potential, create quality jobs, and deliver lasting benefits for communities.' The visit formed part of Growing Mid Wales' presence at the Royal Welsh Showground, showcasing how investment and partnership are helping the region thrive.
Euractiv
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Euractiv
The hypocrisy of the left has gone too far
Loránt Vincze has been an EPP Member of the European Parliament since 2019 on behalf of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ). He is the EPP coordinator in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, the International Secretary of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ), and Chair of the EP Intergroup on Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages. The political left in Europe has mastered the art of selective principles. They champion the rule of law – until it no longer serves their narrative. They demand institutional transparency and an ethics body – as long as the committee of "independent experts" is made up of NGO representatives from their own ideological corner. They defend civil society and non-governmental organisations – so long as those organisations follow the GMW ideology: Green, Migration, and Woke. But let's be honest: what they really want is for GMW-aligned NGOs to receive unchallenged access to EU funds. They talk of accountability while turning a blind eye when these same organisations use public money to lobby the very institutions that fund them – only to return and ask for more. We value the work of NGOs, grassroots organisations, and civic groups that genuinely contribute to dialogue and problem-solving in their communities. NGOs can be ideological, and that's part of healthy democratic debate. But public authorities must not treat those aligned with left-wing causes as more legitimate than conservative ones. Increasingly, grant applications are disregarded unless they explicitly endorse GMW priorities, narrowing pluralism and undermining trust in the fairness of EU funding. This is not principled politics. This is not public service. This is GMW fundamentalism, a form of ideological extremism no less harmful than any coming from the far right. It's rigid, intolerant of dissent, and deeply disconnected from the everyday concerns of European citizens. In Brussels, the political arena has become dominated by this double standard. The so-called 'EU bubble' often demands the political downfall of the centre-right and the right. The message is clear: there is room only for the approved narrative, only for the acceptable ideology. But the left must come down from its moral high horse and step into the real world – the world outside the plenary chamber and beyond the Brussels think tanks. Go and meet the people. Speak to workers, farmers, small business owners, teachers, and families. Listen to what they care about. You'll quickly find that the GMW ideology might stir debate on social media, but it's not what keeps people up at night. Their real concerns? Rising living costs, educational opportunities, access to healthcare, decent wages, honest entrepreneurship, dignified pensions, peace and security. Ironically, many of these are traditionally seen as centre-left issues. But today, they are better addressed by the European People's Party (EPP) and its commitment to the social market economy – a model rooted in responsibility, solidarity, and practical solutions. The centre-right represents the backbone of Europe: families, communities, entrepreneurs, farmers. These are not abstract interest groups; they are real people with real lives and real hopes. And we fight for them. It seems to surprise when the EPP Group pushes back. In truth, we should do it more often – and more firmly. We are Christian Democrats . We stand for European values, for the European way of life, for subsidiarity, for national responsibility in European coordination, and for a strong Europe that acts with purpose in a rapidly changing world. For the EPP, citizens and communities are at the centre – not ideology. And when policies are put to the test in the European Parliament, outcomes may surprise you. In fact, voting records show that in the past year, during final votes there were more than twice as many majorities formed between the Socialists and the right against the EPP than between the EPP and the right against the Socialists. Numbers aside, the EPP will not shy away to get a majority behind rightful decisions. In the end, the verdict on the left's hypocrisy will not be rendered by editorial pages, political spin, or virtue-signalling speeches. It will come at the ballot box – by citizens who are tired of being lectured, and ready to be heard.
Zawya
17-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Edfundo warns UAE's youth of the Finfluencer reality during Global Money Week March 17-23, 2025
Dubai, UAE – The #EducationFirst commitment behind Edfundo, the UAE's first money management app for kids & teens is the driver of this year's participation in Global Money Week (GMW)), with the theme "Think before you follow, wise money tomorrow," to help youngsters make informed money decisions when interacting online. 'This year, GMW and Edfundo are placing the spotlight on the rise of the Finfluencer,' said Simon Wing, Edfundo's Co-founder and CEO, stressing the need for children to receive financial education from an early age as digital finance and Artificial Intelligence become a way of life. Wing explains that a Finfluencer is a financial influencer who offers advice and information on various financial topics, usually through social media platforms: 'These topics can include saving, investing, cryptocurrency, and sometimes even ways to get rich quickly—all tempting topics for teens.' Wing and his Co-Founder & COO, Andrew Toward, are both teachers who understand how youngsters learn, making Edfundo the world's first teacher-built money management platform for families. Toward shared more on the rise of Finfluencers and why parents and teachers should be cautious: "Following the Influencer trend, Finfluencers leverage their popularity or cultural status to sway the financial decision-making process of their followers by promoting or recommending financial products and services. "It's true that the content can provide engaging and accessible financial tips, but most often the finfluencer lacks the necessary qualifications or regulatory oversight to offer sound financial advice leading to the promotion of risky or unsuitable financial products and ways to spend in this cashless society that our youngsters are all too familiar with." Edfundo has also scored another first by on-boarding a 16-year-old as Head of Youth Empowerment. Shaurrya Choudhary is Edfundo's champion behind many youth-led activities in schools throughout Dubai and is delivering workshops throughout the week. "Looking through the lens of young people, I understand the challenges my peers face when it comes to identifying good sources of information and managing money. 'Edfundo's goal is to make financial education relatable and practical and to red flag that finfluencer content especially must be checked and verified. For example, if something is being offered for free, it is highly likely that money will be taken from you in another way." The 13th edition of Global Money Week, organised by the OECD International Network on Financial Education, runs through to March 23, 2025 in more than 150 countries worldwide, including the UAE. Since its launch in 2012, 177 countries have participated, reaching more than 60 million children and young people. Follow Edfundo's journey on social media using the hashtags #Edfundo #FinancialEducationFirst #GlobalMoneyWeek2025 #GMW2025 #FinancialLiteracy #LearnSaveEarn Global Financial Literacy Facts Young adults who received financial education are more likely to save and invest. Studies show that they are 20% likely to have a savings account and 15% likely to invest in stocks. Financial education reduces the likelihood of debt. Young adults with financial literacy education are 30% less likely to incur high-cost debt. Parents who discuss finances with their children help them develop better money management skills. 70% of young adults who had financial discussions with their parents feel more confident about managing their finances. Only 33% of adults are financially literate globally. This indicates that 3.5 billion adults worldwide don't understand basic financial concepts. Finfluencers and Youngsters Influence on Financial Decisions: Finfluencers, or financial influencers, have a significant impact on the financial decisions of young people. They often provide advice on saving, investing, and managing money through social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Engagement with Financial Content: Youngsters are increasingly engaging with financial content online. A study found that 45% of finfluencer content offers general investment guidance, while 36% involves investment promotions. Vulnerability to Misinformation: Teenagers, particularly those aged 11-15, are vulnerable to misinformation and risky financial advice from finfluencers. Many finfluencers lack the necessary qualifications or regulatory oversight to offer sound financial advice. Parental Involvement: Parents who discuss finances with their children help them develop better money management skills. 70% of young adults who had financial discussions with their parents feel confident about managing their finances. Shoulder Surfing Global Prevalence: Shoulder surfing is a common occurrence in public places, especially in crowded environments. According to a survey, 130 out of every 193 shoulder surfing cases occur on public transport. Devices Targeted: A significant majority of shoulder surfing incidents—89.7%—involve smartphones. Ease of Attack: Patterns used to unlock mobile devices are generally easier to shoulder surf and comprehend quickly than PINs and passwords. In a 2019 experiment, 64.2% of participants could uncover a 6-point pattern within a single observation. Impact: Shoulder surfing can lead to significant financial losses. For example, in May 2023, a shoulder surfing victim in the UK lost £70,000 after being observed in a busy public place. Additional Facts Europe: In Europe, a significant number of teenagers are influenced by social media content, including financial advice. A study by the European Commission found that 64% of young people aged 15-24 use social media to follow influencers, including finfluencers. Middle East: In the Middle East, the use of social media is widespread among teenagers. A survey conducted in the UAE found that 85% of teenagers use social media platforms daily, with a growing number following financial influencers for advice. Financial Literacy in Europe: According to the OECD, only 52% of adults in the European Union are financially literate, highlighting the need for improved financial education among young people. Financial Literacy in the Middle East: Financial literacy rates in the Middle East vary, but a study by the Arab Monetary Fund found that only 24% of adults in the region are financially literate, underscoring the importance of financial education initiatives. -Ends- About Edfundo: UAE-based Edfundo, the world's financial education platform for families built by teachers, is dedicated to providing high-quality financial education and services to young people. Unlike other financial apps, the platform is designed by teachers who understand the educational needs of children and teenagers. In addition to the money management app and personal debit card, Edfundo's #EducationFirst resources cover essential topics such as earning, budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding digital finance. This intention is to equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial decisions and achieve financial well-being. Looking ahead, Edfundo is set to launch phase 2 of the Edfundo Learning Lab at the end of 2025. This initiative will further enhance financial education by providing advanced resources and tools to help young people move from financial illiteracy, to financial literacy, and ultimately to financial intelligence, or FQ. For more information, visit Media & Education enquiries | simon@
