Latest news with #LIFT
Techday NZ
4 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Anchora marks Asia-Pacific growth with La Trobe University win
Anchora has secured a significant engagement with La Trobe University as it marks its fourth anniversary, underscoring its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The independent marketing technology and AI consultancy commenced work with La Trobe University this month, supporting a substantial digital transformation project. The main focus of the collaboration is on enhancing student acquisition and experience through a new digital strategy. A central part of the project involves designing a first-party data strategy and implementing a Customer Data Platform (CDP). This initiative is intended to reduce La Trobe University's reliance on third-party data, in turn enabling more personalised engagement across digital channels. The approach aims to deliver more effective student recruitment and retention strategies as universities globally adapt to evolving digital landscapes and data privacy requirements. Beyond the data strategy, Anchora is working with the university to develop a unified view of prospective students, support scalable personalisation and reinforce data governance. The work also supports compliance objectives in addition to marketing performance improvements. "When we launched Anchora, we set out to prove that a lean, expert team could deliver complex transformation projects without the overhead of traditional consultancies. In a market dominated by large firms, it's been incredibly rewarding to see our model resonate. Securing partnerships with organisations like La Trobe University is a big moment for us - not just because of their scale, but because they represent the kind of forward-thinking teams we love working with. It's a clear signal that businesses want genuine expertise, agility, and results." The consultancy, established in 2021, initially focused on Adobe platforms, but has since broadened its remit to cover marketing technology, artificial intelligence, and strategic consulting. The expansion is reflected in both geographic reach and its client base across Australia, New Zealand, India, and Southeast Asia. Client wins and performance Anchora has recently added Malaysia Airlines, Spark NZ, and CommSec to its portfolio. The consultancy also highlights results with Auckland Airport, reporting a 72% increase in automation-driven revenue and a fivefold rise in conversion rates following recent engagements. The firm's proprietary delivery tools - Stitch, KMD!, and LIFT - have been deployed to help clients accelerate transformation initiatives across different industries. "We've gone from startup to serious player in just a few years," said Susie Evans, Co-Founder and Finance & Operations Manager. "This anniversary isn't just a milestone - it's a reflection of the momentum we've built and the trust brands are placing in us to help them transform." Diversity and recognition With a workforce of more than 50 professionals spanning multiple countries in the region, Anchora has also made diversity and inclusion a priority. The consultancy is aiming for 40% marginalised gender representation by 2026, is equal-majority female owned, and its team represents 11 distinct cultural backgrounds. "I'm incredibly proud of what we've built here at Anchora - not just in terms of growth, but the team behind it," added Max Barraass, Chief Innovation Officer and Co-Founder. "We've delivered complex transformation projects, grown into new markets and built trusted partnerships with some of the region's most respected brands. As we scale, we'll stay focused on impact, pace and delivering results for our clients." Recognition for Anchora's work includes the Adobe Emerging Solution Partner of the Year for APAC and ANZ (2025) and the 2024 Strategic Collaboration Solution Partner of the Year. The consultancy is also a finalist for Mumbrella's Specialist Agency of the Year, with results to be announced shortly. The company will close its anniversary with the launch of "Anchora Say Relax", an initiative intended to express appreciation to its long-term clients and provide prospective partners with insight into its team dynamic and approach to working relationships.
New Indian Express
07-08-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
AP offers land at Rs 0.99 per acre to woo IT giants under new LIFT Policy
VIJAYAWADA: In a bid to emerge as a major IT hub, the Andhra Pradesh government is offering an attractive incentive - land at a mere 0.99 rupees per acre across the state. The State Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, approved the AP Land Incentive for Tech Hub (LIFT) Policy (4.0) 2024-2029, leveraging the state's land bank to attract prominent companies. This policy was formulated to utilise the infrastructure and talent in Andhra Pradesh, keeping in mind the need for new economic centres after the loss of Hyderabad city following the state's bifurcation. Given the increasing congestion and costs in Tier-1 cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Gurgaon, this cost-based attraction strategy aims to attract prominent companies by choosing land as a development driver, eliminating relocation costs and associated risks. The policy outlines specific rules for financial investment institutions. GCCs need to create 500 jobs per acre For IT/ITeS companies, the criteria include having Fortune/Forbes rankings listing in the past 3 years or at least USD 1 billion market capitalization or annual revenue, creating at least 3,000 jobs in 3 years, and 500 jobs per acre. For Global Capability Centers (GCCs), the criteria include creating at least 2,000 jobs in 3 years and 500 jobs per acre. For IT Park Developers, the requirements include having already developed at least 10,00,000 commercial office space, constructing at least 1,00,000 per acre, and having a total of 10,00,000 built space. For GCC Developers, the requirements include an anchor tenant agreement (20% built-up space) and at least 50% of the IT office space must be sold to eligible companies. The construction period requires legal licenses and construction commencement within 6 months from the sale agreement.
Hans India
07-08-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Cabinet nod for free bus travel for women
Vijayawada: The state Cabinet on Wednesday approved free bus travel for women across the state from August 15. Under the 'Stree Shakti' scheme, the government will provide free travel for women in nearly 75 per cent of the APSRTC's total operational fleet of 11,449 buses. The Cabinet also okayed the privatisation of 22 hotels and resorts of the AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) 'to improve service quality, operational efficiency, and revenue'. Other major decisions taken by the Cabinet, at its 27th e-meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu at the Secretariat, included approval of the AP Land Incentive for Tech Hub (LIFT) Policy (4.0) for 2024-2029, aimed at attracting major IT companies by offering them land at a subsidised rate of Rs 0.99 per acre across the state. Information & Public Relations, and Housing Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy announced the decisions made by the Cabinet approving important proposals, with focus on fulfilling the coalition government's promises. Parthasarathy said that contrary to reports that 'Stree Shakti' would be implemented only in select districts with limited fleet, women will be allowed to travel free in a total of 8,456 buses. The scheme is expected to cost the government Rs 1,942 crore annually, or approximately Rs 162 crore per month. Services such as Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express, and Express will offer free travel to women, benefiting approximately 2.62 crore women, girls, and transgender individuals annually. Each family could save up to Rs 1,000 per month through this initiative, the Minister said. Passengers will need to show an Aadhar, voter, or ration card as ID. The approval of the free bus travel scheme for women, aside from other significant schemes like NTR Bharosa and Thalliki Vandanam demonstrates the government's commitment to its promises, he observed. The Cabinet approved a proposal to select agencies to manage and operate 22 hotels and resorts of the APTDC. The corporation's properties will be divided into six clusters and handed over to private operators. The Cabinet also approved the cancellation of the land allotment to the Oberoi Group in Tirupati, following a request to this effect from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board and concerns expressed by locals about the need to maintain the sanctity of Tirumala. The government will now facilitate a land swap with TTD for the AP Tourism Authority (APTA) land. The Cabinet has also given its nod for an amendment to the AP Excise (Grant of Licences) Rules to allow "permit rooms" (in-shop drinking facilities) at A4 liquor shops for the 2024-26 licence period. The new policy will allow these rooms for a licence fee of Rs 5-7.5 lakh, generating estimated additional revenue of Rs 256 crore annually.
The Print
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Print
Andhra govt to roll out free bus travel scheme for women statewide from Aug 15: Minister
'I'm happy to share that free bus travel for women will commence on August 15,' said the State Information and Public Relations Minister, adding that the initiative is aimed at empowering women and enhancing their access to opportunities in education, employment, and other sectors. The scheme, titled 'Stree Shakti' (Women's Power), is expected to cost Rs 1,942 crore annually—approximately Rs 162 crore per month—and aims to empower women by improving access to education, employment, and mobility. Amaravati, Aug 6 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Minister K Parthasarathy on Wednesday announced that the state government's flagship free bus travel scheme for women, a key poll promise, will be launched across the state on August 15. Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Parthasarathy dismissed reports suggesting the scheme would be limited to select districts. 'There were reports that the scheme would be restricted to certain areas, but it has been decided to implement it statewide,' Parthasarathy said. Of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation's (APSRTC) total fleet of 11,449 buses, 8,456—nearly 75 per cent—will operate under the 'Stree Shakti' scheme. Bus services such as Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express, and Express will offer free travel to women. The initiative is expected to benefit up to 1.4 crore women annually, with each family potentially saving up to Rs 1,000 per month, Parthasarathy said. The Cabinet also approved several other key proposals, including the Andhra Pradesh Land Incentive for Tech Hub (LIFT) Policy 4.0 (2024–2029). Parthasarathy said the policy was introduced in the wake of Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation and loss of Hyderabad to encourage economic development using existing infrastructure and talent. Under the policy, eligible entities will be allotted land at Rs 0.99 per acre across the state. In the power sector, the Cabinet cleared a government guarantee of Rs 900 crore to the State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India (UBI) to prevent negative reporting to statutory bodies such as Credit Information Bureau India Limited (CIBIL) and Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited (CRISIL) regarding the Andhra Pradesh Power Development Company Ltd (APPDCL). Delays in payments from DISCOMs to APPDCL were cited as the primary reason for the financial strain. Additionally, the Cabinet approved a proposal by the Energy Department to increase the free electricity quota for hair-cutting salons from 150 units to 200 units per month to support the social and economic upliftment of the Nayi Brahmin community. Further, government guarantees amounting to Rs 3,544 crore and Rs 1,029 crore were approved for Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd (APSPDCL) and Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Ltd (APCPDCL), respectively. These are in lieu of counterpart and interim fund loans sanctioned by PFC Ltd for the successful implementation of the revamped distribution sector scheme (RDSS), with a two per cent guarantee commission. The Cabinet also extended the ban on the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and its front organisations under the Andhra Pradesh Public Security Act, 1992, for another year. These include the Radical Youth League (RYL), Rythu Coolie Sangham (RCS), Grameen Peedala Sangham, Radical Students Union (RSU), Singareni Karmika Samakhya (SIKASA), Viplava Karmika Samakhya (VIKASA), All India Revolutionary Students Federation (AIRSF), and Revolutionary Democratic Front (RDF). Among other decisions, the Cabinet sanctioned five assistant public prosecutor posts for Puttaparthi, Movva, Gannavaram, Gajuwaka, and Tirupati, and approved a proposal allowing the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) to raise a Rs 7,500-crore loan for industrial development. PTI STH SSK KH This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
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Business Standard
06-08-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Andhra govt to launch free bus travel for women from Aug 15: Minister
Andhra Pradesh Minister K Parthasarathy on Wednesday announced that the state government's flagship free bus travel scheme for women, a key poll promise, will be launched across the state on August 15. The scheme, titled 'Stree Shakti' (Women's Power), is expected to cost Rs 1,942 crore annuallyapproximately Rs 162 crore per monthand aims to empower women by improving access to education, employment, and mobility. "I'm happy to share that free bus travel for women will commence on August 15," said the State Information and Public Relations Minister, adding that the initiative is aimed at empowering women and enhancing their access to opportunities in education, employment, and other sectors. Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Parthasarathy dismissed reports suggesting the scheme would be limited to select districts. "There were reports that the scheme would be restricted to certain areas, but it has been decided to implement it statewide," Parthasarathy said. Of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation's (APSRTC) total fleet of 11,449 buses, 8,456nearly 75 per centwill operate under the 'Stree Shakti' scheme. Bus services such as Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express, and Express will offer free travel to women. The initiative is expected to benefit up to 1.4 crore women annually, with each family potentially saving up to Rs 1,000 per month, Parthasarathy said. The Cabinet also approved several other key proposals, including the Andhra Pradesh Land Incentive for Tech Hub (LIFT) Policy 4.0 (20242029). Parthasarathy said the policy was introduced in the wake of Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation and loss of Hyderabad to encourage economic development using existing infrastructure and talent. Under the policy, eligible entities will be allotted land at Rs 0.99 per acre across the state. In the power sector, the Cabinet cleared a government guarantee of Rs 900 crore to the State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India (UBI) to prevent negative reporting to statutory bodies such as Credit Information Bureau India Limited (CIBIL) and Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited (CRISIL) regarding the Andhra Pradesh Power Development Company Ltd (APPDCL). Delays in payments from DISCOMs to APPDCL were cited as the primary reason for the financial strain. Additionally, the Cabinet approved a proposal by the Energy Department to increase the free electricity quota for hair-cutting salons from 150 units to 200 units per month to support the social and economic upliftment of the Nayi Brahmin community. Further, government guarantees amounting to Rs 3,544 crore and Rs 1,029 crore were approved for Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd (APSPDCL) and Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Ltd (APCPDCL), respectively. These are in lieu of counterpart and interim fund loans sanctioned by PFC Ltd for the successful implementation of the revamped distribution sector scheme (RDSS), with a two per cent guarantee commission. The Cabinet also extended the ban on the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and its front organisations under the Andhra Pradesh Public Security Act, 1992, for another year. These include the Radical Youth League (RYL), Rythu Coolie Sangham (RCS), Grameen Peedala Sangham, Radical Students Union (RSU), Singareni Karmika Samakhya (SIKASA), Viplava Karmika Samakhya (VIKASA), All India Revolutionary Students Federation (AIRSF), and Revolutionary Democratic Front (RDF). Among other decisions, the Cabinet sanctioned five assistant public prosecutor posts for Puttaparthi, Movva, Gannavaram, Gajuwaka, and Tirupati, and approved a proposal allowing the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) to raise a Rs 7,500-crore loan for industrial development. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
