Latest news with #LesRoberts
South Wales Argus
03-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Energy price cap update on zonal energy regional pricing
While this isn't new - the Energy Price Cap already has regional pricing for certain areas - Google searches for 'zonal energy pricing' have skyrocketed. Here's all you need to know about what a zonal energy pricing system could look like and how it could be implemented. So, what is zonal energy pricing, and who would be its winners and losers? Les Roberts, energy expert from Bionic, explains: 'Regional energy pricing, or zonal energy pricing, is set to be one of the biggest changes to the UK electricity market in over 35 years. 'The system, if approved by the government, is set to transform the UK's energy market, aiming to make the system more efficient by creating regional energy markets." What's going to happen to the energy Price Cap & is it worth getting a fix. Here are the latest predictions compared to the cheapest fix. The DOWN 8-9% July prediction is pretty solid, after that it's a bit crystal ball gazing. To find ur cheapest fix use — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) April 30, 2025 What are regional energy markets? Regional energy markets are based on the cost of generating and transmitting electricity in each zone, rather than a blanket cost for the whole nation. 'In areas where renewable energy sources are in abundance already, such as Scotland, prices are set to fall by up to 8% in the proposed scheme," says Les. "However, in areas such as London and the South, where demand for electricity and energy is high and electricity often needs to be transmitted over long distances, prices are predicted to rise by 2.4% under regional energy pricing.' (Image: Bionic) Analysing the proposed zonal energy scheme, based on monthly utility bills for UK cities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 Apartment with percentages and proposed regional zones based on research provided by LPC Delta, Bionic has predicted which UK cities will benefit the most and the least from the regional energy pricing scheme. Birmingham would benefit most from the regional price increase, despite the new scheme proposing a predicted 2.4% increase in energy costs. London is set to rank 5th under the regional pricing scheme, with bills predicted to increase by 2.4%, taking the average monthly bill cost to £238.77. Surprisingly, Aberdeen is still set to have some of the highest utility bills in the UK, despite the proposed zonal energy scheme set to reduce costs by 8%. Les says: 'If implemented, regional energy markets are set to transform the UK's energy market, changing not just how much people pay, but also how and where new energy infrastructure is developed. The scheme is set to incentivise regional investment in clean energy projects and has the potential to accelerate the UK towards its 2050 net-zero target.' Recommended reading: What is the energy price cap and when does it change? The term is quite confusing, and it's important to note it's not the maximum price you will pay - it's an average. If you use more, you will pay more. The cap was introduced on 1 January 2019 by regulator Ofgem, with the aim of preventing the millions of households on expensive variable tariffs from being ripped off. The next change is due to be announced later this month and come into force on July 1. But it only limits what you pay for each unit of gas and electricity that you use. It's based roughly on wholesale energy prices (those that firms pay) and applies only to providers' standard and default tariffs, which the vast majority of households are now on. The energy price cap is the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy and standing charge if you're on a standard variable tariff. The energy price cap also sets a maximum daily standing charge.
Associated Press
25-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Les Roberts Featured in Blog Exploring the Business of Luxury Art Collecting
Les Roberts of Miami Fine Art Gallery, Miami, FL, USA Miami Fine Art Gallery Director Breaks Down the High-Stakes Art Market in an Exclusive Feature Les Roberts, Director of Miami Fine Art Gallery, is the subject of a compelling new online blog titled 'The Business of Art: How Galleries Navigate the High-Stakes World of Luxury Collecting.' In the piece, Roberts offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the powerful intersection between art and business, sharing his insights on the evolving world of luxury art collecting. Based in Miami, Florida, Roberts has spent over 15 years curating museum-quality collections that include names such as Rembrandt, Picasso, Warhol, and Banksy. As the leader of one of Miami's most respected galleries, his perspective highlights how art collecting has grown beyond passion into a sophisticated, high-value market influenced by global economics, cultural shifts, and strategic investing. 'Art is about connection and emotion—but in the luxury space, it's also about value,' Roberts explains in the blog. 'The most successful collectors understand both.' The blog dives into key elements shaping the art market today: the role of rarity and prestige, the importance of curatorial expertise, and how galleries like Miami Fine Art Gallery shape both taste and trends. Roberts also emphasizes the significance of white-glove service in the collector experience—from personalized art advisory to the technical details of framing and installation. 'In the luxury space, it's not just what you collect—it's how the experience unfolds,' says Roberts. 'Every detail matters.' Roberts goes on to explore how galleries serve not just as sellers of art but as market influencers, offering clients insights on artist trajectories, provenance, and investment viability. As traditional collectors expand their portfolios and new technologies such as NFTs enter the conversation, Miami Fine Art Gallery remains at the forefront of adaptation. 'The market is evolving quickly,' Roberts notes. 'Collectors are more informed and more strategic than ever before. It's our job to guide them with clarity, authenticity, and vision.' The feature also addresses the emotional and legacy-driven aspects of collecting. While financial appreciation is a key motivator for many, Roberts reminds readers that art's value is also deeply cultural and personal. 'Art tells a story. It represents something bigger than the object itself—it's history, emotion, and identity,' he says. 'That's why so many collectors see it as part of their legacy.' With a reputation for curating exceptional works and offering a highly personalized experience, Les Roberts continues to shape the future of fine art collecting through a blend of business acumen and curatorial passion. About Les Roberts of Miami Fine Art Gallery Les Roberts is the Director of Miami Fine Art Gallery in Miami, Florida. With a background in Art History and Business from New York University and training at Sotheby's, he specializes in guiding collectors through the high-value, ever-evolving world of fine art. To read the full blog, click here. Media Contact Company Name: Les Roberts of Miami Fine Art Gallery Email: Send Email City: Miami State: Florida Country: United States Website: Source: Erase Technologies, LLC
Globe and Mail
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Les Roberts Featured in Exclusive Interview on the Evolution of Art and Collecting
Miami Fine Art Gallery Director Shares Insights on Bridging Classical and Contemporary Art Les Roberts, Director of Miami Fine Art Gallery, has been featured in an exclusive online interview titled 'Les Roberts: The Art of Connecting the Past and Present.' In this deep dive into his life and work, Roberts discusses his passion for curation, the psychology of collecting, and how classical techniques continue to influence today's artists. Since taking over Miami Fine Art Gallery in 2008, Roberts has curated collections that merge historical masterpieces with modern, boundary-pushing works. His expertise, shaped by an Art History and Business degree from New York University and an internship at Sotheby's, allows him to seamlessly blend past and present, introducing audiences to the dynamic evolution of artistic expression. 'Art isn't just about aesthetics,' Roberts shares in the interview. 'It's a language that speaks across generations. What Rembrandt did with light and shadow, contemporary artists are doing with digital tools today.' In the interview, Roberts traces his journey from New York City, where he first developed his love for fine art, to Miami, Florida, where he saw an opportunity to create a gallery space that honored both classical and contemporary traditions. He explains how Miami's diverse culture and events like Art Basel Miami Beach have positioned the city as a global hub for collectors, artists, and enthusiasts alike. The discussion also touches on the psychology of art collecting, highlighting the emotional connections people form with artwork. Roberts notes that for many collectors, it's not just about investment—it's about identity, memory, and meaning. 'Some people collect because a piece reminds them of a specific moment in their life,' Roberts explains. 'Others are drawn to works that challenge them or reflect their personality. Either way, it's about making a connection.' Another key topic in the interview is the role of technology in the art world. Roberts shares how virtual exhibitions, digital collections, and AI-generated art are changing the way people experience and interact with fine art. 'Technology isn't here to replace traditional art,' Roberts says. 'It's enhancing it. It's making art more immersive, more accessible, and helping collectors visualize pieces in ways they never could before.' Looking ahead, Roberts sees a shift in the future of collecting. He predicts more artists will experiment with digital mediums, while collectors will seek deeper, more interactive experiences with the pieces they acquire. 'Art is timeless,' Roberts reflects. 'Whether it's a 300-year-old painting or a brand-new digital creation, its ability to make us feel, think, and connect with the world remains unchanged.' As he continues his work at Miami Fine Art Gallery, Roberts remains committed to honoring the legacy of classical artists while embracing the future of contemporary creativity. About Les Roberts Les Roberts is the Director of Miami Fine Art Gallery, where he curates collections that bridge the worlds of classical and contemporary art. With a background in Art History and Business from New York University and training at Sotheby's, he is dedicated to making fine art accessible and meaningful for collectors worldwide. To read the full interview, click here. Media Contact Company Name: Les Roberts of Miami Fine Art Gallery Email: Send Email City: Miami State: Florida Country: United States Website:
