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Daily Record
03-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Top 10 tips to help start taking control of your finances before summer
Some employers also offer free financial advice on pensions, savings and cost of living. The beginning of 2025 has brought a sense of financial uncertainty for many. Developments such as new trade tariffs under Donald Trump and the rise in National Insurance have placed added pressure on businesses, with some facing difficult decisions including the possibility of redundancies. At the same time, ongoing global conflicts continue to contribute to wider concerns about the future. These factors combined with the high cost of living, can make it difficult for people to gain control over their finances. Research from WEALTH at work - a leading financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist - found that the biggest financial concerns for the year include not having enough savings for unexpected costs (42%), not being able to save enough for the future (37%), not being able to pay basic living costs such as rent, mortgage payments, energy bills, food etc. (34%) and being in debt (29%). Jonathan Watts-Lay, Director, WEALTH at work, said; 'Many people are continuing to feel the financial squeeze on household income. However, it's important to not bury your head in the sand and access the support available to get on top of their finances. 'Most would benefit from having a better understanding of money but are confused where to start. Proactive employers are actively working to help employees improve their financial future by providing a range of financial wellbeing support. This includes financial education and guidance through financial coaches, as well as access to savings vehicles such as Workplace ISAs or Share Plans to build financial resilience. 'This can make a huge difference by giving people the opportunity to understand their finances, including ways to save money, learn about budgeting, manage debt, and how to boost savings and prepare for retirement. So, it is always worth speaking to your employer to find out what help is available.' However, there are steps people can take to improve their financial situation. To help, WEALTH at work has listed 10 tips to help people take control of their finances before summer truly starts. Create a budget The first step is to create a budget. This means working out exactly what your income is, and what outgoings you have e.g. mortgage, debt, childcare, insurance and utility bills. If the amount of money needed each month is more than the amount coming in, you can then work out what action needs to be taken to cover the costs. MoneyHelper has a great budget planner here. Track finances After creating a budget it is important to keep track of spending. Small changes such as ditching takeaways, taking lunch to work and learning to budget can make a huge difference. For example, the average household in the UK spends £1,278 on food at takeaways and restaurants each year. There are many free budgeting apps available which will help to track spending on groceries, eating out, entertainment etc. Make managing debt a priority There are many different types of debt with varying rates of interest. For example, credit cards and overdrafts can have rates of 18% – 40%. It is often a good idea to make paying off expensive debts a priority. For instance, a debt of £3,000 with a rate of 18% APR, could take 10 years and 10 months to pay off, if paying £50 a month, with a total interest paid of £3,495. If that monthly payment was increased to £100 a month, the debt would be paid off in 3 years and 4 months, and interest paid would be only £908. A good option could be to consolidate any debts into a 0% or low interest balance transfer card, as more money will go towards paying the debt off. This would allow it to be cleared over a shorter time period. Shop wisely By switching brands it might be possible to significantly reduce the price of a regular shop. In addition, by planning for the weekly shop in advance, it may help to search for deals and reduce expenditure on non-essential items. Discount vouchers are often available through voucher and discount websites, and some people have access to discount vouchers through their employer. This could mean big savings for those who need to make a costly purchase, such as if the washing machine breaks. Check for savings on household bills When shopping around, it is possible to make significant savings on a range of household bills such as car, home and pet insurance, and broadband and mobile suppliers. Price comparison websites can help to make it easier to compare the different deals available. Start an emergency fund Having money put aside for emergencies can reduce reliance on debt for unexpected costs such as car repairs, house maintenance or a reduction in household income. As a general rule of thumb, it's a good idea to aim for an emergency fund that can cover several months of bills. People should work out if they can afford to put some money aside each month, as even small amounts can add up. Setting up a regular transfer to a savings account can be a useful way of separating this money from regular expenditure. MoneyHelper offers a savings calculator to help determine how long it will take to reach a savings goal, here. Set up a savings standing order If people are able to save it is often a good idea to set up a standing order for saving into an ISA, often this means that they don't notice that the money is going into their savings. Start saving early Saving from a younger age means that money has more time to grow. ISAs are a great way to start saving and provide a tax efficient way to create an emergency fund, or for something you may want in the future. It is important to make sure that you're saving into a pension from early on and aren't tempted to opt out. Many are already paying 5% of their salary into their workplace pension through auto-enrolment, with an additional 3% employer contribution. However, we know that many employers will match any additional contributions (up to certain limits). In fact, if an employee is in their 20s, by saving an extra 1% a year with their employer matching this, it is possible to increase their pension pot in retirement by 25%. Beware of scams Scammers can often prey on people when they may be more vulnerable such as if they are struggling financially. Fraudsters can sound completely legitimate and it's easy to see why so many are fooled. Research from WEALTH at work found that 12% of UK adults have admitted to losing money to a financial scam between 2023 and 2024. This could potentially equate to 6.2 million adults across the UK. If someone contacts an individual with an offer which seems too good to be true, it's vital they check whether the company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA's ScamSmart website is also a good site to visit as it includes a warning list of companies operating without authorisation or running scams. Take action People shouldn't worry if they don't know where to start, as there is plenty of help available. It's always worth speaking to lenders too as they may be able to help those struggling with repayments and Citizens Advice can help with understanding on how to deal with any debts. Many leading employers are also a great source of support and offer financial education and guidance to help with a full range of money matters, as well as providing access to savings vehicles such as ISAs and Share Plans to help build financial resilience.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Hyderabad to adopt ‘land pooling' and Local Area Development Planning to revolutionise HMDA functioning
Transformational shifts are on the cards in the urban development approach in Telangana, with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority setting out to introduce Local Area Development Planning (LADP) coupled with a Comprehensive Land Pooling Policy for better urban planning. Metropolitan Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed in a lengthy interaction on Saturday, said both the policies are aimed at addressing chronic issues such as non-availability of land for organised open spaces, public utilities, social infrastructure and low-cost housing. LADP, which exists in several other States, was not adopted in Telangana due to availability of vast tracts of open land in Hyderabad and surroundings. It involves HMDA in micro-level planning, instead of confining to designing Master Plans. 'As part of Master Plan, the plan area is divided into one to 1.2 square kilometre grid, and roads and other facilities are planned around each of the grids. Planning each grid, consisting of 250 to 300 acres of land, is not taken care of so far, leaving several plots without access roads. LADP envisions intensive planning inside each grid, leading to more organised development,' Mr. Ahmed said. It will also help planners to earmark spaces for public utilities, parks, schools and hospitals, besides providing pedestrian infrastructure. Town planning legislations have provisions for the LADP, but it has so far been neglected in the undivided Andhra Pradesh and Telangana too. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has given in-principle approval for the proposal giving the urban development authority a nod for appointing a consultant for the same. Land pooling policy which is in the drafting stage, involves enforcement instead of the existing consent-based approach. It is being modelled after the policy adopted by the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) of Andhra Pradesh, and requires certain amendments with regard to resumption of assigned lands in lieu of developed plots. Mr. Ahmed shared that three to four tenders are lined up in the month of June respectively for LADP, mapping of the Telangana Core Urban Region, reorganisation of HMDA based on the other similarly sized UDAs in terms of structures and processes, and restructuring of all processes to fit into the new system. Mr. Ahmed also dwelt upon the reasons for delay in launching of works for various projects including the elevated corridors on National Highway 44 and on the State Highway 1, citing bureaucratic delays in land survey under different Defence wings, permissions from Director General of Civil Aviation, and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, a simulation study to be done by IIT Hyderabad for one of the two under tunnels, and procedure to be followed in property acquisition. 'We are also applying the Relief & Rehabilitation provision of the Land Acquisition Act, in order to preclude future complications and court cases,' Mr. Ahmed said, adding that the works may be grounded in the first week of August. Speaking about the radial road connecting the Outer Ring Road with the Regional Ring Road he said the project ran into legal wrangles, and due to stay orders issued from the High Court, the price bid has not been opened, which has stalled the tendering process. Forest permissions too are still in the pipeline, he informed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Imperial Announces Normal Course Issuer Bid
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Imperial Metals Corporation ('Imperial' or the 'Company') (TSX:III) announces the Toronto Stock Exchange (the 'TSX') has accepted the Company's Notice of Intention to make a Normal Course Issuer Bid (the 'Bid') to be transacted through the facilities of the TSX or alternative Canadian trading systems. Pursuant to the Bid, the Company may purchase up to 814,089 common shares, which represents 0.5% of the total 162,817,841 common shares of the Company issued and outstanding as of May 22, 2025. Purchases will be made, at the discretion of the Company, at prevailing market prices, commencing May 28, 2025 and ending no later than May 27, 2026. Pursuant to TSX policies, daily purchases made by the Company will not exceed 12,792 common shares or 25% of the Company's average daily trading volume of 51,168 common shares on the TSX, subject to certain prescribed exceptions. The common shares acquired under the Bid will be used to satisfy the Company's obligations under its Non-Management Directors' Plan and Amended and Restated Share Purchase Plan (the 'Plans'). The funding for any purchase pursuant to the Bid will be financed out of the working capital of the Company. In the previous 12 months, the Company has repurchased 217,504 of its outstanding common shares at a volume weighted average price per share of $2.37 through the facilities of the TSX. The maximum number of common shares sought and approved by the TSX under the terms of the previous Bid was 809,357. The common shares have or will be allocated to satisfy the Company's obligations under the Plans. A copy of the Company's Notice filed with the TSX may be obtained by any shareholder, without charge, by contacting the Company's Chief Financial Officer. About Imperial Imperial is a Vancouver-based exploration, mine development and operating company with holdings that include the Mount Polley mine (100%), the Huckleberry mine (100%), and the Red Chris mine (30%). Imperial also holds a portfolio of 23 greenfield exploration properties in British Columbia. Company Contacts Brian Kynoch | President | 604.669.8959Darb Dhillon | Chief Financial Officer | 604.669.8959 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained in this news release are not statements of historical fact and are 'forward-looking' statements. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect Company management's expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's intentions with respect to the Bid; the price, volume and timing of purchases and funding of such purchases thereunder; the use of shares acquired under the Bid; and the allocation of shares to satisfy the Company's obligations under the Plans. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "outlook", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. By their very nature forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on information currently available to the Company as well as the Company's current beliefs and assumptions. These factors and assumptions and beliefs and assumptions include, among other things, that the Company will complete purchases of common shares pursuant to the Bid and the other assumptions and risk factors detailed from time to time in the Company's interim and annual financial statements and management's discussion and analysis of those statements, and the risk factors detailed in the Company's Annual Information Form, all of which are filed and available for review on SEDAR+ at Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and all forward-looking statements in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Such information is given only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
‘One-stop Shop': How RMA Reforms Could Shake Up Local Government
Article – David Hill – Local Democracy Reporter Change is in store for local government, amid RMA reform. Proposed legislation to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) could bring sweeping changes for local councils. Amid speculation the Government is looking at local government amalgamation as part of the legislation, some believe many council functions could be stripped from them leaving them wondering what functions would be left at a local level. But Environment Canterbury chairperson Craig Pauling firmly believes there is a future for separate district and regional councils. ''There needs to be a partnership between local, regional and central government and we (ECan) are good at bringing people together. ''If you are in Kaikōura, your main focus is Kaikōura, but at a regional level my focus is Canterbury.'' Among the proposed changes is compliance, monitoring and enforcement (CME) functions to go to ''an Environment Protection Authority-type regulator''. A single regional plan is proposed, which would bring together ECan's seven regional plans, four river plans, the 10 District Plans and the various spatial plans developed by local councils. Mr Pauling believes there needs to be something at a regional level for planning and consenting, ''but you can still have delivery of services done at a local level''. He says the proposed changes could lead to a ''one-stop shop'' for consents, instead of developers having to apply to ECan and local councils for different consents for the same development, but is not convinced a unitary authority is the answer. ''You shouldn't have a student marking their own exams.'' A single spatial plan chapter for the region is expected to have legislative clout. But whether this will prevent housing developments, such as the proposed Ohoka sub-division, near Kaiapoi, appearing outside of a designated urban area remains uncertain. ''I suspect not because of the premise in the RMA reforms for private property rights,'' ECan deputy chairperson Deon Swiggs says. ECan is continuing preparation work for a new Canterbury Regional Coastal Environment Plan and a single regional plan. Former ECan chairperson Peter Scott blasted his colleagues last month for ''wasting money'' in allowing staff to continue planning work in the face of change. But Mr Swiggs said staff were conducting research and analysis which will help to inform future plans, regardless of the planning framework. ''We still have work to do and we need to get on and do it,'' Mr Swiggs said. ''The work of our staff will endure regardless of what planning frameworks we have in place in the future.'' In November, ECan voted to delay notifying the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement until January 2026, while it awaits more certainty with RMA reform. The council is also waiting for advice from the Environment Minister on whether it can notify a plan change to the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan designed to resolve issues arising from a Supreme Court ruling in 2023. Local Government Minister Simon Watts said amalgamation is a local decision and the Government will not force councils to amalgamate. He said the RMA replacement legislation will include provisions relating to the roles, responsibilities and processes of local government. 'I have asked my officials to work with the sector on what that could mean for councils.' RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said the new legislation 'will provide a radical transition to a far more liberal planning system with less red tape' and an emphasis on property rights. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Time Business News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
What Role Does Akamai Linode Play in Next-Gen Internet Security?
By offering reliable and scalable cloud computing solutions along with cutting-edge security frameworks, Akamai Linode Dedicated CPU Plan knowingly contributes to the development of next-generation internet security. It provides companies more flexibility and control over how they deploy, manage, and protect applications. Dedicated CPU Plan delivers robust defense against online dangers such as DDoS assaults, data breaches, and malicious traffic through its global infrastructure, ensuring reduced downtime and improved dependability. By allowing quicker threat detection and mitigation nearer the source, its edge computing competencies shorten response times and improve security posture overall. Through direct security integration into its network and cloud facilities, Akamai Linode helps companies make safe, effective digital experiences. Also, by emphasizing developer-friendly tools and affordable solutions, it allows enterprises of all sizes to access enterprise-grade security, fostering innovation although protecting vital data and apps in a digital environment that is becoming more composite by the day. Understanding Akamai's Dedicated CPU Plan: A New Era of Cloud and Security with HostnetIndia A leader in cloud computing and edge security, universal, Akamai Linode offers a potent blend of advanced security and adaptable cloud infrastructure. Companies can access high-performance, secure hosting environments when they work with a trustworthy hosting company, HostnetIndia. Through this collaboration, businesses can now take advantage of scalable cloud solutions with integrated security, guaranteeing unified operations and defense against contemporary cyber threats. Businesses have a benefit in the digital market thanks to Akamai Linode's strong infrastructure and HostnetIndia's reliable hosting and customer service. How Akamai Linode Dedicated CPU Plans, and HostnetIndia Empower Businesses against Cyber Threats? HostnetIndia and Akamai Linode Dedicated CPU Plans work together to offer a strong defense against changing online threats. HostnetIndia guarantees optimal server management, real-time observing, and prompt mitigation support, although Akamai Linode provide low-latency universal coverage, secure network architecture, and innovative DDoS protection. This dynamic team ensures uptime, keeps sensitive data, and prevents revenue loss from attacks, allowing companies of all sizes to work fearlessly in a world that prioritizes digital. An ecosystem where resilience and performance coexist is produced by their joined expertise. Securing the Cloud: Why Akamai Linode, and HostnetIndia Are the Perfect Duo? An alliance for protecting cloud infrastructure was formed by Akamai Linode, and HostnetIndia. Akamai Linode offers enterprise-grade security, including automated DDoS attack mitigation, along with dependable, globally dispersed cloud services. HostnetIndia's management, customization, and optimization of hosting environments for particular business necessities, on the other hand, enhance these offerings. When combined, they guarantee that companies preserve system obtainability, compliance, and data privacy in addition to taking advantage of the robust cloud resources. Together, these two enable organizations to concentrate on expansion while managing security and reliability. Akamai Linode's Advanced DDoS Protection and HostnetIndia's Trusted Hosting Solutions Akamai Linode is well known for its sophisticated DDoS defense, which keeps online assets from malicious attacks and traffic surges while maintaining business continuity. Clients can get a seamless, safe, and high-performing environment by working through HostnetIndia, which provides reliable, fully managed hosting solutions. Through continuous monitoring, this combination guarantees quick, safe, and scalable service even if you're running databases, apps, or websites. For example, the Dedicated CPU Plan (4GB RAM at $36/month) from Akamai Linode guarantees CPU performance that is perfect for demanding workloads, and HostnetIndia guarantees unified deployment and continuous support. Next-Gen Internet Security Simplified: The Power of Akamai Linode, and HostnetIndia Together The integration of HostnetIndia's customized hosting solutions through Akamai and Linode's next-generation internet security streamlines the way businesses handle online security. Akamai Linode's edge-based defenses, which contain real-time threat mitigation and anti-DDoS, guarantee that networks are always secure from intruders. Through their practical experience in server management, HostnetIndia guarantees that industries receive proactive defense and customized setups. A sincerely straightforward, contemporary approach to digital resilience, they work together to eliminate the hassle of hosting and security management, providing a plug-and-play model that allows businesses to grow and innovate without worrying about exposures. Conclusion The growing essential for high-performance, scalable, and secure cloud solutions is addressed by the strong synergy that Akamai and HostnetIndia produce together. Businesses need a complete solution that combines dependable infrastructure and strong security because cyber threats are continually changing. Enterprise-grade security, low-latency worldwide networks, and sophisticated DDoS protection are all provided by Akamai, guaranteeing that businesses are always safe and functional. As an alternative, HostnetIndia offers reliable hosting services, knowledgeable server administration, and individualized support, which makes cloud deployment easy and worry-free. Through this collaboration, companies can focus on innovation and expansion without having to worry about outages or cyberattacks all the time. For the finest performance, security, and scalability, businesses of all sizes can take advantage of HostnetIndia's practical hosting experience in conjunction with Akamai's state-of-the-art cloud technology. Together, they simplify difficult infrastructure problems and deliver peace of mind by offering a next-generation approach to cloud hosting and internet security. Together, Akamai and HostnetIndia provide a solid basis for success for any business hoping to prosper in the digital age, where consistency, speed, and security are all interdependent. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
