Latest news with #Wheels
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Meals on Wheels providers struggling to meet demand with fewer volunteers
The country's Meals on Wheels services are reporting that some of its 300 providers are struggling to meet growing demand with fewer volunteers. The network received €6.25 million in funding in last year's budget, but said food inflation has exacerbated the pressures they are under. Just outside Emyvale, Co Monaghan, the kitchen at the Truagh Spirit Meals on Wheels service is at full tilt. Over 100 dinners are being prepared. The increase in the cost of food is being keenly monitored and felt here. "It's constantly rising, it's been rising the last two years," said chef Kevin Crossan. "Just for instance, today, we have mince on. This time last year, a portion of mince was €1 cheaper compared to what it is now, never mind the veg. The mince is gone up by €1 - and I'm doing over 50 portions, that's €50 for the cost alone just for today," he said. There are other examples, too. A kilo of diced beef was €10 last March, now it's €11.89, he said. A kilo of turkey has gone from €7.80 to €9.10. Five kilograms of prepared vegetables have increased by €2.50. All of those increases add up when cooking for large numbers, he said. It is now impacting on the menu. "I've to cut down on the roast beef, because it's gone up 2.50 per kilo. When you're buying more than 15 kilos, that's another €50 on cost. I'm trying to use the cheaper cuts now, trying to get more out of it," he said. "Our clientele are slightly older, they like what they like. It's harder to come up with new ideas for a substantial dinner for them. I know that they like the roast beef, and they like their turkeys. We have to accommodate them where we possibly can, but we're bringing in some cheaper cuts as well," he said. Fiona McCaffrey Jones is the manager. "It's very tough at the moment. And what we really want to do is just highlight the fact that soaring food costs are having such a negative impact," she said. In March 2024, the service put their own prices up - from €7 per meal, to the current rate of €8. She said that compared to last year, their food bill has soared. "It's the huge price increases. Compared to the same period in 2024, the average is 26.7% and that's just an enormous increase." "You don't want to cut the quality of the ingredients we're using to produce these nutritious Meals on Wheels, because that's what people a very traditional kind of Irish food. It's fresh vegetables, fresh potatoes, and locally sourced meat and fish as well for Fridays." As well as the cost of food prices, there are other cost pressures too, namely VAT at 13.5%. "The company made the decision to actually absorb that (the VAT) and not pass it on to our vulnerable service users. So, with all of these pressures, we just feel we're getting squeezed from both sides - the VAT issue and then the soaring cost of food," she said. She is now calling on the Government to review the issue of VAT for services like hers and also to bring clarity to the issue, as she said the operation is now at a pinch point. "We've managed not to cut back, but we're just going to have a look at our service going forward," she said. The area they cover is sizable. It measures over 400 square kilometres of north Monaghan. Many of its users are described as elderly and vulnerable. Kitty McKenna is a regular customer and has much praise for the meals she receives, describing them as "tasty dinners I would have made when I was fitter". She also said they are "great value", but she would not like to see the price go up. "I wouldn't like it increased, I think it's fine as it is," she said, adding that she has also noticed the increase in food prices in the shops. "It costs nearly as much to keep myself as it would when I had three or four children … I find now the shopping I get for one person is nearly as dear now as it was when I did the shopping for everyone," she said. It is a similar story nearby with Rose Hughes. Any notion of an increase in the price of her Meals on Wheels service is not welcomed. "I have my dinner every day, then pay for it at the weekend," she said. What if the operators decide they need to up their price? "I hope they don't," she said. The Meals on Wheels keep on turning, but the service is feeling the squeeze.
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Housing Splits
The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has affirmed the continued efforts of local municipalities and secretariats to monitor and penalize unauthorized residential property divisions intended for investment purposes. Offenders may face fines of up to SR200, a statement issued Tuesday, the ministry highlighted key violations including subdividing housing units into smaller sections, creating internal doors, and modifying exits through building setbacks — all without obtaining necessary permits. These actions, it said, compromise public safety, strain infrastructure and municipal services, and disrupt social and economic balance in urban by the ministry, local authorities are intensifying on-ground inspections and leveraging reports submitted through the 'Balady' app, part of an integrated monitoring system aimed at efficiently identifying and addressing ministry stressed that all parties involved — whether property advertisers, owners, investors, or tenants — will be held accountable under current municipal regulations. Unauthorized housing modifications are considered a clear violation and carry penalties reaching SR200, also warned against marketing or renting subdivided units on digital platforms without official licenses from municipal authorities, emphasizing the negative impact such practices have on residential quality ministry urged the public to report violations through the 'Balady' app or by calling the unified hotline (940). Also read: Heritage On Wheels: The Iconic Red Truck That Connected Generations In Saudi Arabia
Forbes
18-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Create A More Client-Centric Culture
Suresh Rajapakse, Chief Client Officer at Wheels – Driving Client Experience, Innovation & Results. In global organizations, complexity is a given. Different regions, departments and time zones all come with their own systems and priorities. It's easy to let structure take the driver's seat. But in my experience, high-performing companies don't start with org charts or KPIs. They start with values. Culture isn't what's written on the wall. It's how decisions get made when no one's watching. It shows up in the questions your teams ask, how you handle conflict and whether your clients feel heard or just handled. I've learned over the years that performance and people aren't competing priorities. When culture is rooted in values and truly centers on client impact and team ownership, you create conditions where both excellence and empathy can thrive. Here are five things to know to help you get there. 1. Ask the hard questions, then actually listen. One of the most important habits our team has built is regularly asking, 'If I were a client, what does a good experience feel like?' That one question cuts through the noise and brings focus. It encourages us to look beyond processes and timelines and instead focus on the real people behind every interaction. When we ask that question with genuine curiosity, it shifts the conversation from reactive problem-solving to proactive care. We stop thinking in terms of transactions and start thinking in terms of trust. That kind of reframing reinforces a sense of shared ownership. When we stay attuned to how our clients experience our work, we show up with greater intention, clarity and care. It becomes less about meeting expectations and more about exceeding them, together. And each time we do, we build trust, strengthen connections and create momentum. 2. Culture is built in the gaps. Internal silos don't just slow teams down. They erode trust. Clients don't see your internal org structure. They only see what gets delivered. A values-driven culture encourages clarity over control. It's not about rigid roles; it's about shared responsibility. When product, engineering, operations and sales are aligned on why we're doing the work (and not just what needs to get done), gaps close faster. One way to do that is to create one shared success metric across departments tied to client outcomes and not just departmental outputs. I often remind my team that taking the wheel doesn't mean owning everything. It means guiding things in the right direction. If something's off course, we speak up and steer together. 3. Leadership means showing up and following through. At its core, leadership is about presence, especially when no one's watching. It's easy to show up for the big pitch or the major milestone, but real leaders stay close even when the spotlight fades. They ask the right questions, make space for honest conversations and feedback and turn insight into action. When leaders model that consistency, it sets the tone for the entire team. It signals that every stage of the client journey matters, not just the start. That kind of follow-through doesn't just build credibility; it builds trust. And in any long-term partnership, it's a key differentiator. 4. Bring humanity into the metrics. Metrics matter, but they don't tell the whole story. CSAT and NPS can point to trends, but it's the conversations behind the numbers that reveal what truly drives trust. That's why we look for moments that show character—where someone stepped up, brought clarity or turned a challenge into an opportunity to connect. For example, in your next team review, don't just share the metrics dashboard. Spotlight stories that highlight your values in action. When teams are encouraged to lead with transparency and empathy, clients feel it. They see a culture that values accountability and progress, not perfection. 5. Build together, win together. The real test of a high-performance culture is consistency in how we treat one another and how we treat our clients across every touchpoint and region. No one does this alone. That's why we share the ride and the results. When values are more than words on a slide, they become a compass. Teams know when to press forward and when to pause. They anticipate instead of react. And they take pride not just in what they accomplish but in how they accomplish it. Driving Forward With Purpose Culture isn't a campaign, it's a commitment. You see it in the small decisions, the tough conversations and the day-to-day follow-through. If you're leading a global team or even just building one, don't start by asking how to hit the next number. Ask what kind of company you want to be while doing it. Then, build the systems, habits and relationships that reflect that answer. Clients will notice. So will your people. That's how you take the wheel—with values, purpose and teamwork. Start today by asking yourself what signals you're sending through the choices you make as a leader and if they reflect the culture you want to build. Forbes Business Development Council is an invitation-only community for sales and biz dev executives. Do I qualify?
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Larry Wheels features in MuscleBlaze's new campaign
MuscleBlaze , one of India's fitness nutrition supplement brands, has launched a new digital film featuring global fitness influencer and world record-holding powerlifter Larry Wheels . Wheels endorses MuscleBlaze's flagship product, Biozyme Whey , in the film, citing its clinically proven ability to deliver higher protein absorption . This digital film is created as a tribute to Indian action cinema and also features Garuda Ram , the popular action star from South of India best known for his role as the formidable villain in KGF against rocking star Yash. With Wheels bringing global fitness credibility and Ram adding dramatic, mass entertainment appeal, the film positions MuscleBlaze as a leading global brand rooted in science-backed, performance-driven nutrition. The hero product, Biozyme Whey—known as Biozorb in the global markets—recently received a U.S. patent for its EnzymePro formulation . This makes MuscleBlaze the only brand in the world to receive this patent. Wheels, who has personally used Biozyme Whey for over three months, vouches for its formulation and high-quality nutritional profile. Kaustuv Paliwal, senior vice president at Bright Lifecare said, 'We are thrilled to have Larry Wheels onboard to showcase the nutritional power of Biozyme Whey. India faces a protein problem in terms of intake and absorption, and Biozyme Whey solves this with its clinically proven higher absorption formula.' 'Larry's unmatched strength makes the global fitness community curious about his regime, and we are proud MuscleBlaze is part of it. Featuring KGF villain Garuda Ram adds energy and appeal. This campaign is a tribute to Indian cinema's larger than life impact - just as Biozyme is having among all Fitness seekers,' Paliwal added. This campaign reinforces MuscleBlaze's commitment to innovation, performance, and building a fitness lifestyle brand with mass appeal and global relevance. Watch the video here:
NDTV
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Traveling On Leh Circuit? Check KTM India's Special Service Offerings On Route
KTM India has started its Service on Wheels (SOW) on the Leh Circuit. This is aimed at bringing peace of mind and support to the owners of the brand riding in the mountains 12,500 feet above sea level. Specifically, the moving service centre will cover the Manali-Keylong-Jispa-Sarchu route. The KTM Service on Wheels will operate between Jispa and Sarchu, providing prompt assistance to customers in these remote areas. The brand already maintains a presence at various locations with service outlets in Bhuntar, Manali, Keylong, and Leh. Additionally, the manufacturer has a comprehensive 3S (sales, service, and spares) facility established in Leh. The Service on Wheels program guarantees that customers can access repairs, spare parts, and support promptly when needed. Furthermore, customers can schedule preventive inspections to ensure a seamless journey along the route. Speaking at the launch, Manik Nangia, President, Probiking, Bajaj Auto Ltd said, "The KTM spirit is all about pushing boundaries, and we are proud to support our riders with unmatched service coverage through the Leh sector. With KTM Service on Wheels, we're ensuring that adventure never has to stop due to service constraints. It's our way of delivering true peace of mind, right in the heart of India's most rugged motorcycling landscape." Traditionally, the Leh circuit has been predominantly associated with Royal Enfield, so it is encouraging to see other brands taking steps to assist their customers on this demanding route. This development should inspire more riders to venture out with their motorcycles and discover the expansive landscapes our country has to offer.
