There has been an enormous amount of discourse in recent times on the difficult economic climate and on how to stay resilient when times are tough. Now, however, much-anticipated optimism seems to be materialising following the recent news that the British Chambers of Commerce has upped its 2013 growth forecast. This is great news for business, for the economy and for you.
Insight
The World’s Youngest Billionaires
Meet the world’s youngest billionaires. According to Forbes magazine, of the world’s 1,426 billionaires, there are 29 under the age of 40. These 29 young billionaires are worth a total of $119 billion. Ten of them have built their fortunes in the technology sector (four at social networking giant Facebook) and several others are heirs to massive fortunes. Here is a selection of the very richest of these enviably successful and minted youngsters.
FioreQ: Concrete Design Principles
Interior design has been showcasing the industrial look for some time, and although we don’t all live in converted warehouses with high ceilings, wrought-iron railings and exposed brick, this inspiring style can look right at home in a variety of spaces.
Concrete – that sturdy industrial material that you may initially associate with a building site rather than your living room – is, in fact, a top-quality choice for indoor furniture design. With its smooth surface offering a unique and stylish look, this versatile material compliments most types of interior décor, from modern to unconventional and minimal to shabby chic. From a design perspective, due to its natural qualities, concrete retains that vital artistic appeal. Using this material to design furniture pieces is as timeless as it is durable and has been given a new lease of life. Introducing FioreQ.
Floating Design Ideas
The Danish remain as innovative as ever. They don’t do things by halves, least of all design. Sanitov Studios introduced their floating home ‘Inachus’ at the London Design Festival 2012. The ‘sustainable floating home’ was launched in the UK by the Danish design studio with consumer electronics brand Samsung. This river boat (floating house) is part of Sanitov Floating Homes Future Cities project which hopes to incorporate the River Thames into London’s city living by adopting a more sustainable living approach. As cities become crowded and space becomes even more expensive, there is no better time to take to the waterways and canals to set up home. There were great expectations for ‘Inachus’ even before the London Design Festival. So how was it received?
Any Spare Change? – The Crowdfunding Revolution
Once upon a time, funding a start-up business was done by using savings or getting a bank loan. Asking friends or family was the next port of call. Perhaps then an entrepreneur might consider pitching to an angel investor or venture capital firm. Dragons’ Den, anyone? Failing these options, and with the economic downturn causing many institutions to tighten their purse strings, it may be necessary to find alternative sources of funding to get a start-up off the ground.
M-Commerce: Ringing in a New era
Loose change. Shrapnel. Smash. Whatever you call it, it might soon be a thing of the past. The latest buzz in the payments industry is about how to transform the mobile phone into an everyday payment device capable of replacing traditional plastic cards or even cash. Card issuers and retailers, as well as unconventional players like mobile phone networks and retailers, are forging partnerships or becoming competitors for the first time. The constant rollout of new technologies in the area of communications, the growing saturation of the global mobile phone market and the increasing affordability of information technology and associated devices are allowing for the expansion of m-commerce. M-commerce now has the potential to revolutionise the way consumers do their shopping while allowing businesses to extend their marketing reach to a ready client base.
Designing Upwards
Holland is characterized by modern architecture, innovative design and enterprising buildings. The Netherlands is the most densely populated country in Europe, which means the Dutch have to be creative with their architecture and use of space; for homes, businesses and infrastructure. Situated on the western part of the Netherlands, Holland has a long tradition of modern, stimulating building style. Architecture in Holland has gained global recognition, mainly because it is innovative, resourceful and imaginative.
Trinidad and Tobago – Open for Business
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has emerged as a Caribbean hub of culture and commerce, with its well-developed energy sector and vibrant festivals and music. In recent years there has been renewed dedication and commitment to the growth and development of the non-energy sectors of the economy by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Foreign Direct Investment is encouraged across all sectors with little restrictions to investment.