Business

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the way we lived our lives. From shopping online to ordering food for takeout instead of sitting down, humans shifted behaviors to adjust to the events of the time.

It was in 2017 when Alejandro Pena was brought on board to operate as the CEO of the Keter Group, a sustainable resin-based supplier of home and garden supplies. Known for their highly durable resin-based outdoor furniture supplies, Keter became fiercely popular during the pandemic as customers sought better deals online.

A study by The American Institution of Architects revealed that outdoor living spaces had become one of the most popular household requests in recent years.

Pena took to the point to discuss the changes in how the business has operated over the past couple of years.

Better Outcomes For Online Shoppers

Alejandro Pena was brought aboard Keter Group to help expand its operations into newer regions, including North America and Europe. During this time, the COVID pandemic truly began to stagnate the markets.

To better reach customers in this new, harder-to-read market, Keter’s CEO Pena focused instead on delivering hybridized results. Instead of relying on the same old systems as usual, Pena and Keter poured resources into e-commerce, delivery services, in-store accessibility, and more.

Alejandro Pena and Keter Group have since been focused on an omnichannel approach to their business. Pena stated, “We will serve our customers wherever they are, whenever they want, in every possible way they want.”

Pena gestured toward physical stores, digital shopping, and delivery and pick-up services. Pena added, “Whichever way customers want to engage, we will be there.”

Beneficial Shopping Outcomes for Keter Customers

One of the most advantageous approaches to selling in a post-COVID market has been putting himself in his client’s shoes. Pena looks to replicate the shopping experience to improve it for his customers.

Pena says, “We see Keter becoming a more consumer-centric company. Brands will play an even bigger role.”

Alejandro Pena would go on to outline the way that Keter sets itself apart from the competition. Pena stated, “Keter products are significantly more durable than many outdoor products, and they’re made from recycled materials.”

Continued efforts will rely on CFO Pasquale Iannone as he works closely with Pena to help inform visitors and lead the company in its digital marketing efforts. Keter’s specialization in durable home consumer solutions gives it plenty of room to grow in an increasingly popular market.

Alejandro Pena says of his work at Keter, “Keter is shaping what is next for a better day. We are innovators. We invent what is new and next and do it with a sustainable mindset and consciousness.

In today’s fiercely competitive market, product packaging has evolved into a potent tool for shaping consumer behavior. Beyond its fundamental role of safeguarding products, packaging holds the potential to capture attention, convey brand identity, and ultimately drive purchasing decisions. This article explores the significance of product packaging and emphasizes the crucial role played by packaging companies in the Northeast in crafting compelling packaging solutions.

Consumer behavior is intricately connected to psychology, and packaging acts as a medium to tap into these psychological triggers. The importance of first impressions cannot be overstated, and packaging often serves as the initial point of contact between consumers and a product. It sets the tone for the entire consumer experience.

Striking Design

Packaging companies in the region understand that an eye-catching design can make a profound impact. Vibrant colors, well-executed graphics, and innovative shapes have the potential to stand out amidst crowded store shelves. Packaging should resonate with the target audience and authentically reflect the brand’s essence, whether it embodies eco-friendliness and rustic charm or exudes a sleek and modern aura.

Telling the Brand Story

Modern consumers seek more than just a product; they seek a narrative. Effective packaging serves as a canvas for narrating a brand’s story and forging an emotional connection with consumers. Through compelling narratives, product packaging can evoke feelings of nostalgia, adventure, or opulence, thus influencing purchasing decisions.

Prioritizing Sustainability

In an era characterized by heightened environmental awareness, sustainable packaging has gained prominence. Packaging companies are well-versed in creating packaging solutions that align with eco-conscious consumer preferences. Corrugated boxes, for instance, are favored for their recyclability and biodegradability, striking a chord with consumers who prioritize sustainability.

Functional Excellence

Beyond aesthetics, packaging must excel in its primary function – protecting the product. Packaging companies in the area excel in creating packaging that is functional, durable, and adaptable. Products must reach consumers in pristine condition, fostering trust and reliability.

Enhancing the In-Store Experience

Packaging’s impact extends beyond the product itself; it significantly contributes to the in-store experience. Unique and thoughtfully designed packaging can generate anticipation and excitement, motivating consumers to explore and engage with the product more deeply.

Within the realm of consumer goods, packaging companies play a pivotal role in shaping consumer behavior through the development of innovative packaging solutions. By comprehending the psychology of packaging, emphasizing captivating design, storytelling, sustainability, and functionality, brands can leverage packaging to not only safeguard their products but also to influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. In today’s competitive market, packaging isn’t merely a container; it’s a potent marketing instrument capable of making or breaking a product’s success.

In the vast and diverse landscape of African economies, access to financial services has long been a critical issue. Millions of people across the continent have historically been excluded from the formal financial system, a barrier that has impeded economic growth and limited opportunities for personal and entrepreneurial advancement. However, in this era of technological innovation, one man and his groundbreaking fintech platform are changing the narrative. Olugbenga Agboola, renowned as “GB,” and his brainchild, Flutterwave, are playing a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s financial landscape, ushering in an era of unprecedented financial inclusion.

The Significance of Financial Inclusion

Financial inclusion is not merely a buzzword but a fundamental driver of economic development and societal progress. It revolves around the concept of ensuring that individuals and businesses, regardless of their economic status or geographic location, have access to affordable and convenient financial services. This inclusivity encompasses basic banking services, credit facilities, insurance, and a spectrum of digital financial tools.

The importance of financial inclusion cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of Africa. It serves as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. When people have access to financial services, they can save, invest, and plan for the future. It empowers entrepreneurs to start and expand businesses, individuals to access education and healthcare, and communities to build resilient, self-sustaining economies.

Flutterwave: A Catalyst for Change

Born out of a vision to democratize access to financial services across Africa, Flutterwave has emerged as a transformative force in the fintech industry. Founded in 2016 by Olugbenga Agboola and his co-founder, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, the platform has redefined how digital payments and financial services are accessed and utilized on the continent.

Flutterwave’s impact is profound, as it bridges the gap between African businesses and global commerce. Its innovative solutions simplify cross-border transactions, enabling entrepreneurs and businesses to engage in international trade seamlessly. By providing access to a secure and efficient payment gateway, Flutterwave empowers entrepreneurs to launch and grow their digital businesses, reach new markets, and participate in the global economy.

Unlocking Potential Through Innovation

The success of Flutterwave lies not only in its ability to offer financial services but also in its commitment to innovation. The platform continually evolves, introducing cutting-edge technologies and tools to enhance financial inclusivity. For instance, the creation of the Flutterwave Store has empowered countless small businesses to establish an online presence and engage with customers beyond their local markets.

Moreover, Flutterwave’s partnership with global fintech giants, including PayPal and Alipay, has further broadened the horizons of financial access for Africans. This collaboration allows users to transact internationally, facilitating cross-border trade and expanding economic opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.

The Ripple Effect of Inclusion

Financial inclusion, as championed by Olugbenga Agboola and Flutterwave, sets off a ripple effect that reaches every corner of society. It leads to the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, fostering economic diversification and resilience. It empowers women and marginalized communities, narrowing gender and income disparities. It fuels education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, improving overall living standards.

In conclusion, Olugbenga Agboola’s vision and Flutterwave’s innovative fintech solutions are actively shaping Africa’s financial landscape. The platform’s commitment to financial inclusion is more than a business model; it’s a commitment to a brighter future for Africa. As Flutterwave continues to evolve and expand its footprint across the continent, it brings Africa closer to a future where every individual and business has the opportunity to thrive, contributing to the sustainable development and prosperity of the entire continent.

Developed in the 1700s, the Louis XVI Chair gained a new following after French designer Philippe Starck refashioned it with transparent leucite. Tasting it the Louis Ghost Chair, tastemakers saw something simple, chic, and practical.

Recreating something magnificent with sustainability in mind has long been the modus operandi for the individuals at Keter Group. A sustainable outdoor furniture and home decor production company, Keter recently celebrated 75 years of operational activity.

With no signs of slowing down and a rapidly expanding base of happy consumers, CEO Alejandro Pena highlighted how his company is making waves now and for years to come.

Why Sustainability Is So Important

Keter Group began with a focus on sustainability and recyclability. Rather than focusing on wasteful materials, Keter built its business around the importance of recyclable resin materials. Alejandro Pena spoke on the record, saying, “Resin is a phenomenal material that enables great benefits to consumers, but it needs to be used responsibly.”

Alejandro Pena went on to explain that his business was driven by innovation and sustainability and the need to do good in the communities they serve. Pena added, “Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because I also believe that it will give us a competitive advantage over the long term.”

Keter’s proprietary resin mimics the natural textures of rattan or rich wood, emulating high fashion without the price point. Keter also embraces proprietary materials such as LumberTech to help reduce exposure to natural materials to minimize waste while improving longevity.

Additional features such as its easy-folding mechanism and UV protection only make Keter’s work special.

Keter Reduces Pollution, Reduces Waste

In 2021, Keter helped to avoid more than 210,000 tons of C02e emissions by embracing recycled resin rather than crafting with virgin materials. Other technological advancements included focusing on resin for outdoor and indoor storage boxes, picked up and sold at places like Target and Walmart.

Keter’s outdoor innovations include UV-protected sheds that won’t crack, fade, or peel. These structures can emulate classic shed designs with a focal point of retention.

In fact, throughout the process, Keter’s focus on waste prevention and landfill reduction has made them into a climate-positive company.

Alejandro Pena said of the company’s focus on the future, “Keter is passionate that we are not only a business driven by innovation and a leading company in our industry, but we are also a company that lives by the values of being good to the environment and being good to our communities.”

The Ultimate Options Strategy Builder equips you with the tools and knowledge necessary to unlock your full trading potential. But remember, success in options trading also requires continuous learning, practice, and a willingness to adapt.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Embrace Learning

Make use of the educational resources provided by the Strategy Builder platform. Understand the various option strategies, learn from experts, and continuously expand your knowledge base.

2. Start Small and Experiment

When exploring new strategies, start with small investments and gradually increase position sizes as you gain confidence. Use the Strategy Builder’s simulation features to experiment with different scenarios without risking real money.

3. Join Trading Communities

Surround yourself with like-minded traders by joining trading communities and forums. Share ideas, insights, and experiences to learn from others and improve your trading skills.

In conclusion, if you’re ready to maximize your trading potential and take your options trading to the next level, the Ultimate Options Strategy Builder is the tool you’ve been waiting for. It simplifies the complexities of options trading, empowers you to make informed decisions, and aids in optimizing your strategies. With this tool by your side, you’ll have the confidence and ability to navigate the dynamic world of options trading like a pro!

Securing finances for a new business or venture requires a lot of work. One area entrepreneur should not skip is the intellectual property protection because protection is not only vital to owners, but to curious investors as well. Plus, it can be used as a leveraging tool for marketing and sales. Interested in finding out more? Check out the infographic below for a quick review on why IP protection is essential when establishing a new business.

Investing in the share market can seem daunting for beginners. The complex industry can appear challenging and tough to navigate, but with the right guidance, anyone can invest in the share market like a pro. Sharemarket investing is about patience, knowledge, and picking the right stocks or investment products that align with your investment objectives.

This blog post will guide you through the process of investing in the share market like a pro. We will cover the fundamentals of share market investing, setting investment goals, choosing the right investment vehicles, building a diversified investment portfolio, and other crucial tips and strategies to succeed in the share market.

Understanding the Share Market and its Potential

Share markets are places where company stocks, bonds, and other securities are traded. Stock trading involves buying and selling shares of a company or a portfolio of companies. When you purchase shares, you own that company. As the company grows and profits, the value of its shares increases, and investors earn dividends or profits when they are sold.

How investing in the share market can be profitable

Investment potential in the share market is high, and dividends or profits are significant. If you invest in the right stocks or portfolios, your investments could generate substantial returns. Historical research shows that the share market has yielded an average annual return of 10% over the long term. This makes it a favorable investment opportunity for long-term growth.

Setting Investment Goals

Before you invest in the stock market, it’s a must to identify your investment goals. Are you investing for short-term or long-term goals? Are you saving for a child’s education or planning for retirement? Identifying your investment objectives is essential to establishing a clear and realistic plan of action.

Creating a financial plan aligned with your goals

After identifying your investment objectives, you need a solid financial plan. It is important to align the plan with your goals and take your financial situation into account. It should outline your investment objectives and the steps you’ll take to achieve them. A well-crafted financial plan helps you stay focused on your goals, track your progress, and make informed decisions.

Choosing the Right Investment Vehicles

Before you start investing, you should understand the different types of investment vehicles available on the share market. These include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and more. Each investment vehicle has a distinct risk profile and returns potential that you should analyze free demat account before investing.

Analyzing the risks and returns associated with each investment

Once you understand the different types of investment vehicles, you need to analyze the risks and returns associated with each. Risk refers to the possibility of losing your investment, while returns refer to the potential for gains from your investment. Each investment has a distinct risk and return profile that you should consider before investing.

Building a Diversified Investment Portfolio

A diversified investment portfolio spreads your investments across multiple securities to reduce risk and maximize returns. A balanced allocation of assets ensures you spread your money across multiple investment vehicles and risk levels. This ensures that you do not have all of your eggs in one basket and reduces your exposure to risk.

Maintaining your investment portfolio for long-term growth

Maintaining your investment portfolio is crucial for long-term growth. It involves balancing and updating your portfolio regularly to reflect market changes and your investment objectives. A well-maintained investment portfolio gives you better control over your risk and potential returns.

Additional Strategies for Succeeding in the Stock Market

Besides how to invest in share market, several additional strategies can help you succeed. These include extensive research, utilizing financial tools and software, and consulting with financial experts knowledgeable in share market investing.

Conclusion

Investing in the share market requires time, patience, and knowledge. Understanding the fundamentals of share market investing is only the first step to succeeding in the market. Setting investment goals, choosing the right investment vehicles, building a diversified investment portfolio, and maintaining your portfolio is crucial for maximizing returns and minimizing risk. By following these strategies and consulting with experts, anyone can invest in the share market like a pro.

Investing in the stock market can be an excellent way to grow your wealth, but it can also be intimidating for those who are inexperienced with it. Opening a Demat account can make the process easier and more accessible. A Demat account is an electronic account that holds your shares and securities in a digital format. This allows you to trade and manage your investments online at the best trading platform in India.

The free demat account opening process is a simple process that can be completed online in just a few steps. Here are the steps to get started:

Choose a broker: There are many brokers available that offer Demat accounts. It’s critical to choose a broker that offers low fees, efficient customer service, and a user-friendly platform.

Fill out the application: Once you’ve chosen a broker, you’ll need to fill out an application form with your personal details. You may also need to provide identity and address proof documents to the best trading platform in India.

Account verification: Once you’ve filled out the application form, your broker will verify your identity and address. This process may take a few days to complete.

Link your bank account: You’ll need to link your bank account to your Demat account to transfer funds and make transactions.

Start trading: Once your account is verified and linked to your bank account, you can start trading stocks, bonds, and other securities which can be found on the best trading platform in India.

One of the biggest benefits of opening a Demat account is that it’s free. Most brokers offer free Demat accounts with no account opening or maintenance fees. This means you can start trading with a small amount of money without worrying about fees eating into your profits.

Another benefit of a free Demat account opening is that it’s a secure way to manage your investments. With a digital account, you don’t need to worry about losing physical shares or having them stolen. Your shares and securities are stored in a secure electronic format, making it easy to manage your portfolio and keep track of your investments.

A demat account also offers convenience and flexibility. You can trade online from anywhere, at any time, using your computer or mobile phone. You can easily monitor your portfolio, track your investments, and make trades quickly and easily. In addition to trading stocks, a Demat account also allows you to invest in mutual funds, bonds, and other securities. This means you can diversify your portfolio and reduce your risk by investing in a range of different assets with the help of the best trading platform in India.

However, it’s imperative to remember that investing in the stock market can be risky. It’s imperative to do your research and make informed decisions before making any trades. You should also be prepared to handle losses and not invest more than you can afford to lose.

In conclusion, a free Demat account opening is an ideal way to get started with trading and investing in the stock market. It’s free, secure, and offers a range of benefits including convenience, flexibility, and the ability to diversify your portfolio.

Trip delay

Imagine that everything is going well and that you are prepared with your packing and ready to depart when you learn unexpectedly that your vacation has been delayed owing to a flight delay or another factor. That might effectively quell your excitement. Additionally, if the travel is delayed for a significant amount of time, all of your subsequent arrangements and connecting flights will also be delayed. And as a result of the delay, you can have to pay a variety of extra costs.

There are several reasons why your vacation can be postponed or cancelled. This could be because of personal factors like losing your passport, getting stopped in traffic, or an accident on the route to your departure location, etc., or it could be because of a travel delay brought on by your carrier.

The following are some factors that your carrier may be at fault for delaying your trip:

• Natural disasters or unfavourable weather
• Unannounced job action or a strike by carriers’ employees
• Failure of the carrier’s equipment

Even though you weren’t at fault, you would still have to pay for meals, housing, etc. during the waiting period if your flight was delayed for a few hours for any of these reasons.

However, whether you are travelling internationally or domestically if you are protected by travel insurance, you need not worry about such trip delays and supplemental costs. If your journey is delayed owing to one of the risks listed in the policy agreement, you will be offered the maximum rewards.

Read about the inclusions and exclusions of travel policy for further information regarding the context of the coverage of domestic and international trip delay benefits before you buy travel insurance.

International travel insurance – Trip delay

If you purchased international travel insurance, we will pay for any reasonable additional costs you incurred due to a trip delay, as long as the delay lasted longer than 12 hours and was brought on by one of the dangers covered by the policy.

The maximum amount specified in your policy schedule will be considered when determining the amount of reimbursement for medical insurance for travel. Find the listed dangers below:

• Trip delay brought on by a common carrier’s equipment breakdown
• Trip delay brought on by inclement weather
• Trip delay brought on by a strike or other workplace action by carrier company’s employees.

Exclusions

In addition to the standard exclusions listed in your international travel insurance policy schedule, we will not be responsible for payment if a covered hazard that resulted in the travel delay became known to the public before you purchased the policy.

Domestic travel protection – Trip cancellation

If your trip was delayed for longer than five hours owing to a covered danger, we’ll pay for reasonable additional expenses for the accommodations you had to pay for under the terms of your domestic travel insurance.

You won’t be qualified for this benefit if the delay occurs while you are in your customary town of residence. Find the listed dangers below:

• Weather-related delays for scheduled flights or trains; or
• Trip delay brought on by a strike or other workplace protest by scheduled airline or railroad staff
• Due to scheduled planes’ or railways’ equipment breakdown, there was a delay in the trip.

Exclusions

• Delay brought on by a risk that you were aware of or that became known before you booked your trip.
• Any delay brought on by a government or other public authority’s rule, regulation, or order
• Delay brought on by a strike or labour dispute for which a warning had been sent beforehand, i.e., before the date that your trip was scheduled.
• Delay brought on by the scheduled airlines temporarily or permanently ceasing operation as per the directions or suggestions of any aviation agency.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

When using vaping to help you quit smoking, you will want to do everything possible to help enhance the experience and make it as pleasurable as possible. It will help keep you happy vaping and not think about smoking cigarettes again, so it is worth spending the time and effort to do it. There are some simple things you can do that can enhance your vaping experience, and taking excellent care of your vaping device and e-liquids is a perfect place to start.

Clean Your Vape Tank Regularly

You will want to clean your vape tank every time you change your e-liquid, which will help to keep the taste crisp and true. All you need to do is clean it with warm water and some detergent and then rinse thoroughly before drying the tank and reinstalling it.

Use Quality E-Liquids

You will also want to use the best vape juice you can find, and it is often worth spending a little more on your e-liquids, and you can notice a massive difference in taste. Choose a few different flavours you like and rotate them to stop your tastebuds from getting too used to them and becoming less flavoursome.

Replace Your Coils/Pods/ Atomisers Regularly

You will also want to replace the coils/pods/atomisers, depending on the type of device you use, regularly to keep your vaping experience tasty. You will learn to recognise when these items are about to go, which is usually around one month, depending on how much you use them, as the taste of your vape juice will change. Replace your coils and give your vaping device a quick clean while you are at it, and you will be ready to experience those tasty flavours once more.

Get Your Nicotine Level Correct

You must ensure that vaping satisfies your nicotine cravings for an enjoyable experience, so you must vape the best nicotine strength for your needs. You can get e-liquids with 0mg nicotine, up to 20mg+, so whatever your requirements are, a suitable option is available. You can slowly reduce the dose and wean yourself off the nicotine to start living your life smoke-free and even give up vaping if you wish.

Take Care Of Your Vape Juice

To preserve the flavours of your vape juice, you will also need to store them correctly to stop the taste from changing. E-liquids have three enemies which can alter their taste and make them less appealing:

Air: When you are not using your e-liquid, you must seal the top tightly so that no air can get in or liquid escape to help preserve it and keep it tasting delicious.

Ultra Violet Light: Ultra violet light can also affect your e-liquids and help the mixture break down and start to separate. When you are not using your e-liquids, you will want to keep them somewhere dark, away from sunlight.

Heat: Heat can also cause your e-liquids to separate and not taste as good, so you will also want to keep them somewhere cool when not using them.

Ensure you shake a bottle thoroughly after it has been in storage before you fill up your vape tank, and it will help to make it taste as great as the first time you tried it.