News

The price of bitcoin soared to a record high of $94,839, extending a rally that has seen its value surge by nearly 40% since Donald Trump’s re-election victory.

The digital currency, worth $7,333 five years ago, has benefited from optimism surrounding a potentially crypto-friendly regulatory environment during Trump’s second term.

Once a sceptic of cryptocurrencies, Trump has pledged to transform the US into “the crypto capital of the planet” and establish a “strategic reserve” of bitcoin. His campaign actively accepted cryptocurrency donations, and he engaged with crypto enthusiasts at a bitcoin conference in July. Trump has also launched World Liberty Financial, a venture with family members focused on cryptocurrency trading.

Trump’s victory has prompted Republicans to invite crypto leaders to Washington for discussions on a new crypto policy framework. Industry executives are hopeful that Trump will deliver on promises to enact legislative and regulatory changes, including his commitment to remove Gary Gensler, the chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), who has been spearheading the government’s crackdown on cryptocurrencies.

Stéphane Ouellette, CEO of crypto trading firm FRNT Financial, commented: “Trump’s seeming interest to push further into crypto on a personal level has contributed to optimism that crypto will be a top priority when Trump takes office.”

US bitcoin exchange-traded products have also seen a boost, with $4.2 billion in inflows since Trump’s victory—accounting for 15% of total inflows since these products launched on US stock exchanges earlier this year.

Chris Weston, head of research at Australian broker Pepperstone, noted the potential for further growth: “Another kick higher should bring in a fresh chase from those who like to buy what’s strong.”

The crypto community is cautiously optimistic about Trump’s pro-crypto stance, seeing it as an opportunity to solidify the US as a global hub for digital currencies. However, critics warn that bitcoin’s notorious volatility and speculative nature may present risks for both investors and broader economic stability.

Bitcoin, created in 2008 by the mysterious figure Satoshi Nakamoto, has no physical form and was initially worth almost nothing. Over the years, its adoption and popularity have grown, though its price remains highly volatile. With Trump’s endorsement and promises of a supportive policy environment, the cryptocurrency has found fresh momentum.

Read more:
Bitcoin hits record $94,000 as trump vows to make us ‘crypto capital’

The social media advertising space is highly saturated with hundreds and thousands of brands vying to secure greater visibility and maximum conversions.

Facebook allows advertisers to connect with over 2.9 billion active users each month, offering an unmatched lead generation and user engagement potential across social media.

Despite this striking potential, the Meta advertising experience is marred with innumerable ad restrictions that make scaling impossible for most brands. Facebook ad restrictions can prove immensely overwhelming for brands eager to increase their ad spend for higher ROIs and advertising gains.

Switching to Facebook agency accounts becomes a necessity for advertisers managing campaigns for multiple clients without restrictions disrupting their campaign performance. Read on to explore the role of Facebook agency ad accounts in navigating ad restrictions to support streamlined campaign management.

Navigating Facebook Ad Restrictions

Businesses invest in Facebook advertising to achieve broader goals: generating brand awareness and high-quality leads for revenue growth. However, setting up an ad campaign alone isn’t enough to achieve these goals. Meta maintains a strictly regulated and closely monitored advertising space across Facebook and Instagram.

Each ad is diligently reviewed before approval and publishing, and the Meta support team also closely monitors the activities of advertisers using Facebook Advertising accounts. It’s common for ads to get rejected due to copyright infringement or violations of Meta’s advertising guidelines. Once an ad is rejected, the ad account is slammed with multiple restrictions, limiting the advertiser’s ability to create and publish new campaigns.

These restrictions limit ad spend, delay the campaign review process and often prevent advertisers from using certain placements, ad types and tools. Meta maintains that this stringent review and monitoring process is crucial in protecting its advertising space and users from misinformation and poor advertising experiences.

Facebook ad restrictions include:

Daily spending limits that restrict campaign performance and user engagement.
Restrictions on using certain features and tools.
Restrictions on advertising on Facebook and other Meta platforms.

In many cases, advertisers struggle with restrictions while managing campaigns for multiple clients or technical errors that lead to temporary or permanent restrictions. Advertisers navigating these frustrating restrictions must consider upgrading with specialized Facebook agency accounts to unlock unlimited spending and enjoy a restriction-free advertising experience.

Scaling Campaigns with Facebook Agency Accounts

Specialized Facebook agency ad accounts are born out of a privileged relationship between Meta and reputable advertising agencies. Unlike regular accounts, these accounts are equipped with a range of cutting-edge tools and recent algorithm updates to empower advertisers with new technologies and features.

Upgrading with Facebook agency accounts allows marketers to bypass all restrictions and map out an unrestricted scaling pathway to achieve their advertising targets. Planning and managing multiple campaigns becomes easier when the algorithm is designed to optimize ads for higher user engagement and maximum conversions.

Efficient & Effective Campaign Management

Imagine running multiple campaigns for various clients with a regular Facebook ad account that imposes a stringent daily ad spend limit and denies access to various tools. The process is bound to be frustrating because these regular ad accounts aren’t designed to serve agencies and marketers. In contrast, dedicated Facebook agency accounts offer streamlined dashboards and a wealth of automated tools to support effective and efficient campaign management.

Meta is continually updating its algorithm and these Facebook agency accounts are the first to be updated, allowing agencies access to innovative features and practices. This allows advertisers to capture the right audiences at the right time by securing the most impactful ad placements. Marketers can partner with reputable and competent agencies and benefit from their specialized expertise while ensuring their ad spend secures the highest ROIs.

Optimize your Ad Spend to Supercharge Performance

A higher ad spend allows advertisers to run high-performing ad campaigns that secure greater conversions and website visits. While higher spending is not a guaranteed formula for success, it is an integral element to tap into a broader audience. A low ad spend leads to underperforming campaigns with minimal user interaction.

Once you’ve finished your daily ad spend, Meta will stop showing your ads to their intended audience. Facebook agency accounts allow marketers to supercharge campaign performance with a monthly ad spend that exceeds 100M, giving them complete control over their scaling goals. Advertisers can optimize their ad spend based on their underlying goals and campaign plan. Meta’s daily ad spend is a major restriction that doesn’t allow marketers to optimize their ads effectively.

For instance, spending restrictions limit audience selection and prevent marketers from selecting coveted ad placements that ensure higher user engagement. Facebook agency ad accounts come with an unlimited ad spend, offering greater control on data management, audience selection and user engagement.

Advertisers can spend more to create multiple lookalike audiences and tap into new customers to grow their brands.

Bypass Restrictions & Blocking Issues

Being permanently blocked from using a Facebook Advertising account is an advertiser’s worst nightmare, for once you’ve been blocked from the platform, there’s no way to reverse it. Aside from temporary and permanent blocking issues, marketers navigate a wide host of restrictions that restrain creativity and limit their control.

Specialized Facebook agency accounts are designed to bypass all blocking issues and restrictions, empowering marketers with creative independence and greater control. When you partner with a reputable agency, you gain a reliable partner to help you navigate restrictions and unblock your advertising account without having to set up a new account.

Even if ads or campaigns are slammed with restrictions, Facebook agency accounts are equipped with features to eliminate these issues without disrupting campaign performance. Advertisers can relaunch blocked or restricted campaigns within seconds. When dealing with limitations or upcoming updates, marketers can rely on 24/7 agency support to mitigate issues before they disrupt campaign performance.

Final Thoughts

Marketers are accountable for ensuring their client’s advertising investment leads to tangible results, such as revenue growth, new customer acquisition and greater online visibility. Facebook agency accounts support data-driven advertising and offer access to a 1000 data-points algorithm designed to supercharge lead generation and conversions.

Facebook agency ad accounts are the ultimate solution to tap into the full potential of Meta advertising and enjoy a restriction-free pathway to convert maximum leads. Marketers can monitor real-time results while scaling their ad campaigns to connect with consumers worldwide.

Read more:
Navigating Ad Restrictions: The Role of Facebook Agency Accounts in Large-Scale Campaign Management

Museums and galleries are often seen as cultural treasures, places where history, art, and science are preserved for future generations.

However, their value extends far beyond their cultural significance. These institutions have a profound economic impact, driving tourism, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses.

Across the globe, cities and nations are beginning to realize the full potential of investing in cultural assets. Museums and galleries are no longer seen only as cultural symbols; they are economic powerhouses that can transform communities.

Boosting Local Economies

Tourism is the most visible way museums and galleries contribute to the economy. Iconic institutions like the Louvre in Paris or the British Museum in London attract millions of visitors annually. These tourists buy more than entry tickets, they spend money on hotels, restaurants, transport, and shopping. This spending ripples through local economies, benefiting a wide range of businesses.

Museums and other cultural facilities can also be crucial in smaller cities by drawing visitors from the exterior. For example, cities with lesser-known galleries often see increased foot traffic during special exhibitions or exceptional events. Local businesses, from cafés to gift shops, thrive on this influx of people.

Museums are major economic contributors. Running a museum requires a diverse team, from curators and security staff to marketing professionals and maintenance workers. Renovations, exhibit installations, and daily operations also create opportunities for local suppliers and contractors and contribute to a region’s economic dynamism.

Creating Lasting Economic Stability

As said before, the financial benefits of museums and galleries don’t stop at ticket sales. These institutions improve the overall appeal of cities and regions, creating attractiveness for potential residents and companies. A vibrant cultural scene often draws professionals and families looking for a high quality of life. This, in turn, helps local economies by increasing demand for housing, schools, and services. It is also an important source of increase in land value.

The cultural sector is a significant part of the UK’s economy. Art institutions contribute nearly 5% of GDP, according to recent reports. This figure highlights how important these organizations are, not just for their cultural contributions but as pillars of economic stability.

Generating a Positive Social Impact

Museums and galleries also invest in education and outreach programs. These initiatives benefit local communities by offering workshops, lectures, and other diverse activities. Schools often partner with museums to introduce students to art and enhance their educational programs. These collaborations help foster a sense of pride and engagement in the local community.

Cultural outreach also makes regions more appealing to investors. Companies often choose to establish headquarters or offices in cities with vibrant cultural offerings, as they offer a better lifestyle for the employees and their families. This creates a cycle of economic growth, where cultural investments lead to business growth and vice versa.

Qatar: The Modern Example

Qatar is a standout example of how cultural investment can drive economic development. Over the past two decades, the country has strategically developed its cultural sector to diversify its economy.

The National Museum of Qatar, designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, is a testament to this vision. Opened in 2019, the museum is more than a cultural landmark; it’s a key part of Qatar’s economic strategy. Indeed, the country relies on a new public image to continue fostering investment in various sectors so that it can thrive without depending on oil.

In addition to individual museums, Qatar has implemented large-scale cultural initiatives like the Years of Culture program. This annual initiative promotes cultural exchange with other nations, fostering international partnerships. Beyond bringing in tourists, scholars, and artists, Years Of Culture is a great occasion to develop solid bonds with foreign countries and extend the diplomatic influence of Qatar.

Qatar’s success shows that cultural investments can yield significant returns, which are not only financial. The country demonstrates how to use culture as a tool for economic growth while strengthening its national identity.

What Lessons for Other Nations ?

Qatar’s approach offers valuable examples for other nations looking to leverage their cultural assets. Investing in museums and galleries can transform economies, particularly in regions that may not traditionally bet on tourism, and create a stronger sense of unity around shared heritages.

Moreover, costly development planning is not always useful, especially when it is possible to start by building or enhancing existing cultural facilities. Developing partnerships with schools, universities, and local businesses can help expand the reach of these organizations to a broader public. Governments can also support cultural programs that engage diverse communities and ensure that museums are accessible to all.

Investing in culture does not come without challenges and risks. Museums require significant funding to maintain operations and develop new exhibits. However, the long-term economic, social, and historical benefits often outweigh these costs.

Final thoughts

Museums are not just about preserving the past, they are investments in the future, which is even more the case with art galleries. They generate revenue, create jobs, and enrich communities. Their impact is felt far beyond their walls, influencing everything from tourism to education and urban development.

As cities and nations are always looking for ways to improve their economic model, cultural investment should be a priority. By funding museums and galleries, governments and businesses can unlock significant economic potential.

Read more:
Are museums and galleries vectors of Economic Growth?

Migrating BizTalk systems is a complex process that can significantly impact business operations if not carefully managed.

Companies rely heavily on BizTalk for various integrations and business workflows, making it essential to minimize disruptions during migration. Whether you’re looking to update, re-platform, or migrate entirely, ensuring business continuity is vital to maintain smooth operations and customer satisfaction. In this guide, we explore strategies and best practices to approach a BizTalk migration effectively while keeping business continuity at the forefront.

Why Business Continuity is Essential During a BizTalk Migration

Business continuity is the lifeline of any organization, especially during critical infrastructure changes like a BizTalk migration. BizTalk serves as a backbone for integrations, connecting various systems, applications, and data across an enterprise. Any disruption in these processes can lead to costly downtime, impact customer satisfaction, and even risk the loss of sensitive information. Therefore, maintaining continuity is essential to avoid interruptions that could ripple across all areas of the business.

Migrating from BizTalk can be challenging due to the complexity of the system’s integrations and the business-critical data it manages. To maintain operational stability, companies need to approach migration with a carefully crafted strategy that emphasizes business continuity at every stage. By ensuring seamless transitions and minimizing disruptions, organizations can not only safeguard ongoing processes but also position themselves for enhanced functionality and agility post-migration.

Understanding the Challenges of BizTalk Migration

Migrating BizTalk poses specific challenges due to its complex, interconnected architecture. Here are some common obstacles organizations face when planning a BizTalk migration:

data and system Integration complexity: BizTalk manages a multitude of integrations across various systems, from CRM and ERP to other mission-critical applications. This intricate web of connections means that even a minor error can disrupt workflows and compromise data integrity;
compatibility issues: migrating BizTalk may require reconfiguration or replacement of legacy systems that aren’t compatible with modern platforms. This process requires careful planning and testing to ensure each component functions smoothly post-migration;
risk of downtime: unplanned downtime during migration can halt critical operations, affecting everything from supply chains to customer service. Minimizing downtime requires a structured approach to migration that considers backup systems and failover plans;
Data Security concerns: BizTalk migrations can expose sensitive data to potential vulnerabilities. Without robust security measures in place, the migration could increase the risk of data breaches or compliance issues.

Each of these challenges underscores the importance of working with experts in BizTalk consulting, migration and integrations. These professionals bring the experience needed to navigate complex migrations and help minimize risk at every phase.

Steps to Ensure Business Continuity During BizTalk Migration

A smooth BizTalk migration requires a strategic approach that focuses on preempting potential disruptions and maintaining business continuity. Below are key steps that organizations should take to ensure a seamless transition.

Pre-Migration Planning and Assessment

The first step in a successful BizTalk migration is a thorough assessment of the existing infrastructure and business processes. This involves mapping out all BizTalk integrations, identifying critical data flows, and determining potential compatibility issues with the target environment. By understanding the full scope of the migration, companies can address risks proactively and establish priorities based on business impact.

A comprehensive assessment should also identify any legacy systems that may need modernization or replacement. Early detection of these elements enables better planning and reduces the chance of unexpected roadblocks.

Developing a Migration Roadmap with Risk Management Strategies

Creating a structured roadmap is essential for guiding the migration process. This roadmap should break down the project into manageable phases, each with clearly defined milestones, objectives, and timelines. Additionally, a roadmap should include a risk management strategy that addresses:

business-critical systems;
failover and recovery plans;
compliance and security requirements.

By setting up a roadmap with embedded risk management, organizations can navigate the migration process in a controlled manner, reducing the likelihood of disruptions and ensuring that business operations remain uninterrupted.

Selecting BizTalk Migration Tools and Technologies

Choosing the right migration tools and technologies is critical for a successful BizTalk migration. The tools selected should align with the specific needs of the business, from data handling requirements to integration complexity. Leveraging advanced migration tools can automate parts of the process, streamline integrations, and help maintain data accuracy.

Partnering with experts in BizTalk consulting, migration and integrations can help in selecting tools best suited for the business’s unique needs. Professional consultants bring insight into the latest technologies and can recommend solutions that optimize performance while minimizing disruption.

Role of Experts in BizTalk Consulting for a Smooth Migration

Navigating a BizTalk migration requires specialized knowledge to ensure continuity and optimize processes. Engaging experts in BizTalk consulting, migration, and integrations can significantly reduce the risk of downtime, data loss, and security issues, making the migration smoother and more cost-effective. These consultants bring the technical expertise and strategic insight needed to align the migration with business objectives while addressing the complexities unique to each environment.

Benefits of Engaging Experienced BizTalk Consultants

Experienced BizTalk consultants offer invaluable support throughout the migration process. Some key benefits include:

in-depth technical expertise: BizTalk consultants possess extensive knowledge of BizTalk architecture, integrations, and configurations, allowing them to foresee and address potential challenges before they impact operations;
customized migration strategies: consultants analyze the specific needs of the business to develop a tailored migration plan that accounts for the organization’s unique processes, systems, and goals;
reduced downtime and operational disruptions: with proper planning and execution, consultants can minimize downtime, keeping mission-critical systems online and ensuring business continuity;
compliance and security assurance: experienced consultants help implement best practices in data security and compliance, safeguarding sensitive information throughout the migration process.

By partnering with a skilled consulting team, companies can enhance their ability to manage complex BizTalk environments and transition smoothly to a new system.

How Consulting Services Help Customize Migration for Your Business Needs

Every organization has unique business processes and IT requirements, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach to BizTalk migration often falls short. BizTalk consulting services offer the flexibility to customize migration plans based on the specific needs of each business. Here’s how consulting services can add value:

business process alignment: consultants work closely with internal teams to ensure that the new system supports existing business processes or enables improvements where possible. This alignment helps avoid operational hiccups post-migration;
ongoing support and training: beyond the technical migration, BizTalk consultants often provide training for internal teams, ensuring they are comfortable with the new system and capable of managing future adjustments;
scalability and future-proofing: consultants help design the migrated infrastructure with scalability in mind, preparing the system to support future growth and adapt to changing business needs without significant overhauls.

Read more:
Maintaining business continuity during BizTalk migration – how to approach this?

In a world that’s a whirlwind of responsibilities, ambitions and uncertainty, finding clarity and purpose can feel like a massive challenge.

That’s where life coaching comes in as a guiding light and transformation. Not a trend, life coaching is a scientifically proven practice that has helped thousands of people overcome obstacles, grow personally and achieve their full potential.

Let’s explore the power of life coaching, its methods, and why working with an experienced coach like Jake Smolarek, one of the top Life Coaches in London, UK, could be a game changer for you.

How Life Coaching Goes Beyond Advice: A Profession Built for Transformation

Unlike therapy or mentoring, life coaching is about practical strategies to move you forward. While therapy digs into past experiences to heal emotional wounds, life coaching is future focused. It uses techniques like goal setting, visualization and accountability to empower individuals. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) says 99% of clients find life coaching beneficial, 96% would do it again.

This isn’t just a feel good exercise; neuroscience backs the effectiveness of goal oriented coaching. Research shows that setting clear goals activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine – a neurochemical that drives motivation and persistence. A skilled coach knows how to harness this natural mechanism and guide clients to achieve extraordinary results.

Challenging Limiting Beliefs: Why Even High Achievers Get Life Coaching

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” This quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt sums it up perfectly: our beliefs shape our reality. A core principle of life coaching is to challenge the thoughts and assumptions that hold us back. By identifying and reframing limiting beliefs clients can rewrite their internal story and open up new possibilities.

Take Bob Proctor, a life coach and personal development giant, whose work was all about mindset transformation. His methods have helped thousands break free from self imposed limitations. And Jake Smolarek, a life coach known for his gentle yet piercing approach, helps clients dismantle mental barriers and find their way back to their greatness.

The Accountability Factor: How Life Coaching Makes Progress Inevitable

One of the most underutilized benefits of life coaching is accountability. Research from the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) shows that having an accountability partner increases the chances of achieving goals by 65%. Sharing your goals with a coach not only increases your commitment but also ensures progress.

A life coach is not a cheerleader; they are your strategic partner. Whether it’s weekly check-ins or structured feedback, they hold you accountable for the actions you say you’ll take. Imagine having a partner who is as invested in your success as you are – this dynamic creates massive momentum.

Changing Your Thinking: How Life Coaching Challenges and Expands Your Mind

Albert Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Life coaching is great at offering new perspectives. Coaches challenge existing assumptions, help clients see things from different angles. This mental stretch often leads to big breakthroughs.

Mel Robbins, author of the 5-Second Rule, talks about how small mindset shifts can create massive change. A skilled coach can help you identify mental blind spots and come up with solutions you never would have thought of. Working with someone like Jake Smolarek makes this process as enjoyable as it is transformational.

Busting the Cost Myth: Is Life Coaching Worth the Investment?

One of the biggest objections to life coaching is cost. While some coaches charge top dollar—hundreds or thousands per hour—there are ways to make coaching more affordable.

Group Coaching: Many coaches offer group sessions, reducing individual cost while maintaining value.
Sliding Scale or Payment Plans: Some coaches, including Jake Smolarek, offer flexible pricing to fit different budgets.
Pro Bono or Low-Cost: New coaches often offer services at reduced rates during their training phase.

As Henry David Thoreau so beautifully put it, “The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” Investing in a life coach is an investment in a more abundant and fulfilling life.

Finding the Right Life Coach: What to Look for in Your Guide to Growth

The connection you have with your coach is the key to the relationship. Beyond qualifications and experience, look for someone whose values match yours and whose coaching style matches your personality. Jay Shetty has talked about the importance of empathy and trust in the coaching dynamic.

Working with Jake Smolarek, a well-respected life coach, means you get personalized guidance from someone who is invested in your growth. His open and authentic approach sets him apart in the coaching world.

The benefits of life coaching are as unique as the individual. From better mental health to career advancement, the results are real and often life-shifting. Clients get more self-awareness, better decision making and a sense of direction.

When you work with a seasoned life coach like Jake Smolarek, you go beyond goal setting. It’s about finding yourself and creating a life that matches your deepest desires.

Famous Words to Live By

Use these quotes to guide your journey of growth and self-discovery:

“Your life does not get better by chance; it gets better by change.” – Jim Rohn
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou
“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Life coaching is not just an industry, it’s a change agent. Whether you’re in a tough transition, wanting to grow or seeking clarity, a good life coach can show you the way. Go for it—your future self will.

Read more:
Unleash Your Greatness: The Life Coaching Revolution

Choosing the right CRM system is essential when small businesses are eager to improve customers’ interactions and optimize processes.

Given the vast selection that is available to businesses today, it becomes rather important to determine which of the available CRM solutions offer the best features, at the most reasonable price, and with the optimal scalability. A good CRM selection can increase customer relations, sales, and overall small business development.

Here are the best CRM choices for small businesses:

vcita

All-in-one CRM vcita is designed specifically for small businesses. It offers features such as customer relationship management, scheduling, invoicing, and marketing automation in one platform. With its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing plans, vcita is a popular choice among small business owners.

Some of the key features of vcita include:

      Contact management: Easily manage all customer information, interactions, and notes in one place.
      Online scheduling: Allow customers to schedule appointments or book services online through a customizable booking page.
      Invoicing and payments: Generate professional invoices and receive online payments directly from the platform.
      Marketing automation: Create automated email campaigns to engage with customers and nurture leads.
      Mobile app: Access the platform on-the-go with its mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

Zoho CRM

Another recommended CRM software for small businesses is the Zoho CRM. Some of the tools include lead and contact management, sales forecasting, and auto email marketing, among others. Zoho CRM offers a simple and easy-to-navigate platform and the cost structure fits even the smallest business.

Some key features of Zoho CRM include:

Lead and contact management: Leads and contacts can be managed on a single platform or page with all of the necessary information about the individual.
Sales forecasting: Employ the use of artificial intelligence to forecast the future trends of sales.
Email marketing: It is time to use personalized emails to continue communication with customers and warm up the leads.
Workflow automation: Information should be managed to reduce redundancy as much as possible, and to avoid repetitive work.
Social media management: It is necessary to track the activity on social networks and communicate with clients on different social networks.
Mobile app: Experience the complete Zoho CRM at your fingertips with a mobile app for iPhone and Android.

HubSpot

HubSpot is a known CRM software that offers several features to support the development of small companies. Some of the elements include contact management, lead tracking, emailing, social media integration, and many others. This plan is free, and the paid versions are relatively cheap, especially given that HubSpot is an all-in-one tool for SMBs.

Some key features of HubSpot include:

Contact management: Store customer interactions, deals, and tasks all in one system that is easy to use and update.
Lead tracking: Maintain a record of the website visitors and leads to know the patterns of the people who are interested in the website.
Email marketing: Design and launch targeted and drip email marketing messages to customers.
Social media management: Coordinate all the social media profiles, and plan the content you want to share in one tool.
Sales pipeline management: Keep tabs on deals, tasks, and progress in the pipelines that suit your needs best.
Reporting and analytics: Turn to real-time data that will help to monitor your performance and make practical decisions.

Pipedrive

Pipedrive is a CRM system that has earned its place due to its minimalism and ease of use. Some of its facets include contacts and deals, email, and sales reports. It will best suit small businesses or teams that do not want to get involved in the complex configurations of the application.

Some key features of Pipedrive include:

Contact and deal management: Organize contacts and deals in a visual pipeline view so that the status of each contact can be easily viewed.
Email integration: The information can be brought into Pipedrive from various email accounts to ensure all client communication is in one place.
Sales reporting: Obtain actual information concerning sales volume in order to determine the efficiency and inefficiency of your sales systems.
Customizable dashboards: Develop individual clinically relevant summary screens that contain specific data to monitor and make management decisions.
Team collaboration: This way one can assign tasks, share notes, and work with other members of the team to make sales easier.
Integrations: Connect Pipedrive with other business tools such as Google Apps, Mailchimp, and Trello for a seamless workflow.

Monday.com

Monday.com is a CRM and project management software that is built on the concept of boards to handle leads, contacts, deals, and tasks. It has a customizable pipeline, automation, and communication tools. Monday.com CRM is perfect for businesses of different scales and types that need a multifunctional and easy-to-use tool.

Some key features of Monday.com include:

Customizable pipelines: Create custom workflows and pipelines to fit your specific sales process.
Automation: Automate repetitive tasks and streamline processes with automated actions based on triggers.
Communication tools: Use built-in communication tools such as updates, comments, and tagging to collaborate with team members.
Advanced reporting: Access detailed reports on team performance, deal progress, and more to track and improve sales efforts.
Integrations: Monday.com offers integrations with popular tools like Salesforce, Jira, and Slack for a seamless workflow.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, CRM systems are essential for businesses to manage and nurture their relationships with customers. Each of the above-mentioned CRMs offers unique features and capabilities that cater to different business needs. Some may be more suitable for small businesses, while others may be better suited for larger organizations. It’s important to carefully evaluate your business requirements and goals before selecting a CRM system. With the right CRM in place, you can enhance customer satisfaction, improve sales efficiency, and ultimately drive business growth.

Read more:
Top CRM Software for Small Businesses

Get expert help at prices that won’t break the bank. Keep reading to find out the top 5 assignment writing services based on customer reviews that offer the best value and quality.

With an increasing number of students facing depression and anxiety issues, students’ reliability on assignment writing help is growing rapidly. As a result, the assignment writing services market is projected to grow at 9.2% every year from 2024 to 2031, while the current market size is $1.8 billion, as per Cognitive Market Research.

However, with the growth of the market, the number of companies providing the service is increasing, making it difficult for students to choose the right and cheap service provider. Therefore, we have taken the responsibility of finding the top five affordable assignment writing service providers in 2025. It will solve the enigma of which service company to trust with your assignments.

So, let’s dig deeper into the details and fulfil the responsibility of this article.

Our Criteria for Choosing Affordable Assignment Writing Services

To help you find the top 5 assignment writing services that are both affordable and reliable, we carefully reviewed the most popular websites, taking into account important factors to recommend the best choices for you. For this article, finding affordable assignment writing services was the goal, so we have given more room to affordability factors along with quality. We have listed only those service providers who met our criteria comprehensively.

Here are some factors we have looked for:

Affordability
Special Discounts
Money Back Guarantees
Discussions with the Users
Quality Assurance
Customer Satisfaction
24/7 Support
Reliability & Trustworthiness
Revision Policy

This criterion meets all the standards for measuring the affordability, quality, and reliability of analysed service providers.

Top 5 Affordable Assignment Writing Services in the UK 2025

Custom assignment writing services go to every level to make sure their customers get the most affordable and reliable help for their assignments. These cheap service providers never compromise on customer satisfaction or the affordability and quality of the assignments.

Here are some assignment writing services selected after the careful evaluation of various features and factors.

The Academic Papers UK: Overall, the best assignment writing services in the UK with quality assurance and affordable prices. {9.9/10}
Affordable Dissertation UK: With affordability, meeting the delivery times are never questioned with this help for assignments. {9.8/10}
Cheap Essay Writing UK: The most budget-friendly assignment writing service provider in the UK without compromising quality. {9.7/10}
Cheap Dissertation Writing UK:  Delivers high-quality assignments with a knack for top-notch customer support and affordable prices. {9.5/10}
Dissertation Writers UK: Specialised in providing assignment help services with technical subject areas without breaking the bank. {9.4/10}

A Comparative Analysis Table

Service Firm
Starting Price
Turnaround Time
Revision Policy
Overall Rating

The Academic Papers UK
£9.95
8 Hours
Free & Unlimited
9.9/10

Affordable Dissertation UK
£12.95
12 Hours
Free & Unlimited
9.8/10

Cheap Essay Writing UK
£ 12.95
18 Hours
Free & Unlimited
9.7/10

Cheap Dissertation Writing UK
£ 13.95
23 Hours
Free & Unlimited
9.5/10

Dissertation Writers UK
£ 13.95
 

1-2 day

Free & Unlimited
9.4/10

The Academic Papers UK – Overall, the best assignment writing services in the UK, with quality assurance and affordable prices.

The Academic Papers UK is a unique blend of affordability and quality. This custom assignment help provider has been around for more than 20 years and has a 99% customer satisfaction rate on both quality and prices. The Academic Papers UK has a 4.9 rating and 249K+ reviews on the website and third-party independent organisations, including Trustpilot.

Subjects Areas & Degree Levels

The Academic Papers UK provide help with assignments for almost all degree levels from A/O levels, Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD and subject areas such as:

Business Management
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Information Technology
& More

Note: The subject areas for which The Academic Papers UK provides affordable assignment writing services are not limited to the listed subjects. You can contact customer support for information on your subject.

Pricing, Special Discounts & Guarantees

The pricing for cheap assignment writing services offered by The Academic Papers UK starts from £9.95/page with a 15+ day deadline. The company offers a 5% instant discount on checkout and various special discounts when contacting customer support. All you need to do is get in touch with customer support, ask “write my assignment,” and get a discounted price.

Top Unique Features

Live Interactions with Writers
Budget-Friendly and Affordable Assignments
Privacy Protection with DMCA & GDPR Compliance
Special Dispute Resolution Department
Unlimited Free Revisions
Money Back Guarantee
Free Plagiarism & AI Reports generated through Premium Turnitin
Qualified & PhD Assignment Writers (2000+Subject Experts)
Affordable Services with a 100% Refund Policy
Timeliness/Punctuality in Meeting the Deadlines
21+ Years of Experience in Providing Cheap Assignment Writing Services

Our Interaction with Their Customers

When we reviewed the service providers offering assignment help online at affordable prices, the first thing that came to mind was quality concerns: “Does this meet the quality standards if it’s cheap?” To address this issue, we contacted their previous customers and asked some questions to satisfy our quest.

Here are the questions that cleared up our thoughts about these service providers.

Question #1: What Was Your Experience with Assignments Before Discovering This Service?

Answer: Honestly, assignments used to be such a headache for me. I always struggled to maintain quality and originality in my work. Finding reliable sources and citing them properly felt like a daunting task because my research skills weren’t great. On top of that, writing wasn’t really my strong suit, so I could never express my ideas the way I wanted. It always felt like I was underperforming and not living up to my potential, no matter how hard I tried.

Question #2: How Did Your Approach to Assignments Change After Using Assistance from The Academic Papers UK?

Answer: After receiving assistance from The Academic Papers UK, my approach to assignments changed. I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders because I finally had access to expert guidance. They helped me understand how to structure my work, improve the quality of my writing, and back up my ideas with credible research. I started submitting assignments that I felt proud of, which boosted my confidence and grades.

Our Verdict

After evaluating the unique features, price ranges, and overall impact of assignment writing services in the UK on students’ approach to their academic tasks, The Academic Papers UK stands out as the top-rated assignment helper in the UK. With a solid rating of 9.9/10. It excels in delivering high-quality, original research tailored to meet diverse academic needs. Students looking to pay someone to do assignments can benefit from their expertise and even avail themselves of special discounts.

Affordable Dissertation UK: With affordability, meeting the delivery times are never questioned with this help for assignments. {9.8/10}

Affordable Dissertation UK is a preferred choice for students because of its affordable prices and urgent deliveries. Their experienced and qualified assignment writers ensured they met the quality standards and all the deadlines without compromising the quality of the assignment. With a team of 1000+ qualified writers, this company has 39,859+ Satisfied Customer Reviews.

Pricing, Special Discounts & Guarantees

Affordable Dissertation UK charges £12.95/page for undergraduate assignments with a 15+ day deadline. The discount is 5% guaranteed, and other special discounts are available by contacting the support team. The company provides a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the work they deliver. You can pay for assignments without any hesitation.

Top Unique Features

Cheap & Budget-friendly
Special Quality Assurance Department
Plagiarism & AI-Free Assignments
Guarantee of Work Ownership
Unlimited Free Revisions
Delivers Customised Assignments
Quick Turnaround Time
Free Assignment Samples
Guaranteed On-Time Delivery
Copyrights Protection

Subjects Areas & Degree Levels

Degree levels, including A/levels, O/levels, Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD, all are entertained by affordable dissertation UK. The subject areas include but are not limited to:

Architecture
Art & Design
Marketing
Law
Accounting & Finance
Sociology
Management
History
Computer-Science
Audit and Taxation
Architecture
Supply Chain
Nursing
Statistics
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Energy & Environmental Technologies
International Relations
Audit and Taxation
Economics
Information Technology
Engineering
Digital Marketing
Business Management
English Literature & Linguistics
Medicine
Philosophy
& Others

Note: Details about other subject areas are available by contacting customer support representatives.

Our Interaction with Their Customers

We reached a customer of Affordable Dissertation UK and asked for a few quotations from them as well.

Here are the Answers to them.

Question #1: Were There Specific Subjects or Tasks You Struggled with Before Using This Service?

Answer: Yes, I really struggled with nursing assignments before. The hardest part for me was figuring out the right research approach and choosing proper data collection methods. I’d often get it wrong, which made my papers feel all over the place and not up to the mark. It was frustrating because I knew I was putting in the effort but still missing the mark.

Question #2: Can You Describe How Affordable Dissertation UK Helped You Overcome Those Difficulties and Improve Your Performance?

Answer: Affordable Dissertation UK really made a difference for me when I was looking for someone to buy assignments online. They provided expert guidance on how to structure my research and choose the right methods, something I was struggling with before. Their team helped me understand the concepts of nursing assignments. They also offered valuable feedback on my drafts, which helped me refine my work and improve my overall grades.

Our Verdict

After reviewing customer feedback, pricing, quality, and unique features, we highly recommend Affordable Dissertation UK for anyone facing tight deadlines for their assignments. Their commitment to customer satisfaction shines through with personalised support, timely delivery, and high-quality, custom assignments that meet academic standards.

Cheap Essay Writing UK: The Most Affordable Assignment Writing Service Provider in the UK

With over two decades of experience, Cheap Essay Writing UK has earned the trust of more than 834K satisfied customers and boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating across various platforms. Their broad expertise for university assignments across diverse subject areas, combined with competitive pricing, makes them a top choice for students seeking reliable and affordable assignment writing services.

Subjects Areas & Degree Levels

The subject areas for Cheap Essay Writing UK’s assignment writing services are:

Philosophy
Art & Design
Marketing
Law
Accounting & Finance
Sociology
Management
History
Computer-Science
Audit and Taxation
Architecture
Information Technology
Business Management
English Literature & Linguistics
Medicine
Architecture
Supply Chain
Nursing
Statistics
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Energy & Environmental Technologies
Engineering
Digital Marketing
International Relations
Economics
& More

These subject areas cover all degree levels such as undergraduate, a/levels, o/levels, graduate, and PhD.

Pricing, Special Discounts & Guarantees

The prices for assignment writing services start from £ 13.95/page for a master’s assignment with a 15+ day deadline. Exclusive discounts are available for both new and returning customers who contact our support team.

Top Unique Features

Advanced Order-Tracking system to Keep the customers updated.
Affordable Yet High-Quality Assignment Writing Services in the UK
Unlimited Free Revisions & Data Confidentiality
Qualified PhD Writers & On-Time Deliveries
100% Money Back Guarantee
24/7 Customer Support
Special Quality Assurance Department to Ensure Every Assignment is Error-Free.
99.9% Customer Satisfaction Rate
Free Similarity & AI Report
Copyrights & Data Protection
Weekly Calls with Writers

Our Interaction with Their Customers

The customers of Cheap Essay Writing UK were also satisfied with the assistance they got from experienced and qualified writers.

Here is how they answered our queries:

Question #1: How Did You Feel About Your Grades or Learning Progress Before Reaching out to This Service?

Answer: My grades were slipping fast because I was working a part-time job while trying to keep up with writing my assignments. It felt impossible to manage my time properly, and as a result, my performance started to suffer. I was pulled in too many directions, and it was hard to focus on my coursework the way I needed to.

Question #2: What Difference Did Cheap Essay Writing UK Support Make in Your Academic Results or Confidence?

Answer: They helped me improve my time management, which significantly reduced my anxiety and led to better grades. My academic performance saw a dramatic boost, and my confidence in using online UK-based assignment writing services grew. Now, I’m able to balance my personal, academic, and professional life more effectively, and I can avoid the stress of falling behind in my studies.

Our Verdict

Cheap Essay Writing UK is dedicated to providing high-quality work at student-friendly prices. They understand the financial challenges students face, which is why they offer competitive rates without compromising on quality. In addition to their affordable prices, they provide various free services, such as free revisions, plagiarism and AI reports, round-the-clock customer service, and special discounts, making it even more accessible for students to get the academic support they need.

Cheap Dissertation Writing UK:  Delivers high-quality assignments with a knack for top-notch customer support and affordable prices.

At Cheap Dissertation Writing UK, customer support, affordable prices, and high-quality services go hand in hand. Their team of skilled assignment writers is dedicated to helping students achieve top grades by providing well-researched, original assignments. With unlimited revisions and a focus on academic integrity, Cheap Dissertation Writing UK ensures every assignment meets the highest standards.

Whether you’re an undergraduate or a PhD student, they offer custom assignment writing help across a wide range of subjects, making it easy for students at all levels to get the support they need to succeed.

Subject Areas & Degree Levels

Cheap Dissertation Writing UK provides assignment writing services in London for all degree levels and subject areas. This diversity of subject ranges allows students to get support for college assignments and university assignments from one platform.

Philosophy
Art & Design
Marketing
Architecture
Nursing
Law
International Relations
Accounting & Finance
Sociology
Management
History
Computer-Science
Supply Chain
Audit and Taxation
Economics
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Architecture
Information Technology
Business Management
English Literature & Linguistics
Medicine
Statistics
Energy & Environmental Technologies
Engineering
Digital Marketing

Cheap Dissertation Writing offers writing services for all degree levels, including PhD, Masters, Undergraduate, A-levels, and O-levels.

Pricing, Special Discounts & Guarantees

The prices for professional assignment writing services in the UK start from £ 13.95/page for a Graduate assignment with a 15+ day deadline. The company offers a 5% discount on each order and a special discount for contacting the support team.

Top Unique Features

Free Revisions Until you are Satisfied
Specialised Writers for Various Subjects
Free plagiarism and AI Report Generated by Turnitin
24/7 Available Customer Support
Unlimited Free Revisions
Special Focus on Affordability & Being Pocket Friendly
99.9% Satisfied customers
Free Assignment Writing Samples Available

Our Interaction with Their Customers

The customers of Cheap Dissertation Writing UK answered some important questions regarding the quality of the assignments and how these services improved their work quality.

Here are the detailed answers to our questions:

Question #1: Before Using Cheap Dissertation Writing UK, How Would You Rate the Quality of Your Assignments?

Answer: Before I got professional help from Cheap Dissertation Writing UK, I’d rate the quality of my assignments around 6/10. I knew there were areas I was struggling with, especially when it came to research and writing style. But after seeing the assignments they delivered, I quickly realised how much I still have to learn to become a better researcher and writer.

Question #2: How Has the Quality of Your Work Improved Since You Started Using Their Help?

Answer: The quality of my work has improved dramatically since working with Cheap Dissertation Writing UK. They assigned my assignments to subject specialists and experienced writers who truly know their craft. Thanks to their expertise, I’ve received high-quality assignments that have helped me impress my professors and significantly improve my grades.

Our Verdict

Cheap Dissertation Writing UK is a great choice for students who need high-quality help without breaking the bank. They offer affordable rates, but what really sets them apart is their excellent customer support and unique features that make the whole process smoother. Whether you’re looking for personalised guidance or just need a bit of extra support with your assignments, this service has got you covered. We highly recommend it to students who want reliable, top-notch assistance at a price that won’t burn a hole in their pocket.

Dissertation Writers UK: Provides Help with Technical Subject Areas Without Breaking the Bank and Compromising on Quality

Dissertation Writers UK stands out for its dedicated focus on technical subject areas. Its team consists of highly qualified technical assignment writers who are experts in fields like engineering, computer science, and other STEM disciplines. They offer custom assignment writing services at competitive rates, ensuring that quality is never compromised.

With a deep understanding of technical concepts and a commitment to delivering precise, well-researched work, they provide students with the support they need to excel in complex subjects.

Subjects Areas & Degree Levels

Dissertation Writers UK’s special focus has always been technical subjects, so students have an option where technical subjects are only handled by technical writers.

These subject areas include:

Accounting & Finance
Information Technology
Artificial Intelligence
Audit and Taxation
Supply Chain
Machine Learning
Medicine
Statistics
Engineering
Architecture
Cybersecurity
Business Management
Law
Statistics
All other Technical & General Subjects

For any other technical or general subject areas, you can contact the customer support team anytime.

Pricing, Special Discounts & Guarantees

The prices for technical subjects start from £13.95/page for a graduate assignment with a 15+ day delivery time. The website offers a 5% flat discount on any order and other specialised discounts for new and returning customers.

Top Unique Features

Qualified Technical Writers for Technical Subjects
Affordable Prices and Special Discounts
Ensures Privacy and Data Protection
Limitless Revisions, 100% Free
Submits Original Work
DMCA and GDPR Compliant
Prompt Deliveries
100% Customer Satisfaction Rate

Our Interaction with Their Customers

Dissertation Writers UK has provided their customers with high-quality homework assignment help services, and they were thrilled to answer our questions.

Here is what they said about the services.

Question #1: What Challenges Made You Seek Out Dissertation Writers UK in the First Place?

Answer: Writing assignments for Computer Science was challenging for me due to my background in general studies. I struggled with complex concepts, which affected my grades. After using the assignment writing services of Dissertation Writers UK, I found them experts in technical subjects. I gained a clearer understanding and improved my approach, leading to better results and greater confidence.

Question #2: Looking Back Now, What’s the Biggest Change You’ve Noticed in Your Academic Performance or Mindset?

Answer: Looking back, the biggest change I’ve noticed is in my mindset. I used to feel anxious about asking for assignment help and wasn’t sure if I should rely on others. However, after getting an A+ on an assignment with Dissertation Writers UK support, my confidence soared. It really showed me what I’m capable of and gave me a much-needed boost for both my academic journey and future career.

Our Verdict

Dissertation Writers UK is an amazing choice for technical subject areas at affordable prices. They have hired experienced and subject specialist writers who handle every technicality comprehensively. We recommend this service to every student looking for technical writers at lower rates and high quality because they often are too expensive.

Final Thoughts

To wrap up the discussion, we can say that finding these service providers was a real struggle. The market is filled with unreliable companies who do not hesitate to put the student’s career at stake. That’s why we selected them after careful consideration and observing all the trust factors.

The companies we have gathered are based in the UK, serving students for more than two decades, and meet all the criteria of trustworthiness. The Academic Papers UK stands out from every company out there as the overall best for assignment writing services. We hope, after reading this guide, you will be able to choose the company you will be hiring for your “do my assignment “challenges.

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Are you looking for the best assignment help provider of 2025?

With rising attention to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance, companies are prioritizing peer benchmarking to strengthen their sustainability initiatives. This structured assessment not only measures performance but also enhances ESG ratings.

This guide will tell you the essentials of ESG benchmarking, including its definition and practical tips for measuring ESG performance.

What is ESG Benchmarking?

ESG benchmarking involves comparing a company’s environmental, social, and governance metrics with those of industry peers. This process offers insights into internal performance and competitive positioning, helping companies evaluate their environmental impact, social practices, and governance standards.

By providing context for ESG strategies and targets, benchmarking helps companies like Global ESG Monitor track their progress relative to their competitors.

Why is ESG Benchmarking Important?

ESG benchmarking has become essential in today’s business environment as stakeholders increasingly value sustainability and ethical practices. Here’s why benchmarking ESG metrics can be transformative for businesses:

Contextualization of Data

ESG data can be complex and challenging to interpret without a comparative framework. Benchmarking provides valuable context by allowing companies to assess their performance against industry standards or peers. This comparison sheds light on a company’s relative strengths and weaknesses in sustainability and helps identify specific areas for improvement.

For better sustainability outcomes sustainability report benchmarking plays a role in evaluating performance and guiding decision-making

Setting Measurable Targets

Understanding one’s position relative to others enables companies to set achievable and measurable goals for ESG improvement. This practice provides a clear direction for tracking progress and adjusting strategies over time. An effective ESG benchmarking report highlights current standings and suggests practical next steps. It helps companies create actionable, data-driven ESG targets.

Enhancing Transparency

Transparency is crucial to maintaining credibility in ESG efforts, and benchmarking encourages greater openness in ESG reporting. Companies can use benchmarked data to communicate their sustainability journey with tangible evidence, minimizing the risk of greenwashing. By demonstrating a transparent approach, companies build trust with stakeholders and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Regulatory Compliance

With growing regulatory requirements around ESG disclosures, benchmarking is instrumental in ensuring compliance with current standards and staying prepared for future regulations. Through benchmarking, companies can better align their ESG practices with legal requirements, reducing potential regulatory risks and positioning themselves favorably as proactive and compliant entities in the evolving regulatory landscape.

Investor Confidence

Investors increasingly prioritize ESG performance when making investment decisions. Strong benchmarking practices allow companies to showcase their commitment to sustainability, responsible governance, and social impact, attracting ESG-conscious investors.

Companies that effectively communicate their performance and progress through benchmarking signal reliability and long-term value, bolstering investor confidence and enhancing market attractiveness.

Competitive Advantage

In addition to internal improvements, ESG benchmarking offers a clear competitive edge. Companies that track and improve their ESG metrics based on benchmarking insights are better positioned to adapt to consumer demands, appeal to top talent, and differentiate themselves from competitors. This proactive approach to ESG performance strengthens brand reputation and fosters loyalty among clients and customers who value sustainability.

Top Benefits of ESG Benchmarking

Engaging in ESG benchmarking offers key advantages for businesses focused on sustainable growth and responsible practices. Here’s a breakdown of its benefits:

Performance Improvement

Benchmarking highlights gaps in ESG strategies, allowing companies to target improvements and enhance sustainability outcomes. By continuously assessing their performance against benchmarks, businesses can stay aligned with evolving standards, ensuring long-term effectiveness and relevance.

Competitive Advantage

Benchmarking enables companies to distinguish themselves by demonstrating superior ESG practices, which can drive customer loyalty and increase market share. A strong ESG profile attracts customers and enhances the company’s reputation with investors, improving its overall market position.

Risk Management

Benchmarking provides companies with insights into industry trends and peer performance, helping them anticipate risks related to environmental, social, and governance factors. This proactive approach strengthens resilience and adaptability, minimizing potential negative impacts on the business.

Stakeholder Engagement

Benchmarking results provide valuable data for stakeholders, from customers to employees and investors, fostering transparency and trust. Engaging stakeholders with clear ESG metrics encourages support for sustainability initiatives and strengthens relationships with key groups.

Long-Term Value Creation

Companies committed to improving ESG performance through benchmarking are better positioned for sustainable growth. This approach aligns with the rise of responsible investing, embedding ESG principles into core strategies that prepare businesses for future challenges.

Methods for ESG Benchmarking

Companies often use two main methods for ESG benchmarking:

Absolute Benchmarking

Absolute benchmarking measures a company’s ESG performance against internal goals or established standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Rather than comparing externally, this method focuses on how well a company meets its sustainability goals, providing tailored insights that reflect its unique values and priorities.

Absolute benchmarking is effective for tracking long-term initiatives, like carbon reduction or supply chain transparency, helping businesses focus on continuous improvement.

Relative Benchmarking

Relative benchmarking compares a company’s ESG performance with that of its industry peers, providing a wider perspective on competitive standing. This method highlights strengths and areas for improvement, allowing companies to identify industry trends, best practices, and opportunities for innovation. By assessing their position in the broader market, companies can adapt to evolving standards and investor expectations, gain competitive advantages, and stay ahead in the ESG space.

Tips for Effective ESG Benchmarking

To perform a comprehensive ESG benchmark analysis, follow these essential steps:

Define ESG Metrics and Select Your Peer Group

Identify ESG metrics relevant to your industry and choose a peer group for comparison. Common metrics include:

Environmental: CO2 emissions, water usage, resource depletion
Social: workforce diversity, health and safety policies, community engagement
Governance: executive pay ratios, anti-corruption policies, board diversity.

Next, select a peer group of 10 to 100 similar-sized organizations. Refine your choice based on factors like market capitalization, revenue, or employee count for accurate comparisons.

Collect Relevant Data

Establish a reliable data collection process, sourcing both internal ESG data and external insights from databases or public records. Collaboration across departments, such as sustainability, finance, and HR, ensures data accuracy.

Perform a Detailed Analysis

After collecting the data, analyze it using quantitative tools like trend analysis and sustainability report benchmarking. This helps assess your performance compared to peers, identify gaps, and set realistic ESG goals based on insights from your materiality assessment and competitor analysis.

Set ESG Improvement Targets

Based on your analysis, establish measurable, actionable ESG targets with defined timelines. Examples may include carbon neutrality goals, reducing pay gaps, increasing recycled materials, or launching community initiatives.

Monitor and Report Progress

Once your targets are set, develop detailed action plans with clear tasks, timelines, and resource allocations. Monitoring frequency will vary based on the data, but regular progress tracking and reporting are essential. To maintain transparency share updates with key stakeholders internally and externally through ESG benchmarking reports or press releases.

The following steps will support a successful ESG benchmark analysis and drive meaningful progress.

Conclusion

ESG benchmarking is a powerful tool for organizations aiming to improve sustainability in a complex regulatory environment. Companies can become leaders in responsible business practices by recognizing the benefits, using effective methods, and following best practices. Integrating sustainability report benchmarking into business strategy promotes regulatory compliance and innovation, enabling continuous improvement that benefits society and the environment.

Read more:
Understanding ESG Benchmarking: Why It Matters for Your Business

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has nearly doubled the amount paid to individuals providing tip-offs about suspected tax evasion, disbursing almost £1 million (£978,256) in the 2023/24 financial year compared to £508,500 the previous year.

The increase comes amid growing pressure to reduce the UK’s £39.8 billion tax gap—the difference between the tax that should be collected and what is actually received.

According to data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by accountancy firm Price Bailey, HMRC received 151,763 anonymous tip-offs via its fraud hotline in 2023/24, slightly fewer than the 157,270 reports in 2022/23 but still the second-highest in seven years.

Andrew Park, Tax Investigations Partner at Price Bailey, described the payouts as “paltry” when measured against the billions lost to tax fraud annually. He suggested that significantly increasing rewards could incentivize more individuals to come forward with high-quality information. “A transparent system in which the reward is proportionate to the amount of tax recovered would go a long way to encouraging big-ticket tip-offs,” Park said.

Price Bailey highlighted the contrast with the United States, where the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers substantially larger rewards. In the most recent financial year, the IRS paid out $89 million to 121 whistleblowers, leading to the recovery of $338 million in taxes—averaging $735,537 per whistleblower.

Park noted that the UK system is less transparent and that awards are discretionary and not linked to the amount of tax recovered. This lack of significant financial incentive, coupled with the potential risk to employment for whistleblowers—many of whom are employees of the companies they report—may deter individuals from reporting major tax fraud.

He also pointed out that the lengthy process of resolving tax disputes serves as an additional disincentive. “Anything HMRC can do to make its reporting system more accessible and transparent would be welcomed,” Park added.

Read more:
HMRC doubles payouts to tax whistleblowers amid calls for larger rewards

A growing scandal over mis-sold motor finance could leave lenders facing compensation bills of up to £30 billion, according to a warning from leading credit rating agency Moody’s.

The estimate is the highest so far and raises concerns that the issue could mirror the payment protection insurance (PPI) debacle, which ultimately cost firms around £50 billion in redress.

While major banks like Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays, and Santander UK may be able to absorb the impact, smaller and more specialised lenders—including Close Brothers, Aldermore, Investec, and the financing arms of Ford and Volkswagen—could suffer a “more significant hit to earnings and capitalisation,” Moody’s cautioned.

The motor finance industry has been under increased pressure since the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) banned discretionary commissions in car loan deals in early 2021. The regulator was concerned that such commissions—paid by lenders to car dealers or credit brokers for arranging finance—were unfair because they incentivised higher interest rates for borrowers.

Consumer complaints about these payments have escalated, prompting the FCA to announce a wide-ranging review in January, examining discretionary commissions dating back to April 2007. This ongoing inquiry has unsettled the industry, fuelling speculation that the watchdog may compel car loan providers to compensate affected borrowers.

In July, the FCA indicated that the likelihood of requiring compensation was “more likely than when we started our review.” Moody’s estimates that potential redress costs for the industry could range between £8 billion and £21 billion.

The situation could worsen if a recent Court of Appeal ruling is upheld. Last month, judges determined that any commission not properly disclosed to a borrower was unlawful, making lenders liable to repay the money to consumers. This ruling applies to all types of commission, not just the discretionary arrangements under the FCA’s focus, potentially adding a further £9 billion to the compensation bill, according to Moody’s.

By setting a higher standard for commission disclosure, the court has opened the door to a new wave of consumer complaints. Close Brothers and FirstRand (owner of Aldermore), the lenders central to the ruling, plan to appeal to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the judgment has thrown the industry into turmoil, with some lenders temporarily halting their car loan operations to ensure compliance.

Santander UK delayed its third-quarter results to assess the impact of the judgment and is expected to release its figures on Wednesday.

There is uncertainty regarding the scope of the judgment, with speculation that it could extend to commissions paid in other types of consumer finance. Moody’s warned that if this is the case, it would “result in a significantly broader and more negative impact” on many lenders.

Most banks and the finance arms of car manufacturers have yet to set aside funds to cover potential motor finance compensation. Lloyds Banking Group is one of the few that have made provisions, earmarking £450 million.

As the industry grapples with the potential financial fallout, comparisons to the PPI scandal have intensified. The scale of the possible compensation payments raises serious concerns about the stability of smaller lenders and the broader impact on the UK’s financial sector.

Read more:
Moody’s warns car finance scandal could cost lenders £30bn