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As smartphone technology advances, the need for more storage space has become increasingly pressing, particularly for professionals like video creators and photographers who often deal with large files. iPhones, despite their ample built-in storage, still have a major limitation: non-expandable memory.

This has led many users to explore external storage solutions. One popular choice is the portable SSD. But, can you use a portable SSD with your iPhone? The answer is a definite yes, particularly with the latest iPhone models like the iPhone 15 and 16 series. The Aiffro P10 portable SSD is a prime example of an effective and reliable solution for expanding your iPhone’s storage capacity.

Why Opt for a Portable SSD for iPhone?

Portable SSDs bring several key advantages, especially for users seeking additional storage without altering their device’s internal components.

High-Speed and Reliability: SSDs provide faster read/write speeds compared to traditional hard drives, allowing you to transfer and back up files rapidly. Since they have no moving parts, they’re more durable and compact, making them a top choice for those constantly on the move.
Flexibility: Portable SSDs allow you to store high-definition videos, RAW images, and other large files externally, freeing up internal storage for smoother performance.
Portable and Lightweight: Many modern portable SSDs are designed with mobility in mind. They’re lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for travel or fieldwork where cloud storage might not be feasible.

Why the Aiffro P Series Stands Out

Among the many SSD options, the Aiffro P Series has gained a reputation for its lightweight build, quick data transfer rates, and versatile compatibility.

Slim and Compact Design: The Aiffro P Series is among the slimmest SSDs on the market, weighing only 41 grams. Its compact design makes it easy to carry in a pocket or bag without adding extra bulk.
Exceptional Speed: Equipped with the SM2302 controller, the Aiffro P Series offers outstanding data transfer performance. It efficiently handles the transfer of high-definition videos, massive data files, and regular backups, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Broad Compatibility: The P Series is built to work flawlessly with the latest iPhone models, thanks to its patented C-to-C data cable. This makes it ideal for iPhone 15 and 16 users who want to expand storage without relying on cloud subscriptions. Additionally, the magnetic sticker simplifies connectivity for Android users, broadening its utility.

Connecting and Using the Aiffro SSD with an iPhone

Using a portable SSD with an iPhone is straightforward, especially with devices like the Aiffro P Series. Simply connect the SSD using the included C-to-C cable for fast file transfer, whether you’re backing up media or syncing data between devices.

Common Use Cases:

Video Creators: Safely store high-quality footage on the go, especially useful for projects that require extensive travel or shooting on location.
Photographers: Quickly move large photo files, like RAW images, from your iPhone to the SSD, ensuring optimal storage space and a smooth workflow.
Business Professionals: Keep essential documents on a portable SSD and sync across multiple devices effortlessly, making it an excellent choice for those with a mobile lifestyle.

Key Considerations for Aiffro P10 Users

While the Aiffro P10 SSD offers excellent convenience, there are a few points to keep in mind for potential users:

Device Limitations: The Aiffro P10 is not compatible with gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch. It is specifically designed for smartphones and computers.
Security and Durability: Rigorous testing has ensured that the P10 is both secure and reliable. With its shock-resistant design, it is well-suited for outdoor and rugged use, providing robust protection for your data in different conditions.

The Future of Portable SSDs: Aiffro’s Vision

As the demand for mobile storage continues to grow, the market for portable SSDs is expanding. The Aiffro P Series remains a strong contender, offering speed, portability, and cross-platform compatibility. In the future, advances in magnetic technology and device compatibility will likely increase the versatility of portable SSDs. Aiffro is committed to innovation, constantly seeking to enhance their products to meet the evolving storage needs of their users.

Final Thoughts

For iPhone users seeking to overcome storage constraints, the Aiffro P Series portable SSD offers a practical and efficient solution. Whether you’re traveling, working remotely, or needing extra storage for large files, this portable SSD can meet your demands. By opting for high-quality portable storage like the Aiffro P10, iPhone users can break free from the limitations of fixed storage and gain greater flexibility and control over their data.

Read more:
Exploring the Use of Portable SSDs for iPhone Storage Expansion

The career world forms the bedrock of the business world. You cannot have a business if you don’t have someone who is following a career in that business. And when it comes to the business of trading, particularly the careers therein, there is a whole lot to learn and know. 

Trading might strike you as something pretty easy from the get-go. You make a trade or two and Bob’s uncle but it is actually much harder than this. If you are someone either interested in the world of trading or looking to expand into a new industry career-wise, then there are certainly some factors to consider. This article aims to shed light on this information.

Make Use of Free Trading Accounts To Find Your Niche

The best way for anyone to start in the business of trading is through a dummy account. It doesn’t make sense for you to get your heart and soul invested in a potential career in this field if you haven’t tried it out for yourself at least a few times. The best way to go about this is by creating a free demo account for trading as this will give you the chance to navigate the platform yourself, see what different trading options are out there, try to make your own easy trades, navigate the pressure that comes with having to be online, see if you can understand the account well enough and the list goes on. Basically, it gives you the chance to see what’s happening in the world of trading without having to invest any real figures from your end. It’s a great way to get your toes wet without the risk of anything more than that. If you decide that it’s not for you, then you haven’t lost anything and if you decide that it is for you, great, then you can continue.

Be Clued Up on The Latest Technology

Another thing that you need to be aware of is that technology has a big impact on trading. If you’re someone looking to make trading your career then you have to be good with technology, that’s just a must. The reason technology is important in trading is because a lot of the trades you make will be online (likely all of them) and you have to know how to navigate the online world well in order to manage this. Many platforms that you engage with will also be based on highly advanced technology, as this might be a challenge for those who don’t know how to navigate these fields well.

Trading is an industry that is dependent on statistics and data and you need to be able to analyze these within seconds if you hope to make a name for yourself in trading. New trading signals crop up all the time and you need to understand them and use them to your advantage when you start trading.

Never Underestimate the Rest of the Global News

An important aspect of trading is what is happening in the rest of the world. Many people, especially those who are still beginners, will try to only analyze currencies and how to trade those. What loads forget though is that it’s not just the currency changes that need to be looked at but how and why those changes are made. You see, changes in the euro will be because of some political changes that are happening in Germany or Austria for example. Just think about the changes in the value of the pound when Brexit happened, that change, which was actually far more social and political than anything else, is the thing that catapulted the pound to experience new highs and lows, more than ever before.

So if you’re someone interested in pursuing a career in trading or if you’re just interested in the field in general, then you also need to know that you must keep up to date with happenings around the world, as these will all have an impact on your trading habits.

An Ever-Evolving Field

Business, careers, trading, currencies – these are all things that are constantly in motion. The value of the dollar is not the same as it was one second ago, the same goes for the pound and euro. These currencies change so quickly and this represents the changes within business, trading and careers as a whole very well.

Any business, regardless of the type of industry, will come with change. And you need to start getting used to change, especially in trading. Back in the day, all you could really trade in terms of finances were fiat currencies. However, today there are many digital currencies, such as cryptocurrencies that have completely changed the face of the finance world. You have Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Dogecoin and a whole host of other currencies that you need to know about.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it, these are some of the most important factors to consider in the world of trading. Trading is a huge business so if you want to partake in some form, it’s crucial that you know these basics. Just remember to always do your research beforehand, make sure you’re working on a safe and reputable site, trust your gut instinct and that should set you on a solid path forward.

Read more:
The Business of Trading: How to Navigate Careers in an Ever-Evolving Trading World

President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s frequent changes to her top government teams have sparked conversation both within Tanzania and abroad.

Reshuffles of this nature might normally be seen as an unwelcome sign of instability and weakness. However, in this case it should be seen as a calculated strategy to maintain high standards, foster accountability, and ensure that her government remains adaptable in an ever-evolving landscape.

Since taking office in 2021, President Samia has consistently demonstrated her commitment to reform and good governance, using her leadership appointments to set the tone for a forward-looking Tanzania. By regularly reshuffling key personnel, she has ensured that only the most capable and reform-minded individuals lead critical sectors.

Evolving Security Challenges Demand Flexible Leadership

One area where these frequent changes have been most notable is within Tanzania’s intelligence and security apparatus. President Samia has demonstrated a keen understanding of the fluid nature of security threats, making strategic leadership changes as needed. For instance, in response to the growing threat of cross-border terrorism, particularly from militant groups like Al-Shabaab operating in neighbouring countries like Somalia and Kenya, the President has appointed new intelligence heads experienced in counter-terrorism and regional security cooperation.

Similarly, President Samia’s government has faced the challenge of organised crime, particularly in the form of drug trafficking. The President’s decision to replace key security officials in 2021 was partly motivated by the need to address the growing influence of international drug cartels using Tanzania as a transit hub for narcotics destined for Europe and Asia.

These shifts reflect a broader understanding that no single approach to security can remain effective in a fast-changing world. For example, in 2023, Tanzania was faced with growing concerns over cybersecurity threats as the country’s digital infrastructure expanded. President Samia responded by instituting initiatives to upskill the Tanzania Police Force (TPF), with professional training being delivered to police to improve their response to cybercrime.

Cabinet Reshuffles: A Commitment to Reform

Beyond security, President Samia’s reshuffles within the Cabinet signal a broader push for reform across critical sectors, such as energy and health. These ministries are essential for Tanzania’s socio-economic development, and any inefficiency or corruption within them can have a ripple effect throughout the country.

Take her recent changes in the Ministry of Energy. A sector often fraught with allegations of corruption and inefficiency, it plays a crucial role in powering the nation’s economic engine. President Samia’s decision to appoint new leadership here sends a clear message: there is no room for complacency or mismanagement. Similarly, her reshuffles in the Ministry of Health reflect her government’s intent to improve healthcare delivery.

Upon her appointment, the new Minister of Health noted that the government’s focus would be on education, improving healthcare access, and infrastructure. These policy shifts demonstrate how the President is using her appointments not just as a tool for maintaining order, but as a means to accelerate much-needed reforms.

Another key element of her reformist agenda has been her commitment to women’s participation in Tanzania’s political process and leadership roles. In her second Cabinet reshuffle in June 2021, she retained all four female ministers from the Magufuli administration, assigned them new positions, and added five new females – bringing the total number of women to 9 in a team of 22 – the highest for the country since Independence. During her tenure, she also appointed several women to ministerial roles, such as Dr. Stergomena Tax as the Minister of Defence, the first woman to hold the position in Tanzania.

A Deliberate Strategy for Transparency and Accountability

By frequently reshuffling her government teams, President Samia has embedded an element of transparency and accountability into her administration. Regular appointments keep leaders on their toes, knowing they must perform, or risk being replaced. This creates an environment where complacency is not tolerated, and each appointee understands that their role is contingent on their ability to drive positive change.

Her approach sends a powerful message – that governance in Tanzania is dynamic, and those entrusted with leading the nation’s most critical sectors must meet the highest standards of performance and integrity.

Read more:
Accountability and adaptability are the by-words of Tanzania President Samia

Entrepreneur and Aston University alumna Dr Isabella Moore CBE is challenging stereotypes about older adults in business, advocating for the transformative power of later-life entrepreneurship to boost health, confidence, and mental well-being.

Prominent businesswoman and founder of the Olderpreneur Alliance, Dr Moore shared her insights on The Healthy Work Podcast with Dr Simon McCabe, where she highlighted the unique advantages older adults bring to the entrepreneurial world.

Drawing on her Aston University research, Dr Moore argues that older adults possess valuable “age capital”—the resilience, skills, and adaptability built over a lifetime—that make them well-suited to entrepreneurship. Her Later-Creator programme, designed to foster confidence and resilience among mature entrepreneurs, aims to support those looking to embark on new ventures after retirement.

“Many individuals I spoke with were worried about losing cognitive abilities in retirement, particularly those with family histories of dementia,” Dr Moore said. “They sought the mental challenge of running a business to stay sharp.”

For many, later-life entrepreneurship is not just about financial gain but also a means to stay mentally active, preserve identity, and contribute meaningfully. Dr Moore noted that societal expectations often discourage older adults, particularly women, from exploring business opportunities. “Many women internalise the idea that they should focus on grandchildren or caregiving rather than business, while men feel pressured to ‘slow down,’” she observed.

Dr Moore advocates for an age-friendly business environment, urging employers, policymakers, and the media to recognise older adults as valuable contributors to the entrepreneurial landscape. Tailored support, she says, is key for older entrepreneurs, addressing life stages, family responsibilities, and the unique expertise they bring.

Dr Simon McCabe, head of the Healthy Work Research Group at Aston Business School, praised Dr Moore’s work, noting that “age capital” offers older entrepreneurs credibility and confidence. “Keeping both physical and mental well-being in check is foundational to navigating the entrepreneurial journey and building resilience,” he added, urging older adults not to let ageist stereotypes hold them back.

As interest in mature entrepreneurship grows, Dr Moore’s work continues to challenge perceptions, opening up new opportunities for older adults to thrive in business and achieve greater well-being.

Read more:
Older adults can thrive as entrepreneurs, says expert

Fleek, the innovative wholesale marketplace for second-hand fashion, has raised $20.4 million to bring the fragmented, offline second-hand clothing industry online.

The Series A funding round was led by HV Capital, with participation from Andreesen Horowitz (a16z) and Y Combinator. Founders and operators from prominent technology companies like Shopify’s President (Harley Finkelstein), Depop’s ex-CEO (Maria Raga), and Postmates’ CTO (Sean Plaice) have also invested. The previous seed round was led by a16z.

Founded in 2021 by Abhi Arora and Sanket Agarwal, Fleek addresses one of the second-hand fashion industry’s biggest challenges: sourcing inventory from a highly fragmented, offline market. The second-hand fashion industry, valued at $200 billion, is expected to grow three times faster than the overall apparel market, reaching $350 billion by 2028.

Fleek’s platform connects over 1,000 suppliers with more than 10,000 resellers across 70 countries. By offering a seamless online marketplace, Fleek enables access to desirable second-hand inventory with competitive pricing, buyer protection, and global logistics support. The platform’s interactive social features, such as chat and live video shopping, foster direct connections between buyers and suppliers, creating a dynamic shopping experience.

Abhi Arora, co-founder and CEO of Fleek, said, “Our mission is clear: to make second-hand the first choice. With this funding, we aim to empower more businesses to embrace sustainable fashion.”

Fleek also leverages AI and predictive analytics to help suppliers understand market trends, enabling buyers to source trending categories like vintage streetwear and upcycled clothing in bulk. This data-driven approach positions Fleek to play a key role in promoting sustainable fashion, offering a viable alternative to fast fashion’s environmental impact.

Felix Klühr, General Partner at HV Capital, commented, “Fleek is redefining the second-hand fashion landscape and setting the stage for a more sustainable future in fashion. We’re excited to support their growth.”

With offices in the UK, Pakistan, and India, Fleek is poised to further transform the wholesale fashion market by providing a streamlined, accessible solution for businesses worldwide looking to enter or expand in the second-hand apparel market.

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Fleek secures $20.4M to bring global wholesale second-hand fashion market online

Fuel Ventures, a prominent UK-based venture capital fund, has led a £1.5 million Seed funding round in Groov, a pioneering embedded lending platform focused on bridging the $1.2 trillion funding gap faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Groov’s innovative Embedded Lending 2.0 platform empowers B2B SaaS providers to integrate lending solutions directly into their user experiences, offering SMEs seamless access to capital precisely when they need it.

The funding, which also included support from Aperture and industry-focused angel investors, will help Groov expand its product offerings and scale its presence across key markets. This investment aligns with Fuel Ventures’ dedication to supporting transformative fintech companies that address critical business needs and drive sectoral innovation.

Groov’s lender-agnostic model connects SMEs with a diverse range of capital providers, ensuring flexible financing options with competitive terms and higher approval rates. By integrating capital solutions directly into B2B SaaS platforms, Groov enables businesses to access the funds they need for stock purchases, marketing, invoicing, and more, without leaving their chosen platform.

Mark Pearson, Founder of Fuel Ventures, expressed his enthusiasm for the investment, stating, “When speaking to Mark Hazzard and Rakesh Jena, we immediately saw they were onto something special. Their bold approach to innovating the SME capital space aligns with our commitment to backing visionary fintech solutions.”

Groov CEO Mark Hazzard shared his excitement, commenting, “This investment from Fuel Ventures and our other investors is a strong validation of our mission to empower SMEs with capital on their terms. We’re excited to grow our platform and bring our vision to life.”

With Fuel Ventures’ backing, Groov is well-positioned to drive significant advancements in SME financing, ultimately helping to bridge the funding gap and support business growth worldwide.

Read more:
Fuel Ventures leads £1.5M seed round in Groov to transform embedded lending for SMEs

BMW’s UK car finance division has earmarked more than £70 million to address potential customer compensation claims over controversial motor finance commissions, adding to the nearly £680 million set aside by lenders as the industry braces for mounting liabilities.

The German car manufacturer’s provision is part of a wider response to recent regulatory scrutiny and a Court of Appeal ruling that could significantly impact the sector.

The provision was disclosed in BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited’s 2023 accounts, filed at Companies House, which noted “considerable uncertainty” about BMW’s ultimate liability. The accounts, finalised before the recent court decision, reflect a range of possible scenarios, including a “reactive customer redress scheme” to manage potential claims.

The Court of Appeal’s decision last month has broadened the issue, affecting not only discretionary commissions but also other commission structures deemed “secret” or insufficiently disclosed. This ruling raised the bar for transparency and found lenders liable for undisclosed commissions, creating waves across the motor finance industry. In response, some lenders, including BMW, have temporarily paused their car loans businesses to ensure compliance.

The scandal traces back to 2020 when the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) banned discretionary commission arrangements. However, subsequent customer complaints led to a broader inquiry into past commission practices going back to April 2007, with speculation that redress could be mandated by the regulator.

Other major players have also made provisions. Lloyds Banking Group, a prominent motor finance provider, allocated £450 million in February, while FirstRand, owner of MotoNovo, set aside £127.4 million in September. Investec disclosed a £30 million provision in May. Yet analysts predict these figures could rise significantly, with some comparing the unfolding crisis to the £50 billion payment protection insurance (PPI) compensation scandal.

FirstRand and Close Brothers, both directly affected by last month’s ruling, are seeking an appeal to the Supreme Court. As the industry awaits further regulatory action, the financial impact of this motor finance commission controversy is expected to be significant, with potential liabilities in the billions.

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BMW sets aside £70m for potential motor finance commission payouts as industry braces for billions

More than five years after the onset of the pandemic, remote working remains a central part of UK work culture.

According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 41% of the British workforce now works from home at least part of the week, with 28% following a hybrid model and 13% working from home full-time.

The split reflects a diverse work environment, as 44% of workers still commute daily, especially those in jobs that require a physical presence, such as retail, healthcare, and construction. The ONS noted that hybrid working is likely here to stay, particularly for specific demographics like older, highly educated individuals and parents.

The data highlights a demographic divide: 29% of workers over 30 adopt a hybrid model, compared to just 19% of those aged 16-29. Working parents are also more likely to work from home part-time (35%), with a higher proportion of dads than mums in hybrid arrangements. Workers with a degree are ten times more likely to follow a hybrid model than those without qualifications, at 42% versus 4%, respectively.

The trend is notably strong in sectors like IT and professional services, where remote-friendly roles are more common. Meanwhile, nearly half of senior managers and directors follow a hybrid schedule, although critics argue that remote work may limit learning opportunities for junior staff who miss out on in-person mentorship.

ONS surveys also indicate that working from home brings personal benefits. On days when employees work remotely, they save an average of 56 minutes on commuting, with many using this time for an extra 24 minutes in bed and 15 minutes of additional exercise.

Despite these preferences, recent surveys show that company leaders may be looking to bring workers back into the office. A KPMG study revealed that most CEOs aim for a full return to pre-pandemic working arrangements by 2027, suggesting that the future of remote work in the UK could be uncertain as businesses consider the long-term balance between flexibility and in-office collaboration.

Read more:
UK workforce split on working from home as hybrid model persists post-pandemic

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has fined Metro Bank £16.6 million for failing to implement adequate systems to monitor money laundering risks, impacting over 60 million transactions valued at more than £51 billion.

The lapses, occurring between June 2016 and December 2020, reveal serious deficiencies in Metro’s financial crime prevention controls.

Metro Bank introduced automated transaction monitoring in June 2016, but due to data input errors, the system failed to flag transactions occurring on the same day accounts were opened and further transactions until account records were updated. Concerns raised by junior staff in 2017 and 2018 went unaddressed, delaying identification of the issue.

The bank implemented a partial fix in July 2019, but a consistent verification mechanism wasn’t established until December 2020—over four years after the monitoring system’s launch. In response to these issues, Metro Bank has since updated its processes to remediate the flaws in its monitoring system.

Therese Chambers, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, highlighted the risks posed by Metro Bank’s prolonged oversight gap. “Metro’s failings risked a gap being left in our defence against the criminal misuse of our financial system. Those failings went on for too long,” Chambers stated.

Metro Bank’s fine serves as a reminder of the need for robust financial crime prevention measures, as the FCA continues to prioritize enforcement against inadequate anti-money laundering controls.

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Metro Bank fined £16.6m by FCA over money laundering monitoring failures

UK wage growth has slowed to its lowest rate in more than two years, while unemployment rose to 4.3% in the three months to September, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The data, which reveals a mixed outlook for the labour market, has dampened expectations of another interest rate cut by the Bank of England next month.

Wage growth excluding bonuses averaged 4.8% over the quarter, slightly above analyst predictions of 4.7%, but down from 4.9% in the previous period. Including bonuses, salaries rose by 4.3%, up from 3.9% in the previous quarter. Unemployment increased from 4% to 4.3%, while economic inactivity—those not working or looking for work—fell to 21.8%, its lowest in nearly a year.

The slowdown in pay growth and modest rise in unemployment has prompted economists to speculate on the Bank of England’s next move. While the Bank recently lowered interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.75%, some analysts now believe another cut in December is less likely, particularly given Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s recent Budget, which included a 6.7% minimum wage increase that could spur inflation in the short term.

Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill commented on the data, highlighting that wage growth remains “sticky” at elevated levels, making it challenging to meet the Bank’s 2% inflation target. The Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has previously indicated that stabilising wage growth is essential to controlling inflation over the long term.

Analysts at Nomura suggest that the higher-than-expected wage figures may be “rogue” and part of a broader declining trend. If wage growth weakens in future reports, the Bank could resume cuts in February. However, markets currently expect rates to hold at 4.75% next month.

Despite the weaker data, the pound fell 0.39% against the dollar to $1.281, while the yield on 10-year UK government bonds increased to 4.445%, reflecting market concerns over ongoing inflation pressures.

ONS Director of Economic Statistics Liz McKeown advised caution when interpreting the data, as recent improvements in data collection methods are still stabilising. “Growth in pay excluding bonuses eased again this month to its lowest rate in over two years,” she noted, though bonuses have affected figures due to one-off public sector payments last year.

As the Bank of England monitors labour market trends, the current outlook suggests that inflation and wage dynamics will continue to play a crucial role in shaping future interest rate decisions.

Read more:
UK unemployment rises as wage growth slows, affecting interest rate cut prospects