Journey Protector CEO Anne Lawlor (R) in an Enterprise Ireland promotional campaign. Haulage companies face huge losses daily due to theft, damage to their loads, and hefty fines arising from undetected illegal stowaways entering the rear of their vehicles. Under the new revision of the UK’s Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme from 13 February 2024, fines for lorry drivers found with illegal immigrants hiding in their vehicles increased fivefold from £2,000 (approx. €2,250) per stowaway to potentially £10,000 (>€11,000). Considering that independent owner/drivers earn an average of around €200 per day, the added potential penalties and financial risks make crossing the UK border an unacceptable risk. The World Road Transport Organization(IRU) says the scheme puts supply chains at risk, stating…
What Happens When Two Founders Start a Business With No Clear Rules? Every entrepreneur begins their journey with a good idea, a trusted friend, a shared dream. It always starts with, “We should do something together.” The idea feels fresh, the energy is high, and the possibilities seem endless. Those first moments are filled with hope and optimism, where everyone is enthusiastic, the roles seem obvious and collaboration feels smooth. This is the classic startup story of two friends chasing a dream and finally deciding to make it happen. Party A and Party B were exactly like this: Friends with complementary skills, united by a vision, and eager to launch their business. They set things up quickly, registered the company,…
Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik When you hear 'corporate governance', you might heave a sigh heavier than your morning coffee cup. You might think - isn't that something that only starchy, established corporations need to squabble about? Startups, with their agile, seat-of-the-pants swagger, surely need not bother with such heavyweight formalities as corporate governance, right? Well, here's a curveball to that notion - you should. What is corporate governance and why is it important for startups? Let's clear the air once and for all. What exactly is corporate governance and why should it matter for startups? Defined at its simplest, corporate governance is the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. It's about making good…
What’s Next for Accounting? Key Shifts Defining the Next Decade Accounting has long been seen as a stable profession, but that image no longer holds. Similar to other industries, it is being reshaped by automation, artificial intelligence (AI), evolving regulatory frameworks, and shifting client expectations. The accounting field is being reshaped by four major trends, impacting how accountants work and the value they provide. Firstly, accountants are increasingly stepping into the role of strategic business advisors. The automation of repetitive and low-skill tasks enables accountants to take on more analytical and strategic responsibilities. As leaders face increasingly complex decisions, accountants are becoming partners in guiding long-term strategy. At the same time, emphasis on sustainability and integrated reporting is pushing companies…
The Rising Voice of a New-Gen Artist Blending Chinese and Modern Painting In an increasingly interconnected world, the boundaries between cultural expression and artistic identity are becoming ever more fluid. Nawei, a bold young Canadian artist based in Singapore, is among the emerging generation of artists who masterfully blend the heritage of Chinese ink traditions with the color, energy, and imagination of modern art. With work that pulses with symbolism, movement, and soul, she’s carving a space that both honors the past and dares to redefine it. “I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember,” she reflects. “If there was a pen and a scrap of paper, I’d find myself sketching whatever came to mind or whatever I…
