Category Archives: Business News

Downtown business improvement district is proposed

If you build it, will they come?
Downtown Honolulu, once bustling with office workers who frequented eateries at lunchtime, has seen a downturn in office space occupancy since the start
of the COVID-19 pandemic, and needs revitalization, say businesses and developers.
But even if they build change, they fear people won’t come, so they would like to create a business improvement district to help with first sweeping out crime, grime and the
homeless.
It’s first objective: “Clean and Safe.”
“It’s great to have festivals and events, but they cost money,” Avalon Group CEO Christine Camp said. “We need to focus on cleanliness and safety. That’s what we have to start with.”
Two hundred stakeholders — residents, business and property owners, developers, government officials — filled the Laniakea YWCA auditorium last week to hear panelists touting the plan, with many weighing in.

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Angola and Israel want to leverage economic cooperation and increase business volume

Sebastião Francisco, who was speaking to journalists about strengthening trade and attracting Israeli investments to the country, highlighted that the volume of trade is below 300 million dollars, in statements made on the sidelines of the 2nd Economic Forum between the two countries promoted by Israeli embassy in Angola.
According to Sebastião Francisco, there is more interest on the Israeli side, but “there are difficulties in reconciling interests”.
“This incompatibility has to do with the organization, especially of our businesspeople. They (…) want to know with whom, in what and where they are going to invest. The projects that businesspeople present here are not always sufficiently structured to be accepted as a premise to place their investments”, said Sebastião Francisco.
The leader of the Angola/Israel Chamber of Commerce said that these businessmen are experienced and to invest in Angola they require “some stability in their partners”.
“That’s a very low number for the capital available in Israel for interest in Angola,” he said.
Angola and Israel, with diplomatic relations since 1993, develop cooperation in the areas of agriculture, health, education, aviation, construction, fisheries, diamonds, security, cartography and telecommunications, with great interest being shown in the pharmaceutical industry.
The official highlighted that the business environment in Angola has changed and is favorable to investment, a testimony that they intend to take to Israel “to motivate those who are there”.
Religious tourism, highlighted Sebastião Francisco, has brought a large number of Angolans to Israel, organized by churches and many on an individual level.
In turn, the Israeli ambassador to Angola, Shimon Solomon, said that the meeting’s main objective was to promote investment in the country, given the great interest on the Israeli side, as well as on the Angolan side.
The meeting brought together leaders and businesspeople from both countries to analyze existing Angolan investment policies and promote the presence of Israeli businesspeople in Angola.
“There are already businesses in several sectors, mainly in the diamond sector, but there is a lot to explore, for example the Lobito Corridor [railway infrastructure] which offers many opportunities that we can embrace”, he stressed.
Shimon Solomon considered that the greatest effort should be made by the Angolan side, with diplomatic relations between Angola and Israel being the best platform to promote new investments and improve the quality of existing businesses.

One Year Since RBI Imposed Business Restrictions on Paytm: Where Does the Company Stand Now?

Almost a year since the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) regulatory curbs, fintech giant Paytm has had a 32.7% year-on-year decline in its income going from making Rs 2999 crore in December 2023 to Rs 2017 crore in December 2024. While the company has witnessed a major decline in revenue when compared to December 2023, quarterly, its income has improved by roughly 10% compared to September 2024 when it stood at Rs 1834 crore. 

This marks the conclusion of a turbulent year for the company given that in January last year, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued an order banning Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) from carrying out a wide range of activities. This included accepting deposits, allowing for credit transactions, and UPI facilities. As 2024 came to a close, the company failed to reach pre-regulatory restriction figures. While the company’s revenue is declining, its loss after tax has reduced by 62.18% on a year-on-year basis, going from Rs 550 crore to Rs 208 crore as of December 2024. 

How did the restrictions impact Paytm in 2024?

Fall in monthly transacting users:

Immediately after the regulatory curb, Paytm had seen a 24% decline in its monthly transacting users (MTU) with its user base dropping from 104 million in January 2024 to 80 million by April 2024. Speaking about this decline back in April, Madhur Deora, President and Group CFO at Paytm had said that the company could only improve its MTUs when it gets new third-party application provider (TPAP) user onboarding commencement from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). 

While NPCI had allowed Paytm to migrate users from its @paytm UPI handle to other banks’ UPI handle back in March, the company could not begin providing UPI services to other companies till October 2024. Even after the commencement of user onboarding, the transacting user base is lower than it was in April 2024 at 72 million. However, just like revenue, on a quarterly basis the company has been able to improve its MTUs with its transacting users growing by 5.8% since September 2024. 

Reactivating inactive merchants:

While merchants did not leave Paytm amidst the RBI order, initially, the number of active merchants on Paytm declined. Between January and March 2024, the company’s active merchant base was reduced by 1 million, which is roughly 10% of its total merchant base as Paytm was waiting to migrate merchants to its partner banks. By July, the company was trying to get closer to January levels with the company “focusing on redeploying devices from inactive merchants to new merchants”. As 2024 came to a close, the company has continued this strategy. “We expect this strategy to continue for the next 1-2 quarters. This is leading to higher revenue per merchant and lower capex [capital expenditure],” the company said in its January 2025 earnings report.

Merchant device subscription costs yet to fully recover:

With fewer active merchants, the company’s subscription per device also fell during the first quarter of 2024. As of March 2024, the company made Rs 90 per device per month, this was a major decline from the previously reported merchant subscription revenue of between Rs 100-500. At the time, the company expected this figure to bottom out at Rs 80 by June 2024 and fully recover by December 2024. 

As of December, Paytm’s overall merchant subscriptions have reached 1.17 crore. While the company has not clarified how much it is making per device this quarter, when a CLSA representative asked the company whether rental income per device was in the Rs 90-100 range, Deora said that this figure was “slightly higher” than how much Paytm was actually making per device. Suffice it to say, the company is yet to reach the same revenue per device that it had pre-January 2024. 

Source: Paytm’s earnings report December 2024

DLG loans’ impact on financial services revenue:

In the quarter ending on December 31, 2024 (Q3FY25), Paytm had a financial services revenue of Rs 502 crore, a 17.29% decline on a year-on-year basis compared to December 2023 where it stood at Rs 607 crore. While the company’s financial service revenue may have declined when compared to the same quarter last year, this is the best the segment has performed throughout the year. 

“Higher Financial Services revenue was on account of higher share of merchant loans, higher trail revenue from Default Loss Guarantee (DLG) portfolio, and collection efficiencies,” the company says. For context, financial services segment consists of equity broking, insurance and credit products, such as merchant and consumer loans. A default loss guarantee (DLG) is a type of agreement between banks and non-banking financial institutions where the non-banking institution compensates the bank for the losses they may incur by selling loans through the institution. The company’s board approved providing DLG loans in October 2024, it explained that the DLG segment leads to higher revenue throughout the loan’s lifecycle because the company factors in all the costs of the DLG upfront while most of the revenue from the loan (primarily interest income) comes in later. 

“We continue to see increased interest from lenders to partner using the DLG model for both Merchant and Personal Loans, which will help to increase disbursements with the existing partners and expand partnership[s] with new lenders,” the company says. The outstanding assets under management (AUM) for the DLG loan segment as of December 2024 was Rs 4,244 crore, which is a 155.84% increase in outstanding AUM compared to September where this figure stood at Rs 1651 crore. “The DLG Book is doing well, in fact, slightly better than the rest of our book. Sometimes some books do better, sometimes some books do slightly worse. I wouldn’t necessarily draw a pattern there,” Group CFO Deora explained. While Deora advises against drawing a pattern, as of December 2024, 80% of the loans that merchants have with Paytm are DLG loans. 

Expanding and contracting business segments:

In the first quarter after the RBI’s regulatory action (March 2024), Paytm emphasised that it would “focus on the core of the business, which is payment business and cross-selling of financial services business.” It has since reiterated this sentiment across other quarters as well. Paytm’s payments business is Rs 1059 crore, which although an improvement from the past two quarters, is not up to the pre-restriction levels of Rs 1730 crore at the end of December 2023. 

Unleashing Business Potential: Maximizing Technology’s Power

The constantly changing business environment is among the areas where businesses are looking for new ways to become more effective and stay ahead of their competitors all the time. The most efficient method for doing that is using the technology to the fullest. This article stresses how companies can really tap the potential of technology to fuel their growth, develop greater efficiency, and get a competitive advantageous position.
The Role of Technology in Modern Business
When you look at the actual situation of a company, the first thing that you will notice is that one common element is technology, no matter whether it is a small or a big company in the service or manufacturing sector. It has transfigured the operation mode of companies, communication, and distribution of products and services. Via the application of advanced technology, companies would be able to simplify their operations, cut back on costs and heighten productivity.
Identifying Key Areas for Technological Implementation
On the other side of the technological coin to reach the maximum output, the organization finds the key areas that would be influenced most effectively by specific technological solutions. These may include:

Customer relationship matching system (CRM)
Data analysis and business intelligence
Cloud data storage and computing
Optimization of mundane tasks
Technology related risk management

The Importance of Managed IT Services
Another vital aspect that needs to be met to get the highest potential from technology is to opt for managed IT services. Those services ensure businesses with expert support and maintenance of their technology infrastructure. Companies that outsource IT management to professionally trained personnel can concentrate on their core competencies and at the same time make sure that technology systems are running smoothly and efficiently.
Managed IT services are attached with the following advantages:

Proactive control and preventive repair of IT systems
Immediate assistance in technical problems
Strong security measures
Scalable solutions with enhanced business growth
The capability of using the most recent technologies and being experienced in them

Leveraging Data Analytics for Informed Decision-Making
Data has already been considered as the most precious commodity in the digital age. Businesses using proper means, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation, will be able to get insights, which help them make wise decisions on their areas of interest, efficiently perform their operations, and locate new areas of growth.
Embracing Cloud Computing for Flexibility and Scalability
The cloud has been the most sought after of all the modern data storing solutions. If an organization migrates its data to the cloud, it can gain enormous benefits such as operational flexibility, service scalability, and decreased costs. Furthermore, cloud solutions allow the employees to access the information and work together from wherever is most convenient, which in turn, enhances productivity and makes remote work a possibility.
Implementing Automation to Boost Efficiency
Automation like robotic process automation (RPA) and artificial intelligence (AI) can improve efficiency. They handle routine and time-consuming tasks. This lets staff focus on strategic and creative work. This leads to better performance and growth.
Prioritizing Cybersecurity to Protect Business Assets
ImproveShow HardAccording to recent trends, today’s businesses depend a lot on technology. Having strong cyber security is very important. Organizations must include data security in their tech platforms. This protects their sensitive information, new work, and customer data from cyber threats.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
ImproveShow HardIf companies want to maximize their technology power, they must inspire their employees. This creates a culture of new ideas and ongoing learning. To do this, companies should search for innovative technologies. They should also provide regular training. And they should create an atmosphere that welcomes change and experimentation.
Conclusion
By well planning and successful use of technology, companies in Milnsbridge can reach their full potential and thus continual growth will be possible. The options based on managed IT services, data analytics, and cloud computing are plenty. In a world where technology never stays the same, those institutions in Milnsbridge that prepare themselves for the future and innovate will be in the strongest position to achieve the best in the competitive market of tomorrow.

5 Google Ads Strategies Every B2B Business Should Use to Boost Lead Generation in 2025

In the competitive world of B2B marketing, staying visible and relevant is crucial for generating high-quality leads. Google Ads offers one of the most powerful tools for achieving this, allowing businesses to target specific audiences with laser precision and drive meaningful results. In 2025, with the increasing complexity of digital marketing, it’s more important than ever to master Google Ads strategies that work for B2B lead generation.
With a proper understanding of how to leverage Google Ads, B2B companies can tap into valuable opportunities, boost their visibility, and generate qualified leads that are more likely to convert into long-term clients. Whether you’re new to Google Ads or looking to refine your approach, the right strategies can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll explore five Google Ads strategies that every B2B business should use to supercharge lead generation in 2025.
1. Target Long-Tail Keywords for Higher Conversion Rates
In the world of B2B lead generation, targeting the right keywords can be the difference between success and wasted spend. While broad, high-traffic keywords can be tempting, they often lead to higher competition and less relevant clicks. Instead, focusing on long-tail keywords can help you connect with highly targeted audiences who are more likely to convert.
Long-tail keywords are more specific and generally have lower search volume, but they often lead to higher-quality traffic because they indicate a deeper level of intent. For example, rather than bidding on a generic term like “business software,” you could target something more specific like “enterprise accounting software for small businesses.” This not only reduces competition but also brings in leads who are further down the sales funnel and more likely to convert.
By utilizing long-tail keywords, you’ll reach potential clients who are looking for exactly what you offer, making your Google Ads campaigns more efficient and cost-effective.
Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
2. Leverage Audience Targeting with Custom Intent and Affinity Audiences
Google Ads offers sophisticated audience targeting options that enable you to narrow down your reach and ensure that your ads are seen by the right people. Two powerful options that B2B businesses should use are Custom Intent Audiences and Affinity Audiences.
Custom Intent Audiences allow you to target users based on their search history and interests. This means you can create ads that appear when people search for specific products or services, making it a perfect fit for B2B businesses looking to reach leads actively searching for solutions like yours. For example, if you offer SaaS solutions for HR management, targeting a Custom Intent Audience for terms like “HR software for small business” can help you reach high-intent leads.
Affinity Audiences, on the other hand, target people based on their long-term interests, lifestyle, and behaviors. For example, if you’re marketing a B2B service for the tech industry, you could target people who are already interested in topics like “tech innovation” or “digital transformation.” By aligning your ads with the audience’s interests, you ensure your message is reaching those most likely to be interested in your offerings.
3. Use Remarketing to Nurture Warm Leads
Not every lead will convert on their first interaction with your business. In fact, many B2B buyers take time to evaluate their options before making a purchasing decision. This is where remarketing comes into play.
Remarketing allows you to stay top-of-mind with potential customers by targeting people who have already interacted with your website, landing page, or other digital touchpoints. By showing relevant ads to these warm leads, you can encourage them to return and complete their purchase or take the next step in your sales funnel.
Remarketing can be especially effective for B2B businesses, as decision-making cycles tend to be longer, and multiple touchpoints are often needed to close a deal. Use remarketing ads to remind leads of your product’s benefits, offer them a special discount, or showcase a new feature they may have missed.
4. Optimize Ad Copy for Clear Calls-to-Action and Value Propositions
When crafting your Google Ads, your ad copy plays a pivotal role in attracting clicks and converting leads. To maximize your ad performance, it’s crucial to include clear calls-to-action (CTAs) and value propositions that speak directly to your target audience.
Your call-to-action should be concise and compelling. Phrases like “Get a Free Demo,” “Request a Consultation,” or “Sign Up Now” are strong CTAs that encourage users to take immediate action. Make sure your CTA aligns with the goal of your campaign and the next logical step in the lead generation process.
Equally important is your value proposition, which should clearly communicate the benefits of your product or service. For example, if you offer a unique solution that saves businesses time and money, highlight that in your ad copy. Use powerful language like “Save X% on operational costs with [Your Solution]” to capture attention and entice clicks from prospects who need exactly what you offer.
By ensuring your Google Ads are clear, concise, and focused on your audience’s needs, you increase your chances of generating qualified leads.
Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
5. Leverage Google Ads Extensions for Increased Visibility and Engagement
Google Ads Extensions are an often-underutilized feature that can enhance your ads and provide additional opportunities for lead generation. Extensions add extra information to your ads, such as contact details, links to specific pages, or additional offers, increasing the visibility and value of your ad.
For B2B businesses, there are several types of ad extensions that can be particularly useful, including:

Sitelink Extensions: These allow you to link directly to specific pages on your website, like product features, case studies, or client testimonials, giving users more information and pathways to engage with your business.
Call Extensions: If you’re a B2B business that relies on phone calls to close deals, adding a call extension to your ads can encourage leads to contact you directly from the ad.
Lead Form Extensions: These extensions let users submit their contact information directly within the ad, making it easier for them to get in touch with you without having to visit your website.

By using Google Ads Extensions, you can make your ads more engaging, informative, and relevant, which increases the likelihood of attracting high-quality leads.
Conclusion
Google Ads remains one of the most effective ways for B2B businesses to generate high-quality leads in 2025. By incorporating these five strategies into your Google Ads campaigns, you can ensure that your business reaches the right audience with the right message at the right time. From targeting long-tail keywords to leveraging audience targeting options and remarketing, there are countless opportunities to refine your Google Ads strategy for better lead generation.
As the digital advertising landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve is essential for long-term success. If you’re ready to boost your lead generation efforts and take your B2B business to the next level, now is the perfect time to start optimizing your Google Ads campaigns.

Nvidia’s autonomous car business is rising. Here’s how it could make every car self-driving.

Tech

Nvidia’s autonomous car business is rising. Here’s how it could make every car self-driving.

Emma Cosgrove and

Nora Naughton

2025-01-21T09:00:02Z

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivers a keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on January 6, 2025

Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang used CES 2025 as an opportunity to highlight autonomous vehicle tech.Nvidia’s Orin chips will power Toyota’s driver-assist features, in a new partnership.The chip designer offers a “shot in the arm” for a floundering industry.Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says true self-driving cars require three advanced computers.

All India Business Community and Foundation (AIBCF) Convenes Nation…

New Delhi: The National Conference on Mission Viksit Bharat 1947 To 2047 was organized by the All India Business & Community Foundation (AIBCF) on Thursday, 16th January, at the prestigious Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi, Delhi, aimed to foster the growth and recognition of small and medium-sized businesses, start-ups, individuals, and corporations across India.The occasion was graced by distinguished international guests including H.E. Ms. Jacqueline Mukangira, High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda to India, H.E. Prof. Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda, High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda to India, and Mr. Jules Debrailly, Trade Counsellor Embassy of France, adding to the event’s global significance. Other guests of honours included Shri Surendra Nath Tripathi, Retd. IAS, Director General, Indian Institute of Public Administration,  Dr. Manoj Garg, Retd. IAS, Hon. President – All India Business Community Foundation, Shri Amod Kumar Kanth, Retd. IPS, Founder & General Secretary, Prayas JAC Society, and Air Marshal VPS Rana PVSM, VSM (Retd.). The gathering attracted huge participation from several business leaders, CSR professionals, and numerous industry experts from across India. More than 200 delegates attended the event from various countries.

The summit, powered by Tata Steel, commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a warm welcome speech of Dr. Manoj Garg, Retd. IAS, Hon. President – All India Business Community Foundation.

Following him, Shri Surendra Nath Tripathi, Retd. IAS, Director General, Indian Institute of Public Administration, Shri Amod Kumar Kanth, Retd. IPS, Founder & General Secretary, Prayas JAC Society and Air Marshal VPS Rana PVSM,  in their  address to the gathering, highlighted the  immense power harnessed when government and society at large join hands to work in convergence.

The event progressed with an engaging panel discussion on the theme ‘Fostering Collective Action: Multi-Sector Collaboration for Promoting Ethics and Responsible Business Practices,’ moderated by Dr. Somnath Singh, Deputy Director, UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI). During the course of the event, several Summit partners also showcased their corporate presentations bringing their projects to life on screen.

The summit recognized several individual professionals and business leaders in the respective fields with Business and Community Awards. A few of the award winners in the summit were:

Mr. Shreyas Sathe, CEO, Hybrid AdTech Pvt. Ltd. (India)
Mr. Sadhasivam Mohanadas, Enterprise Architect Principal, Elevance Health Inc. (USA)
Ms. Agrani Punj, Head of International Business, Supervac Industries LLP (India)
Mr. Arnab Dey, Vice President, JPMorgan Chase & Co. (USA)
Mr. Naresh Babu Kilaru, Lead Observability Engineer, LexisNexis (India)
Mr. Pradeep Dwivedi, CEO, Nutrelis Agro Foods (India)

And some of the prominent organizations were honoured with AIBCF CSR and Sustainability Awards for their CSR projects. These included prominent organizations such as Central Coalfields Limited, Panasonic Life Solutions India, Billion Hearts Beating Foundation, Haldia Energy Limited, Mobility India, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Bina Refinery (BR), and various others.

Concluding the event, in the vote of thanks Mr. Prashant Das, Secretary – All India Business & Community Foundation acknowledged the contributions of all stakeholders and the sponsors – Tata Steel, SBI, REC, NTPC, NHPC, Canara Bank, Powergrid, National Insurance Company, Bank of India, Indian Oil, PNB, Oil India, LIC, ONGC, PSB, RCF etc. Mr. Prashant also reiterated dignitaries’ agreement on the foundational vision of the summit.

Business News | Pratap Sarnaik, Minister of Transport, Maharashtra Graces CREDAI-MCHI’s 32nd Property and Home Finance Expo on the Third Day

VMPLMumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 21: The third day of the 32nd Property and Home Finance Expo, “Mall of Homes,” organized by CREDAI-MCHI, witnessed an inspiring turnout during the much-anticipated “Pink Day.” It began on an inspiring note with the visit of Pratap Sarnaik, Minister of Transport, Maharashtra. Over 58,000 visitors attended the event in three days, and 18 properties were booked in just 10 minutes, reflecting the transformation in real estate, making home bookings faster and more seamless. MICL alone achieved a business of Rs58 crore, while SBI Bank recorded transactions worth Rs224 crore, showcasing the Expo’s success and its significant contribution to the real estate and financial sectors.Also Read | Nashik Road Accident: 3 Killed, 2 Injured After in Autorickshaw Hits Container Truck on Sinnar-Ghoti Road in Igatpuri Taluka.Sujata Saunik, Chief Secretary of the Government of Maharashtra, delivered a keynote address digitally, emphasizing the need to challenge deep-rooted gender biases in real estate. She highlighted, “Reclaiming what’s rightfully hers speaks to the core of a vision I deeply hold–a vision where every woman, regardless of her background or circumstances, is empowered to take ownership of her life and her future. Homeownership is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about safety, freedom, and a foundation for dreams to flourish. I urge policymakers, leaders, and developers to place women at the center of their plans and projects, ensuring that inclusive housing becomes a reality.”Speaking at the expo, Domnic Romell, President, CREDAI-MCHI mentioned, “Women make up half of our population, yet in Maharashtra, their homeownership rate is less than 2%. At CREDAI-MCHI, we are taking bold steps to change this narrative with initiatives like the Rs2 lakh special offer for women buyers, aimed at empowering them to take the leap into homeownership. Women have always been the catalysts for progress, and we believe this is the time to recognize their rightful place in shaping the real estate sector.”Also Read | US Birthright Citizenship Rules Changed: Who Will Not Get US Citizenship After Donald Trump’s Executive Order? What Does It Mean for Indian Parents on Temporary Visas Like H-1B?.Keval Valambia, COO, CREDAI-MCHI said, “The figure of 1.89% homeownership among women in Maharashtra is not just a statistic; it’s an alarm bell. It reflects deep-seated barriers and societal norms that have sidelined women in real estate. At CREDAI-MCHI, we are committed to changing this through initiatives like Pink Day and special reservations for women buyers. This is more than an event–it’s a movement to ensure women’s rightful place as decision-makers and leaders in the housing sector.”Nikunj Sanghavi, Convener of the Expo and Treasurer of CREDAI-MCHI, shared, “Pink Day is a testament to the transformative power of inclusivity in real estate. By empowering women through homeownership, we are not just selling homes but building a future rooted in equality and progress.”Renowned luxury interior designers Neeta Sarda, Deval Ambani, and Lopa Sanghvi took the stage to share their transformative visions for high-end interiors, showcasing women’s pivotal role in revolutionizing design. Their insights offered a glimpse into the future of personalized and immersive spaces, inspiring attendees to reimagine luxury living.The session “Women Leading the Way: Entrepreneurial Pathways” saw dynamic leaders like Sheetal Bhilkar, Founder/Director, UBSC; Ayushi Ashar, Director, Ashar Group; Priyaa Gurnani, MD, Moraj Group; Rajila Jain, AVP, Cannon Design; Reshma Girish Patil, Head of the Data Centre Business, Burns & McDonnell Engineering India Pvt. Ltd. and Menaka Deorah, Founder Lamere Life, Maeka Waters discussing strategies to drive inclusivity and sustainability in the real estate sector. Their stories of success underlined the importance of female leadership in shaping a progressive and equitable industry.An inspiring segment featured Vanita Borade, India’s first female snake rescuer, and Harshini Kanhekar, the country’s first female firefighter, who shared their groundbreaking journeys. Their narratives not only broke stereotypes but also championed the potential of women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields.A forward-thinking discussion, “Breaking the Binary,” addressed the pressing need for inclusivity in housing for the LGBTQIA+ community. Sarah Shabbir Suwasrawala, Program Coordinator, Urja Trust; Sachin Jain, G.H.A.R (Gay Housing Assistance Resource) and Aanchal Narang, Another Light Counselling led the dialogue, emphasizing the importance of designing urban spaces that cater to all. Zarna Alkanti, a prominent news anchor, highlighted the media’s crucial role in shaping narratives that empower marginalized groups and elevate the discourse around inclusivity.The dialogue highlighted the need for urban spaces to be designed as truly inclusive environments, where everyone–regardless of gender identity–feels safe and respected. Discussion emphasized the importance of addressing issues such as discriminatory practices that prevent same-sex couples from jointly purchasing homes or applying for home loans together due to the lack of legal recognition. The need for sensitization among brokers, landlords, and housing societies was underscored as a crucial step toward breaking barriers in the real estate sector.CREDAI-MCHI also showcased examples of impactful initiatives, such as Gay Housing Assistance Resource (GHAR), which serves as a community-led platform to connect LGBTQIA+ individuals with housing opportunities. Attendees called for greater efforts to establish temporary shelter homes and support structures for vulnerable groups, particularly transgender individuals, emphasizing the importance of inclusive policies to foster a sense of belonging.ABOUT CREDAI-MCHICREDAI-MCHI is an apex body comprising members from the Real Estate Industry in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). With an impressive membership of over 1800+ leading developers in MMR, CREDAI-MCHI has extended its reach throughout the region, establishing units in various locations such as Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Virar, Raigad, Navi Mumbai, Palghar-Boisar, Bhiwandi, Uran-Dronagiri, Shahapur-Murbad, and most recently in Alibag, Karjat-Khalapur-Khopoli, and Pen. Being the only Government-recognized body for private sector developers in MMR, CREDAI-MCHI is dedicated to promoting the industry’s organization and progress.As a part of CREDAI National, an apex body of 13000 developers across the nation, CREDAI-MCHI has emerged as a preferred platform for regional discussions on housing and habitat by establishing close and strong ties with the government. It is committed to breaking barriers to create a strong, organized, and progressive real estate sector in the MMR.The vision of CREDAI-MCHI is to empower the Real Estate fraternity of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as it preserves, protects, and advances the right to housing for all. To continue being a trusted ally, guiding their members, supporting the Government on policy advocacy, and assisting those they serve through the ever-evolving real estate fraternity.Website: https://mchi.net/(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

Business Beat: Brad’s Tree Service, the rock ‘n’ roll arborist – Brendan Higgins

by Brendan Higgins, contributing writer

We all want good customer service. In my recent experience customer service is rapidly becoming a lost art. Why this basic component of business is no longer a guarantee is a story for another time. For now, I have some good news to report.

I recently found myself in need of a firewood delivery. I looked for someone local and randomly called Brad’s Tree Service in Exeter. This would be my introduction to the owner, Brad Hone. From the moment he answered his phone I felt at ease. He was polite and friendly to converse with. He immediately set up a delivery for me. On the delivery day, Hone called to let me know he was on his way over. I had no idea what to expect having never dealt with this outfit before. Hone arrived at my house on time as scheduled. His assistant, Issac, jumped out of the truck to help back him in. As the truck backed into my yard I observed a pristine load of firewood in the truck. I mean it was as close to perfect as you could get.

A huge smile came across my face as the bed of the truck rose and the wood slid to the ground. It was a thing of beauty. At this point Issac approached me with a huge sack filled with kindling wood. I still hadn’t met Hone yet. As he got out of his truck I extended my hand and introduced myself. Hone looked me directly in the eyes (another lost art) and shook my hand with a good old fashioned firm handshake. This guy has energy around him that I can only describe as a non-threatening intenseness. The entire transaction was a breath of fresh air.

Since I had some branches hanging over my house I asked Hone for a price to take them down. His price came in considerably lower than three other quotes I already had. I asked Hone to put me on the schedule.

In less than a week he returned to my property. When he arrived for the tree work I had to leave for an appointment. I wanted to stay and observe but I knew my neighbor, Harry, would keep an eye on things in my absence. Harry texted me about an hour laterto express how impressed he was with Brad’s Tree Service. At this point Hone had already won me over so the progress report from Harry was no surprise. Hone also sent me photo updates of his team in action.

I called Hone a few days later. I wanted him to know how impressed I was with his work ethic and welcoming customer service. He had no idea I was a writer at this point. He invited me to come by and check out his operation. I jumped at the opportunity. What he didn’t know is how much I love cutting and splitting wood. All I can say is I find the whole process therapeutic.

When I arrived at the gate I noticed men working in the yard. They were feeding wood into a wood splitter. Then a massive pick-up truck pulled in next to me and out jumped Brad Hone. He welcomed me to his world and offered me a tour of his impressive complex.

Hone is 36 years old. He grew up on this magical property living with his father. He graduated from Exeter-West Greenwich High School in 2007. From there, he attended CCRI in Warwick. He explained, “I was working at a pizza place in Wickford, but I needed to make more money. I was taking a sales class and I needed to pick a product to sell for a project. I picked firewood. I was already doing it a little on the side. I was the only person in the class who actually sold the product from my project. I went with my buddy one weekend to a side job and cut down some trees. We didn’t have any equipment like you see here. We were climbing trees with a chainsaw. After that my buddy stopped showing up to work. I had to take down this giant oak tree in Warwick. I had to force myself up that tree. It was scary because, at the time, I really didn’t know what I was doing. I’ve been hanging upside down in the air before. It’s not that fun. Over time I learned. I watched YouTube videos. I watched different guys that were professionals. I picked up little things. I learned different techniques. I got better and better.”

Hone started working with Andrew Hammond. He recalled, “For a while it was just the two of us. We would hire guys. They would come and go.” While Hone explained some of the back story it was easy to see he and Hammond have been through a lot together. They have a strong trusting bond. They began to acquire equipment for the business. The business was originally called “A Team Tree Service”. Hone explained how the company name evolved. He said, “I was in Florida helping my grandmother cut down a palm tree. When I came back the name was changed to Brad’s Tree Service. The logo on our trucks and business cards have a palm tree displayed. When a customer sees it they want to have some of that sunlight in their yard.”

Hone is a fully licensed arborist. He completed the course at the Rhode Island Tree Council. He can tie any knot you can name. His company has state of the art equipment, but all his firewood is hand loaded. The wood delivered to a customer is all very close in size. He has all the bases covered. He has been in business since 2013. His attention to customer satisfaction is why he has many repeat customers.

Hone has a passion for customer reviews. He built up an impressive list of hundreds of positive testimonials on Google. He rarely has any negative feedback. If he does, he is highly motivated to fix whatever the issue is. Hone said, “The days of hard work and labor are not where it’s at anymore. We are skilled machine operators. We know how to get things done fast and safely. We work smart, not hard. That’s one of the reasons our prices are so competitive.”

In addition to his business, Hone is also an accomplished musician. He is a fierce drummer. He even played me a great solo. He’s also a singer and guitar player. He was quite serious talking about his company, but when the subject changed to music, I could see Hone’s true passion emerge. His living room looks like a recording studio – with one of the most impressive fireplaces I have ever seen. By day, Hone is a businessman, but on any given night you can find Hone and his girlfriend, Jacklyn, Moore (also a singer) and other friends making music. Hone is a former member of the band “A Mean Minute”. They played around the local bar and club scene. He also has another project called Brad’s Lounge Live, complete with lighting, fog machine and other effects that will be launching soon on YouTube. Hone lives with Jacklyn and their son, Issac. Hone also has a son, Tylan, and a daughter, Juniper.

Brad Hone lives by the theory that it’s not all about making money. What’s most important to him is doing what he said he is going to do. That speaks for itself. You can contact Hone directly at (401) 269-6084. He is looking forward to hearing from you.

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To read all stories by Brendan, here, go to: https://rinewstoday.com/brendan-higgins

Brendan Higgins, writer and author, RIPTA bus driver, former professional wrestler (Knuckles Nelson), and North Kingstown resident.

We welcome Brendan back after a hiatus as a contributing writer to RINewsToday.

To read a story about Brendan, from our sports department, go to: https://rinewstoday.com/knuckles-nelson-waking-up-from-the-wrestling-ring-to-the-yoga-mat-john-cardullo/

Higgins is the author of “Waking Up: From the Wrestling Ring to the Yoga Mat“

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