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How to choose data room software for your effective business: experts’ guide

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Does your business require optimisation, security, and protection of sensitive documents and files? It sounds like a good task for virtual data rooms. Especially, it concerns the tasks and files linked to due diligence work. Lots of small-/medium-/large-scale businesses have already integrated this software, reduced half of the routine tasks among workers, and boosted productivity. However, there are also novices to such tools. This data room review is dedicated to sharing step-by-step instructions on how to pick the best virtual data room in 2021/2022.

The profile of online data room software

Before recommending you any measures to purchase a virtual data room, you have to clearly understand whether it may fit your business particularly. So, virtual data rooms are an advanced and secure online environment in which vast amounts of secret or sensitive files may be securely exchanged outside of a business’s boundaries. Besides, you should know that a VDR is distinct from a corporate extranet because it is primarily intended to securely communicate sensitive documents outside of the corporate firewall.

As for the additional tasks, the business may benefit from data room services when it is engaged in due diligence, particularly in mergers and acquisitions, litigation, bankruptcies, fundraising, and audits. Does it cater to your daily business tasks? If yes, let’s go to the actual step-by-step guidance on how to pick the best virtual data room vendors.

A step-by-step guide to VDR purchase

There is a myriad of VDRs in the market which makes it hard to pick the best. Looking ahead, you should bear in mind the next key criteria: security and compliance, affordability, usability, and dependability. Apart from that do the following.

#1 Prioritize the functionalities and specify your business needs

If you are a business owner, you understand what tasks and responsibilities are on your shoulders. Virtual data room providers ensure to help you allocate hardly all due diligence data with their software. From your side, you should seek solutions that will meet specific security requirements including ISO/IEC 27001:2013 or SOC 1, and include file protection features such as watermarking, restricted viewing, two-factor authentication.

Then, great functionalities may lay in controlling the access. For instance, you can complete an audit trail and access user activity.

#2 Establish your budget

As was said above, lots of VDRs exist, the same as pricing policies for each. First of all, overlook the market, and check the average cost. Secondly, understand how much you are willing to contribute to pay for data room software. On most occasions, pricing is determined by the amount of storage required, the number of team members who will use the program, the features desired by your business, as well as the level of protection required.

Some vendors have flat-rate pricing (a monthly charge). Here is one important tip – do not try to go for expensive solutions if some add-ons are not necessary for your business.

#3 Compare the vendors with a table

You should gather at least 3 data room services to use for your comparison table. Divide the table by Offered Features, Pricing Plan and Flat Rate, Security, and Compliance. Additionally, you should compare all the picked vendors by reading the existing feedback on their software. Try to refer to third-party services where only REAL people leave comments.

#4 Learn about free trial

Fortunately, you can now request a free trial to work with an electronic data room during a fixed timeframe. On most occasions, it is granted to potential customers for 14 days. Test the functionality, check how all the features are activated and what benefits they provide for your due diligence tasks. Beyond that, check how user-friendly navigations and layouts are. If you plan to use software from your mobile gadgets, ensure it is compatible with Android, iOS OS among others.

#5 Test the customer support

Either during your free trial or upon purchasing a virtual data room, you should ensure a vendor offers a professional, 24/7 customer support team. Learn what issues they can address, and how quickly you can have responses on integrations of new features, and so on. By the way, many VDRs (with higher flat rates) provide their clients with a personal project manager who will walk them through the deal to ensure they get the most out of the software.

The verdict

After all your research is done, you should come up with software that can reduce needless travel and delays caused by couriering papers or interacting with several parties. You should avoid the need for several costly printing providers. Once your transactional work is completed, you literally have a deal bible and DVD archive created from your data room. If you come across the need for additional features within your VDR, you should learn about the integration of adds-on, and their accompanying prices.

Allaho lands Willie Mullins eighth win in the John Durkan Memorial Chase

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Willie Mullins is pretty used to success in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown. The Irish trainer has now landed the winner in four consecutive editions of the race, making eight wins for Mullins overall in his career.

After Min won the prestigious race for three years running between 2018 and 2020, Allaho picked up the mantle and produced a stunning performance, with Willie’s son Patrick the man in the saddle for the victory. It’s hard to believe that, 20 years on from his first John Durkan Chase win in 2001, Mullins is still landing winners at the highest level.

It was a cracking race that brought him this latest triumph, as Allaho overcame a mid-race setback to triumph. Having led for much of the early exchanges, Allaho was overtaken by stablemate Asterion Forlonge, before the latter inexplicably unseated his rider, allowing Allaho to regain the lead and navigate his way to victory. Neither second-place Janidil nor third-place Melon — both Mullins horses — could catch up, whilst pre-race favourite Envoi Allen was consigned to a disappointing sixth.

“I was delighted how he fought back,” Mullins said. “When Asterion Forlonge came up alongside him I thought that would take the stuffing out of him. Each challenger that came, he kept pulling it out. He raced very lazily today which is not like him and he was going a bit to his left which is not like him, so we will have to look at all that for the future.”

When you look at the horse betting sites UK and see that many of the entries are from Mullins’ stables, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Irishman reigned supreme at Punchestown once again, but it is still an impressive achievement to boast so many victories in one specific race.

Without the mercurial presence of Min this year, there were no guarantees that a Mullins horse would claim first place, especially with Envoi Allen in the field of participants. But Allaho is a horse with plenty of experience in the tank. The seven-year-old won the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival back in March, with Rachael Blackmore in the saddle, and it’s clear that the horse has the potential to win any race he is entered in.

It’ll be interesting to see how this season pans out for Mullins. He had a good campaign in 2020-21, but in many ways, his achievements were overshadowed by those of fellow trainer Henry De Bromhead.

Indeed, Mullins won the Leading Trainer accolade at the Cheltenham Festival, but if you asked most racing fans which trainer was the standout competitor at the Prestbury Park meeting, they’d probably say De Bromhead.

Mullins’ aim this year will be to make his mark in the biggest races. Whether it’s the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, the Cheltenham showpiece races in March, or indeed the Grand National at Aintree in April, Mullins will have his sights set on landing victories in some of the biggest races of the year.

Allaho’s win at Punchestown is a fine result in a race where Mullins always excels, but the ambitious trainer will be gunning for bigger and better things this season.

Police reveal officer investigating Downing Street Christmas parties

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Sgt John Borrison
Sgt John Borisson says he is investigating the Downing Street Christmas parties

By Hugh Dunnett, Crime Correspondent

The Metropolitan Police has moved to reassure the public that a top officer is now reviewing whether last year’s Downing Street Christmas parties broke any laws.

Sergeant John Borisson was put in front of the media today to put minds at rest.

“This will be a fair-minded, independent review of the evidence,” Sgt Borisson said.

“My preliminary findings show absolutely no wrongdoing whatsoever.

“But believe me, I will leave no stone unturned.”

Labour MPs have made complaints that two social gatherings at Downing Street last Christmas broke strict COVID regulations.

Labour insider Lorraine Fisher, 34, was not convinced by the Met Police reaction.

“There is something about this Sgt Borisson that is not quite right,” she said. “We will be taking it up with the Police Commissioner.”

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Should you lease or buy your next car?

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In the UK, you can lease or purchase a vehicle depending on your preference. While many people prefer to buy a car, some prefer leasing and paying monthly rent or fees. Different vehicles are calculated differently, based on the year, make, model, and miles travelled. Most people also choose depending on how much money they’ve saved up.

Personal Contract Purchasing (PCP) finance and Personal Contract Hire (PCH) are excellent methods to become more mobile. Both options offer great chances to drive a brand new car without paying for the entire amount outright or with cash.

Cars come with several liabilities like taxes, insurance, and paying for parking. While it is mandatory to pay a fixed price for government taxes, insurances, and more, you do not need to stress about parking anymore. It is easy to book a convenient, safe, and secure spot at affordable hourly, weekly or monthly rates with YourParkingSpace.

Let us look at whether you should lease or buy your next car.

Before we start, there are a few similarities between PCP and leasing. These similarities are:

  • Mandatory deposit required
  • Fixed monthly payments offered
  • Limits on mileage
  • Excess mileage charges
  • Payments usually include the warranty, breakdown, road tax, and delivery

Let us look at each in detail.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP):

A PCP is like a car loan, but owners only borrow a small amount equal to the difference between the car’s current value and expected value at the end of the contractual agreement. There is a mandatory deposit, but these amounts are flexible and pre-decided by the car dealership and the car owner. Many times, there is no deposit. However, putting down a decently-sized amount can make the monthly car payments much lesser in the long term.

PCP terms are pretty flexible too. The usual payment terms are based on a duration of two, three, or four years total. However, most people can pay it off earlier depending on the agreement terms with the dealer. At the end of the period, you can also choose to make balloon payments to fully own the car. If you decide not to own the vehicle, you can finish the payments according to the terms and simply return the car. You are not under any obligations to own the vehicle once you’re done using it and making the payments.

Many times, PCP has the servicing and maintenance included in the deal. However, there would also be an additional allowable mileage allowance. You could be charged if you cross those limits.

Personal Contract Hire (PCH):

Personal Contract Hire (PCH) or leasing is nearly always done for new cars. Many times the ticket prices on these cars can be lower than PCP and cash deals. This decrease in the rates is because leasing companies purchase cars from manufacturers at heavily discounted rates. They then pass on the savings to leasing customers to make the offer more lucrative.

While most of the conditions between PCP and PCH are the same, the main difference is that you cannot make a balloon payment to own the car at the end of the term. You must return the vehicle once the terms are fulfilled. Most people who enjoy changing cars every few years and like to drive newer models opt for PCH options so they can keep experiencing the thrill of driving newer models and varieties of vehicles.

However, the leasing company runs a thorough credit check on the borrower, and the payment terms could change based on the credit ratings. You would require a good credit score to get approved for lower monthly payments.

Like PCP, PCH also requires an upfront deposit with a series of regular monthly instalments or payments and usually has a mileage limit. Crossing the limit could attract additional charges.

Is Leasing Or Buying Better?

From an investment perspective, you have nothing to show at the end of the lease. However, PCH allows you to use brand new cars at a much lower price. If you purchased such expensive cars, the down payment and loan instalments would probably be much higher. Leasing also makes sense for cheaper, smaller utility cars to run errands, chores and drive the kids to school.

PCP options are suitable for people looking to make an investment. At the end of the term, the car ownership can get transferred with a sizable payment. However, you must also include the depreciation costs and run a cost vs value analysis.

You could opt for either PCP or PCH, depending on the reason for needing a car.

New Eurotunnel to link Lowestoft with Amsterdam

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All aboard! New Eurotunnel link will go from Lowestoft

A second Eurotunnel linking Lowestoft with Amsterdam is being planned by the Government, we can exclusively reveal.

Officials have pinned the new undersea rail link to its levelling up agenda for rural Suffolk – and it has the added advantage that we will no longer have to go to France by train.

Costing £80 billion, the new tunnel will be financed by the UK and Dutch Governments, although private sponsorship is possible to reduce the bill to taxpayers.

Planners have identified the Lowestoft side of the tunnel should emerge in the old fish market area, a delightful part of the attractive Suffolk resort that will be a welcome sight for European visitors.

Grand new Eurotunnel entrance in Lowestoft
And the planned Amsterdam entrance

Lowestoft town councillor Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “The rail tracks and infrastructure is basically at the fish market already, so all they have to do is dig.”

The tunnel will run 213 miles and take just over two hours to complete by fast train.

Tourist bosses in the region are excited about welcoming tens of thousands of European visitors each day, and are said to be working on a marketing campaign.

Meanwhile, Amsterdam officials can’t wait for the evening trains to arrive, packed with English folk looking to explore the city’s famous liberal attractions.

The huge project is expected to take seven years to complete, once approval is given next month. It is a significantly more challenging construction project than the Channel Tunnel, given that it is seven times longer.

A Downing Street insider told the Suffolk Gazette: “We have chosen Lowestoft not just because it is Britain’s most easterly town, but also because it is so lovely.”

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Improving your skills for your career

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If you are looking to advance your career, one of the first steps is to ensure your skills fit the positions you are applying for. Have an understanding of the areas that make you a more effective employee. Knowing more about these areas can help you develop them.

Gaining these skills

If you are trying to grow in your career, you might wonder where you can get the needed skills. One way of getting these skills is to go back to school. Not only will having another degree look good on your resume, but you can also learn these essential skills. If you are thinking about going back to school, you can take out a student loan from a private lender to help cover the cost. With Earnest private student loans, they can cover what your savings might not be able to.

Managing your time

The ability to multitask, manage your time, and meet deadlines allows you to not only improve your employability, but to be more productive while at work. Knowing how to do these things can also reduce job stress and allow you the time you need to work on both career development and other projects at work. There are several ways to improve these skills. You can use applications or software to help you stay on task, make a to-do list, and set reminders on your computer or phone. Try to manage your work schedule carefully and track how much of your time is spent on what. You should determine whether this schedule meets your needs and goals. If you are working while getting your degree, you will be forced to manage your time even better.

Customer skills

Being able to work well with customers allows you to benefit a company since it positively affects the company’s reputation. It also ensures the company receives more customers in the future. Even if you don’t directly deal with customers, these are useful skills to have. Even when working with coworkers having these interpersonal skills will help you immensely. You can boost your knowledge in this area by mimicking or shadowing a coworker who is known for their ability in this area. you might have a manager or supervisor to practice interactions with you. They can also explain how to handle certain situations that might come up in your job. There are also online courses that help you become stronger in this area, and you can even work with a coach.

Working on a team

Being able to collaborate with your team allows you to reach your objectives and solve problems more quickly. Often, working with a group allows you to get much more done than if each person was working on their own. Plus, it allows you to better split up the workflow and make the process smoother. Interpersonal abilities will help you interact and communicate with both coworkers and customers. It helps you be a better team member and you can improve them by observing how others interact and then mimicking them. You can also work with a coach to help you gain even better knowledge in this area.

How I saved an absolute fortune on Black Friday

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Lorraine Fisher, 34
Canny Lorraine Fisher, 34

A Suffolk woman says she has saved herself a fortune on Black Friday – by buying absolutely nothing at all.

Lorraine Fisher, 34, has completely ignored tempting offers to purchase something she doesn’t really need.

Lorraine, from Ipswich, said: “Some of my friends are currently down the shops involved in a mass brawl to snap up a kettle because it has £2.40 off.

“Others are spending all day opening the hundreds of emails they have received from just about every online store in Britain, wondering if they really should upgrade their sofa.

“And the bloke next door has just bought a 72-inch flat-screen television, which won’t even fit through his front door.”

Black Friday offers

She reckons that over the years she has saved herself thousands of pounds by not falling for the annual retail gimmick.

“I tend to buy a new kettle when my current one breaks or develops a leak.

“So I don’t see why I would ever be encouraged to race down to Currys and buy one just because it is part of their ridiculous Black Friday Black Tag Event.”

Consumer experts have also questioned whether some of the “bargains” on offer really are value for money.

Steve Walshe, from the Consortium of Retail Offers, said: “Shops are trying to clear their shelves of old, unfashionable stock in order to resupply with new stuff that will sell for Christmas.

“It’s therefore quite convenient that Black Friday comes along to allow them to do this.”

But shops and online stores hit back, insisting they are doing the eager public a great service.

“Who doesn’t want a brand new, cool kettle?” said the owner of one Suffolk electrical store.

Meanwhile, speculation was growing today that so-called online news sites were publishing any old rubbish about Black Friday to get people clicking on adverts.

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Challenges to the tourism sector in Suffolk

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Suffolk, a county in Eastern England with 700,000 inhabitants, is a popular place for visitors and vacations. However, the last year cost the tourist industry in the county and other parts of East Anglia huge amounts of money.

Thousands of jobs were eliminated as well. Although Suffolk offers a beautiful landscape and an interesting cultural history, the tourists stayed away during the pandemic. Nevertheless, as this article will show, the conclusion drawn from these results is not too negative for some people. Moreover, we inform about why Suffolk is worth visiting.

Restricts travelling

According to Visit East of England, the value of the tourist industry sank from 2.1 billion pounds to 885 million pounds, which amounts 59 percent loss of revenue.

Similar results are visible in Norfolk, where the value of tourism shrunk by 56 percent. The dramatic impact of the last year enhances the major relevance of tourism for employment and the economy. Apart from losses regarding day-trippers and people staying for vacation, jobs in the tourism-related field were cut from 44,498 to 25,840 in Suffolk.

Nevertheless, tourism bosses are optimistic in thinking that the branch can survive the current situation and grow back to its former relevance and scope after the pandemic ends. Since the businesses were able to open at least for half of their regular time, some affected people claim that things could have gone much worse.

Moreover, safety measures and restrictions as well as multiple lockdowns resulted in financial losses, but the survival of many businesses under these hard circumstances can also be seen as positive. The chair of Visit the Boards, Mary Sparrow, argued: “For most businesses, 2020 was not about making profit but remaining in business and a significant majority achieved this – and did so whilst implementing new safety measures to ensure all guests were good to go and safe.”

Financial funds from the government were also given to small businesses to help them survive the difficult situation. Hopefully, Suffolk will be able to welcome many tourists again when the pandemic situation improves.

Tourist attractions in Suffolk

When visiting Suffolk, one definitely needs to stop at Clare Castle. The ruin is surrounded by a beautiful park and testifies the history of Richard de Clare, a Norman conqueror before it became the property of the crown family and slowly decayed.

Ipswich Museum is definitely worth visiting. Among other interesting historical artifacts, it hosts a Victorian treasure chamber that was not used until the twenty-first century.

Next to interesting sites, impressive beauty and interesting history, Suffolk is available for gambling. Luckily, the casino laws are not fairly strict in the UK. Rather, almost every kind of gambling is legal. The possibilities in this sector are endless. Ranging from the most popular aspects, namely horse racing at Newmarket, to playing in land-based casinos and online betting with the best bookmakers. Internet providers for betting cover every form of casino games, such as poker, blackjack and roulette, as well as betting on football, horse racing and other sorts of events. All this can be enjoyed by the comfort of your home, which is another benefit while travelling options are restricted.

Landscape and history of Suffolk

Generally, Suffolk has a lot to offer. Its landscape mainly consists of lakes, rivers and marshland, since the county lies just above sea level. Several heaths and natural reserve areas are perfect for hiking and enjoying the beautiful terrain.

Present-day Suffolk arose from the southern part of the kingdom of East Anglia, which the Angles had founded in the 5th century. The division into Norfolk and Suffolk probably took place in the 11th century, and since then Suffolk’s boundaries have hardly changed, except for the manageable loss of land caused on the coast by the action of the elements.

From 1888, however, there were two separate administrative units, East Suffolk and West Suffolk, which were not reunited as one county until the Local Government Act of 1972. Those aspects can be learned about in the museum of Suffolk. All in all, the county in East Anglia is an interesting area that witnessed historically important events. Its landscape and attractions are definitely worth visiting as soon as the worldwide situation improves.