Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
Brightsun Travel has launched this year's digital advent calendar contest to celebrate travel partnerships.
The travel-themed competition offers a chance to win a different prize every day from the 1 December to Christmas Eve. There are fun quizzes or videos so participants can brush up on their airline knowledge and learn more about the travel industry, the company said in a statement.
The grand prize will be a luxurious 4 nights’ all-inclusive holiday to Muscat flying direct with Oman Air and staying at the Barceló Mussanah Resort, the statement added.
The other prices include a complimentary two nights stay with breakfast at the Park Hyatt Dubai, a £500 travel voucher to redeem on an exotic holiday flying with Malaysian Airlines, Premier League football tickets from Etihad, an Emirates Stadium tour for two, a Hard Rock Café Brunch for two from American Airlines, a sustainable food and drinks hamper.
Besides, several £100 shopping vouchers to spend at retailers from Amazon to Argos and Marks & Spencer to John Lewis, Uber taxi credit, a Fortnum & Mason gift, Arabian fragrances, die-cast model airplanes, branded airline accessories are on offer.
“It is undoubtedly a great time for travel with almost every country opening their doors for tourism without restrictions. To celebrate this, we are excited to offer such incredible prizes in this year’s advent calendar and thank our travel partners and loyal customers for their support to get the travel industry flying again," said Deepak Nangla, managing director of Brightsun Travel.
"We are delighted to enjoy Christmas away from the shadows of Covid-19 and lockdowns, and to gift these amazing prizes to our customers. Plus, each window in our calendar reveals the latest news about our travel partners so you are up to date. Wishing everyone good luck in this year’s advent competition."
The competition is being held in partnership with Oman Air, Malaysian Airlines, Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Air Canada, Etihad, Emirates, American Airlines, British Airways, China Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Virgin Atlantic, Air Europa, Air Transat, Saudia, Lufthansa, Aegean, Barceló Mussanah Resort, Park Hyatt Dubai etc.
Brightsun Travel provides travel-related services in the UK through its office in West London through a range of products.
Programs and infrastructure supporting small businesses and the development of digital skills in European countries are highly effective.
According to Eurostat data, Germany is the leader in terms of small business development indicators such as the number of people employed in small and medium-sized businesses and the total turnover of SMEs.
At the same time, Italy ranks first in terms of the total number of companies, surpassing Germany by more than 1.5 times (3.7 million companies compared to 2.4 million in Germany).
France, which ranks third in Europe in terms of small business turnover and second after Italy in terms of the number of companies, shows a similar model of small business development to Italy. The UK, like Germany, is characterised by a smaller number of companies but high turnover.
The characteristics of the national economy play an important role. The European leaders in terms of small and medium-sized business turnover in mineral extraction are Italy (many small deposits, often depleted and unprofitable for large-scale industry) and Norway (oil, gas, polymetals).
The UK is the leader in terms of turnover of small and medium-sized businesses in the construction industry, as well as in high-tech industries: information and telecommunications services, research and development services.
Overall, the key industry in which small and medium-sized businesses have the greatest potential for development is trade. But it is also important to support such promising areas as manufacturing, construction, and, especially, science and engineering.
Micro-enterprises with up to 10 employees are the main employers in European small and medium-sized businesses. The number of people employed in these companies is close to the number of employees in large companies.
Economic efficiency is an important factor determining the significant share of micro-enterprises with up to 10 employees in the European economy. In terms of gross profitability before personnel costs (the ratio of value added at factor cost to turnover), micro-enterprises with up to 10 employees are in the lead.
Given that a significant proportion of these micro-enterprises are, in fact, the workplaces of their owners, the positive role of small and medium-sized businesses for the economies of European countries as a whole is obvious.
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Which companies need business analytics and why? What problems does it solve? How does it differ from business analysis?
Business analytics is primarily about working with data and studying a company's performance indicators.
It is carried out by specially trained specialists called business analysts.
Using data analysis, they help managers identify business problems and find opportunities for sustainable development.
How business analytics differs from business analysis
Experts still argue about what business analytics is: whether it is identical to business analysis or represents a separate field of knowledge. To figure this out, let's look at the main goals of business analysis and business analytics.
Business analysis is studying a company's activities in a broad sense: analyzing its development strategy, business processes, organizational structure, and information systems, and designing and setting up how all of this interacts with the business environment and the outside world.
The main goal of business analysis is to think through and implement organizational changes that would allow the company to achieve its main goals in the best possible way.
The main goal of business analytics is to support management decisions and organizational changes with high-quality, relevant, and objective data.
Here are the three main tasks of business analytics:
obtain data on the company's performance in the form of figures;
process and structure this data — make it suitable for further analysis;
analyze the data — find patterns in the company's activities and model forecasts for its development under certain conditions.
Thus, business analytics is part of business analysis, which involves the collection, processing, and analysis of data. It is the first and necessary step in the effective management of organizational change.
Which companies need business analytics and why
Business analytics is necessary for all companies that want to make high-quality management decisions. Only decisions based on facts can be high-quality. Business analysts are responsible for collecting and processing these facts.
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It is important not only to collect data on the company's activities, but also to prepare it for managers:
structure it;
analyze it — identify trends and tendencies that influence factors;
present the results of the analysis in a clear form;
prepare recommendations on how to use this data to improve the company's activities.
The recommendations of business analysts provide company management with up-to-date and reliable information about what is happening within the company and beyond. This approach helps to make informed business decisions.
A simple example: a company sells seasonal goods — bicycles or skis. Business analysts will accurately determine the product demand curve, taking into account seasonal factors, present it to managers in an understandable way, and provide detailed recommendations on what needs to be done to maximize sales revenue.
Without business analytics, such decisions are made blindly, which leads to the company missing out on profits.
Do you have a knack for making money or an eye for emerging trends? Are you looking for a unique challenge? We are searching nationwide for teams of two to compete in a new series set in the high-stakes art world. If you’re enthusiastic or simply curious about art, we’re offering an opportunity to take part in a one-of-a-kind experience and the chance to win £50k worth of art!
Are you a home owner in desperate need of our help?
Or do you know someone whose life could be transformed with a Big-Build?
Nick Knowles and the Purple Shirts are on the hunt - so if your home, community centre, or other vital building isn’t fit for purpose then we’d love to hear from you. The team are also issuing a call to arms to recruit friends and local trades to help transform the homes and lives of families across Britain. So, if you’d like to join the DIY SOS team then get in touch.
If you’re a Kiwi looking to launch your own business, there’s never been a better time to do it. New Zealand offers a great environment for small businesses, thanks to its stable economy, government support for entrepreneurs, and high quality of life. From agriculture to tech and creative industries, opportunities exist across a wide range of sectors.
When choosing what kind of business to start, it's important to look at local demand, industry growth, and your personal interests. Below are some of the best business ideas that can thrive in the New Zealand market today.
1. Eco-Friendly Tourism
Tourism continues to be a major part of New Zealand’s economy, bringing in billions each year. With the country known for its scenic beauty and outdoor adventures, eco-conscious tourism is quickly gaining popularity. Travelers now want more than just a vacation since most of them are looking for experiences that are kind to the planet.
If you have a passion for the outdoors, consider offering environmentally friendly tourism options. Guided hiking trips, nature photography tours, or cultural experiences that involve conservation education can be very appealing. Collaborating with local environmental or cultural groups can add credibility and enhance the visitor experience.
2. Agritech Innovation
Farming is deeply rooted in New Zealand’s way of life, and there's growing interest in using technology to make agriculture more efficient and sustainable. Agritech businesses that offer tools or services to help farmers increase yields, reduce costs, or protect the environment are in high demand.
For example, smart irrigation systems, pest detection technologies, and soil monitoring tools are just a few areas where Kiwi farmers are looking for solutions. If you understand local farming conditions and can develop tech that’s affordable and practical, your business could see significant growth.
3. Digital Marketing Services
With most Kiwis spending a good portion of their time online, businesses are shifting focus to digital platforms. Yet, many small to medium-sized businesses struggle to keep up with digital trends or maintain a strong online presence.
That’s where you could come in. Starting a digital marketing service that caters to local businesses can be a great move. Offering support in areas like social media, content creation, search engine optimization (SEO), and paid advertising can help clients stand out online. Make sure to tailor your services to reflect New Zealand’s unique market needs, such as promoting tourism, local products, or export services.
4. Online Gambling and Digital Entertainment
As New Zealand embraces digital technology, online entertainment has taken off, particularly in the gambling space. Although local companies can’t operate online casinos in New Zealand, Kiwis are legally allowed to play on international gambling platforms. This has sparked a surge in interest in online casinos, offering a diverse range of games, from poker to live dealer options.
For entrepreneurs, this growing trend opens up related business opportunities. You could create a blog that reviews trusted casino sites, provides player guides, or becomes an affiliate marketer promoting responsible gambling. By focusing on user experience and legal compliance, you can build a business that supports Kiwis in navigating this digital pastime wisely.
5. Specialty Food Production
Health-focused and sustainable food choices are on the rise, both locally and globally. In New Zealand, the market for organic and specialty foods is steadily expanding, making it a great time to start a food-based business that emphasizes quality and sustainability.
Whether you’re interested in crafting artisan cheese, native fruit preserves, or plant-based snacks, the key is to offer something unique. Use locally sourced ingredients when possible, and share the story behind your product. Compliance with food safety standards is a must, especially if you’re considering export.
6. Green Energy Solutions
New Zealand has set an ambitious goal to use 100% renewable electricity by 2030. With a strong foundation already in place, mainly from hydro, wind, and geothermal energy, the push toward greener living continues.
There’s a growing need for businesses that offer solar panel installation, home energy audits, or off-grid power solutions. If you can provide energy-efficient services tailored to New Zealand’s unique geography and climate, you’ll find an eager audience. Whether helping a rural household go solar or advising a small business on reducing its carbon footprint, your work can contribute to the country’s clean energy goals.
7. Tech Startups
The tech scene in New Zealand is buzzing with innovation, from software development to AI applications. The government offers grants and support to encourage growth in this sector, and the demand for digital tools that solve everyday problems continues to climb.
If you have a background in tech, consider building a startup that addresses challenges in healthcare, education, or even agriculture. The ability to scale your solution globally can also attract investors and partners. Staying informed about international trends and local issues is key to creating a startup with real impact.
8. Arts, Crafts, and Creative Products
New Zealand’s creative industry plays a major role in the economy, contributing billions and supporting thousands of jobs. From handcrafted jewelry to traditional Māori designs, there’s strong local and global demand for authentic, handmade items.
If you're skilled in a craft, turning your hobby into a business is a great way to share your passion. Tourists and locals alike are drawn to products with a story. Use online platforms to showcase your work, attend local markets, and consider partnerships with Māori and Pacific Islander artisans to ensure cultural respect and authenticity. Building a brand rooted in local culture can set you apart in the creative market.