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IEMA launches TNFD nature risk disclosure guidance for SMEs
Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment encourages SME professionals to start work on measuring and disclosing nature risks and dependencies against TNFD framework
Green groups warn UK’s ‘inadequate’ climate adaptation plan poses public health risk
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Pensions reform can drive the UK's growth and clean energy superpower missions
Labour must reorient the focus of its pensions review to support investment that enables a just transition and delivers decent pensions for all, writes Finance Innovation Lab’s Jesse Griffiths
UK house prices rise for third consecutive month, nearing record highs
According to data from Halifax, one of the UK’s largest mortgage lenders, house prices increased by 0.3% in September, matching the rise seen in August. Over the past 12 months, prices have climbed by 4.7%, marking the strongest rate of annual inflation since November 2022.
The average UK home is now valued at £293,399, just £100 shy of the record set in June 2022, shortly before the market was disrupted by Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget, which led to rising borrowing costs and a sudden slowdown in the housing sector.
Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Halifax, cautioned against viewing recent gains as a full recovery: “While the typical property value has risen by around £13,000 over the past year, this increase is largely a recovery of the ground lost over the previous 12 months. Looking back two years, prices have increased by just 0.4%.”
House prices surged following the end of the first lockdown as buyers sought larger homes and outdoor space in what became known as the “race for space.” However, the mini-budget at the end of September 2022 brought the market to a standstill, with soaring interest rates and increased mortgage costs stifling demand. Now, with interest rates gradually falling and the cost-of-living crisis easing, buyers are beginning to return to the market.
“Market conditions have steadily improved over the summer and into early autumn,” Bryden added. “Mortgage affordability has been easing thanks to strong wage growth and falling interest rates. This has boosted confidence among potential buyers, with the number of mortgages agreed up over 40% in the last year and now at their highest level since July 2022.”
Despite the positive signs, there remains a clear north-south divide in house price growth. In the northwest of England, prices have risen by 5.1% over the past year, while in Yorkshire they are up 4.3%. In contrast, eastern England, which includes commuter counties like Hertfordshire and Essex, has seen prices rise by just 2.3%. London, the UK’s most expensive region for housing, has seen prices rise by 2.6% year-on-year to an average of £539,238, still below the peak of £552,592 set in summer 2022.
Northern Ireland remains the region with the fastest house price growth, with prices rising by 9.7% over the past year. In Scotland, year-on-year price inflation stands at 2.1%.
Although affordability is improving with retreating mortgage rates, Bryden noted that it “remains a challenge for many.” As a result, she predicts that any further increases in house prices over the next 18 months will be “modest.”
However, some experts are more optimistic. Ashley Webb, a UK economist at Capital Economics, believes that the Bank of England will reduce interest rates quicker than expected next year, potentially leading to higher-than-anticipated house price growth. “Our view that the Bank of England will cut interest rates by more than most expect may mean house prices grow by an above-consensus 5% in 2025,” Webb said.
While the market shows signs of recovery, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the recent upward trend can be sustained in the face of ongoing economic challenges.
Jamie is a seasoned business journalist and Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops to stay at the forefront of emerging trends.
When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs, sharing their wealth of knowledge to inspire the next generation of business leaders.
The Benefits of Using Cryptocurrencies at UK Online Casinos
This trend is being adopted by UK internet casinos who now allow players to make transactions in a different way. Below are a few advantages of using cryptocurrencies within UK online casinos.
The main reason why people prefer cryptocurrencies is because of their security features. When you transact using Bitcoin or Ethereum, the information is encrypted and kept in a public ledger which means that it is not easily prone to fraud or cyber hacking. With this in mind, players should feel at ease knowing that their financial data is much safer than when using conventional banking systems.
The use of cryptocurrency in gambling provides some form of privacy not found in other payment systems. With cryptocurrencies, players can deposit and withdraw funds without exposing their identity which in turn lowers the chances for one to suffer from identity theft. Such anonymity is especially important for people who want to keep their gambling as a private matter.
A crypto casino UK charges lower fees for cryptocurrency transactions compared to credit cards or e-wallets. Since cryptocurrencies operate on a peer-to-peer network, transaction fees can be significantly reduced. This means players can keep more of their winnings rather than losing a portion to processing fees.
Conventional banking methods may require several days to process withdrawals, but with cryptocurrencies, transactions are almost always instant or at most take a couple of minutes. As a result of this high speed, players can quickly and effortlessly get hold of their prize money, thereby improving their overall gaming experience.
Players who decide to use digital currency in gambling can benefit from additional bonuses that are not available to others. For example, such players may receive increased deposit bonuses, free spins, or cashback offers. By taking advantage of these attractive offers, players who take the risk of gambling with cryptocurrencies make their gaming experience even better.
Players all over the world can access cryptocurrencies without any restrictions of location. It is especially advantageous for UK players who may wish to place bets on foreign websites that do not support fiat currencies since digital currencies are not confined to any geographical boundaries. With cryptocurrencies, transactions can cross borders without difficulties.
Most cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain technology, which provides transparency and can increase trust in internet gambling. Gamblers can verify that their transactions were processed correctly and sometimes also check if the casino is fair. Such transparency serves as a confidence booster for the casino as well as its games’ integrity.
The use of cryptocurrencies is gaining popularity and more UK online casinos now allow them as a form of payment. By accepting these digital currencies, it shows that there is a change happening within the gambling sector; one which is now more open to and supportive of new and emerging technologies.
There are many advantages that come with integrating cryptocurrencies into UK online casinos. These include better security, more financial privacy and quicker transactions. With the changing face of internet gambling, gamers who take up these forms of digital currency will have an enhanced as well as more lucrative gambling experience.
Santander calls for government focus on leadership, digital, and sustainability skills to future-proof UK economy
In a newly published report, Tomorrow’s Skills, Santander highlights three major societal shifts—changing attitudes to work, the rise of AI, and the transition to Net Zero—that will impact the British workforce. The report calls for increased investment in training and upskilling to address these challenges.
The report reveals that UK workers are spending 20% less time on training than they did a decade ago, despite more than half acknowledging that they need to upskill to stay relevant in their roles. Barriers such as time constraints, costs, and lack of flexibility are preventing workers from accessing training, contributing to the country’s stagnant productivity levels. Moreover, 69% of workers expect to remain in the same field for their entire careers, and 72% believe their jobs will still exist in 10 years—indicating a lack of awareness of the potential impact of emerging technologies and societal changes.
Mike Regnier, CEO of Santander UK, stressed the importance of education and skills development, stating: “The UK cannot afford to fall behind in this critical area if we want our economy to grow and remain competitive.” He called on the government to focus its skills strategy on addressing three key areas:
The rise of hybrid working has introduced new challenges for managers and leaders, with generational differences in attitudes towards remote work. While 65% of 25–34-year-olds view hybrid working positively for the UK economy, only 27% of 55–64-year-olds share this view.
As AI continues to transform industries, 63% of workers recognise the need for training around new technologies, while 47% of younger workers worry that AI could replace their jobs. Upskilling in AI and digital technologies is seen as essential for increasing productivity and future-proofing careers.
As the UK moves towards its 2050 emissions targets, 58% of workers believe they will need new skills to adapt to their roles in a greener economy. The report highlights the importance of equipping workers with sustainability skills to support the Net Zero transition.
In response to these challenges, Santander has launched a new adult education programme in partnership with xUnlocked, Fearless Adventures, and House 337. The programme, available on Santander Open Academy, offers free, video-led training on green, digital, and leadership skills for people over 18. The aim is to help individuals and businesses prepare for the future by developing the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
Steph McGovern, presenter of The Rest is Money podcast and a business journalist, added her support for lifelong learning, saying: “As the needs of the economy change, so too should our attitude to learning. We should think of education as lifelong. We all need to adapt, but workers can’t do that on their own.”
Santander’s new initiative, combined with its call for government action, underscores the urgency of addressing the UK’s skills crisis. As the economy evolves, Santander’s focus on developing essential skills in leadership, digital technologies, and sustainability will be key to driving future productivity and ensuring the UK remains competitive on the global stage.
Jamie is a seasoned business journalist and Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops to stay at the forefront of emerging trends.
When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs, sharing their wealth of knowledge to inspire the next generation of business leaders.
Marcus Weller – Skully Founder, Talks About AI, Augmented Reality, and Ethical Innovation
With a PhD in psychology, Marcus Welle has a deep understanding of human-computer interaction, which has informed his pioneering work, including the creation of the Skully motorcycle helmet, the first consumer-augmented reality product launched in 2012.
Throughout his career, Marcus has demonstrated exceptional leadership in founding and guiding tech companies, securing venture capital, and advocating for ethical standards in AI development. His international experience in science diplomacy, combined with his resilience in overcoming public and legal challenges, has earned him a respected reputation in the tech industry.
Currently residing in Austin, Texas, Marcus Weller continues to push the boundaries of technology while actively engaging with the local tech community and inspiring future innovators.
My journey to AI was a winding road with many detours along the way, which at the time I didn’t realize were all leading me to an inevitable destination. My work in AI now stems from a blend of my love for the brain and a lifelong passion for technology.
Growing up, I was always fascinated by the interplay of humans and technology—how people interact with technology and how technology interacts with us to make impossible things possible. It struck me in high school that the brain and the mind within it seemed to be the most complex structures that we knew of in the universe. It was a universe of complexity within itself. It seemed like a boundless expanse, and I felt destined to explore it.
Even earlier, I had this intense fascination with robots and computers, going all the way back to early childhood, living in a tiny apartment in St. Paul, Minnesota, with my mom and brother. I loved robot and computer movies like Short Circuit, Terminator, Robocop, and Blade Runner. I would try to build robots in my room from electronics lying around the house. Much to my mother’s dismay, no small electronics were safe from disassembly. We were of little means as a family, and these were my toys. I was fascinated by what made these things work and what made computers smart. This curiosity about the brain and technology eventually led me to my PhD in Psychology, where I specialized in human intelligence and data science. I also spent time at the University of Munich as a visiting researcher studying Cognitive Neuroscience.
The opportunity to study how humans interact with technology, combined with my experience working in Germany with the Humboldt Foundation as a Science Diplomat, crystallized my desire to bridge the gap between human needs and technological advancement. Both domains, human psychology and technology, seemed limitless, and I felt strongly that in their nexus lay many great discoveries waiting to be uncovered to unlock new possibilities for humanity. One of the most pivotal moments in my career was a motorcycle accident I experienced while living in Spain.
This incident inspired the idea for Skully, the first consumer-augmented reality product. The realization that technology could directly enhance human capability was a turning point for me, driving my commitment to creating technologies that improve lives.
The defining moment in my career was a Wednesday night in May of 2012. I had a vivid dream about a motorcycle accident I had a year prior while living in Spain. In the dream, I was using a motorcycle helmet with a heads-up display that could project GPS directions and other vital information directly in front of the rider’s eyes like a hologram, eliminating the need to look away from the road. In the dream, it saved me from my accident, and the feeling was so powerful that it woke me up in the middle of the night with an overwhelming desire to build it.
That very moment led to the birth of Skully and my journey into the world of augmented reality and AI. The very next day, I woke up and felt like the little boy in Minnesota, excited to build something new from all the small electronics I could get my hands on. I ordered dozens of devices from Amazon and began, over the next few weeks, disassembling them, figuring out how they worked, and recombining them over the ensuing six months into a prototype of the augmented reality helmet that I experienced in my dream.
Once the first prototype was built, I nervously showed it to some of my mentors in Silicon Valley, who got together and rounded up $250,000 to invest in making it a reality. Over the next few years, we built and shipped to customers the world’s first augmented reality motorcycle helmet, eventually selling it in Harley-Davidson stores.
This moment was more than just the inception of an idea; it was the moment I fully realized the potential of combining my academic knowledge with my passion for technology. It set the course for my future endeavors, pushing me to explore how AI and technology could be used to solve real-world problems and improve human lives.
My personal and professional values are deeply intertwined and center around innovation, integrity, and impact. I believe in pushing the boundaries of what is possible, but always with a strong foundation for solving real human needs.
Integrity is at the core of everything I do, meaning a deep alignment with the needs of the people for whom we innovate and with the partners and people that make it possible. Nobody innovates alone. There are moments of inspiration that can truly move humanity forward, but the journey from inspiration to implementation is arduous and scary and requires a team of good people around you who share your passion for impact and progress.
Another key value is the impact. I am driven by a deep desire to create technologies that not only advance industries but also have a positive, lasting impact on society. This is reflected in my work in science diplomacy, where I focus on ensuring that AI and other emerging technologies are developed in ways that are equitable and beneficial to all.
If I could give my younger self any advice, it would be to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. As a kid, I would constantly fail while trying to build cool things, and sometimes I would get really sad. Later, in the early stages of my career, I was often stopped in my tracks by obstacles, and in those moments, I would sometimes lament my naivety for even trying in the first place.
Overcoming that imposter syndrome was key to unlocking what I had to offer the world. I had to beat the fear of not being good enough to pursue my ideas. I did this by constantly learning, so my ability was never static; it was always in a state of development and growth. This led to solutions to the roadblocks and became a theme by which to live my life. Through my journey, particularly with Skully, I learned that failure is not the end—it’s an essential part of the process.
In 2016, we shipped hundreds of units to excited early adopter customers and landed a distribution deal with Harley Davidson, a dream partner. We were approached to sell the company, and just when the deal was set to go through to take Skully to the next level, some unscrupulous investors blocked the deal and pushed my brother and me out of the company we started. It was devastating. They had been going around us to try to sell the company without us the whole time. They failed, and another one of our investors that we had a relationship with brought the company back to us, and we ended up selling Skully after all.
The best part was that Skully, as if guided by its own internal GPS, found its way back home. The company that bought us was in Spain, the same place where I had the accident that set everything in motion all those years ago. It was a very hard road, but looking back, its return home was almost eerily predestined. Each setback is an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger. I would also tell my younger self to cultivate patience and resilience, as the road to meaningful success is often long and filled with detours.
I am most proud of the creation and success of Skully, despite the challenges and setbacks. The journey of turning an idea born out of a motorcycle accident into a groundbreaking product that captured global attention is something that continues to drive me because it showed me that thoughts can indeed become things. I am also proud of the work I’ve done in science diplomacy, particularly my efforts to influence global AI policy and ensure that emerging technologies are developed responsibly.
Additionally, launching Aionicml.com, my current AI venture focused on human-centered AI, stands out as a significant achievement. It represents the culmination of my experiences and learnings, and it’s a project that aligns deeply with my values and vision for the future of technology that benefits all of humanity.
Managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is something I’ve had to learn over time. Given the high-pressure environments I’ve worked in, it’s been crucial to develop strategies to cope with stress. One of my main approaches is mindfulness and daily reflection combined with long morning walks.
This allows the mind to calm down and get back into a creative state. In this state, I find that I am more able to see solutions to problems without fighting cognitive distortions. Humans evolved as bipedal creatures. Walking [upright] is as core to who we are as intelligence. When we don’t walk, we get sick and stressed, which interferes with our ability to think and enjoy life. Research even backs this up, showing that people who walk for 30 minutes see a significant boost in mood and IQ that lasts up to three hours.
I start and end each day with a gratitude walk and goal-setting, which helps me stay grounded and focused on what I need to do to bring myself one step closer to my goals.
Diet is another critical component of my routine. I eat a plant-based diet these days, and I don’t drink alcohol. I’ve noticed over the years that if I feed my brain what it needs, it is there for me when I need it most. The brain is the highest-leverage tissue in the body; it can produce ideas that change your life in an instant, and if those ideas are big enough, they can change the world.
So it’s incumbent on us to take care of our brains so that they take care of us. After all, it is the most beautifully complex structure the universe has ever created. So I like to treat it that way. I haven’t always been so abstemious in my life. This is something I had to learn over the years, but I wouldn’t change the journey because it’s what led me to where I am today. One last point is about how crucial the support of family has been for me throughout my career and life.
After my first company, I resolved to be deliberate about making more time for my family and spending time with loved ones, particularly my mother and brother. They have been significant supporters throughout my life and career. The support of friends and family can be a deep source of unshakeable strength. It certainly has been for me.
Success, to me, is about more than just achieving professional goals; it’s about making a meaningful impact and living in alignment with my values. It’s about creating technologies that advance humanity while also maintaining personal integrity and contributing positively to society.
Success is also deeply personal—it’s about being true to oneself, overcoming challenges, and remaining in a state of continuous learning. The best people and the best AI models have one thing in common: they continuously learn, and this becomes a source of strength and growth that can be used to solve problems for people and have a deep impact. Success for me is also about leaving a legacy of innovation, ethics, and the betterment of humanity that can guide innovators for generations to come.
Mark Zuckerberg is an entrepreneur who greatly inspires me. His ability to continually reinvent Meta (formerly Facebook) to stay at the forefront of innovation is remarkable. From pioneering social media to leading advancements in AI, spatial computing, and neural interfaces, Zuckerberg’s work spans multiple groundbreaking areas. His commitment to creating a coherent ecosystem of products and technologies that link together to form a unified user experience is something I deeply admire.
Moreover, Zuckerberg has shown resilience in the face of adversity. He has faced significant challenges and criticism throughout his career, but he continues to persevere and innovate. His recent focus on open-source AI and his willingness to invest billions in this endeavor align with my values as an AI entrepreneur committed to an equitable AI future. His journey is a powerful example of how to adapt, evolve, and continue to push boundaries, maintaining a clear vision for the future even in the face of setbacks.
I am actively involved in mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals, particularly in the fields of AI and technology. I volunteer my time at universities around the world, offering guidance and support to students and startups who are navigating the challenges of launching new ventures. Additionally, my work in science diplomacy often involves contributing to initiatives that promote ethical technology development and international cooperation, which is a way to contribute to a global community of innovators and the people who stand to benefit.
Thank you, Marcus Weller, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your journey is an inspiring example of innovation, resilience, and the drive to make a positive impact through technology. We appreciate your time and look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work in AI and beyond.
Simplifying Secure Online Identity Management
OpenID Federation addresses this need by providing a streamlined method to authenticate users across various platforms without requiring multiple passwords. It simplifies digital interactions while ensuring the safety of personal information.
Imagine logging into various services—social media, banking, shopping—using just one set of credentials. OpenID Federation makes this possible by allowing different organisations to trust each other’s authentication processes. This not only enhances user experience but also strengthens security by reducing the risk of password fatigue and breaches.
OpenID Federation makes this possible by allowing different organisations to trust each other’s authentication processes. This not only enhances user experience but also strengthens security by reducing the risk of password fatigue and breaches. Let’s dive into how OpenID Federation works and why it’s becoming a cornerstone of modern digital identity management.nt.
We’ve seen how crucial OpenID Federation is for secure and seamless online identity management. As we look ahead Raidiam’s advancements in the OpenID Federation 1.0 specification are set to play a pivotal role. These innovations will be essential for creating robust open data ecosystems ensuring that users can navigate the digital world with ease and confidence.
By leveraging these advancements we’ll be better equipped to manage our online identities securely and efficiently. Let’s embrace these changes and look forward to a more secure and user-friendly digital experience for all.
The draft OpenID Federation 1.0 specification addresses the increasing prevalence of data-sharing ecosystems where user-permissioned data is exchanged via APIs. The original version of the standard facilitated implementation and secure functioning but was inadequate for ecosystems with a large and expanding number of participants. This new specification enhances support and standardises the establishment of trust among participants, eliminating the need for bilateral agreements by introducing a trust anchor (or trust register) as a reliable entity for participants.
The development of this specification aims to enhance not only individual ecosystems but also interoperability across multiple networks. OpenID Federation 1.0 establishes a foundation for seamless interaction among independent ecosystems with varied supervisory, licensing, or accreditation frameworks. For example, a financial services regulator could manage a network within its jurisdiction, while an energy sector regulator does the same within theirs. These diverse ecosystems can then interconnect, creating a network of networks that functions on a national or international scale.
Raidiam recognised the importance of a broader vision early on and became one of the first to introduce OpenID Federation support in their Raidiam Connect Trust Platform. This platform is a key component of the trust infrastructure in some of the world’s most prominent Open Banking and Open Finance ecosystems, serving as a Directory and Trust Register for participants. By enabling multi-lateral federations, Raidiam aims to create a more interconnected Open Data landscape that fosters innovation and collaboration. They have also been among the first to commercially implement the OpenID Federation 1.0 Trust Anchor.
Cheating 9 to 5: 13 Better Income Options
Through rethinking traditional work, Ferriss quietly redefined what it means to earn a living.
Now, those same strategies are opening doors for others.
These 13 unique income ideas could help ease you out of the rat race and into a more flexible, fulfilling lifestyle.
Just like flipping a flat in the Orie, you can buy websites, improve their design, content, and SEO, and sell them at a higher price.
Websites are today’s version of digital real estate.
Websites like Flippa or Empire Flippers let you purchase low-traffic sites for a few thousand dollars.
After optimizing them, you can sell them for three to five times the original price.
Focus on niches that you know well, such as e-commerce or blog-style sites.
Even a modest improvement in traffic and ad revenue can exponentially raise a site’s value.
Website flippers can earn anywhere from $20,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on how many sites they flip.
The average ROI for a well-optimized website is 200-400%.
Data is the new oil, and companies are willing to pay for it.
Platforms like Datum and Ozone AI allow individuals to rent out their anonymous browsing data or personal insights for money.
You sign up on these platforms and give consent to share data about your browsing habits, social media use, or even your smart devices’ stats.
In exchange, companies pay to access this data.
Combine multiple platforms to increase income.
On average, users can earn between $50 to $100 per month by allowing anonymous data sharing.
However, those who invest in using more devices or offering more specific data can boost that figure considerably.
According to a Statista study, the global data economy is projected to be worth $13.5 trillion by 2030.
A portion of that could be yours.
Expert networks are platforms like GLG or AlphaSights where professionals across various industries get paid to share their expertise with businesses or investors.
Sign up, share your professional background, and when a client is looking for insights in your field, you’ll get paid $100 to $1,000 per hour for a simple phone call or online consultation.
Leverage any unique skills you have, whether it’s a niche technology, management experience, or specialized market knowledge.
Keep your profile updated and apply to every relevant opportunity.
An average expert can make between $200 and $500 per hour, with top earners on GLG making upwards of $300,000 annually from just consultations.
Cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Cardano, and Solana allow you to cash out rewards simply by holding and staking your tokens.
Staking involves locking up your crypto assets in a blockchain network to support operations.
In return, you earn a juicy per cent of transaction fees. This income is often referred to as “crypto dividends.”
Research coins with staking rewards and avoid volatile or less secure projects.
Platforms like Binance or Kraken simplify the staking process and offer regular payouts.
Diversify across a few cryptos to balance risk.
Staking rewards typically range between 4% and 12% annually.
With an investment of $10,000, that translates to $400 to $1,200 per year of passive income.
Instead of buying large companies or franchises, you can invest in smaller businesses that require
minimal operational involvement.
Platforms like MicroAcquire allow you to buy small-scale, profitable online businesses (like SaaS companies or niche e-commerce sites).
The income is generated through automated processes or existing employees.
Alternatively, you could consider investing in something more lucrative by checking out Orie’s website to figure out what the Orie price list has to offer.
Start with a small acquisition, learn the ropes, and scale up.
Micro-private equity often requires less hands-on work than traditional business ownership and offers solid returns if you choose the right niche.
On average, these small digital businesses have a 20-30% annual ROI, providing substantial income with limited input.
If you’re skilled in photography or digital art, you can license your work to companies or stock image platforms like Adobe Stock or Getty Images.
Each time someone downloads or purchases your image, you earn royalties.
Focus on creating high-quality, evergreen content in niche areas that are in demand, such as travel, lifestyle, or business.
Licensing platforms can expose your work to a global audience, providing passive income over time.
Top photographers and artists on stock platforms rake in between $500 to $10,000 per month, depending on the popularity and demand for their work.
Sports betting arbitrage involves betting on all likely outcomes of a sports event across multiple bookmakers to guarantee a profit, regardless of the result.
This strategy works because different sportsbooks often have varying odds for the same event.
Tools like OddsMonkey or RebelBetting help you find these discrepancies and make safe bets.
Use multiple betting accounts and start small to learn the technique. The key to success is betting fast and being consistent with low-risk games.
Arbitrage bettors can earn between $500 and $1,500 per month, depending on how often they bet and the odds they exploit.
Believe it or not, some companies pay individuals to test out mattress sleep products or even participate in sleep studies.
Brands such as Sleep Junkie or universities conducting research studies will pay volunteers or testers to spend time using their products or even staying overnight in sleep labs.
Apply to sleep-testing programs online, or look for open sleep studies at local universities.
Keep an eye on product-testing websites for gigs that don’t just involve surveys but actual product use.
Participants in sleep studies can earn $1,000 to $3,000 per study, depending on its length and complexity. Some mattress reviewers make $250 per product review.
Real estate syndication is a way to pool resources with other investors to buy properties, typically managed by a professional syndicator.
You contribute capital to a group that invests in a specific property.
As a passive investor, you earn regular returns based on rental income or profits from selling the property without managing the property yourself.
Check out the Orie price list to see what you could earn snagging up a flat.
Start with trusted platforms like Fundrise or CrowdStreet, where you can invest as little as $500.
Look for properties in high-growth areas with stable returns.
Average returns on real estate syndication investments range from 8% to 12% annually, making it a lucrative passive income stream over time.
Buying undeveloped land in rural or suburban areas, holding it until property values increase, and selling for a profit.
Sites like LandWatch or Landflip allow investors to purchase cheap plots of land.
Many investors lease the land for recreational purposes (hunting camping) while waiting for the value to appreciate.
Research land near growing urban centres where demand is likely to rise. A long-term strategy may involve leasing the land to hunters or campers for temporary cash flow until resale.
Raw land flippers report profits of 50-100% on successful sales and annual returns of 6-15% if they lease the land.
If you’re an expert in a particular field, you can create an online course and license it to universities, corporations, or educational platforms.
Platforms like Teachable or Udemy allow course creators to sell their content, but some creators go beyond selling to individuals by licensing their courses to institutions for regular royalties.
Focus on creating evergreen content in high-demand fields like coding, digital marketing, or business development.
Licensing offers residual income without constant updates or marketing.
Some course creators earn $5,000 to $20,000 per year from licensing deals alone.
You can rent out specific, in-demand items—like drones, high-end cameras, or even designer clothes—through peer-to-peer rental platforms.
Websites like Fat Llama or Style Lend allow you to list items that others can rent for a day or a week.
People need equipment for weddings, events, or special projects, and they’re willing to pay a premium for short-term use.
Focus on renting items in your local area to avoid shipping costs. Popular rental items include tech gadgets, photography equipment, and luxury fashion.
Successful renters report earning between $500 and $3,000 per month, depending on the value and demand for their items.
Owning a vending machine business is a hands-off way to generate steady, passive income.
You purchase a vending machine or several machines and secure placement in high-traffic areas like schools, offices, or gyms.
Profits come from the sales of snacks, drinks, or speciality items.
Start with one machine and scale up. Choose your location wisely—areas with lots of foot traffic will maximize sales.
The average vending machine generates $75 to $300 per month, and successful operators with
multiple machines can make up to $100,000 a year.
It’s time to rethink the conventional wisdom of the 9 to 5.
While each of these income options requires time, strategy, and sometimes upfront investment, they offer paths to financial independence that are unique and profitable.
Most importantly, they’re adaptable to your lifestyle and create an income that works for you.
Recruiting 5,000 new HMRC compliance officers just first step in fixing UK’s tax system, says Blick Rothenberg
However, the firm warns that this recruitment effort is only a small step toward fixing the deep-rooted issues in the UK’s tax system.
Robert Salter, Director at Blick Rothenberg, noted that HMRC has been under-resourced for years, and while the addition of new staff is a positive development, it won’t be enough to address the larger structural problems plaguing the tax system. “HMRC systems are often poor and don’t provide either HMRC or taxpayers with a good service,” Salter said. He cited HMRC’s tool for determining employment status for tax purposes as an example of a system that frequently produces incorrect results when reviewed against binding UK case law.
Salter stressed the importance of comprehensive training for the new recruits, emphasizing that the complexity of the UK tax system requires a thorough understanding of its many intricate and sometimes counter-intuitive regulations. “Without long-term, in-depth training, the money spent on recruitment could be wasted, and taxpayers may face a worse service due to under-trained officers who misinterpret tax laws or request the wrong information,” he warned.
As the Budget approaches, Salter hopes that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will provide details on how the new HMRC officers will be trained to effectively address the complexities of the tax system. He stressed that while the recruitment drive is a positive first step, it must be accompanied by significant improvements in HMRC’s systems and procedures to truly make a difference for taxpayers.
Blick Rothenberg’s concerns come at a crucial time, with taxpayers and tax advisors eagerly awaiting the potential tax changes expected in the upcoming Budget. The firm’s experts argue that without a clear plan for comprehensive training and system upgrades, the Government’s efforts to improve HMRC’s capabilities may fall short of the intended impact.