Month: December 2024

Britons are expected to shell out a total of £4.6 billion in the Boxing Day sales this year, with the average shopper forecast to spend £236, new research from Barclays shows.
Although that figure is marginally lower than in 2023, when £4.7 billion was spent, it still points to a robust appetite for deals despite ongoing cost-of-living concerns.
The projected outlay per person has slipped by £18 compared with last year, yet shoppers are set to part with £50 more than they did in 2019, before the pandemic. Researchers note that while some of the increase is attributable to inflation, it also reflects a continuing desire among consumers to seek value for money during the post-Christmas period.
Spending patterns appear to favour men, who are set to outspend women by £53. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays Bank, said it was “encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales”, despite mounting financial pressures.
“We’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability this year,” she said. “Many shoppers will be on the lookout for bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.”
Indeed, air fryers and similar kitchen gadgets have surged in popularity, with year-on-year sales up by 7 per cent. Barclays attributes this to a focus on “functional finds” and efforts to save on big-ticket items that would ordinarily be out of reach for many shoppers.
The research also suggests a cautious mood: nearly a quarter of consumers will only buy what they deem essential in the sales. Yet some shoppers are still keen to make the most of the in-store experience. More than a quarter of the public plan to hit the shops in person — up from 15 per cent in 2023 — driven by a desire for social interaction, the ability to touch and feel products before buying, and the traditional thrill of high-street shopping.
“Boxing Day feels extra special this year,” said shopper Gabrielle Kirkham, who will be returning to the high street for the first time since the pandemic. “I’m planning to pick up discounted clothing and skincare. It’s much easier to try on clothes in person, which can be more challenging online.”
Although some bricks-and-mortar retailers are choosing to remain closed on Boxing Day, those that open will likely see a boost. A quarter of people planning to shop in the sales say they will spend most of their money in physical stores. Many cited the ability to see items first-hand and the enjoyment of socialising while shopping as key reasons.
High streets and shopping centres remain top destinations, with around a third of British consumers planning to visit them. Supporting local businesses is also a factor, with 17 per cent aiming to back their local high street and 15 per cent intending to shop with independent retailers.
Online channels, however, are set to capture the lion’s share of post-Christmas spending. Barclays forecasts that 65 per cent of Boxing Day purchases will be made online, slightly up on last year’s 64 per cent. Nonetheless, retailers hoping to coax more people onto the high street might consider in-store-only offers: around a third of shoppers say they would be swayed by discount codes that can only be redeemed in person, while 27 per cent would be enticed by a free gift with in-store purchases.
Read more:
Boxing Day splurge forecast at £4.6bn despite cost-of-living concerns

Myenergi, a British startup that produces home chargers for electric vehicles and energy-saving devices, has swung from a £8.8 million profit to a pre-tax loss of £25 million in the year to May.
The company, whose high-profile backers include former Tesco chief Sir Terry Leahy, blamed the downturn on weaker demand, intensifying competition, and a write-down of £10 million on unsold stock.
Founded in 2016 by Lee Sutton and Jordan Brompton, Myenergi sells the popular Zappi home charger and technology that helps homeowners optimise power usage, particularly when generating their own electricity. However, in its latest results the company reported an 18 per cent drop in sales to £55.7 million, largely due to what it called “a challenging trading year” and rival chargers being bundled with car sales and finance deals.
In a bid to shore up its balance sheet, Myenergi raised £28.6 million in new investment from New York-based Energy Impact Partners in October at an undisclosed valuation, spending £5.6 million on related fees. As part of broader cost-cutting measures, it also reduced its Grimsby-based workforce from 445 to 339.
Chairman Peter Richardson, previously an executive at Dyson, hopes this will give Myenergi the firepower to compete. The company insists it remains in a strong financial position, with “good prospects for growth,” supported by more than a quarter of its revenue coming from overseas—primarily Europe.
Myenergi has reset its ambitions around a possible sale or stock market listing. Share options issued in 2022 were to vest if the business reached a valuation of at least £400 million, but these have since been cancelled. New options introduced this year will be triggered whenever existing shareholders exit the company.
The company’s struggles come as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported a 45.5 per cent year-on-year drop in UK output of electric or hybrid vehicles in November. Market analysts, including Euromonitor International, say the growth rate of pure EV sales is slowing, with buyers increasingly attracted to hybrids that combine both engine and battery power.
Read more:
Home charger maker Myenergi slips into the red as EV demand stalls

Homebase is set to return in a slimmed-down format after the DIY chain’s collapse last month, with its new owner CDS confirming plans to reopen 70 former stores under the Range Superstores banner.
Each outlet will preserve the Homebase name in garden centre sections, and some will also incorporate Homebase-branded kitchen departments.
CDS, founded by ex-market trader Chris Dawson, intends to launch the first three converted stores on 17 January in Pollokshaws (Glasgow), Christchurch (Bournemouth) and Kings Heath (Birmingham), followed by 10 new openings per month from February. Headquartered in Plymouth, the privately owned retailer operates around 220 sites in the UK and Ireland under the Range and Wilko brands.
Homebase’s online presence will come under CDS’s control in early 2025, and Teneo – the administrator of the defunct chain – is seeking buyers for 49 outlets not included in the deal. During the transition, those remaining stores will continue trading under the Homebase name.
Alex Simpkin, chief executive of CDS, said: “We’re fully committed to retaining the best of Homebase’s heritage while introducing the broader product range and value that customers expect from us as the Range.”
The Homebase acquisition comes on the heels of CDS’s purchase of the Wilko brand in September 2023, after the budget homeware retailer fell into administration. CDS has since opened seven Wilko stores, primarily on high streets and in shopping centres, and plans further locations next year. However, targets to open 40 Wilko outlets this year have been scaled back due to tough competition in the discount retail sector and challenges in finding suitable premises.
Industry observers suggest the dual acquisitions of Wilko and Homebase could prime CDS for a stock market debut, a step it explored but later abandoned some years ago. Simpkin says the company’s “substantial investments in infrastructure” have prepared it for the “next phase of growth.”
He adds that the group is well positioned financially to expand into hundreds of potential sites, moving beyond the more traditional retail parks favoured by the Range to test a variety of store formats and locations.
Read more:
Homebase lives on as CDS revives DIY chain within newly branded the range stores

British consumers are opening their wallets more freely in the final run-up to Christmas, with retailers reporting a 2.3 per cent year-on-year rise in spending for the seven weeks to 20 December, according to figures from Visa.
Online sales led the increase, up 6.1 per cent, while electronics and homeware purchases enjoyed the most significant boost as department stores reported a 7 per cent uptick in trade.
However, not all retail categories shared in the festive lift. Clothing and accessories sales dropped by 2 per cent, underlining consumers’ desire to allocate their budgets more strategically. Analysts suggest a combination of careful spending and a mild autumn, which triggered widespread discounting, contributed to fashion’s subdued performance.
Alicia Ngomo Fernandez, head of UK consulting at Visa, said the data pointed to “moderate growth” in sales, accompanied by “stronger online shopping and solid growth in spending at department stores”. This cautious optimism comes as households benefit from an improvement in disposable income, which rose by 10.5 per cent in November, marking six straight months of double-digit gains, according to Asda’s Income Tracker compiled by Cebr.
Footfall on what retailers dubbed “Super Saturday” was up 0.8 per cent against the same day last year, with the consultancy Sensormatic Solutions estimating consumers would spend roughly £3 billion. Yet, visitor levels in high streets and shopping centres for the first three weeks of December remained 3.6 per cent below 2023, likely reflecting the continued impact of higher costs for essentials such as energy and groceries.
Commentators suggest part of the shortfall stems from an unusually late Black Friday period, which bled into December and pulled forward some Christmas purchases. Meanwhile, the timing of Christmas itself—arriving with two full weekdays left for last-minute shopping after the weekend—may also prop up footfall, especially as many families only started their holidays on Saturday.
Andy Sumpter, retail consultant at Sensormatic, expects a further push on Monday, tipped to be the third-busiest trading day of the year. “While ‘Super Saturday’ delivered a frenzy of festive footfall for retailers, the big question is whether these final flurries of Christmas trade will compensate for the earlier dip,” he said.
Despite the uneven performance, some retailers have not waited for Boxing Day to bring out the sale signs: New Look, The Range, and Debenhams launched early discounts, and Next offered VIP customers early access to its post-Christmas sale. With consumer sentiment warming but still tempered by cost-of-living pressures, many industry watchers are keenly awaiting the final figures to see if this year’s spending surge truly lives up to expectations.
Read more:
UK Christmas shopping rebounds with higher spending on high street and online

Fuel Ventures, one of the UK’s most prominent venture capital funds, has announced the closure of a £20 million investment round backed by key Chinese investors, including the Shijingshan Industrial Fund and Zhongguancun Development Group.
The deal underscores the UK’s appeal as an emerging destination for Asian capital and sets the stage for deeper collaboration between the UK and China’s booming tech ecosystems.
Mark Pearson (pictured), founder of Fuel Ventures, said: “We’ve been working closely with our Chinese partners to guide investments into UK startups in cutting-edge fields such as fintech, AI, and SaaS. This growing UK-China partnership is part of a broader move towards international collaboration, mirrored by the flow of capital from the US to the UK following recent political shifts. Together, we are opening doors for startups in both countries, forging meaningful links between their tech ecosystems.”
The injection of Chinese capital reflects a rising interest in the UK’s tech scene, which is Europe’s largest and the world’s third most significant technology ecosystem. According to Fuel Ventures, the UK’s strong educational framework, rich cultural environment, and vibrant tech sector make it increasingly attractive for Chinese investors. The country’s robust academic institutions also nurture a steady stream of skilled graduates, providing fertile ground for research, innovation, and startup growth.
Jing Jing Xu, Managing Director at Fuel Ventures Asia, added: “Chinese investors have always held UK education in high regard, and the country’s leading universities help cultivate an exceptional talent pipeline. Over 154,000 Chinese students studied in the UK last year, an 80% increase over the past decade, while numerous joint institutes and programmes underscore the deepening academic ties between the two nations. These strong links, combined with the UK’s globally recognised tech capabilities, position Britain as a consistent and growth-oriented market.”
Fuel Ventures’ latest engagement also aligns with Beijing’s renewed efforts to introduce advanced technologies into China, as highlighted by recent discussions with the Deputy Mayor of Beijing. This alignment promises mutual benefits: UK and European founders can secure a foothold in one of the world’s most dynamic and vast consumer markets, while Chinese investors gain access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models emerging from Europe.
The new partnership not only bolsters Fuel Ventures’ appeal to entrepreneurs with global ambitions but also enables startups to tap into Western and Eastern markets, smoothing their pathway towards long-term, international success.
Read more:
Fuel Ventures secures £20m Chinese investment round, strengthening UK-China tech ties

Ukraine is a nation that has endured the trials of history, standing tall against a backdrop of adversity, and showcasing a remarkable spirit of resilience.
The ongoing conflict with Russia, the nation’s continuous pursuit of independence, and the unyielding determination of the Ukrainian people have all become pivotal elements in the global narrative surrounding Ukraine today. Yet, the essence of Ukraine is not solely defined by its struggles but also by the vibrant expressions of its people through art, culture, and creativity. This article delves into the life of Olena Votkalenko—her journey intertwining the realms of art and finance, mirroring Ukraine’s broader spirit of perseverance and creativity.
A Nation Deeply Rooted in History and Culture
Ukraine’s historical narrative is one of endurance. From its ancient origins as part of the Kyivan Rus’ to the relentless struggles for independence throughout the 20th century, Ukraine has faced numerous challenges, each one contributing to the nation’s unique identity. The 2014 revolution, the annexation of Crimea, and the ongoing conflict with Russia all underscore the nation’s tenacious fight for sovereignty. Despite these turbulent events, Ukraine has preserved its rich cultural heritage, with literature, music, visual arts, and theatre serving as enduring reflections of the people’s defiance and imaginative spirit.
The resilience of Ukraine is embodied in the stories of individuals who channel their creativity in ways that transcend borders. Figures like Olena Votkalenko embody the harmony of personal and collective strength that defines modern Ukraine. While Olena’s career as both a banker and an artist might seem to be a personal journey, it also reflects the broader societal drive to overcome adversity and flourish, even amidst difficult times.
The Heartbeat of Culture and Innovation
Olena Votkalenko’s story unfolds in Kyiv, the capital city that pulses with both historical significance and contemporary vibrancy. Kyiv is not only the nation’s political and economic center but also a thriving epicenter for artistic expression. Even in the face of war and political turbulence, the cultural scene of Kyiv remains steadfast. The city has long been a cradle for the visual arts, literature, and music. Iconic venues such as the National Art Museum of Ukraine, the Kyiv Opera House, and the historic Andriyivskyy Descent stand as beacons of the city’s unwavering cultural spirit.
In spite of ongoing geopolitical struggles, Kyiv continues to serve as a hub for both artistic and financial growth, with entrepreneurs, professionals, and artists contributing to the city’s dynamic energy. Olena, having been born and raised in Kyiv, draws inspiration from both its rich history and its evolving present, infusing her work with the essence of Ukraine’s complex and multifaceted identity.
The Role of Ukrainian Women: Strength and Resilience
Olena’s artistic series, “War. Faces of Ukrainian Women,” encapsulates the resilient spirit of many Ukrainian women today. Women have always been central to the nation’s history—whether in their unwavering support for the national cause, their economic contributions, or their preservation of culture. In recent times, the role of women has expanded to include leadership in various sectors, including the arts, finance, and social activism.
This theme is especially poignant in the context of the ongoing war. Ukrainian women are not only the backbone of their families and communities but have also increasingly assumed pivotal roles in the resistance, both figuratively and literally. The women depicted in Olena’s art are not mere symbols of grief; they are embodiments of strength, courage, and the indomitable spirit of Ukraine. Her pieces such as “Independent” and “Unbreakable” deeply resonate with the broader experience of the nation.
Art as a Mirror of Crisis
Art frequently serves as a medium for processing personal and collective trauma. Olena’s work has undergone a profound transformation since the war began in 2022. The conflict has deeply influenced her creative expression, adding layers of emotional complexity and meaning to her pieces. Art has become a cathartic outlet not just for Olena, but for the entire Ukrainian population, providing a space for grief, loss, and hope to be expressed and processed.
The resilience of the Ukrainian people is vividly reflected in their artistic endeavors. The ongoing war has spurred the creation of works that convey both the harsh realities of conflict and the unyielding desire to preserve culture, identity, and humanity. Art, in this sense, has become a means of survival—a way for Ukrainians to affirm their place on the global stage.
The Crucial Role of Ukraine’s Financial Sector
Beyond the realm of the arts, Ukraine’s financial sector plays an equally vital role in the nation’s resilience. Despite the many challenges the country has faced, its financial infrastructure continues to function, with professionals like Olena Votkalenko providing crucial stability during turbulent times. Her career in banking, particularly in foreign currency operations, exemplifies the nation’s ability to balance precision with creative problem-solving in its economic practices.
In times of economic hardship, the financial sector has worked to offer both pragmatic solutions and innovative approaches to assist in the country’s recovery. Ukraine’s ability to remain connected to the global financial community is pivotal for rebuilding its infrastructure and economy in the post-war era. Professionals like Olena, who bridge the worlds of finance and art, provide a more nuanced and holistic perspective on Ukraine’s resilience.
Ukraine’s Growing Cultural Influence Worldwide
Ukraine’s cultural presence on the global stage continues to expand. Ukrainian artists are gaining recognition in international exhibitions, contributing to the global conversation surrounding themes such as freedom, resilience, and identity. Olena’s exhibitions, including those hosted under the patronage of the Ukrainian Embassy in Italy, contribute to Ukraine’s rising profile as a hub for innovative art that addresses universal themes.
Her online platforms, where she shares her artwork, have further extended her reach, allowing her to connect with audiences worldwide and solidifying her place in the international art community. In this way, art becomes not just a personal expression but a powerful tool for diplomacy—one that communicates Ukraine’s values and aspirations to the world.
Conclusion: Ukraine’s Resilience
Ukraine’s resilience extends beyond the individual, manifesting in its cultural and artistic resurgence. As the country faces challenges, its people, artists, and innovators continue to create, rebuild, and redefine the essence of what it means to be Ukrainian. Whether through the arts, business, or social activism, Ukraine stands as a beacon of tenacity, proving that despite the darkest times, the heart of the nation beats stronger than ever. Ukraine’s story is one of defiance, hope, and an unwavering belief in a future where creativity, strength, and unity continue to shape the world stage.
Read more:
Ukraine’s history unveiled

After a decade of outgoing Emily O’Reilly’s transformative tenure in Brussels, the EU Parliament elected the bloc’s new European Ombudsman for the next five years.
In the 15 December vote, Portuguese candidate Teresa Anjinho emerged victorious, with strong backing from the dominant EPP helping the former human rights law professor cruise past rivals such as Estonia’s Julia Laffranque, who had campaigned on stripping back this crucial role for transparent, ethical policymaking.
Encouragingly, Anjinho has expressed an activist approach to the EU watchdog position consistent with O’Reilly’s innovative, courageous protection of the bloc’s decision-making from corporate interests and shadow lobbying. Looking ahead to her 27 February start date, the new Ombudsman will have big shoes to fill, with the tobacco industry’s relentless infiltration of vital public health policies, for example, calling for ambitious transparency reinforcements ahead of the upcoming revision of the EU’s tobacco control framework
O’Reilly’s legacy of change
Since taking the reins in 2013, Emily O’Reilly, a former journalist, has taken on some of the EU’s most politically-sensitive cases. From scrutinising and confirming the maladministration of the Commission’s conflict-of-interest investigation into former President José Manuel Barroso to exposing shortcomings in its COVID-19 vaccine procurement, O’Reilly has consistently refused to shy away from challenging the bloc’s most powerful operators in her relentless quest for accountability and transparency.
One of O’Reilly’s most notable combats has been against tobacco industry lobbying, with a series of scandals within the Commission marking her tenure and the broader policymaking climate. Indeed, assuming office in the aftermath of a generation-defining Commission corruption saga, O’Reilly has overseen the post-2015 shift towards enhanced transparency scrutiny. In the past year alone, she twice ruled that the Commission’s failure to adhere to WHO FCTC transparency requirements on reporting and documenting meetings with Big Tobacco representatives constituted maladministration.
More than a simple administrative lapse, the institutional weakness that O’Reilly has singled out represents an urgent public health menace that calls into question the EU’s ability to place the lives of its citizens above the tobacco industry’s interests – an unfortunate truth dramatically exposed by the ‘Dalligate’ scandal.
Exposing the truth behind ‘Dalligate’
In October 2012, just days before he intended to table an ambitious, anti-industry revision of the EU’s Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), then-EU Health Commissioner John Dalli was forced to resign in the wake of a €60 million cash-for-influence scheme involving snus manufacturer Swedish Match and Maltese businessman Silvio Zammit, a personal associate of Dalli. In short, Zammit capitalised on his connections with Dalli to solicit this bribe from Swedish Match lobbyist, Gayle Kimberely, in exchange for dropping the snus retail ban from the TPD.
Despite Dalli’s insistence to the contrary, the EU Anti-Fraud Office’s (OLAF) subsequent investigation into the affair concluded that “unambiguous and converging circumstantial evidence” suggested he “was aware of this bribery attempt” and failed to intervene. In light of these findings, then-Commission President José Manuel Barroso requested Dalli’s resignation.
Hardly the end of the affair, the OLAF report “opens up more questions than it…answers,” according to former German MEP Ineborg Grässle, an assessment shared by the bloc’s civil society leaders. Lobbying watchdog NGO, Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO), found that OLAF offered “no direct evidence that Dalli was…aware” of Zammit’s overtures to Swedish Match, deeming that the anti-fraud office had seemingly “selectively compiled arguments” against Dalli, “without considering the credibility of witnesses.”
These initial concerns with the OLAF probe’s integrity have since been validated, with former director Giovanni Kessler’s dubious investigative practices exposed. In June, a Brussels court of appeal upheld its ruling against Kessler for his illegal wiretapping of Zammit, while Kessler testified that Barroso had ordered the investigation – a major vindication for Dalli.
As former French MEP José Bové, who directed the recent ‘Dalligate’ film, has noted, “the fact that Mr Dalli was kicked out so quickly, without any legal basis, shows the tobacco companies wanted to win more time by postponing” the TPD revision. Convinced of Dalli’s innocence and political targeting, Bové has even received recorded confessions from two Swedish Match employees admitting they fabricated allegations at OLAF’s request to “legitimise” Dalli’s ousting.
Big Tobacco’s ongoing threats
As the CEO warned one year after Dalligate broke, Barroso’s Commission, keen to “brush it under the carpet,” had made “no efforts…to learn the lessons and try to prevent something similar from happening again.”
While the 2014 TPD revision mandated plain packaging and a menthol cigarette ban, Big Tobacco achieved a monumental victory in securing the removal of the WHO FCTC Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products and its industry-independent track and trace system provision. This glaring omission was notably facilitated by the fact that the WHO Protocol, drafted in 2012, had not yet achieved the 40 ratifications needed to enter into force, offering the Commission a justification to drop this vital measure from the TPD and opening the door for a system controlled by industry partners.
Several years later, this is exactly what happened when the EU executive awarded track and trace contracts to the likes of Swiss firms Dentsu Tracking and Inexto, the inheritors of the widely-condemned Codentify system developed by Philip Morris International (PMI). Inexto has long falsely promoted Codentify – which it acquired from the tobacco industry in 2016 – as an independent and WHO-compliant system; while Dentsu, owner of Codentify co-developer Blue Infinity, controversially won its role in the EU system without a public tender.
As with Gayle Kimberly from the Dalligate scandal, Dentsu failed to register in the Commission’s Transparency Register during its lobbying of the Commission, doing so only last spring amid MEP scrutiny. This major transparency oversight is particularly concerning considering Jan Hoffman, a former Commission official working on tobacco traceability, accepted a Director of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance position at Dentsu shortly after it won the contract.
Decisive moment for EU transparency
Looking to the upcoming, industry-delayed TPD revision, the Commission no longer has an excuse to repeat the same mistakes. With the WHO Protocol in force since September 2018, the EU must respect its higher legal obligations and implement a truly independent system to tackle the bloc’s soaring illicit tobacco trade – a reality confirmed by Big Tobacco-funded research that underscores the EU system’s failure.
In the past year, a group of proactive MEPs has offered hope for change, questioning the Commission on the transparency failures that enabled Dentsu’s opaque selection and publishing a White Paper with leading tobacco control research institutions and NGOs, including the University of Bath and the Smoke Free Partnership (SFP), exposing the industry’s undue influence over track and trace and other key tobacco control policies. In decisive months to come, O’Reilly has rightly emphasised the crucial role of such MEPs in ensuring proper oversight over the EU executive, cautioning that “if it’s down to little me or my successor…then…it’ll be a challenge.”
Incoming Ombudsman Teresa Anjiho faces a mission to uphold and expand O’Reilly’s legacy. With scandals like Dalligate exposing the alarming influence of the tobacco industry over EU policymaking, Anjinho must work decisively with like-minded MEPs to bolster transparency and ensure ethical governance within the Commission to prevent further erosion of public health and trust in Europe.
Read more:
New EU Ombudsman must carry on transparency crusade against Big Tobacco lobbying

Joey Miller has made a name for himself as a dedicated mentor and experienced investor.
His journey is marked by a continuous pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to sharing his insights with others. Joey Miller‘s story offers a glimpse into the intricate balance of learning and teaching, investing and mentoring, that defines his professional life.
Early Influences and Learning
Miller’s career has been heavily influenced by the works of financial titans such as Warren Buffet and Benjamin Graham. These early influences instilled in him a systematic approach to investing, emphasizing the importance of remaining unemotional in volatile markets. This foundational knowledge was critical as Miller transitioned into trading stock options, where he learned to harness market volatility to his advantage.
Real estate presented a new set of opportunities and challenges for Miller. He benefited from the guidance of many mentors who taught him the value of opportunistic investments. In particular, they stressed the importance of investing in regions experiencing migration and job creation. This advice to diversify was instrumental in preparing Miller for unforeseen changes in the market, such as municipal shifts or global events.
Mentorship Philosophy
Miller approaches mentorship with a belief in the mutual growth of both mentor and mentee. He emphasizes the importance of being open to learning from those around you, as everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses. The dialogue between mentor and mentee is crucial for shared improvement and innovation. Miller encourages an environment where ideas are openly discussed and problem-solving is a collective effort.
Miller’s mentorship style has evolved over time. He acknowledges that the more he learns, the more he realizes the vastness of what he does not know. This realization has led to a mentoring style that values caution, patience, and diversification. He advises against putting too much into any single investment, advocating instead for steady, incremental growth.
The Role of Mentorship in Personal Development
Mentoring has had a profound impact on Miller’s personal and professional development. He views teaching as an extension of learning, a dynamic process that never truly ends. Working with individuals who are coachable and patient has reinforced the importance of being open to new knowledge and experiences. This openness has allowed Miller to prepare himself and others for the emotional highs and lows inherent in change.
Miller believes that failure is an integral part of growth. He encourages others not to shy away from their setbacks but to learn from them and seek steady, consistent growth. Surrounding oneself with experienced individuals is key to ensuring continuous learning and development.
Fostering Growth in Others
Identifying potential mentees involves offering advice and strategies to anyone willing to listen. Miller challenges young individuals in his community to engage with classic financial texts and rewards those who rise to the challenge. By doing so, he fosters a mindset of responsibility and self-improvement from a young age.
For adults, Joey Miller introduces more complex concepts through books that discuss overcoming adversity and ethical responsibility. He remains coachable himself and seeks to instill this trait in others. Offering classes and webinars, Miller encourages participation and the sharing of concepts and ideas. This approach helps mentees feel more educated and see opportunities where others may not.
Continuous Learning and Legacy
Miller stays connected with his past mentors and continues to seek new knowledge. He maintains communication with influential figures from his early life, recognizing the value of their insights and guidance. This ongoing exchange of ideas ensures that Miller remains adaptable and informed, reinforcing the interconnectedness of teaching and learning.
Miller’s legacy lies in his commitment to mentorship and education. By sharing his experiences and encouraging others to engage with new ideas, he fosters a community of continuous learners. His story exemplifies the belief that life is an ever-evolving journey of growth and discovery.
Challenges and Triumphs
Miller’s journey has not been without its hurdles. The investment world is inherently unpredictable, with its fair share of ups and downs. Miller has faced market downturns and economic uncertainties, each time emerging with newfound insights. These experiences have reinforced his approach to risk management and strategic investment, which he now imparts to others through his mentoring efforts.
One significant challenge in Miller’s career has been adapting to technological advancements in finance. With the rise of digital trading platforms and automated financial tools, Miller has had to continuously update his skills and knowledge. His adaptability has been one of his greatest strengths, allowing him to stay ahead of market trends and incorporate new technologies into his investment strategies. This adaptability also extends to his mentorship, where he emphasizes the importance of being tech-savvy in today’s financial landscape.
Community Involvement and Impact
Beyond his professional endeavors, Miller is deeply committed to his community. He believes that financial literacy is a crucial skill that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. To this end, Miller has been involved in various community initiatives aimed at educating young people about finance and investing. These initiatives include workshops, seminars, and local events where he shares his knowledge and experience with a broader audience.
Miller’s work in the community highlights his belief in giving back and empowering others to take control of their financial futures. By focusing on education and mentorship, he aims to create a ripple effect, inspiring others to pursue their own paths in finance and entrepreneurship.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Miller remains committed to his dual passions of investing and mentoring. He envisions a future where financial education is more integrated into mainstream education systems, equipping young people with the tools they need to navigate their financial lives. Miller plans to expand his mentorship programs, reaching even more individuals who can benefit from his expertise.
In the rapidly changing world of finance, Miller sees opportunities for innovation and growth. He continues to explore new investment avenues, such as sustainable and ethical investing, which align with his values and long-term vision. By staying open to new ideas and approaches, Miller ensures that his work remains relevant and impactful.
In reflecting on his journey, Joey Miller recognizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. His story is one of continuous growth and dedication to both personal success and the success of those he mentors. As he continues to influence and inspire, Miller’s legacy will undoubtedly be one of empowerment and transformation in the world of finance and beyond.
In conclusion, Miller’s career is a testament to the power of mentorship and lifelong learning. His ability to balance investing with teaching reflects a dedication to both personal and communal advancement. As he continues to navigate the changing landscapes of finance and education, Miller’s influence remains a guiding force for those who seek to learn and grow alongside him.
Read more:
Joey Miller, New Braunfels Financial Advisor Navigating the World of Mentorship and Investment

Companies distribute portions of their profits to investors through dividend payments – a fundamental way of sharing earnings.
This process affects market dynamics, as seen with easyjet share price movements during dividend announcements. The straightforward mechanism allows corporations to transfer value directly to shareholders, reflecting the company’s financial performance and commitment to investor returns. This systematic approach to profit distribution represents a core element of corporate finance operations.
“A dividend is a distribution of some of a company’s earnings as cash to a class of its shareholders”, as defined by market specialists.
Not all publicly traded companies pay dividends. For instance, major corporations like Amazon and Alphabet (Google’s parent company) have never issued dividends, whilst companies like IBM maintain regular quarterly payment schedules.
The dividend declaration process
The process of dividend payment begins in the boardroom when a company’s board of directors meets to review financial statements. The board determines whether to declare a dividend and its amount after reviewing the company’s income statement.
A typical declaration process examines:

Current earnings figures
Available cash position
Capital requirements
Payment scheduling options
Distribution logistics

For example, IBM follows an established schedule, with dividends distributed on the 10th of March, June, September, and December. Unilever, another major corporation, maintains its own quarterly schedule with specific declaration and payment dates.
Critical dates in the payment cycle
The timing of dividend payments follows strict regulatory requirements that protect both companies and shareholders. Each date in the sequence serves a specific purpose in ensuring accurate distribution of funds.

Declaration date: The company officially announces the dividend payment and its amount
Ex-dividend date: The cut-off date that determines dividend eligibility based on share ownership
Record date: Set two days after the ex-dividend date, when the company finalises its shareholder register
Payment date: When the dividend funds are distributed to eligible shareholders

These dates coordinate the actions of multiple financial institutions, ensuring smooth transfer of funds from corporate accounts to individual shareholders. Financial markets worldwide synchronise their systems to process dividends according to this established timeline.
Payment distribution mechanics
Standard distribution process
The Depository Trust Company (DTC) functions as the central hub for dividend distribution. On payment dates, companies deposit funds with the DTC, which then coordinates the distribution to brokerage firms worldwide. This centralised system processes millions of payments simultaneously through:

Electronic funds transfers
Brokerage account credits
Physical cheque issuance
International payment networks

The entire distribution cycle typically completes within three business days for domestic payments. Financial institutions maintain multiple backup systems to ensure continuous processing even during peak distribution periods.
Payment formats
Market regulations require companies to specify their chosen payment method when declaring dividends. Each payment format carries specific processing requirements and timeframes that brokerages must follow.
Dividend payments take several forms in practice:

Direct deposits to brokerage accounts
Physical cheques mailed to registered addresses
Stock dividend distributions of additional shares
Dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) credits

“Cash payments are typically credited to a brokerage account or paid in the form of a dividend check”, according to industry standards.
The payment process illustrated
The complexity of dividend processing becomes clear when examining real-world cases. Modern financial systems process millions of dividend payments daily, with each payment following precise verification protocols.
A practical example demonstrates the complete payment cycle. When Unilever processes a quarterly dividend:

The board declares a dividend of 30 pence per share
Ex-dividend date is established as 15 May
Record date falls on 17 May
Payment processing begins 1 June

For international payments, additional steps include:

Currency conversion processing
Cross-border transfer procedures
Local tax compliance measures
Market-specific documentation

During this cycle, financial institutions conduct multiple verification steps to ensure accuracy. Each stage includes automated reconciliation processes that match shareholder records with payment amounts before proceeding to the next phase.
Technical aspects of dividend payments
Modern financial infrastructure enables precise dividend distribution across global markets. The system connects stock exchanges, clearing houses, brokers, and individual shareholder accounts. Automated systems handle dividend calculations, currency conversions, and payment routing.
Key components in the distribution system include:

Central clearing houses
International banking networks
Electronic payment systems
Automated verification protocols

When IBM processes its quarterly dividend payments, the funds move through multiple stages. First, the company transfers the total dividend amount to the Depository Trust Company. The DTC then allocates these funds to various brokerages based on their clients’ shareholdings. Finally, individual brokerages credit the payments to shareholder accounts, typically within 24 hours of receipt.
International dividend processes
Cross-border dividend payments involve additional processing steps beyond domestic distributions. A UK investor holding US stocks, for instance, sees their dividend payment pass through international banking networks. The process includes currency conversion at market rates and compliance with tax regulations in both jurisdictions.
“The company deposits the funds for disbursement to shareholders with the Depository Trust Company on the payment date”, as outlined in standard financial procedures.
Documentation and reporting
Each dividend payment generates specific documentation recording the transaction details. For a typical payment, the documentation includes the payment date, amount per share, and total distribution value. Special dividends, such as United Bancorp’s 15 pence per share payment in February 2023, follow the same documentation standards as regular quarterly distributions.
Standard documentation elements include:

Payment amount per share
Total distribution value
Processing dates
Tax withholding information
Currency conversion rates for international payments

Brokerage platforms maintain digital records of all dividend transactions. These records show the payment source, amount, date, and any applicable tax information. For example, if a company pays a 5% annual dividend on shares trading at £100, the documentation reflects quarterly payments of £1.25 per share.
Market impact of dividend payments
Stock prices typically adjust in relation to dividend payments. Consider a company trading at £60 per share that declares a £2 dividend. The share price often increases by approximately the dividend amount when announced. On the ex-dividend date, the price generally adjusts downward by the dividend amount, as new buyers will not receive the declared payment.
Conclusion
The dividend payment process represents a sophisticated system of financial distribution that connects companies with their shareholders. From declaration through final payment, each step follows established procedures ensuring accurate and timely dividend delivery.
Important elements in the process include:

Central clearing house distribution
Standardised payment timelines
Documentation requirements
International payment procedures

Regular dividend payments operate through standardised systems, while special dividends and international payments adapt these processes to specific circumstances.
Read more:
How Dividends Are Paid on Stocks: An Explanation