NOTE: The Buyer’s attention is in particular drawn to the provisions of condition 10.4.
1.1 The definitions and rules of interpretation in this condition apply in these Conditions.
Buyer: the person, firm or company who purchases the Products and/or Services from the Company.
Company: the relevant group company selling the Products and/or Services to the Buyer under the Contract, being Hallmark Panels Limited (company number 3024981), Laminated Supplies Limited (company number 791635) or Fortrace Limited (company number 2556377) (as the case may be) having its registered office at Valletta House, Valletta Street, Hedon Road, Hull HU9 5NP.
Company’s Equipment: any equipment, including tools, systems, cabling or facilities, provided by the Company or its subcontractors and used directly or indirectly in the supply of the Services which are not the subject of a separate agreement between the parties under which title passes to the Buyer
Contract: any contract between the Company and the Buyer for the sale and purchase of the Products and/or Services, incorporating these Conditions.
Delivery Point: the place where delivery of the Products and/or Services is to take place under condition 4.
Products: any goods agreed in the Contract to be supplied to the Buyer by the Company (including any part or parts of them).
Services: any site work and/or services to be provided by the Company as envisaged in condition 17, together with any other services which the Company provides, or agrees to provide, to the Buyer under the Contract.
1.2 A reference to a particular law is a reference to it as it is in force for the time being taking account of any amendment, extension, application or re-enactment and includes any subordinate legislation for the time being in force made under it.
1.3 Words in the singular include the plural and in the plural include the singular.
1.4 A reference to one gender includes a reference to the other gender.
1.5 Condition headings do not affect the interpretation of these Conditions.
2.1 Subject to any variation under condition 2.3, the Contract shall be on these Conditions to the exclusion of all other terms and conditions (including any terms or conditions which the Buyer purports to apply under any purchase order, confirmation of order, specification or other document).
2.2 No terms or conditions endorsed on, delivered with or contained in the Buyer’s purchase order, confirmation of order, specification or other document shall form part of the Contract simply as a result of such document being referred to in the Contract.
2.3 These Conditions apply to all the Company’s sales and any variation to these Conditions and any representations about the Products and/or Services shall have no effect unless expressly agreed in writing and signed by a director or the company secretary of the Company. The Buyer acknowledges that it has not relied on any statement, promise or representation made or given by or on behalf of the Company which is not set out in the Contract. Nothing in this condition shall exclude or limit the Company’s liability for fraudulent misrepresentation.
2.4 These Conditions do not apply in cases where the Company has supplied Products for use as samples or for display (‘showroom’) purposes. All such supplies are subject to the Company’s [Showroom Supply Terms & Conditions] as amended from time to time.
2.5 Each order or acceptance of a quotation for Products and/or Services by the Buyer from the Company shall be deemed to be an offer by the Buyer to buy Products and/or Services subject to these Conditions.
2.6 No order placed by the Buyer shall be deemed to be accepted by the Company until a written acknowledgement of order is issued by the Company or (if earlier) the Company delivers the Products or starts to provide any of the Services to the Buyer.
2.7 The Buyer shall ensure that the terms of its order and any applicable specification are complete and accurate.
2.8 Any quotation is given on the basis that no Contract shall come into existence until the Company despatches an acknowledgement of order to the Buyer. Unless otherwise expressly stated, any quotation is valid for a period of 30 days from its date, provided that the Company has not previously withdrawn it.
3.1 The quantity and description of the Products and/or Services shall be as set out in the Company’s quotation or acknowledgement of order. In circumstances where relevant components or materials used in manufacturing the Products are not available, the Company reserves the right to substitute equivalent components or materials of at least the same quality and value.
3.2 All samples, drawings, descriptive matter, weights, dimensions, power consumptions, specifications and advertising issued by the Company and any descriptions or illustrations contained in the Company’s catalogues, brochures and price lists are issued or published for the sole purpose of giving an approximate idea of the Products described in them. They shall not form part of the Contract and this is not a sale by sample.
3.3 Without prejudice to condition 3.2, any performance figures relating to the Products published by the Company are based upon the Company’s experience and are such as the Company expects will be obtained, but they are estimates only and are not guaranteed.
3.4 The Buyer acknowledges and agrees that it is the Buyer’s responsibility to ensure that:
(a) the sites or foundations into which the Products are to be installed, including any framework or supports, are appropriate (which shall include, where necessary, taking appropriate architectural or other professional advice);
(b) the installation and/or use of the Products at any location does not breach any relevant contract, covenant, local bye-law or restriction imposed by any local, municipal or government authority to which the Buyer (or the relevant location) is subject;
(c) the Products fulfil any special requirements which the Buyer is bound to observe or fulfil;
unless (in any such case) the Buyer has supplied details of the same to the Company and the Company has confirmed to the Buyer in writing that the Products supplied are appropriate, do comply and/or fulfil such requirements (as appropriate).
4.1 Unless specifically agreed in writing between the parties, delivery of the Products shall take place by the Buyer (or its nominated carrier) collecting the Products at the Company’s place of business at Valletta House, Valletta Street, Hedon Road, Hull HU9 5NP (or at a such other storage location specified by the Company) at any time after the Company has notified the Buyer that the Products are ready for collection. In circumstances where it is agreed (in accordance with the foregoing) that delivery of the Products is to be made by the Company at any other location, this shall be effected by the Company (or its agents) delivering the Products (by a method of transport the Company thinks suitable) to the address of the Buyer agreed in writing by the parties.
4.2 Unless otherwise agreed in writing between the parties, the Buyer shall collect (or take delivery of) the Products within 21 days of the Company giving it notice that the Products are ready for delivery.
4.3 Any dates specified by the Company for delivery of the Products and/or performance of any Services are intended to be an estimate and time for delivery and/or performance shall not be made of the essence by notice. If no dates are so specified, delivery or performance shall be within a reasonable time.
4.4 Subject to the other provisions of these Conditions the Company shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential loss (all three of which terms include, without limitation, pure economic loss, loss of profits, loss of business, depletion of goodwill and similar loss), costs, damages, charges or expenses caused directly or indirectly by any delay in the delivery of the Products and/or performance of any Services (even if caused by the Company’s negligence), nor shall any delay entitle the Buyer to terminate or rescind the Contract unless such delay exceeds 120 days.
4.5 If for any reason the Buyer fails to collect or take delivery of any of the Products when they are ready for delivery, or the Company is unable to deliver the Products and/or any Services on time because the Buyer has not provided appropriate instructions, documents, licences, authorisations or access:
(a) risk in the Products shall pass to the Buyer (including for loss or damage caused by the Company’s negligence);
(b) the Products shall be deemed to have been delivered; and
(c) the Company may store the Products until delivery, whereupon the Buyer shall be liable for all related costs and expenses (including, without limitation, storage and insurance).
4.6 The Buyer shall provide at the Delivery Point and at its expense adequate and appropriate equipment and manual labour for loading or unloading the Products.
4.7 The Company may deliver the Products by separate instalments. Each separate instalment shall be invoiced and paid for in accordance with the provisions of the Contract.
4.8 Each instalment shall be a separate Contract and no cancellation or termination of any one Contract relating to an instalment shall entitle the Buyer to repudiate or cancel any other Contract or instalment.
5.1 The quantity of any consignment of Products as recorded by the Company on despatch from the Company’s place of business shall be conclusive evidence of the quantity received by the Buyer on delivery unless the Buyer can provide conclusive evidence proving the contrary.
5.2 Where the Company has agreed to deliver the Products to the Buyer, the Company shall not be liable for any non-delivery of Products (even if caused by the Company’s negligence) unless the Buyer gives written notice to the Company of the non-delivery within 24 hours of the date when the Products would in the ordinary course of events have been received.
5.3 Any liability of the Company for non-delivery of the Products shall be limited to replacing the Products within a reasonable time or issuing a credit note at the pro rata Contract rate against any invoice raised for such Products.
6.1 The Products are at the risk of the Buyer from the time of delivery.
6.2 Ownership of the Products shall not pass to the Buyer until the Company has received in full (in cash or cleared funds) all sums due to it in respect of:
(a) the Products and any Services; and
(b) all other sums which are or which become due to the Company from the Buyer on any account.
6.3 Until ownership of the Products has passed to the Buyer, the Buyer shall:
(a) hold the Products on a fiduciary basis as the Company’s bailee;
(b) store the Products (at no cost to the Company) separately from all other goods of the Buyer or any third party in such a way that they remain readily identifiable as the Company’s property;
(c) not destroy, deface or obscure any identifying mark or packaging on or relating to the Products; and
(d) maintain the Products in satisfactory condition and keep them insured on the Company’s behalf for their full price against all risks to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company. On request the Buyer shall produce the policy of insurance to the Company.
6.4 The Buyer may resell the Products before ownership has passed to it solely on the following conditions:
(a) any sale shall be effected in the ordinary course of the Buyer’s business at full market value; and
(b) any such sale shall be a sale of the Company’s property on the Buyer’s own behalf and the Buyer shall deal as principal when making such a sale.
6.5 The Buyer’s right to possession of the Products shall terminate immediately if:
(a) the Buyer has a bankruptcy order made against him or makes an arrangement or composition with his creditors, or otherwise takes the benefit of any statutory provision for the time being in force for the relief of insolvent debtors, or (being a body corporate) convenes a meeting of creditors (whether formal or informal), or enters into liquidation (whether voluntary or compulsory) except a solvent voluntary liquidation for the purpose only of reconstruction or amalgamation, or has a receiver and/or manager, administrator or administrative receiver appointed of its undertaking or any part thereof, or documents are filed with the court for the appointment of an administrator of the Buyer or notice of intention to appoint an administrator is given by the Buyer or its directors or by a qualifying floating charge holder (as defined in paragraph 14 of Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986), or a resolution is passed or a petition presented to any court for the winding-up of the Buyer or for the granting of a administration order in respect of the Buyer, or any proceedings are commenced relating to the insolvency or possible insolvency of the Buyer; or
(b) the Buyer suffers or allows any execution, whether legal or equitable, to be levied on his/its property or obtained against him/it, or fails to observe or perform any of his/its obligations under the Contract or any other contract between the Company and the Buyer, or is unable to pay its debts within the meaning of section 123 of the Insolvency Act 1986 or the Buyer ceases to trade; or
(c) the Buyer encumbers or in any way charges any of the Products.
6.6 The Company shall be entitled to recover payment for the Products notwithstanding that ownership of any of the Products has not passed from the Company.
6.7 The Buyer grants the Company, its agents and employees an irrevocable licence at any time to enter any premises where the Products are or may be stored in order to inspect them, or, where the Buyer’s right to possession has terminated, to recover them.
6.8 Where the Company is unable to determine whether any Products are the goods in respect of which the Buyer’s right to possession has terminated, the Buyer shall be deemed to have sold all goods of the kind sold by the Company to the Buyer in the order in which they were invoiced to the Buyer.
6.9 On termination of the Contract, howsoever caused, the Company’s (but not the Buyer’s) rights contained in this condition 6 shall remain in effect.
7.1 Unless otherwise agreed by the Company in writing, the price for the Products shall be the price set out in the Company’s price list published on the date of delivery or deemed delivery.
7.2 The Company may at any time increase the price for the Products by an amount equal to the increase in the Company’s cost in carrying out its obligations under the Contract which is due to any factor beyond the control of the Company (including but not limited to any significant increase in raw material, labour or energy costs or other costs of manufacture, any foreign exchange fluctuation, currency regulation or alteration of duties) and a proportionate increase in price required to preserve the Company’s profit margin.
7.3 The Buyer shall be liable to pay to the Company, on demand, all reasonable costs, charges or losses sustained or incurred by the Company (including, without limitation, any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profit and loss of reputation, loss or damage to property and those arising from injury to or death of any person and loss of opportunity to deploy resources elsewhere) arising directly or indirectly from the Buyer’s fraud, negligence, failure to perform or delay in the performance of any of its obligations under the Contract. In any case where drawings, plans, specifications, or other information are sought from the Buyer to enable the Company to proceed with the Contract, the price may be increased by the Company if such documents or information is not made available by the Buyer to the Company before entering into the Contract.
7.4 The price for the Products shall be exclusive of any value added tax and all costs or charges in relation to packaging, loading, unloading, carriage and insurance, all of which amounts the Buyer shall pay in addition when it is due to pay for the Products.
8.1 Subject to condition 8.4, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the Company and the Buyer payment of the price for the Products is due in pounds sterling on the last working day of the month following the month in which the Company’s invoice in respect thereof is dated.
8.2 Time for payment shall be of the essence.
8.3 No payment shall be deemed to have been received until the Company has received cleared funds.
8.4 All payments payable to the Company under the Contract shall become due immediately on its termination despite any other provision.
8.5 The Buyer shall make all payments due under the Contract in full without any deduction whether by way of set-off, counterclaim, discount, abatement or otherwise unless the Buyer has a valid court order requiring an amount equal to such deduction to be paid by the Company to the Buyer.
8.6 If the Buyer fails to pay the Company any sum due pursuant to the Contract, without prejudice to any other rights the Company may have:
(a) the Buyer shall be liable to pay interest to the Company on such sum from the due date for payment at the annual rate of 4% above the base lending rate from time to time of the Company’s bankers in the United Kingdom from time to time, accruing on a daily basis until payment is made, whether before or after any judgment. The Company reserves the right to claim interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998; and
(b) the Company may suspend collection or delivery of any Products and Services until payment in full of all outstanding sums has been made.
9.1 Where the Company is not the manufacturer of the Products, the Company shall endeavour to transfer to the Buyer the benefit of any warranty or guarantee given to the Company and the Company’s liability shall not exceed the amounts recovered from the manufacturer concerned.
9.2 The Company warrants that (subject to the other provisions of these Conditions) on delivery, and for a period of 12 months from the date of delivery, the Products shall:
(a) be of satisfactory quality within the meaning of the Sale of Goods Act 1979; and
(b) be reasonably fit for their usual purpose (or any particular purpose for which the Products are being bought if the Buyer had made known that purpose to the Company in writing and the Company has confirmed in writing that it is reasonable for the Buyer to rely on the skill and judgement of the Company).
9.3 The Company may at its discretion also provide an extended warranty of up to 10 years in respect of certain types of products supplied by the Company which may apply to the Products. If such extended warranty is to be provided in relation to any of the Products, the Company shall confirm this in writing to the Buyer in the Contract, and shall be subject to the Company’s Extended Guarantee Terms & Conditions (which includes certain conditions and exclusions which affect the Buyer’s ability to make a claim under it). The Buyer acknowledges and agrees that neither the Company’s warranty (referred to in condition 9.2) nor any extended warranty which may be available (referred to in this condition 9.3) relating to the Products is a “consumer guarantee” and the Buyer shall not hold the Company out as providing any guarantee to the Buyer’s customers or the end users in relation to the Products (whether in its advertising or otherwise). (For the purposes of this condition 9.3 a “consumer guarantee” shall have the meaning set out in The Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002).
9.4 The Company shall not be liable for a breach of any of the warranties in conditions 9.2 or 9.3 unless:
(a) if the defect is as a result of damage in transit (and such defect is visible on reasonable inspection) the Buyer must verbally notify the Company and the carrier of such damage within 24 hours of the time of delivery (and confirm the same to the Company in writing within [7 days] of delivery);
(b) (subject to condition 9.4(a)) the Buyer gives written notice of the defect to the Company within 1 month of the time when the Buyer discovers or ought to have discovered the defect; and
(c) the Company is given a reasonable opportunity after receiving notification by the Buyer under either condition 9.4(a) or (b) of examining such Products and the Buyer (if asked to do so by the Company and if reasonably practicable) arranges the return of such Products to the Company’s place of business at the Company’s cost for the examination to take place there.
9.5 The Company shall not be liable for a breach of any of the warranties in conditions 9.2 or 9.3 if:
(a) the defect arises because the Buyer failed to follow the Company’s oral or written instructions as to the storage, installation, commissioning, use or maintenance of the Products or (if there are none) good trade practice; or
(b) the Buyer alters or repairs such Products without the written consent of the Company; or
(c) the defect has arisen from a drawing, design or specification supplied by the Buyer in relation to the Products.
9.6 Subject to condition 9.4 and condition 9.5, if any of the Products do not conform with any of the warranties in condition 9.2 the Company shall at its option repair or replace such Products (or the defective part) or refund the price of such Products at the pro rata Contract rate provided that, if the Company so requests, the Buyer shall, at the Company’s expense, return the Products or the part of such Products which is defective to the Company.
9.7 If the Company complies with condition 9.6 it shall have no further liability for a breach of any of the warranties in condition 9.2 in respect of such Products.
9.8 Any Products replaced under condition 9.6 shall belong to the Company and any repaired or replacement Products shall be guaranteed on these terms for the unexpired portion of the 12 month period referred to in condition 9.2.
10.1 Subject to condition 4, condition 5 and condition 9, the following provisions set out the entire financial liability of the Company (including any liability for the acts or omissions of its employees, agents and sub-contractors) to the Buyer in respect of:
(a) any breach of these Conditions or the Contract;
(b) any use made or resale by the Buyer of any of the Products or the Services or any part of them, or of any product incorporating any of the Products; and
(c) any representation, statement or tortious act or omission including negligence arising under or in connection with the Contract.
10.2 All warranties, conditions and other terms implied by statute or common law (save for the conditions implied by section 12 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979) are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, excluded from the Contract.
10.3 Nothing in these Conditions excludes or limits the liability of the Company:
(a) for death or personal injury caused by the Company’s negligence; or
(b) under section 2(3), Consumer Protection Act 1987; or
(c) for any matter which it would be illegal for the Company to exclude or attempt to exclude its liability; or
(d) for any liability incurred by the Buyer as a result of any breach by the Company of the condition as to title or the warranty as to quiet possession implied by section 2 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982; or
(e) for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.
10.4 Subject to condition 10.2 and condition 10.3:
(a) the Company’s total liability for any loss, damage, costs, claims or expenses suffered by the Buyer in contract, tort (including negligence or breach of statutory duty), misrepresentation, restitution or otherwise, arising in connection with the performance or contemplated performance of the Contract shall be limited as follows:
(i) in the case of liability arising from damage to [physical or real property], [including loss of data], the limit of liability shall be £1,000,000 in respect of any one event or series of connected events; and
(ii) in respect of any other liability the Supplier’s aggregate liability shall in no circumstances exceed the Contract price; and
(b) the Company shall not be liable to the Buyer for loss of profit, loss of business, or depletion of goodwill in each case whether direct, indirect or consequential, or any claims for consequential compensation whatsoever (howsoever caused) which arise out of or in connection with the Contract.
10.5 If the Company’s performance of its obligations under the Contract is prevented or delayed by any act or omission of the Buyer, its agents, subcontractors, consultants or employees, the Company shall not be liable for any costs, charges or losses sustained or incurred by the Buyer arising directly or indirectly from such prevention or delay.
10.6 Without prejudice to the generality of condition 10.1, for the avoidance of doubt, the limitations and exclusions in this condition 10 in respect of the financial liability of the Company shall apply to (inter alia) any penalties, indemnity payments or other charges levied on the Buyer by its own customer or client.
11.1 If Products are manufactured by the Company in accordance with a specification or design or special requirements (including without limitation the application of any process) supplied by the Buyer, the Buyer shall be responsible for ensuring that so far as is reasonably practicable the Products are so designed as to be safe and without risk to health when properly used, that such testing and examination is carried out as may be reasonably necessary for ensuring that the Products are so designed and that adequate information will be available in connection with the use of the Products at work about the use for which they are designed and tested and about any conditions necessary to ensure that when put to that use, the Products will be safe and without risk to health.
11.2 The Buyer shall indemnify the Company against all loss, costs, claims, expenses and damages awarded against or incurred by the Company arising out of:
(a) any failure on the part of the Buyer to carry out its responsibilities referred to in condition 11.1 and for all costs and expenses incurred by the Company in dealing with any such claims and rectifying any defects in the Products; and
(b) any alleged infringement of any patent, trade mark, registered design, design right, copyright or other industrial or intellectual property rights of any other person arising out of the manufacture or sale of Products made to the specification or special requirements (including without limitation the application of any process) of the Buyer.
12.1 All written information, drawings, artwork, images and diagrams (excluding the Products themselves) prepared by the Company in relation to the supply of Products and the copyright therein and all other items owned by the Company and used in the production of the Products shall remain the property of the Company and shall be returned by the Buyer on demand. All such information shall be treated as confidential and shall not be copied or reproduced or disclosed to any third party without the prior written consent of the Company.
12.2 The Buyer shall ensure that its employees, servants and agents and all those under the Buyer’s control and supervision shall comply with the obligations of confidentiality contained in condition 12.1.
12.3 The supply of Products by the Company shall not confer any right upon the Buyer to use any of the Company’s trade marks (except in the re-sale of the Products in the packaging supplied by the Company), or any of the Company’s patents, design rights or other industrial or intellectual property rights, and at all times such patents, trade marks, design rights and other industrial or intellectual property rights shall remain the absolute property of the Company (or its suppliers).
12.4 The Buyer shall not without the prior consent in writing of the Company exhibit any Products at any exhibition or trade display (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld).
13.1 The Company may assign the Contract or any part of it to any person, firm or company.
13.2 The Buyer shall not be entitled to assign the Contract or any part of it without the prior written consent of the Company.
The Company reserves the right to defer the date(s) of delivery of Products or performance of any Services or to cancel the Contract or reduce the volume of the Products or Services ordered by the Buyer (without liability to the Buyer) if it is prevented from or delayed in the carrying on of its business due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Company including, without limitation, acts of God, governmental actions, war or national emergency, acts of terrorism, protests, riot, civil commotion, fire, explosion, flood, epidemic, lock-outs, strikes or other labour disputes (whether or not relating to either party’s workforce), failure or delays by sub-contractors or restraints or delays affecting carriers or inability or delay in obtaining supplies of adequate or suitable materials, provided that, if the event in question continues for a continuous period in excess of 180 days, the Buyer shall be entitled to give notice in writing to the Company to terminate the Contract.
The term “agent” as applied to those persons firms or companies either in the United Kingdom or elsewhere with whom the Company has made arrangements for the sale of its Products is a nominal one, and indicates only that they are local representatives appointed for the convenience of customers and through whom enquiries or orders may be received and dealt with by the Company. They are not authorised by the Company to incur any liability, give any guarantee or warranty, make any representation or transact any business whatsoever on behalf of the Company other than the offering for sale of the Company’s Products upon the terms of these Conditions.
14.1 Each right or remedy of the Company under the Contract is without prejudice to any other right or remedy of the Company whether under the Contract or not.
14.2 If any provision of the Contract is found by any court, tribunal or administrative body of competent jurisdiction to be wholly or partly illegal, invalid, void, voidable, unenforceable or unreasonable it shall to the extent of such illegality, invalidity, voidness, voidability, unenforceability or unreasonableness be deemed severable and the remaining provisions of the Contract and the remainder of such provision shall continue in full force and effect.
14.3 Failure or delay by the Company in enforcing or partially enforcing any provision of the Contract shall not be construed as a waiver of any of its rights under the Contract.
14.4 Any waiver by the Company of any breach of, or any default under, any provision of the Contract by the Buyer shall not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or default and shall in no way affect the other terms of the Contract.
14.5 The parties to the Contract do not intend that any term of the Contract shall be enforceable by virtue of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 by any person that is not a party to it.
14.6 Subject to condition 12, no variation of the Contract or these Conditions or of any of the documents referred to in them shall be valid unless it is in writing and signed by or on behalf of each of the parties.
14.7 Unless specifically provided otherwise, rights arising under the Contract are cumulative and do not exclude rights provided by law.
14.8 Nothing in these Conditions or the Contract is intended to, or shall be deemed to, constitute a partnership or joint venture of any kind between any of the parties, nor constitute any party the agent of another party for any purpose. No party shall have authority to act as agent for, or to bind, the other party in any way.
14.9 The formation, existence, construction, performance, validity and all aspects of the Contract shall be governed by English law and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
15.1 All communications between the parties about the Contract shall be in writing and delivered by hand or sent by pre-paid first class post or sent by fax:
(a) (in case of communications to the Company) to its registered office or such changed address as shall be notified to the Buyer by the Company; or
(b) (in the case of the communications to the Buyer) to the registered office of the addressee (if it is a company) or (in any other case) to any address of the Buyer set out in any document which forms part of the Contract or such other address as shall be notified to the Company by the Buyer.
15.2 Communications shall be deemed to have been received:
(a) if sent by pre-paid first class post, two days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and bank and public holidays) after posting (exclusive of the day of posting); or
(b) if delivered by hand, on the day of delivery; or
(c) if sent by fax on a working day prior to 4.00 pm, at the time of transmission and otherwise on the next working day.
15.3 Communications addressed to the Company shall be marked for the attention of the Company Secretary.
18.1 In these Conditions “Incoterms” means the international rules for the interpretation of trade terms of the International Chamber of Commerce as in force at the date when the Contract is made. Unless the context otherwise requires, any term or expression which is defined in or given a particular meaning by the provisions of Incoterms shall have the same meaning in these Conditions, but if there is any conflict between the provisions of Incoterms and these Conditions, the latter shall prevail.
18.2 Where the Products are supplied for export from the United Kingdom, the provisions of this condition 18 shall (subject to any special terms agreed in writing between the Buyer and the Company) apply notwithstanding any other provision of these Conditions.
18.3 The Buyer shall be responsible for complying with any legislation or regulations governing the importation of the Products into the country of destination and for the payment of any duties on them.
18.4 Unless otherwise agreed in writing between the Buyer and the Company, the Products shall be delivered FOB the United Kingdom air or sea port of shipment in the United Kingdom and the Company shall be under no obligation to give notice under section 32(3) of the Sale of Goods Act 1979.
18.5 The Buyer shall be responsible for arranging for testing and inspection of the Products at the Company’s premises before shipment. The Company shall have no liability for any claim in respect of any defect in the Products which would be apparent on inspection and which is made after shipment, or in respect of any damage during transit.
18.6 Unless otherwise agreed in writing between the Buyer and the Company, payment of all amounts due to the Company shall be made by irrevocable letter or credit opened by the Buyer in favour of the Company and confirmed by a bank in the United Kingdom acceptable to the Company or, if the Company has agreed in writing on or before acceptance of the Order to waive this requirement, by acceptance by the Buyer and delivery to the Company of a bill of exchange drawn on the Buyer payable 60 days after sight to the order of the Company at such branch of Barclays Bank in England as may be specified in the bill of exchange.
17.1 In the event that the Buyer carries out any work at the Buyer’s premises or any other designated site (including installing, replacing or repairing Products, or erecting any prefabricated or permanent buildings or other structures)(Services), such Services shall be provided in accordance with these Conditions.
17.2 The Buyer shall without delay and at its own expense:
(a) clear and prepare the site (and if so required provide proper foundations and services to the Company’s satisfaction) including identifying, monitoring, removing and disposing of any hazardous materials from any of its premises in accordance with all applicable laws, and provide on the site adequate water, electricity, gas light and such other facilities and services as will enable the Company to carry out the Services expeditiously and without interruption;
(b) permit access to the site for the Company’s agents servants officers contractors and all other persons which the Company requires on site, and inform the Company and such personnel of all health and safety rules and regulations and any other reasonable security requirements that apply at the site; and
(c) provide to the Company, in a timely manner, such information and data as the Company may reasonably require and ensure that it is accurate in all material respects;
(d) obtain and maintain all necessary licences and consents and comply with all relevant legislation in relation to the Services, in all cases before the date on which the Services are to start;
(e) co-operate with the Company in all matters relating to the Services and provide such assistance, unskilled labour, lifting tackle and appliances as may be required.
17.3 The Company shall use reasonable endeavours to meet any performance dates agreed in relation to the Services, but any such dates shall be estimates only and time shall not be of the essence for performance of the Services.
17.4 The Company shall use reasonable endeavours to observe all health and safety rules and regulations, and any other reasonable security requirements that apply at the Buyer’s premises and that have been communicated to it under condition 17.2(b), provided that it shall not be liable under the Contract if, as a result of such observation, it is in breach of any of its obligations under the Contract.
17.5 In consideration of any Services provided by the Company, the Buyer shall pay the Company’s charges on a time and materials basis calculated in accordance with the Company’s standard hourly fee rates and shall reimburse the Buyer in respect of any travelling and subsistence expenses at its standard rates (each as amended from time to time). The Company shall invoice the Buyer in arrears for its charges for time, expenses and materials (together with VAT where appropriate) which invoices shall be payable in accordance with condition 8.
17.6 The Company may, from time to time and without notice, change the Services in order to comply with any applicable safety or statutory requirements, provided that such changes do not materially affect the nature, scope of, or the charges for the Services.
17.7 The Company recommends that the Buyer arranges for its own representative to be present on site at the time of performance of the Services to enable the Buyer to inspect the works following completion. If the Buyer fails to do so, the written report of the Company in relation to completion of the Services shall be final.
Without prejudice to any other rights it may have, the Company shall have a general lien in respect of all sums due from or claims against the Buyer upon all goods to be supplied to the Buyer or upon which work has been or is to be done on the Buyer’s behalf. The Company shall be entitled, upon not less than 14 days’ written notice to the Buyer, to sell any goods of the Buyer upon which the Company has any lien and, where the property in such goods is at the time of such sale in the Buyer, shall be deemed to be his agent for the purpose of effecting such sale. The Company may apply the proceeds of such sale towards the satisfaction of sums due from and/or claims against the Buyer without prejudice to the Company’s right to recover the balance thereof from the Buyer.


Heerema Fabrication Group (HFG) were awarded the Procurement and Construction contract for the Noble Energy Leviathan Vent Boom under the Heerema Marine
Construction started in the first quarter of 2018 at the Heerema hartlepool yard in the UK. The sail away was in the second quarter 2019. The Vent Boom has a length of over 130 meters and was later lifted into position offshore by Heerema Marine Contractors’ newest heavy lift vessel Sleipnir.
The Leviathan Gas Field is located approximately 125 km west of Haifa, Israel, and 35 km west of the Tamar field, in the Eastern Mediterranean Levantine Basin. The project will be a subsea production system connecting high-rate subsea wells to a fixed platform. The subsea production system and fixed platform will be designed to accommodate up to 2,100 million standard cubic feet per day.


Forex trading, also known as foreign exchange trading or currency trading, is the buying and selling of currencies with the aim of generating a profit. It involves trading one currency against another and speculating on the fluctuations in their exchange rates.
Forex trading is typically done through a broker or market maker, and can be conducted 24 hours a day, five days a week. It’s a popular form of trading due to its potential for high returns, but it also carries a high level of risk.
How to Trade Forex:
I can explain the basics of how to trade forex.
- Learn the basics: Before you start trading, you should learn about the forex market, including the different currencies, how they are traded, and the factors that influence their exchange rates. There are many online resources available, such as tutorials, webinars, and e-books that can help you get started.
- Choose a forex broker: You’ll need to choose a forex broker that provides you with a trading platform and access to the forex market. Look for a broker that is regulated and has a good reputation.
- Open a trading account: Once you’ve chosen a broker, you’ll need to open a trading account. You’ll need to provide some personal information and complete the necessary paperwork. You may also need to make a deposit to fund your account.
- Analyze the market: Before you make a trade, you’ll need to analyze the market to determine which currency pairs to trade and when to enter and exit the market. There are a variety of tools and strategies you can use for market analysis, including technical analysis and fundamental analysis.
- Place your trades: Once you’ve analyzed the market, you’ll need to place your trades through your trading platform. You’ll need to specify the currency pair, the trade size, and the direction of the trade (buy or sell).
- Monitor your trades: After you’ve placed your trades, you’ll need to monitor them to see how they are performing. You can do this through your trading platform, which will show you the current price of the currency pair and any profits or losses you’ve made.
- Manage your risk: Forex trading carries a high level of risk, so it’s important to manage your risk carefully. This may involve using stop-loss orders to limit your potential losses, or using leverage with caution.
Overall, forex trading requires a combination of knowledge, skill, and discipline. It’s important to be patient and to develop a trading strategy that works for you.
Is forex trading good for beginners?
Forex trading can be good for beginners, but it is important to approach it with caution and a willingness to learn. The foreign exchange market can be complex and volatile, so it is important for beginners to take the time to educate themselves on the basics of trading, risk management, and market analysis. One way to start is by using a demo trading account, which allows you to practice trading without risking any real money. As you gain experience and confidence, you can gradually move on to trading with real funds. It’s also important to keep in mind that forex trading involves risks, so it’s important to have a solid trading plan and to never trade more than you can afford to lose.
Best Forex Trading Platforms for Beginners
There are several forex trading platforms that are well-suited for beginners. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4): This is one of the most widely used forex trading platforms in the world. It offers a user-friendly interface, a variety of charting tools, and the ability to use automated trading strategies.
- eToro: This platform is known for its social trading features, which allow you to copy the trades of more experienced traders. It also offers a demo account for beginners to practice trading without risking real money.
- FOREX.com: This platform is part of GAIN Capital Holdings, Inc., which is a publicly-traded company. It offers a range of educational resources for beginners, including webinars and a trading academy.
- Plus500: This platform offers a simple and intuitive interface, as well as a demo account for beginners. It also offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, and commodities.
- IQ Option: This platform is known for its low minimum deposit requirement and user-friendly interface. It also offers a range of educational resources for beginners, including video tutorials and a trading blog.
Before choosing a forex trading platform, it’s important to do your research and ensure that you understand the fees, features, and tools offered by each platform.
Is forex trading profitable?
Yes, forex trading can be profitable, but it requires a solid understanding of the market, effective trading strategies, and sound risk management practices. As with any investment, there are risks involved in forex trading, but with a well-planned approach, traders can potentially earn significant profits.
However, it’s important to note that not all traders make money, and losses can occur as well. Success in forex trading often depends on a trader’s ability to analyze market trends and make informed decisions based on that analysis. It’s also important to have realistic expectations and to never risk more than you can afford to lose.
Forex trading can be profitable in a number of ways, including:
- Pips: Pips are the smallest unit of measurement in forex trading, and they represent the change in value between two currencies. By buying a currency pair at a lower price and selling it at a higher price, you can earn a profit in pips.
- Leverage: Forex brokers often offer leverage, which allows traders to control larger positions with relatively small amounts of capital. This means that even small price movements can result in significant profits (or losses).
- Interest rate differentials: When trading currency pairs, traders can earn interest on the currency they hold (known as the “carry trade”). If the interest rate on the currency you hold is higher than the interest rate on the currency you are trading it against, you can earn a profit on the interest rate differential.
- Market analysis: By analyzing market trends and using technical and fundamental analysis, traders can make informed decisions about when to buy and sell currency pairs. This can help them to take advantage of profitable trading opportunities.
Overall, successful forex trading requires a combination of market knowledge, effective risk management, and sound trading strategies.
Forex Trading Courses
There are many forex trading courses available online, and some of them include:
Forex Trading A-Z – With Live Examples by Udemy: This course covers the basics of forex trading, including technical analysis, risk management, and trading psychology. It also includes live trading examples to help students apply what they have learned.
The Complete Foundation FOREX Trading Course by Udemy: This course covers the fundamentals of forex trading, including how to read currency charts, how to use technical indicators, and how to develop effective trading strategies.
Forex Trading for Beginners (3-course bundle) by Stock Market College: This comprehensive course bundle includes three courses on forex trading for beginners, covering everything from the basics of forex trading to advanced trading strategies.
The Advanced Forex Course for Smart Traders by Forex Mentor: This course is designed for experienced traders who want to take their trading to the next level. It covers advanced trading strategies, risk management techniques, and market analysis.
Forex Trading Strategies by Platinum Trading Academy: This course covers a range of trading strategies, including scalping, swing trading, and position trading. It also includes live trading sessions and personalized coaching.
These are just a few examples of the many forex trading courses available online. It’s important to research each course carefully to find the one that best meets your needs and fits your trading style.


Your Journey to a Secure Retirement
Every person dreams of a secure and comfortable retirement — a time when they can finally enjoy the fruits of their years of hard work. This dream, however, does not come to fruition without careful planning and strategic financial decisions. That's where we come in.
Our Comprehensive Retirement Planning Services
Retirement Income Planning
One of the primary concerns for any retiree is ensuring a steady flow of income to support their lifestyle post-retirement. We design a retirement income plan tailored to your specific needs, considering all potential sources of income such as pensions, social security, savings, and investments.
Making the right investments is crucial for wealth accumulation and a successful retirement plan. We guide you in building a diversified portfolio that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. We will regularly monitor and adjust your portfolio to respond to market trends and changes in your circumstances.
Understanding tax implications is a vital aspect of retirement planning. We help you reduce the impact of taxes on your retirement savings and income. Our proactive approach combines strategic investment decisions with tax-efficient withdrawal strategies to help maximize your after-tax income. We also make use of Roth IRA conversions to lessen the tax impact of Required Minimum Distributions later in retirement.
Social Security and Pension Benefits
Choosing when and how to claim Social Security and pension benefits can significantly impact your retirement income. We offer guidance in optimizing your benefits based on your unique situation, including advice on timing, spousal benefits, and taxation.
We understand that your legacy matters. Our estate planning services are all about making sure your wishes are fulfilled and your loved ones cared for, with as little tax burden as possible.
We’ll discuss the people and charitable organizations that matter most to you and make sure that your estate planning documents are aligned with your wishes. We’ll also discuss financial powers of attorney and medical directives to ensure that there is a clear plan in place in the event that you become ill or incapacitated. We will work closely with your attorney (or recommend one) to draft documents or make any needed changes to your existing estate plan.
Healthcare and Long-Term Care Planning
Healthcare costs and the potential need for long-term care are often significant concerns for retirees. We help you incorporate these considerations into your retirement plan, exploring options like long-term care insurance, health savings accounts, and Medicare strategies to ensure you're covered.
Why Choose Us for Your Retirement Planning Needs
We bring years of experience and a deep understanding of retirement planning intricacies. We offer a personal, customized approach, taking the time to understand your individual needs, goals, and concerns. Our commitment to transparency means we keep you informed and involved in every decision, ensuring you're comfortable with every step we take together.
Furthermore, we continuously monitor and adjust your retirement plan as your needs change and evolve over time. Our ongoing management ensures that you are always on track.
We invite you to start your journey towards a secure retirement with us. With our comprehensive retirement planning services, your financial future is in capable hands. Your dream retirement is closer than you think — let us help you make it a reality.
Book a free consultation today to discuss your retirement planning needs. We're excited to be a part of your financial journey.


As a startup arts organization, the signs of victory are few and far between. That isn't meant to sound negative. Startups and entrepreneurs know what lies ahead. The work is long and front-loaded when you create something from scratch that did not exist before. Nor are there clear markers that you've "made it."
So you can imagine my excitement when I got the call last November that Chicago Fringe would be the recipient of a grant from the MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. A milestone! A recognition of the legitimacy of our 4 years of planning and producing! Break out the champagne! (We can't afford champagne).
It also created an interesting new twist. Chicago Fringe would have a little extra breathing room in an otherwise shoe-string budget. Not a lot of room, but a little. So here's the rub: what do you do with it?
It's an intriguing question to ask. If you asked me to spend a million dollars producing the Chicago Fringe Festival, I could do it. No doubt in my mind. This was a substantial amount of money, but not enough to accomplish everything we want (nor is any grant supposed to be, I reckon.) So where do you put your first substantial dollars? In the bank? Marketing? PR? Staff stipends? New technology? Board building? Improved services at the Fest itself?
For my money (yeah, yeah, I know), I think the priority is reinvesting this money into what the nonprofit sector calls "Development." In short: raising money. I am not plugged into the world of nonprofit fundraising enough to know if many nonprofits take this route, but for us it is an important one. With a founding principle to return 100% of ticket sales back to the artists, the Fringe has done a whole heck of a lot with very little cash to produce the Festival for 3 years now. But long term sustainability demands income to continue the noble mission. Volunteers burn out, so staff needs to be hired. You are no longer the new kid on the scene, so marketing dollars must be spent to get noticed. And on and on.
So, we are NOT going to bury this money underground like that one guy in the Bible. We are hopefully going to turn it into more money to benefit the growth of our company. It's a slow moving, slightly unsexy, but ultimately worthy cause for Chicago Fringe.
Oh, and one more thing: the flexibility to use our grant money as we see fit should not be underestimated. It's so crucial. If this were, say, a grant directed at a particular program or limited to producing the Fest, we would not be able to put it in the Development pot. So three cheers for general operating grants and grantors like Driehaus and MacArthur for recognizing the importance of that flexibility.
All about the Fringe Benjamins,


Humane Aware Projects
Help for Pets Database
As the cost of living crisis deepens, more and more people are facing heartbreaking choices over whether they can afford to continue caring for their pets. For many, companion animals are a huge source of comfort during difficult times and some people are going without food themselves in order to feed their pets. Pet abandonment has increased sharply over the past year and is likely to worsen as the cost of living crisis intensifies. There are, however, a number of charities and organisations out there providing support for people and their pets facing hardship.
This database pulls together various sources of help that is available across different regions of the UK, including financial help with spay/neuter surgeries, veterinary care and pet food. Please scroll through the list to find an organisation near you. If you have any trouble accessing the database, please contact us and we will try to connect you with the most relevant organisation that can help.
Please help us to keep this Help for Pets database up-to-date by getting in touch if you notice anything missing that should be included on the list.


One of Warwickshire’s premier business estates, Tachbrook Park, is set to receive a massive Internet speed boost in autumn with the launch of WarwickNet fibre optic services. Warwicknet are taking a phased approach to the business park with phase one bringing FTTC super and ultra fast broadband to well over half of the businesses on-site with the rest due to follow in due course.
Once in place, broadband speeds of up to 80Mbit/s will be possible when companies choose to connect to WarwickNet’s newly built cabinets on site. Other standard Leased Line and MPLS product sets will also be available. Speaking about the forthcoming development, WarwickNet Chief Executive Ben King commented;
“We have had our eye on Tachbrook for quite some time and many businesses have expressed interest in getting WarwickNet on-site. It feels great to finally be in a position to help the businesses there with modern, fast Internet access”.
Business Development Manager Mark Hitchcock, who will be leading the project and engaging with local businesses, added;
“Tachbrook is jam packed with well-established and highly successful local, national and international business tenants. It seems that they have a great location to work from and the only thing lacking is a reliable, high speed internet connection. I’m looking forward to helping these businesses improve their connectivity and explore the possibilities which comes with that positive change.”
For more information about WarwickNet’s services on Tachbrook Park, please contact Mark Hitchcock (Business Development Manager) on 024 7699 7224, via e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.org or you can tweet @MarkWarwickNet


digital-telepathy, Inc. Earns Business Award
27 May 2005
San Diego, CA - digital-telepathy, Inc. was presented with the “Emerging Business of the Year” award by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce at an awards luncheon last Thursday. The award was given to recognize digital-telepathy’s outstanding contribution and success in growing their clients’ businesses as a means to growing their own. digital-telepathy, Inc., was also the recipient of the Chamber’s “Excellence in Customer Service” award at last year’s ceremony.
digital-telepathy, Inc. continues to build momentum as a powerful presence in the web design and marketing industry. They have achieved a steady increase in revenue, growing 100%, 200%, and 300% in the last three years respectively. digital-telepathy’s karmic approach to business has shown great returns. “As we focus our efforts on growing our clients, it’s nice to see how we grow in response,” says Chuck Longanecker, President of digital-telepathy, Inc.
Website: digital-telepathy, Inc.


Microeconomics: Organisations and Institutions.
The module selected for the project was an intermediate microeconomics course that is a core module for economics students on the BA programme in UCC. It is also taken by students from across a range of other programmes, including students from China who study on joint degree programmes with UCC’s partner institutions in China. The course, which I have taught previously, is a typical second year microeconomics module that, until now, has focused on orthodox economic models and frameworks.
I chose this module because of its typicality in economics programmes. It is also a large class, with about 150 students, and this posed particular issues that I wanted to explore with the anonymity of students in a large class setting. I wanted to explore how I could engage with and get to know students’ concerns when the primary mode of delivery was the typical model of lecture in a large theatre.
Economics is not a subject typically associated with social justice. Indeed, many would use economics and its dominant liberal discourse as antithesis to the idea of social justice. In my view this misrepresents much of economics, though the mainstream (and most significant policy influences) remains dominated by neo-classical, rationalist approaches.
I also wanted to bring ethical considerations into a core economics course to present students with alternative approaches and considerations to those which they will encounter repeatedly over their programme. I also wanted to demonstrate that economics can contribute to the important social issues that students care about and will need to address as professionals and citizens.
The course had four elements. These were:
- ethics and economics;
- social economics (fairness and interdependence);
- climate and economics; and
- economic inequalities.
If you would like to view the full course outline, please click here.


aluminum-factory waste, metallized polyester, traces of asphalt and dirt, Various sizes
Pressions topographiques is a series of objects produced in the context of the artist-in-residence program of the Centre de réflexion sur l'image et ses contextes (CRIC) at the École cantonale d'art du Valais in Sierre, in the Swiss Alps.
The project brings together traces of the local industry and topography, both large- and small-scale, and sits in contrast to idealized images of both realms. Off-cut waste lengths of extruded aluminum from the local aluminum factory are fused with direct casts (in metallized polyester) of individual cracks in the local pavement. The results are singular objects, each with one side resembling a sort of mountain range — complete with traces of organic rubble — and the whole object sliced and milled like a geological sample.
The factory, presently operated by Alcan (formerly Alusuisse) and specialized in extruded aluminum products, has historically been the largest employer in a region whose economy is otherwise marked by tourism and artisanal agricultural products such as wine and cheese. The extrusion of aluminum — a process of pressing softened metal through a custom-shaped die — somehow recalls the geographical conditions that originally determined the siting of the factory in the region: that is, the availability of vast amounts of hydroelectric power generated by large dams in the surrounding mountains.
This presence of water as a generative force shaping the large-scale regional commerce (industrial, agricultural, touristic) is also revealed in the small-scale, lived topography of the area. In this harsh terrain, subterranean water, repeatedly freezing and thawing, expands to cause inevitable cracks in the road surfaces — micro-scaled equivalents of larger tectonic pressures. These negative fissures cast into positive forms are 1:1 impressions that incompletely record the imperfect, applied geography of the region. The objects — tactile, handmade casts bonded to prefab aluminum bars — recall the pressures that fuse economics, geography, industry, and individual work.
Production assistance: Jean-Jacques de Joncour and Fernand Mounir of Alcan Aluminium Sierre S.A.; Isabelle Chappuis and Fulvio Bressan of the Centre de réflexion sur l'image et ses contextes; Pierre-François Moix of the École cantonale d'art du Valais; and students Danielle Kleinman, Milena Buckel and Christelle Besson.
Kamloops Art Gallery,
Germaine Koh: Weather Systems, 2013.
Group Exhibitions: 274 East 1st, 2006.
Collection(s): Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade art collection; Private collection


Community Ventures helps people own homes and start businesses because we believe in people’s dreams. From affordable financing to large-scale community projects, our areas of focus offer the opportunity to dramatically improve the quality of life for people across Kentucky.
Central to the mission of Community Ventures is to improve the quality of life for Kentuckians through asset building. Community Ventures has launched a holistic approach to community development in the Russell Neighborhood. With $8.5 million currently invested, the revitalization plan includes the facilitation of small business growth, job creation, construction of safe and affordable housing, and providing healthy food alternatives to local residents. We have brought our different lines of business and expertise to bear in one neighborhood to see the dramatic changes that can occur when all facets of community development are considered.
With this strategy in mind, the first, critical step in this process of redevelopment is the creation of Chef Space. For more information about Community Ventures’ services and projects, visit the website www.cvky.org.


On occasion, hints of the potential future of Wisconsin’s employment laws can be seen in legislation that is proposed in Madison. Several such hints appear in a new Wisconsin Senate Bill that was introduced on January 16 by a set of Wisconsin Senate Democrats. The bill, 2015 Senate Bill 5, proposes both changes to Wisconsin’s existing wage claim statute (Chapter 109 of the Wisconsin statutes) and new employer requirements regarding the provision of “disclosure statements” to employees. Following is a summary of the bill’s more significant proposed revisions to Wisconsin’s wage claim statute:
- The bill, if passed into law, would allow an employee to file a wage claim with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) or to start a wage claim in Wisconsin circuit court on behalf of, not only himself or herself, but other similarly situated employees who consent in writing to be parties to such a claim. This proposal would effectively memorialize the concept of collective or class action wage claims in Wisconsin’s wage claim statute.
- Currently, the statute of limitations for Wisconsin wage claims is two years, consistent with the basic two-year federal statute of limitations for wage and hour claims. If it became law, 2015 Senate Bill 5 would increase the statute of limitations for wage claims to four years.
- The bill would double the statutory penalties that can be awarded by a Wisconsin circuit court against an employer.
In addition to these proposals regarding amendments to the Wisconsin wage claim statute, the bill also would create a new requirement for Wisconsin employers to provide employees with “disclosure statements,” an entirely new employer mandate. Key components of this new requirement would include:
- A requirement that employers provide employees with a written statement disclosing the terms of their employment at hire, on January 1 of each calendar year, and not less than seven days before the effective date of any change in the terms of employment.
- The disclosure statement would have to be in English and, if the employee has limited English proficiency, in the employee’s native language.
- The disclosure statement would have to include: (a) the full name, mailing address and telephone number of the employer; (b) the remuneration to be paid to the employee, the frequency of payment of that remuneration, and, if paid as an hourly wage, the hourly basic rate of pay to be paid to the employee; (c) the circumstances under which the employee would be paid at a rate that is higher than the hourly basic rate of pay for working in excess of an established number of hours per day, week or month or for working on designated nights, weekends or holidays; and (d) a description of any other economic benefits that the employer would be providing (for example, health insurance, paid sick leave, vacation pay, holiday pay, pension or other retirement benefits and the like).
- Failure to provide the mandated disclosure statement or to comply with its terms would subject the employer to: (a) actual damages sustained by the employee as a result of the failure; (b) the greater of liquidated damages of not more than $50 per working day of violation or the increased wages payable under the bill; and (c) reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees.
These onerous disclosure-statement requirements would have a significant impact on the paperwork necessary for employers to hire and maintain the employment of employees (and, in doing so, would likely decrease hiring) and would likely cause employers not to change employee wages or benefits as frequently (to the detriment of employees). In addition, the requirements are in large part a trap even for employers who make a good faith attempt to comply with the disclosures that must be made.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Government Reform. Given the current Republican control of the Wisconsin Senate, it is unlikely to come back out of this committee let alone win votes in the state Senate or Assembly. Given its onerous effects on Wisconsin employers, it is also likely that Governor Walker would veto the bill were it to make it to his desk.
Though it has an extremely slim chance of passage in the current Wisconsin legislature, this legislation gives Wisconsin employers a hint at the types of proposals that could become law when the current makeup of the Wisconsin legislature and governor’s office change. Wisconsin employers should remain vigilant to and make themselves educated regarding these types of legislative proposals.


Given the ever-increasing complexities of tax legislation, the importance of assessing the tax implications of any business transaction and the severe penalties imposed for non-compliance, tax is at the core of every business decision and strategy.
Our specialist team led by a highly qualified and experienced tax director, has the technical know-how to advise individuals and businesses on a comprehensive range of tax services.
Our comprehensive tax services which are in keeping with the latest pronouncements and developments - locally, regionally and internationally - are noted as follows:
We will assist you in complying with the tax legislation in order to avoid paying unnecessary tax penalties and fines.
Our flexible approach can assist you in minimizing tax liabilities and maximizing tax efficiency, at your convenience, well in advance.
International tax concerns
We are also ready to assist you with all your international tax concerns, that is, expatriate tax, transfer pricing and international tax services through our global network. We offer compliance services and customized tax-planning advice in the following areas:


The MIT xPRO course "Digital Supply Chain: Reinventing Supply Chains for the Future" is a six-week program designed for professionals in operations, logistics, supply chain, strategy, and consulting roles. The course focuses on transforming supply chains to become more flexible, collaborative, and resilient in the digital age.
Dr. Maria Jesús Saénz, Director of the Digital Supply Chain Transformation Lab at the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics, presents a proven framework that integrates strategy, technology, operations, and organizations to achieve successful digital supply chain transformation.
The course highlights the benefits and urgency of digital supply chain transformation, including cost reduction, revenue increase, and the need for digital skills. It explores the changing landscape of supply chains by 2025 and emphasizes the scarcity of organizations with the necessary digital competence.
Participants will gain key takeaways from the program, including the ability to champion the Digital Supply Chain Framework and create a strategic roadmap for transformation. They will learn about end-to-end (E2E) visibility in supply chains, the power of analytics in driving supply chain initiatives, and the potential of AI-centric solutions in supply chain operations. The course also covers the interactions between strategy, technology, processes, and organizations, building resilience and preparedness for future disruptions, reducing costs, and improving overall supply chain efficiency.
Key topics in the program include resilience in global supply chains, the framework for digital supply chain transformation, E2E supply chain visibility, data analytics, AI applications in supply chains, and emerging trends in supply chain management.
Participants will benefit from insights and expertise from renowned MIT faculty and experts. The course incorporates case studies, discussions, and application exercises to enhance learning. By completing the program, participants will earn a certificate from MIT xPRO, recognizing their skills and success in digital supply chain management.
Overall, the MIT xPRO "Digital Supply Chain: Reinventing Supply Chains for the Future" course equips professionals in supply chain and related roles with the knowledge and tools to navigate digital transformations, optimize operations, and gain a competitive advantage in the evolving landscape of supply chain management.
Please find more information on the program website: Digital Supply Chain: Reinventing Supply Chains for the Future.
Please reach out directly to Emeritus with any questions via email@example.com.


Centred between Henderson and Te Atatu South, Glendene boasts easy access to the motorway, Auckland CBD and the North Shore
Glendene is named after a farm in the area owned by Percy Jones, which was later subdivided for housing. Most development occurred in the 1960's and 1970's, meaning the area tends to have good sized sections. With a number of schools and pre-schools, local reserves and shopping malls, and relatively affordable homes compared with other Auckland suburbs, Glendene is fast becoming a sought after area for buyers, investors and developers.
Please get in touch with us for information on the most recent sales
Local Auckland Real Estate sales statistics are supplied by REINZ. We have a summary of all Real Estate agency sales.


The vast majority of our cars are bought directly from their owners, with clear advantages all round. From our point of view, we meet the person who has driven the vehicle for the last few years (except, of course, in the event of bereavement sales) and we stand a good chance of obtaining the handbook, service book and spare key. If a car is being disposed of due to the wrong reasons, we tend to steer clear, whereas if the owner has been delighted, we can pass this on to the buyer.
The process takes rather longer than buying through trade sources and most dealers have neither the time nor the inclination to follow this path.Call us old fashioned, but we think our way of doing things produces huge benefits for our customers and we will continue to source our stock the HLG way, which has stood us in good stead for decades.
This Toyota Yaris is a great example of what we are about. We bought 'his and hers' cars when the couple decided to buy one late model for their retirement. This Yaris ticks a lot of boxes; it is a very frugal D4D model (Toyota's clean, green turbo diesel) which has four doors, a nice, low mileage and an annual road tax of just TWENTY POUNDS!!
A lively yet comfortable performer, the build quality shines through and the service book is up to date with SEVEN stamps, the first four of which are Toyota main dealer, followed by the owner's trusted, local garage near to his home. A real gem of a car, well priced and we expect a lot of interest.It can be sitting in your driveway in a couple of days for just £5,995 and we welcome your present car in part exchange. Call 01663 763355 for more info or to secure this beauty on a deposit.


Dr Mark Robertson is Managing Partner at Ryden. He is a leading authority on Scotland's property markets. His consultancy portfolio includes property market analysis and forecasts for more than 200 projects, including major expansions such as West Edinburgh, Clyde Gateway and Clyde Waterfront. He has advised most of Scotland's local authorities, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and a wide range of private sector clients. His recent commissions include leading the consultancy work to support the Scottish Land Commission's Vacant and Derelict Task Force.
Mark has edited Ryden's Scottish Property Review for the past 25 years. He is a member of the Investment Property Forum, teaches MSc Property Investment Appraisal at Edinburgh Napier University and is a Fellow of the RICS.


Federal Government Announces Commitment to Dental Funding
Mar 22, 2022
The Liberal Party of Canada and Canada’s New Democratic Party have agreed to prioritize the launch of a new dental care program for low-income Canadians. This program would start with under 12-year-olds in 2022, then expand to under 18-year-olds, seniors and persons living with a disability in 2023, then full implementation by 2025. The program would be restricted to families with an income of less than $90,000 annually, with no co-pays for anyone under $70,000 annually in income.


Bristol Bay, Alaska
Bristol Bay is home to the largest run of wild sockeye salmon on the planet. Bristol Bay is also one of the most sustainable and valuable commercial fisheries in the world, consisting of 6 managed river districts that include the Naknek, Kvichak, Egegik, Ugashik, Nushagak and Togiak rivers.
Roughly half or the world's sockeye salmon comes from Bristol Bay. This equates to an annual harvest of at least 60% of the world’s wild sockeye salmon with an average annual return of 50 million individual wild sockeye, every June through the end of July.
The Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon Fishery supports 8,000+ small boat fishermen, 1,800 small fishing businesses and generations of fishing families. Annually, the Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon Fishery generates $2.2 billion each year and there are 15,000 fishing jobs that produce $90 million in state tax revenue and licensing fees.
Bristol Bay consists of 20 million acres of wetland, snow-fed lakes and streams that provide an essential environment for millions of spawning salmon. It’s breath-taking beauty and prolific landscapes also support the world’s highest concentration of brown bears which depend upon the abundant salmon runs to survive.
Bristol Bay, Alaska truly is a magical place.


ACS Industries, Inc, a manufacturer of cleaning products for the Food Service and Janitorial Supply markets has entered into an agreement to purchase the assets and operating business of Treleoni, LLC of Manning, South Carolina.
ACS Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of cleaning products for the foodservice and janatorial supply markets, has completed a definitive agreement to purchase all intangible assets and intellectual property of ETC of Henderson, Inc., including but not limited to customer lists, patents, trademarks, brands, product formulas and all related proprietary data. ETC is a leading manufacturer of non-woven floor pads, hand pads and mopping products.
ACS Industries, Inc.
One New England Way
Lincoln, RI 02865
Phone: +1 866 783 4838
6017 South Loop East
Houston, TX 77033
Phone: +1 800 227 1939, Ext. 6642
M-F: 8:00am – 6:00pm EST
Sat: 8:00am – 1:00pm EST
Copyright 2019 ACS Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.


A Penelope 401(k)s retirement plan is designed specifically for small business owners. With subscription-based pricing, it costs just $125/mo + $8 per employee--there are no other fees. And right now, Experian Small Business members can enjoy three months of no admin fees. Owners get automated onboarding and hands-free admin, plus the plan is easy to manage with 150+ payroll integrations. We take care of everything from compliance to annual reporting to the IRS so you can focus on what matters: running your organization.


Stake RAW tokens to insure your collateral from debt pool losses. The longer the lock time, the greater the percentage of your insurance can be reimbursed (min 30 days, max 730 days).
WARNING: Insurance can be returned only after the expiration of the lock.
Deposit WETH as a collateral and get rUSD in return. Resulting collateral ratio should be greater than min collateral ratio
Burn rUSD to increase your collateral ratio and get ability to withdraw collateral in WETH. You can choose insurance to repay your debt pool losses in RAW.
Withdraw WETH collateral (this decreases collateral ratio).


Trudeau vows to defend Canada interests as U.S. targets lumber
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed to stand up for Canadian interests on Tuesday after the United States imposed new tariffs on softwood lumber and trade tensions between the two countries escalated, sending the Canadian dollar to a 14-month low.
Reuters tells the world’s stories like no one else. As the largest international multimedia news provider, Reuters provides coverage around the globe and across topics including business, financial, national, and international news. For over 160 years, Reuters has maintained its reputation for speed, accuracy, and impact while providing exclusives, incisive commentary and forward-looking analysis.


Wealth Services Alliance was created more than a decade ago to offer comprehensive financial and wealth management services to clients through an alliance of professionals – all working together in concert under a single organization. It was formed based on the understanding that most individuals juggle their financial lives managing a range of independent professionals, including a CPA for taxes, an investment advisor for portfolios, a financial planner for estate planning purposes, and an agent for risk management solutions. Under this segregated structure, each advisor may work independently, without interaction and without communication with a client’s other trusted advisors. This is often inefficient and time consuming, requiring the individual client to unify and implement the advice from various professionals and specialists.
Wealth Services Alliance presents a new paradigm to financial advice focused on putting the client in the center. On behalf of our clients, Wealth Services Alliance integrates accounting, portfolio management, planning, and risk management into a comprehensive, customized solution for each individual and business client. That means your portfolio manager talks to your CPA about potential tax consequences related to trades in your portfolio. That means your estate planning goals and your financial planning strategies are aligned. And, that means that every effort to help manage and protect your financial future is cohesive and coordinated. With Wealth Services Alliance, you have a team of experts specializing in all fields of wealth management, working in unison on your behalf for optimal financial outcomes. All of us sit on the same side of the table: yours.
The members of Wealth Services Alliance include three independent and experienced companies, each specializing in different areas of personal and business finance – working together on your behalf to provide holistic solutions and advice.
Probity Advisors, Inc.® – a comprehensive financial management firm employing the latest technology, research, and insight to deliver individualized, professionally managed portfolios, as well as corporate retirement planning services. The associates at Probity Advisors, Inc. include estate and financial planning advisors, as well as highly credentialed and experienced portfolio managers and analysts.
McKinnon Patten – McKinnon Patten, Certified Public Accountants, is a full-service accounting and business valuation resource with nearly four decades of successful client service.
Ozanne Financial Services – a holistic financial planning firm offering retirement planning, estate planning, and risk management through life, disability and long-term care insurance, education planning, business continuation and exit strategy, as well as corporate retirement plan design and education.
Every member of Wealth Services Alliance is committed to the highest standards of professional service. We don’t just share office space: we share a commitment to helping clients achieve financial security through the integration of planning, portfolio management, risk management, and tax planning.


Past, Present and Future
Airmate Company was founded in 1946 by Richard Schreder in Toledo Ohio. The war effort during WWII produced vast improvements in plastics technology. Acrylics, which were warp resistant and retained their optical clarity were made available to the civilian market. Mr. Schreder set out to design a line of aircraft and along the way, found himself in the drafting instrument business utilizing the latest plastics technology to craft triangles, curves and t-squares in his garage. He called the budding business Airmate Company to complement his aircraft business. All items were private labeled and sold to companies such as Alvin & Company, Dietzgen, Lutz and MacPherson Fullerton.
In 1962 Richard and Angelike Schreder purchased land in Bryan, Ohio that included a grass airstrip. Airmate was moved to this location and Richard began a glider kit business, flew air charters and became a Piper Aircraft Dealer. While Richard ran his aircraft related concerns, Angie took over the presidency of Airmate Company. Her business background, strong accounting skills and organizational strengths served her well in this capacity.
In 1985 Carol (Schreder) Czech, the eldest daughter, joined her parents in the business. The company purchased The Fisher and Crome Template Company in Philadelphia, Pa. Several improvements were made in the methods Fisher and Crome had begun in the machining and printing of templates and expanded the product mix. The company marketed its template line not only to drafting distributors but to the Advertising Specialty Market, joining ASI (the Advertising Specialty Institute) and PPAI (the Promotional Products Association International). The business grew steadily in these markets and the building was expanded twice to accommodate additional manufacturing equipment.
In 2000 the decision was made to expand into new markets utilizing knowledge gained in machining and printing capabilities. New types of plastics in a variety of thicknesses and compositions were used to make products to customer specification in industries such as construction, food processing, automotive dunnage and quilting and crafting.
Today Airmate continues to expand into new markets and add new equipment to best serve its growing and diverse customer base. Employee tenure and skill set, along with strong vendor partnerships have built a culture that sets us apart from our competition. Contact us today to learn how we can serve you.


Assistance Dogs International (ADI) appreciates your support of our mission. All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. ADI is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization with the US Internal Revenue Service. All donations are acknowledged with a tax deduction letter.
Our EIN number is 93-0993471.
Thank you for your support!
Click on the "donate" button below to make a secure donation to Assistance Dogs International (ADI) through PayPal.
Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. Use the button below to designate ADI as your organization of choice.


Mercanti Specialty Foods Inc.
Mercanti Specialty Foods Inc. will be located on the Hamilton Mountain at 1800 Upper James Street in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Building concept design by Romanov Romanov ARCHITECTS INCORPORATED
Capitalizing on the current success of the existing lasagna manufacturing on a smaller scale at Mama Yolanda’s Gourmet Lasagna and the current 60 Harlowe Road operation; Peter Mercanti Holdings Inc. will be opening a larger manufacturing facility to gain economies of scale and increase production.
Mercanti Specialty Foods Inc. will continue to create a superior product that will be unmatched in taste and quality currently found in the wholesale lasagna market. The unique manner in which this product is constructed along with the type of ingredients used in its recipes will be the factors that will make this a “super premium” product. By becoming CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) compliant, we will be able to set-up distribution to the wholesale market and export the product across North America. Our frozen lasagna products have performed tremendously well in the Southern Ontario marketplace, gaining more interest in areas we are currently unable to service due to location and government regulations. With a larger, CFIA regulated facility, Mama Yolanda’s Gourmet Lasagna will be made available in new markets interested in carrying our products. The products that will be offered through wholesale will consist of the traditional Italian meat lasagna, several internationally inspired options featuring ingredients commonly used in the specific country that lasagna represents, as well as vegetarian and gluten free options.
This project is well underway and is scheduled to open its doors in 2021.


★ Fusion 2023 ★
The presale for Fusion 2023 is over. The 5 days Festival tickets are sold out.
Ticketholders who cannot or do not want to go to Fusion anymore can resell their ticket in our Ticket:Bourse between May 5 and June 30. The purchase of a Festival ticket in the Kulturkosmos Ticket:Bourse is subject to supply and demand.
A Festival ticket costs 220€ including taxes and 10€ trash deposit.
For the first time, Fusion Sunday tickets are available here in presale.
Any questions? Most answers can be found in our FAQs.
Or write to us at: email@example.com


The Times News asked for the public documents on Thursday and received them within a couple of hours.
When the budget year began on July 1, 2017, the partnership with the Kingsport-based nonprofit was still in place and called for county funding of $364,517 per year. So that’s the amount originally budgeted in the county’s 2017-2018 budget. Funding to Petworks, then called SBK, was in quarterly payments (every three months) — at a total of $91,129 per quarter (and included payroll and benefits for two animal control officers, listed as “drivers,” within the county’s payroll).
In late 2017, the Sullivan County Commission voted to dissolve its partnership with SBK as of Jan. 1 and begin operating the Blountville animal shelter facility on its own. That is what is now the Sullivan County Animal Shelter. The county budget account titled “Rabies & Animal Control” continues to be the control account for funding the shelter. As of Jan. 1, half of the $364,517 (or $182,258) already had been directed to SBK/Petworks to cover the July 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2017, period.
In county budget documents, employee payroll is listed under the account code “100.” The state comptroller’s office, which issues the rules for county budgeting, designates as “1__” accounts for “personal services” — not the “personnel” many would expect. Anyone familiar with county budgets knows it’s a state, not local, thing and it has been that way for many years.
The documents obtained by the Times News show:
• Between Jan. 1 and June 30 of this year, the county spent nearly $241,000 on the shelter.
• Revenue generated by the shelter totaled $47,353 ($29,497 in fees paid by shelter patrons; $750 paid by people reclaiming their dogs that had been picked up as strays; $10,602 in payments from the city of Bristol for animals it sent to the facility; and $6,504 in monetary donations).
• Expenditures on shelter operations during the six-month period included:$100,570 in wages; $32,211 in benefits; $40,419 for services (see detail below); $44,596 for supplies (see details below); and $22,275 for a new truck (SBK kept the newest trucks).
• The wages and benefits paid a staff of 11: two drivers; three office workers (including one no longer there); and six part-time employees. In addition to these actual employees of the shelter, multiple members of county government have been given and taken on responsibilities and extra workload related to operation of the shelter. These include Accounts and Budgets Director Larry Bailey, Information and Technology Director Bobby Runyon, Purchasing Director Kris Davis and others. None of these people have been paid anything above their normal pay and none have been paid anything out of the “Rabies and Animal Control Account.”
• The “services” that totaled $40,419 included: phones (nearly $4,000); building maintenance and repairs ($14,043); equipment maintenance and repairs ($1,749); pest control ($640); disposal fees ($1,201 — for disposition of euthanized animals); veterinary services ($16,496); and various other costs.
• The $44,597 for supplies included: custodial supplies ($8,040); drugs and medical supplies ($8,791); gasoline ($3,102); electricity ($3,478); building materials ($1,793); natural gas ($2,318); office supplies ($2,918); water bill ($1,427); auto parts ($5,262) and other items.
• There is a record of monetary donations, by date and amount. Bailey pointed out the $6,504 is for donations of money and does not include the value of items and time donated by the many volunteers who work at the shelter. He said the county is thankful for and grateful to those who volunteer their time and drop off items and food — without which the county’s cost would be much greater.
• Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 8, the shelter had an intake of 1,103 cats and 526 dogs. 321 cats and 329 dogs were adopted, 99 cats and 106 dogs were transferred to other organizations, and six cats and 80 dogs were claimed by their owners. On Aug. 8, the shelter’s headcount included 246 cats and 62 dogs.
The Sullivan County Commission’s Budget Committee met Thursday night to discuss creation of a budget for the fiscal year that began July 1. When the animal shelter came up, Bailey said when the budget draft is presented to the full county commission it will project increasing the “Rabies and Animal Control” account by $200,000 to total $564,572 — with $100,000 of the increase estimated to come from shelter-generated revenue (based on the $47,353 that came in January through June) and the other $100,000 coming from the county’s general fund.


A BID is managed and operated by a BID Company – a non-profit company run by and for its members. Most BIDs are governed by a board made up of BID levy payers representing the BID area. Any levy-paying business owner can nominate themselves to become a Director of the BID Company, or can sit on a Committee that oversees certain BID projects. Some BID’s choose to employ a Town Centre Manager to act as a representative of the area and to oversee the BID Plan. The BID Company can also choose to appoint contractors to undertake certain duties, such as a caretaker, security guard, or a PR & Marketing agency.
There is no limit on what projects or services can be provided through a Business Improvement District. The only requirement is that it should be something that is in addition to services provided by local authorities. Improvements may include, but are not limited to: extra safety/security, cleansing, events and marketing, environmental measures, and B2B networking.
Usually Business Improvement Districts charge a levy rate of between 1% and 4% of rateable value. The money raised may be used to leverage other funding and investment, such as grants and matched funding.
In a nutshell… Businesses, usually with the help of consultants or local authority officers, identify the area and the issues. A BID Proposal is drawn up that includes delivery guarantees, performance indicators and management structure. The proposed programme of services is additional to those provided by the local authority and can not be used to replace existing public sector services. Non-domestic ratepayers (who will be paying the BID levy), vote on the BID Proposal in a postal ballot conducted by the local authority. Following a successful ballot the levy becomes mandatory on all defined ratepayers. Any necessary enforcement of payment is undertaken in the same way as it is for business rates.
We have put together a provisionary BID boundary map to get things started. You can view that here.
Why do BIDs work?
BIDs work hard to create a real buzz and a positive image for their district. They strategise new ways to generate more visitors which will, in turn, support the area’s economy.
What can a BID bring to the area?
Projects can include anything from transport to safety & security to cleaning. These projects help increase footfall into a town – transport makes the area more accessible, and a safe and clean environment is one that people want to return to.


It reads like a Stephen King novel–fast-paced, thrilling, and frightening. The problem is that this isn’t a novel about a rabid dog. It’s the true story of our world-wide addiction to oil, what it has done and continues to do that makes the world less safe, less moral, less sustainable.
This is one of the most important books I’ve read in a long time. Peter Maass, an author and journalist who has written for the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Washington Post, among others, details the tremendous damage that the extraction of oil has wrought in countries that possess it.
Evil is not people with mustaches who look like they’re doing bad things. Evil is done by people in suits sitting in boardrooms making horrible decisions. They do it because it’s worth it.
After reading this book you’ll no doubt have strong feelings about the greed of oil companies, corrupt dictatorships, and several powerful governments. What I’ve found most troubling is that I also have to come to terms with my own greed and willing blindness to the impact my addiction to oil has on people and communities throughout the world.
Now the world’s eighth-largest exporter of oil, Nigeria earned more than $400 billion from oil in recent decades, yet nine out of ten citizens live on less than $2 a day and one out of five children dies before his fifth birthday.
Like the system of enslavement 200 years ago, oil today touches every aspect of our worldwide economy. I couldn’t help but notice as I read Crude World that the vast majority of people who suffer from the damage caused by the oil industry are people of color.
Though oil provides fuel for our cars and warmth for our homes, it undermines most countries that possess it and, along with natural gas and coal, poisons the environment.
This is yet another “inconvenient truth” of our modern lives. 200 years ago, white people in the North could oppose slavery in the South while wearing cotton clothing, smoking tobacco, and adding sugar to their coffee. They were silently and indirectly complicit in the preservation and continuation of the system. There are parallels to the oil industry today. Like many northerners in the 19th century, we receive all the benefits of the system without having to listen to the screams of the victims.
When we wake up tomorrow, we will still be dependent on petroleum and complicit in the forms of violence–physical, environmental and cultural–that are the consequences of its extraction.
We will run out of oil within the next few decades. Every legitimate study concludes that oil extraction has peaked. If our addiction to oil does not decrease dramatically, then as extraction slows–which it already has in many places around the world–prices will rise and governments will fail. If you think gasoline is expensive now, just wait 5 or 10 years. We need serious conservation efforts, fuel efficiency, and renewable energy.
The United States is by far the worst offender. It is the world’s largest consumer of energy and the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
We are most complicit in the activities that will prove the undoing of the lifestyle we’ve (some of us, anyway) have grown accustomed to.
We owe it to ourselves and to our grandchildren to read Crude World, understand the implications for our lives and the lives of our fellow humans in other countries, and make some challenging, moral, and sustainable changes in how we live.