HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 22 June 2021 – With the UK experiencing the worst health crisis in a century and the greatest economic contraction in 300 years, it was astounding to many that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that national house prices climbed 7.8% by the end of 2020. Heading into 2021, other factors have come to stir the market, including the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday, the impact of a third lockdown, and the after-effects of Brexit. With so many points of uncertainty and conflicting forces affecting the UK Housing market, UK Holmes provides a London mid-year market review for an overview of the price action.

London Growth Lags National Indices: A Tale of Two Cities

In March, London was identified as the UK region with the lowest annual growth – for the fourth consecutive month. The year-on-year data reveals UK growth on a firm upward trajectory whilst the price curve for London is trending in the opposite direction.

Annual house price growth for UK and London:

The London market is essentially running at two speeds; Inner London boroughs which have a high concentration of flats have been languishing as buyers push further out in search of greater space and better value for money, while the outer London boroughs which feature a higher proportion of detached housing with gardens have experienced stronger growth.

The ONS data for London revealed that in the year to March 2021, the price growth for flats was just 1%, lagging well behind terraced properties (7.2%), semi-detached (6.2%) and detached (5.3%).

Government Stimulus Programs: Will the Boom turn into a Bust?

One of strongest triggers which sent sales activity into a frenzy was the SDLT holiday, providing up to £15,000 tax relief on a property purchase of £500,000. With the UK having experienced three lockdowns due to the pandemic, the government had no choice but to extend the furlough program and other initiatives supporting businesses and the self-employed. Despite the SDLT holiday due to expire at the end of March 2021, the housing industry successfully lobbied the government to extend this deadline to September on the grounds that the long delays in buyers reaching completion would result in thousands missing out on the tax saving.

As history has shown, government intervention in the housing market has often led to distortions in the balance between supply and demand leadings to booms and then busts. The valid concern is whether this time will be any different.

A Sharp Rebound in Economic Performance

Whilst the 2020 real-estate bull market gave every impression of being unhinged from the broader economy due to government stimulus efforts, this state of affairs is unlikely to prevail over the longer term. The UK economy is highly dependent upon consumer spending and, with the easing of lockdown restrictions, high frequency indicators of economic activity including motor vehicle traffic, retail footfall and restaurant bookings have increased.[1]

The reason for this sharp rebound in economic activity and consumer confidence is down to one key factor: the success of the UK government’s vaccination program. By early June more than 75% of the national population had received at least their first jab. This encouraged the BoE to upgrade its 2021 GDP forecast to 7.25% in early May, a substantive increase on the 5% it had forecast just three months earlier. With the economy performing better than expected, GDP in April was 3.7% below the pre-pandemic level in February 2020, the smallest gap since Covid-19 reached the UK.

Consumer Sentiment and Market Shifts

The first quarter saw annual house price growth surge to a seven year high. Knight Frank established that in the month of March a string of decade-long records were broken, including the highest number of new prospective buyers registering, the highest number of offers accepted, and the fourth highest month for property viewings.

Aside from the government stimulus, the reasons for the market hitting these 10-year highs can be traced back to consumers’ changing preferences. Out of the lockdown experience emerged the key home-buyer preferences for size, space and mobility – larger homes, outdoor space, and increased mobility as the daily office commute became redundant. The experience of home becoming a place of work, home-schooling, and exercise prompted residents in central London to migrate to outer boroughs or the home counties in search of an enhanced lifestyle and better value for money.

Market Direction and Best Buying Opportunities

With optimism that the worst of the pandemic in the UK is behind, UK Holmes reports that the economy is on track to rebound sharply. A survey of leading economists by Bloomberg forecast that the UK will lead the recovery amongst major European nations with its fastest growth in almost half a century.

One of the biggest issues influencing the direction of the London property market is the tapering and withdrawal of the SDLT Holiday, which up to this point has driven demand as buyers rushed to beat the deadline. Should this demand collapse at the point where increased supply is coming onto the market, there is the very real risk that prices will fall.

UK Holmes believes that the next 6-12 months will offer astute investors in London property excellent buying opportunities. The inner-city areas are being reinvigorated by strong growth in the retail and hospitality sectors and offices are reopening. The market for flats, heavily depressed over the past 12 months, won’t remain in the doldrums permanently. However, UK Holmes is also firmly of the opinion market volatility will remain for some time. This will cause buyer’s remorse for those who fail to fully understand the fast-evolving market dynamics.

About UK Holmes

UK Holmes is a London-based residential property buying agent providing offshore buyers with strategic advice based upon a thorough understanding of their real-estate requirements. UK Holmes employs London’s House Detective, a property professional with 12 years’ experience. His in-depth knowledge of how to successfully navigate the complexities and pitfalls of the London market to find customers their ideal home provides true peace of mind. To learn more, please visit www.ukholmes.com.

#UKHolmes

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 22 June 2021 – The Malaysia Global Business Forum has partnered with GLS Fitworx Sdn. Bhd. the developers of “Ignite” a leading program for individual and corporate fitness to engage with the corporate sector to better understand the relationship with fitness and productivity. The agreement which will include the rollout of a series of simulcast webinars to highlight the positive benefits of exercise and productivity will include a research component to bridge the current data gap in Malaysia related to this subject coupled with virtual workouts.

According to the 2018 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, pre-COVID19 data showed that the global wellness industry grew 12.8% annually reaching a value of USD4.2 trillion. The various supply chains represented some 5% of global economic output. The fitness sector too was a high growth sector within that context. However, with the lockdowns accruing globally much of that business has migrated to online and has yet to be fully understood from a business perspective.

“The challenge is that we have global figures and international trends but we don’t have relevant data from a Malaysia perspective so we will use this initiative to develop a set of data that will allow us to better inform corporations and government departments on the potential positive impacts of fitness programs for the workforce.” Stated Nordin Abdullah, the Founding Chairman of the Malaysia Global Business Forum.

“During the COVID19 pandemic health remains top of mind, research shows there is a direct link between an individual’s level of fitness and their overall health and ultimately this impacts productivity. For Malaysia to truly recover from the impacts of COVID19 there will be a need for a paradigm shift in terms of productivity. That is why we are working with GLS Fitworx Sdn. Bhd. the developers of “Ignite” to move this agenda forward.” concluded Nordin.

Louis Joubert the Managing Director of GLS Fitworx Sdn. Bhd. who has 20 years of experience of developing corporate fitness programs commented that “Every single company that we have engaged with, in terms of corporate fitness and wellness, has seen a shift in productivity and a reduction in work time lost due to medical leave. These are direct indicators that relate to profit.”

“Besides that, another indicator that is immediately evident is employee engagement and satisfaction. So many employees want to make a change in their health and wellness but face certain challenges. The main challenges are; They don’t know how to do it or where to start; they lack structure and motivation; there is a perception that they cannot afford it; they are afraid that they might do something wrong.”

“When we develop a wellness program with a company, we break down the process to its simplest form so that everyone can participate. We get every employee to do a basic body analysis test so that we can determine a base line to start from. We do a fitness talk which gives basic guidance on eating habits and we engage the individual by placing them into groups of participants that are on a similar level to them. We then take them from square one and work on progression.”

With Covid-19 and the reality of gym closures, lockdowns, company wellness programs being put on hold, a few fitness companies have pivoted to online fitness training. The Fitworx Management has pivoted online fitness with the assistance of the latest technology with the investment into a High-Definition online fitness studio, that live streams disciplines like Yoga, Fitness classes, Fight/Boxing classes as well as Dance classes on a set schedule.

The Malaysia Global Business Forum was established to empower stakeholders at the intersection of International and Malaysian business. Through business intelligence, advocacy, media engagement, market research, networking, business community engagement, advisory and business matching MGBF delivers results for individuals, corporations, trade & business associations and governments.

For more information about the Malaysia Global Business Forum visit www.MalaysiaGlobalBusinessForum.com

For more information about Ignite visit www.fitworx.com.my

Research Reference Links

2018 Global Wellness Economy Monitor

https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/industry-research/2018-global-wellness-economy-monitor/

#MalaysiaGlobalBusinessForum

CASABLANCA – Media OutReach – 21 June 2021 – TNC Group – TheNext.Click organizes the 6th edition of the Digital Brunch. A 100% digital event that brings together the actors of digital marketing and communication.

The Digital Brunch will hold its 6th edition from June 22 to 24, 2021, to discuss Gaming, Esport & their impact on advertisers’ marketing strategies.

This edition will see the participation of professionals of the sector, and eminent Moroccan and international experts and international experts such as France Esports, ESL Gaming, World Gaming Federation, inwi and WARC.

Three days of debates in five axes

The rich and diversified program of this 6 th edition, will continue with 6 online conferences in English and French in English and French with live interpretation in both languages, around 6 key issues Gaming, Esport & Marketing in 2021.

Tuesday 22/06

10h30 GMT+1: WARC – Alex Brownsell – Gaming & Esports – A four-stage walkthrough

14h30 GMT+1: inwi – Brahim Amdouy – Presentation of the Case Study “inwi e-league

Wednesday 23/06

10h30 GMT+1: France Esports: Esports, a new vector of opportunities for brands. What

prospects in the MEA region?

14h30 GMT+1: World Gaming Federation: How can brands engage gamers to benefit their marketing their marketing strategies?

Thursday 24/06

10:30 GMT+1: ESL Gaming – Brands in esports: Case studies and success stories

14h30 GMT+1 : MDJS E-Sport: The E-Story

Register on: https://digitalbrunch.ma/

About Digital Brunch

Digital Brunch, the meeting place for marketing and digital professionals!

The 1st edition of the Digital Brunch was organized on March 21, 2019. Focused on the theme “Data & Analytics”, it served as the starting point for this new concept, because “We had to start by setting the scene for digital to start by setting the scene for digital, namely the evolution of information systems and the the place of data within companies,” explain the organizers.

The second edition of the Digital Brunch, held in June 2019, focused on the of influencers in Morocco, and the analysis of hundreds of profiles, their audiences and the content they produce.

Following the success of these first two editions, the Digital Brunch continued its momentum with two other editions, one in November 2019 at the request of advertisers, on the the theme of “programmatic advertising” and another in November 2020. It has among other things, to dissect the Digital Trends 2021 in Morocco, putting the user at the the user at the heart of product innovations, etc. …

Then the previous edition of the Digital Brunch focused on the subject of E-commerce in Morocco and Africa.

Other topics always as rich and topical will continue to be discussed in the future editions. The Digital Brunch is a concept launched by the TNC-thenext.click group.

#DigitalBrunch

About the group :

TNC – thenext.click:

Founded in Casablanca in 2010, TNC – thenext.click has become a reference agency in

Morocco thanks to digital devices that combine performance and creativity.

Consulting and strategy, creation, ergonomics, branding, production of web and mobile platforms mobile platforms, social media, e-reputation, activation and traffic acquisition, media buying… TNC -thenext.click develops key services that respond to the current and future issues of advertisers current and future issues of advertisers, on digital and multi-channel.

Mediamatic :

Online media agency that supports its clients in the strategy and deployment of their

branding and performance media campaigns. Intelligence, creativity and automation

constitute the core of the agency’s offer.

Gear9:

Founded in 2019 and based in Casablanca, Gear9 is the branch specialized in Digital Transformation, IT consulting and development of the TNC – thenext.click group.

Gear9 combines the Group’s digital skills with technical and technological expertise. With a multidisciplinary team, Gear9 operates following the latest IT approaches.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 21 June 2021 – The importance of home insurance protection is often overlooked by Hong Kong people, according to a survey by AXA Hong Kong and Macau (“AXA”), which found that only around 40% of respondents have purchased insurance for their homes. Always looking to diversify its offerings, Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited (“HKBN”) has teamed up with AXA to launch complimentary home insurance, bundled conveniently with fibre broadband service, network security and a smart home kit, to offer the most comprehensive home protection solution combo for customers.

HKBN and AXA team up to launch Hong Kong’s first-ever fibre broadband service combo with home insurance, network security and smart home kit, a comprehensive home solution for residential customers.

In Hong Kong, many people may think that fire insurance or insurance provided by the building owners’ corporations is already sufficient, but in fact most of these only cover the facade of buildings. Home insurance, on the other hand, provides protection of contents within the home and covers losses resulting from household accidents. For example, a burst waterpipe in the household that causes damage to elevators or neighbours may lead to a demand for a huge amount of compensation equivalent to multiple times of an individual’s monthly salary. According to AXA’s claim figures, 45% of the most common home insurance claims are related to water damage (leaks, typhoons and rainstorms etc.), which are not covered by fire insurance or insurance provided by the property. As such, home insurance is essential for comprehensive protection.

The newly launched “All-in-one Home Kit” combines fibre broadband, home network security solution, smart home solutions and home insurance, to give customers comprehensive network security and home property protection. HKBN’s network security solution provides enterprise-level security, parental controls, and online personal identity protection to customers; while its smart home solutions allow customers to easily add additional motion sensors, smart door cameras and other IoT devices, offering customers a convenient way to manage and protect their virtual and physical properties. The complimentary home insurance* under this cooperation with AXA offers households of eligible customers up to HKD500,000 annual coverage of their home contents and up to HKD10 million annual third-party liability coverage to protect their residence. Customers who sign up or renew designated home broadband services can enjoy up to 24-month complimentary home insurance* (worth around HKD1,720). To sign up or learn more, please visit https://www.hkbn.net/personal/broadband/en/.

Elinor Shiu, HKBN Co-Owner and CEO – Residential Solutions said, “We’re thrilled to partner with AXA to further enhance our range of Infinite-play service offerings for residential customers. By bundling home insurance with our home broadband, cybersecurity and smart home solutions, we’re offering comprehensive home security protection solution for our 1 million Hong Kong household customers. Our collaboration with AXA, who is also a HKBN Enterprise Solutions customer, highlights our efforts in elevating our customer relationships into partnerships to create more win-win-win opportunities.”

Kenneth Lai, P&C Distribution Director, AXA Hong Kong and Macau said, “As the largest general insurer in Hong Kong, AXA has always been a strong advocate of customer centricity and innovation. We are very pleased to partner with HKBN to launch the city’s first service combo of fibre broadband, home insurance, network security and smart home kit, to provide customers with comprehensive home protection that caters for their household needs. AXA will continue to launch quality products and diversify our distribution channels, making protection easily accessible to customers.”

*Terms and conditions apply.

About Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited

Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited is part of HKBN Group (“HKBN” or the “Group”). Headquartered in Hong Kong with operations spanning across Asian markets like Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, Singapore and Malaysia, the Group is a leading integrated telecommunications and technology services provider. Through three core brands, Hong Kong Broadband Network, HKBNES and HKBN JOS, the Group offers comprehensive one-stop Information and Communications Technology (“ICT”) solutions that include broadband, data connectivity, cloud and data centre, managed Wi-Fi, business continuity services, system integration, cybersecurity, mobile services, roaming solutions, digital solutions, voice and collaboration, stationery and supplies that are cumulative to our one-stop-shop offering of Transformation as a Service (TaaS) and OTT entertainment. HKBN’s extensive tri-carrier fibre infrastructure covers over 2.4 million residential homes and over 7,400 commercial buildings and facilities across Hong Kong. Committed to creating a lasting positive impact to wherever it operates, HKBN embraces a core purpose to “Make our Home a Better Place to Live”. The Group is managed by hundreds of Co-Owners (supervisory and management level Talents in the Group) who invested their savings to buy shares of HKBN Ltd. (SEHK Stock Code: 1310). For more information about Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited, please visit www.hkbn.net/en.

About AXA Hong Kong and Macau

AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 54 markets and serving 105 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.

As one of the most diversified insurers offering integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance, our goal is to be the insurance and holistic wellness partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve.

At the core of our service commitment is continuous product innovation and customer experience enrichment, which is achieved through actively listening to our customers and leveraging technology and digital transformation.

We embrace our responsibility to be a force for good to create shared value for our community. We are proud to be the first insurer in Hong Kong and Macau to address the important need of mental health through different products and services. For example, the Mind Charger function on our holistic wellness platform “AXA BetterMe”, which is available via our mobile app Emma by AXA, is open to not just our customers, but the community at large. We will continue to foster social progress through our product offerings and community investment to support the sustainable development of Hong Kong and Macau.

#AXA #HKBN