PwC’s Academy is offering you 4 different DipIFR learning packages

The ACCA Diplomain International Financial Reporting (DipIFR) is an international qualificationin IFRS developed by the leading professional accounting organisation, theAssociation of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Obtaining thisqualification will raise your professionalism in IFRS to the next level.

PwC’s Academy is offering 4 different course packages that are intended for professionals working in accounting, audit, and finance who want to take a qualification exam in International Financial Reporting. They all contain different study plans from which you can choose the one that best fits your needs and expectations. These packages proved to be successful and they aim to prepare you for the DipIFRexam in June. They are suitable for you also if you want to broaden your knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of IFRS. 

Learn more about the packageshere: https://www.pwc.bg/en/academy/assets/fy23/PwCBG-Academy-ACCA-DipIFR-CoursePackages.pdf

Petia Dimitrova, CEO and Chairperson of the Management Board of Postbank, was elected Chairperson of the Board of the Association of Banks in Bulgaria. The election became a fact after a meeting of the Board of Directors of ABB, which was held today in Sofia and is recognition of the active role of Mrs. Petia Dimitrova as a member of the governing body of the organization and leader of one of the biggest banks on the Bulgarian market. 

“I want to thank the members of the Management Board for the high confidence they have shown me with this election. I accept the position as a recognition and a long-term commitment, which is happening at a key moment for our country with the finalization of the process of Bulgaria’s accession to the Eurozone”, with these words Mrs. Petia Dimitrova thanked for the choice.

The Association of Banks in Bulgaria is the key organization uniting commercial banks in our country. It is established in 1992 and is one of the most important and authoritative branch organizations in Bulgaria.

About Petia Dimitrova:

Mrs. Petia Dimitrova is Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Management Board of Postbank. She joined the team of Postbank in 2003 as Country CFO for the eight affiliated companies of Eurobank EFG Group in Bulgaria, and in 2012, Mrs. Dimitrova became Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Management Board of Postbank. 

Under her leadership, Postbank completed in just a few years two successful deals, the acquisition and integration in a record short-term time of Alfa Bank – Bulgaria Branch in 2016, followed by Piraeus Bank Bulgaria – in 2019. They are another step to strengthen its position as a systemic for the bank market and to expand its customer base. For its activity during this period Postbank won nearly 100 prestigious international and Bulgarian awards.

Mrs. Dimitrova is a Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Business Council in Bulgaria, “Atanas Bourov” Foundation, Endeavor Bulgaria Association, the International Banking Institute. She also is a member of the Management Board of CEIBG and Member of the University Council of the American University in Bulgaria. Petia Dimitrova is a Member of Industrial Advisory Board – CITY College, International Faculty of the University of Sheffield, Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Young Global Leaders Forum, part of the World Economic Forum, Gerson Lehrman Group Accounting Council London, UK, Fellow Member of the Chartered Management Institute, UK and Cofounder of the Public Council of Women in Business.

The future is in the hands of the young! But what do they expect from employers and how do they envision their future in a work context? These are the questions thatManpower wants to receive answers from Gen-Z regarding their career development realization in an annual “Career expectations of young talents 2023” survey.  

The purpose of the study is to help young talents better position themselves and companies to adapt their approach and offerings to the youngster needs and desires.  

The survey takes no more than 5 minutes and is completely anonymous:https://survey.zohopublic.eu/zs/s6Bj8h?lang=en  

We thank our partners this year – New Bulgarian University, Junior Achievement Bulgaria, Mentor the Young, Тuk-Tam, AIBEST, AISEC, and Rotaract Bulgaria, with whom we will reach as many young people aged 16-25 as possible. 

The Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum (BBLF), a co-founder of Bulgarian Diversity Charter*, cordially invites companies, public bodies and civil organisations to join the upcoming EU Diversity Month 2023.

The month of May marks European Diversity Month across the EU. EU Diversity Month raises awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and across our societies. It is about the representation and visibility of different groups, where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated into the work environment. It celebrates efforts by organisations to help build equal and inclusive environments for the benefit of all. This initiative is part of the European Commission’s commitment to fight discrimination and promote diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Every year the European Commission is calling on companies and organisations across Europe to join forces to shine a spotlight on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in society by organising events and activities throughout May. This year’s theme is building bridges. Building bridges between organisations and areas of inclusion and diversity policy (race, gender, age, etc.).

High-level event in Brussels 2023

The European Commission will hold a high-level event on Diversity on 27-28 April 2023 with the Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, where the winners of the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award will be announced and EU Diversity Month 2023 will be officially opened.

This event will bring together cities and regions, policymakers, diversity managers, chief executive officers of diversity charter signatories, other organisations and stakeholders. 

Get involved

This is your organisation’s chance to take a stand and promote diversity and inclusion. Organise activities or events during the month of May: promote your company’s diversity and inclusion policies to staff at workshops or on social media with #EUDiversityMonth for example. Why not use this month as a springboard to develop new initiatives to take your company forward?
Need inspiration? Contact the Bulgarian Diversity Charter or the EU Diversity Month 2023 Guide for ideas.

Map your contribution to a more equal Europe

Secure visibility for your efforts by including them on our map of events and activities taking place in May. It takes five minutes and can be done in your own language. Register your activity and search for a European Diversity Month activities in the EU here.
For more information about  #EUDiversityMonth 2023 please visit www.eudiversity2023.eu

*The Bulgarian Diversity Charter is a joint initiative of the Centre for the Study of Democracy and the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum (BBLF) aimed to promote diversity management at the workplace: www.diverse-bg.eu

• Over half (52%) of UK firms believe their business turnover will increase over the next 12 months, up from 44% in Q3 2022
• However, only one in three (34%) firms experienced an increase in sales over the past three months. 
• Almost half (47%) of hospitality businesses reported a drop in cashflow in the last quarter.    

The BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q1 2023 shows that while business confidence has improved from a very weak base, most firms see no improvement to business conditions. The survey of over 5,200 firms – 92% of whom are SMEs – reveals a sectoral division in business performance, with hospitality and retail firms consistently more likely to report worsening cash flow, investment, and turnover than other sectors. The research took place between February 13 and March 9, before the Chancellor’s Spring Budget was announced.  Growth in business activity remains weak, with retail and hospitality sectors facing most significant challenges. The percentage of firms reporting increased domestic sales has not seen any bounce back since it fell significantly in Q3 2022. Only one in three (34%) firms experienced an increase in sales over the past three months, while 24% reported a decrease and 41% reported no change.  The retail and hospitality sectors remain particularly weak. Almost two in five (38%) retail firms experienced a decrease in sales over the past three months, with one in three (32%) hospitality businesses reporting a fall. More businesses continue to report a decrease, rather than an increase, in cash flow, highlighting the precarious state many SMEs are still in. Only one in four (25%) businesses said their cash flow has increased over the last three months, while 30% have seen it decrease.  The hospitality and retail sectors are again facing the greatest challenges. 40% of retail firms, and almost half (47%) of hospitality businesses, reported decreased cashflow. After a significant fall in Q3 2022, business confidence is now on the up. After business confidence plummeted to historically low levels in the second half of 2022, there has been a marked improvement in sentiment in the first quarter of 2023. Over half (52%) of firms believe their business turnover will increase over the next 12 months, up from 44% in Q3 2022. While profitability confidence has also improved, it continues to remain weaker than turnover confidence. 42% of businesses now expect their profits to increase over the next year, up from 34% in Q4 2022. 

• Little discernible improvement to business investment over past six years 
  

Three quarters (75%) of respondents reported no increase to investment in plant/equipment. There has been little discernible improvement to investment over the past six years; only a quarter of firms planned to increase investment in Q1 2023, the same level as reported in Q2 2017. 

• Inflationary pressures continue to ease slightly, but still remain the top concern  
  

Following a drop last quarter, the percentage of firms expecting their prices to rise shows further signs of easing, as it fell five percentage points from 60% in Q4 2022 to 55% in Q1 2023. The overall level of concern regarding inflation has dropped for the first time in over two years. However, at 74%, the level remains close to the historical high.  

• Cost pressures are varied, but labour costs and utilities come out top overall 

Cost pressures vary considerable across sectors; 87% of hospitality firms reported utilities as a factor driving price increases while 86% of manufacturers cited raw materials.  

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:      

“After a significant decline in business confidence in the second half of 2022, results from QES Q1 show an improvement in business sentiment as political turmoil and inflationary pressures show some signs of easing. However, this comes from a very weak base, and while confidence has improved, this is yet to translate into an overall improvement of business conditions. Most SMEs still report no improvement to sales, cash flow, and investment. Three years of economic shocks – Covid lockdowns, global supply chain crises, inflation, and Brexit – have taken a significant toll on UK SMEs. The QES Q1 data once again confirms that these shocks have disproportionately impacted the retail and hospitality sectors, which are once again most likely to be reporting worsening sales and cash flow.” 

Responding to the findings, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, Shevaun Haviland, said:        

“Last month’s Budget included several positive measures for business, including increased childcare support as well as plans for full capital expensing. However, it did not go far enough to shift the dial on growth which remains stubbornly low.  The Government failed to tackle some of the major issues holding firms back from their potential, in particular energy costs and the tight labour market which remain top business concerns. The Government’s new energy support package represents a drop of 85% in the financial help available to businesses. We reiterate our calls for increased, targeted support for those firms who desperately need it. The energy crisis faced by firms and households are two sides of the same coin. Yet, non-domestic customers do not enjoy the same protection as households. To ensure competition in the business energy sector, and solve market failures, Government must also ensure Ofgem has the necessary powers to properly regulate the industry. While we welcomed the Government’s decision to add five new construction jobs to the Shortage Occupation List, the lack of skilled labour is having a corrosive effect on our economy. This shift to a new system cannot come fast enough and other sectors facing huge recruitment pressures, such as hospitality, must be given help.” 

What businesses say:  

“Increases in prices, in general, have affected profitability and cash flow to the point I am having to borrow more finance. If I don’t get the finance, my business will fold.”- Micro services firm in Northern Ireland 

“As an advanced manufacturing organisation, we have a huge reliance on energy, we’re a very high user consuming >27Giga Watts of electricity. Our fixed pricing contract expires in March and the uplift in cost will be >£5m so will need to be passed through to our customers.” – Large manufacturer in Business West 

“The market feels buoyant, lots of enquiries and activity, it doesn’t seem to fit with the mood music from government or the media.” – Small retail or wholesale firm in the East Midlands 

UAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands including founding member Kempinski Hotels, has launched its Green Collection, bringing under one umbrella nearly 200 hotels, resorts and palaces operated by GHA hotel brands that are demonstrating their commitment to protecting people and the planet. 14 Kempinski Hotels are featured within this new collection including iconic hotels such as Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, The CapitolKempinski Hotel Singapore and Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko.

Every Green Collection property has attained at least one certification from a globally recognised environmental organisation, with EarthCheck, Green Growth 2050, Green Key and Green Globe among the 15 leading certification bodies represented, and each requiring hotels to meet the highest international standards for sustainability initiatives and performance, with regular third-party audits conducted to retain certification.

Achieving certification demonstrates a hotel’s long-term pledge to upholding these standards, with each Green Collection property being a pioneer of practices that preserve the natural environment and benefit local communities in the destinations where they operate.

Kempinski Hotels aims to measure 100% of energy emissions across all properties by the end of this year and has set out to fully implement science-based targets for emissions reductions aligned with the Paris Agreement by the end of next year. The luxury hospitality firm is rolling out the EarthCheck Certified programme across its portfolio, with participating hotels actively monitoring and reporting the environmental and social impacts from their operations, including energy and water consumption, carbon footprint, waste generation, community engagement and more. Economic concerns addressed by EarthCheck include employment conditions, support for the local economy, use of fair-trade goods and services, and recognition of the seasonality of revenue streams.

With 69% of travellers actively seeking sustainable travel options in 2023, according to a recentWorld Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report, Green Collection meets this accelerating demand, empowering the 24 million members of the GHA DISCOVERYloyalty programme to make conscious and responsible travel choices. In 2022,members demonstrated their preference for Green Collection hotels, which contributed to 32% in stays, 39% in nights, 47% in room revenue and 49% in total revenue.

To celebrate the launch of the Green Collection, GHA DISCOVERY is giving back to the causes important to members and its hotel brands. For every Green Collection hotel booking made on www.ghadiscovery.com or the GHA DISCOVERY mobile app before the end of April 2023 and completed by 31st July 2023, GHA will donate US$5 to the charities it supports as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, which includes Environmental Protection, Healthcare & Wellbeing, Children& Youth Programmes, and Animal Welfare.

For more information on Green Collection, including the full list of globally recognised certifying bodies, and examples of how GHA hotel brands are making a difference, visit www.ghadiscovery.com/explore-green-collection.

For more information on GHA and its loyalty programme, visit Global Hotel Alliance and GHADISCOVERY.   

Emprove Foundation invites residents of Varna and visitors to the sea capital from the 6th to the 16th of April 2023 to the cultural space ReBonkers, where the impactful exhibition with a cause ‘Awakening Between the Lines’ will be presented. The event will combine visual art with literary readings, a meeting with the inspiring #WomenSurvivors community and the exhibition team. The exhibition brings together in one cause 23 Bulgarian artists, united in the creative mission to unfold their visual reading of stories written by #WomenSurvivors. The exhibition is the culmination of a series of art events under the name ‘Awakening Between the Lines’ by the Emprove Foundation. The series began with a course in creative writing, followed by a literary reading to an audience, and culminated with an art exhibition to prove that art in any form is an unsurpassed therapeutic and socially engaging medium – both for its creators and its connoisseurs. The visit takes place with the support of the British Embassy in Bulgaria and with the honorary presence of Deputy Ambassador Lynne Charles. The coordinator is Olga Mineva, founder of Emprove Foundation. The exhibition will be available for 10 days on ‘Baruten Pogreb’ Str. in the new place for cultural meetings in Varna – ReBonkers. Not far from the Asparuh bridge, the 200 square meter space, most of which is underground, was built around 1850 near the former border wall of the city and was used as an ammunition depot during the Ottoman rule.

Who are the #WomenSurvivors and what are their micro stories?

This is the first Bulgarian community of its kind, created by women who have managed to free themselves from emotional or physical violence, for women who have embarked on the path towards change and a new life. At the end of last year, with the support of the British Embassy in Bulgaria, #WomenSurvivors took a professional creative writing course with British authors Dr. Will Buckingham and Dr. Hannah Stevens from Wind&Bones. This resulted in the creation of nearly 30 micro-stories in the flash fiction genre, with ‘Awakening’ as the main theme. Women had the opportunity not only to acquire a new skill, but also to honour their soul in writing in a delicate way.

The final stories were edited by writers Will Buckingham and Hannah Stevens in their English versions, and in Bulgarian by Nadezhda Radulova and Silvia Ivanova, finalised by Iva Koleva.

Who are the Bulgarian artists?

A number of popular illustrators, multidisciplinary artists and street artists took part in the ‘Awakening Between the Lines’ exhibition. They were given one or more stories, which each of them then turned into a painting based on the related story. In this way, the stories of #WomenSurvivors took on new life through yet another medium of creative expression. Like the women by whom the stories have been told, the styles and techniques of the artists listed are radically different, but this is what enriches the exhibition in an unprecedented way. United in the desire to give voice to the isue of physical and emotional violence, the Bulgarian artists whose paintings you can empathize with are:

•  Adriana ‘Addminimal’ Gerasimova
• Alexandra Nikolova ‘Al Nik’
• Angela Pencheva
• Antonia Mechkueva
• Asya Koleva
• Borislava ‘BORISLAVAWILLMADEIT’ Karadzhova
• Vencislav Yosifov ‘Zhermain’
• Gergana Stancheva
• Deyana Stareva
• Diana Dimitrova
• Elena Panayotova
• Elina Buchukova
• Eslitsa Popova
• Kalina Mukhova
• Kaneva drop
• Kiril Zlatkov
• Lyudmil Iliev
• Milena Tsochkova
• Mila Tabakova
• Michaela Karadjova
• Nadezhda Ilieva
• Philip Tsarov ‘Trasher’
• Julian Tabakov

Through ‘Awakening Between the Lines’ you will be able to be inspired by impactful visual art, born of feminine power and transformed through the subjective view of the artist. At the event in Varna, we will also devote our attention to reading the stories that inspired the artists, as our narrators will be Kalina Zhecheva and the actor from the Varna Theater Nedyalko Stefanov. Guests will be able to share their thoughts and feelings against the background of yet another art form, as the evening will be complemented by live music.

Who are the Emprove Foundation?

Emprove’s mission is to raise awareness of the earliest signs of relationship violence, change public attitudes, and support women and girls who have experienced violence. The foundation’s activities include public campaigns for early prevention and awareness, free psychological and legal support for women survivors of violence, coaching, events, trainings, group therapy sessions, art initiatives, as well as building the already referred to community of #WomenSurvivors, which from provides support to other women on their way to change and a new life.

The initiative ‘Awakening between the lines’ is part of #ArtAwakening – an inspired series of art initiatives supported by the Emprove foundation  which aims to impact those deep layers of consciousness which only art is able to.

The exhibition takes place with the support and partnership of the British Embassy in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Fund for Women, Sofia Municipality, Photosynthesis, Chitalishte Ivan Vazov – 2014, community partners: ReBonkers.

Link to the event itself on Facebook: LINK

For more information and contact: Olga Mineva, founder of the Emprove Foundation

e-mail: contact@olgamineva.com

Kikimora is vulnerability management software, assisting with the validation and categorization of vulnerabilities.  The software provides centralized location to store, prioritize, manage and resolve vulnerability information from all sources – vulnerability scans, penetration tests and security audits.  It has several integrations with Tenable, Rapid7, Burp, Qualys and Atlassian Jira, allowing you to easily manage vulnerabilities and coordinate their remediation across teams. 

Maintaining an organization’s security requires effective vulnerability management. It is possible to lessen the risk of a security breach and its potential effects by quickly finding and addressing vulnerabilities. By giving organizations the required tools, knowledge, and resources, vulnerability management as a service (VMaaS) provides a practical method for managing vulnerabilities. VMaaS providers frequently employ cutting-edge scanning tools and technologies that can find vulnerabilities that conventional methods might miss, assisting organizations in staying ahead of potential threats.