Hope and Homes for Children Christmas Wish

Raising children in institutions is harmful to children and society. Many studies report a 1-month delay in child development for every 3 months spent in an institution.

However, this statement is still counterintuitive for many people. There are 5.4 million children in institutions globally. And 9 out of 10 of these children have relatives who would take care of them with the relevant support system.

Hope and Homes for Children is a British charity whose Bulgaria branch closed the first orphanage back in 2010 in the town of Teteven.

This became possible after the Strategy on Child-care Reform that the Bulgarian government enforced in 2010 and the BBC documentary on Mogilino two years earlier.

Nowadays Bulgaria is about to become the first country in Europe that has ceased institutional care for children. There are only 3 remaining institutions left in Bulgaria: in Varna, Pleven and Stara Zagora.

We hope the cause for the invisible children of Bulgaria is close to your hearts and you will support our campaigns at Podkrepi BG here.

Wishing you a beautiful holiday season! 

Having studied in depth the renewable energy industry in Southeast Europe and the topic of ESG, SeeNext now delves into the metals, mining, and metallurgy sector in Bulgaria.

This comprehensive analysis examines 214 local companies active in metal ore extraction, basic metal production, and metal processing equipment manufacturing to bring you insights into the industry’s performance and its crucial role in Bulgaria’s economic landscape.

Some of the report’s highlights:

• Bulgaria emerges as one of the main producers and exporters in Europe of three critical for the European Green Deal raw materials. 
• Top-ranking global exporter of copper.
• A financially robust sector with aggregate operating revenues of EUR 9.754 billion in 2022.
• Industry drives economic growth in smaller towns and municipalities across the country.

Download the Metals, Mining & Metallurgy Industry in Bulgaria Report now.

On the eve of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) in Dubai, a ground-breaking survey of 1,000 businesses – mostly SMEs – by the British Chambers of Commerce Insight’s Unit shows 40% of companies don’t know any details about the UK’s net zero target.

• 7% are not aware of the UK government’s target at all, while 33% are aware but know no details. Last year 13% were not aware, and 48% had no details.    
• There is business uncertainty about the impact of the UK’s net-zero policy changes announced in September.
• Around a quarter (24%) say the postponement of various targets will have a negative impact, while a third (31%) say the postponement will have a positive effect on their business.

Around a quarter (24%) of firms report some form of exposure to severe weather events. 

Over 1,000 businesses were surveyed for the research, with 96% of respondents SMEs. Similar research last year showed 61% of firms either not aware or having limited knowledge of the Government’s targets.  

This latest data once again reveals wide divergences between smaller and larger firms in their understanding and preparedness for net zero. 43% of firms with fewer than 10 employees say they don’t know any details about the target compared to 26% of firms with more than 50 employees. 

The research is published as the British Chambers of Commerce delegation of 60 businesses prepares to head to COP28 later this week.  Led

 by Director General Shevaun Haviland and Chair Sarah Howard, the team will take part in a series of events working in partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi. The delegation will meet UK and global politicians and take part in policy discussions, including on energy transition.  

Representatives from several UK chambers will also be at the international climate conference.  

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

“On the eve of COP28 our research should be a huge reality check to politicians.  

“There is a huge challenge ahead to raise awareness in the business community about the UK’s 2050 net-zero target. Many firms are simply unaware of it, or have only a cursory understanding. 

“Business must be at the heart of tackling climate change. The Chamber network is working hard every day to improve understanding among our members, but companies need clear leadership from politicians.  

“Firms are calling out for a consistent net-zero framework that is clearly explained to them. The transition to Net Zero provides businesses with huge opportunities to grow and diversify. But awareness is key. 

“From flooding to heatwaves, a significant number of companies are now telling us severe weather is having a real impact on their business. Standing still on tackling climate change is no longer an option.  

“We want three outcomes from COP28. We need clarity of frameworks to drive action. We need to see action to prepare for increasing exposure to severe weather events around the world. And finally, we want to see more support for the innovation and expansion of green technologies.”

PwC Bulgaria announced the winners of its “ESG Awards 2023” contest during an official ceremony. The initiative aimed to recognize organizations with effective ESG strategies, innovative products and services, educational campaigns and leaders in sustainable development.

Nearly 60 companies from 26 industry sectors participated in this year’s edition of the contest. They submitted almost 100 applications in the four categories – Strategy, Innovation, Educational Program and Leader in Sustainable Development. The applications received were 20% more than last year.

Albena Markova, partner “Consulting Services” and CEE Sustainability Platform Leader at PwC, opened the ceremony. “This year’s applications show that more and more companies are taking actions on climate change, investing in R&D activities for decarbonization and educating their employees about the ESG aspects”, she commented.

List of “ESG Awards 2023” winners:

1. Climate Strategy – ProCredit Bank
2. Special Award Digital Climate Solution – Ampeco
3. Biodiversity Strategy – EVN
4. Special Award Biodiversity Based Model – Bee Smart Technologies
5. Strategy Circular Economy – Kaufland Bulgaria
6. Special Award Circular business model – Ride Share Bulgaria
7. Strategy Care for employees – Lidl Bulgaria
8. Strategy Stakeholders engagement – Fantastico
9. Strategy Responsible governance and internal trainings – Post Bank
10. Special Award Responsible governance through Inclusion – Transpress
11. Innovation Industrial Technologies – ATAMIQ
12. Innovation Nature-based solution – Bee Smart Technologies
13. Innovation Circular model – Aurubis
14. Innovation Aerospace Systems – EnduroSat
15. Educational program Business Association – German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Bulgarien)
16. Educational program Media – bTV Media Group
17. Corporate educational program – UBB
18. Corporate leader in sustainable development – ​​Peter Roebben, UBB
19. Entrepreneur in sustainable development – Dimitar Enchev, PostScriptum
20. Inspiring leader in sustainability – Sirma Zheleva, TexCycle

The applications were evaluated by a jury of independent experts in the field of ESG, including Prof. Dr. Manyu Moravenov, Dr. Marina Stefanova, Sasha Bezuhanova, Svetlin Pislenski, Teodor Radonov and Ivaylo Stanchev. The methodology was developed by PwC Bulgaria.

“ESG Awards” 2023 is organized in partnership with Sofia University and the Green Center for Sustainable Finance and Energy. You can learn more about the initiative in the official website.

Glorient is offering a lease opportunity for Built-to-Suit Industrial Building in Plovdiv. Get the chance to delevop your manufacturing business in the buzzing area of Plovdiv. 

See more information in the file below.

The ‘Worlds’ Workshop by the Maria’s World Foundation provides an opportunity for individuals with intellectual challenges to develop their work and social skills.

Each product is crafted by hand with great care and love.

We rely on skilled volunteers and collaborators to complete some of the souvenirs.

See more information about the the promotions in the file below.

Get your brand glowing like Rudolph’s nose with AB Brand Tracking!

Ever wondered how your mass-market B2C brand fares in this competitive market? Wonder no more! Introducing AB Brand Tracking, a robust quarterly brand health survey brought to you by the dynamic partnership of Argent Group and BluePoint. 

As a valued member of BBBA, you can unwrap a special discount just for you. Discover actionable insights to boost your brand’s performance and make this holiday season your most successful yet!

Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer. Claim Your 15% Discount by 20th December!

AB Brand Tracking is a tool that monitors on regular basis the health of mass-market B2C brands in their competitive environments, and thus helping strategic marketing decisions to be made. 

Brand awareness of the players in the category is examined in its three levels:

• Top of mind
• Spontaneous awareness (sum of top of mind & unaided awareness)
• Total awareness (sum of spontaneous awareness and aided brand awareness)

AB Brand Tracking also monitors:

• Image parameters of the leading brands in the category;
• Perceived similarity of the brands;
• Shopping behaviour;
• User demographics;

The data that AB Brand Tracking provides is for different groups of clients:

• 25-54
• 18-49
• Sofia
• Big cities
• Small towns
• Other interest groups among consumers 18-65, urban population, internet users

20+ categories are explored, including:

• Automobiles
• Banks
• Hair dye
• Vitamins
• Insurance companies
• Furniture stores
• Supermarkets
• and many others. 

Additional categories may be included in the next waves of the study.

Satisfied Clients Speak Out: Recommendations from Users of AB Brand Tracking

“We have been using AB Brand Tracking since the first wave of research. the tool is extremely valuable when planning strategic decisions related to the marketing activities of Mebeli Videnov, thanks to the information it gives us about the dynamics of consumer perceptions and the pulse of the market.” – Marketing Furniture Videnov

 “AB Brand Tracking showed us in detail the level of awareness and image of Herbalife Nutrition prior to the launch of our first TV advertising campaign. We expect the next wave of research to show if and how the campaign impacts metrics. For us, AB Brand Tracking reports are extremely valuable, because they provide information about the position of the brand in the competitive environment and monitor the developing situation.” – Herbalife Nutrition, Bulgaria

If you are a BBBA Member, get your 15% discount for 1 year subscription (4 waves of survey) if you confirm it by December 20th. 

Please contact Svetoslav Dabov + 359 2 942 60 60, svetoslav@argent-bg.com.

The Revolutionary: Christmas Eve Dinner 

Let us do the cooking this Christmas Eve! We invite you to a special festive dinner showcasing the best of Bulgarian seasonal products and traditions from a revolutionary point of view.

From 06:00 p.m. 

Price per person for a 3-course menu: BGN 99 

For more information and reservations, please contact us at:

T: +359 88 6626 999 

E: TheRevolutionary@hyatt.com 

The Revolutionary: New Year in New York 

Ring in the New Year with an irresistible 5-course menu inspired by the old New York city, crafted by our team of revolutionaries, and paired with an exclusive selection of limited wines!

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

From 8:00 p.m.

Price per person: BGN 349

For more information and reservations, please contact us at:

T: +359 88 6626 999 

E: TheRevolutionary@hyatt.com   

The Scene: New Year in Paris

Ready to immerse into Parisian atmosphere? The spirit of Paris takes central stage in this elegant NYE party at The Scene. The charm of The City of Lights is bringing the holiday essential glamour for a night to remember. 

C’est la Fête! (It’s a party!) 

Enjoy a bottle of MUMM champagne, two soft drinks per guest along with a 3-course menu honoring the French cuisine.

DJ: Atanas Yanev

Dress Code: Elegant

From 8:00 p.m.

Price for two: BGN 590

For more information and reservations, please contact us at:

T: +359 88 255 0805

E: TheScene@hyatt.com 

Yesterday, on November 23, the Forbes Innovation Awards 2023 took place, featuring a total of 38 businesses, non-governmental organizations, and leaders as finalists in five categories: Social Innovation, Product Innovation, Innovative Service, Innovative Office, and Innovative Leader.

Bulgarian hosting company SiteGround secured the most top awards during the Forbes Innovation Awards 2023. The company, which is one of the major players in the global hosting market, claimed first place in three categories of the competition: Innovative Office, Social Innovation and Innovative Leader.

Bravo to our members Zvezdelina Lacheva from DS Smith Bulgaria AD and Tony McMurray – Ingram Micro GBS EOOD for sharing second place for category Innovative Leader. And congratulations to the winner Tenko Nikolov from Siteground.

Grigor Dimitrov is the ambassador of the new brand PB Personal Finance by Postbank, which officially became part of the leading banking institution in June. The world-renowned tennis player is the star of the brand’s first communication campaign, carrying the powerful message Finance for Champions. This partnership is a logical step because the mission of Postbank is to be an innovative bank for dynamic individuals seeking modern concepts, and digital and financial products, providing them with an excellent customer experience. Clients have easy access to personalized banking solutions with high added value, and the latest innovative concept, One Stop Shop Concept for Your Beyond Banking Ideas, takes consumer financing to the next level.

“We chose one of the most successful tennis players in the world rankings, Grigor Dimitrov, as the ambassador for the new brand PB Personal Finance because, in him, we recognize qualities that describe us as well – a professional attitude and consistent effort, resilience in performance over the years, while at the same time being young and dynamic, extremely flexible, and different from all others with his game. He is always focused on victory, smiling, and positive, and in many ways, we find a remarkable similarity with our views on running a successful business. Our main goal as a financial institution is to be as helpful as possible to our clients, and providing an impeccable customer experience is always our top priority. At Postbank, we have years of experience in setting trends in the financial services market, always striving for impeccable accuracy in offering our products and providing excellent speed, innovation, and uniqueness in our financial solutions and banking concepts. We differentiate ourselves with a non-traditional approach to service. The key message we tied to this campaign, Finance for Champions, is in harmony with Grigor Dimitrov’s achievements as a champion in the world of tennis and our accomplishments in the banking world,” Postbank comments.  

The products and services offered by PB Personal Finance, a part of Postbank, are aimed at users seeking secure, innovative, fast, and easy services, combined in a perfect blend with the convenience of digital solutions, personal contact, and transparent human interaction, as well as the mandatory level of security and reliability in processes and offered products. With the concept of One Stop Shop for Your Beyond Banking ideas, the institution’s aspiration is to provide personalized financial solutions that have exceptional added value for the customer, even exceeding their expectations. The creation of the brand’s latest platform – digitalmall.pbpf.bg is the first step in this direction. 

The digital portal offers exclusive deals for some of the most sought-after banking products. Customers have access to a fast and streamlined application process for personal loans up to BGN 80,000 with a repayment period of up to 96 months. We are launching with key partners, including Zora, Mr. Bricolage, Sport Depot, and Plesio stores, where customers have the chance to make their purchases with more than attractive preferences. On the one hand, they have the opportunity to receive a gift voucher for their next purchase, and on the other hand, they may win a cashback discount if they shop in installments through their credit card from PB Personal Finance, according to its terms. A special offer in digitalmall.pbpf.bg is also available to all holders of a Mastercard credit card from PB Personal Finance, who have a chance to participate in a raffle and win a bonus by the end of the year.

Additionally, a convenient digital loan process is applied, assisting the customer in choosing an offer, submitting an online application in minutes, and ensuring a fast processing and signing process. According to data from Postbank, the average time for applying for a loan in PB Personal Finance is 5 minutes, and in 91% of inquiries, the decision-making time by the bank is under 1 minute, with 70% of the bank’s customers preferring to sign their contracts entirely electronically.

The new PB Personal Finance brand is not only part of the strategic development of Postbank as a systemic market bank offering innovations and personalized financial solutions for the convenience of its customers but also of crucial importance for the Eurobank Group, expanding its activities in significant regional markets. Just a few months after completing the acquisition deal of the business of BNP Paribas Personal Finance rebranded as PB Personal Finance, Postbank reports high results and consolidates its leading position in the consumer lending market by offering financial products to over 1.2 million customers and providing BGN 6.9 billion in loans to households.

More information about PB Personal Finance, a part of Postbank, and our financial services can be found online at https://www.pbpf.bg/  and https://digitalmall.pbpf.bg/