Category business

Gurgaon, April 21, 2023: Tripclap in collaboration with IIM Lucknow, today revealed its latest findings on the challenges faced by small hotel businesses in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. In its new research report, the company also analyzes the Management Research Problems (MRP) : the activities of small hotels in terms of their business operations, aspirations, and market needs, while also presenting the major challenges encountered by these businesses, and recommendations that can be used for effective management.

To have a deeper insight into small hotels’ activities in terms of their business operation, Gaurav Gupta from Tripclap under the supervision of Prof. Satya Bhushan Dash, IIM Lucknow performed qualitative and quantitative studies, wherein sample sizes from hotels of almost all parts of India were taken (including Hill Stations, Metros, and Non-Metros).

The study highlights that hotels in hilly areas devote the majority of their time in branding rather than hiring skilled staff. At the same time, hotels in Metro devote an average time in doing digital marketing for generating bookings. However, more than 80% of hoteliers from non-metro are saying there is no change in their activities post covid 19. Hotel branding includes identity creation like logo, taglines, etc; positioning; pricing; promotion in different travel events like SATTE, OTM etc; building B2B networks in order to ensure future sustainability and business. Although digital marketing brings more direct sales for a hotel, owners focus more on the branding of hotels by participating in different events and sponsorships. Securing future revenues and long-term growth is more important than the short-term gains for the hotels in metro areas. Though the world has changed a lot, hoteliers are still performing the same activities for managing their properties.

Adding further to the report, Gaurav Gupta from TripClap said, “Post Covid-19, a lot of small and medium-sized hotels were crying foul on the viability of their business due to the absence of a relief package from the government of India. After analyzing the data, we accepted and rejected some hypotheses and ultimately found that the business is back to the same as before COVID-19. No significant changes have happened in the activities of the hotel. There are many barriers/challenges to managing these hotels; however, the major ones are lack of quality/trained staff, absence of digital marketing staff, and last but not least, needing their website. When the world talks about Web 3.0, 40% of hoteliers do not have a website. It is important to note that having a hotel classification helps. This gives all the more reasons for the authorities to increase the set-off period of business losses for this capital-intensive hotel industry.’’

There is also not very clear demarcation between small, medium and large hotels. Only 1880 hotels have taken star classification in India, of which majority is 3 star hotels i.e 564. However, more than 40,000 hotels have listed themselves on Nidhi 2.0 portal. This shows that hotels are not taking star classification for 1 of various reasons. Mr.Jaison Chako (Chief Secretary of FHRAI) says there would be estimated more than 80,000 hotels in India and many of them are in oblivion and are looking for the right platform for generating more sales. Small Indian hotels are underrepresented in the Indian economy as there is no direct mechanism of knowing their contribution. Lot of time studies are conducted around 5 star, 4 star hotels, and the challenges of small hotels remain unknown. Efforts of small hotels get cumulatively added in the SME Service sector of India and don’t get the right recognition. Aiming further at understanding the barriers and facilitators for small hotels in India, the study identifies the inaccessibility of hotels, lack of basic amenities such as water, poor infrastructure, expensive amusement tax, insufficient government support, and natural disasters as key obstacles.

The report concludes that the Hospitality industry faces similar challenges irrespective of the star ratings they have taken from the Ministry of tourism (MOT). MOT has to work more in order to reduce the challenges of operating a hotel in India. They should be whitelisted by financial authorities and there should be more branches of banks in hilly areas as hotels there want easy availability of loans. Moreover, uniformity in GST will help them invest their saved energy & money in more important activities like hiring, training, and branding. Not having its own IT team is the major challenge in managing a business in post covid era. Hotels prefer long-term growth rather than short-term. Therefore it is important for authorities too to invest time in this industry which is so serious about sustainability.

TripClap Platform provides technology solutions, visibility, compliance, and segmentation and satisfies the needs of both travelers and travel companies.

Gurgaon, April 21, 2023: Tripclap in collaboration with IIM Lucknow, today revealed its latest findings on the challenges faced by small hotel businesses in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. In its new research report, the company also analyzes the Management Research Problems (MRP) : the activities of small hotels in terms of their business operations, aspirations, and market needs, while also presenting the major challenges encountered by these businesses, and recommendations that can be used for effective management.

To have a deeper insight into small hotels’ activities in terms of their business operation, Gaurav Gupta from Tripclap under the supervision of Prof. Satya Bhushan Dash, IIM Lucknow performed qualitative and quantitative studies, wherein sample sizes from hotels of almost all parts of India were taken (including Hill Stations, Metros, and Non-Metros).

The study highlights that hotels in hilly areas devote the majority of their time in branding rather than hiring skilled staff. At the same time, hotels in Metro devote an average time in doing digital marketing for generating bookings. However, more than 80% of hoteliers from non-metro are saying there is no change in their activities post covid 19. Hotel branding includes identity creation like logo, taglines, etc; positioning; pricing; promotion in different travel events like SATTE, OTM etc; building B2B networks in order to ensure future sustainability and business. Although digital marketing brings more direct sales for a hotel, owners focus more on the branding of hotels by participating in different events and sponsorships. Securing future revenues and long-term growth is more important than the short-term gains for the hotels in metro areas. Though the world has changed a lot, hoteliers are still performing the same activities for managing their properties.

Adding further to the report, Gaurav Gupta from TripClap said, “Post Covid-19, a lot of small and medium-sized hotels were crying foul on the viability of their business due to the absence of a relief package from the government of India. After analyzing the data, we accepted and rejected some hypotheses and ultimately found that the business is back to the same as before COVID-19. No significant changes have happened in the activities of the hotel. There are many barriers/challenges to managing these hotels; however, the major ones are lack of quality/trained staff, absence of digital marketing staff, and last but not least, needing their website. When the world talks about Web 3.0, 40% of hoteliers do not have a website. It is important to note that having a hotel classification helps. This gives all the more reasons for the authorities to increase the set-off period of business losses for this capital-intensive hotel industry.’’

There is also not very clear demarcation between small, medium and large hotels. Only 1880 hotels have taken star classification in India, of which majority is 3 star hotels i.e 564. However, more than 40,000 hotels have listed themselves on Nidhi 2.0 portal. This shows that hotels are not taking star classification for 1 of various reasons. Mr.Jaison Chako (Chief Secretary of FHRAI) says there would be estimated more than 80,000 hotels in India and many of them are in oblivion and are looking for the right platform for generating more sales. Small Indian hotels are underrepresented in the Indian economy as there is no direct mechanism of knowing their contribution. Lot of time studies are conducted around 5 star, 4 star hotels, and the challenges of small hotels remain unknown. Efforts of small hotels get cumulatively added in the SME Service sector of India and don’t get the right recognition. Aiming further at understanding the barriers and facilitators for small hotels in India, the study identifies the inaccessibility of hotels, lack of basic amenities such as water, poor infrastructure, expensive amusement tax, insufficient government support, and natural disasters as key obstacles.

The report concludes that the Hospitality industry faces similar challenges irrespective of the star ratings they have taken from the Ministry of tourism (MOT). MOT has to work more in order to reduce the challenges of operating a hotel in India. They should be whitelisted by financial authorities and there should be more branches of banks in hilly areas as hotels there want easy availability of loans. Moreover, uniformity in GST will help them invest their saved energy & money in more important activities like hiring, training, and branding. Not having its own IT team is the major challenge in managing a business in post covid era. Hotels prefer long-term growth rather than short-term. Therefore it is important for authorities too to invest time in this industry which is so serious about sustainability.

TripClap Platform provides technology solutions, visibility, compliance, and segmentation and satisfies the needs of both travelers and travel companies.

Get ready to put your best foot forward as the iconic footwear brand Regal Shoes launches its newest footwear store at Shop no. 7 – 10, Nirala Bazar. Whether you need shoes for work, play, or a special event, the Regal Shoes store has something for everyone. The store brings the latest in premium footwear styles that you won’t find anywhere else, housed in a beautifully designed concept store that is a pleasure to shop in.

The new Regal Shoes store brings you a collection of fashion-forward footwear and bags that cater to every style and preference. From men’s and women’s work wear, loafers, sneakers, flats, ethnic styles, and party wear – this new collection has it all. The store also boasts a wide array of Indian and international brands such as Birkenstocks, Florsheim, Clarks, and Skechers, making this the ultimate one-stop footwear destination.

Since 1955, Regal Shoes has carved a niche for fashion enthusiasts and trendsetters across India. Through its collections of premium footwear and accessories, they have been delivering style and elegance to Indian customers through stores across Indian cities and a website that ships across India.

Regal Shoes is widely acknowledged as a legacy brand that is India’s first premium footwear destination. With the addition of this store, more fashion is accessible to the discerning Regal customers. So step up your fashion game and upgrade your shoe collection with designs that are not only comfortable but stylish.

Imran Virji, CEO and MD, of Regal Shoes says, ‘Regal Shoes has been serving style-savvy shoppers across India – including in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik – for decades and we are now extremely proud and honoured to announce the inauguration of our Regal store in Nirala Bazar.’

Get ready to put your best foot forward as the iconic footwear brand Regal Shoes launches its newest footwear store at Shop no. 7 – 10, Nirala Bazar. Whether you need shoes for work, play, or a special event, the Regal Shoes store has something for everyone. The store brings the latest in premium footwear styles that you won’t find anywhere else, housed in a beautifully designed concept store that is a pleasure to shop in.

The new Regal Shoes store brings you a collection of fashion-forward footwear and bags that cater to every style and preference. From men’s and women’s work wear, loafers, sneakers, flats, ethnic styles, and party wear – this new collection has it all. The store also boasts a wide array of Indian and international brands such as Birkenstocks, Florsheim, Clarks, and Skechers, making this the ultimate one-stop footwear destination.

Since 1955, Regal Shoes has carved a niche for fashion enthusiasts and trendsetters across India. Through its collections of premium footwear and accessories, they have been delivering style and elegance to Indian customers through stores across Indian cities and a website that ships across India.

Regal Shoes is widely acknowledged as a legacy brand that is India’s first premium footwear destination. With the addition of this store, more fashion is accessible to the discerning Regal customers. So step up your fashion game and upgrade your shoe collection with designs that are not only comfortable but stylish.

Imran Virji, CEO and MD, of Regal Shoes says, ‘Regal Shoes has been serving style-savvy shoppers across India – including in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik – for decades and we are now extremely proud and honoured to announce the inauguration of our Regal store in Nirala Bazar.’

New Delhi; 21 April 2023: On World Heritage Day, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, launched an online gallery on its own website to promote handicrafts made by local artists from communities in its operational areas. To begin with, the online gallery showcases beautiful pieces of Dhokra metal work and Saura paintings for purchase, based on popular demand. Through this initiative, Vedanta Aluminium aims to widen the reach of the unique art and culture that the company nurtures in its vicinity, across the world. The gallery will thus provide artisans in remote areas the opportunity to increase their earnings. The online gallery, which can be accessed at https://vedantaaluminium.com/sustainability/social-impact/promoting-art-culture/, will be a virtual extension of Vedanta Aluminium’s on-ground initiatives to foster the legacy art forms of India.

Dhokra is an exquisite metalworking art form that dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization and has been a part of India’s rich handicraft legacy for nearly 5000 years. However, it was becoming a fading art in Kankeri village (Kalahandi district, Odisha) where the skill of the craft was passed down through the generations and was limited to making rudimentary trinkets, which fetched the artisans’ measly earnings. This had forced many artisans to give up Dhokra craft and migrate to other states to work as construction labourers. To revive this craft in Kankeri village, close to its plant, Vedanta Aluminium facilitated training programs in contemporary designs using traditional techniques, provided the initial seed capital for procuring metal and raw materials, and organised exhibitions and art shows to create market linkage opportunities, enabling artisans to sell their art pieces at a better price.

Akin to this, Vedanta Aluminium has also paved the way for the revival of the indigenous tribal artform of ‘Saura’ people from Odisha, who draw inspiration for the art from nature and their own way of life. The exquisite art form was first painted on the walls of homes, showcasing unique motifs depicting daily life, celebrations, animals, farmers, elements of nature, gods, natural spirits, and their ancestors. To preserve this ancient art form, which had begun fading in the face of modernity, Vedanta Aluminium is working with local artists to hone their skills, scale up their work, tap into new markets and carve a remunerative livelihood model. Going a step forward, the company is also generating interest amongst the youth and has started a training program for school students in Saura art. At the Make In Odisha Conclave 2022, Vedanta Aluminium arranged for the Saura artists to showcase their skills, which became a resounding success attracting thousands of people to see their art, thus forming the genesis for this gallery.

Working with the state government through the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), Vedanta Aluminium is helping Dhokra & Saura artists in the physical display of their products in government-run physical galleries and exhibitions. This partnership is also helping the artists access monetary grants given by the government to support artisans. This has also improved their quality of life by bringing their plight to the notice of the district administration, who then invested in infrastructure development and making available required amenities for the people.

Speaking on the occasion of World Heritage Day, Mr. Rahul Sharma, CEO – Aluminium Business, Vedanta Ltd., said, “Legacy art forms such as Dhokra sculptures and Saura paintings are a testimony to our country’s rich cultural heritage. We take pride in nurturing an ecosystem that promotes, preserves, and celebrates these beautiful cultural embodiments. On World Heritage Day, we recommit to enabling the artisans from our local communities empower themselves with modern skills and financial know-how, while we work towards increasing their visibility in national and international arenas.”

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.29 million tonnes in FY23. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 2nd in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow. www.vedantaaluminium.com

New Delhi; 21 April 2023: On World Heritage Day, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, launched an online gallery on its own website to promote handicrafts made by local artists from communities in its operational areas. To begin with, the online gallery showcases beautiful pieces of Dhokra metal work and Saura paintings for purchase, based on popular demand. Through this initiative, Vedanta Aluminium aims to widen the reach of the unique art and culture that the company nurtures in its vicinity, across the world. The gallery will thus provide artisans in remote areas the opportunity to increase their earnings. The online gallery, which can be accessed at https://vedantaaluminium.com/sustainability/social-impact/promoting-art-culture/, will be a virtual extension of Vedanta Aluminium’s on-ground initiatives to foster the legacy art forms of India.

Dhokra is an exquisite metalworking art form that dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization and has been a part of India’s rich handicraft legacy for nearly 5000 years. However, it was becoming a fading art in Kankeri village (Kalahandi district, Odisha) where the skill of the craft was passed down through the generations and was limited to making rudimentary trinkets, which fetched the artisans’ measly earnings. This had forced many artisans to give up Dhokra craft and migrate to other states to work as construction labourers. To revive this craft in Kankeri village, close to its plant, Vedanta Aluminium facilitated training programs in contemporary designs using traditional techniques, provided the initial seed capital for procuring metal and raw materials, and organised exhibitions and art shows to create market linkage opportunities, enabling artisans to sell their art pieces at a better price.

Akin to this, Vedanta Aluminium has also paved the way for the revival of the indigenous tribal artform of ‘Saura’ people from Odisha, who draw inspiration for the art from nature and their own way of life. The exquisite art form was first painted on the walls of homes, showcasing unique motifs depicting daily life, celebrations, animals, farmers, elements of nature, gods, natural spirits, and their ancestors. To preserve this ancient art form, which had begun fading in the face of modernity, Vedanta Aluminium is working with local artists to hone their skills, scale up their work, tap into new markets and carve a remunerative livelihood model. Going a step forward, the company is also generating interest amongst the youth and has started a training program for school students in Saura art. At the Make In Odisha Conclave 2022, Vedanta Aluminium arranged for the Saura artists to showcase their skills, which became a resounding success attracting thousands of people to see their art, thus forming the genesis for this gallery.

Working with the state government through the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), Vedanta Aluminium is helping Dhokra & Saura artists in the physical display of their products in government-run physical galleries and exhibitions. This partnership is also helping the artists access monetary grants given by the government to support artisans. This has also improved their quality of life by bringing their plight to the notice of the district administration, who then invested in infrastructure development and making available required amenities for the people.

Speaking on the occasion of World Heritage Day, Mr. Rahul Sharma, CEO – Aluminium Business, Vedanta Ltd., said, “Legacy art forms such as Dhokra sculptures and Saura paintings are a testimony to our country’s rich cultural heritage. We take pride in nurturing an ecosystem that promotes, preserves, and celebrates these beautiful cultural embodiments. On World Heritage Day, we recommit to enabling the artisans from our local communities empower themselves with modern skills and financial know-how, while we work towards increasing their visibility in national and international arenas.”

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.29 million tonnes in FY23. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 2nd in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow. www.vedantaaluminium.com

Bengaluru, Wednesday, 21 April 2023: JLR today announced exciting plans to accelerate its transition to become the world’s leading modern luxury car manufacturer revealing its Halewood plant, in the UK, will become an all-electric production facility and its next generation medium-size SUV architecture, electrified modular architecture (EMA), will now be pure-electric.

In an update to global media at JLR’s centre in Gaydon, Chief Executive Adrian Mardell reaffirmed the business’s commitment to its Reimagine strategy, which will reposition the company as an electric-first, modern luxury carmaker by 2030, as JLR makes strides towards its financial goals of achieving a net cash positive position by FY25 and double-digit EBIT by 2026.

JLR CEO Adrian Mardell said: “Two years ago, we launched our Reimagine strategy and since then we have made great progress, including launching two new critically acclaimed modern luxury Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, joining the Defender family, for which there is record demand. We achieved this while navigating the headwinds of the pandemic and chip shortages, and successfully ramping up production of our most profitable models to deliver profit in Q3.

“Today I am proud to announce we are accelerating our electrification path, making one of our UK plants and our next-generation medium-size luxury SUV architecture fully electric. This investment enables us to deliver our modern luxury electric future, developing new skills, and reaffirming our commitment to be net zero carbon by 2039.”

Investing in next generation electric models

Announcing news of its next generation electrification roadmap, JLR confirmed it will start to invite applications for client orders for the modern luxury all-electric Range Rover from later this year. The first of its next generation medium-size modern luxury SUVs will be an all-electric model from the Range Rover family, launching in 2025 and built at Halewood in Merseyside, in a move that further affirms JLR’s commitment to the future of the UK car industry.

And while EMA will now be electric only, as the trend to electrification in certain markets increases, JLR will retain the flexible modular longitudinal architecture (MLA) on which Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are built offering internal combustion engine (ICE), HYBRID and battery electric vehicle (BEV) options. This gives JLR uncompromised flexibility to adapt its vehicle line up to meet the needs of different markets around the world, that are moving at different speeds towards net zero carbon targets.

House of Brands

As a next step within the Reimagine strategy, it was revealed JLR will move to a House of Brands approach, to amplify the unique character of each of its brands – Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar – and accelerate the delivery of the company’s vision, to become proud creators of the world’s most desirable modern luxury automotive brands for the most discerning clients.

Commenting on the House of Brands approach, JLR’s Chief Creative Officer, Professor Gerry McGovern OBE said: “Pivotal to our Reimagine strategy is the formation of the House of Brands, which is a natural evolution, with a purpose of elevating and amplifying the uniqueness of our characterful British marques. Our ultimate ambition is to build truly emotionally engaging experiences for our clients that, overtime, will build long-term high equity for our brands and long-term sustainability for JLR.”

JLR also announced that the first of three reimagined modern luxury Jaguars will be a 4-door GT built in Solihull in the West Midlands, UK. With power output more than any previous Jaguar, a range up to 700 kms (430 miles), and with indicative pricing from £100,000, new Jaguar will be built on its own unique architecture, named JEA. More details of the new 4-door GT Jaguar will be released later this year, before going on sale in selected markets in 2024, for client deliveries in 2025.

“We have radically reimagined Jaguar as a modern luxury brand. The key to Jaguar’s transformation is that the designs convey that they are a copy of nothing,” said Professor Gerry McGovern OBE.

JLR CEO Adrian Mardell said: “With Range Rover, the original luxury SUV, available for pre-order in pure electric form later this year, and the first of three breath-taking electric reimagined Jaguar models to be launched in 2025, we are stepping into an incredibly exciting new electric era for JLR as a modern luxury business.”

Investing in JLR’s UK industrial footprint

In addition to the news that its Halewood plant in Merseyside, UK, will become an all-electric production facility and its next generation medium-size SUV architecture, electrified modular architecture (EMA), will now be pure-electric. JLR also revealed its Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, UK, currently producing Ingenium internal combustion engines for its vehicles, will have an electric future producing electric drive units and battery packs for JLR’s next generation vehicles. It will be renamed the Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre to reflect the move.

In positive news for the future of the historic Castle Bromwich site, JLR confirmed that its stamping facilities that prepare pressed body metalwork for JLR’s vehicles will be expanded to play a key role in the company’s electric future, by providing body work for next generation electric vehicles. JLR continues to explore options for other parts of the Castle Bromwich site.

Bengaluru, Wednesday, 21 April 2023: JLR today announced exciting plans to accelerate its transition to become the world’s leading modern luxury car manufacturer revealing its Halewood plant, in the UK, will become an all-electric production facility and its next generation medium-size SUV architecture, electrified modular architecture (EMA), will now be pure-electric.

In an update to global media at JLR’s centre in Gaydon, Chief Executive Adrian Mardell reaffirmed the business’s commitment to its Reimagine strategy, which will reposition the company as an electric-first, modern luxury carmaker by 2030, as JLR makes strides towards its financial goals of achieving a net cash positive position by FY25 and double-digit EBIT by 2026.

JLR CEO Adrian Mardell said: “Two years ago, we launched our Reimagine strategy and since then we have made great progress, including launching two new critically acclaimed modern luxury Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, joining the Defender family, for which there is record demand. We achieved this while navigating the headwinds of the pandemic and chip shortages, and successfully ramping up production of our most profitable models to deliver profit in Q3.

“Today I am proud to announce we are accelerating our electrification path, making one of our UK plants and our next-generation medium-size luxury SUV architecture fully electric. This investment enables us to deliver our modern luxury electric future, developing new skills, and reaffirming our commitment to be net zero carbon by 2039.”

Investing in next generation electric models

Announcing news of its next generation electrification roadmap, JLR confirmed it will start to invite applications for client orders for the modern luxury all-electric Range Rover from later this year. The first of its next generation medium-size modern luxury SUVs will be an all-electric model from the Range Rover family, launching in 2025 and built at Halewood in Merseyside, in a move that further affirms JLR’s commitment to the future of the UK car industry.

And while EMA will now be electric only, as the trend to electrification in certain markets increases, JLR will retain the flexible modular longitudinal architecture (MLA) on which Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are built offering internal combustion engine (ICE), HYBRID and battery electric vehicle (BEV) options. This gives JLR uncompromised flexibility to adapt its vehicle line up to meet the needs of different markets around the world, that are moving at different speeds towards net zero carbon targets.

House of Brands

As a next step within the Reimagine strategy, it was revealed JLR will move to a House of Brands approach, to amplify the unique character of each of its brands – Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar – and accelerate the delivery of the company’s vision, to become proud creators of the world’s most desirable modern luxury automotive brands for the most discerning clients.

Commenting on the House of Brands approach, JLR’s Chief Creative Officer, Professor Gerry McGovern OBE said: “Pivotal to our Reimagine strategy is the formation of the House of Brands, which is a natural evolution, with a purpose of elevating and amplifying the uniqueness of our characterful British marques. Our ultimate ambition is to build truly emotionally engaging experiences for our clients that, overtime, will build long-term high equity for our brands and long-term sustainability for JLR.”

JLR also announced that the first of three reimagined modern luxury Jaguars will be a 4-door GT built in Solihull in the West Midlands, UK. With power output more than any previous Jaguar, a range up to 700 kms (430 miles), and with indicative pricing from £100,000, new Jaguar will be built on its own unique architecture, named JEA. More details of the new 4-door GT Jaguar will be released later this year, before going on sale in selected markets in 2024, for client deliveries in 2025.

“We have radically reimagined Jaguar as a modern luxury brand. The key to Jaguar’s transformation is that the designs convey that they are a copy of nothing,” said Professor Gerry McGovern OBE.

JLR CEO Adrian Mardell said: “With Range Rover, the original luxury SUV, available for pre-order in pure electric form later this year, and the first of three breath-taking electric reimagined Jaguar models to be launched in 2025, we are stepping into an incredibly exciting new electric era for JLR as a modern luxury business.”

Investing in JLR’s UK industrial footprint

In addition to the news that its Halewood plant in Merseyside, UK, will become an all-electric production facility and its next generation medium-size SUV architecture, electrified modular architecture (EMA), will now be pure-electric. JLR also revealed its Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, UK, currently producing Ingenium internal combustion engines for its vehicles, will have an electric future producing electric drive units and battery packs for JLR’s next generation vehicles. It will be renamed the Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre to reflect the move.

In positive news for the future of the historic Castle Bromwich site, JLR confirmed that its stamping facilities that prepare pressed body metalwork for JLR’s vehicles will be expanded to play a key role in the company’s electric future, by providing body work for next generation electric vehicles. JLR continues to explore options for other parts of the Castle Bromwich site.

New Delhi, April 21, 2023: Mobile connectivity, internet banking, gender issues, and empowering women were debated threadbare at a conference hosted by Grameen Foundation India (GFI) here on April 19.

The conference, themed “Driving Financial Inclusion in India’s Hinterland”, was organized in partnership with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The conference promoted collaborative innovation to empower communities, particularly women, for a sustainable financial future in India’s hinterland.

Grameen also presented four knowledge products to the audience based on their previous work and future recommendations for the industry, namely, Gender Mainstreaming in BC Networks: Grameen’s I-CARE Framework, Exploring the effectiveness of low-cost marketing strategies in BC Networks, Assisted e-commerce and ONDC: A new revenue source for BC Agents in India, and Women Friendly Micro Saving Products.

Purna Roy Chowdhury, Associate Director – Gender and Women’s Economic Empowerment, Grameen Foundation India, said: “Grameen’s innovative approach dismantles gender barriers, ensuring women’s equal access and participation in BC networks, as highlighted in the released today titled ‘Gender Mainstreaming in BC Networks: Grameen’s I-CARE Framework and ‘Women Friendly Micro Saving Products’.

“Grameen is revolutionizing financial inclusion by bridging the gap with last-mile delivery services, empowering BC networks to thrive, following the ecosystem-based approach,” added Piyush Singh, Director – Innovations in Digital Finance, Grameen Foundation India.

The conference featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, fireside chats, and exhibitions focused on the role of digital innovation, gender sensitivity, and scalable solutions in driving financial inclusion.

Speakers included Jayshree Vyas, Managing Director, Shree Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank; Chetna Gala Sinha, Founder, Mann Deshi; Pawan Bakhshi, India Lead for Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Jiji Mammen, Executive Director, and CEO, Sa-Dhan; and Sunil Kulkarni, CEO, BCFI.

Jiji Mammen, Executive Director & CEO of Sa-Dhan, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to financial health. “Financial inclusion is not just about access to financial services. It’s about empowering individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions and achieve economic stability. This conference provided an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and work towards this common goal.”

Jayshree Vyas, Managing Director of Sewa Bank, delivered the keynote speech on Innovations in Financial Inclusion: India’s Financial Inclusion Story. Vyas said, “The progress made in financial inclusion in India is commendable, but there is still much work to be done. This conference shed light on the innovations and interventions that can revolutionize financial access and empower the unbanked population.”

New Delhi, April 21, 2023: Mobile connectivity, internet banking, gender issues, and empowering women were debated threadbare at a conference hosted by Grameen Foundation India (GFI) here on April 19.

The conference, themed “Driving Financial Inclusion in India’s Hinterland”, was organized in partnership with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The conference promoted collaborative innovation to empower communities, particularly women, for a sustainable financial future in India’s hinterland.

Grameen also presented four knowledge products to the audience based on their previous work and future recommendations for the industry, namely, Gender Mainstreaming in BC Networks: Grameen’s I-CARE Framework, Exploring the effectiveness of low-cost marketing strategies in BC Networks, Assisted e-commerce and ONDC: A new revenue source for BC Agents in India, and Women Friendly Micro Saving Products.

Purna Roy Chowdhury, Associate Director – Gender and Women’s Economic Empowerment, Grameen Foundation India, said: “Grameen’s innovative approach dismantles gender barriers, ensuring women’s equal access and participation in BC networks, as highlighted in the released today titled ‘Gender Mainstreaming in BC Networks: Grameen’s I-CARE Framework and ‘Women Friendly Micro Saving Products’.

“Grameen is revolutionizing financial inclusion by bridging the gap with last-mile delivery services, empowering BC networks to thrive, following the ecosystem-based approach,” added Piyush Singh, Director – Innovations in Digital Finance, Grameen Foundation India.

The conference featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, fireside chats, and exhibitions focused on the role of digital innovation, gender sensitivity, and scalable solutions in driving financial inclusion.

Speakers included Jayshree Vyas, Managing Director, Shree Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank; Chetna Gala Sinha, Founder, Mann Deshi; Pawan Bakhshi, India Lead for Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Jiji Mammen, Executive Director, and CEO, Sa-Dhan; and Sunil Kulkarni, CEO, BCFI.

Jiji Mammen, Executive Director & CEO of Sa-Dhan, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to financial health. “Financial inclusion is not just about access to financial services. It’s about empowering individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions and achieve economic stability. This conference provided an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and work towards this common goal.”

Jayshree Vyas, Managing Director of Sewa Bank, delivered the keynote speech on Innovations in Financial Inclusion: India’s Financial Inclusion Story. Vyas said, “The progress made in financial inclusion in India is commendable, but there is still much work to be done. This conference shed light on the innovations and interventions that can revolutionize financial access and empower the unbanked population.”