Depending upon the prime factorization is considered to be the best possible way of breaking down the number into the simplest building blocks so that people can make the right kind of decisions and are further able to keep their information safe and secure. This is considered to be the best possible way of ensuring that fractions become very much easy to deal with so that kids can involve themselves in the best possible decisions all the time.
Following are the very basic points which the kids need to take into consideration associated with the prime factorization so that everything becomes easy to implement:
Factorization can be considered as the process of breaking down a number into smaller parts and these parts or factors will be multiplying to each other to give out the original number.
It is very much important for the kids to review the prime numbers because the prime numbers will always have two factors which will be themselves and one. Any of the kids cannot break it down to any other numbers and the goal of prime factorization is to keep breaking the number down until only prime numbers are left. This concept is very much successful in terms of handling the fractions and making them easy to use and compare.
Starting with a number and for this purpose speaking the non-prime number greater than three is a good idea.
Then factor it into any two numbers and for this purpose, people need to find out any two numbers that will multiply together to make the number with which people have started. One good strategy used to try dividing the number by two, then three and then five so that people always move in the right direction utilisation of the prime numbers.
Making the factors is the best possible way of ensuring that people can keep track of the factorization problem very easily. To start, oneperson can simply draw two branches and split down the original number very easily. Now they need to write only two factors at the end of all these branches so that they can deal with things perfectly.
Now one will need to factor the next line of the numbers and for this purpose being clear about the prime and several other kinds of things is very much important so that the factor tree can be continued without any kind of hassle.
Bringing down the prime numbers is another very important thing to be taken into consideration because this will be the best way of bringing it down to the next line with its single branch. There is no way to break it down further so people needto keep track of things perfectly.
The kids should keep factoring until they are left with only prime numbers and have a check on things side-by-side so that overall goals are efficiently achieved.
Now people can use the final line as the prime numbers because they have reached the prime factorization as the last line of numbers written as a multiplication problem with which people can also crosscheck if they are correct or not.
One can also go with the option of simplifying the exponents which makes the prime factorization very much easy to read so that overall goals are efficiently achieved and there is no confusion inthe whole process.
The utilisation of the prime factorization is very much important and some of the cases include at the time of finding the greatest common factor, at the time of simplifying the fractions, at the time of using the least common multiple or at the time of addition of the fractions this particular concept is very much important to be used. Hence, depending upon platforms like Cuemath is a very good idea so that kids have a good command of this topic and can score well in the exams.
In response to the mounting pressures faced by postmasters across the UK, the Post Office has unveiled a centralised wellbeing platform aimed at simplifying access to support resources.
Post Office said the surge in shoplifting and violent incidents, documented in the 2024 ACS Crime Report, has only intensified the demand for comprehensive support.
With shoplifting on the rise year-on-year since 2021, and the Christmas trading period presenting heightened risks due to increased footfall and stock levels, the wellbeing of postmasters has become a pressing concern.
The new wellbeing platform, accessible via the Branch Hub app, provides a single point of access to a range of resources designed to meet Postmasters' immediate and ongoing needs. It is divided into three sections:
‘I Need Help Right Now’: Offers urgent support, including access to emergency services, mental health first aiders, , area and business support managers and organisations like Samaritans.
‘More Support and Guidance’: Provides practical tools such as security advice, social media abuse resources, and connections to organisations like Citizens Advice and Mind.
‘Access Community Support’: Encourages peer connections through WhatsApp and Facebook groups, as well as in-person meetings.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Post Office, the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters (NFSP), and Voice of the Postmaster, underscores a shift towards a more cooperative approach between historically independent groups, and creates a shared wellbeing network that is accessible to all postmasters, regardless of affiliation.
Mark Eldridge, postmaster experience director at Post Office, said the initiative will ensure that anyone who needs help can find it quickly and easily.
“It’s about creating a culture of care and resilience in the face of the challenges our postmasters face every day. If the initiative means helping just one postmaster, then we have done our job successfully,” Eldridge added.
Tony Fleming, postmaster at Thorne Post Office, shared how the initiative provided vital support following a traumatic armed robbery at his branch.
“It was incredibly difficult for the person faced with this violent threat, as well as the wider team. It’s a traumatic experience to go through as part of your day job and having the immediate support of the Wellbeing resource was invaluable – it really was wellbeing personified and gave me and everyone in the branch the support to get back to doing what we do best, serving our fantastic community in Thorne,” Fleming said.
Paul Patel, a Hampshire-based postmaster, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the platform’s ability to combat isolation and foster collaboration:
“It has been a difficult time for all postmasters who continue to serve their communities every day often feeling alone in their daily work life. It’s such a privilege to collaborate across the network to support Postmasters wellbeing from forming friendships to guiding for more professional support.”
Christine Donnelly of the NFSP highlighted the initiative’s accessibility and symbolic value.
“From a postmaster perspective this works on several levels. It is an easily accessible resource that offers advice and facts, but it also says by implication that we care, that participants from different areas of the business recognised a need and worked together to make it the best it could be,” Donnelly noted.
“It says you are not alone or the only one - how can you be if there is a whole site available?”
The Post Office plans to evolve the platform based on postmaster feedback, ensuring it remains relevant to emerging challenges.
Earlier this week, Post Office has announced a £20 million boost for postmasters to address their concerns that their income has not kept up with inflation over the past decade.
Both independent postmasters and Post Office’s retail partners that operate branches on its behalf will receive the top-up payment ahead of Christmas. The top-up payment will be based on both the standard fixed and variable remuneration the branch received in November.
Independent retailers have weathered one of their most challenging years in 2024, with multiple headwinds affecting the sector, according to the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira).
With pressures mounting throughout the year, independent retailers have faced an increasingly difficult trading environment marked by changing consumer behaviour and economic uncertainties.
"2024 has presented unprecedented challenges for independent retailers,” said Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira. “Consumer spending on non-food items has declined significantly, while persistent footfall problems and fragile consumer confidence have impacted high streets nationwide. Despite inflation coming under control, interest rates are falling slowly, affecting both business and consumer spending."
"The retail landscape has become increasingly competitive, with large chains implementing deeper and longer discount periods. The rise of ultra-fast fashion retailers like Shein and Temu has created additional pressure on margins, whilst deflation on non-food items has further squeezed profits," he added.
The sector has also grappled with retail crime, with Bira's latest survey showing 78.79 per cent of businesses reporting increased frequency or severity of theft incidents.
Research from PwC earlier this year also highlighted the scale of the challenge, with 6,945 outlets shutting – equating to 38 store closures per day, up from 36 per day in 2023. The figure outnumbered the rate of new store openings, which rose modestly to 4,661, averaging 25 openings each day.
Mr Goodacre said: "The key difficulties independent retailers are grappling with include low consumer demand, as consumer confidence remains fragile and shoppers are highly value-focused. Independent shops struggle to compete on price as large chains are able to discount more deeply and for longer periods."
Looking ahead to 2025, retailers face new challenges. He added: "Medium-sized retailers will see a significant increase in employment costs, while thousands of smaller retailers will be hit with higher business rates as relief drops from 75per cent to 40 per cent."
However, Mr Goodacre said he sees reasons for optimism and added: "We expect 2025 to bring some positive changes. Wages are set to rise faster than inflation, which should boost consumer spending. Both inflation and interest rates should continue to fall, helping to rebuild consumer confidence."
"The circular economy presents a growing opportunity for independent retailers, and with economic growth set to improve, we anticipate better trading conditions. While challenges remain, independent retailers who stay adaptable and resilient will find opportunities in the year ahead."
Nestlé Waters is facing a potential halt to its production of the iconic Perrier mineral water in southern France due to health risks, French media reported.
A confidential report published by French newspaper Le Monde and Radio France revealed that health authorities are recommending a production stoppage due to concerns over the sanitary quality of the water source.
Le Monde said the sparkling water brand, obtained at its source in Vergèze in the Gard prefecture, is under threat of losing its natural mineral water label, noting that “a confidential report from the Occitanie regional health agency leaves little room for any other outcome” and that the “blow could be fatal for Perrier”.
The report, citing an inspection conducted at the Perrier bottling plant in Vergèze, highlights the “regularly degraded sanitary quality” of the water catchment areas. Specifically, the report points to a “virological risk” associated with the water source.
In response to the findings, the regional health agency (ARS) has “invited” Nestlé Waters to “strategically consider another possible food use for the current mineral water catchments,” contingent upon the provision of “additional health safety guarantees.”
Nestlé Waters has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the potential production stoppage. However, the company has previously acknowledged contamination issues at the Vergèze site. In April this year, authorities ordered the destruction of millions of Perrier bottles due to “fecal” contamination detected in one of the water sources.
“Presented at the time by Nestlé and the prefecture as a one-off event linked to intense rainfall, this situation was in fact the consequence of a general deterioration in the quality of the groundwater exploited by Nestlé at Vergèze,” said Le Monde.
The future of the brand and its production site in Vergèze will be decided by the Gard prefecture, which must rule on Nestlé’s application in October 2023 to renew the operating permit for the ‘Perrier spring’. The prefecture told the paper that the decision could be made in the “first half of 2025” after receipt of an “opinion by approved public health hydrogeologists”, in addition to the ARS report.
Earlier in September, Nestlé Waters has agreed to pay €2 million (£1.7m) to close French probes over illegal wells and treatment of mineral water.
The deal ends preliminary probes into the use of wells without authorisation and fraud for filtering its mineral waters - a practice that is illegal in France where mineral waters are supposed to be natural.
The Swiss group will in addition spend €1.1m over two years on projects to restore the environment in several French towns where it operates.
Leading confectionery wholesaler Hancocks has revealed their 2025 Valentine’s Day confectionery collection.
Retailers are being told of the must-stock sweets in order to make the most of the romantic season.
The range includes Valentine’s gifting options, novelty lines and impulse products perfect for driving Valentine’s Day confectionery sales.
Hancocks said themed pick n mix sweets are expected to be popular ahead of the holiday, with the wholesaler stocking an excellent variety of heart-shaped treats that retailers can add to their in-store displays.
The Valentine’s pick n mix selection includes a range of delicious sweets, including Kingsway Gummy Hearts, Barratt Jelly Love Hearts, Vidal Triple Hearts and Kingsway Mallow Hearts.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Hancocks have added to their Bonds Pun Box range. New to the gifting range include the I Love You Berry Much and You’re One In a Melon pun boxes.
The Bonds Candy Cups are one of the most popular lines from the brand and their dessert-inspired pick-n-mix cups are perfect for gifting.
The Berry Mess Mix Candy Cup 360g RRP £3.50 includes a delicious assortment of fruit flavour jelly sweets, candy-topped white chocolate candies and marshmallows.
Also available from the range of Candy Cups are the Sweet Vibes Freakshake Cups in three tasty flavours - Banana, Strawberry and Choc-a-Lot, RRP £3.50.
Each cup is packed to the brim with delicious sweets in a convenient, hygienic and recyclable cup format that is easy to merchandise in store, making them perfect for gifting seasons.
Premium gifting is also a must-stock in the lead up to Valentine’s Day. Anthon Berg offers a range of premium gifting options, giving a range of choice to shoppers.
The iconic Chocolate Liqueurs are bottle-shaped dark chocolates filled with famous spirit brands from across the globe. Recently, Anthon Berg have worked with expert mixologists to develop delicious cocktail recipes including Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Espresso Martini, Vodka Mule, Pina Colada and Lemon Drop.
The newest addition to the Anthon Berg range is the Anthon Berg Baileys Treats box. They’re delicious milk chocolates filled with cream liqueur flavoured marzipan.They come with 7 individually wrapped chocolates in a 175g beautifully designed dual-branded gift box.
A top seller year on year from the Hancocks range are the Chocolate Flavour Candy Roses, a novelty favourite which can be merchandised for Valentine’s and Galentine’s events.
“We’re happy to offer retailers a chance to provide their customers with a wide selection of delicious Valentine’s Day treats,” Kathryn Hague, Head of Marketing at Hancocks, said.
“Valentine’s Day offers an excellent opportunity to drive confectionery sales. Shoppers love looking for themed treats when it comes to new seasons, and now Valentine’s Day is celebrated by more people as people also enjoy ‘Galentine’s Day’ events with friends.
“Confectionery is still seen as an affordable gifting option, so we’re expecting to see a lot of people treating their loved ones with delicious sweets and chocolates during this year's romantic holiday.
“Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to drive sales and encourage gifting by stocking plenty of seasonal gifting lines.
“To maximise sales, we advise retailers to create eye-catching Valentine’s displays and position them at the end of the aisles for optimal visibility.”
Fed member and Northern district president Martin Ward recently took to the airwaves to slam the rise in shoplifting saying, “it is an everyday occurrence” and opening his doors on a morning fills him with dread.
On Tuesday morning, December 17, Mr Ward, who owns Cowpen Lane News, in Billingham, joined other concerned members of the public to discuss the damming effects of retail crime with Nicky Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Retail crime in its true nature has blighted retail over recent years and still there is very little being done. An increase of 28 per cent on 2023 reporting levels of shoplifting was reported by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) earlier this year.
Introduced to the show, Mr Ward advised how, for him, “It is an everyday occurrence unfortunately, now, you don’t know what you’re going to get when you open the doors every morning. It has definitely got a lot worse over the last five to ten years.”
Mr Campbell pressed Martin, asking how members of the public can help. “Should I shout or stop them?” he asked.
Martin replied: “Shouting at them is fine, as long as you are at a distance. The problem you’ve got is these people are dangerous, they don’t want to get stopped, they’ll do whatever they need to not get stopped.”
Martin then recounted when three shoplifters came into his store and, after narrowly missing them to challenge the assailants, he later learnt from the police that one of the criminals was known to carry a knife.
When discussing what actions members of the public could perform to stop this, Michael, a recently retired former police inspector who was also on the call, said that anyone who reports shoplifting, public or shopkeeper, needs to be clear.
He said: “You have got to report it every time. You may or may not get the response you hoped for. Sometimes we would listen to a 999 tape of a report that someone had a shoplifter in the store, and when we got there we would find out there was a violent robbery with a weapon.
“It is really important when ringing the police to actually mention what is happening. If there are weapons involved or violence threatened, please say that as there will be someone who decides which 999 calls get priority and the rule of thumb with those decisions is people become a bigger priority than property every single day.
“If the shoplifting is in progress and involves violence, it is a 999 call every time and you need to mention the violence and that it is ongoing, as that does affect the assessments and priority of the call.”
However, it was also discussed just why witnesses don’t want to get involved and simply let the criminals get away with it, as Martin also explained: “I understand why people do it, they don’t want to get involved, they don’t want to have to go to court and don’t want to make witness statements.
“What I have found with shoplifters is, if you are watching them, they don’t do it directly in front of you, so if everyone is watching it there might be less of it. But it does run the risk that they may just move on to somewhere else.”