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Survey by IRIS Software Group Reveals 90% of UK Accountants Charge Between £126 to £400 for a Tax Return

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LONDON, May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — IRIS Software Group, a leading global software provider of accounting, edtech, payroll and HR solutions, today released the results of its anonymous poll of UK-based accountants, conducted during February and March 2024. Accountants responded to 13 multiple-choice questions pertaining to pricing, AML compliance, and cybersecurity confidence.

How much do accountants charge across the UK?
Tax returns: 90% of respondents charge between £126 and £400 for a tax return. The remainder charge £400 to £600 with 1% charging over £600.Bookkeeping: 84% charge between £25 and £40 for bookkeeping per hour. The remainder charge more than £40 per hour.Set of accounts: 78% charge between £500 and £1000 for a set of accounts, with 22% charging more than £1000.Advisory services: 38% of accountants offer advisory services are part of their compliance work. 60% charge separately and 2% do not offer advisory services.Process and efficiency63% of survey respondents indicated that they need to strengthen their efficiency, yet 56% still use paper-based processes to handle anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, 72% have not mapped out and documented their processes in over 18 months, and 53% still monitor and manage workflow tasks in spreadsheets.
Cybersecurity preparedness
High cybersecurity confidence: The majority of accountants feel confident that their firms are protected against potential cybersecurity attacks, with accountants in the North West feeling the most confident (77%) and accountants in the Midlands feeling least confident (46%).Multi-factor authentication: Accountants in Scotland are more likely (62%) to utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) than those in Northern Ireland (35%). For accountants in the North West, the Midlands and the South East, MFA usage was split down the middle, with 55%, 48%, and 45%, respectively.Reliability: Only 6% of respondents in Northern Ireland experienced ‘slow downs’ in the speed of their internet connection during peak times of usage, compared with 36% in Scotland.Commenting on the research, Mark Chambers, Managing Director for Accountancy at IRIS said: “Digitisation and automation not only help accountants work smarter and spend less time on manual tasks and compliance obligations, but also free up capacity to take on higher-value advisory roles. This said, in a landscape of cybersecurity threats, it’s essential for accountancy practices to adopt multi-factor authentication and conduct rigorous evaluations of technology suppliers. The Government’s Cyber Essentials self-assessment and certification is a strong benchmark and standard to adopt.”
Notes to editors:
The anonymous IRIS poll received 139 responses.  The full dataset is available on request.
About IRIS Software GroupIRIS Software Group is a global provider of mission critical software and one of the UK’s largest privately held software companies. IRIS provides software solutions and services for finance, HR and payroll teams, educational organizations, and accountancy firms that takes the pain out of processes and lets professionals focus on the work they love. Through simplifying, automating and providing insights on everyday mission critical tasks for organizations of all shapes and sizes, IRIS ensures customers can look forward with certainty and confidence.
IRIS is the largest third-party online filer with the UK Government. Ninety-three of the top 100 UK accountancy firms use IRIS software. One in six of the UK’s workforce is paid by IRIS payroll offerings, and globally, six million employees receive their payslip via IRIS software every month. More than 850,000 UK employees are managed by IRIS HR solutions. Over 12,000 UK schools and academies use IRIS, with four million parents and guardians using IRIS apps to connect with their children’s school; 300 million messages are delivered between schools and parents each year, and over £15 million transactional payments are processed every month. IRIS is certified as a Great Place to Work® and recognized as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2023. IRIS is also recognized as one of the Best Workplaces for Wellbeing, one of the Best Workplaces in Tech and one of the Best Workplaces for Women.
To see how IRIS helps organisations get things right first time, every time, visit www.iris.co.uk or follow IRIS Software Group on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
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Global AI Summit Calls for Global Action to Guarantee AI Innovation is for the “Good of Humanity”

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh concluded on a high, after the summit welcomed more than 30,000 delegates from across the globe over three days. The live stream of the summit, organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), received 3.7m views.

Building on the success of previous editions, GAIN 2024 featured more than 450 speakers from 100 countries, participating in 150 sessions. It also witnessed over 25 launches and announcements, and facilitated the signing of over 80 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
The summit has grown exponentially since its inception in 2020. Its growing prominence reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s role in advancing AI capabilities as it positions itself as a global leader in this space.
The key output from the summit was the need for governments and policy makers to take global action to ensure that AI technology evolves for the good of humanity. Central to responsible evolution is an ethical framework and robust governance.
To support the advancement of AI ethics and governance, SDAIA announced the Riyadh Charter of Artificial Intelligence for the Islamic World in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). This promotes ethical AI grounded in Islamic values and principles, as well as sustainable development through international cooperation.
SDAIA has played a pivotal role in forging key collaborations to strengthen local and regional AI solutions, signing MoUs with Microsoft Arabia to develop Arabic language models, IBM for a Center of Excellence in Generative AI technologies, and NVIDIA to scale AI infrastructure across the Kingdom.
The summit also marked several major milestones. Alongside the unveiling of ALLaM, the world’s most advanced Arabic Language Model, other diverse initiatives such as the Global AI Community, the THAKAI Platform, and guidelines for addressing deepfake technology.
Furthermore, the launch of the Generative AI Center of Excellence by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), the agreement to open an International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) as a UNESCO Category 2 Center, further underscored the impact of GAIN 2024.
The summit itself provided the platform for companies from all over the world to showcase the latest AI technologies and innovations, including AI generated avatars, AI generated artwork, and even Robotic bar staff serving beverages.
The summit closed with an inspirational speech from the Director of Saudi Arabia’s National Information Center, His Excellency Dr. Esam Alwagait, in which he thanked participants:
“Your candid perspectives have not only inspired us with the vision of what lies ahead, but have also grounded us in the realities we must face. Together, we have not only imagined the future of AI, but have also made it real by addressing the challenges and identifying the enablers needed to truly unlock its potential.”
He added:
“It has been incredibly inspiring to see the world come together here in Riyadh, united by momentum to make AI work for everyone. The commitment to collaborative action has been evident throughout the summit.” 
The success of GAIN 2024 ensures that the Kingdom’s AI infrastructure will be significantly strengthened and has cemented Saudi Arabia position at the center of global AI.
[email protected]
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Akuvox S567G Smart Indoor Monitor Has Received Google Mobile Service Certification

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XIAMEN, China, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Akuvox has announced its S567G, an indoor monitor powered by Android™, to have received Google GMS certification. This certification ensures full support for Google Services, allowing users to download and update apps directly from the Google Play Store, including smart home control apps. It also enhances system security, protecting against malware and unauthorized access.

GMS certification involves comprehensive testing and approval by Google or a designated 3PL lab, validating security and compatibility to ensure seamless integration within the Android ecosystem. Receiving GMS certification underscores Akuvox’s leadership in the smart intercom industry. Building on its legacy as the pioneer of Android smart intercoms, Akuvox continues to elevate its Android systems with Google’s rigorous certification, offering clients flexible and sophisticated smart intercom solutions. 
The S567G’s GMS certification ensures flawless operation with key Google apps like Chrome, Gmail, YouTube, Maps, and the Play Store. Edward Shi, Product Manager of the S567G, notes, “The positive feedback we’ve received from clients, even during testing, confirms that this device is transforming daily life. It’s more than just an intercom — it’s a versatile tool, even capable of functioning as a small TV. Our team has worked tirelessly to meet the highest standards, and I’m excited to see how it enhances smart living for our users.”
The S567G’s features extend beyond intercom functionality. With four HD speakers and a 1280 x 800 IPS LCD screen, it offers an exceptional audio-visual experience, redefining the concept of an indoor monitor. Whether for entertainment or smart home control, the S567G stands out as a versatile wall-mounted tablet, bringing innovation to every interaction.
About Akuvox
Akuvox is a global leading provider of smart intercom and smart home products and solutions. It is committed to unleashing the power of technology to improve people’s lives with better communication, greater security, and more convenience. Encompassing artificial intelligence, SIP, Android, cloud, security, and other advanced technologies, Akuvox continuously drives breakthrough changes in the industry and creatively delivers an unrivaled portfolio of smart intercom and smart home products and solutions. It has been deployed and used daily in more than 110 countries and regions, meeting customer needs in various vertical markets that range from residential to commercial, from healthcare to public safety.
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SeaBubbles Accelerates Sustainable Maritime Mobility with SmartBubble and Strategic Acquisition

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SAINT JORIOZ, France, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SeaBubbles, French pioneer in zero-emission hydrofoils, strengthens its commitment to ecological transition with the launch of SmartBubble, new flying boat model combining cutting-edge technology with iconic design. This innovative vessel, designed to carry up to eight people at a speed of 16 knots (30 km/h), takes its passengers on a silent and environmentally friendly flight, ideal for water taxi services and urban transportation.

SmartBubble: Concentration of Technology and Design
Following the success of its first public line on Lake Annecy, where hundreds of passengers experienced the unique sensation of flying aboard The Bubble (4-seater model), SeaBubbles reaches a new milestone with the homologation of the SmartBubble (8-seater model) and its four patents, including retractable foils.
SmartBubble technology is geared towards energy efficiency. The submerged wings (foils) equipped with automatic flaps allow to fly at low speeds, saving 40% of energy required. This unique boat has just been presented afloat for the first time at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
SeaBubbles Strengthens Flight Control Expertise with Neocean Acquisition
SeaBubbles also announces the acquisition of Neocean technology, to accelerate the development of flight control expertise, specifically on “inverted T” foils. Neocean is renowned for developing the Overboat, foiling catamaran with proven stability and maneuverability.
SeaBubbles is a key player in hydrofoil navigation, technology that improves energy efficiency of boats, particularly electric ones. The flight control system is a central element of the flight experience: it is designed to ensure stable flight by dynamically and autonomously managing the mechanical inclination of the flaps on the trailing edges of the foils.
SeaBubbles: Vision for the Future
SeaBubbles’ ambition is to revolutionize urban and suburban maritime transport with more efficient and environmentally friendly boats. Examples such as the Calanques National Park, Norwegian fjords, alpine lakes or the canals of Amsterdam demonstrate a committed initiative towards the preservation of aquatic ecosystems by gradually banning the circulation of thermal boats.
“Foils significantly reduce the drag of our boats, allowing our hydrofoils to move more easily and with less energy than a conventional boat: a considerable gain in cost and energy,” explains Virginie Seurat, CEO of SeaBubbles. “The acquisition of Neocean marks a decisive turning point and prepares us for our industrialization phase. We are ready to redefine the pleasure of boating and offer boats that comply with increasingly stringent environmental standards, while offering unique sailing comfort – zero noise, zero waves, zero emissions.”
AxiCom for SeaBubbles, [email protected] 
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