1. Employers
tourism.government.bg – Minister Miloshev: The seasonal nature of work is one of the main reasons for the labor shortage
Published: 20.04.2024/12/40 XNUMX:XNUMX
The Minister of Tourism held a meeting with representatives of the hotel industry "The seasonal nature of the work is one of the main reasons for the labor shortage. Difficulties in issuing work visas and work permits to persons from third countries, by the institutions responsible for this in our country, also have a negative impact on the process of hiring workers for the industry", said the Minister of Tourism Evtim Miloshev during his meeting Bulgaria association of hotel management professionals and Hotel Forum. The organizations indicated that, in addition to the stated reasons, the positive image of the branch is extremely important the employers from the Bulgarian tourism sector. "There is something to be done in the direction of Bulgarians working in tourism, because things are complex and communication-related. Due to the frequent restrictions surrounding the pandemic caused by Covid-19, our business has acquired the name of a bad employer. And this is not so. It could be said that most of the hoteliers are better employers from a number of others in various industries," pointed out Georgi Duchev, executive director of the Bulgarian Association of Hotel Management Professionals. Duchev also emphasized the fact that interest in professions in the tourism sector is decreasing worldwide and our country is no exception. During the meeting, the question of the categorization of accommodation in the online booking platforms was also raised, and Minister Miloshev emphasized that he stands behind the business, so that a favorable environment for the development of the Bulgarian tourism industry is ensured.
pzdnes.com - The people are in vain, employers are suffering, workers are taking holidays
Published: 19.04.2024/17/10 XNUMX:XNUMX
"People are massively submitting requests for leave on May 2, and we can't refuse them." - they complained employers from Pazardzhik. The situation is worst in the agricultural holdings, where there is currently work "for all the Chinese people", but the hired workers want to rest instead of relying on the saying that "a day feeds a year". "If we refuse them, they will take sick leave and still not be here, so at least they will be counted as having used a regular or unpaid day," say restaurant owners. "It seems that we will be working instead of the waitresses," they added. Such is the situation throughout the country, according to a sociological survey, which was announced on Bulgaria ON AIR. Officials and workers in the private sector say that they have never received double wages even though they work on public holidays. That's why they don't regret the employers and they prefer to relax in the company of their loved ones, instead of hanging out in the store or delivering food between the tables. In May, there are 6 public holidays and public holidays throughout the month. May 1st (Wednesday) is Labor Day and is an official holiday. May 3 (Good Friday of Holy Week) and May 4 (Holy Saturday of Holy Week) are official holidays for Easter. And on May 5 (Sunday) is Easter itself - the Orthodox community celebrates the Resurrection of Christ. May 6 is St. George's Day - Day of Courage and the Bulgarian Army. There really aren't many weekends here, but they fall comfortably during the week. If you take the 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th of May (only 5 days off), you will actually be off for almost 2 weeks, with 2 weekends available. Of course, if you have the opportunity, you can also take April 29 (Monday) and April 30 (Tuesday) and you will have 16 full days off. So your last day of work will be April 26 and you won't return to work until May 13. And all this with just 7 days off. The next batch of May holidays is at the end of the month. May 24 (Friday) is the Day of Bulgarian Enlightenment and Culture and Slavic Writing and is an official holiday. Here you will get 3 days off because of the weekend. If, however, you have the opportunity, you can take a leave from May 20 (Monday), which is also a non-school day, until May 23 (Thursday), and so for 4 days of leave you will get a little more than a week (+ the previous weekend - 18 and 19 may). In the second option, your last day of work will be May 17 and you will return on May 27.
struma.com - What are the staffs that will be most in demand in the coming years
Published: 20.04.2024/18/25 XNUMX:XNUMX
The data on what personnel vocational education prepares showed (we wrote about it) that in this academic year the intake of auto technicians and restaurateurs is the largest, and locksmiths and welders are relatively few.
It is interesting to see how vocational education corresponds to the demand in the labor market, according to an analysis by the Institute for Market Economy. The study of the labor force needs of the Employment Agency (EA) shows what are the short-term and long-term needs of personnel, including those with professional qualifications, writes . Pariteni.bg
Employers state that in the next 12 months they plan to hire nearly 270 workers. Among those with professional education, the highest needs are for machine operators (14 thousand), tailors (8 thousand), cooks (8 thousand) and builders (7 thousand). A comparison with the data for vocational education admissions in 8/6 shows that there will again be large structural gaps between labor demand and supply. Of the 8 professions with the greatest shortage for next year, there are no admissions to vocational education at all for three (driver of public transport vehicles, carer and cashier). In other 3 professions (e.g. locksmith, social assistant, welder) the intake is relatively low – less than 2023 people in the country, or less than 2024% of the total intake. That is, in 20 of the 12 professions with the highest expected need, the system of vocational education currently prepares few or no personnel, according to the IPI.
Among the 20 professions, the share of learners exceeds those in demand only in the preparation of cooks and electricians - they are respectively 3% and 7% of learners and 2% and 4% of the market's personnel needs of labor.
The comparison of those who have started their professional education and the long-term needs (in the next 3-5 years), when the newly admitted young people this year will leave the school system and look for work, gives an even better idea of the correspondence between education and the labor market. Obviously, the intake in professions related to informatics (mainly programmers), in technology (technicians of transport equipment and computer systems, electricians) and in personal services (restaurateurs, cooks, hairdressers) is inflated.
According to economists, the high intake for these professions is due to various reasons. In recent years, jobs in informatics have increased sharply, although the share of those employed with acquired professional qualifications is relatively low (below 2%), and the rapid hiring of personnel in this economic activity has subsided. There remains the broader question of whether high school programmers who have opted out of university will be able to develop and add value in the global market for this type of knowledge and skills in the long term. The widespread reception of restaurateurs and chefs has a rather historical character, but unlike that of agrarian professions, which has been decreasing in recent years, it continues to be relatively high. Companies do not dare to open new jobs Much greater than the intake are the needs for professionals in business management and administration (accountants, economists), in production (technicians in industry, bakers, tailors), in health care (nurses, health assistants, technicians in optics and in orthopedics).
These data once again show that there is a gap between vocational education and the needs of the labor market. At the same time, the realization of graduates is not tracked, which in practice prevents the fulfillment of the main goal of vocational education, namely to be a direct link between the educational system and the labor market.
The regional cross-section is also important, especially given that labor mobility in Bulgaria is relatively low. The need for universal application of dual education makes it mandatory, concludes the IPI.
dartsnews.bg - We are looking for and offering jobs now also via Viber
Published: 21.04.2024/17/00 XNUMX:XNUMX
Looking for and offering a job in Bulgaria just got easier with the launch of the first portal for posting ads and applying directly through Viber. VibeJobs is a chatbot platform developed by a local technology startup in collaboration with Rakuten Viber - a world leader in the field of personal and secure communication.
The collaboration between the two companies is in line with Viber's mission to become a super app, providing an ever-widening range of innovative solutions and functionalities.
Recent trends in recruiting mean that people are increasingly willing to use mobile devices when looking for jobs, and are even more likely to apply while using them, the platform's creators say. It turns out that a huge part of the candidates prefer to communicate with employers and receive up-to-date information precisely through text messages.
VibeJobs provides just that – a flexible and efficient tool available to the widest possible range of job seekers through the Viber app. Users can benefit from an easy-to-use chatbot assistant that significantly improves communication and shortens the distance between them and the employers.
How VibeJobs works
The chatbot starts a conversation with users, acting as their career assistant. With just a few guiding questions, he creates a profile for them. Profile information is used to present a list of relevant job postings. Anyone can add an unlimited number of locations, areas of interest or experience to their profile to receive more and more accurate job offers.
From now on, the application is always done directly from the mobile phone, with just one click of the button, without the need to apply a curriculum vitae (CV), cover letter or e-mail registration.
Another great advantage of VibeJobs is that users are automatically notified with new job offers tailored to their profile. This way, the system sends relevant offers, saving them the tedious task of browsing listings. From this point of view, the platform is also extremely useful for people who are not actively looking for work, but are open to new opportunities.
Additional, the employers have the opportunity to start a chat with the candidates for a specific advertisement and specify details regarding the selection process. Applicants can use this channel of communication to monitor the progress of their application, ask questions and be informed of any changes that have occurred.
Everyone can benefit.
Chatbot is available on Viber for all job seekers. Users can find it here or by typing "VibeJobs" into Viber's search engine. Thus, they will receive a faithful assistant in finding a job.
To celebrate the launch of the platform, VibeJobs and Viber are launching a fresh and fun set of custom-made stickers that will add a touch of humor to chats between candidates and employers.
2. Business
agri.bg - Is there a change in the agricultural machinery market in Europe?
Published: 20.04.2024/11/35 XNUMX:XNUMX
The index of business the climate of the agricultural machinery market in Europe registered another month of decline. In April, it decreased from -55 to -57 points (on a scale of -100 to +100), informed the European Association of Manufacturers and Traders of Agricultural Equipment (CEMA).
52 people visited AGRA 000
According to the survey, dealer inventories in most European markets are significantly higher than 2019, which went down in history with its high dealer inventories.
The new aggravation of business climate is due to lower business expectations. According to survey participants, the current situation is worse than it has been for more than 7 years. Only 5% of industry representatives define it as favorable.
At the same time, it should be noted that there is a stabilization of future expectations, although they are weak. Two-thirds of CEMA survey respondents expect their turnover to decline over the next six months. There are hopes for a significant improvement in order quantity in the upcoming intake. However, this indicator is not included in the calculation of the general CEMA index.
https://agri.bg/novini/cema-bez-promiana-na-pazara-na-zemedelska-texnika-v-evropa
novinite.bg – Bulgarian-Ukrainian business forum with bilateral meetings, April 25, 2024, Sofia
Published: 20.04.2024/10/30 XNUMX:XNUMX
The Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (IANMSP), together with the Bulgarian-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry and the support of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organize a Bulgarian-Ukrainian business forum with bilateral meetings, which will be held on April 25, 2024 in the Vasil Levski Hall of the Hyatt Regency Sofia Hotel in Sofia.
According to NSI data for 2023, the bilateral trade between Bulgaria and Ukraine exceeded USD 1 billion. dollars, but there is a decrease of 14,3%, compared to the realized during the same period of the previous year. Bulgarian exports to Ukraine increased by 50,6% and reached USD 537,5 million, and imports from Ukraine to Bulgaria amounted to USD 483,5 million. dollars, registering a 42,0% decline compared to the first half of 2022.
The event on April 25 aims to expand trade and economic relations between the two countries, as well as to create prerequisites for the establishment of new contacts between entrepreneurs and companies, given the complex and at the same time dynamic situation in Ukraine. In front of Bulgarian business topics related to post-war reconstruction and the opportunities that European funds will provide to Ukraine for the reconstruction of the economy and infrastructure will be discussed. The geographical proximity of our two countries through the Black Sea, as well as cultural and historical features provide an excellent opportunity to build lasting partnerships, expand traditionally good cooperation and create successful joint businesses.
Business the forum will provide an opportunity for representatives of Bulgarian enterprises from the ICT sectors, including fintech and modern technologies, energy, food industry and agriculture, logistics and infrastructure to meet new potential partners, as well as to make direct contacts with enterprises from Ukraine.
In case of interest, registration of the event profile on www.b2bconnect.bg should be done by April 22, 2024. The program of the event, as well as information about the Ukrainian companies, will be sent to those who have registered. Additional information can be obtained from Natalia Necheva at tel. 02 940 79 37 and from Nikolina Georgieva at tel. 02 940 79 77.
Participation in the event is free of charge and is organized under Project BG16RFPR001-1.002-0001 "Implementation of measures for the internationalization of Bulgarian SMEs by supporting the activities of the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises" in implementation of activity 7 "Organization and conduct of business forums, conferences, contact exchanges and others business events with bilateral meetings or networking between Bulgarian and foreign companies in the country", financed by the European Fund for Regional Development through the Program "Competitiveness and Innovations in Enterprises" 2021-2027, under which IANMSP is an institutional beneficiary.
FHM magazine, page 20 - BUSINESS GIANTS
Published: 21.04.2024/01/08 XNUMX:XNUMX
Vivacom offers a new combined offer for small and medium-sized businesses business, which is part of the campaign "Business Giants”. The owners of small and medium business can take advantage of the special offer, which includes the Unlimited 100 mobile plan, fiber optic internet with a speed of up to 200 Mbps and the business TV service EON Biz with over 120 channels with public broadcasting rights. All this for only BGN 1 per month for the first 4 months. The attractive offer is valid until April 30 for all new and existing customers business telecom customers. The Unlimited 100 subscription plan offers everything necessary for maximum efficient work of small and medium-sized companies. With him business customers receive unlimited minutes for calls and SMS, unlimited mobile Internet in Bulgaria with a speed of up to 100 Mbps, as well as 1000 additional megabytes for roaming in Serbia, North Macedonia and Turkey. The tariff plan also includes a digital subscription to Capital, as well as 128 GB of cloud space on the pCloud platform. EON Biz includes over 120 TV channels with public broadcasting rights, EON Smart TV App and the EON mobile app. High-speed optical Internet provides the small business a secure and stable Internet connection with a free Wi-Fi router and an antivirus program included, as well as the ability to add a static IP address. With this offer, Vivacom continues to follow its policy of encouraging entrepreneurs in the country by offering businesses high-quality and affordable telecommunications solutions.
http://clippingpoint.net/article/dbf5da8511f15e28fff625c545fa204517161e3d
investor.bg – Hristo Stoyanov: We will have the first venture fund in Southeastern Europe for private investments in smart infrastructure
Published: 22.04.2024/14/00 XNUMX:XNUMX
Our goal is to build the next level of venture investors to invest capital in the brightest innovative businesses, said the representative of the European Investment Fund
Has the lending model changed with investments in sustainable business models for Bulgarian companies? Will the new venture capital funds manage to keep companies in Europe and compete globally from here, and not necessarily buy a ticket to America? Investor.bg talked about these topics with Hristo Stoyanov, manager "Relations with institutional mandates, Scandinavian countries, Baltics and CEE" at the European Investment Fund. He is one of the speakers at the Investor.bg Banking Today forum, which will be held on April 25 in Sofia.
- Mr. Stoyanov, have the priorities of the European Investment Fund changed when financing projects?
– After the end of the COVID pandemic, when the EIF's activity was focused on providing quick liquidity for the small business in Europe and Bulgaria, we have largely returned to our classic business to invest in financial instruments for innovation and digitalisation, for growth and competitiveness, climate neutrality and sustainable business models for small and medium enterprises.
Last year in Bulgaria we launched two new programs that are part of the Recovery and Sustainability Plan. One is for a new generation of guarantee instruments, with which we reduce the credit risk in the debt financing of green investments of the small business and accelerating their growth and competitiveness.
We have already signed guarantee agreements with four Bulgarian banks for new loans worth over 1 billion euros in Bulgaria. One guarantee is for green credits and is launched for the first time in our country. It largely catalyzes a change in the model of business lending to the banking sector by introducing a clear methodology for defining sustainable and green enterprises and measuring the climate footprint of each investment. We are pleased with the interest and development of the Bulgarian banks in this direction.
The second new program in Bulgaria we have called the "Risk Fund for Recovery", through which we will create in the next two years probably five to eight new venture capital funds for capital investments in small and medium-sized companies. Among them, we have the ambition to be the first venture fund in Southeast Europe for private investments in smart infrastructure for green and digital transformation. We expect that by the end of 2024, the first few venture funds will already be operating on the market.
Hristo Stoyanov Hristo Stoyanov is the manager "Relations with institutional mandates, Scandinavian countries, Baltics and CEE" in the European Investment Fund. He manages the institutional mandate relationships of the EIF in Bulgaria. He joined the EIF office in Sofia as a manager in 2011, responsible for the operations of a Bulgarian holding fund, implementing financial instruments, including guarantees, start-up accelerators and venture capital. Hristo Stoyanov structures new venture capital and credit initiatives implemented through a diversified portfolio of equity funds and risk-sharing commitments to local credit institutions.
- Some time ago, you compared the innovation ecosystems of the European Union and the USA on the amount of venture capital for innovation, and it was not in favor of the Old Continent. Has this changed since there are so many new young tech companies in Europe?
- Last year, the total risk investments in the world decreased significantly, by about 40%. This is the decline in Europe as well, with some parts of the Old Continent faring significantly better than others. Central and Eastern Europe suffered very seriously. The more global picture shows that Europe shares the second largest venture capital industry with China and well behind the US. I do not think that in the foreseeable future the world leader will change. However, Europe is doing very well for risk investments in young early stage companies, the years of accelerated development are paying off. We have very developed startup ecosystems, including in Sofia.
Europe performs strongly in the so-called deep technologies and in the fintech sector. The big challenge is to start emerging global champions from these dynamic ecosystems. Because many of Europe's best innovative businesses are still selling early to global leaders from Silicon Valley or simply moving their operations across the Atlantic, America remains the largest and most liquid market for venture capital.
I am optimistic that the best is yet to come – Europe's ecosystems need to mature a bit more. We at the EIF also have more work to do in this direction.
– Do the projects that apply for financing with EIF support change?
- The EIF model is not to invest directly in companies, but to create and stimulate the financial industry to catalyze private capital to support young businesses. We see more and more quality teams of fund managers, including in Bulgaria.
There has been a big change in the last ten years, there is experience and knowledge, there is also a greater appetite from private investors to trust local teams of fund managers. For the best funds, the future is bright. Our focus is very much on building the next level of venture capitalists – bigger funds with stronger teams to invest more significant capital in the brightest innovative businesses. So that they stay in Europe and compete globally from here, and not necessarily buy a ticket to America. I believe that this change will be felt very soon.
– Can you give examples of successful companies that have developed their business with secured financing supported by the European Investment Fund?
– EIF venture funds have invested in over 100 unicorns in Europe. Among them, of course, is Payhawk. There are many more good examples in Bulgaria - from "Waltopia" to "Dronamix". Among the newer companies, I would point to Lucidlink, which recently raised a large investment round from leading global venture investors.
– What should entrepreneurs change to get the free money from the market into working projects?
- When pioneers stay true to their ideas of how to change the world, the markets will discover them. As Steve Jobs said: We exist to leave our mark on the universe. Otherwise why would we be here at all.
dnes.bg – VUZF opens its admission for masters for the academic year 2024/2025 with new and innovative programs
Published: 22.04.2024/12/55 XNUMX:XNUMX
A program aimed at non-economists and professionals working in the industry has been launched. The Higher School of Insurance and Finance (VUZF) - the top 3 economic universities in the country according to the rating system of higher schools of the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), begins its regular admission of students for study in master's programs for the new academic year 2024/2025.
And this year VUZF, one of the best private economic universities, is expanding its opportunities for professional development through its diverse master's programs. Business the university confirms its positions as a center for economic education, responding to the needs of various industries and preparing personnel who are key to their dynamic development.
For the new academic year, the Higher School of Insurance and Finance will offer new and innovative master's programs, among which is "Business management in industry'. The program is aimed at non-economists and professionals working in the industry and aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of financial markets, management principles and contemporary practices. It is suitable for individuals with no previous experience or education in the field of economics, but who wish to enter the world of finance and expand their expertise. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enabling participants to acquire the necessary skills and competencies to effectively adapt to changing market dynamics
Students will have the opportunity to choose between 13 different programs, some of which are: "Insurance business and Financial Technologies", "Finance and Environmental Accountability", "Finance, Fintech and Digital Innovations" (in partnership with the Bulgarian Fintech Association), "Green Economy and Sustainable Development", "Finance, Financial Management and Marketing", "Accounting, Audit and corporate analysis" - accredited by ACCA, "Business software and ERP platforms" (in partnership with ERP Academy), "Digital marketing and online analysis", "Bank management and investment activity" (in partnership with Fibank), "Insurance business and risk management' and 'Human resource management and leadership behaviour'.
The Graduate School also offers three master's programs taught in English: "International Banking and Finance", "Business management and marketing" and "Business software and ERP platforms'.
International lecturers participate in the English language programs of VUZF, among them Prof. Richard Werner. In 2023, he joined the academic staff of business the university. Prof. Werner is a world-renowned economist and expert whose presence contributes significantly to the academic prestige and high quality of the educational process at the university.
All programs are aligned with the latest trends and challenges in the respective professional fields, ensuring that students receive the best possible education.
Another advantage of VUZF is the Master's course timetables, which are specially designed to integrate seamlessly into the busy schedules of working professionals, with all lectures taking place on weekends in an online environment. This allows students to balance work and education while continuing to advance their careers.
Applications for master's programs in the new academic year 2024/25 are made by documents. It can take place both on-site at the university and online. In addition, students have the opportunity to take advantage of the university's flexible administrative conditions and the option to pay their semester fees in installments without incurring additional costs, which eases their entire stay at business the school.
According to the rating system of higher schools of the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) for 2024/2025, VUZF is ranked 3rd among the best universities for studying economic and financial specialties in Bulgaria. In 2023, VUZF graduates are among the highest paid economic specialists in the country, with an average taxable income of BGN 3301, according to data from the National Social Security Institute.
This success is due to a combination of up-to-date majors, internationally recognized degrees, qualified teaching staff with experience in both academia and business, as well as a strong network of business partners.
Any prospective student who wishes to receive more information about the university and choose the most suitable specialty and form of study can book an appointment by e-mail: jgeorgieva@vuzf.bg or find out more information at VUZF website - www.vuzf.bg.
bloombergtv.bg - Use the special offers of the Visa Business Hub to develop your business
Published: 22.04.2024/10/20 XNUMX:XNUMX
As a small or medium-sized business owner business, you know how important it is to have access to innovation, specialized resources and offerings to help you grow and run your organization effectively. Support the development of yours business and save time and money with the Visa online platform Business Hub.
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SME owners who seize the opportunity to expand their operations on a global scale and work with partners outside the country know how important it is to have access to reliable and professional translation services. Now, with the special offer of arte.doc, Visa business card holders receive a 10% discount to ensure quality translations of documents, texts and materials in 36 languages, combined with your deadlines, and of course you also get guaranteed confidentiality.
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In case you prefer to acquire new knowledge to develop your business or for your own personal growth, Ozone.bg offers a special offer to Visa business cardholders, who benefit from a 15% discount for books in various fields such as management, communication, entrepreneurship and many others. Regardless of the field of your business or personal goals, everyone can find inspiration and support on the road to success.
The secret ingredient to success is inspiration. Therefore, it is important that it is present everywhere around us. SME owners who want to bring the necessary dose of inspiration to their workplace can take advantage of preferential prices provided by Office 1 to renew their workspace. They offer everything you need to make your office functional and comfortable – from supplies to furniture and appliances. And now, Visa Business cardholders receive a 12% discount on the price of the necessary materials.
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http://www.turbulence.tech