Transform Your Travel Wardrobe with Uncompromising Style and Ease
Navigating Global Markets: The Birth of an Idea
As a finance executive, Erika Carrero’s professional life spanned continents, from Mexico to London, Stockholm, India, and Argentina. Each destination brought unique cultural nuances and fashion expectations. In Mexico, office attire leaned casual but demanded elegance for evening celebrations. London required polished looks while navigating extensive public transit. These diverse experiences underscored the need for versatile footwear that could adapt to various environments without sacrificing comfort. Carrero’s travels weren’t just about business; they were a wellspring of inspiration. She observed how women in different regions approached their wardrobes and realized that the perfect shoe needed to be both stylish and functional. This epiphany led her to question why women should have to choose between beauty and comfort. Her time in Silicon Valley, surrounded by innovation and problem-solving, further fueled her resolve. Enrolling in a design class at Stanford, Carrero honed her vision: creating a product that solved real-world challenges.Innovative Design Meets Timeless Craftsmanship
Drawing from her global experiences, Carrero founded Elizée, a brand that merges Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. The result is a collection of shoes designed for women who demand both elegance and ease. Every pair is crafted using premium materials and innovative designs that prioritize comfort without compromising on aesthetics. For instance, the Bella bootie offers a chic, edgy look that pairs perfectly with a black jumpsuit, making it an ideal choice for business trips to New York or factory visits in Italy.Elizée’s commitment to quality extends beyond the shoes themselves. Carrero emphasizes the importance of versatility in travel wardrobes. Neutral tones and high-quality staples form the foundation of her packing list, ensuring that each piece can transition effortlessly from day to night. Whether attending a board meeting or enjoying a sunset dinner, the right footwear can make all the difference. The Chiara block-heel sandal, for example, complements a range of outfits, from flowy dresses to tailored pants, offering both style and support.The Art of Effortless Travel
Traveling isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about experiencing every moment along the way. Carrero’s philosophy revolves around prioritizing comfort and versatility. On a recent trip to Costa Rica, she relied on the Brigitte wedge, which proved indispensable for everything from upscale resort dinners to exploring natural hot springs. Wedges provide the perfect balance of height and comfort, making them an ideal choice for vacations where looking put-together is essential but so is feeling at ease.Carrero’s approach to travel is simple yet effective: stick to neutral colors, invest in high-quality pieces that can adapt to multiple occasions, and always pack shoes that support you through every step. Years of navigating airports, foreign cities, and shifting time zones have reinforced her belief that the best travel memories come from the destination—not from aching feet. Elizée embodies this philosophy, proving that style and comfort can indeed coexist, no matter where your journey takes you.UK-based independent finance provider Time Finance has announced an upward revision of its financial outlook for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. The company attributes this positive shift to sustained trading momentum and record-breaking revenues over the first nine months of FY 2025. With a focus on expanding its asset lending portfolio, Time Finance has seen significant growth in both revenue and profit, setting new benchmarks for future performance.
The revised projections anticipate at least £36 million in revenue and £7.5 million in pre-tax profit for FY 2025. This marks a notable improvement from previous estimates set in November 2024. Additionally, the company's asset lending portfolio has surpassed £100 million for the first time, reflecting a strategic emphasis on secured lending and invoice finance.
Enhanced Financial Projections Reflect Strong Trading Momentum
Time Finance has experienced consistent growth throughout the first nine months of the current fiscal year. The company's latest financial update reveals that it is on track to exceed market expectations, driven by robust trading performance. Revenue and profit before tax are projected to reach at least £36 million and £7.5 million, respectively, surpassing earlier forecasts. This optimistic outlook underscores the company's ability to capitalize on favorable market conditions.
During the first half of FY 2025, Time Finance reported a 16% increase in revenue, reaching £18.2 million compared to £15.7 million in the same period last year. Profit before tax also saw a substantial rise of 44%, climbing to £3.9 million. These figures highlight the company's strong operational performance and effective management strategies. The upward revision in financial projections reflects Time Finance's commitment to maintaining positive momentum through disciplined business practices and strategic investments. Furthermore, the company plans to release its Q3 trading update on March 25, 2025, providing further insights into its ongoing success.
Strategic Growth in Asset Lending Portfolio Drives Expansion
A key driver behind Time Finance's impressive financial performance is the rapid expansion of its asset lending portfolio. As of January 31, 2025, the portfolio has reached £103 million, marking a 21% increase from the previous year-end and a remarkable 222% surge since the launch of its strategic growth plan in June 2021. This consistent month-on-month growth demonstrates the company's dedication to expanding its own-book secured lending operations.
The growth in the asset lending portfolio is integral to Time Finance's broader strategy of increasing its total lending book to over £300 million by 2028. By focusing on secured lending and invoice finance, the company has successfully positioned itself as a leader in these sectors. As of January 31, 2025, the combined hard asset and invoice finance books accounted for 80% of the group's total lending portfolio. This strategic approach not only enhances the company's financial stability but also supports its long-term growth objectives. The continued expansion of the asset lending portfolio signifies Time Finance's commitment to delivering value to its clients and stakeholders while maintaining a strong market presence.
Despite a challenging financial year, Liverpool Football Club has demonstrated resilience and growth in various areas. The club reported an annual pre-tax loss of £57 million up to May 31, 2024, marking a significant increase from the previous year's deficit. However, this period also saw a rise in overall revenue by £20 million to reach £614 million for the 2023-2024 season. Commercial income surged by £36 million, surpassing the £300 million mark for the first time, driven by enhanced partnerships and retail activities. This fiscal year encompassed Jurgen Klopp's final season as manager, during which Liverpool secured third place in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup. The club invested heavily in new talent, spending approximately £165 million on four players, while facing a drop in media revenue due to the absence from the Champions League. Despite these challenges, the club remains committed to financial sustainability and has emerged as the strongest brand in the Premier League.
The 2023-2024 fiscal year was marked by notable achievements and financial adjustments for Liverpool FC. Under the leadership of former manager Jurgen Klopp, the team clinched the Carabao Cup and finished third in the Premier League. The club's commercial success was highlighted by its record-breaking commercial revenue of £308 million, primarily fueled by robust partnerships and retail ventures. The opening of the new Anfield Road Stand contributed to a £22 million boost in matchday revenue, reaching £102 million. However, administrative expenses, particularly salaries and overhead costs, rose sharply, totaling £600 million. This increase in operating costs reflects the growing demands of maintaining a top-tier football club. The departure of Klopp and his staff resulted in severance payments of £9.6 million, adding to the financial pressures faced by the club.
Despite the financial challenges, Liverpool FC made strategic investments in player acquisitions. The club spent around £165 million on bringing in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch. These additions aimed to bolster the squad's strength and competitiveness. The absence from the Champions League led to a £38 million decline in media revenue, dropping to £204 million. Nevertheless, the club's performance in the Premier League improved, resulting in higher domestic media revenue compared to the previous season. This balance between increased revenue streams and rising operational costs underscores the club's ongoing efforts to maintain financial stability.
Liverpool FC has also seen remarkable growth in its brand presence and social media engagement. The club generated 1.5 billion fan engagements and added a record 37 million followers to its social channels. According to Brand Finance's 2024 report, Liverpool now holds the title of the strongest brand in the Premier League. Jenny Beacham, the club's chief finance officer, emphasized the importance of sustaining financial health amid rising costs. She noted that over the past eight years, matchday costs have risen by nearly 80%, and staff costs have increased by 86% since 2018. Moving forward, the club remains focused on expanding its income sources to ensure long-term financial stability. Under the new management of Arne Slot, Liverpool currently leads the Premier League with a commanding 13-point advantage over Arsenal, signaling a promising future for the club.