1. As of January 1st, the minimum living wage for able-bodied individuals and the minimum wage level has changed: the minimum living wage will be 3028 UAH (previously 2684 UAH), and the minimum wage will be 7100 UAH (previously 6700 UAH). These indicators affect the unified tax for entrepreneurs of the simplified tax system groups I and II and will also lead to an increase in payments for the unified social contribution (USC). Tax payments and USC will increase by 6-13%.
2. It may seem challenging to plan anything in conditions where it is unclear what to expect tomorrow. However, planning is necessary, and it should be continuous. This is called the concept of continuous planning. It helps companies organize actions based on the analysis of potential risks, develop scenarios, and identify critical business processes, according to Elena Makarenko, the head of the “Sustainable Development” direction at the audit company “KPMG” in Ukraine.
3. The past year will remain memorable and significant for the family creative workshop “ARTBUZ,” as it participated in the international exhibition “Boutique Design New York 2023” alongside other exhibitions, creating trends in the hotel and restaurant business. For the first time, the National Pavilion of Ukraine under the FURNITURE OF UKRAINE brand was presented with the participation of 11 companies.
4. The household appliance brand “ASKO” has introduced a unique cooktop with an integrated Elevate hood for designers and kitchen manufacturers. It operates based on the intelligent Celsius Cooking system. When activated, the hood, located in the centre of the cooktop, automatically lifts. It effectively absorbs vapours and odours, featuring five operating speeds and an air purification function.
5. Even indoors, when exposed to light, untreated wood will not remain beautiful for a long time: some components, especially lignin, are broken down, which leads to a change in color. To prevent this, the ADLER company developed a colorless water-based wood stain for interior use – Lignovit Interior UV 100.
6. One of the main global furniture premieres this fall was the presentation of the BORK Interior collection by Brazilian designer Jader Almeida, who stated that his products are “more than furniture, as they were created as timeless functional objects that will serve their owners for a long time.”
7. The American company “Prometheus Material” proposed to interior designers to use ecological bioblocks instead of concrete blocks. These bioblocks are made from natural microscopic algae that sequester carbon. Combined with water, sunlight, and CO2, the material resembles calcium carbonate, similar to what coral reefs produce.
8. On February 8, 2024, the city of Lviv will host the furniture conference FURNICON. The event will bring together key players and experts in the furniture industry, government officials, and grant providers to discuss and collaboratively explore ideas and solutions aimed at further progress and development of the sector and the cluster. For more information and registration, please follow the link.
9. At the end of last year, the EU legislators approved a new European legal framework for the use and development of artificial intelligence systems, especially in the medium business segment. Regarding furniture, AI systems can assist designers in generating images and text, and for furniture manufacturers, they can improve communication with customers and enhance e-commerce offerings.
10. “Your BRAND – part of the GREAT ONE!” Under this slogan, the UAM team initiated a powerful co-branding campaign for its members. Now, every community member can gain more loyalty, trust, and contracts by promoting their brand as part of the joint brand of Ukrainian furniture – FURNITURE OF UKRAINE.You can find the brand promotion guide at the link.