Business

Rosamund Pike partner is disqualified as CEO after failing to pay almost £200,000

Published

5 years ago

November 11, 2020

The partner of Hollywood actress Rosamund Pike has been disqualified as a company director after he failed to pay nearly £200,000 to the taxman.

Robie Uniacke, 57, who is the father of the Gone Girl star’s two children, has been banned from being a company director for four years after admitting a number of offenses following an investigation into the collapse of his company Pale Fire.

Details of Mr Uniacke’s disqualification, who is 18 years Pike’s senior, come as her new film Entebbe, about the iconic 1976 rescue of hostages in Uganda by Israeli special forces, hits UK cinemas.

Ms Pike, 39, first found Hollywood fame when she was 23 alongside Pierce Brosnan in the 2002 Bond film Die Another Day – and went on to star opposite Tom Cruise and Ben Affleck.

Robie Uniacke (left), the partner of Hollywood actress Rosamund Pike (right) has been disqualified as a company director after he failed to pay nearly £200,000 to the taxman

Mr Uniacke, 57, has been banned from being a company director for four years after admitting a number of offences following an investigation into the collapse of his company Pale Fire

Details of Mr Uniacke’s disqualification, who is 18 years Pike’s senior and the father of her two children, come as her new film called Entebbe hits UK cinema screens next week

The actress, educated at the private Badminton School and Wadham College, Oxford, is believed to have started seeing Uniacke in around 2008 around the time he wound up three of his companies.

She said she was drawn to him because he was ‘the most interesting person I’ve ever come across’ and dismissed sceptics who think that a woman ‘goes for an older man because you think you’re less likely to be left by him.’

She has also credited him for helping her career, once stating: ‘I have a very clever partner who’s got a very astute mind and is very, very well read and articulate and ruthless about how something I do might play out on screen.

‘My tendency is to identify with a character and imagine there is more on the page than there is. He’s quite good at putting a check on that.’

Ms Pike, educated at the private Badminton School and Wadham College, Oxford, is believed to have started seeing Uniacke in 2008 around the time he wound up three of his companies

Mr Uniacke’s firm Pale Fire Ltd, an IT consultancy, was declared insolvent and subsequently dissolved in 2016 and the liquidator’s report states the account was overdrawn by £133,000

However the news that her Eton educated partner has been banned as a company director is likely to come as a considerable embarrassment to Pike, who has a number of new films being released after focusing on their children Solo and Atom in recent years.

Mr Uniacke’s company Pale Fire Ltd, which was an IT consultancy incorporated in 2010, was declared insolvent and subsequently dissolved in 2016 and the liquidator’s report states his account was overdrawn by £133,000.

The report states that the businessman had no income and no assets but his offer of £25,000 ‘in full and final settlement of the overdrawn…account…by a third party’ was accepted by the liquidator.

As part of the disqualification process, Mr Uniacke was obliged to set out and sign a ‘schedule of unfit conduct’ in which he admitted that ‘I failed to ensure that Pale Fire complied with its statutory obligations…and caused Pale to trade to the detriment of HMRC’ on VAT and corporation tax.

He also admitted that no payments were made to HMRC after July 2012 despite the fact that over the next two years £260,508 was deposited into his account, which then paid out £268,728.

The actress’s partner admitted that £144,060 went to himself, £10,514 on mobile phones, and £25,154 on other payments and bank charges. He ended up owing a total of £179,602 to HMRC.

The couple have a £2.3m house in Islington, north London, which they share with their sons Solo and Atom.

Despite Pike’s glittering Hollywood career, her private life has been beset by bad luck.

Her first love was actor Simon Woods, but they parted ways after he started to doubt his sexuality

The actress was engaged to director Joe Wright, but he jilted her after she sent out ‘save the date’ cards

Her relationship with film director Joe Wright ended after an alleged fall out over ‘pre-wedding postcards.’

She fared no better with her first love Simon Woods, whom she split with after two years when he decided that he was gay.

Mr Uniacke has a complicated relationship history. He married Emma Howard, the daughter of the late Earl of Carlisle, in 1983, when he was just 22 and she was 30.

They had a son but were subsequently both treated for heroin addiction and the marriage was over in a few years.

He then married interior designer Rose Batstone and they had three children.

The HMRC refused to comment and a spokesman for Rosamund Pike did not respond to a series of questions.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk

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Cheap Doesn’t Mean Cheap Looking: Affordable Hardwood Floors Trends

Published

3 weeks ago

May 31, 2025

Asripasan

Many people think that good-looking hardwood floors have to come with a high price tag. They believe that affordable options will look cheap or outdated. But that isn’t always true. You can find stylish, durable, and affordable hardwood flooring that turns any room into a high-end space.

Today, more trends are making inexpensive hardwood look luxury. Without breaking the bank, you can still get floors that impress.

Understanding the Perception of Cheap-Looking Hardwood Floors

The stigma around inexpensive flooring

Some think that cheap hardwood always means low quality. They see it as dull, thin, or poorly finished. This makes many hesitate to pick affordable options, worried about resale value or style. It’s a common myth that lower costs come with lower class.

How quality is measured

What makes hardwood high quality? Usually, it’s about thickness, finish, and grain type. Thicker planks last longer and handle wear better. A smooth, high-quality finish looks better and lasts longer. The type of wood grain can also make a big difference. Careful craftsmanship and good materials show off quality, even in affordable floors.

Affordable Hardwood Floor Trends

Trend 1: Wide Planks for a Modern Look

Wide planks are trending now because they give a room a spacious, sleek feel. These larger boards look more expensive and are often cheaper per square foot. They are easier to install and come in many finishes. Sourcing wider planks from local suppliers can save money too.

Trend 2: Reclaimed and Recycled Wood

Reclaimed wood is popular not only because it’s eco-friendly but also because it looks authentic and stylish. Every piece has character, knots, and a weathered charm that high-end flooring can’t match. Plus, using recycled wood often costs less than new, premium hardwood.

Trend 3: Natural, Neutral Color Palettes

Colors like soft browns, greys, and beige are in. These shades make floors look more upscale because they match any decor. Neutral tones also hide dirt better and create a timeless style. It’s easier to update accessories if your flooring stays simple and elegant.

Trend 4: Textured and Hand-Scraped Finishes

Texture adds depth and disguises scratches or dents. Hand-scraped or wire-brushed finishes give a crafted look without the price of custom work. Many affordable engineered hardwoods now come with these textures, saving you money while adding style.

Trend 5: Innovative, Budget-Friendly Materials

Engineered hardwood options have come a long way. They look very real, with detailed grain patterns and matte finishes. Even laminate or hybrid floors mimic the appearance of natural wood perfectly. These materials cost less but can give your space a high-end feel.

Also read: Secrets to Cleaning Your Home in Half the Time

Tips for Achieving Luxurious Looks on a Budget

Choosing the Right Grade and Finish

Select flooring grades that mimic premium styles. Premium-looking finishes like matte or satin add elegance. You don’t need the top-tier grade to get a rich look — just choose carefully and focus on finish quality.

Proper Installation Techniques

A good installation makes all the difference. Hiring a professional ensures a neat, seamless appearance. If you do it yourself, pay attention to leveling and spacing. Small efforts in installation can make affordable floors look custom and luxury.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Keeping your floors clean is key. Regular sweeping and gentle cleaning extend their life and keep them looking fresh. Avoid harsh chemicals, and use mats to trap dirt. Well-maintained floors look more expensive and last longer, even if they cost less initially.

Real-World Examples of Affordable Hardwood Success

Case Study 1: Chic Urban Apartments

A city apartment used budget-friendly engineered hardwood with a wide plank design. The result? A modern, spacious look that rivaled much more expensive choices. Reclaimed wood accents added character without extra cost.

Case Study 2: Suburban Home Renovation

A family renovated their home on a tight budget. They chose neutral, textured floors with hand-scraped finishes. Proper installation and regular care brought a touch of luxury that impressed even friends and visitors.

Expert Opinions

Many flooring specialists confirm that affordable doesn’t mean low class. Interior designers often mix budget options with high-end accessories to create stunning spaces. They say focus on finish quality, texture, and color for a luxurious look.

Conclusion

Affordable hardwood flooring can look just as classy as high-end options when you pick the right styles and techniques. Trends like wide planks, reclaimed wood, and textured finishes are making budget floors more appealing.

By focusing on quality sourcing, smart design choices, and good upkeep, you can get flooring that feels luxurious without overspending. Remember, style isn’t about cost — it’s about how you choose and care for what you have. So, don’t shy away from budget-friendly hardwood. Instead, let these trends inspire your next home upgrade.

Reference:

ARTISTIC FLOORING

Whether you’re looking for the best flooring options, need a quote, or want to schedule a free flooring consultation, we’re just a call or click away.

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Business

Why do Businesses Need Human resource Consulting Services?

Published

2 years ago

August 24, 2023

Asripasan

Human resource consulting firms play a vital role in today’s business landscape. They offer several key benefits and importance to organizations:

Expertise and Specialization:

HR consultants bring specialized knowledge and expertise to the table. They stay up-to-date with the latest HR trends, best practices, and legal regulations. This expertise is precious for businesses without dedicated HR staff or require support in complex HR areas.

Cost-Effective Solutions:

Engaging HR consultants can often be more cost-effective than hiring and maintaining an in-house HR department. Businesses can access high-quality HR services as needed, reducing fixed labor costs.

Customization:

HR consultants tailor their services to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether recruitment, employee training, or policy development, consultants design solutions that align with the organization’s unique goals and challenges.

Objective Perspective:

Consultants offer an objective and impartial perspective on HR matters. They can provide insights and recommendations without being influenced by internal biases or politics, which can be valuable for making difficult HR decisions.

Efficiency and Productivity:

HR consultants can streamline HR processes, making them more efficient. This can improve productivity, as employees spend less time on administrative tasks and more on strategic activities.

Compliance and Risk Management:

HR consultants help organizations comply with labor laws and regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues, fines, and reputational damage. They also assist in implementing best practices for risk management.

Strategic Focus:

Organizations can free up their internal resources by outsourcing HR tasks to consultants to focus on core business activities and strategic initiatives. This can lead to improved business performance and growth.

Scalability:

HR consulting firms can adapt to an organization’s changing needs. Whether a business is expanding, downsizing, or facing other transitions, consultants can provide flexible HR solutions to support these changes.

Access to Technology:

Many HR consulting firms have access to advanced HR technology and software solutions that may be cost-prohibitive for smaller organizations to implement independently. This technology can enhance HR processes and data management.

Talent Acquisition and Development:

HR consultants excel in talent acquisition and development. They can help organizations attract top talent, assess employee potential, and implement training and development programs to improve workforce skills.

Confidentiality:

HR consultants are bound by confidentiality agreements, ensuring that sensitive HR issues and employee data are handled with discretion and professionalism.

Conflict Resolution:

Consultants can mediate and assist in resolving workplace conflicts and issues, promoting a harmonious work environment.

Global Expertise:

For businesses with international operations, HR consultants with global expertise can help navigate the complexities of international HR regulations and practices.

In summary, human resources consulting firms provide valuable support to organizations by offering expertise, cost-effective solutions, and a strategic approach to managing their workforce.

Their ability to adapt to changing needs, ensure compliance, and improve HR processes makes them an essential resource for businesses looking to thrive in today’s competitive environment.

Business

PayPal quietly reintroduces $2,500 “misinformation” fine

Published

3 years ago

October 27, 2022

Rex

Not long after issuing an apology and retracting a $2,500 fine to its users, PayPal has quietly re-introduced the fine into their terms of service and legal agreements.

If enforced, the leading payment processor could fine users the hefty $2,500 sum for spreading “misinformation,” or “hate”, or whatever they deem “unfit for publication.”

While the wording has been changed up, the company has listed several things they would consider fining users over, purely based on speech:

PayPal restricted and prohibited activities
The promotion of hate, violence, racial or other forms of intolerance that is discriminatory or the financial exploitation of a crime
Items that are considered obscene
Certain sexually oriented materials or services
Act in a manner that is defamatory, trade libelous, threatening or harassing
Provide false, inaccurate or misleading information

The original documents, which PayPal said were published in error, had much looser language on what would get users fined $2,500 over – namely the “sending, posting, or publication” of any “messages, content, or materials” that are “harmful, obscene, harassing, or objectionable.”

PayPal has seemingly taken a firm stance against adult / pornographic content in both policies, while the former prohibited things that “depict or appear to depict nudity, sexual or other intimate activities” the new policy vaguely prohibits “certain sexually oriented materials or services.”