Latest news with #Cartier
Forbes
7 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Customer Trust Can Shield Your Business In A Crisis
If there's one certainty in these volatile times, it is that the threat of large-scale, disruptive cyber-attacks is here to stay. From US school districts to major brands like Marks & Spencer (M&S), Cartier and Adidas, organisations across multiple industries and regions have experienced severe cybersecurity breaches – with fallout lasting weeks and sometimes months. The attackers don't seem to differentiate by size, industry, or age – indeed, even ransomware extortion group Lockbit suffered a breach of their own in May. Any organisation is a potential target and there's no room for complacency. This is now an everyday reality for modern businesses. If there's one certainty in these volatile times, it is that the threat of large-scale, disruptive ... More cyber-attacks is here to stay. Long-term reputational damage The immediate disruption for companies and customers can be severe, ranging from empty supermarket shelves to payment outages and long delays in online orders. Attacks can also result in serious data breaches, potentially heightening the onward risk of fraud attacks against their customers. In the UK, Deutsche Bank estimated that the recent cyberattack and resulting outages have been costing M&S £15m a week in lost profits, and the issue looks set to continue through the summer. And in the long term, disruptions of this scale can often erode consumer trust. Earlier this year, we conducted extensive research into the key factors influencing perceptions of an organisation's reputation, as well as the impact of customer service failures on long-term reputation and customer engagement. Our data shows that 61% of customers who experienced a major customer service failure feel it has eroded their trust in the organisation. What's even more concerning is that 24% of customers have avoided using an organisation after experiencing a major customer service failure, and a further 30% say they will avoid using the business if they can. This highlights the impact on customer confidence that cyber-attacks and other forms of service disruption can have, leading to longstanding reputational damage. Earning goodwill However, organisations that focus on the right things can mitigate these impacts in significant ways. What we have seen from the M&S case is, even while suffering catastrophic financial damages, brands who have achieved consistently high levels of customer satisfaction retain goodwill, loyalty, and even sympathy from their customers. This ultimately should lead to a faster, smoother recovery once things come back online, with – most importantly – a reduced reputational impact. So, what lessons can be learned? For me, it's about building a strong reputation for excellent service, showing that you genuinely care about your customers, and communicating with authenticity and honesty during times of crisis. Embedding a culture of service from the boardroom right down through the business will also better connect your organisation with your customers, which creates a bank of goodwill to fall back on when disaster strikes. The importance of communication Today's consumers are used to receiving constant information and updates. Our risk and reputation research, which I referenced earlier, shows that customers who have experienced a major customer service failure look to their phones, live websites and apps for information and want updates to reach them there. Companies need to meet this demand to retain their support, demonstrate transparency and honesty about the scale of disruption to their services, be clear about the consequences that may have occurred and issue apologies and updates to customers across all available touchpoints to ensure they are kept informed. Additionally, a consistent, human approach to crises can reduce negative responses from many customers and, in many cases, inspires warmth and sympathy for the brand or organisation. And if the disruption is large-scale and likely to create severe negative backlash, having the head of your organisation remain visible and publicly acknowledge the issue adds a personal face to your organisation, which can be critical. Customers who have experienced a major customer service failure look to their phones, live websites ... More and apps for information and want updates to reach them there. No room for complacency All of this being said, brands with a good record of customer service shouldn't be complacent. Consumer patience and understanding will only go so far. Recent developments have served as a wake-up call to many business leaders about the importance of ongoing investment in sophisticated cybersecurity systems and the risks associated with overreliance on technology. Businesses with well-trained service and operational people can adapt in the face of systems failures to ensure the show goes on. Crises are inevitable, whether due to cyber-attacks, power outages or something else unexpected. Brands can't afford to be reactive. How would your organisation respond to a high-profile operational challenge, and will your customers support your recovery or jump ship to a rival given the opportunity?
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Doubts after 'unprecedented' arrests over luxury fakes
Three men accused of running a multimillion-dollar fake luxury goods empire have been bailed after a lawyer's extraordinary claim governments may be complicit by receiving tax on their sales. Brothers Ahmad Kase Siddiqi, 30, and Ahmad Jawade Siddiqi, 33, as well as Shadi Skaf, 30, have been charged over the sale of everything from counterfeit Rolex watches to Cartier bracelets and Louis Vuitton bags. When police raided their homes on Wednesday, they seized high-end cars including a Mercedes AMG and Lamborghinis. But as a bail hearing resumed on Friday the trio's lawyers maintained it was unclear what crime the accused men had committed. The federal government might be "aiding and abetting" or "conspiring" with the men by taking their income tax, Jawade Siddiqi's barrister Steven Boland alleged. While police have said the scheme netted about $9.75 million in profits, that figure came from bank records stretching back to 2017. Court documents indicate the alleged offences - which include dealing with the proceeds of crime - only took place from 2022. There had also been no concealment of business activity, lawyers argued. Mr Boland told Parramatta Local Court the decision to charge his client was "unprecedented" because police did not make more of an effort to shut down counterfeit sales at markets. "If it's really criminal to import these items, to sell them and to knowingly import these items, you shouldn't be able to walk into a market ... and buy them," he told the court. "There's no government information to that effect, just a suburban police station laying a charge." There were no allegations of fraud, but a breach of intellectual property made by police, rather than brand owners, Mr Boland argued. "It's not clear the brand owners even know or care," he said. Describing the strength of the prosecution case as "moderate", Magistrate Emma Manea bailed the trio on strict conditions. She found issues surrounding the date range of the alleged offending, along with what type of offence underpinned their dealing with proceeds of crime charges. Bail conditions included paying a $50,000 surety, reporting to a police station twice a day, not using social media and not associating with one another. During their raids earlier this week, officers confiscated a cache of more than 500 counterfeit luxury items, such as handbags, sneakers and watches - all imported from China - across three sites. More than $250,000 in cash and a gel blaster firearm were also seized. Fake watches of "extremely good quality" that resembled genuine articles worth more than $20,000 were sold to customers for $800 apiece, police said. Police allege more than one of the trio was receiving Centrelink payments while benefiting from the proceeds of their crimes. The allegedly tainted assets were now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission, its executive director said. Three men accused of running a multimillion-dollar fake luxury goods empire have been bailed after a lawyer's extraordinary claim governments may be complicit by receiving tax on their sales. Brothers Ahmad Kase Siddiqi, 30, and Ahmad Jawade Siddiqi, 33, as well as Shadi Skaf, 30, have been charged over the sale of everything from counterfeit Rolex watches to Cartier bracelets and Louis Vuitton bags. When police raided their homes on Wednesday, they seized high-end cars including a Mercedes AMG and Lamborghinis. But as a bail hearing resumed on Friday the trio's lawyers maintained it was unclear what crime the accused men had committed. The federal government might be "aiding and abetting" or "conspiring" with the men by taking their income tax, Jawade Siddiqi's barrister Steven Boland alleged. While police have said the scheme netted about $9.75 million in profits, that figure came from bank records stretching back to 2017. Court documents indicate the alleged offences - which include dealing with the proceeds of crime - only took place from 2022. There had also been no concealment of business activity, lawyers argued. Mr Boland told Parramatta Local Court the decision to charge his client was "unprecedented" because police did not make more of an effort to shut down counterfeit sales at markets. "If it's really criminal to import these items, to sell them and to knowingly import these items, you shouldn't be able to walk into a market ... and buy them," he told the court. "There's no government information to that effect, just a suburban police station laying a charge." There were no allegations of fraud, but a breach of intellectual property made by police, rather than brand owners, Mr Boland argued. "It's not clear the brand owners even know or care," he said. Describing the strength of the prosecution case as "moderate", Magistrate Emma Manea bailed the trio on strict conditions. She found issues surrounding the date range of the alleged offending, along with what type of offence underpinned their dealing with proceeds of crime charges. Bail conditions included paying a $50,000 surety, reporting to a police station twice a day, not using social media and not associating with one another. During their raids earlier this week, officers confiscated a cache of more than 500 counterfeit luxury items, such as handbags, sneakers and watches - all imported from China - across three sites. More than $250,000 in cash and a gel blaster firearm were also seized. Fake watches of "extremely good quality" that resembled genuine articles worth more than $20,000 were sold to customers for $800 apiece, police said. Police allege more than one of the trio was receiving Centrelink payments while benefiting from the proceeds of their crimes. The allegedly tainted assets were now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission, its executive director said. Three men accused of running a multimillion-dollar fake luxury goods empire have been bailed after a lawyer's extraordinary claim governments may be complicit by receiving tax on their sales. Brothers Ahmad Kase Siddiqi, 30, and Ahmad Jawade Siddiqi, 33, as well as Shadi Skaf, 30, have been charged over the sale of everything from counterfeit Rolex watches to Cartier bracelets and Louis Vuitton bags. When police raided their homes on Wednesday, they seized high-end cars including a Mercedes AMG and Lamborghinis. But as a bail hearing resumed on Friday the trio's lawyers maintained it was unclear what crime the accused men had committed. The federal government might be "aiding and abetting" or "conspiring" with the men by taking their income tax, Jawade Siddiqi's barrister Steven Boland alleged. While police have said the scheme netted about $9.75 million in profits, that figure came from bank records stretching back to 2017. Court documents indicate the alleged offences - which include dealing with the proceeds of crime - only took place from 2022. There had also been no concealment of business activity, lawyers argued. Mr Boland told Parramatta Local Court the decision to charge his client was "unprecedented" because police did not make more of an effort to shut down counterfeit sales at markets. "If it's really criminal to import these items, to sell them and to knowingly import these items, you shouldn't be able to walk into a market ... and buy them," he told the court. "There's no government information to that effect, just a suburban police station laying a charge." There were no allegations of fraud, but a breach of intellectual property made by police, rather than brand owners, Mr Boland argued. "It's not clear the brand owners even know or care," he said. Describing the strength of the prosecution case as "moderate", Magistrate Emma Manea bailed the trio on strict conditions. She found issues surrounding the date range of the alleged offending, along with what type of offence underpinned their dealing with proceeds of crime charges. Bail conditions included paying a $50,000 surety, reporting to a police station twice a day, not using social media and not associating with one another. During their raids earlier this week, officers confiscated a cache of more than 500 counterfeit luxury items, such as handbags, sneakers and watches - all imported from China - across three sites. More than $250,000 in cash and a gel blaster firearm were also seized. Fake watches of "extremely good quality" that resembled genuine articles worth more than $20,000 were sold to customers for $800 apiece, police said. Police allege more than one of the trio was receiving Centrelink payments while benefiting from the proceeds of their crimes. The allegedly tainted assets were now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission, its executive director said. Three men accused of running a multimillion-dollar fake luxury goods empire have been bailed after a lawyer's extraordinary claim governments may be complicit by receiving tax on their sales. Brothers Ahmad Kase Siddiqi, 30, and Ahmad Jawade Siddiqi, 33, as well as Shadi Skaf, 30, have been charged over the sale of everything from counterfeit Rolex watches to Cartier bracelets and Louis Vuitton bags. When police raided their homes on Wednesday, they seized high-end cars including a Mercedes AMG and Lamborghinis. But as a bail hearing resumed on Friday the trio's lawyers maintained it was unclear what crime the accused men had committed. The federal government might be "aiding and abetting" or "conspiring" with the men by taking their income tax, Jawade Siddiqi's barrister Steven Boland alleged. While police have said the scheme netted about $9.75 million in profits, that figure came from bank records stretching back to 2017. Court documents indicate the alleged offences - which include dealing with the proceeds of crime - only took place from 2022. There had also been no concealment of business activity, lawyers argued. Mr Boland told Parramatta Local Court the decision to charge his client was "unprecedented" because police did not make more of an effort to shut down counterfeit sales at markets. "If it's really criminal to import these items, to sell them and to knowingly import these items, you shouldn't be able to walk into a market ... and buy them," he told the court. "There's no government information to that effect, just a suburban police station laying a charge." There were no allegations of fraud, but a breach of intellectual property made by police, rather than brand owners, Mr Boland argued. "It's not clear the brand owners even know or care," he said. Describing the strength of the prosecution case as "moderate", Magistrate Emma Manea bailed the trio on strict conditions. She found issues surrounding the date range of the alleged offending, along with what type of offence underpinned their dealing with proceeds of crime charges. Bail conditions included paying a $50,000 surety, reporting to a police station twice a day, not using social media and not associating with one another. During their raids earlier this week, officers confiscated a cache of more than 500 counterfeit luxury items, such as handbags, sneakers and watches - all imported from China - across three sites. More than $250,000 in cash and a gel blaster firearm were also seized. Fake watches of "extremely good quality" that resembled genuine articles worth more than $20,000 were sold to customers for $800 apiece, police said. Police allege more than one of the trio was receiving Centrelink payments while benefiting from the proceeds of their crimes. The allegedly tainted assets were now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission, its executive director said.
Perth Now
14 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Doubts after 'unprecedented' arrests over luxury fakes
Three men accused of running a multimillion-dollar fake luxury goods empire have been bailed after a lawyer's extraordinary claim governments may be complicit by receiving tax on their sales. Brothers Ahmad Kase Siddiqi, 30, and Ahmad Jawade Siddiqi, 33, as well as Shadi Skaf, 30, have been charged over the sale of everything from counterfeit Rolex watches to Cartier bracelets and Louis Vuitton bags. When police raided their homes on Wednesday, they seized high-end cars including a Mercedes AMG and Lamborghinis. But as a bail hearing resumed on Friday the trio's lawyers maintained it was unclear what crime the accused men had committed. The federal government might be "aiding and abetting" or "conspiring" with the men by taking their income tax, Jawade Siddiqi's barrister Steven Boland alleged. While police have said the scheme netted about $9.75 million in profits, that figure came from bank records stretching back to 2017. Court documents indicate the alleged offences - which include dealing with the proceeds of crime - only took place from 2022. There had also been no concealment of business activity, lawyers argued. Mr Boland told Parramatta Local Court the decision to charge his client was "unprecedented" because police did not make more of an effort to shut down counterfeit sales at markets. "If it's really criminal to import these items, to sell them and to knowingly import these items, you shouldn't be able to walk into a market ... and buy them," he told the court. "There's no government information to that effect, just a suburban police station laying a charge." There were no allegations of fraud, but a breach of intellectual property made by police, rather than brand owners, Mr Boland argued. "It's not clear the brand owners even know or care," he said. Describing the strength of the prosecution case as "moderate", Magistrate Emma Manea bailed the trio on strict conditions. She found issues surrounding the date range of the alleged offending, along with what type of offence underpinned their dealing with proceeds of crime charges. Bail conditions included paying a $50,000 surety, reporting to a police station twice a day, not using social media and not associating with one another. During their raids earlier this week, officers confiscated a cache of more than 500 counterfeit luxury items, such as handbags, sneakers and watches - all imported from China - across three sites. More than $250,000 in cash and a gel blaster firearm were also seized. Fake watches of "extremely good quality" that resembled genuine articles worth more than $20,000 were sold to customers for $800 apiece, police said. Police allege more than one of the trio was receiving Centrelink payments while benefiting from the proceeds of their crimes. The allegedly tainted assets were now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission, its executive director said.
West Australian
14 hours ago
- Business
- West Australian
Doubts after 'unprecedented' arrests over luxury fakes
Three men accused of running a multimillion-dollar fake luxury goods empire have been bailed after a lawyer's extraordinary claim governments may be complicit by receiving tax on their sales. Brothers Ahmad Kase Siddiqi, 30, and Ahmad Jawade Siddiqi, 33, as well as Shadi Skaf, 30, have been charged over the sale of everything from counterfeit Rolex watches to Cartier bracelets and Louis Vuitton bags. When police raided their homes on Wednesday, they seized high-end cars including a Mercedes AMG and Lamborghinis. But as a bail hearing resumed on Friday the trio's lawyers maintained it was unclear what crime the accused men had committed. The federal government might be "aiding and abetting" or "conspiring" with the men by taking their income tax, Jawade Siddiqi's barrister Steven Boland alleged. While police have said the scheme netted about $9.75 million in profits, that figure came from bank records stretching back to 2017. Court documents indicate the alleged offences - which include dealing with the proceeds of crime - only took place from 2022. There had also been no concealment of business activity, lawyers argued. Mr Boland told Parramatta Local Court the decision to charge his client was "unprecedented" because police did not make more of an effort to shut down counterfeit sales at markets. "If it's really criminal to import these items, to sell them and to knowingly import these items, you shouldn't be able to walk into a market ... and buy them," he told the court. "There's no government information to that effect, just a suburban police station laying a charge." There were no allegations of fraud, but a breach of intellectual property made by police, rather than brand owners, Mr Boland argued. "It's not clear the brand owners even know or care," he said. Describing the strength of the prosecution case as "moderate", Magistrate Emma Manea bailed the trio on strict conditions. She found issues surrounding the date range of the alleged offending, along with what type of offence underpinned their dealing with proceeds of crime charges. Bail conditions included paying a $50,000 surety, reporting to a police station twice a day, not using social media and not associating with one another. During their raids earlier this week, officers confiscated a cache of more than 500 counterfeit luxury items, such as handbags, sneakers and watches - all imported from China - across three sites. More than $250,000 in cash and a gel blaster firearm were also seized. Fake watches of "extremely good quality" that resembled genuine articles worth more than $20,000 were sold to customers for $800 apiece, police said. Police allege more than one of the trio was receiving Centrelink payments while benefiting from the proceeds of their crimes. The allegedly tainted assets were now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission, its executive director said.
Vogue Singapore
a day ago
- Business
- Vogue Singapore
Vogue's Watches Report: The new daily timepiece is here
Courtesy of Cartier A ladies' timepiece used to be a bit of an afterthought for many watchmakers. Going by the releases and design trends this year at Watches and Wonders, the world's biggest horological showcase, that is surely no longer. Pursuits of beauty, poetry and (surprise!) usefulness are making the ladies' category perhaps the most exciting it's ever been. In this series of Vogue Watch Reports, we curate 2025's most noteworthy releases from Geneva. Here, a look at a new generation of luxury daily watches. A luxury timepiece is an investment, to be sure, and one evergreen category is the everyday watch. Something that is well-made, beautifully designed and stylistically versatile to carry you through most occasions. Sophisticated and understated to take you from workdays to the evening, or even weekends and special occasions. Thanks to the trend for smaller case sizes, brands like Bell & Ross are following suit. This year, it introduces the smallest watch in its contemporary catalogue: the 36mm BR-05 Auto, pictured here with a grey dial. Courtesy of Bell & Ross A new generation of 'dailies' emerged this year, thanks in part to the growing trend of smaller case sizes. What's interesting is that these watches, even as they have been rescaled to slighter proportions, are being imagined for wrists of any gender. It's the rare sweet spot of a nearly-universally flattering case size. Somewhere between 32 to 36mm, and which fits most wearers. In design, there's also a shift from delineating daintiness for women. That sort of outmoded thinking has gone out the window. Watchmakers are recognising that the (very large) market of women are just as like to be in pursuit of an investment timepiece that doesn't infantilise their tastes. (Read: make it small, put a battery in it, and placate with some diamonds.) Good! It's driving the design brief of a modern luxury daily watch in a challenging but ultimately rewarding direction. A bit of reassuring heft and substantiality, coupled with essential elegance and style. Courtesy of Cartier 1 / 6 A classic, rejigged The appeal of a classic is a proven, enduring design. Which is why the matter of even a few millimetres in difference can be exciting: it opens up plenty more wearable possibilities. Cartier, for instance, has debuted a new small size for its contemporary Santos de Cartier that recalls some of the most desirable vintage models. Santos de Cartier small model in stainless steel, $8,750 Courtesy of A. Lange & Söhne 2 / 6 As for A. Lange & Söhne, its new 34mm 1815 models offer a traditional, understated look that is impeccably elegant. It's one of the German watchmaker's most discreet, yet tremendously chic designs: a classical three-hand watch that gets all of its details just right. It's powered by a hand-wound manufacture movement, newly developed for the watch and the brand's 75th since it was re-established in modern form. And despite its small case size, this new movement promises a 72-hour power reserve. A. Lange & Söhne 1815 34mm in white gold, price upon request Courtesy of Patek Philippe 3 / 6 A nifty square A square, geometric watch face is unique in a sea of circular models and easy enough to wear on the daily. The Cubitus, Patek Philippe's newest collection, welcomes a new 40mm model this year in options of white or rose gold that shrinks its casual chic look just a smidge to fit nearly every wrist. It's an investment to be sure, but the Cubitus is finding its place as one of the revered watchmaker's most brisk, energetic designs in its contemporary catalogue. Patek Philippe Cubitus ref. 7128/1G-001 40mm in white gold, $110,900 Courtesy of Bell & Ross 4 / 6 At Bell & Ross, meanwhile, its signature circle-in-a-square design inspired by aeronautical equipment gets monumentally downsized to an elegant 36mm in the new BR-05. Bell & Ross BR-05 36mm in stainless steel with an ice blue dial, $6,000 Courtesy of Montblanc 5 / 6 A sporty look When it comes to a sports watch, there are generally two aesthetic camps. The first is a tool watch, inspired by divers, chronographs and such. Look to Montblanc's Iced Sea Automatic Date 0 Oxygen, now available at 38mm with frosty gratté-boisé dials crafted with an ancestral technique. Worn on a rubber strap, its all-white look is sporty yet chic; or swap it out for a steel bracelet for a touch of metallic contrast. This year, Montblanc is also rolling out its 0 Oxygen update across its watches. Essentially, oxygen is removed entirely from the insides of the case. This is meant to reduce oxidative wear, so the brand's watches last longer between services—a thoughtful feature available on new models introduced this year, and which can also be applied to prior models as an upgrade. Montblanc Iced Sea Automatic Date 0 Oxygen 38mm in stainless steel, from $4,900 on a rubber strap Courtesy of IWC 6 / 6 The other look of a sports watch is a sturdy, luxury design with an integrated bracelet. This is the archetype minted in the 1970s, and which has endured for over five decades. The reason for its staying power is simple: steel lasts a long time with minimal babying, and a subtly sporty look is congruent with the more casual dress codes of today. IWC has taken the temperature of the times, and scaled its Ingenieur Automatic to a nifty new 35mm size. It's part of the Schaffhausen manufacture's refresh of the collection, and this new case size comes in options of full steel with a silver or black dial, or 5N gold with a matching golden dial. IWC Ingenieur Automatic in stainless steel, $10,500 Vogue Singapore's June 2025 'Gold' issue is available on newsstands and online.
