Monthly Archives: June 2020

Motoring, News

ELMTRONICS and The Algorithm People join forces to help businesses reduce carbon and cut costs

ELMTRONICS and The Algorithm People, two of the North East’s leading electric vehicle specialists, have joined forces to provide a new way for vehicle operators to reduce costs and cut carbon emissions.

The partnership creates a new way for businesses to decarbonise their fleets and provides a proven charging solution tailored to customers needs.

The Algorithm People, based in Newcastle, are the leading EV optimisation experts while Co. Durham based Elmtronics are the UK’s largest installer of electric vehicle charging points.
Colin Ferguson, CEO of The Algorithm People, said: “We are excited to partner with Elmtronics, which has built a great reputation across the UK for providing high quality EV charging infrastructure.

“By working together, we can provide our clients accurate, expert advice on the electrification process. This includes planning which vehicles EVs can replace, as well as optimising the deployment and use of EVs and their charging infrastructure.”

The Algorithm People provide data-based analysis of a company’s vehicle operations, enabling them to pinpoint which vehicles and routes are best suited to electrification. Their software also optimises the use of EVs once they are deployed, helping customers to achieve the best possible return on investment.

Elmtronics provides intelligent EV charging infrastructure to some of the largest private and public sector organisations in the UK. Its solutions include load-balancing for charging multiple vehicles at the same time, along with user-friendly dashboards and management reports.

Dan Martin, CEO of Elmtronics, said: “Accurate data analytics from The Algorithm People really helps to build the business case for adoption of EVs. It also provides further assurance that the charging infrastructure we provide is perfectly tailored to meet each client’s operational needs.”

Furthermore, the agreement will enable Elmtronics to offer its customers a way to reduce costs and carbon emissions from their diesel and petrol-powered vehicles. Developed by The Algorithm People, My Transport Planner is a unique, web-based pay-as-you-go vehicle planning tool, which is ideal for operations where vehicles visit multiple sites per shift. By optimising route planning and vehicle utilisation, My Transport Planner can cut total fleet mileage by up to 20 per cent, translating into savings on fuel costs and emissions.

“Deploying My Transport Planner is the first step towards creating a decarbonisation road map,” said Colin Ferguson. “It generates substantial savings which can then be reinvested in EVs, creating a virtuous cycle of reductions in emissions and overheads.”

The companies are jointly hosting a series of free webinars for organisations interested in finding out more about this new initiative. Anyone interested in attending a webinar should email info@elmtronics.co.uk.

COVID-19, News

Touchless Fever Detection to Help Fight COVID-19

The TALL Group of Companies has partnered with international leading kiosk manufacturers imageHOLDERS to tackle Covid-19 in public spaces throughout the UK. Companies across a variety of industries are now ordering the new Guardian Kiosk, an all-in-one Touchless Fever Detection solution to protect people in spaces that require visitor management. The kiosk, that can be customised or is ready to use out-of-the-box, features an integrated fever detection camera to provide companies with a practical solution for fast and reliable fever screening.

As companies begin to safely open their workspaces, the priority for leadership teams will be to ensure the safety of their environments amidst the Covid-19 outbreak. The Guardian Kiosk gives staff and visitors the platform to determine whether or not they are showing a key symptom of the virus and the need to put measures in place to protect those in the vicinity. The two companies behind the partnership have been working extensively to launch the Guardian Kiosk Family of products that include a variety of integrated devices suitable for a wide range of applications and offer efficient, safe and reliable control.

Martin Ruda, Managing Director of the TALL Group of Companies, said: “We know that technology can play a huge role in tackling Covid-19, and the Guardian Kiosks are doing exactly that. Using infrared thermal imaging technology and ready-to-use software for super-fast integrated fever detection, the kiosks are customisable to suit the unique visitor management and workforce challenges facing our clients. Our clients are very appreciative of the new product range of non-touch solutions, which are easy to clean and install, mains-powered with data stored via Ethernet or WiFi.”

The touchless fever detection kiosk is floor-standing and uses infrared technology to detect a fever and record a person’s temperature when stood in front of it. Companies are integrating the kiosks across key locations on their premises to ensure health and safety targets around visitor management are met during the pandemic.”

Peter Thompson, Account Director from imageHOLDERS, said: ‘We have been working with the Tall group for several years, collaborating on self service solutions for the finance sector and we look forward to supporting them and their clients with our new Guardian range. These solutions are helping to ensure the safety of employees and visitors in a whole host of organisations and are a key part of many companies strategy to get back to business.’

Background Screening, EU, News

Sterling pushes forward with European expansion

With a growing demand for local language capability as part of a global background check experience, Sterling, the leader in employee screening services, is expanding its international operations by opening a European base in Wroclaw, Poland.

While initial plans to open a physical office were delayed by COVID-19, Sterling remained resilient and hired its first employees in Poland virtually in mid-May. Since then, the business has successfully onboarded and trained all new starters to be fully operational despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.

The company’s decision to open an office in Poland was conceived as a result of extensive analysis, as well as discussions with clients where fulfilment in local languages was in high demand. This prompted Sterling to conduct a search to identify a base for a European office that could serve a multitude of markets.

After whittling down locations, Sterling selected Wroclaw, Poland, due to the country ranking highly for several criteria, with easy transport links from its UK headquarters in Swansea, and the vast array of linguistic skills available in the country. The Poland team are already serving customers and is set to quickly scale from five to 40 staff, serving 13 languages in Europe.

Steve Smith, MD of Sterling, commented on the move, stating:

“Last summer, we conducted a client advisory board meeting where businesses shared what their perception of a truly multi-lingual experience looked like. While there are great levels of language fulfilment in areas such as form-filling software, truly regional local language capabilities are far rarer. We’ve had multilingual proficiencies from our HQ in Swansea – but this move will allow our approach to flourish.”

“We are delighted with how well we have been able to get operations up-and-running in the midst of a chaotic last couple of months. All of our staff in Wroclaw are now fully operational and serving our clients, saving them time, money, and providing a more complete, holistic experience for anyone screened in these regions.”

Kate Ellis, VP EMEA Operations at Sterling, commented:

“The increasing globalised nature of business and society at large calls for a far more tailored approach when conducting crucial business processes like background checks – perhaps even more so with the rise in remote, fluid workforces that has been accelerated by recent events.”

“By ensuring there is local language expertise on the ground in Poland, Sterling will be able to take its customer fulfilment to the next level – and ultimately reduce risk for clients and candidates. We are delighted with our results so far and the speed with which staff have been trained and onboarded during COVID-19.”

“From our company analysis of our Swansea operation and business in Asia, local language capability has been shown time and again to have vastly better results. Going forward, we will also be able to offer great opportunities to our internal staff, and continue to hone our expertise. I’m truly looking forward to developing our operations further in Wroclaw to better serve our customers.”

FInance, News

Medicinal cannabis company Eco Equity undertakes second round of funding raise with £10.2m convertible loan notes offer

Medicinal cannabis firm Eco Equity has announced it has begun the second round of funding for its cultivation project in Zimbabwe. The firm is also introducing a convertible loan note instrument to investors offering 15% interest per annum in order to achieve its funding target.

After achieving its objective of raising £8.1m during the first round of funding, the company has stated its objective of raising £10.2m during the second round.

The convertible loan note is available to individuals who qualify as high net worth individuals, as well as Family Office, institutional, professional and sophisticated Investors. The loan note is also available to high net worth companies and institutions.

The loan notes shall not be redeemable and shall automatically be converted into ordinary shares in the company. The loan notes have a mandatory conversion date of 36 months from the date of the issue. The interest of 15% shall be paid annually.

Eco Equity is the first company to hold a medicinal cannabis licence in Zimbabwe and is on track to replicate the model in Antigua after positive talks between Eco Equity and the government.

Jon-Paul Doran, CEO of Eco Equity, said: “Launched two years ago, Eco Equity is cultivating and exporting from Zimbabwe as well as providing dispensary locations in Antigua. The convertible loan note instrument we are launching with a 15% return delivers on our commitment to ensuring maximum returns for our investors.

“Medicinal cannabis has proved itself to be one of the more resilient industries during the coronavirus pandemic. Having begun cultivation in Zimbabwe, we are looking forward to the next stages throughout the rest of 2020 and into 2021 as the market goes from strength to strength.”

The proceeds from the loan notes will be utilised to continue the advancement of the company’s project in Zimbabwe. Eco Equity will use the funds to obtain extraction equipment, refining equipment, and the completion of three green-housing facilities, seeds and working capital.

Eco Equity is based in London and is the pharmaceutical arm of investment vehicle JPD Capital. Eco Equity has operations in Zimbabwe with advanced plans to enter the Antiguan market. Eco Equity secured one of five licences to cultivate cannabis for medicinal purposes in Zimbabwe in late 2018. Cultivation was due to start as scheduled in the second quarter of 2020, however coronavirus has delayed that until the end of Q4 2020.

News, Property, South East

Study shows half of South East homeowners raiding holiday savings to pay for home improvements

The lockdown has led the majority of South East homeowners to make permanent changes to their house and lifestyle, a new home survey from construction company, Inno Construction, shows. Around half of those surveyed (48%) said they were diverting holiday funds to pay for home improvements, and a third of those who were planning to move house in 2020 are now staying put.

Researchers, Savanta, conducted the study for Ramsgate-based Inno Construction, with a base of 1,005 online respondents aged 18+, living in the South East of England and owning homes. Key findings included:

– Almost half (48%) would consider spending money not spent on a holiday on their home instead, with a further 20% still considering
– With the rise in home working, just over one in five people (23%) are considering making changes to help with home working space with 9% considering an extension to help with that
– While  37% want to spend less than £5,000 on home improvements this year, 19% will spend £6,000 – £9,000 and 23% plan to spend £10,000 – £19,000
– One in 20 are considering bigger home changes by budgeting £50k or more
– Almost a third (29%) have already undertaken new home improvements because of the lockdown and almost two thirds (59%) said they have been inspired to try more DIY
– However, a quarter have experienced ‘DIY disasters’ with 15% now turning to professionals to fix them

A rise in home working

With those who can work from home still being encouraged to do so, weeks after the enforced lockdown on 17th March, just over a third (34%) say they are hoping to work from home more in future, and 8% are hoping to work from home full time. Just over one in 20 are hoping to change their workspace to help with home working with 15% being frustrated with the lack of office space.

Home frustrations

A third said they were frustrated with a lack of storage at home and the same number said a lack of space was a bugbear. Meanwhile, one in five aren’t satisfied with the layout of their house and the same number aren’t satisfied with the layout of their garden. In terms of projects, four in ten are considering a bathroom update this year (the most popular home improvement) while 36% will focus on their outside space.

A surge in DIY disasters

Almost a third (29%) have undertaken new home improvements because of the lockdown and almost two thirds (59%) said they have been inspired to try more DIY. However, a quarter of us have had DIY disasters during lockdown, with just over 10% having to get a professional in to fix the problem. Just over a third have been discouraged from DIYing as a result with 8% not undertaking any more themselves.

While one in ten say they still aren’t confident to attempt any work themselves, most people (59%) will do basics such as put up pictures and straightforward painting, while 17% would do it themselves, but don’t have the time.

Popular lockdown activities

The most popular lockdown activities have been watching TV for three quarters, walking or exercise for 68%, followed by gardening (68%), cooking (66%) and reading (57%). Garden DIY and home improvements have been popular for four in 10 of us, beating less popular puzzles and arts and crafts activities.

Tobias Barfoot at Inno Construction concludes:

“We are proud to serve the home and business owners of Kent – our aim is to make your plans a reality and add value through innovation, foresight, integrity and performance. At the end of the day customer satisfaction is everything to us”.

COVID-19, News, Return to Work

Covid-19 and reputation: a new reality for business?

Alberto Lopez Valenzuela, Founder and CEO, alva, considers how COVID 19 will change the way businesses operate, possibly for good

While there is much talk of the world “returning to normality” with the worst of Covid-19 now hopefully behind us, it seems unlikely that society will allow businesses to simply revert to how they behaved before.

Having been plunged into uncertainty by Coronavirus, businesses have been rapidly rethinking their stakeholder management priorities, conscious that the corporate reputation rulebook is being rewritten. Some are already showing they have learnt from these valuable lessons as the Black Lives Matter crisis unfolds.

My assessment is that we’re now in the middle of a second distinct phase of the changes initiated by Covid-19, and will sooner or later be moving into a third, fourth and final phase. And after that, a new reality will emerge.

Each of these phases has seen the needs of different stakeholder groups come to the fore, prompting corresponding corporate responses.

Shock and survival
Roughly corresponding with the second half of March and most of April, the early Shock Phase involved an outpouring of altruism from businesses in all sectors, committed to doing the right thing, whatever the cost.

The stakeholder groups that were the focus of this charitable period were society at large, the local communities surrounding a given business, and key workers, especially those in healthcare. Empathy and solidarity were the order of the day; resources were redirected into healthcare, to support the vulnerable with donations, and to allow payment holidays.

In late May, businesses moved into the Existential Phase. Here, the stakeholders most in focus were company employees, as decisions had to be made about whether furloughed staff could be retained, and how best to ensure job security.

In making pragmatic decisions for their survival, the importance of each company’s people – and who could and could not do be done without – had to be weighed up. This evolved into a focus on employee health and wellbeing, as firms attempted to ensure that staff were protected, safe and comfortable as they moved to reopen their businesses.

Recovery, then letting our hair down
Around late June, we’re likely to enter the Recovery Phase, with businesses turning their attention to the chance to reopen and recoup some of the losses experienced during the worst of the crisis.

This will mean a refocus on financial stakeholders – companies will seek to assuage shareholder concerns on their viability. Decisions over whether to pay out dividends or channel cashflow back into the business will become front-page news, while firms will also look to project an image of ‘business as usual’, ahead of this actually having been realised. Shareholders’ needs have come under scrutiny, and their dominance as the primary stakeholders in business decisions has been seriously questioned.

Sooner or later, we’ll enter the Pent-up Demand Phase. After suffering the deprivations of lockdown, demand for pre-Covid luxuries will soar. People are likely to feel they deserve that big night out, the rush of retail therapy, or a long-awaited holiday abroad. And as financial hardships will mean many consumers’ spending power is reduced, companies will need to be especially creative as they jockey for position to be the beneficiaries of this wave of spending.

We might repeat the above cycle, or parts of it, more than once.

But in time, we will get to the New Reality, a post-pandemic take on capitalism that may well rewrite the rules of business as usual. Through the phases of business response to Covid-19, it was demonstrated that companies were generally able to rebalance their stakeholder focus as events shifted.

The virus has proved that the business world is able to step away from hierarchical shareholder-centric capitalism in which financial stakeholders are always the top priority, and move towards a model in which stakeholder prioritisation is fluid and based upon shifting needs.

This more stakeholder-focused model would mean businesses positioning themselves as part of society, with equal responsibilities to employees, customers, the community and their shareholders, rather than solely as a conduit for channelling profits to investors.

It would build on the growing emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, and we may begin to see increased finance streams being redirected into fair employee pay, community programmes and enhanced customer service.

The trade-off for shareholders on the receiving end of reduced dividends is simple, and very attractive – a stake in more robust businesses that are better able to survive whatever the future brings.

If so, the Coronavirus may ultimately be remembered as the catalyst for the realisation of a fairer, more enlightened form of capitalism that allows society and the planet as a whole to thrive.

Alberto Lopez Valenzuela is Founder and CEO of alva, the reputation intelligence company, and author of The Connecting Leader.

Climate, FInance, News

3 in 4 of world’s top CEOs and CFOs admit their companies are underprepared for climate-related financial risks

Although the pandemic dominates the world’s attention, climate risk is simmering in the background, with more than 3 in 4 (77%) CEOs and CFOs at the largest companies in the world admitting their firms are not fully prepared for the adverse financial impact of a changing climate. Moreover, 8 out of 10 (82%) believe their companies have somewhat to no control over such an impact on their business.

The findings stem from a global survey of several hundred CEOs and CFOs at companies with US$1 billion or more in revenue across a wide variety of industries in, Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. The research was commissioned by FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers, and conducted by ENGINE Insights, a leading market research and analytics firm.

Three-quarters of respondents (76%) said their organisations are somewhat to significantly exposed to climate risk. Floods, droughts, and wildland fires topped the list as the three exposures that “concern their companies the most” and “could most negatively affect their financials.”

“These findings are concerning as more British businesses may potentially experience flood related losses in the coming years. Concerningly, the recent hot and dry weather that we’ve seen across Europe may exacerbate any flooding that does occur in the region. This could generate a monumental challenge for many businesses looking to deal with natural hazards like flooding alongside all the issues COVID-19 has already caused,” said Katherine Klosowski, vice president, manager, natural hazards and structures at FM Global.

“Unfortunately, these are difficult times for many companies, as they struggle with volatile financial markets and the threat of an economic recession, coupled with the fact that COVID-19 may create further challenges when preparing for natural hazards,” added Klosowski.

The survey results build upon the World Economic Forum’s report from earlier this year, released just before the pandemic struck, that declared extreme weather events plus failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation as top risks over the next 10 years.

“Fortunately, the majority of climate-related losses are preventable, highlighting the importance of building business resilience, particularly during the pandemic,” said Klosowski. “In the current crisis, achieving resilience may take more effort given the complexities caused by COVID-19, but it is possible. Lack of preparation could have a negative impact on already fragile bottom lines.”

Methodology
The research is based on an online survey conducted in February 2020 of 150 CEOs and 151 CFOs equally across three regions (North America, Europe and Asia Pacific). Respondents lead companies over US$1 billion or more in revenue across a wide variety of industries. One-third of respondents lead companies of US$5 billion or more.

To learn more, visit https://www.fmglobal.co.uk/

COVID-19, Engagement, HR News

Companies dangerously ‘living off’ employee goodwill in pandemic, according to new research

New international research from 11,000 people shows that organisations may be ‘living off employee goodwill’, according to employee engagement and survey experts, Inpulse.

The research, which includes views of 3,4411 UK employees, shows that Anxiety has risen 120% from the same period as last year – up from 5% to 12%. A dominant emotion is at an extreme level and of concern to businesses when it rises above 10% as this will impact atmosphere and culture. Stress is another high negative emotion for employees, at 10%, while Isolation rates at 7%.

On top of this, negative emotions are being driven by fears of job security (25%) and high workload (15%).

The research, taken through the month of May, also shows that employees are feeling hopeful (15%) and have high levels of commitment because of their personal values (24%). However, this has a marked difference to those who feel committed to their employer, at just 7%.

Matt Stephens, CEO and Founder of Inpulse and author of The Engagement Revolution, explained: “These figures are showing us that employees internationally, and especially in the UK, are feeling high levels of extreme negative emotion which isn’t sustainable for a long period of time.

“People are adjusting to our emerging world, but analysis of the various elements shows people are running on extremely high negative emotions. This mix of high workload at both work and home plus worrying about jobs, could cause irreparable damage not only to individual’s own emotional health, but also to the employer relationship.

“The data shows that employees have high levels of personal values and commitment, but they aren’t necessarily feeling committed to their employer. In short, this means they are doing the right thing to satisfy their own needs, potentially fuelled by job insecurity.

“I believe that employers need to work harder and faster to help their people negotiate the current situation, especially as it isn’t going away quickly. Trading on employees’ goodwill and their hope that the situation may balance, can only last so long and is likely to impact productivity, wellbeing and engagement.”

 

1Over 11,000 employees took part in the Inpulse Survey in May 2020. This included 3441 from the UK, 4805 from continental Europe, 235 from North America, 282 from Australia, 320 from China and 228 from Singapore.

Health, Healthcare News, Physiotherapy

Neurophysio Wales supports MND Global Awareness Day

South Wales leading Neurophysiotherapy Clinic, NeuroPhysio Wales, is supporting this Sunday’s MND Global Awareness Day.
MND (Motor Neurone Disease) is a condition which affects the brain and nerves, and is an illness which neurophysiotherapists are able to support with physical therapy.  Usually, intellect remains intact.
Perhaps the most famous patient with MND is eminent physicist Professor Stephen Hawking, who sadly passed away last year aged 76.  Professor Hawking was first diagnosed with MND at the age of 21, and whilst suffering complete physical deterioration, his incredible mental capacity continued throughout his life.
There are three main types of MND:

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common type of MND and causes muscle weakness and stiffness.

  • Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) accounts for 20% of MND cases and causes difficulty with speaking and swallowing.

  • Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) accounts for 10% of cases and causes muscle weakness, wasting and twitching.
MND affects people in different ways and there is a difference in how quickly each type of MND progresses.  There is no cure for the disease,  however neurophysio treatment supports the patient to maximise their function and ablities, and they can also provide advice and support on preventing secondary complications and keeping patients as active as possible.


Neurophysiotherapist and Clinic Director, Sara Davis, explains:
“While there is no cure for MND, Neuro Physiotherapy treatment can support a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, improve their mental wellbeing and assist in maintaining their quality of life for as long as possible.
“For example, we can teach techniques to patients so they can adapt their movements as tasks become difficult –  and deliver balance training to reduce the risk of falls.
“We can also work with family and carers to support them with positioning advice, transfers and mobility aids.
“Like many neurological conditions, research continues into this condition and patients should never lose hope that a cure will one day be found.  However, until then, we will support our patients to be the best they can be and help them to have the best quality of life they possibly can.”
To learn more about MND Global Awareness Day, visit https://www.alsmndalliance.org/global-day/.  To learn more about Neurophysio Wales, visit: https://neurophysio-wales.co.uk/
Travel

New research shows Brits booking trips abroad amid current restrictions

For many, it seems like summer has effectively been cancelled, with foreign travel still proving difficult, and even when allowed, many Brits feeling too nervous to fly. However, new data from global swapping platform Love Home Swap has revealed that Brits are attempting to salvage summer and are booking trips abroad in the hope restrictions will lift in the coming weeks.

Of the UK swaps agreed on the platform over the past 14 days, almost one in five1 Brits (19%) are planning on swapping homes with someone in the US, with the first trip booked in from as early as 7th July. 17% are yearning for an abroad trip, but a little closer to home, and have organised stays in France from 25th July onwards.

As predicted, staycations are looking likely this summer for many, with almost one in three (29%) opting for lower risk travel and choosing a UK break, with home swaps already in full swing since 6th June.

Celia Pronto, Managing Director of Love Home Swap comments, “It’s very interesting to see from our data the amount of people feeling optimistic about travelling to far away destinations at a time when international travel is off limits, quarantine rules are still in place and the tourist industry is yet to be given the green light to re-open fully.

We’ve been expecting to see a large number of Brits opt for staycations this summer, so it’s certainly great to see that people are feeling confident enough about travelling that they are committing to trips further afield. We’ve even seen one swap confirmed for Melbourne in November – it will be interesting to see where the travel industry is by that date.”