Monthly Archives: August 2020

News

Zylpha Launches Complete Guide To eBundling

Reflecting the recent moves by many courts to accept electronic document bundles during the pandemic, Zylpha (www.zylpha.com) has launched ‘The Complete Guide to eBundling”. The free, easy-to-use guide is aimed at helping law firms follow best practice and therein remain compliant. As leaders in the ebundling field, Zylpha has collated all the information to produce the guide, detailing practice directions, policy guidelines and videos from a wide variety of sources. Key information contained in the guide includes:

 

  • Justice Mann guidelines
  • Civil Procedure Rules PD32
  • Financial Remedies Courts protocol
  • Family Proceeding for Court bundles (PD27a)
  • Supreme Court electronic bundle guidelines
  • Video tutorials

 

Zylpha’s David Hayter, the guide’s author believes that the guide will prove popular with firms of all sizes. In his view; “Up until March 2020 the majority of bundling was still paper based but during the pandemic lockdown we saw a huge shift in the production of electronic bundles as more and more firms signed-up making the transition from manual to digital bundling.

 

“That’s why we’ve produced this guide from multiple sources – a single easy-to-use practice resource that contains all the information you need on just how easy it can be to build bundles digitally. And as it’s built using Zylpha’s bundling software, the guide is also fully indexed and paginated too.”

 

Those interested in downloading a copy of the guide should visit: https://bit.ly/3kwqmYU

 

COVID-19, News, Retail

40% of UK shoppers stop visiting retailers with unclear social distancing signs

More than 40% of UK shoppers have stopped visiting stores that have unclear signage on social distancing, according to the findings of a European study of 2,500+ shoppers from Roland DG.

The study reveals that clear signage has a significant impact on shopper confidence. More than 80 percent of shoppers in the UK said they feel safer in shops with clear signage on social distancing, and almost eight in ten (78 percent) are more likely to shop in stores with clear instructions on social distancing measures.

A sign on the floor of a shop, advising customers regarding social distancing guidelines.

The findings also indicate brands risk reputational damage from inadequate Covid-19 signage, with UK shoppers saying the number one emotional impact of poor signage is the feeling businesses are not taking their safety seriously enough (chosen by more than 40 percent of respondents). Signs are also in the spotlight more than ever before, with an overwhelming majority of shoppers (75 percent) saying they are more aware of in-store signage than before the pandemic.

In the UK, the stores with the most unclear social distancing signage are clothes shops (chosen by 21 percent of respondents), followed by supermarkets and grocery stores (19 percent) and restaurants and bars (16 percent).

Younger shoppers were found to be the most likely to be influenced by in-store signage. Shoppers between 16 to 34 years are the most likely to have already stopped visiting shops with poor social distancing measures (with 54 percent having done so), and the most likely to feel safer in shops with clear signage (85 percent) and to visit stores with clear signage (78 percent).

“Bricks-and-mortar retailers need to increase consumer footfall, and effective signage plays a vital role in giving shoppers the confidence to visit stores. But the data shows that most businesses are clearly not giving it enough attention. Stores that fail to prioritise Covid-19 signage will continue to see shoppers stay away,” said Jerry Davies, Managing Director of Roland DG UK.

“There’s a big opportunity for brands to use signage to differentiate themselves and rebuild shopper confidence – and print businesses have a critical role to play in educating retail customers of the power of effective, directional signage. The print industry is pivotal in putting shoppers at ease, building trust and keeping everyone safe,” continued Davies.

More information on growing your signage business with Roland DG, see:

Social Distancing Signage, Textiles and Safety Solutions

Signs, Prints & Posters

Shape Your Business with Roland Print and Cut

 

Methodology

Online survey polled 2,533 consumers who have visited the shops at least 1-2 times a week since lockdown has been lifted in the following markets: UK (502 respondents), Spain (508), Italy (507), Germany (502) and France (514). Survey conducted by Censuswide, 21st-27th July 2020. 

Industry News

WSO2 Named a Leader in “API Management Solutions, Q3 2020” Report by Independent Research Firm

 WSO2, the open source API-first integration company, today announced that it has been named by Forrester Research, Inc. as a Leader in The Forrester Wave™: API Management Solutions, Q3 2020 report1 published on August 4, 2020. The report’s findings were based on a 26-criteria evaluation of the 15 software vendors that Forrester identified as the most significant API management solution providers. WSO2 is making a reprint of the report available for download at https://wso2.com/resources/analyst-reports/the-forrester-wave-api-management-solutions-q3-2020.

The Forrester Wave™: API Management Solutions, Q3 2020 report2 observed that, “As API strategies mature, enterprises better understand API business opportunities, and cloud-native application architectures take hold, REST APIs becomes less central and the ability to support a broad base of technology and business innovation will dictate which providers lead the pack. Vendors that provide the right portal strategy, rich and flexible API user engagement, API publishing that goes beyond REST APIs and embraces microservices, and strong ways to build API-based business ecosystems position themselves to successfully deliver a strong foundation for continuous digital transformation to their customers.”

Evaluating WSO2’s API Management Platform

Within the strategy category, WSO2 received scores of 5.0 out of a possible 5.0 in both the  commercial model and planned enhancements criteria. Additionally, within the current offering category, WSO2 received a score of 4.80 in the ecosystems and commercial models criterion, as well as a 4.40 in the product architecture criterion.

“WSO2’s open source solution provides a broad base of feature-function,” The Forrester Wave™: API Management Solutions, Q3 2020 report3 notes. The report4 goes on to observe, “Specifically, it has a flexible and configurable API user portal, a strong start going beyond REST APIs, good investments in combined API-microservices strategy (including important thought leadership on how the two relate), and strong product architecture and deployment options. Key future product priorities include REST API design, more investment in microservices and non-REST APIs, deeper service mesh integration, continuous integration/delivery (CI/CD) enhancements, and API ecosystems and product management. The solution particularly well suits buyers with strategies that combine integration, APIs, and microservices with a desire for the benefits of open source.”

“APIs are the products of the 21st Century. We have invested extensively in the technologies and business models that enable enterprises to capitalise on this fundamental shift in the API economy,” said Asanka Abeysinghe, WSO2 chief evangelist. “We are honored to be named a ‘Leader’ in The Forrester Wave: API Management Solutions, Q3 2020 report. We see it as recognition of how our WSO2 API Management Platform is delivering on our commitment to empowering API-driven digital businesses.”

Visit https://wso2.com to learn more.

Healthcare, Healthcare News, News

The UK’s biggest innovation network extends its problem-solving prowess to “change the world”

KTN, the independent organisation that connects ideas, people and communities to create real world solutions to the biggest challenges faced by the UK Government and industry, has today launched a new strategy which will see it turn its innovation engine onto major environmental and societal issues.

 The knowledge sharing powerhouse and major partner of Innovate UK, KTN, was founded to bring disparate sectors together to facilitate R&D and fast-track innovation, with the explicit goal to stimulate the UK economy.

KTN is a key player in UK healthcare, playing a key role in developing a COVID-19 antibody test with a UK-based manufacturer that is capable of mass production and delivering up to 46,000 results per day.  The organisation is also on the UK BioIndustry Association’s Vaccines Manufacturing Taskforce.

More broadly, KTN has had a hand in solving economy-stunting problems such as:

  • The ventilator shortage in the early months of the pandemic by connecting UK manufacturing to healthcare.
  • The safe transport of nuclear waste from old facilities to new by connecting medical X-ray suppliers to the nuclear industry.
  • Preventing major food shortages by connecting robotics researchers with commercial crop growers to overcome the dwindling picker workforce.

Today’s dramatic shift in focus, which is being driven by newly appointed CEO, Dr Alicia Greated, is the cornerstone of a five-year plan to “change the world”, using KTN’s deep expertise and powerful connections not only for economic good, but environmental and societal good too, starting with the goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

Dr Alicia Greated says, “Innovation is complex. The journey from idea to market is not straightforward and requires a diverse range of know-how, investment, market knowledge and research, and we make that happen.  KTN exists to connect innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking – accelerating the time it takes for ambitious ideas to become real-world solutions, and we’ve been incredibly successful over the years.

“KTN is playing an important role in overcoming some of the most high-profile and complicated problems the UK economy is facing.  But beyond our shores, the world is up against some even bigger challenges; climate change, COVID-19, access to healthcare, trade and investment, the future of global finance and online security – to name a few.  If we broaden our scope, we can tackle more of these problems and change the world for the better.”

KTN has ambitions to extend its global impact as part of its five-year strategy, but is already involved in a broader range of projects in the UK, such as:

  • Bringing its network of mathematical scientists together to help FareShare, the UK’s largest charity dedicated to tackling food poverty, better forecast demand for food products and optimise its distribution networks to meet that demand.
  • Holding a nationwide innovation call to address the challenge of social distancing requirements on transport ships. Five new technologies are now undergoing trials to ensure workboats can take the necessary number of engineers to offshore wind farms and prevent their failure. These technologies are also being assessed for suitability in other industry sectors.
  • Creating a partnership between charity Positive Steps and Manchester Metropolitan University to create a new framework in consultation with young people from within the criminal justice system which has resulted in reduced reoffending rates and improved life chances. The scheme is the first of its kind in the UK to be co-created with the young offenders themselves and was facilitated via the use of boxing, rap lyric writing and urban art workshops.

David Lawrence, Chair of KTN’s Board commented “World history tells us that innovation typically comes from new intersections between ideas, technologies and people, and KTN’s history confirms that.

“In the present, we are facing more and more problems as a society, some of which can be described as existential.  Innovation has never been more important.  That’s why KTN and its network is committed to creating and fostering diverse connections to drive innovation for positive change to our economy, but also towards a more sustainable society.

“I am proud to be chairing this organisation which is dedicated to catalysing positive change across the entire spectrum of innovation.”

To find out more about opportunities to accelerate your innovative healthcare project or challenge, visit, www.ktn-uk.org.

Farming, News

The UK dairy sector could replicate Ireland’s huge expansion

Farm expansion, animal welfare, and the future for small-scale producers was the focus of the recent Oxford Farming Conference’s (OFC) Bitesize Webinar held on Thursday 6 August.

The session, which examined the 1966 Conference theme ‘The Case for Expansion’, was chaired by OFC Director Tom Levitt; it was the third in a series of webinars that the OFC is hosting each month in the lead up to the first virtual conference in January 2021.

Mark Roach and Charlie Steer, Managing Director and Arable Manager respectively of Grosvenor Farms, joined Tom as panellists detailing how the business, which produces 90,000 litres of fresh milk daily and grow 6000-acres of crops, expanded to the size and scale that it is currently with more than 2,500 cows.

Originally working over four key units, Grosvenor started the expansion of their dairy unit in 2012. With work now complete, they have now doubled their output during this period and established themselves as Tesco’s single largest milk supplier.

“Expansion of the dairy has allowed us to look at the farm with fresh eyes. We have developed-out a world-class farming system and we’ve done that using resource-efficient farming,” said Charlie.

Although there are those in government and elsewhere, according to Mark, who believe agriculture is an inefficient industry, reliant on subsidy and a drain on the public purse, with a favourable Brexit, he believes that the future is positive for the UK dairy industry.

“UK dairy in the right regulatory trading framework, I feel, can be globally competitive. But we need to have a reasonably level playing field.”

The UK dairy sector could go further and match Ireland’s doubling of its dairy output, but it needs to avoid a supply chain only expansion that could see a price crash, said Mark:

“There is a possibility in the future that the four parts of the United Kingdom could have a totally different, fragmented agriculture policy and I think that would be to the detriment of the industry in terms of its growth and share of markets going forward. We need a coordinated approach across the industry to displace imports and grow exports.”

Contrary to general public perception, Mark said expansion of the farm had enabled them to invest in animal welfare benefits.

“We’ve seen a significant step up in all our animal health and welfare metrics we’re measuring. Fertility has risen 10%, mastitis rates are now below 10%, and we no longer use antibiotics for dry cows,” said Mark. “We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to build a brand-new dairy unit and we put a huge amount of research into how we were going to build the farm. You do not get high performance without high standards.”

However, he said expansion was not the only way forward for the industry and that smaller farms could be viable in the future too.

“I think it is more a case of how well you manage your farm, rather than scale. There are opportunities for all sizes to thrive going forward. It will be a competitive environment and we have to be good at what we do to develop our businesses.”

The 2021 OFC will be hosted as a digital one-day conference on 7 January 2021 and will celebrate its 75th anniversary since the first conference was held in 1936, with the cessations occurring during the war years. The next #OFCBitesize Webinar will debate the ‘The World, Its Food and My Farm’ on Thursday 3 September 12.00 – 13.00 and those wishing to register can do so here. 

The recorded debate is available to watch on the OFC website here. 

FInance, Finance News, Fleet Management

The Countdown to PSD2: Expert opinion

With the next phase of the second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) still set to take place on December the 31st, financial services(FS) organisations across Europe are running out of time to ensure compliance.

Intended to promote “the development of innovative online and mobile payments, more secure payments and better consumer protection” PSD2 is designed to “modernise Europe’s payment services”. This particular deadline will include a new regulatory requirement; Strong Consumer Authentication (SCA) – designed to tackle fraud and make electronic payments more secure. It represents an essential step towards increased consumer protection.

But, under this Payment Service Providers will become fully responsible for payments that are not correctly executed. Unless users of these services act fraudulently, or out of gross negligence, they will be responsible for refunding consumers. In order to avoid the potential financial and reputational damage that non-compliance would bring, FS organisations need to be prepared.

With the deadline looming, here are the thoughts of some industry experts:

Simon Marchand, Chief Fraud Prevention Officer at Nuance Communications 

“The PSD2 not only seeks to reflect technological change, but to promote digital innovation by facilitating the market entry of new types of service providers. It aims to provide greater transparency over transactions in order to improve consumer protection and strengthen the security of payments. 

“In order to achieve this, in its next round, the legislation will include a new regulatory requirement aimed at making online payments more secure; Strong Customer Authentication. This will call for the relevant parties to incorporate at least two of the following three elements: a password or PIN, smartphone or hardware token or biometric authentication. Today, organisations will be asking themselves, how do we maintain compliance and meet that December deadline while – at the same time – reducing friction for our customers?” The answer to that is, in our opinion, the “something you know” aspect should be avoided.  

“PINs or passwords can be forgotten, often leading to a bad experience. Using technologies – such as voice and behavioural biometrics – makes for a seamless customer experience, whilst ensuring the highest levels of security. Users will not need to remember something specific and can simply speak a sentence to be authenticated. And their voice can’t be stolen, unlike passwords. Deploying biometrics provides an opportunity for FS organisations – and others that need to comply with the PSD2 – to clearly sign-point their commitment to tackling fraud and safeguarding their customers’ information.” 

Alberto Pan, Chief Technical Officer at Denodo 

“The next phase of the PSD2 will signify another important step in terms of increased consumer protection. However, for financial organisations needing to comply with the regulation, it’s likely to create some challenges.  

“One of those challenges will come in the form of managing and controlling APIs. The PSD2 normative forces financial organisations to create open APIs in order to expose consumer data to authorised third-parties. These authorised parties can utilise the APIs to initiate payments from customer accounts and to aggregate customer’s financial data.With thousands of users and applications needing access in order to make these transactions, it’s imperative that these APIs are both secure and able to perform, especially with PSD2 making Payment Service Providers fully responsible for refunding consumers when payments are not correctly executed.  

“However, ensuring this high level of performance and security using traditional methods can be a long and costly process, not helped by the fact that financial organisations often store data across many different disparate systems. This is where modern technologies, such as data virtualisation, could help. By providing unified data views across multiple data origins and automatically generating secure APIs to access them without needing to manually create complex custom codes, data virtualisation could be one answer for financial organisations looking to prepare for the newest chapter of PSD2.” 

Monica Hovsepian Global Industry Strategist, Financial Services at OpenText

“The global pressure for open banking is clear. Regulatory bodies around the world are looking for ways to de-monopolise the financial industry to stimulate innovation and provide more options for consumers.

“The introduction of PSD2 means, with customer consent, their data is released in a secure, standardised form, so that it can be shared between authorised organisations online. The purpose is that this information can be used to make more relevant and personalised offers quicker when switching between banks, rather than having to build up a long history with each institution.

“Whilst the FCA recently announced an additional six month delay for PSD2 SCA enforcement, due to the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 crisis, PSD2 should no longer be seen as an option; it is something that is on the critical roadmap of every financial institution that wants to stay competitive.

“Globally, some traditional financial institutions are embracing open banking already, such as BBVA, Citi Bank and JPMC. However, others are at risk of falling behind. They are risking the unpleasant possibility of losing customers to newer or more agile competitors.

“They would be well served by embracing change and collaborating with new entrants to build a more open ecosystem. This requires incumbents to modernise legacy systems, develop open APIs for information sharing and easy integrations, and to embrace the new products and services that consumers expect. These changes are critical to expedite and increase engagements in the new digital and connected world.”

Jonathan Jensen, Director of Identity Verification at GBG

“The premise behind SCA is to protect consumers and merchants from fraudsters. But as with many good intentions, the outcome risks being something different. The danger the industry faces is that its implementation will lead to the three “F’s” – friction, frustration and fraud among consumers. And when this leads to abandoned transactions, merchants have a problem.

“SCA requires an additional level of authentication in certain ecommerce and online banking transactions, by providing two out of three elements; something you know, something you have, or something you are. (For example: a phone number combined with a one-time passcode or Face ID).

“SCA is usually implemented for ecommerce via 3DS v2.1 or v2.2. The way SCA is currently deployed for ecommerce typically involves sending a one-time code via text message or email to verify online purchases. However, regulators do not see this method as compliant, so alternatives like biometrics are required. One-time codes can likewise pose problems for consumers when there’s poor mobile coverage or limited WiFi availability, leading to a poor consumer experience overall.  

“Furthermore, guidance being given by banks can be vague – I once received an email stating that when using online banking I would ‘sometimes’ be sent a code to login, and I ‘may’ be asked to use my card reader when carrying out certain transactions. This will likely leave many consumers wondering what’s legitimate and what’s a smishing (SMS phishing) attempt by a bad actor.”

“Dynamic linking between an authentication token for an individual transaction, a set amount and a named merchant is another SCA requirement. However, merchant names often do not exactly match within authorisation and authentication systems and final transaction amounts can vary. These variables can make dynamic linking a challenge.

“But it’s not all bad news; technology is helping to overcome these problems. Digital banks are already exploiting the smart functionality in their apps to present consumers with notifications that require a simple tap to authorise the transaction, combined with a biometric. And there’s technology available that seamlessly carries out the authentication on the consumer’s handset in the background, without them needing to do anything. Payment methods like Apple Pay, for example, don’t require any additional authentication and still let you pay with your usual debit or credit card, as the consumer has already authenticated via Face ID or Touch ID. Innovation will be crucial to the successful implementation of SCA, and ultimately, the ability of merchants and consumers to carry on transacting.”

Energy, News, Sustainability, Thought Leadership

Can sustainability survive another recession?

The UK is officially in a recession for the first time in 11 years. As the need for companies to cut overheads grows, will sustainability programs be the first to go?

By Valpy Fitzgerald, Director of Green Markets at renewable energy provider Opus Energy

Twelve years ago, the UK was in the middle of a terrible recession. Almost 50 small businesses closed every day because of the economic fallout, with mass unemployment across the country, peaking around 4.9%, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Business owners faced huge pressure to cut expenditure to protect their company from going under. This was thought to be the end for the corporate responsibility budget. Yet despite the financial turmoil caused by the Great Recession, sustainability quickly found itself rising in importance as a business priority.

In a 2010 study by Accenture, 93% of CEOs said that they believed sustainability had become a crucial part of their company’s future success. The study marked a major shift among senior decision makers in relation to sustainability during the recession years. It seemed the sustainable agenda was destined to not only survive the financial crisis, but actually benefit from it.

Over the next decade, sustainability managed to find a growing momentum in both government and the boardroom, culminating in the landmark passing of legislation in 2019 requiring the UK Government to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.

But now, as the UK edges closer to what the Bank of England has predicted to be the worst recession in 300 years, we find ourselves asking the question: is sustainability resilient enough to survive another economic crash?

The answer to this is yes – because public mood says that it must. Never before has the public been so restless for change. The coronavirus has provided a vital shift in perspective. We’re now seeing widespread support for a Green Recovery model from the UK Government, with businesses prepared to play their part in reinventing ourselves as a more sustainable nation.

Like the Great Recession, the social and economic fallout from coronavirus has challenged us to reassess our values and consider how our daily decisions impact the future world we are building. Forty-five percent of consumers say they are making more sustainable choices when shopping and are likely to continue to do so. And according to digital consumer intelligence company Brandwatch, March mentions of purchases made for personal ethical reasons were up 132% compared to December.

Shoppers are now buying locally sourced food, minimising plastic waste and cooking from scratch. Out on the roads, an unprecedented number of us are now choosing to cycle or walk, while many more of us now planning to switch to an EV in the new few years.

This has naturally had a profound effect on boardroom decision making. In a recent survey by Opus Energy and Haven Power, part of Drax Group, over half (59%) of SME owners agreed that the pandemic has increased the importance of sustainability for their businesses, while two thirds (68%) say that it has made them more environmentally conscious.

Sustainability became so important during the Great Recession because of cost cutting and finding operational efficiencies. However, business owners also understood the urgent need to regain trust among the public and their customers – trust that was deeply shaken by the failure of the economic system. Many consumers started to vote with their money, choosing to spend with businesses that aligned with their values – much like we’re seeing today.

The need for businesses to openly commit to sustainability is greater now than it was during the last financial crisis. Business owners know that, despite the need to stabilise their business, to abandon their sustainable development goals would be highly damaging. They would risk losing any goodwill they’ve created with their customers and wider stakeholders.

Finding the right balance between financial necessities and environmental responsibilities will be crucial to a businesses’ success. Key to this will be the adoption of a different kind of corporate mindset.

We need to change the narrative away from sustainability as a cost, towards sustainability as a cost saver. When businesses realise that lowering their energy costs can help save money during a time when cash flow is more crucial than ever, energy efficiency and ESG strategies present themselves as obvious short- and long-term solutions, rather than a burden.

Broadband, News, Telecoms, Telecoms News

Gigaclear To Take on 120 Engineers for Broadband Expansion

Gigaclear, the leading rural broadband provider, will hire 120 new, full-time field engineers into its in-house team by the end of March 2021, in a bid to increase its build capacity. 

The company, which has continued to expand its ultrafast, full-fibre network across rural Britain throughout lockdown, is planning on boosting its engineering capacity even further with a wave of new hires, growing its employee base by over 20 percent.

The recruitment drive, which will happen in phases with engineers joining from July 2020 until March 2021, will improve the rural broadband provider’s technical skills, boosting build speeds and increasing responsiveness to customer demand while making maintenance faster and more efficient.

Nathan Rundle, Delivery Director at Gigaclear says: “We’re proud to be recruiting externally at a time when so many other businesses are putting staff on furlough and making redundancies. It goes to show how fundamentally essential our work is as we continue to expand our network, helping families to stay in touch, allowing people to work from home, keeping communities connected, and so much more.

“Not only do we have more customers than ever, but rightly, with so many working from home and relying on uninterrupted, ultrafast internet access, they’re demanding the very best in terms of service, and so we’re ensuring that we have the resource to continually drive up the quality of our network. Investing in our in-house field engineering team will help us become more responsive and also drive standards by setting a benchmark for our contractors to match in terms of quality and customer experience.

Nathan continues: “We’ll be providing full training and we’re looking to hire both senior and more junior roles from across different backgrounds. It’s particularly important for us to employ the right kind of people; those that are resilient and adaptable. The roles we’re filling offer a great deal of career progression for people with the right attitudes and a willingness to learn.”

For more information about Gigaclear vacancies, and to apply, visit https://www.gigaclear.com/careers

Business News, Coronavirus, Retail

Town centre shops and hospitality firms unite to bounce back from Coronavirus lockdown

THE VIBRANT market town of Mold will be stronger than ever in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

As has been the case in communities across north east Wales, businesses and residents have come together like never before; supporting local firms and food and drink producers, embracing online platforms and new service models, and looking after one another during one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history.

As independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars reopen safely and securely, with strict social distancing measures in place, the town council has been busy behind closed doors promoting the town and its unique community.

Pre-lockdown, Mold was shortlisted for the ‘Rising Star Award’ at the prestigious Great British High Street Awards, and its vacancy rate was at a very low level in comparison to the national average.

Jo Douglass, Business and Regeneration Officer, revealed how COVID-19 has since impacted upon the high street and surrounding area.

“We have been in awe of the businesses, the way they’ve adapted to customers’ needs, changed their models and offered home delivery at no extra cost has been incredible,” she said.

“The support from the community has reflected that, people have wanted to shop local and as a result Mold has continued to be busy.

“The measures Flintshire County Council have put in place as restrictions have eased have enabled them to feel confident, there is a safety net in place and social distancing rules, as the health and wellbeing of the public is of course paramount.”

Some essential stores have even set aside after-hours time slots for shoppers who have been shielding to purchase their goods in an isolated environment.

“It’s fantastic customer service, people are able to go shopping on their own and can feel totally safe, which is great to see,” said Jo.

Jane Evans, Events and Community Engagement Officer, added a one-way traffic and pedestrianised system is in place to ensure space is at a premium.

And the ‘Totally Mold’ shop local voucher scheme launches this October, ensuring businesses continue to be supported.

“The vouchers can be given as gifts, and towards Christmas we will introduce other new ideas and special offers to build on momentum,” said Jane.

“It’s also for service providers, hairdressers, gyms, events, restaurants and not just retail, which highlights what a wide variety of businesses we have in Mold.

“If every adult in the town spent £5 a week in our shops rather than online that would equate to more than £2million a year for the local economy. People have already got behind it, they have been so supportive and as a result we are seeing green shoots of recovery after a challenging few months.”

The second annual Blasu/Taste North East Wales is taking place virtually this year after organisers Clwydian Range Food and Drink and Llangollen and Dee Valley Food and Drink, with the support of Cadwyn Clwyd, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and the local authorities of Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire, decided to host an online celebration to ensure the health and safety of participants.

The project is funded by the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, via the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Visit Mold Town Centre Facebook page at www.facebook.com/moldtowncentre.mold/ for more information and latest information and updates.

For more information on Taste North East Wales, visit www.tastenortheastwales.org/ and follow the hashtag #keeplocalalive on social media.

Charity & CSR, Construction, News, South West

Submit photo of the South West and help fundraise for air ambulance charities

The South West community is being invited to contribute photographs of the area to be included in a 2021 calendar which will be sold to raise funds for Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust and Devon Air Ambulance.

RGB Building Supplies is looking to find 12 photographs that celebrate the diverse scenery of the region and are asking people in the area to send in pictures of their favourite places. From Lundy Island and Exeter Cathedral, to Bodmin Moor and Porthleven Beach, any photo that showcases the area will be considered.

As well as seeing their photo in the calendar, the photographers of each of the chosen 12 images will receive a £100 voucher to spend at their local RGB branch.

Stephanie Bray, Corporate Fundraising Officer at Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, commented:

“We are delighted that RGB is supporting the Cornwall Air Ambulance in this fun way. We encourage everyone to take part and submit their photos for this unique opportunity to feature in a special edition calendar. By supporting this project, people will be helping to keep the air ambulance flying and saving lives. Thank you!”

Tracy Owen, Fundraising Manager at Devon Air Ambulance, said:

“We are so grateful to our friends at RGB for choosing to support us in their latest fundraising venture! We think a calendar is a great idea – our helicopters fly across our beautiful county and its differing terrain daily and the amazing views from the air are often commented on by the aircrew. Our income has been severely affected by the cancellation of countless events so we will be excited to see the final product – we are sure it will be a big success!”

Kevin Fenlon, CEO of RGB added:

“Our calendar is designed to celebrate the beauty of our region, whilst fundraising for Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust and Devon Air Ambulance at the same time. We look forward to seeing what landmarks, wildlife and scenery are featured in the photos we receive.”

Those wishing to submit a photograph simply need to email it to brandteam@rgbltd.co.uk by Friday 11th September confirming the location, along with the photographer’s name and contact details. The entry needs to be landscape orientation and a total of three entries per person will be accepted. Full terms and conditions can be found on RGB Building Supplies’ website – www.rgbltd.co.uk.