Monthly Archives: November 2020

Insurance, News

Envelop Risk Brings Advanced Machine Learning to Cyber Risk With Dataiku

Dataiku, one of the world’s leading Enterprise AI and machine learning platforms, has announced its partnership with global specialty cyber underwriting specialist Envelop Risk. Envelop Risk is working with Dataiku to model and mitigate cyber and other forms of complex, unprotected risk for insurers.

Envelop Risk specialises in applying machine learning to complex corporate risks. In May, the firm announced a Series A investment of $6 million, led by AI-specialist investor Alpha Intelligence Capital. Since launch, Envelop Risk has underwritten well over $100 million in premium, placing it among the top insurtech firms globally by this metric. The firm operates as a lead market in cyber reinsurance, in partnership with MS Amlin.

Envelop Risk’s founding team and directors combine decades of leadership experience in both insurance and deep tech enterprises such as aerospace and defense. The firm reconceived how machine learning, human expertise, and underwriting can be integrated, using Dataiku’s end-to-end data science platform to build a system that enables more effective risk management by the underwriters of the future.

The firm began working with Dataiku in 2017 primarily to help with rapid prototyping of business solutions, implementing its collaborative data science platform for teams of data scientists, data analysts, and engineers to explore, prototype, build, and deliver their own data products more efficiently. The platform was engaged to help identify emerging cyber threats and quantify the associated risk for insured companies. Through the partnership, Envelop Risk has now been able to integrate advanced machine learning into its underwriting process to demonstrably reduce risk and streamline workflows in its day-to-day operations.

“The Dataiku platform has always stood out to me because of its ability to provide access to nearly everyone without placing constraints on our most experienced code-based data scientists,” said John Kelly, Chief Technology Officer at Envelop Risk. “We were looking for a tool that could help us better collaborate on data science across the corporation with people who have vastly different backgrounds and experience levels. Data scientists can’t operate in silos. They need to be working with domain experts and end users. It’s critical to have a system that can effectively act as an interface between those people, allowing the exchange of ideas, feedback, and results.”

Paul Guthrie, EVP and co-founder of Envelop, says that the platform has driven transparency, which is essential both for interpretability and for the incorporation of expert feedback that can fill any gaps or time lags in Envelop Risk’s data. Using the system built on Dataiku’s centralised data science platform, Envelop Risk’s underwriting team has been able to quantitatively model complex risk and get results on demand, while having access to the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of those results.

“In the past few years, the pace and scale of data science, machine learning, and ultimately AI adoption has accelerated to enhance or reinvent the processes core to the insurance business, particularly in cyber,” commented Florian Douetteau, Dataiku CEO. “Envelop Risk is at the forefront of helping its customers to mitigate unprotected risk, and it’s a privilege to work with the firm as it develops new products. With the partnership and Dataiku’s rapidly increasing presence within the insurance market, we see this sector increasingly executing on its strategic goals by fully embracing and leveraging the power of Enterprise AI.”

Creative News, News

Firm celebrates 20th anniversary – with nearly a 50 per cent increase in turnover

AN online web design and marketing company in Bristol is celebrating its 20th anniversary – with nearly a 50 per cent increase of turnover in the last quarter.

GWS Media, in Lilymead Avenue, has credited the upturn to a greater desire for a strong online presence since the coronavirus outbreak.

But founder David Graves said they have experienced challenges and setbacks along the way.

The former Cambridge University graduate said: “We had been expecting business to grind to a halt.

“But there’s been a strong uptake of people looking to have a wider reach and stay in touch with existing customers more effectively.

“With people now spending more time online – be it work, social activities or shopping – it’s important to provide an effective online business model.”

Multilingual sites

He said firms were increasingly keen to have a global reach and multilingual sites, as location becomes less relevant.

David, who began work as a programmer over 20 years ago, said: “People are now looking further afield for customers, but are also aware of potential issues with a global supply chain.

“Work can often be carried out remotely, which allows greater flexibility in terms of where you source your workforce and where your customers are based.”

GWS Media was set up in 2000 by David and he was joined by his father, Richard, who now works as the financial director.

David’s brother, Philip, joined the team four years ago, as a copywriter and marketer. Philip, who is himself multilingual, had previously run his own e-commerce business and a community website.

The trio worked on computer programming and compiled a series of users’ guides for early home computers over 30 years ago.

Today the firm specialise in multilingual sites and also heads GWS Robotics, which customises humanoid robots to be part of a company’s marketing and customer service.

They are supported by a skilled team, with expertise in areas such as design, coding and marketing.

Philip, a published author who studied mathematics and economics in Sweden, said: “Multilingual sites help you reach overseas markets and allow you to connect more readily with native speakers of other languages.”

Home improvement and memberships

GWS Media has also seen a strong increase in demand from the home improvement sector as people look to improve their homes after lockdown.

David, the creative director at the firm, said: “Since COVID-19, people want to make their homes more compatible with homeworking as well as nicer places to live.

“They may also have to adapt their home space to accommodate the different needs of working and family life.”

Organisations that rely on membership have also been keen to promote value online to customers.

David, who once worked as a journalist for Extel Financial in London, said: “Membership businesses want to make sure there is an obvious value to being a member so people continue to renew their subscription even in these challenging times.

“This involves a website with exciting and interactive features, such as the ability to connect and communicate with other members and advertise their services to fellow professionals.”

Challenges

GWS Media has grown despite the Dotcom bubble bursting in 2000, the credit crunch of 2009, and now the coronavirus crisis.

David said they had learned lessons, such as keeping costs down and managing cashflow.

He said: “We probably tried to run before we could walk when we first started out. We moved into office premises, took on staff and borrowed from our personal savings as many people do when they set up a new business.

“We now take a more cautious approach. It pays to be optimistic but you also have to prepare for hard times, and diversify so you don’t end up being too dependent on one client or on one sector.

“It’s crucial to keep costs down during a recession and see where cuts can be made without harming the business.”

He said one cut which could be damaging, but was often the first to be made, was in marketing. He said: “This can have a major negative impact on a company’s prospects when it emerges from a recession.”

Lessons

David said adapting, seeking opportunities and looking after existing clients are key to surviving during difficult times.

He said: “It helps to look at where there is demand for your products and services, and see how existing offers can be adapted to make it easier to buy from you.”

“For example, if you run a restaurant or hairdresser salon, can you make the booking and payment more straight-forward with a simple online system, and take deposits to help to avoid cancellations?

“Most people are uncomfortable with change. But it’s important to recognise opportunities and threats, and to be ready to change tack quickly.”

While the lack of face-to-face contact is a challenge, David believes it is important to embrace technology and maintain contact with staff, clients and a business network.

He said: “While it’s nice to take on new clients and make new contacts, it’s vital to maintain your current network and retain your client base.

“Regular communication and high standards of service help you to avoid a revolving door, where you lose as many existing customers as you gain new ones. We have found that our network and loyal customers have brought in business during trying times.

“It’s also important to keep in touch with your team and to help them adapt to the new ways of working forced on us by COVID-19, and make sure they are not cut off from the expertise and knowledge of others in the company.”

Choose your clients

David believes selecting clients and team members who fit your values helps business to run more smoothly.

He said: “You create the environment you want to work in. In my experience, people tend to start as they mean to go on, and it helps to be on the same page from the start.

“Younger or struggling businesses may not think they have the luxury to choose, but too much time spent with clients whose values are incompatible with yours, or with individuals who don’t fit into your team, can sap your energy, erode your enthusiasm for the business and lead to missed opportunities elsewhere.

“Relationships where there is mutual trust and respect are better for everyone. So, if you feel you are not being treated well, it’s better to do something about it than simply hope things will change.”

Marketing, PR and SEO, News

The Compensation Experts appoint SEO Works

Sheffield based digital agency The SEO Works have been selected to develop an SEO strategy for one of the UK’s leading personal injury brands The Compensation Experts, part of the mmadigital group of companies.
The SEO Works will be responsible for delivering an organic search approach that enhances their acquisition of new claimants across a multitude of different personal injury claim types, alongside their own multi-million pound paid search efforts.

“We researched a number of SEO agencies during our competitive pitch process and found The SEO Works to have a huge amount of competency in what we specifically need. Therefore we felt incredibly satisfied they were the right partner to help us achieve the growth we are seeking, alongside our own PPC efforts”, said Jonathan Corris, Senior Marketing Manager at The Compensation Experts.

Alex Hill, Director at The SEO Works added: “From the outset, the team and I felt we were a very strong fit for this project and their brief, given our experience and reputation for taking websites to the next level of organic visibility in an extremely competitive market. We look forward to embarking on the project!”

The SEO Works specialises in SEO, PPC, web and paid social advertising and has clients across the UK and abroad in the eCommerce, health, education, finance and retail sectors.

Appointments, News

VOLOCO expands and broadens services as team doubles in 2020

VOLOCO Construction Consulting, which provides bespoke flexible and responsive services such as Quantity Surveying, commercial support, cost management and bid management tailored for the construction industry, has expanded its team. The fourth permanent hire since January, doubling the team in 2020, Lea Mavroudis Stephens joins as planning and programme consultant, VOLOCO has now expanded its offering to include planning/programming, logistics and phasing plans, 3D visualisations and other related services.

With a national pool of clients, such as ISG, Integral, Hexagon Construction and Brookes Property, VOLOCO was founded in 2014 to provide services and to construction and development companies during peak workloads. The business is now focussing on supporting small and growing contractors, which often don’t have the manpower or capabilities themselves.

New team member Mavroudis Stephens brings with him more than 40 years’ experience in the construction industry, having spent over two decades in site engineering, management and programming. His wealth of technical knowledge and a proven track record in tender, pre-development and project delivery across multiple sectors will be assets to the business and existing clients.

Mavroudis Stephens said: ‘’I am really pleased and excited to be joining the VOLOCO team and believe that I can add to what is already a well-established, professional company. We’ll now be able to offer a wider range of services to the construction industry, enabling us to grow and deliver to an even wider client base.’’

Ben Webb, Founder and CEO of Voloco Construction Consulting commented; “We are really delighted that Lea is joining. His experience and skillset perfectly complement those that we already have within the business, and his planning expertise in particular will be a welcome addition to our construction industry clients. Having doubled our team this year, it’s great to be able to be able to expand our offering and deliver even greater value to small and growing construction businesses.”

Based just outside Bristol, and with clients locally and nationally, VOLOCO works alongside developers, contractors and sub-contractors.

To learn more visit: http://www.voloco.co.uk

 

Marketing, PR and SEO, News

Born Social Announce Strategic Hire

Award winning social media agency, Born Social, has appointed Will Menko to the role of strategist following a year of continued growth.

As a former integrated account specialist turned strategist, Will joins with a varied skillset and a lateral knowledge of the industry. Before joining Born Social, Will worked as a planner at creative content agency, Digital Natives, where he led on familiar brands like Dermalogica, L’Oreal, and Gü as well as helping the agency to a series of new account wins including Breville, Crockpot and Yankee Candles. Prior to this, he was a senior account manager at adam&eveDDB, where he helped Volkswagen to rebuild trust among consumers following the emissions scandal in 2016.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Will to our growing strategy team,” says Born Social’s Head of Strategy, Essi Nurminen. “His extensive background in creative and strategic thinking, in both big and small agencies, will further bolster the way we approach social-first strategies.”

Commenting on his new role at Born Social, Will Menko, says: “I’m really happy to be joining Born Social at this point in my career. They have a reputation for blending traditional marketing principles with progressive, social-first thinking. It’s not only personally exciting to be a part of that, but it’s also where I feel brands can now be most commercially and culturally impactful. Plus, they couldn’t be a more lovely, ambitious and talented group of people. I’m extremely excited to see what we can do next.”

Construction, News

JB Associates takes leap to become a more sustainable consultancy by launching new mobile-compatible interactive manuals

JB Associates, a leading and innovative construction consultancy based in the South of England, has today announced the launch of its mobile friendly interactive documentation for critical infrastructure risk mitigation.

Whilst the construction industry adapts to new ways of working, JB Associates was been quick to recognise the increased need for remote access to facility documentation. Similarly, while social distancing rules continue to dominate many workspaces, it is essential that building manuals can be accessed by multiple users at any one time.

Today the construction consultancy has announced that its ‘JB eDocs’ are now completely mobile friendly and compatible across all mobile & tablet devices. The product is dedicated to ensuring facility management and risk mitigation can be done remotely through digitised Building and O&M Manuals and Handover Documentation. With integrated HAZOP and Cause and Effect information, users are able to begin solving issues even if they are off-site and working from home.

The benefits of the new JB eDocs include:

Total Accessibility

Traditional O&M’s and Handover Documents are often left under-utilised and collecting on the shelf. The JB eDocs can be accessed anytime, anywhere, by an entire team simultaneously.

No Security Risk

Interactive manuals can be made secure in many more ways than a traditional printed document. JB eDocs can include password protection, server-only access and all documentation complies with ISO Standards.

Regular Updates

Following building safety legislation, O&M Manuals must be regularly updated. Updating digital documentation is far less time-consuming and eradicates the confusion of various obsolete folders on-site.

Whilst further investing in and developing their JB eDocs, the team at the construction consultancy has established a goal to eventually replace all traditional, printed O&M Manuals completely in a bid to become more sustainable. The multi-user remote access of their digital alternative eradicates the need to spend time and money printing handover documentation and means the company is able to take significant steps towards a more eco-efficient business.

It is estimated that, based on the 40 client manuals created and digitised as JB eDocs in 2020, over 20 large trees will have been saved in the last 12 months and an estimated 100 trees will be saved over the next 5 years.

Ashley Buckland, Managing Director at JB Associates, commented:

“The JB eDocs are becoming essential for critical infrastructure environments and we believe they are the future in sustainable facility management. With real-time search facilities, custom bookmarking, interactive plans and intelligent linking, they are both efficient and adaptable. Our interactive manuals can be created from existing information or developed from scratch and are designed to be accessed from wherever, whenever you need.’

A JB Associates client, from a confidential telecoms background, added:

“We have been using the JB eDocs recently after working with the JB Associates team for a number of years and it has completely changed the way we work. My remote team are now able to access all facility information from home. The search functions allow you to find the information you are looking for almost instantly and we’re able to access all documents on laptop or tablets within a few clicks of a button. A big thanks goes to Ashley and the team for making the transition so easy.”

News

Snap decision: Two in five Americans decided who to vote for in less than an hour

Billions of dollars could be being wasted on election campaigning as new research reveals that many people make snap decisions on who to vote for, with two in five (40%) American voters deciding in less than an hour.

Surveying 2,000 Americans of voting age, the research from watch retailer, Tic Watches, reveals that a further 10% admit to taking two to five hours to decide who to cast their ballot for. This means that altogether, half (50%) of American voters spend less than five hours contemplating who they would like to lead the country.

Contrastingly, one in twelve (8%) prefer more time to stew, taking over 6 months, while one in twenty (5%) need more than a year to decide who to vote for.

When asked how they decide who gets their vote, two in five (41%) insist that they make their choice based on the policies a candidate stands for, rather than the personality themselves, while a third (34%) of voters say they always support the same party no matter what.

A fifth (22%) of the nation tend to be swing voters, changing their minds often, while one in six (17%) admit that they follow the crowd and just vote for who their friends vote for. Additionally, 15% say they just choose who their parents vote for.

The data revealed a gender split, showing that women tend to be more decisive than men when it comes to politics. Women are more likely to make a quick decision on who gets their vote, with 44% of ladies taking less than an hour compared to only 35% of men. Additionally, more men admit to frequently changing their minds than women (25% vs 19%) and men are almost twice as likely to admit to just voting for who their parents do (20% vs 11%). Men are also more likely to copy their friends’ vote intentions (20% vs 15%)

When it comes to age, baby boomers (aged 55+) are the most likely to come to a quick decision, with three in five (59%) taking less than an hour. Gen Z (aged 18-24) are also very decisive with over half (51%) needing less than an hour, while millennials (aged 25-44) take a bit longer to mull over the choice, with only a fifth (22%) coming to such a speedy decision.

Additionally, Boomers are the most likely generation to say they vote for the policies rather than the person (50%), while only 15% of Gen Z say the same, showing that personality is very important to younger voters.

Commenting on the research, Daniel Richmond, Managing Director of Tic Watches, said, “No matter your political views, choosing who you’d like to lead the country is a big decision with lots of different factors, so we were quite surprised to see just how many people seem to come to a snap decision. Hopefully this research will encourage people to take more time to research before the upcoming election on November 3rd.”

For more information on the research, please visit: https://www.ticwatches.com/blog/two-in-five-americans-decide-who-to-vote-for-in-under-one-hour/

 

COVID-19, News

Survey reveals impact of Covid-19 on contingent workforce management

The Coronavirus pandemic has led to a complete overhaul of contingent workforce management solutions as HR and procurement teams begin to better collaborate to support the ‘better normal’ workplace. That’s according to global leader in talent acquisition and managed workforce solutions, Guidant Global.

A more joined-up approach to contingent workforces

In its survey of HR and Procurement professionals, Guidant Global found that 37% of respondents had completely reviewed how their business manages its external talent in light of Covid-19, with 26% implementing a more joined up approach to managing their contingent workforce. While this move to greater collaboration is a step in the right direction for what has long been a siloed talent strategy, the results indicated that there is still some room for improvement, with 21% revealing that different divisions had managed their own change.

Budgets and competition biggest challenges

The study – carried out during the recent CWS Summit: North America and the SIG Global Executive Summit – also revealed that budgets and competition for top contingent talent are the biggest challenges facing HR and procurement teams, cited by 47% of respondents.

Given the above challenges, it’s perhaps no surprise that Contingent RPO is high on the priority list for the immediate future, with 58% of participants indicating plans to explore this sourcing route within the next two years. Encouragingly, though, total talent acquisition (TTA) is the biggest focus for HR and procurement as an all-encompassing approach to workforce management creeps up the agenda. While just 21% currently have TTA strategies in place, 72% indicated that they will be exploring this within the next two years.

Simon Blockley, CEO of Guidant Global commented on the results:

“It’s common knowledge that Covid-19 has been a catalyst for new and better contingent workforce solutions. As flexibility becomes the norm for businesses in light of the pandemic and global lockdowns, firms have begun to recognise just how valuable external workforces can be. And with a growing need to streamline costs, transparency of contingent spend has understandably been a focus for both HR and Procurement teams. What is particularly promising from our survey, though, is the move towards a more joined up approach, not just between the divisions that are responsible for the contingent and permanent workforce, but the entire business. The fact that so many respondents are exploring a total talent acquisition approach suggests that the pandemic has pushed businesses towards developing a truly future-proof talent strategy.”

IR35 & Contracting, News

IR35 countdown is on: Leading legal, tax and insurance experts collaborate in event to support businesses

Specialist insurance broker, Kingsbridge, is bringing together leading legal, tax and insurance experts for an interactive event to provide employers, HR teams and recruiters with IR35 guidance as the private sector roll out date looms.

Led by Ann Swain – CEO of the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) – the free to attend event will feature two panel discussions:

– Fresh Perspective: James Poyser, CEO, off-payroll.org, Andy Chamberlain, Director of Policy, IPSE, and Andy Robinson Business Development Director, Kingsbridge, will provide invaluable first-hand insights into how all areas of the supply chain should be approaching the 2021 changes.
– Tax & Legal: Andy Vessey, Head of Tax, Kingsbridge, Tania Bowers, Legal Counsel and Head of Public Policy, APSCo, and John Chaplin, Associate Partner, EY, will discuss the latest legislation and provide practical advice on how all parties in the contracting supply chain can best utilise the next six months to prepare for the reform.

The event will also provide those involved in hiring and managing contractors with one-to-one consultations with Kingsbridge’s expert consultants.

Andy Robinson, Business Development Director at Kingsbridge commented:

“While 2020 has been a difficult year, we’re at a stage where planning for the future is critical, and for anyone involved in the supply and management of contractors the most important topic of conversation at the moment is IR35. While the delayed extension was certainly beneficial in some aspects – with our recent research revealing that many employers had reversed blanket ban approaches – the global pandemic has certainly been a distraction for IR35 preparations. With just six months left, now really is the time to get to grips with your contractor determination processes. By bringing together leading industry experts on one platform we hope to equip as many employers and recruiters as possible with the information and guidance they need to ensure we all get IR35 right this time around.”

The event will take place on 12th November – Register for your place today https://lp.kingsbridge.co.uk/virtual-industry-insight_pr/

COVID-19, COVID-19 Tests, News

Independent SAGE sets out guidelines for lockdown exit strategy

Independent SAGE as today set out its guidelines for an exit strategy from lockdown and called for urgent reform of the UK Government’s Test & Trace system.  They acknowledged that new cases will need to come down to 5,000 a day so that Test & Trace can cope but say the system will need “urgent reform” if it is to work and enable the UK to “avoid continual lockdowns.”

Today’s briefing was also attended by special guest, Caroline Lucas MP.

The group showed that  1,217,214 contacts have been reached by SERCO Test & Trace since May at an approximate cost of £10,000 per head so far, based on the government’s commitment to spend £12bn on Test & Trace run by the private sector.  The system has been widely criticised and has proved less effective and more expensive than Wales’ track and trace which is run by the public sector.

The panel of expert scientists, chaired by former Chief Scientific Adviser Sir David King, renewed their calls  for Test & Trace to be replaced with a system overseen by NHS and again called for increased support for individuals who need to self-isolate.

Professor Anthony Costello of University College London, said:

“Failure to reform and improve the performance of the Find, Test, Trace & Isolate system, will mean earlier and more frequent circuit breakers and lockdowns.”

The panel were able to share some positive news – the latest data shows the number of cases is stagnating and hospital admissions slowing, although hospitals in some regions, such as Liverpool, have reached higher occupancy than in first wave.

The group also set out new recommendations for universities.

In a statement earlier this week, Independent SAGE said:

“Universities’ strategic responses to COVID-19 have been constrained by the requirements of the marketized nature of the sector imposed by UK government. Thus, in-person teaching has been maintained in part because of potential negative financial consequences. The issue of online delivery has become divisive (e.g., the University and College Union has argued consistently for online programme delivery) which has detracted from the wider ramifications of maintaining in-person contact which we outline below.

There has been much discussion about ‘fee refunds’ for dissatisfied students in cases where institutions are not providing Competition and Markets Authority-protected obligations to in-person delivery promised in prospectuses. However, Office for Students guidance states that “During the exceptional circumstances caused by the pandemic, we do not intend to take regulatory action … where we consider that reasonable efforts have not been made to protect the interests of students” and “The approach we are taking during the pandemic does not reflect the approach we would normally take to compliance with our regulatory framework … about providers not delivering courses as advertised.”

We urge UUK and Vice-Chancellors to work collaboratively to take the UK government’s recommendation to “move to increased levels of online learning” as a mandate to accept consistent scientific advice to move teaching online, with lab- and practice-based components exempt. This will unlock all other strategies, including enabling student choice for their own well-being. The government must make financial provision for universities to make decisions that are consistent with its own advice.

In today’s briefing, the group called for:

  • an immediate move to online teaching
  • students to be allowed to return home to continue their studies at any point during term to avoid large-scale movement in December
  • enable testing (or two weeks’ self-isolation, where testing capacity not sufficient) for those returning home and, ideally, when they reach home

 

About Independent SAGE:

Independent SAGE is a group of scientists who are working together to provide independent scientific advice to the UK government and public on how to minimise deaths and support Britain’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. Sir David King, the former Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK government, chairs the group and oversees its reports.