Monthly Archives: March 2021

Data, News, Tech

Entrust nShield HSMs Now Support Microsoft Double Key Encryption

New integration ensures customers are in control of their most sensitive data in Microsoft 365

Entrust, a leading provider of trusted identities, payments, and data protection solutions announces the integration of its nShield® hardware security modules (HSMs) with Microsoft Double Key Encryption. nShield HSMs support the new Microsoft service with robust cryptography, enabling organizations to extend control and security over their most sensitive data in Microsoft 365.

Double Key Encryption (DKE) for Microsoft 365 protects a company’s highly sensitive data using two component keys – one key that is in the customer’s control and a Microsoft key stored securely in Microsoft Azure. With this new integration, the customer’s key is generated and protected using a robust FIPS 140-2 Level 3 and Common Criteria EAL4+ certified nShield HSM and used to encrypt the organization’s sensitive data. The data is then encrypted again with a key provided by Microsoft.

“CISOs, security architects and auditors are focused on maintaining compliance and protecting sensitive data across their organizations, so establishing a strong root of trust that anchors the security of that data within Microsoft 365 is critical for continued cloud adoption. Without proper controls and robust cryptography, customers may be hesitant to store their most sensitive data in the cloud,” said David Low, Vice President of Professional Services at Entrust. “Enabling customers to have full control over their cloud data with a secondary key – much like you do at your bank with a safe deposit box – is vital to establish that confidence and protecting the customer key then becomes critical. nShield HSMs provide that strong root of trust and ensure that the customer key is always protected and under the control of the customer.”

Whether deployed on premises or as-a-service, Entrust nShield HSMs are among the highest-performing, most secure and easy-to-integrate HSM solutions available, facilitating regulatory compliance and delivering the highest levels of data and application security for enterprise, financial, and government organizations. The purpose-built hardware devices are designed to generate, safeguard and manage cryptographic keys on behalf of applications. The unique nShield Security World key management architecture enforces important separation of duties with dual-controls that segregate security functions from administrative responsibilities. The addition of certified Entrust nShield HSMs to Microsoft Double Key Encryption service accelerates cloud adoption and facilitates auditing and regulatory compliance.

“For customers operating in highly regulated industries, Double Key Encryption provides an extra layer of protection for their most mission-critical data,” said Benjy Levin, Program Manager, Microsoft Security at Microsoft Corp. “Double Key Encryption for Microsoft 365 enhances the depth of protection for highly sensitive data to meet specialized requirements, while helping these customers to move to the cloud with greater confidence. The integration of Entrust nShield HSMs with Double Key Encryption delivers the additional security capabilities and trust required for continued cloud adoption.”

As a Microsoft Gold Partner, Entrust nShield HSMs have helped companies maintain strong controls over their encryption keys for Microsoft applications for more than two decades including SQL Server, Active Directory Certificate Services as well as having pioneered with Microsoft Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) to Azure Key Vault and Microsoft 365.

 

News, Science

BBI Solutions highlights its global capabilities in 2021 customer campaign

Crumlin-headquartered manufacturer and leading supplier of immunodiagnostic reagents, BBI Solutions has today launched a 2021 customer campaign, showcasing its global capabilities in serving the science of diagnostics.

The company is using multiple marketing platforms, including a new website and video, to underpin the campaign.

With contributions from world-class scientists and technical leaders at BBI Solutions’ seven manufacturing sites across four continents, demonstrating integration of their global expertise and the real-world impacts of their products and services to the diagnostics industry and to its customers and patients, the video showcases the breadth and depth of BBI’s portfolio while highlighting a commitment to immunodiagnostic platforms and lateral point-of-care tests.

BBI Solutions’ production and supply of critical immunoassay components such as antibodies, antigens, enzymes and particles feature prominently in the video, as well as other key services such as the development of products from concept to point of care and their innovative mobile diagnostic platform, Novarum™.

The global capabilities also feature prominently on the company’s recently enhanced website, which has been designed with the customer at its heart to create a seamless and enjoyable browsing experience with information on BBI’s varied services easily accessible.

Dr Mario Gualano, Chief Executive of BBI Group, said: “I feel privileged to lead BBI Solutions in our continued growth during the last year in unprecedented times, which presented unique challenges and opportunities. We have made significant investments in our production capabilities and increased our immunodiagnostics offering by creating BBI Freiburg. We could not have achieved this without the commitment and collaboration of our colleagues across the globe.”

The launch follows a successful year for BBI which included the acquisition of Freiburg-based DIARECT, a leading supplier of autoimmune antigen products; membership of the UK-Rapid Test Consortium to develop and rollout coronavirus tests; and the development of two new recombinant SARS-Cov-2 antigens, designed as critical raw materials for next generation serological assays.

The company has multiple sites across the globe including Crumlin, Edinburgh, Sittingbourne, Porton Down, Freiburg, Cape Town, Portland and Shanghai.

For further information about BBI Solutions and their global capabilities, visit www.bbisolutions.com

To see BBI Solutions’ new video click here.

News

Gemserv Appoints New Non-Executive Director to Board

Gemserv has appointed David Brown as an independent Non-Executive Director to its Board after a competitive process.  David will take up the post in March, replacing Matthew Rees who served on the Board for 5 years.

David will chair Gemserv’s Audit and Risk Committee and has held senior executive roles with Smart DCC, Viapath and Eurostar International. He is currently Chief Financial Officer of Brakes UK, the leading UK foodservice provider. Since 2015, David has been a Non-Executive Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee at Mental Health Matters, a national charity supporting people with mental health needs.

Meriel Lenfestey, Chair of Gemserv, said:

“I am delighted that David is joining the Board. He brings extensive finance and corporate governance experience from executive and non-executive roles in some large and well-known brands. David has worked across many of Gemserv’s markets, including in energy and health, and will play an important role in helping steer the business to fulfil its purpose of making things that matter work better for everyone.”

David Brown commented:

“Gemserv is working on many of today’s social and environmental challenges and I am excited to be joining such a purpose-driven business.  Gemserv’s markets are undergoing significant disruption, presenting new opportunities to grow and diversify. I look forward to supporting the business on this journey.”

Manufacturing

Steelworks celebrates major landmark and throws weight behind Deeside restoration campaign

A STEELWORKS celebrating 125 years in North Wales is behind a campaign to restore a beloved landmark.

Tata Steel – formerly known as the Shotton Steelworks – is supporting the ‘Guardians’ working to preserve the Grade II-listed John Summers Clock Tower site in Deeside.

The building opened in 1907 and was home to the company’s general office before closing in 2009 and falling into disrepair after being sold to a developer.

Bill Duckworth, site manager at Tata Steel – which was founded in 1896 and employs more than 800 people in the town – is helping the Enbarr Foundation by providing free utilities so volunteers and tradespeople can continue delivering the project.

The company also supplied original drawings from its extensive archives to help with design and development in the months ahead.

Led by Enbarr’s director Vicki Roskams, plans for the site include a heritage skills centre, library, community café and landscaped gardens.

“After selling the building we had hoped to see investment in it but sadly the opposite happened and it fell into disrepair,” said Bill, who has been with the organisation since 1987.

“The general office and clock tower mean a lot to us as well as local people, so we were delighted to see Enbarr’s plans for it and will do all we can to help Vicki and the team.

“My first office was in that building so I know it well and was sad to see it deteriorate so badly.”

He added: “As the works marks 125 years in Shotton, it’s important we continue to support the local community, because we are a big part of it now and in the future.

“This scheme will breathe new life into a part of the town that desperately needs it, so we are fully behind it.”

Vicki thanked Bill and Tata Steel for their “invaluable contribution” and congratulated them on their 125th anniversary.

“The steelworks has always been a major employer and a huge part of this community, so we are delighted it is so supportive of the project,” she said.

“By providing us with electricity and water, access to the archives and overall backing the company is making an invaluable contribution which is very much appreciated as we begin to make significant progress despite the challenges of the last year.

“Thanks to everyone who has helped us to this point, and if anyone is able to volunteer their time or resources to help us take the scheme forward please get in touch.”

For more information or to support the project, email vicki@enbarrenterprises.com or visit the Guardians of the Clocktower Facebook page.

Food & Drink, News, Scotland

Stirling Distillery Evolve Business and see sharp rise in online sales

Stirling Distillery has seen online sales increase by 250% over the past year, thanks to the success of their virtual drinks experiences. When COVID hit in March 2020, their distillery tour, shop and gin school were all temporarily closed, so the business had to rethink its approach and fast. Founders June and Cameron McCann decided to create a virtual drinks package, a virtual distillery tour and offer live Zoom tastings for those who wanted a way of connecting with friends, family or colleagues.

The distillery has also launched three new products over the past year – Stirling Pink Gin, their Sons of Scotland whisky range and the popular Tropical Triumph liqueur. Steeped in local history, these products have all contributed to the steep rise in online orders.

The family run business has had great success with their live tastings, hosting over 45 in December alone – on one day they hosted 9 tastings. Those taking part include friends, colleagues or family members wanting to meeting up virtually to share a drink, companies wanting to host clients, and even virtual hen parties. Customers have spanned the globe, including Australia, Singapore, the US and countries across Europe.

Over the past year they have established partnerships with various online retailers including Master of Malt, The Sample Guys, Craft 56, Drop24, and the Craft Bottle Shop. They have also partnered with local companies to provide traditional Scottish products including glasses by Angel Share Glass, Stirlingshire Tablet from Johnston’s and Chrystals shortbread alongside their gin and whisky in a bid to promote other local Scottish businesses. They also create bespoke seasonal gift bundles throughout the year, including Valentines, Easter and Father’s Day gift sets.

The distillery recently announced their annual whisky and gin festivals will be going ahead in the autumn. Run by their events company Stirling Spirit Co., these popular festivals had to be cancelled in 2020 but will cap off a successful year for Stirling Distillery.

 

About Stirling Distillery

Stirling Distillery, established in 2015, is steeped in Scottish history. Located in the shadow of Stirling Castle, central Scotland, it was the city’s first legal distillery. Offering a range of gins and whiskies all with historic relevance, the distillery is usually open daily for tours, tastings and a weekly gin school. These will resume as soon as possible.

News

New solution for hiring in the tourism sector launched by job advertising specialists

Job advertising specialist JVP Group is offering a new and cost-effective solution to help tourism businesses quickly find the talent and skills they need through its Jobs in Tourism specialist job site, which is set to launch on the 1st of April.

The platform is designed to let employers in the sector showcase their opportunities, while also enabling them to connect directly and easily with potential employees who are interested in their vacancies whether seasonal or permanent.

It is highly anticipated that the platform will be of immediate benefit to jobseekers who are looking for new roles because of the pandemic. As well as putting them directly in touch with recruiting employers, the platform will also offer additional support via a range of free resources to help job hunters identify and apply for the vacancies they are best suited to.

The specialist job site launch coincides with the opening up of some parts of the tourism and hospitality sector. While some uncertainty about reopening will inevitably continue until closer to the specific dates, there’s increasing optimism that all current plans will be able to go ahead.

In Wales, self-contained tourist accommodation was given the go-ahead to open from 27th of March. In England, significant easing of restrictions in the sector is planned to begin from the 12th of April including the opening of self-contained holiday accommodation, such as camp sites and self-catering lets, along with beer gardens, zoos and theme parks. Indoor hospitality and hotels could potentially open from the 17th of May. In Scotland, the 26th of April is being targeted as the likely reopening date for the sector.

JVP Group’s Founder and Managing Director Cath Harrison comments: “Understandably, all these timescales had to have a degree of flexibility attached to them. With schools in the process of opening their doors to pupils once again, and non-essential retail opening up, everyone appreciates the need for a careful, cautious approach.

“But equally, the positive impact of the lockdowns on reducing virus transmission along with the progress of the vaccine roll out means that even where precise dates shift slightly, it’s looking highly likely that a large proportion of the UK tourism and hospitality industry will be open for business in a matter of weeks. That means employers in the sector must be ready to be all systems go. And while the industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, it’s going to bounce back very quickly once it’s fully reopened; all the signs are that visitor demand is going to be extremely high with a substantial increase in staycations.”

What does remain to be seen is how Brexit, and the associated loss of a proportion of the workforce many tourist businesses previously relied upon, will affect the sector. While it’s likely to create some challenges for employers who need to recruit quickly, it could also offer opportunities by giving specific regions a push to address long-standing skill shortages.

Cath explains: “Take the region in which our head office is based in North Wales for example. There may be people who come from sectors such as the airline industry or retail who have a range of great skills – like customer service for instance – that can readily transfer into the large tourism sector we have around here.

“The skills are definitely out there. The Jobs in Tourism platform provides the ideal way to facilitate the process of employers and potential employees finding each other and connecting those skills with the vacancies. Employers in the tourism sector will need an efficient and cost-effective way of attracting the best people quickly and that is exactly what Jobs in Tourism will enable them to do.

“It’s based on a unique subscription model that makes it accessible to all employers, letting them advertise an unlimited number of roles which will be particularly beneficial as the sector gets back up and running. We already use this model for our Jobs in Zoos platform, and we know it works really well for employers and job hunters alike. So, we’re really excited to extend this successful model to the wider tourism sector, helping to showcase all the wonderful opportunities from employers, both big and small, and help jobseekers quickly find the right opportunities.”

If you’re an employer interested in finding out more about the Jobs in Tourism platform, contact services@jvpgroup.co.uk. And for anyone interested in job opportunities within tourism, leisure and hospitality, visit www.jobsintourism.co.uk

Book Releases, Business Advice, Construction, News

Outspoken mentor says autism makes him a better businessman – as he launches trades’ profit-boosting ‘bible’

A veteran mentor diagnosed as autistic at the age of 54 who says it makes him a better businessman is publishing his new book to help men and women in construction and the trades supercharge their businesses and profits.

Jon McCulloch, now 56, also known as the Evil Bald Genius, is the author of Get Off the Tools – The Smart Tradesman’s Business Bible.

Described as a blueprint to help change the way you think about your business, the book focuses on Jon’s renowned Trades Accelerator Model™ and is being published as World Autism Month gets under way.

Jon, who blogs about autism at Unapologetically Autistic has made his work available in print and online.

In it, he rails against “snowflakes” and offers a straightforward plan to financial success – for different types of self-employed tradesmen he dubs wallowers, followers, fighters, and flyers.

He says:” This is where the magic happens. You get the benefit of my more than two decades in the business of helping other business owners grow rock-solid, profitable businesses.”

Leicester-born Jon is launching Get Off the Tools in World Autism Month, partly in a bid to raise awareness of the benefits of being autistic in business.

He said: “I was self-diagnosing as autistic for two or three years. I paid for a private assessment in 2019 which confirmed my suspicions. It has been a rollercoaster for me but it has also helped me clearly plan and execute a very successful business.

“Now I have established myself as an expert in helping trades businesses reach serious profit goals.”

Dad-of-three Jon, added: “One of the effects of my autism is that I have no, what’s known as “affective” empathy. Far from being a hindrance in running a business, I have found this an advantage – I just tell people how it is. You’re born autistic, and you die autistic. And what happens between those two bookends of mystery is mostly up to you.

“If you’re lacking in affective empathy, in particular, the mainstream view is there’s something wrong with you. This isn’t true.

“I’ve a proven record of fixing broken businesses. My book may seem harsh and uncomfortable at times. My clients and readers can take in what I say and learn or they can waste time doing stuff that’s never going to get them where they want to be. I focus on personal responsibility, resilience, resourcefulness, and how to get the best clients paying the best prices.

“Growing and scaling your business is hard but it’s not complicated and doesn’t require you put in 20-hour days to pay off a mortgage on your soul.

“A few simple changes can give you dramatic improvements in your cashflow, quality of clients, and slash the time you waste on unproductive and unprofitable activities. Anyone can get them set up and working within a week.”

Get off the Tools is available in Kindle edition, and will be published in print in Q2 of 2021. Contact Jon by email at media@evilbaldgenius.com, or find about more about him and his work through evilbaldgenius.com

Farming, Tech

Innovative wireless sensor could boost security for farmers and rural landowners

A REVOLUTIONARY wireless sensor launched by a Welsh tech start-up will make the ‘Internet of Things’ possible for rural areas across the globe.

Innovative Dewin Open:Close technology has been unveiled by Dewin Tech, a new business founded by Geraint Hughes and Meinir Lloyd Jones.

The couple, from Bangor, have collaborated with Dr Rob Shepherd from EvoMetric sensor data solutions to launch the application, with an initial focus on agriculture, utilities, and environmental sectors.

Based at Menai Science Park (M-SParc) on Anglesey, they are confident the remote notification device – which can be mounted to gates, doors, buildings, or any surface that has an open-close function – will provide both peace of mind and great value to customers.

Geraint, whose background is in agri-food consultancy, said: “There are so many scenarios that will benefit from the product across Europe, but for now we are concentrating on the UK and in particular the public sector and land-based sites.

“For it to work the solution needs to have LoRaWAN network coverage (Long Range Wireless Area Network) which is becoming more extensive, so the infrastructure is in place for us to deliver this and for it to be a success.

“Importantly, this will make a huge difference to people’s lives because from wherever they are they can access the solution at their fingertips, and immediate notifications will let them know if, for example, a door or gate is open that shouldn’t be – particularly crucial for a farmer or landowner.”

Through the use of LoRaWAN, the system covers a wide area using low levels of power, and enables the customer to be elsewhere knowing the Open:Close application is fully operational and effective.

If there is an issue, a notification will be sent via text, telegram messenger, or email tailored specifically to their requirements.

And if there is no LoRaWAN network available, a gateway can be installed by Dewin Tech to provide coverage.

“Local authorities in Wales have been investing in LoRaWAN, which permits long-range connectivity for Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as this,” said Geraint.

“An external LoRaWAN gateway can be bought and professionally installed for around £1,000-£1500.

“We have looked at all aspects of the hardware – which has been developed to withstand anything from the harshest of weather to rodent damage – and it is so straightforward to install we send it out with a simple guide after an initial consultation.

“From that point on we are there to ensure there are no issues and offer support, while monitoring the software and updating the technology in future if required.”

He added: “This is a game-changer for so many sectors, the application is incredibly advanced and we are proud to have got to this point and launched the business.

“It may be a bold move given we are in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, but we believe this will be well received, and the feedback we’ve had already is very positive.

“We have so much talent and innovation in North Wales and this is an example of that, and there is more to come – this is just the start for Dewin Tech.”

For more information, visit the website www.dewin.tech or follow Dewin Tech on social media at @TechDewin.

Construction, News

MFG’s latest ultra-rapid EV-charging site completed by Welsh construction company

Premier Forecourts and Construction, a specialist in forecourts and diverse construction projects, has completed works at a Motor Fuel Group (MFG) site at Crow Orchard in Wigan, providing MFG’s latest ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) 150kW chargers.

Swansea-based Premier Forecourts and Construction was appointed by MFG as principal contractor to install eight new bays with ultra-rapid 150kW chargers for electric vehicles at the site. The Crow Orchard electric vehicle hub is the first of MFG’s EV Power stations to be located next to a major trunk road.

The site now caters for drivers of electric vehicles as well as traditional petrol and diesel engines, with the cutting-edge ultra-rapid EV chargers allowing around 100 miles of driving from just 10 minutes of charging – making the refuelling experience comparable to that of drivers of petrol and diesel cars.

Following Prime Minister Johnson’s announcement towards the end of 2020, which brought forward the date for the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans to 2030, the future of motoring is undoubtedly electric. As a result, MFG are investing significantly in electric vehicle charging points across the UK.

Time-lapse footage released collaboratively by Premier Forecourts and Construction and Motor Fuel Group shows how the work to install the eight new EV chargers was able to be completed, whilst allowing the busy service station to remain open. The project was completed on time, safely and without disruption, despite the challenging working environment caused by COVID-19.

Formerly the construction division of The Premier Group, Premier Forecourts and Construction has grown and diversified into other areas of construction, in addition to its specialist forecourt work. Its work base within the electrical vehicle charging sector has significantly increased in recent years, showcasing its successful expansion into new markets.

Steve Evans, Premier Forecourts and Construction managing director, said:

“We were delighted to be working on such an important project for MFG using its new design of EV charger. We hope this will be the first of many similar projects we complete for them across the UK.”

Andrew Edwards, Group Infrastructure director at MFG, said:

“A very complex construction project delivered on time, delivered on budget and made easy, thank you Premier!”

News

ReachFive selects Neo PR to deliver disruptive retailtech campaigns

Neo PR, the B2B technology PR agency, has announced it has been appointed as UK PR agency for ReachFive, provider of the cloud-based customer identity and access management (CIAM) enterprise platform, with immediate effect.

Since 2014, the Paris-headquartered company, ReachFive’s cloud-based, API-first platform has provided retailers with the capability to deploy consumer identity and access management with speed and at global scale, while maximising agility to keep up with the pace of digital change. Leading companies such as L’Occitane, Boulanger, Etam Group, Hachette Group, La Compagnie des Alpes, Monoprix and ENGIE use ReachFive to drive higher lifetime customer value, and improve marketing, commerce and customer service results.

Since expanding into the United Kingdom with Series A funding of $10 million at the beginning of the year, working with Neo PR will help to solidify ReachFive’s footprint in the country, enticing retailers to take advantage of digital technology and put identity at the centre of the customer experience to drive personalisation, engagement and loyalty. The PR agency aims to do this by elevating the presence of ReachFive’s cloud-based API platform through thought leadership to create brand awareness and coverage within the industry.

“We are incredibly impressed with Neo PR’s experience, knowledge and stance within the retail technology industry,” said Russell Loarridge, Director, ReachFive. “Throughout my own career, I have worked several times with Neo PR as I know that they will deliver disruptive campaigns to elevate ReachFives’ brand recognition within the industry and support our broader business objectives. Their opinion based thought leadership and news jacking opportunities makes Neo stand out from the crowd and I’m thrilled to be working with them again once more at ReachFive.”

Ashley Carr, Managing Director and Founder of Neo PR commented, “ReachFive is at the forefront of innovation and at Neo we love doing business with people who love doing business. Neo has a unique deliverables based pricing model, meaning that we are outcome focused and we give full transparency so our clients get exactly what they want. I am thrilled that the Neo ReachFive PR team continues to deliver above and beyond, which highlights that the talent we bring to our clients sets us apart.”