Monthly Archives: June 2021

News, Sport, Telematics

Visiontrack Supports British Truck Racing Championship With Advanced Video Telematics Solution

Truck Sport UK has teamed up with VisionTrack to install an advanced video telematics solution on 20 race trucks competing at this year’s British Truck Racing Championship (BTRC). The connected vehicle cameras are assisting with race activity management throughout the eight-round event, as well as providing high-quality footage for broadcast and media opportunities to broaden the appeal of the sport.

Each vehicle has been fitted with a VT3000 forward-facing dashcam with an additional rear-view camera. With 4G connectivity, race officials can now livestream video from each truck to assist with the management of on/off track race compliance, while the internal storage ensures that footage is recorded for any required investigation. The high-definition video is also available during and post-race for livestream broadcasting, media clips and a TV highlights programme.

“The quality of footage captured by the VisionTrack equipment during the first 2021 race event – held at Brands Hatch at the beginning of June – was extremely impressive,” explains Steve Thomas at Truck Sport UK. “It proved to be invaluable to the race officials, while providing a new dimension to our broadcast and promotional activities. We are looking forward to working with VisionTrack throughout the remainder of the race calendar.”

Richard Lane, Commercial Director of VisionTrack commented: “We are delighted to be a partner for this year’s British Truck Racing Championship. By supplying and managing the video telematics solution for this year’s event, we are helping Truck Sport UK maintain the highest levels of race safety, while providing action-packed content that will attract new fans to this exciting motorsport.”

News

Older Generations Anxious About Health Risks of Returning to Work

A new survey has revealed a huge gap in how safe different generations feel about going back to offices and places of work as the Government’s coronavirus roadmap progresses.

The study of 2000 people, commissioned by manufacturing firm Airdri, makers of SteraSpace, revealed that just 16% of under 24s are worried about picking up germs from colleagues/communal areas on returning to work, compared with 43% of over 25s.

COVID-19 was chosen as the main concern about office-working for 33% of those aged 45-54, and 39% of over 55s. While those in the younger age groups were more likely to be anxious about performance-related issues, such as ‘not being up to the challenge’ (21%) and stress (26%).

The majority of people in all age groups, apart from those aged 18-24, agreed that they would feel less concerned about returning to the office if they knew the company’s products and policies for infection control. Just 37% of the younger age group agreed policies and products would make them feel safer, compared with well over 50% in all of the other age brackets, this rose to 72% in the over 55s*.

The study also uncovered variations in attitudes towards virtual meetings vs face-to-face communication with 32% of under 24s are not looking forward to face-to-face meetings vs just 20% of those aged 45+.

Steve Whittall, group director of R&D and operations at Airdri said:

“With the Government’s roadmap out of coronavirus so far progressing according to plan, many people’s thoughts are turning towards when they may make the return to working in a communal office or building. What our research shows is there is a big gap in what is worrying those in the younger age groups compared with older generations.

“Some of the figures were surprising given that it is the older age groups that should have been fully vaccinated by the time the Government removes the direction to work from home. Yet with news of new variants hitting the headlines and the fact that COVID-19 statistically affects older generations more seriously, it’s perhaps understandable.”

“Whilst younger employees might not be overly concerned about picking up germs back in the office, it is front of mind for business owners/team managers concerned about the safety of staff and visitors. And reducing absenteeism is going to be a top priority.”

“We have seen huge sales increases in our air sanitiser technology – SteraSpace which again shows the investment many firms are making. Communicating the steps being taken is going to be just as important in reassuring staff of the safety of their workplace.”

Airdri surveyed 2,000 working British adults. The data has been weighted to be representative of the British adult population as a whole.

News

The launch of Tencil – a new career guidance app for young people

Government bodies in Wales, several Welsh MPs and corporates including a top-four accountancy firm and a bank are among those backing a new app launched by a Welsh entrepreneur with the aim of normalising career guidance and planning at a much earlier age.

 

Tencil has been launched by Joel Williams, a digital marketing expert currently working at TikTok, who has launched the app from his home of Carmarthenshire, which has already partnered with more than 200 businesses.

 

Tencil’s aim is to encourage young people to consider different professional careers at a much young age and then partner then on that journey. The app’s artificial intelligence partner’s the soft skills of young adults with the traits required to excel in different professions.

 

The idea is that Tencil normalises the idea of thinking about careers from the age of 13. Young people using the app would be able to access quality content, provided by companies that support the app, informing and educating them about certain career paths – and what is required to achieve their dreams. The app can then be used as an ongoing resource to guide them on that journey.

 

Several MPs including Ben Lake, MP for Ceredigion, have both praised the app while careers services in Wales are interested in rolling out its use in schools across Wales in 2022.

 

Williams’ inspiration for the app came from his mother, who was a teacher, and his uncle, who owned a digital marketing business. He notes that research shows a high percentage of young people (more than 90% by age 14) know what their dream job would be and what career they would like to pursue. Tencil will make these dreams become a reality.

 

Williams said:

 

“Tencil was born out of the need to both provide opportunities to talented yet undiscovered young adults and to provide a much-needed diversity in the professional world. According to Payscale (2020), 91% of young adults know what dream job they would like, Tencil will make these dreams become a reality. Tencil provides a philanthropic means of addressing corporate social responsibility through reaching out to all young adults. 

 

“We already have partnerships in place with local and national educational government organisations who have already included the platform into their plans to diversify young adults’ learning. Our platform tackles the need to incorporate and normalise careers into the education system from a young age and bridges the gap for young adults looking to enter a professional industry.

 

“Through our partnerships, young adults will be educated on opportunities in their local community and enterprise multinational companies. With over 200 businesses signed up to the app and sharing educational content, we are ticking a need to diversify all industries. We plan to expand into global territories from 2022. At the heart of our business model is our aim of giving young adults from all parts of society a level playing field.”

News

One Year No Beer strengthens board with the appointment of new Chairman

With over 40 years of international experience in the application of technology for enterprise, Richard Harris will focus on business growth and structure

 

One Year No Beer, the award-winning behaviour change programme and online toolkit for surviving modern society alcohol-free has recently confirmed the appointment of their new Chairman, Richard Harris.

 

With a strong proven track record in the successful application of technology for enterprise, Richard will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the business. Focusing on structuring the business for rapid growth, his role will be supporting the management team and technological application of the online health and wellbeing platform.

 

Commenting on the new appointment, Richard Harris, Chairman of OYNB said, “OYNB is a global digital business which is empowering thousands of people to become the most productive, present and healthiest version of themselves by helping them to change their relationship with alcohol – this is something I am delighted to be driving forward.”

 

“OYNB already has a leading market position and significant momentum, and it is my aim that the company reaches its full global potential. There has never been a more important time than now, for accessible, online support for general and mental wellbeing as the world recovers from the worst of the pandemic.”

 

Richard believes that his newly appointed role is a turning point for OYNB. As a non-executive chairman and director of three other international growth companies and having taken start-ups from zero to successful financial exits with VCs and Private Equity, he understands the critical elements required to maximise growth and value.

 

Richard continues, “Ruari and his team have demonstrated great talent in building an internationally acclaimed product and we need to keep that creativity to the forefront of our growth plans. Encouraging and developing high quality individuals in every business discipline is also a key part of our strategy.”

 

Commenting on the appointment, Ruari Fairbairns Co-Founder and CEO of OYNB comments, “We feel privileged to have someone with Richard’s level of experience join our rapidly growing business. Over the last few months, we have seen such a rapid rise in demand for support and this is our time to rise to the challenge and roll our support network to everyone that will benefit from it.”

 

Founded in 2015, OYNB is an award-winning behaviour change programme and online toolkit for surviving modern society alcohol-free, aimed at anyone drinking more than 3 glasses of wine a week.

With a member base of over 80,000, they believe that having a community is crucial to making a positive lifestyle change, and so the founders are constantly finding new and exciting ways to provide this support.

 

 

 

News

How has the logistics industry helped small businesses successfully pivot in the last year?

According to government data, SMEs made up over 99% of the total business population at the start of 2020 — and this is the reason why thriving SMEs remain the backbone of rebuilding our economy. Across the UK, SMEs are getting back on their feet, employing workers and providing important services which fuel our local economies. 

At the start of the pandemic, SMEs were one of the hardest hit groups in UK business, with many businesses losing their custom overnight as the country went into lockdown. Yet it’s these same businesses that are now bouncing back, with many on major recruiting drives. How did they do this, and what can we learn for the future?

The SME small but mighty spirit is something to be proud of — they have been resilient because they have been innovative. News this month reported that 51% of small businesses have changed their operations in some way over the past year, including introducing online stores — that’s millions of businesses who have successfully adapted in order to flourish in the last year.

But it’s not just continual adjustment and sheer grit and determination which have got SMEs through the last year. The logistics industry has played a huge role in helping these businesses with warehousing, inbound and outbound transportation, materials handling, order fulfilment and inventory management, to name just a few areas.

How have logistics services have helped businesses rapidly adapt?

Over the last year, even between lockdowns, there has been a radical change in consumer behaviour. People have changed their shopping habits, preferring to order goods and services from the comfort of their sofa rather than take an unnecessary trip out. The unprecedented demand for online sales now looks to become ‘the new normal’. 

SMEs had to make fast and furious changes and the function of logistics became all the more important, moving towards the centre of SMEs’ relationships with suppliers and customers. Unfortunately, SMEs often don’t have the infrastructure to create and maintain the logistics of delivery efficiently, cost effectively and on time — and some make the mistake of trying to do it themselves. Often with no prior experience, successful SMEs sought assistance from logistics operators to handle the entire process, from packaging to transportation and customs procedures. Without expert logistics help, their rapid change in business would not have been viable.

Freight exchange platform Courier Exchange has received feedback from members noting how crucial strong courier capability and advanced technology was in helping their businesses adapt and thrive after the pandemic hit. They have nearly 300 5-star TrustPilot reviews. At a time when SME owners were feeling uncertain about the future and vulnerable to losses that they couldn’t recover from, logistics companies were coming to their aid behind the scenes. The Transport Exchange Group has been providing expertise, and through that — moral support. One reviewer explains how invaluable this has been:  

“When Covid and lockdown hit in March 2020, we lost all our work overnight, the entire industry shut down, and still a year on it is non-existent, putting my business in a very, very tight spot…thanks to being a CX member, I have managed to not only keep my company afloat by pivoting what we do, but also grow the same-day transport side of the business, which we will now continue to grow alongside our specialist work as that starts to slowly come back this year.”

How can logistics services continue to support small businesses?

Without the resilience, flexibility and agility of SMEs, the future of our economy would look stark. Lyall Cresswell CEO of Transport Exchange Group says:

“Recovery from the global pandemic offers a chance for SMEs to adapt and reset their ways of working for profitable and sustainable growth. Due to increasing demand, high-quality transport and logistics partners will be at the forefront of this as they help businesses to deliver products on time to satisfied customers. The more efficient the logistics, the more profit an SME can make for accelerated growth. At Transport Exchange Group we aim to provide the digital tools and access to a massive pool of loads that a courier or haulage business needs to adapt and to thrive in the future.” 

The benefits of effective logistics services for small businesses

  • Improved customer experience — delivering orders accurately, quickly and on time increases brand trust and encourages repeat sales and sales through recommendations
  • Enables growth — solid management of inventory, transport and delivery practices helps businesses scale up to fulfill a higher quantity of orders
  • Prevents loss — reduced risk of damage to products through optimal transport conditions and tracking 
  • Technology streamlined process — for complete supply chain visibility, real-time tracking, risk assessment, reporting and improved customer communications and service
Business, Training

Free business programme boost for micro firms in north east Wales

MICRO businesses with staff can sign up for a fully funded leadership and management qualification that would usually cost £4000.

People living or working in Flintshire, north Powys and Wrexham are eligible to join the 20Twenty Business Growth Programme’s Level 4 CMI (Chartered Management Institute) course in September.

Taking place virtually, there will be an initial two-day schedule followed by four days over the following months, with modules including innovation, creativity, and marketing strategies, making a difference in the workplace, managing finance, coaching, and action planning for success.

Funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through Welsh Government, 20Twenty Business Development Manager Jackie Whittaker said they are looking to attract micro firms, charities, and social enterprises which might previously have found the qualification inaccessible.

“Since last summer, the 20Twenty Business Growth Programme has been fully funded and the response has been incredible,” said Jackie.

“All modules have been held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic but for many that has been a positive as it has cut down on time and travel.

“We have welcomed businesses of all sizes and for this upcoming cohort would like to see more micro businesses join us, companies that might not previously have signed-up because of the cost or other barriers.

“Now more than ever having access to a fully funded place on the programme would be recommended; the advice and support available is second to none, to have this experience to call on and learn from would be invaluable for many businesspeople after the unprecedented challenges of the last year.”

Delegates also have an opportunity to progress to the CMI Level 7 programme, aimed at directors and senior managers, with strategy, growth, and future-proofing business among the pivotal themes – that is 70% funded and also starts this September.

Among those to have benefited from 20Twenty is Beatriz Albo (pictured), Director of Wrexham-based Sabor de Amor, a Spanish sauce company.

She attended the Level 7 and said it was useful in helping her “learn new management and leadership techniques”, adding: “When I started to employ people, I realised that I needed to know how to manage staff.

“I especially wanted to join the 20Twenty programme to develop a strategic growth plan for the business, which was invaluable. I think all micro businesses would benefit from signing up.”

Jackie added: “We have had up to 200 people on these programmes over the last three and a half years and continue to be amazed by the impact it has had on their organisations.

“As well as learning from the speakers and via interactive workshops, they share best practice and create their own networks, discussing ideas and being there with support and advice.”

“This is a great opportunity for micro businesses, to help them grow – any business that has been struggling, especially over the last year, will have the opportunity to access a free toolkit that will bring benefits for years to come.

“20Twenty has made a real difference to so many companies, from operations and profits to managing staff and culture – we hope you will join us and see for yourselves.”

For information and to register for a fully funded place on the 20Twenty Business Growth Programme, visit www.20twentybusinessgrowth.com or email j.whittaker@bangor.ac.uk.

Construction, News

Hale Homes to deliver 10 executive homes in Peterchurch, Hereford

Wales-based housing developer, Hale Homes, is due to commence work on ten new dwellings in the village of Peterchurch, Hereford, to deliver its first development in the area.

 

When completed, the new homes will be for sale on the open market via Peter Alan Estate Agents and will comprise of three and four-bedroom properties.

 

Within the design stages of the development, Hale Homes have been careful to incorporate the character and heritage of Peterchurch’s existing built environment and surrounding area, ensuring that the new development will fit seamlessly into the traditional rural community.

 

The new homes will be built over a 52-week duration, with works anticipated to commence in July 2021.

 

Hale Homes is recognised for its commitment to innovative, eco-friendly design, quality materials and finishes, and sustainable building practices. The company focuses on building high quality homes with the most sustainable sources available – an approach which has seen it win multiple awards for sustainable design. The company is also committed to using local sub-contractors and suppliers.

 

David Harrhy, Hale Homes Group Managing Director, said:

 

“The local area of Peterchurch holds a lot of history and culture for the local community. We are keen to preserve this culture within the development, which will provide a legacy for local people in the form of high-quality, executive housing for current and future generations.”

 

Hale Homes are now looking to purchase more land in the Herefordshire region, and expand by providing small, exclusive developments for sale, focusing heavily upon quality, heritage, and character. The developer is open to discussions with local landowners.

News

Top ten national success as Bromwich Hardy goes from strength to strength

Leading independent commercial property agency Bromwich Hardy has enjoyed a hugely successful start to 2021 – outperforming many of its national rivals, new figures show.

 

The Coventry-based agency – which has scooped a host of awards for its work over the last five years – has been revealed as the ninth-best performing agency across the country in the new EG Radius on-demand rankings.

 

The figures rank agencies by the amount of floor space they have transacted and shows Bromwich Hardy breaking into the overall top ten across the UK for the second quarter of the year with 223,681sq ft of deals secured.

That places Bromwich Hardy firmly in the company of the national agencies which dominate the charts – a reflection of the agency’s growing UK footprint as it increasingly works across the whole country.

Regional figures for the year to date also show the agency punching above its weight in its West Midlands heartland, with it being the second most successful agency for industrial sales and lettings.

Since January 1 the agency has secured deals for 325,097 sq ft of space in the region and also stands fourth and fifth in the retail and offices sector respectively.

Founding partners Tom Bromwich and Richard Hardy said the figures showed that the market was far from stagnant despite the pandemic and that Bromwich Hardy’s reputation was spreading nationwide.

“Already this year we have concluded deals in Yorkshire, the North West, Devon, Wiltshire and across the West and East Midlands and have a pipeline of further deals in progress all across the country.

“There is certainly business to be won in the current market and our reputation as a team with huge experience, commercial insight and client focus is standing us in good stead both in the Midlands and across the national stage.

“It is particularly rewarding that we are now competing directly with the big national agencies and more than holding our own in that market.”

News

The UK is the Best European Country to Start a Business In, According to New Index

The UK is the best European country to start a business in, new research has revealed.

Aiming to discover which European countries are the best to start a business in, Tide collated data on 10 criteria points, including: GDP; tax revenue; unemployment rate; market cap of listed companies; number of start-up procedures; cost of start-up procedures; time required to start a business; new business density; ease of doing business score; and gender pay gap.

Each of the countries analysed (the 27 EU countries, plus the UK) were ranked for each of the above criteria points, before an average rank across all aspects gave the final position.

Top 10 European countries to start a business:

  1. UK
  2. Ireland
  3. Netherlands
  4. Denmark
  5. Estonia
  6. Sweden
  7. France
  8. Slovenia
  9. Lithuania
  10. Romania

Performing well across several categories, the UK was found to be the best country to start a business in overall. Ordered from best to worst performance, the UK ranked in the following positions for each criteria point:

CRITERIA POINT RANK (OUT OF 28)
Cost of start-up procedures 1 (joint)
GDP 2
Ease of doing business score 2
Market cap of listed companies 3
New business density 5
Number of start-up procedures 6 (joint)
Time required to start a business 6 (joint)
Unemployment rate 7
Gender pay gap 21
Tax revenue 23

The UK was followed by Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Estonia, which made up the remainder of the top 5.

The winner(s) per category were as follows:

CRITERIA POINT LEADER(S) STAT NOTES
GDP Germany $3,845,630,030,824 2019 data
Tax revenue Germany 11.5% % of GDP
Unemployment rate Czech Republic 1.93% % of total labour force, modelled ILO estimate
Market capitalisation France $2,365,950,236,659 Current US$
Number of start-up procedures Finland, Ireland, Greece, Slovenia, Estonia 3 procedures Start-up procedures are those required to start a business, including interactions to obtain necessary permits and licenses and to complete all inscriptions, verifications, and notifications to start operations
Cost of starting a business Slovenia, UK 0% Percentage of GNI per capita
Time to start a business Denmark, France, Estonia, Greece, Netherlands 4 days Days
New business density Estonia 23.6 New registrations per 1,000 people ages 15-64, based on latest figures for each country – 2018
Ease of doing business Denmark 85 0 = lowest performance to 100 = best performance
Gender pay gap Luxembourg 1.3% Unadjusted gender pay gap, as a percentage of male gross earnings – 2019

Liza Haskell, Chief Administrative Officer at Tide, added:

“According to Companies House, more than 750,000 (768,777) new companies were incorporated in 2020, compared to 678,419 in 2019 and 657,868 in 2018. There were 211,368 new company incorporations in Q1 (January to March) of 2021, highlighting a steady upward trend in new business creations over the last few years, which demonstrates that many more people are taking the opportunity to start a business in the UK. This, along with our research, shows that the UK is a great place to do business. As well as topping the cost of starting a business criteria (tied with Slovenia), the UK also performed well in a range of other categories to earn the top spot overall.

“While it is certainly possible to start a business in most countries, some countries are more inviting than others. The commercial hurdles manifest in different ways, including things like high tax rates, expensive start-up fees, and slow-moving business creation processes. Other factors to consider are unemployment rates, the saturation of new businesses, the ease of doing business, and the level of gender pay equality. These are all values that can indicate the health of an economy, the prospects for your company, and the cultural values and norms that you will operate within”.

For more information on the research, visit: https://www.tide.co/blog/business-tips/best-european-country-to-start-a-business/

News

Europe’s leading drinks agency The Cocktail Service launches premium at-home cocktail experience, The Cocktail Society

The Cocktail Society is a premium monthly cocktail membership from leading drinks agency, The Cocktail Service.

To satisfy the consumer demand for quality, fun and innovative at-home cocktail experiences during the pandemic, The Cocktail Service pivoted its business model and launched an online range of handcrafted small-batch bottled cocktails, kits and hampers – generating £100k sales in 6 months. This success is the driving force behind The Cocktail Society and is underpinned by its ambition to create exciting drinks experiences for discerning cocktail fans.

More than half of regular bar-goers* attempted to recreate their favourite mixologist’s methods during the 2020 lockdown, a time that saw a huge increase in demand for new at-home experiences. During the pandemic spending on subscription services increased by 50.2%; The Cocktail Service spotted a gap in the market to deliver delicious, bar quality drinks to the doorsteps of those seeking expertly crafted beverages (a must-have treat for many during the pandemic) from the comfort of their homes.

The Cocktail Society’s monthly-subscription Discovery Box (£40 inc. free delivery) is a bespoke offering in answer to the demand for tailor-made, innovative experiences that consumers are now seeking. Offering a monthly choice between six seasonal cocktails, each box includes everything needed to shake up traditional drinking occasions: one 500ml Bottled Cocktail, two 250ml RTD cocktails, one DIY cocktail, a selection of premium snacks and a copy of The Cocktail Society’s members-only magazine: Drink Up.

Developed by award-winning bartender David Indrak using the finest flavour-first ingredients – think Chase vodka and local artisan coffee from Missing Bean Roastery, each handcrafted bottled cocktail is expertly mixed to an exact recipe to create the ultimate at-home cocktail experience. With 40% of consumers** planning to purchase at-home cocktail kits this year, The Cocktail Society subscription is ideal for seasonal gifting moments and special occasions at home.

As part of the monthly subscription, members will have exclusive access to its Cocktail Concierge, a unique virtual service that connects curious cocktail lovers with  The Cocktail Society’s expert team, on hand to answer any burning drinks related questions. Creating a new community of cocktail lovers and at-home mixologists, members will also have the opportunity to take part in live cocktail masterclasses, preview new products that drinks brands have been developing, and discounts from The Cocktail Service’s extensive industry network.

Rooted in a love of the UK drinks industry, The Cocktail Society isn’t just about great tasting cocktails. Subscription members will receive an exclusive copy of Drink Up, an exciting new magazine that provides unique recipe content alongside tips and tricks from bar industry insiders. The magazine shows members exactly how to create incredible bar quality drinks, features guides on how to mix the perfect cocktail as well as recommendations from The Cocktail Society team on brands and spirits to watch.

The Cocktail Society Co-Founders, Tom Bronock, Casey Small & Nick Ford commented on the launch: “Our team has meticulously developed every product, working closely with top spirits and drinks producers to create extraordinary drinking experiences. The cornerstone of everything we are going to do with The Cocktail Society is about the experience and a sense of fun – after all cocktails are about good times and we want to embody that. We won’t be preachy or too serious, yes we’ll educate but it’s more about our members having the best experience with us and becoming raving fans of The Cocktail Society but also the cocktail culture.”

With 10 years of insight and expertise providing standout cocktail experiences across the globe, The Cocktail Society was created for adventurous drinks fans and the cocktail loving community who enjoy discovering new flavours, who want to know the latest trends and who want to learn how to mix better, bar quality drinks at home.

For more information, visit www.thecocktailsociety.uk