Monthly Archives: March 2022

News, Telecoms

Apple to lose $3 million in iPhone sales daily amid Russia market pull out

Although Russia does not account for a significant revenue share for Apple products, the tech giant’s exit will likely leave a mark on its smartphone sales that have been growing in the country.

Data presented by Burga indicates that based on vendor, Apple accounts for 15% of the Russian smartphone sales to rank third overall. South Korea’s Samsung occupies the pole position with 34%, followed by Xiaomi in the third spot at 26%.

Realme has a share of 8%, followed by Poco at 3%, while other smaller brands account for 14%.

Elsewhere, as of 2021, Russia’s smartphone sales stood at ₽730 billion ($7.6 billion). Therefore, based on Burga’s calculation, Apple might lose an estimate of at least $3 million in iPhone sales revenue daily or $1.14 billion annually.

The amount is based on Apple’s latest recorded Russian market share and the company’s revenue from sales as of 2021.

The revenue lost might be higher considering that Russia’s general smartphone sales income has risen steadily in the last few years. As of 2020, the revenue stood at ₽570 billion ($5.93 billion), while in 2019, the figure was at ₽500 billion ($5.2 billion). Overall, between 2014 and 2021, the figure has spiked almost 200%.

An end to the rocky relationship between Russia and Apple

The report acknowledges the tough relationship between Russia and Apple in recent years. According to the research report:

“Apple’s exit in Russia puts a close to the rocky relationship between the two entities. Notably, Russia has in the past enacted questionable policies for companies like Apple to comply with. Apple had only recently adhered with a government mandate to open offices in Russia to offer online services there.”

After Apple’s decision on Russia, the move has placed pressure on other brands like Samsung that have also stopped shipping products to the country.

Consequently, the exit by the two manufacturers might be a window of expansion for Chinese operators that are likely to stay put. However, such firms might suffer the impact of any follow-up sanctions that can bar companies from operating in Russia using U.S. origin technology.

Read the full story with statistics here: https://www.burga.com/blogs/news/apple-to-lose-3-million-in-iphone-sales-daily-amid-russia-market-pull-out

 

News

The stars align for Wales’s best restaurants

Our best restaurants in Wales are celebrating success, with some achieving new awards while others retain their existing awards from the UK and Ireland’s most prestigious restaurant guide – the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2022

In total, seven Welsh restaurants were awarded. Already previously a one Michelin star restaurant, Gareth Ward’s Ynyshir in Machynlleth has been promoted to a two Michelin star, boasting the first ever two-star to be awarded in Wales. The restaurant already holds 5 AA rosettes, the highest ranking in Wales in the Harden’s Guide, and the title of best restaurant in Wales in the 2021 National Restaurant Awards.

 

Chef Gareth Ward said, “It’s a huge achievement for the whole team and we are completely blown away and proud to have been awarded two stars. It is also massive for Wales and really starts to cement the food scene as equal to the best in the world. Now let’s go on to get 3 stars!”

 

Out of the 19 newly awarded one Michelin star restaurants in the UK, one was awarded to James Sommerin’s Home in Penarth, while the other was awarded to SY23 in Aberystwyth, which also received a Special Award for Opening of the Year.

 

Hot on the heels of his success going through to the final of the BBC2’s Great British Menu, part-owner and chef of SY23 Nathan Davies said: “Receiving a Michelin star is the things of dreams, it’s an award of quality that’s globally recognised. I have worked in kitchens that have had Michelin stars and was the Head Chef of Ynyshir for a few years, a great local restaurant that have just received their second star on the same day!

“So I have been in this environment for a number of years but nothing quite prepares you to receive your very own star for a restaurant that you’ve designed and built from the ground up. I have an outstanding team and it is as much their award as it is mine. Opening a restaurant months before the pandemic started and being closed down for several months on more than one occasion has been very, very difficult but to not only have survived this far but to have thrived and picked up one of the highest respected awards in the industry has been massive. As well as the Michelin award for Opening of the Year for Great Britain and Ireland was truly amazing too. 

“Our food here at SY23 restaurant champions the best of the local produce available to us; from local lamb and beef from the nearby hillside to fish and shellfish landed a short walk away in the local marina. Ingredients that have been preserved, dried, fermented and pickled allow us to use amazing local produce all year round. We are grateful we have such amazing food producers on our door step and also have had fantastic support from our local community and for that we are very thankful.”

 

Chapters in Hay-on-Wye has been newly awarded a Michelin Green Star for excellence in sustainable gastronomy, while Palé Hall in Llandderfel has retained its Michelin Green Star from last year.

Opened in July 2019, Chapters restaurant aims to support small scale producers and other local independent businesses.

 

Chef Mark McHugo (Pictured with fellow owner Carmaine Blatchford) said: “We are delighted to be awarded a Green Star, it is a fantastic achievement and as the only new entry announced for Wales we are especially proud – thank you Michelin! It means so much to us being recognised for what we work so hard to achieve and love doing is simply amazing.

“Creating a restaurant with sustainability at its heart is the basis of all our decision making. We believe it’s important that people know that when they enjoy a meal here they are also supporting the local economy with local produce being at the centre of our menus. We are so grateful for the support we have from our staff, guests, family, friends and suppliers.”

 

Restaurants celebrating their continued success from last year, retaining a one Michelin star, are the Beach House, Oxwich; Sosban & The Old Butchers, Menai Bridge; The Whitebrook, Whitebrook and the Walnut Tree, Llanddewi Skirrid.

 

Commenting on Wales’s achievements through Michelin’s globally recognised standards, the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths said:

“A big congratulations to all of our Michelin-starred restaurants – those receiving new awards and those who have maintained their excellent standard to retain their stars.

“The attention to detail our award-winning chefs put into creating their amazing dishes truly pays homage to the passion and dedication our producers devote to producing our unique food and drink.

“The Welsh Government is committed to supporting every aspect of our food and drink supply chain, and with our first-rate ingredients inspiring and gracing the tables of the top restaurants, it ensures Wales continues to have a global reputation for excellence.”

 

Minister for the Economy, Vaughan Gething, said: “This is a huge achievement and a real boost to our hospitality sector, after what has been a difficult and testing two years. It is a testament to the talent and resilience of the sector in Wales and I am delighted to congratulate all the businesses for these accolades. They are putting Welsh hospitality on the map, becoming destination establishments that boost local economies. I wish them every success for the future.”

 

Full results of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2022 can be seen here.

 

Energy

A Comprehensive Overview of Electrical Utilities

Electric utilities form the electric power industry – and their function is the generation and distribution of electricity for sale to the public in a regulated market. This industry is responsible for providing energy in several countries – but this covers a wide range of functions within the overall industry.

Cooperatives nationalized entities, investor-owned, and publicly owned personnel are involved, partly or completely engaged in different aspects of the industry. The electricity market also comes under the umbrella of electric utilities.

Over time, electric utilities have been under pressure due to increasing demand for power. Due to this, the industry is looking for different ways to cater to the requirement. In this article, you will learn about the changes this industry is undergoing and the different energy sources it is tapping on to meet the demand.

Shift to Renewable Energy

While catering to the increasing power supply with non-renewable energy sources, the pool is nearing diminish. To avoid this, the utilities are looking for renewable sources worldwide.

The goal is to decarbonize the utility sector to avoid climate changes that are almost irreversible. While rushing towards achieving decarbonization, which is considered the future of power, it is important to determine that the source is completely renewable

Different Sources of Renewable Energy Considered by Electric Utilities:

Biomass: The energy source is organic material (animals and plants). It consists of wood processing wastes, biogenic materials, animal manure, human sewage, plant-based waste materials, and agricultural crops.

Hydropower: The power source is hydroelectricity, i.e., converting the water flow into electricity. The source is dependent upon the water cycle, rain, large water bodies such as lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and streams.

Geothermal: The source of this power supply comes from within the core of the earth. The idea is to convert this continuous emission of heat into energy which is not only consistent but also endorses the idea of green energy.

Wind: Utilities are considering converting the wind cycle into a power source to cater to the energy demand. There are several areas across the globe that has consistent wind flow, which can contribute to the energy.

Solar: Solar energy has been widely in use as an alternative to non-renewable energy. Utilities have used technologies to convert this constant source to power.

Electric Utilities in this Changing Time

The drastic increase in industries the population has led to a massive demand for energy, which is pushing electric utilities towards crisis. The developed world is helping the infrastructure of the electricity industry go through a fundamental transformation to overcome challenges.

Attempts are being made to change the grids from traditional to smart grids. While there are no standard definitions, it is understood to have a set structure for information communication.

However, the EISA 2007 (Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007) stated that smart grid is defined as, “the modernization of the Nation’s electricity transmission and distribution system to maintain a reliable and secure electricity infrastructure that can meet future demand growth”. Following are the characteristics of smart utilities:

– A significant increase in the usage of control technology and digital information for improving efficiency, reliability, and security of the electric grid.

– Optimization of the resources and operations of the grid dynamically with complete cybersecurity.

– Integration and deployment of generated energy and distributed resources which consisted of renewable resources.

– Development of demand response and incorporating them with energy-efficiency resources and demand-side resources.

– Deployment of hi-tech technologies such as automated and real-time technologies for metering automated distribution, grid operations, and status.

– Integration of consumer devices and smart appliances.

– Consumers being provided with control options and information in a timely manner

– Identifying unnecessary barriers and lowering them for adopting technologies, services, and practices related to the smart grid.

If you are looking for a smart grid, research to find out the best supplier and contact them.

Appointments, News

SentinelOne announces key go-to-market C-suite appointments

Mark Parrinello named Chief Sales Officer, Eran Ashkenazi named Chief Customer Officer

SentinelOne, an autonomous cybersecurity platform company, today announced two executive promotions to further expand its C-suite. Mark Parrinello has been promoted to Chief Sales Officer, and Eran Ashkenazi has been promoted to Chief Customer Officer, effective immediately.

“Mark and Eran have played a pivotal role in contributing to SentinelOne’s growth across the globe,” said Nicholas Warner, COO, SentinelOne. “Mark’s unparalleled sales leadership, coupled with Eran’s unwavering customer-first mindset will deliver tremendous value to SentinelOne as we continue to make the world a safer place.”

Mr. Parrinello’s leadership has been a catalyst for growing SentinelOne’s global sales footprint. In his previous role as SVP of Global Sales, Mr. Parrinello led SentinelOne’s sales organisation, expanding the company’s presence and segmentation across the Americas, EMEA, and APJ amid the company’s global expansion. As Chief Sales Officer, Mr. Parrinello will manage worldwide sales operations to deliver operational excellence and support SentinelOne’s overall growth.

“Cyberattacks are a daily occurrence in every part of the world, and enterprises must deploy solutions that enable them to stay ahead of intrusion attempts in real-time,” explained Parrinello. “At SentinelOne, our mission is to redefine cybersecurity by pushing the boundaries of autonomous technology to help protect the world’s largest and most critical businesses, and simplify their cybersecurity stack. I’m proud to lead one of the best sales teams in cybersecurity.”

Mr. Ashkenazi played an integral role in maintaining a best-in-class customer experience throughout SentinelOne’s growth. In his previous role as SVP of Global Support and Services, Mr. Ashkenazi scaled SentinelOne’s support and customer success functions, leading the company to achieve a net promoter score (NPS) of 70 and best-in-class gross retention rates. Mr. Ashkenazi was also responsible for creating and running the company’s global threat services, including its Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service, Vigilance MDR. As Chief Customer Officer, Mr. Ashkenazi will continue to ensure SentinelOne delivers an exceptional customer experience, and maintains its customer-first culture.

“Since our early days, I’ve had the privilege of spearheading SentinelOne’s commitment to delighting customers. Now, more than ever, it’s our mission to guide customers every step of the way on their cybersecurity digital transformation,” said Ashkenazi. “I’m excited to ensure our customers are protected and successfully reduce enterprise risk.”

Charity & CSR, News

Actor Simon Lennon Becomes Walk For Autism’s 3,000th Walker Ahead Of This Years Campaign

Bridgerton and Emmerdale star Simon Lennon has become the 3,000th person to pledge their support to this year’s Walk for Autism campaign, which kicks off in just four weeks.

The scouser will join participants from up and down the country to take part in the event, which is in its fifth year, with Autism Initiatives hoping it will be the biggest one yet, with more than £200,000 in sponsorship being raised so far.

Those involved will walk 10,000 steps per day for eight days from March 26 up until World Autism Acceptance Day on April 2 to raise funds that go towards providing vital support and community projects for autistic people and their loved ones.

Last year, the campaign collectively saw an impressive 194 million steps walked and raised more than £621,000, making it the most successful year to date.

Simon said: “I’m so happy to be involved in Walk for Autism again – it’s a really fantastic initiative that not only provides essential funds for projects but also promotes autism acceptance and understanding more widely.”

Walkers can sign up on the charity’s website and begin their fundraising straight away, with Walk for Autism providing helpful tips on some fun and varied ways to raise money.

Head of Enterprise at Autism Initiatives Jon Gordon said: “We are delighted to reach 3,000 signups for our fifth annual Walk for Autism campaign and would like to thank everyone – including Simon – for doing their bit. Every year continues to show us just how amazing people are and how willing they are to support others; despite how tough the last few years has been for everyone.

“Passing these milestones is really important, as the money that is raised funds innovative specialist autism projects across the UK and Ireland.”

Autism affects more than 700,000 people in the UK and Ireland each year. Walk for Autism is a campaign led by charity Autism Initiatives Group who have been working to improve the lives of autistic people and their families since 1972.

Finance and Banking, News

New Study From Entrust Finds Consumers Prefer Digital Banking Experiences, But Are Concerned About Security

A survey from Entrust details preferences of the modern banking customer, with consumers indicating a need for online banking capabilities, secure cards with chips and enhanced payment security

The global transformation of banking and payments has only accelerated over the past few years, and between web trends and a global pandemic, the industry has seen disruption from all angles. Consumers are digitally connected in almost all facets of their lives — and it’s evident they expect the same from their banks and payment experiences, with consumers overwhelmingly expressing a preference for digital offerings from their financial institutions. Amid this critical time for banks and credit unions, Entrust, a global leader in trusted identity, payments and data protection, set out to uncover how this disruption has impacted consumer sentiment, preferences, and habits in its new data study released today, “The Great Payments Disruption.”

Entrust surveyed 1,350 consumers from nine countries, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Australia and Indonesia, who have made or received digital payments in the past 12 months. The results help paint a picture of where the banking industry stands in 2022, and what the future holds as The Great Payments Disruption continues.

“This study highlights how more than ever, consumer banking is about digital interactions first, and that they must create that digital experience with security at its foundation,” said Jenn Markey, vice president of product marketing at Entrust. “Our study found both an overwhelming preference for online banking and a significant concern about fraud – in fact, more than two-thirds of consumers in our survey changed their bank or credit union after receiving a fraud or privacy alert.  It’s clear that financial institutions must meld rich digital experiences with proven security measures such as biometric security solutions to increase consumer trust and loyalty.”

 

The Dawn of a New Banking Landscape

Each section of the study considers a different aspect of the transition in the banking and payments industry as more digital, contactless options become available for consumers. Here are some of the key findings from each section:

 

  • Omnichannel touchpoints are increasingly important in digital banking: 88% of respondents said they prefer to do their banking online in some form – clear evidence that digital banking is the new norm. However, it is still essential to provide a variety of digital options, as 59% said they prefer using the app from their bank or credit union, while 29% prefer their desktop web browser. Some people do still prefer in-person banking, such as at a branch (8%) or at an interactive teller machine (3%). Overall, it is essential for banks to offer omnichannel, digital-first solutions to resonate with today’s consumers.

 

  • Customers are security-conscious and lack of security can have damaging consequences: 90% of respondents said they were concerned about the potential of banking or credit fraud as banking and credit become more digital. Many respondents had personal experience with these fraud risks, with 42% saying they have received notification of a personal banking or credit fraud in the past 12 months. These incidents clearly damage customer loyalty, as 67% of respondents notified of fraud changed their bank or credit union as a result.

 

  • Fee structures and flexible payment options give banks an edge: Consumers are most likely to consider lower fees, digital solutions and security when choosing or changing their bank. With consumers looking for high-quality, low-cost digital banking, challenger banks could add to their current disruption by offering things like fee-free overdraft protection and unlimited foreign exchange. There is widespread interest in the digital banking atmosphere, with 86% of respondents from the U.S. saying they would consider using a branchless online banking service for their banking. Additionally, challenger banks offer new ways to pay, and 52% of respondents said they would consider using digital currencies for payments.

 

  • More digitally issued cards could further fuel the rise of contactless payments: Respondents listed credit/debit cards with chips (50%) as their most preferred payment method, but contactless credit/debit cards (48%) were a close second. Additionally, 53% of respondents said they’ve received a digitally issued debit or credit card from their bank or credit union. Digital cards can be an effective selling point as almost two-thirds of survey respondents prefer to open a bank account digitally. This preference is high across generations as well: Gen Z (65%), Millennial (69%) and Gen X (54%).

 

To learn more about The Great Payments Disruption and download a full copy of the first report, visit https://www.entrust.com/c/great-payments-disruption.

 

About Entrust Corporation

Entrust keeps the world moving safely by enabling trusted identities, payments and data protection. Today more than ever, people demand seamless, secure experiences, whether they’re crossing borders, making a purchase, accessing e-government services or logging into corporate networks. Entrust offers an unmatched breadth of digital security and credential issuance solutions at the very heart of all these interactions. With more than 2,500 colleagues, a network of global partners, and customers in over 150 countries, it’s no wonder the world’s most entrusted organizations trust us. For more information, visit www.entrust.com.

 

 

 

International News

Living In Malaysia: Our Brief Guide

Malaysia has been a popular expat hangout spot for many years, and its popularity has only risen over time. There are many reasons why people move to Malaysia. The warm climate, sandy beaches, and low cost of living all make for an idyllic living situation. If you are thinking of moving to Malaysia, or you live there already and want some advice, then keep on reading for our guide to living in Malaysia.

Find A Place To Live

One of the first things you need to do to settle into Malaysian life is to secure a place to live. Hotels and Airbnb are great for short-term travel, but you need to find permanent accommodation if you want to start feeling at home in Malaysia. There are lots of unique types of homes to look for in Malaysia, like these condos for rent at Ampang Point. Searching for homes via local experts such as PropertyGuru can help you find the right home to suit your wants and needs. This unique region is a great area and has access to excellent amenities and local transport links.

Don’t Wear Shoes Inside The House

When entering any house or apartment in Malaysia, it is common practice to remove your shoes. This can often be the case for entering restaurants, too, so be sure to wear shoes you can easily slip on and off. When people visit your home, it could be a good idea to have some indoor slippers you can provide to your guests so they can feel more comfortable. The practice of removing shoes is very common in many places throughout Malaysia, and if you find yourself visiting the many mosques the country has to offer, you will be asked to take your shoes off before stepping inside.

Be Prepared For The Climate

Malaysia has an extremely hot and humid climate through the year, and it can be extremely uncomfortable if you don’t prepare yourself for it. One of the easiest ways to fall ill in a hot climate is through dehydration so it important that you always have bottled water to hand. Often, you may not realise you are dehydrated until you start to feel unwell, so just keep on drinking throughout the day to prevent that from happening. Another thing that will help you manage the heat is appropriate clothing. Loose-fitting clothing will be your best friend in the Malaysian heat, and be sure to always wear sunscreen and cover your shoulder if you are out walking during the day.

Embrace Local Cuisine

Food plays an integral part of Malaysian culture and there are three major cuisines found throughout the country- Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Although they are all three distinct cuisines, they share many flavours and spices, so be prepared to embrace spicy, aromatic food when living in Malaysia. Malaysia is a very multi-cultural place, so embracing local cuisine is important because it means you are also embracing the multi-ethnic population. The rice-based dish nasi lemak is considered the national dish of Malaysia, so that would be a good place to start when trying the local cuisine. For more information on Malaysian cuisine, check out these nine dishes you must try in Malaysia.

Pedestrians Do Not Have The Right Of Way

Another important think to be aware of when living in Malaysia is that pedestrians do not have the right of way. The streets of Malaysia can get pretty congested and if you aren’t careful when crossing the road, you could easily find yourself in an accident. Do not assume that cars and motorists will automatically slow down for you when you want to cross, always look both ways and keep looking when you are crossing. Walking around some parts of Malayasia may be preferable, but it could also benefit you to invest in a moped so you can easily get around the cities.

Learn Some Language Basics

While English is spoken on a basic level throughout Malaysia, it would also be a good idea for you to learn some Malay basics before you move to the country. Of course, you will eventually pick up the language as you continue living there, but it would be respectful to at least have some phrases or words ready to use when you arrive.

Having some phrases already lined up will be helpful in getting yourself settled once you arrive and can also be a good way to make friends. Once you have made some friends, you will find that your understanding of the language will improve as you can practice talking in the language more frequently. Malaysia is a very social country so making friends shouldn’t be too hard. Moving anywhere can be a scary concept and can often feel quite lonely, so it is important to learn the language as it can help you integrate into your new home.

Electronics, News

Codasip University Program spurs innovation and boosts curriculums

Keith Graham appointed Head of University Program

Munich, 10 March 2022 – Codasip, the leader in processor design automation, has launched a University Program to help the next generation of processor engineers to Design for Differentiation and to solve tomorrow’s technological challenges. The Program augments graduate and undergraduate computer engineering curriculums with materials and assignments, and by granting access to industry-grade Codasip RISC-V custom development tools and CodAL high-level synthesis language.

Access to Codasip Studio development tools and CodAL development language, plus specific technologies will enable Codasip University Program partners to support RISC-V based domain specific applications and functions, including functional safety, computer architecture, processor security, advanced memories, even AI/ML. Codasip, together with its technology partners, will provide universities with dedicated support for their research projects – a Design for Differentiation Ecosystem that will spur innovation and the exchange of ideas.

To register interest in joining the Program, and to find out more information, visit the Codasip University Program page here: https://codasip.com/university-program/

Codasip has appointed Keith Graham to lead the new University Program, bringing his decades of engineering and academic leadership experience to the role. Before joining Codasip, Graham had previously identified the benefits of customizing RISC-V processors using Codasip Studio and developed courses for the University of Colorado.

Codasip enables Design for Differentiation which encourages processor and system developers to innovate and – using Codasip tools and IP – to bring their ideas to market in the shortest time and at the lowest cost to maximize competitive advantage. Codasip Studio is a unique collection of tools for fast and easy modification of RISC-V processors. CodAL is Codasip’s C-like language used to create and verify Codasip processors, with models to simplify optimizations and modifications.

Keith Graham, commented, “Providing students with access to CodAL and Studio is enabling them to focus on becoming innovative processor designers. CodAL is a high-level synthesis language, more efficient and less error prone compared to using a less abstracted language like Verilog.” Graham continued, “The Codasip Design for Differentiation Ecosystem provides the ideal processor design automation platform to help future designers build their ideas into commercializable products. We are engaged with multiple universities in curriculum development and research activities, and look forward to welcoming additional universities into the Program”.

Codasip Founder and President, Dr Karel Masarík added, “We were in a position to support university programs with our Codasip tools, but with Keith agreeing to join Codasip and help us, we have been able to define a far more comprehensive partnership program for universities. We are excited to be already rolling out the graduate and undergraduate courses thanks to Keith’s extensive experience in course development: This means we can deliver the Program universities tell us they need. And if we get that right, we help universities develop the theory and the design skills the companies developing SoCs need.”

Read more about the Codasip University Program here: https://codasip.com/university-program/

News

Tasty new role for kitchen star thanks to North Wales jobs programme

AN INNOVATIVE jobs and training programme served up a tasty new role for Jason Davies.

Jason, from Old Colwyn, is now working as a kitchen porter at Hickory’s Smokehouse in Rhos-on-Sea thanks to the support of Conwy Employment Hub.

In partnership with the restaurant’s placement scheme ‘Smokehouse Stars’ and the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), the 34 year-old took part in a nine-week course which built his confidence and included sessions on teamwork and communication, how to write a CV and real-time experience.

Conwy Employment Hub – which oversees Communities for Work, PaCE and Communities for Work Plus – was also on hand to provide him with work clothes and shoes, and mentoring advice and guidance via the DWP.

“I really enjoyed the course and am delighted to now have a job at the end of it because the team here at Hickory’s are fantastic, they have made it fun and helped me all the way,” said Jason.

“It was great to meet new friends and learn new skills, and I look forward to learning more.

“The Employment Hub removed barriers to me finding and securing this position, so I’ll always be grateful for this opportunity.”

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Service, added: “We are absolutely thrilled for Jason, he showed great commitment throughout the course and was rewarded with a permanent role.

“He fully deserves it, and we wish him every success for the future.”

Communities for Work Adviser Wendy Harrison was also proud of Jason’s achievement and said:

“Jason was very keen to get back into the workplace and to access the nine-week training with Hickory’s.

“I’m so pleased, I knew he would do well and I’m sure he will be an asset to the restaurant team.”

A recent labour market report by the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership explored the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on key industries, including tourism and hospitality, which makes up more than 25% of employment in Conwy.

Candidate and skills shortages remain a substantial challenge across the region, a point echoed by Hickory’s Head Chef Luke King.

“Recruitment in this industry has been tough due to the pandemic so initiatives and opportunities like this work placement course are so valuable,” he said.

“Jason has been a terrific asset and has worked hard throughout the process. We are delighted to have him as part of the team.”

Hickory’s Training Programme Coordinator James Taylor added: “Jason has swiftly become an integral part of the back of house team and has built strong working relationships with those around him.

“It’s people like Jason joining us at every level that help us keep up with the demands on the industry, they allow us to continue to thrive and grow; they make us better.

“It’s been a journey and, from the moment Jason stepped through the doors of our Rhos-on-Sea restaurant to the second we handed him his apron, it’s one I’ve been proud to have been a part of.

“In just a few months he has gone from strength to strength – he is a different person, and while we’d love to take some credit for it, we can’t. We only gave him the tools he needed, through sheer hard work and determination he got himself to where he is today.”

For more information, visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council.

News, Software

AltoVita expands into over 1,200 cities globally and grows customer base by 525% as the world opens up post-pandemic

  • Company doubles headcount, quadruples revenue, and celebrates an award-winning 12 months
  • Launches series of summits to set the vision for the future of the corporate accommodation sector

London, UK; 10th March: AltoVita, the award-winning company that powers the corporate accommodation sector with enterprise software layered with a human-centric approach, has today announced its expansion into over 1,200 cities and 165 countries globally, in the space of only four years.

AltoVita’s technology creates a cloud-based bridge between the fragmented property distribution system and Global 2000 companies, SMEs, government agencies, universities, and business travellers. Its rapidly growing customer base, which has grown 525% year on year, includes Hewlett Packard Enterprises, NEI Relocation, and nine US Federal Agencies. AltoVita offers instant access to a diverse network of over one million housing options worldwide, with the ability to sort by desired amenities, sustainability scores, pet friendliness, and more.

2021 marked an award-winning year for AltoVita, with the team shortlisted for 16 awards and winning a further seven awards. This includes winning the DE&I Leadership Award at NEI Relocation’s Global Partner Alliance Summit, and being recognised by the Travolution Awards, FEM EMMAs, Serviced Apartment Awards, and UK PropTech Awards, among others.

AltoVita has also announced its industry-leading Smart, Safe, Sustainable Summit, which includes a series of events from March – May 2022. The ‘Design Thinking: Unlocking ESG Together’ session on 10th March will be followed by the AltoVita tech team prototyping new tools and features to solve pain points identified by the global participants and bring further innovation to the sector. The Summit will culminate with an all-day immersive event in London on the 12th of May, with panel discussions, keynote speaker, networking, and product launch. The product launch will unveil the new features and tools developed as a result of the Design Thinking event. The Summit follows the success at AltoVita’s 2021 Corporate Housing Innovation Summit, a first of its kind for the industry

Vivi Cahyadi Himmel, CEO and Co-Founder at AltoVita, commented: “2021 was a fantastic year for AltoVita, and we have so much to look forward to in 2022, from our Smart, Safe, Sustainable Summit to The Altos Awards later this year. Work from anywhere has opened up new horizons for businesses and employees alike, travel restrictions are beginning to ease around the world, and there’s a hunger to move again – it’s a hugely exciting time for global mobility and business travel. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our brilliant team and partners, who are spearheading innovation in the industry. We look forward to another innovative and successful year in corporate travel.”

The AltoVita team, who recently attended the CHPA 2022 Annual Conference in Tampa, FL, will also be attending the ProcureCon Travel event later this year in Palm Springs, CA, alongside the 2022 Business Travel Show in London, UK and ERC Global Workforce Symposium in Las Vegas, NV.

Looking ahead, the AltoVita team is driving toward tripling integration velocity and revenue, doubling headcount once again, and building new guest experience technology. As part of plans for hyper growth, the team also has plans to double the number of property operators it currently works with, to reach 3,500 hospitality partners in 2022.