Monthly Archives: January 2023

News

AJ Products’ new QBUS range provides comprehensive flexible storage for the modern workplace

The exclusive new QBUS storage range from office and workplace furniture supplier AJ Products has been developed specifically to cater for today’s modern office with comprehensive, flexible, modular storage that spans the entire workspace.

Offices today are vastly different to those of the past. Businesses are increasingly becoming digitised and the need for hardcopy filing is significantly reduced. Allocated desk spaces are no longer a priority, leading to the need for increased personal storage for bags and laptops. In addition, the modern office no longer has a clear separation between workspaces and communal areas, requiring storage solutions to solve more than one requirement.

QBUS storage is designed to suit every part of the workspace to create an integrated, harmonious and matching interior throughout the environment. QBUS provides a versatile and extendable office storage range where storage and design synergise for optimal organisation. The series features classic storage furniture such as bookcases, cabinets and practical mail sorting units; as well as innovative new options such as storage combined with a comfortable seating area and lockable personal storage, suitable for communal and reception areas.

A significant advantage of the QBUS series is it can easily be expanded or rearranged as workspace requirements change, facilitating a future-proof solution. This modular concept means that every piece of furniture in the range fits together seamlessly. With an exhaustive range of options, QBUS creates unique combinations of furniture that perfectly suit every business or organisation.

Helen Beebe, Managing Director of AJ Products UK, explains, “people will always need storage but their needs do not look the same anymore. Employees are sharing desks and wanting to store gym equipment or suitcases before travelling. We want to help our customers bring their offices up to date so they can keep up with changing ways of working whilst also allowing for personalisation. What is great about QBUS is that it can be tailored specifically to the needs of your business and can be easily adapted as your business grows, moves premises or simply when you want to update your layout. QBUS is completely interchangeable, flexible and adaptable making it easy to change without the usual limitations.”

To discover more about the benefits of QBUS storage and how it can improve your workplace, visit https://www.ajproducts.co.uk/popular-ranges/qbus

News

Commvault Leads the Industry in Kubernetes Data Protection for Third Consecutive Year

Commvault, a global enterprise leader in intelligent data services across on-premises, cloud, and SaaS environments, today announced that leading industry research firm GigaOm has named Commvault a “Leader” and “Outperformer” in the new GigaOm Radar for Kubernetes Data Protection for the third year running.

Commvault was evaluated along with 14 other vendors based on execution, roadmap and ability to innovate. According to GigaOm, Commvault is “doing very well by combining solutions for SaaS applications, on-premises (VM-based) infrastructure, containers, and databases efficiently.” Commvault provides Kubernetes data protection through its Commvault Complete™ Data Protection software and Metallic Data Management as a Service (DMaaS) solutions, giving customers the flexibility to choose their preferred storage vendor through their extensive ecosystem.

“In general, the market is very dynamic, and vendors are striving to build a consistent experience across multiple clouds while providing advanced application and data mobility,” said Joep Piscaer, GigaOm Analyst. “Commvault’s broad support for VMs, containers and (cloud) data services and databases in a single platform make it a great choice for hybrid and complex applications. Its security and ransomware controls are very extensive, making it suitable for larger enterprises.”

Kubernetes and containers have not (yet) replaced all cloud and traditional applications – they have integrated into the application landscape and need to be protected accordingly. Over the last year, Commvault has significantly advanced its protection for Kubernetes workloads by integrating, fully automated management, replication, migration, and security enhancements across its portfolio of Intelligent Data Services. According to the GigaOm Radar for Kubernetes Data Protection, Commvault provides effective protection for “hybrid applications that run across Kubernetes, VMs, and cloud services, consolidating backup operations on a single platform.”

“We are thrilled to receive recognition as a Leader and Outperformer in the GigaOm Radar for Kubernetes Data Protection for the third year in a row, and just as proud of the investments and rapid progress we’ve made in expanding our leading data protection technology to support the widest range of workloads in the industry,” said Ranga Rajagopalan, Vice President of Products, Commvault. “By natively integrating with Kubernetes, Commvault fully protects customers’ modern application environments across full clusters and at the namespace level, giving complete and scalable protection, no matter where the application is running.”

News

Sustainability continues to be a ‘top business’ priority – Conga comments

Today, 30th January 2023, Gartner* revealed that environmental and sustainability initiatives are now considered a ‘top business’ priority. By 2026, 70 percent of technology sourcing, procurement, and vendor management (SPVM) leaders will have environmental-sustainability-aligned performance objectives for their functions. In order to align with new market demands and values, technology providers are becoming competitively and continuously focused on sustainability initiatives. This follows a previous report in which it had identified sustainability a ‘top 10 business priority’ for 2023, with organisations increasing their investments**.

Charles Cao, head of operations and strategy at Conga, welcomes these new trends and offers his
advice to companies on how to accelerate their future environmental-sustainability-aligned
performance initiatives:

“Unsurprisingly, sustainability is still a top business priority. Businesses have felt the need to be ‘seen’ doing more for the environment for quite some time due to pressures from their key stakeholders and in order to stay competitive and appear favourable to their customers. Too often, these ‘commitments’ can be side tracked as leaders prioritise business performance over their sustainability goals. However, Gartner’s report reveals a considerable market shift. Leaders are now starting to realise the value of these initiatives and the benefits they can bring.

“As Gartner’s previous report showed, sustainability is not only a business prerogative, but it also goes hand-in-hand with business success. It can provide leaders with the opportunity to optimise and scale their operations and explore new ways of working and doing business. Many are now seeing these initiatives as opportunities to drive further revenue growth and operational efficiency. At the same time, this new report identifies an emerging trend. Organisations are starting to realise that sustainability is a joint responsibility and partnerships are key.

“Organisations with real green targets have realised the influence their choice of vendor has over their own objectives. Customers are now looking for demonstrable sustainability goals and timelines, not false promises. A company’s choice of partner or technology provider will have a significant part to play in their own success. Sustainable sourcing, contracting and performance management are critical. In fact, it will likely be a driver the decision-making process by default. If a customer and vendor’s commitments or objectives do not align, they will look for a provider that can help them meet their sustainability objectives.”

“Looking towards to the future, all businesses need to consider transformation and sustainability as one and the same. Beyond 2026, each investment in technology and its impact on the environment will need to be assessed thoroughly. At the very least, vendors will need to prove that their solution or technology can indeed deliver more sustainable business practices. Whilst business leaders should think carefully
about how to incorporate environmental and sustainable considerations within their core business plan and determine which products or services can help to deliver those goals.”

* https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-01-31-gartner-predicts-70-percent-of-
technology-sourcing-leaders-will-have-environmental-sustainability-aligned-performance-objectives-by-
2026
** https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-10-17-gartner-identifies-the-top-10-
strategic-technology-trends-for-2023

News

Truro’s newest builders merchant holding week-long celebration

From Monday 6th February, RGB Building Supplies is holding a week of events to celebrate the opening of its new Truro branch.

Every day between 7.30am and 3pm, the local community and tradespeople can receive expert advice from leading industry names, such as Maincor, Keylite, XL Joinery, Cure It, Bosch and Karndean.

Free food and drink and special offers will be available all week, and visitors will have the chance to win prizes and collect a free Scruffs Winter Essentials Pack and RGB tape, while stocks last.

Founded in Devon in 1850, RGB has grown to become one of the leading independent merchants in the region. The new Truro branch includes a kitchen and bathroom showroom and offers a wide range of building materials, landscaping goods, decorating products, and plumbing and heating supplies.

Richard Jayne, Branch Manager at RGB Truro, commented:

“We’re delighted to have opened in Truro and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone through the door to celebrate with us. It will be a great opportunity for those who work in the trade and those who are taking on projects in their own homes to speak to some of our suppliers and learn more about the products we offer.”

The week-long celebration will take place between Monday 6th February and Friday 10th February. RGB Building Supplies’ Truro branch is located on Threemilestone Industrial Estate.

News

Adam Turton appointed CEO of Elite Group

Elite Group, a leading ICT managed services provider based in Lancashire, has appointed Adam Turton as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st February 2023. He succeeds Rob Sims who served as CEO for the last 5 and a half years. Sims will remain with the company and begin his planned role as Board Advisor, supporting on strategy and key projects.

Turton has been an integral part of Elite Group over the last 20 years. Having started his career with the company as a graduate, he progressed quickly working in roles within all departments. He has significant experience of leading and delivering organic growth strategies and M&A with more than 15 acquisitions completed in the sector including a mix of share and asset purchases. He has held a number of senior management, Board and C Level positions, most recently as Chief Revenue Officer.

As CEO of Elite Group, Turton will focus on setting the long-term strategic direction for the company with a priority on customer experience, product market fit and growth.

Matt Newing, Founder and Chairman of Elite Group said: “Adam’s appointment is something we’ve been working towards for some time and forms part of an agreed succession plan with outgoing CEO, Rob Sims. With close to 20 years’ experience in the sector working exclusively for Elite Group (and associated group companies), Adam’s appointment is the culmination of all his hard work and dedication to the company. His appointment reflects positively on Elite as an employer that nurtures talent and rewards loyalty, commitment and hard work.”

Outgoing CEO and Board Advisor, Rob Sims commented: “I’m delighted to be handing over responsibilities to Adam. He has all of the leadership qualities and key attributes required to be a successful CEO and is the perfect person to lead Elite Group going forward.”

Adam Turton, CEO of Elite Group said: “I’m humbled and privileged to be given the opportunity to lead this amazing business and team of people. I have been appointed to lead the future growth of the business, deliver shareholder returns and drive enterprise value. Above this, my appointment is a fantastic opportunity to bring real value and have a lasting positive impact on the lives of our people, customers and the communities within which we work and live. I have ambitious growth plans for the business and am really excited about the future.”

Turton added: “I would to thank both Rob Sims and Matt Newing for their backing and support.”

ABOUT ELITE GROUP: Elite Group provide digital transformation solutions for businesses incorporating cloud applications, mobile technology connectivity and professional services. We service Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) and enterprises, with a focus on leveraging the right technology to enable organisations to operate in a more secure, productive and profitable way. Today, Elite Group has two offices, with the Head Office in Chorley, Lancashire and another in Wrexham.

News

85% Of Brits Consider Preferred Payment Method A Crucial Factor For A Positive Online Shopping Experience

Preferred payment method is #1 factor among UK online shoppers that leads to a positive shopping experience, with over 49% of all online shoppers are most likely to abandon the purchase if their preferred payment method is not available, a study by DECTA reveals.

London, U.K., 26 January 2023 – A recent study by DECTA showcases the role of embedded finance in boosting conversion rates and improving the online shopping experience.

The primary goal of the study was to showcase how adoption of embedded finance leads to higher conversion rates and positive customer experience. For this, DECTA conducted a survey among British online shoppers aged 19-68 and US shoppers aged 23-68 years totalling 1504 respondents.

The report also delves into the main reasons why consumers may abandon their online shopping journey and explores the potential of additional revenue streams that online retailers can gain through the adoption of embedded finance.

Faster payments: payment speed is the second most important feature for positive consumer experiences among British participants, with 68% of those surveyed considering it to be either the most important feature of positive experience, or very important in this process.

Same Page Checkout: failure to provide a straightforward and convenient checkout process could be a major bugbear, with Baymard Institute reports that $260 billion of lost orders are recoverable annually solely through a better checkout flow and design.

Additional Embedded Services: embedded solutions, such as instalment payments and insurance offers are on the rise in the USA: these add-ons were seen as a rather more important aspect of purchasing decisions. Indeed, 54% of respondents reported that insurance has been either very important or the most important factor for a positive purchasing experience.

Frictionless Payments: frictionless purchases can be extremely important for positive customer experience, and this is critical as online purchasing becomes more complex and regulated. Statistics show that reducing customer friction is a $213 billion opportunity for businesses in the United States alone. As technology and expectations evolve, the importance of delivering a smooth purchasing model and experience is increasing in importance.

Loyalty Rewards: this is another $1.6 trillion opportunity that embedded finance functionality can deliver for online merchants, with 90% of companies in the United States having loyalty programs, collectively representing a staggering 3.3 billion memberships.

Complete Study Results: https://www.decta.com/company/media/the-role-of-embedded-finance-in-boosting-conversion-rates-a-report

News

Wilson Vale announces partnership with Wates Group

National contract caterer Wilson Vale is thrilled to announce it has added the Wates Group to its expanding client portfolio; the new partnership will see Wilson Vale supply high quality catering to staff based at the construction company’s head office in Leatherhead, Surrey.

David Anderson – Managing Director, South at Wilson Vale, added: “It’s brilliant to kick off the year with such an exciting new collaboration; like us, Wates Group has a firm commitment to communities and sustainability, which makes them such a perfect fit – we are delighted to add them to our client base.”

The Wates Group, which was established in 1897, is one of the leading privately-owned construction, residential development, and property services businesses in the UK.

Steven Penny at Wates Group, commented: “Wilson Vale’s reputation and ethos for sustainability perfectly mirrors our own, and it’s something we look forward to driving together.

“As well as that, their philosophy of using seasonal and high quality ingredients made them the ideal choice as our in-house caterer; we can’t wait to see what’s in store on the menu!”

Established in 2002, Wilson Vale employs over 650 people, specialising in high quality catering, mainly within the business and industry, private education and conference venue sectors.

Picture credit: Wates Group

News

Largest built environment event in the UK makes welcome return

A host of new features, famous faces, interactive demos and ground-breaking products await visitors to the UK’s largest event for the built environment, UK Construction Week (UKCW), when it makes a welcome return to London’s ExCeL from 2-4 May 2023. Registration is now live.

TV architect and education campaigner George Clarke, BBC News Business Editor Simon Jack and BBC presenter Victoria Derbyshire are set to chair the Main Stage at UK Construction Week and will join the 25,000+ visitors who will head to UKCW London, which debuted in the capital in 2022. UKCW London is co-located with Concrete Expo and The Offsite Show as well as the UK’s premier event for the self-build sector, Grand Designs Live.

With over 10,000 products on display from over 300 exciting exhibitors including Sika, Rointe Kingspan, Google, Sevadis, HP, Celsa UK, Houzz Pro, Hanson Plywood and many more, the multi award-winning show attracts a wealth of overseas exhibitors from as far afield as Australia, China, India, Norway, Turkey and the UAE.

Highlights of UKCW London 2023 include:

The ZERO feature, which will include a full-scale build by Natural Building Systems, demonstrating how combining low embodied-carbon materials with modern construction methods can transform the industry. The ZERO Playbook workshops will enable contributors to share & learn how as an industry we can get to net zero as fast as possible.

The Building Engineering Hub will host CPDs from The BESA, the UK’s leading trade organisation representing the interests of firms in all aspects of engineering systems and services in buildings. The themed daily topics are Day 1: Indoor Air Quality and Vent Hygiene; Day 2: Building and Fire Safety and Competence and Compliance; and the final day is on Installing & Regulations around Heat Pumps, Boilers and F-Gas.

The Culture Change Hub will focus on improving inclusivity within the built environment, wellbeing and mental health, and professional development. Daily programmes will be delivered by The National Federation of Builders, Building People and The Women in Construction Awards

A busy programme of high-profile thought leadership speakers which includes: Mark Thurston, CEO, HS2; Sadie Morgan, co-founding director of dRMM Architects, youngest and only third ever-female President of the Architectural Association, Design Chair for High Speed Two (HS2) and founder of the Quality of Life Foundation; David Hancock, Project Director, Infrastructure Projects Authority; Bola Abisogun OBE, RICS, digital disruptor and innovator, Founder & Chairman of DiverseCity Surveyors (DCS), Digital Director at BIM Academy and Digital Twins Skills Academy

An expanded networking zone, allowing visitors more space and time to catch up with colleagues and contacts, with over 20 different networking events planned by partner organisations.

A new tunnel entrance and easier to navigate floor plan which will allow delegates to pinpoint their areas of interest and plan their time efficiently.

Celebrating Culture Change in Construction, UKCW London will host three days of debate and discussion from top speakers on how the industry can move forward to tackle its biggest issues, including quality, fire safety, sustainability, offsite manufacturing, mental health, and improving diversity and inclusion. Visitors will also be able to find sections dedicated to Digital Construction, Infrastructure, Offsite, Surfaces, Net Zero including Renewables, HVAC, Energy Management; Build Show including Roofing, Cladding and Insulation; Tools; Health & Safety; Fire Prevention; Future Lab; and a Careers Trail.

Officially opened by architect and Channel 4 presenter George Clarke, UKCW London will also feature sessions and seminars led by industry experts across the show’s six stages; the show will feature an incredible 300 speakers, with over 150 hours of CPD seminars available.

Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, commented: “UK Construction Week London got off to the best start we could ever have imagined, and this year’s second edition will be bigger and better. The amount of innovation we see at each event is proof this is an industry changing fast, and this May UKCW at London ExCeL will be the best interactive showcase for a sector that should be optimistic about the future as we continue to embrace culture change.”

Key show features include:

● Seminar programme over seven dedicated theatres and workshops; details of the comprehensive seminar programme and CPD opportunities will be revealed in March.

● The Future Lab – a dedicated showcase of innovative products of new solutions for the built environment

● The MTC’s interactive sandpit feature – an exclusive showcase of innovative products of new solutions for the built environment

● 3 full scale builds illustrating the benefits of MMC & offsite construction

● UKCW Careers Trail – giving free face-face professional development advice, and meet and network with top employers

● 2 Co-located conferences delivered by event partners

Register for UKCW London for free – ukcw-london-2023.reg.buzz/cab-campaign-pr

News

Prue Leith in the frame at 100% Optical

Chef, restaurateur and TV presenter Dame Prue Leith has been announced as a celebrity guest at next month’s 100% Optical show at ExCeL London.

Having launched Specs by Prue with independent eyewear supplier MAC Eyewear in July 2022, Dame Prue will be visiting 100% Optical on Sunday 26th February, alongside her stylist/producer Jane Galpin.

Prue commented: “I am very excited to be working with MAC Eyewear and look forward to thanking many of our existing and meeting new independent opticians from across the UK and Europe at 100% Optical. I really believe in our collection of beautiful colourful eyewear – it is a morale booster and I want to make it accessible to everyone.”

More than 10,000 optical professionals from around the globe will gather for the three-day celebration of optics for key show features which include:

– Main Stage – world class CPD programme curated by the AOP across three days
– Future Practice Hub – four rooms dedicated to diagnostics, dispensing and clinical skills
– Dispensing Workshop – a space for visitors to experience making and fitting frames first-hand
– 100% The Studio Sponsored by Nikon – with a bigger focus on independent eyewear planned for the 2023 show, 100% Optical will curate a collection of the most inspirational brands from across the globe.
– Optical academy – sponsored by SpaMedica, provides CPD accredited education targeted at the wider practice, from Optical Assistants to Practice Managers
– Live Catwalk shows – showcasing the latest trends provided by exhibitors and their amazing brands three times a day

Visitors can still register to attend 100% Optical for free at 100% Registration 2023.

For further updates and announcements in the build up to the 2023 show, follow us on social media @100optical #100optical

News

Manchester-based M247 bolsters senior team with trio of hires

Global connectivity and cloud services provider M247 has continued its run of strategic senior hires, appointing three new product managers.

Ashley Davies joins the Manchester-based business as cloud product manager; Liz Hawke has been appointed product manager for unified communications and collaboration (UC&C); and Robert Smith joins as product manager for cyber security.

Formerly cloud services director at THG Ingenuity, Ashley Davies has a track record of successfully leading product teams and transforming the way end users move from virtualised on-premise environments to automated cloud operating models. He will be responsible for commercial and technical ownership of M247’s flagship cloud product line, as well as full partner landscape management, to further M247’s strategic ambitions.

Liz Hawke joins the business from Gamma, the unified communications ‘as a service’ business, where she was direct product manager for over five years. Liz will lead on UC&C and develop M247’s workplace offering, as the communications needs of businesses evolve.

Robert Smith completes the current wave of senior hires, as product manager for cybersecurity. Prior to joining M247, Robert was networking and cyber security product manager at Maintel. With 25 years’ experience, Robert has a stellar track record of defining product strategy, overseeing product launches and delivering service improvement plans across a broad portfolio of services.

Darryl Edwards, CEO of M247, commented on the appointments: “I am delighted to welcome Ashley, Liz and Robert to the M247 product team teams. With ambitious plans for the business in 2023, the addition of three new Product Leaders, each with their own invaluable experience and expertise, will no doubt be instrumental to supporting the next step of our growth journey.”