Monthly Archives: August 2023

Appointments, News

Chairman announced to mark Southern-Based Electrical & Mechanical Contractor’s Centenary Celebration

Paul Tuson, formerly Lowe & Oliver Managing Director, has been promoted to Chairman of the contractor after over thirty five years of service. Joining the company as an apprentice in 1987, Paul has given his entire working life to Lowe & Oliver. Damian Wyles, formerly Finance Director, will be stepping up to the role of Operations Director following Paul’s promotion.

 

Fred Lowe, Lowe & Oliver Director, commented:

“All of us at Lowe & Oliver are incredibly grateful to Paul. His experience and knowledge in the sector has been invaluable for helping the company to reach 100 years in the industry – an achievement which would have been far more challenging without his contribution.”

“Paul’s links in the Oxford area and across the south of the country are already second to none, and we’re hopeful that in his new role those can be developed and strengthened even further. Helping to reinforce relationships with existing clients, but also building contacts beyond our current client base.”

 

Paul Tuson, Lowe & Oliver Chairman, added:

“100 years in our industry is an almost unique milestone and it’s one that I’m immensely proud of contributing towards. Reginald Lowe and Herbert Oliver’s vision has been delivered through an entire century and now we must concentrate on building for the second century of Lowe & Oliver.”

“With the expansion of our leadership team and empowering them to focus on the day to day operation issues I am now able to dedicate more of my time to furthering our clientele base and providing additional business liaison; this is an area of our delivery that I am sure will yield benefits for all.”

 

A brief history of Lowe & Oliver:

The company was founded in 1923 in Oxford by Reginald Lowe, who was soon joined by Herbert Oliver.

During the 1920s and 30s the company grew steadily, as electrification spread throughout Oxford. It was at this time that the company began its long and continuing association with the Oxford Colleges. Expansion of the company continued and by the outbreak of war in 1939, it was sufficiently well established to be awarded a number of substantial Air Ministry contracts. This included providing guide lighting for Airfields within the south of England to enable Spitfires to land during the Battle of Britain. The company continued to thrive post-war. In 1957 Patrick Lowe joined his father in the business. By this time the company employed some 30 electricians.

All through its long history, a loyal and long-serving workforce have formed the backbone of our company. Throughout this time, the City of Oxford continued to provide Lowe & Oliver with the majority of its work. In recent years, Lowe & Oliver has greatly expanded both its geographical reach and its portfolio of products and solutions. Now, as part of the Lowe Holdings Group, it provides a comprehensive range of electrical and mechanical services throughout the UK. Lowe Holdings has grown over the years to encompass interests in other companies such as J Brand, Alto Energy, Kona Energy and Data Path.

 

100 years on, Lowe & Oliver is more vigorous than ever. It holds ISO 9001 accreditation and has been awarded a Royal Warrant as Electrical Contractors, working on a variety of projects with the Royal Household.

Lowe & Oliver now provides a range of renewable and energy saving solutions, helping Oxford and the wider country transition towards net zero reduction in carbon emissions. These include a particular focus on: LED Lighting, EV charging points, solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps and more.

The company is primarily based in Oxford, but with a nationwide reach and offices in Southampton and Cheltenham. Employing 130 staff, including 30 apprentices.

Whatever the size and nature of the challenge, our aim is the same – to deliver consistently high technical and management services to our customers, at competitive prices.

To learn more visit https://www.loweoliver.co.uk/

 

 

Carbon Reduction, Manufacturing, News, Sustainability

‘One year on, the US Inflation Reduction Act is an opportunity for UK manufacturers’

Britain has an opportunity to expand green manufacturing, secure its supply chains, and develop cheaper safer energy sources if it learns from other countries’ responses to the US’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a think-tank says today.

The Social Market Foundation – a cross-party think-tank – has said that fears that the IRA hurts British firms by locking them out of the American market are overblown. Instead, the SMF argues that the IRA should inspire the UK government to support its own businesses and put the country’s transition to net zero on a secure path.

Exactly a year ago, the US Inflation Reduction Act was passed, providing $391bn (roughly £310bn) of subsidies over 10 years to firms that contribute to decarbonisation. That prompted fears from other countries that their businesses would be sucked into the now more lucrative American market.

Yet far from being squeezed out, the SMF says that British businesses now face a global market opportunity of £1 trillion by 2030, with the potential to support 500,000 jobs.

A new paper from the SMF examines how the likes of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and the EU responded to the IRA – and summarises the key lessons for the UK.

The briefing comes at a time when British politicians’ commitment to net zero appears to be wavering, particularly in the wake of the Uxbridge by-election. Yet the examples of Canada, the United States, France and Japan highlight the potential for public investment to benefit the economy by encouraging private firms to invest their own money. Some countries have seen or project private sector investments worth four to eight times the up-front public expenditure, providing high quality jobs and increasing exports.

This won’t come cheap, however. To match the level of investment peer countries are making, the SMF said that UK would have to set aside £54 bn over 10 years – at the minimum – in addition to what has already been committed by the Government (See notes). Britain’s current debate on environmental regulations increases risk for businesses and decreases their likelihood to locate here.

Regulations should also be part of the solution. To attract investments, foreign countries are using regulations which reassure businesses and increase certainty. These include setting legally binding benchmarks for production of renewable technology, and establishing a “one stop shop” to quickly respond to and approve projects related to net zero industries.

The SMF also called for the government to prioritise a trade deal with EU to encourage the flow of renewable technologies and critical materials with the continent. It argues that the EU’s Green Deal Industrial Plan has created a potential market for British firms.

 

Gideon Salutin, SMF Researcher and author of the report, said:
“Instead of backtracking on net zero commitments, our politicians need to look at the returns on public investment which American, European, and Japanese economies are projecting, and give British businesses the reassurance and funding they need to invest in our economy.”

“A year on, we know that British policymakers’ worst fears about the Inflation Reduction Act have not materialised. Instead of continuing to treat it like a threat, they should recognise it as an opportunity for UK manufacturers – if the right actions are in place.”

“There are plenty of useful lessons from around the world for us to learn – on the level of public funding to dedicate, on streamlining regulations, and choosing the best trade partners. This is not a race, but the foundation for long-term relationships”

 

—

  1. The SMF briefing will be published at https://www.smf.co.uk/publications/inflation-reduction-act-one-year-on-uk-impact/ on Wednesday 16th August, 2023.
  2. Over the next ten years the United States, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand have announced funding worth between 1.7% and 3.5% of their annual GDP, while EU regulations permit countries to match foreign incentives likely basing these on American offers. To match this average, the UK would need to immediately budget at least £54 billion for spending on net zero industries and manufacturing over the next ten years – on top of existing commitments.
Food & Drink, News

Sealions Announces Charity Partnership with the Trussell Trust

Sealions, a British online-only vitamin brand, has announced its charity partnership with The Trussell Trust and its nationwide network of over 1,300 food banks.

The charity, founded in 1997 by Carol and Paddy Henderson, now supports a network that accounts for around two-thirds of all food banks in the UK – with it providing emergency food and practical support to people in crisis.

Its vision is to see the UK without the need for food banks, working together to make change possible and provide the best help to those facing hardship.

 

Dean Lee, head of digital at Sealions, said: “We’re delighted to welcome The Trussell Trust into the Sealions charity partner family. We genuinely hope this partnership will empower Sealions customers to shop more sustainably and support an organisation working towards changing policy and public opinion surrounding poverty.

“Knowing that more than 14 million people live in poverty, and 4.5 million are children, ” resonated with team Sealions. The trust’s work is utterly essential, especially in the tricky world we are still experiencing; no one should have to choose between buying food or paying their household bills.

“We hope to do our bit, alongside our wonderful customers, this year and raise as much as we can to support such a wonderful cause.”

 

Sealions, based in Manchester, are supporting the charity across 2023 via Work For Good. This platform helps connect businesses and charities, removing the legal barriers to make it easier for charities to receive donations.

 

Sophie Carre, director of public engagement said: “We are very grateful to the team at Sealions for their incredible support. Last year food banks in the Trussell Trust network provided nearly three million emergency food parcels to people facing hardship, a record number. This is not right, everyone in the UK deserves to have enough money for essentials like food, clothing and heating.

“The support of Sealions will help food banks within our network continue to provide the lifeline of emergency support for local people in crisis, while we work in the long term to end the need for food banks, for good. We thank all the team.”

 

Customers can add a small donation to The Trussell Trust at checkout when shopping on Sealions. Each and every donation, big or small, will take a step closer to ending hunger in the UK.

 

Sealions offers an extensive and ever-growing range of vitamins, supplements, and gummies on its online store. It believes that looking after your wellness shouldn’t cost the earth, with some of its range only costing £5 for a year’s supply, whether that’s looking after yourself, your family or even your four-legged friend.

 

Business Investment, Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin Trading Manifestoes in Thailand

Bitcoin trading has been picking up steam in Thailand, with a new wave of investors joining the fray. As more and more people look to get involved in cryptocurrency trading, it’s important to understand some key manifestoes to ensure successful trades.

The first manifesto is to only invest what you can afford to lose. While investing in Bitcoin can be lucrative, it’s important to remember that it is a highly volatile market and prices can fluctuate drastically. Therefore, it’s crucial to not invest more than you can afford to lose. Explore the news spy for further information.

The second manifesto is to always do your research before investing. This means analysing market trends, understanding technical analysis, and keeping abreast of news and current events that may affect the price of Bitcoin. By doing this, investors can make more informed decisions and reduce the risk of high losses.

Thirdly, investors should diversify their portfolio. While Bitcoin may be the leading cryptocurrency, it’s important to not overlook other coins that may be worth investing in. By diversifying investments, investors can spread their risks and maximize their potential profits.

Another key manifesto is to stay disciplined with investments. This means sticking to a solid investment strategy and not making rash decisions based on emotions. It’s important to remember that investing in Bitcoin is a long-term game and not a get-rich-quick scheme.

Lastly, investors should always be wary of scams and fraudulent ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings). With the rise of Bitcoin trading, there has also been an increase in scams and fraudulent schemes that prey on unsuspecting investors. Always do your due diligence and research any investment opportunities thoroughly before committing funds.

Is Bitcoin worth investing?

Bitcoin, the popular cryptocurrency, has been a topic of debate among investors and traders alike. The question on everyone’s mind is, “Is Bitcoin worth investing?” To answer this question, let’s take a closer look at the facts.

Firstly, Bitcoin has had a tremendous growth rate in recent years, with its value increasing by more than 900% since its inception in 2009. This growth has made early investors millionaires, and many are still hopeful for further growth in the future.

Additionally, Bitcoin is decentralized, meaning that it is not regulated by any government or financial institution. This means that Bitcoin transactions take place directly between individuals, providing a sense of anonymity and privacy to users.

Another factor to consider is the limited supply of Bitcoin. Unlike traditional currency, there is a fixed amount of Bitcoin available, with only 21 million BTC existing in total. This limited supply has the potential to drive up the value of Bitcoin over time.

However, like any investment, Bitcoin is not without risks. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, with the value of Bitcoin fluctuating wildly on a daily basis. This volatility can lead to significant gains but also significant losses.

Furthermore, Bitcoin has been associated with illegal activities such as money laundering and drug trafficking. While Bitcoin is not inherently illegal, its anonymity and lack of regulation have made it an attractive tool for those engaging in criminal activity.

What is the future of Bitcoin?

The future of Bitcoin remains highly uncertain, however it shows potential as a digital currency that could revolutionize the way people pay for goods and services. With its decentralized nature and low processing fees, Bitcoin has the potential to become a widely accepted global payment system. It is also possible that governments or central banks could issue their own digital currencies in the future, which may have an impact on Bitcoin’s value. Ultimately, only time will tell what will happen with Bitcoin and other forms of cryptocurrency..

Final Words

The Bitcoin trading manifesto can be a powerful tool for any investor looking to get involved in the cryptocurrency market. It provides investors with a clear set of guidelines that can help them make informed decisions when it comes to their investments, allowing them to maximize profits and minimize risks. The key is to find the right strategy for you and stick with it – no matter how volatile the crypto markets may become. With discipline, knowledge, and an understanding of these principles, anyone has the potential to succeed as a Bitcoin trader. So take your time learning about this new asset class and master its intricacies so you can start making money from your trades today!.

 

Business Advice

How To Get Started in eCommerce

Getting started in eCommerce can be a real challenge. It can be a huge opportunity, but can also be full of challenges. There’s certainly a lot to think about and even more challenges than you’ll have first considered.

However, no matter what your niche, there are universal truths that you can follow to ensure that things are as mapped out as possible.

Sales and Marketing Director of outdoor equipment specialists, Valley & Peak, Jim De’Ath has been running a successful eCommerce store for several years.

“One particular piece of advice I’d give for those starting in e-commerce is that cash flow is very important. Cash really is king so it might sound simple, but don’t spend it all before you’ve got any back. Make sure you have a nice buffer of working capital, you never know when you might need to fall back on it.

“Have the best product knowledge in your niche as standard and couple this with excellent customer service to set you apart from your competition. There are going to be others trying to do what you’re doing, so make yourself the fountain of knowledge on your chosen subject.

“It may be a wrench, but be ready to adapt. It’s never as simple as the business plan you wrote and hurdles will be placed in your way at every turn. Remember to also be different. Why would anyone buy from yet another one of the same? Find what sets you apart and run with it.

“Another essential part of your journey is awareness and your virtual shop front. Be seen and invest in e-commerce marketing and effective, results-driven methodologies. Your site has to look good and work perfectly. Spend time on making your site better than the competition. Also, don’t leave SEO to the end. Make a start as soon as you can. It’ll save money in the long term and establish your store much quicker.

“Don’t waste time on influencers if they can’t help you. It’s a two way street, be sure of who you are working with and what they will bring to your business.

“Make sure you stock products that sell. Do your research when buying and spend your precious money wisely.

“Don’t do it all yourself – utilise fantastic agencies to build on your work force and capabilities.

“Add value – if you’re the same price as everyone else then make sure there’s a reason to buy from you. Challenges we’ve had as a brand include competition that have already got their foot in the door or rule the market if established. Another issue has been cash flow, buying products that don’t sell and getting stock of products that do sell.”

Here are some of Jim’s tips to follow:

Choose a Profitable Niche: Selecting the right niche is crucial for your e-commerce success. Research and identify a niche that’s not only interesting to you but also has a demand in the market.

Look for products that solve specific problems or fulfil needs for a target audience. Conduct thorough market research to understand the competition, target audience, and potential profitability of your chosen niche.

Create a Strong Brand Identity: Building a strong brand identity helps you stand out in a crowded market. Develop a unique and memorable brand name, logo, and colour scheme that resonates with your target audience.

Your brand identity should reflect the values, personality, and mission of your business. Consistency across your website, social media, packaging, and communication builds trust and recognition.

Build a Professional Online Store: Your e-commerce website serves as your storefront, so it’s important to make a great first impression. Choose an e-commerce platform that suits your needs, whether it’s Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, or others. Customise your website’s design to match your brand, ensure it’s mobile-responsive, and optimise its speed for a seamless user experience. Clear navigation, high-quality product images, detailed descriptions, and an easy checkout process are essential elements.

Provide Excellent Customer Service: Outstanding customer service can set you apart from competitors and create loyal customers. Offer multiple channels for customer support, such as live chat, email, and a dedicated customer service phone line.

Respond promptly to inquiries, address concerns, and provide accurate information. Implement a hassle-free return and refund policy to build trust with your customers, and encourage them to leave reviews and testimonials to build social proof.

Remember that e-commerce success takes time and effort. Continuously analyse your performance, gather feedback from customers, and adapt your strategies accordingly. Stay updated on industry trends and be prepared to adjust your approach as the e-commerce landscape evolves.

 

 

Business Advice, Homeowner Advice, News

Sitting on a Silver Mine: How Selling Old Silver Can Help Fund Your Business Idea

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the journey from a groundbreaking idea to a thriving business can be exhilarating yet financially daunting. The realization of innovative dreams often hinges on the availability of capital, which can sometimes feel like an insurmountable obstacle.

While securing funding remains a challenge for many, a potential solution might be lying right under their noses – or rather, in their homes. The untapped resource in question? Old silver items that could be turned into funds for your business venture. Yes, you read that right – you can potentially sell your silver for cash and use those proceeds to fuel your entrepreneurial dreams.

 

The Hidden Silver Stash

Picture this: you’re excitedly brainstorming ideas for your dream business, only to be halted by a lack of capital. You’re not alone in facing this hurdle. The initial stages of entrepreneurship often require financial support to cover costs such as product development, marketing, and operational expenses. Traditional funding sources like loans and investors might not always be readily available, leaving many budding entrepreneurs in a bind.

However, many of these same entrepreneurs might not realize that they’re literally sitting on a small fortune – in the form of old silver items. Often passed down through generations, these items might be collecting dust in attics, closets, or forgotten corners of the house. Think about those ornate silverware sets, antique jewellery, or even old coins that have been in the family for years. These seemingly insignificant items could hold significant value, and with a little research and effort, you could transform them into much-needed capital for your business idea.

 

Silver Lining: Funding Your Business Venture

Quick Access to Funds: One of the key advantages of selling old silver is the relatively quick turnaround time. When you need funds to kickstart your business, you don’t have to wait months for loan approvals or investor meetings. Selling silver can provide you with cash on hand within a relatively short period, allowing you to move forward with your business plans sooner rather than later.

 

Eliminating Clutter: Aside from the financial benefits, selling old silver can also help declutter your living space. As you sift through items you no longer use or need, you’re not only freeing up physical space but also potentially unlocking financial resources.

 

Flexible Funding: The amount you can potentially raise from selling your silver items can vary, but it’s often surprising how much value these seemingly outdated pieces can hold. Even if it doesn’t cover all your business expenses, the funds you generate can serve as a valuable supplement to other sources of funding.

 

Personal Connection: Incorporating funds from selling your own silver items into your business venture can infuse it with a unique personal touch. Every piece of silver could carry a story or memory, and using the proceeds to build your business adds an extra layer of significance to your journey.

 

Empowerment and Independence: Relying on your own resources, even those you didn’t realize you had, can foster a sense of empowerment and independence. By taking matters into your own hands and utilizing what you already possess, you’re demonstrating your resourcefulness and commitment to your entrepreneurial vision.

 

Creating a Foundation: The funds you generate from selling silver can serve as a solid foundation for your business. Whether it’s covering initial product development, setting up a basic website, or running a pilot campaign, these funds can be the springboard that gets your business off the ground.

 

In conclusion, the road to entrepreneurship is paved with innovative ideas, determination, and, often, a need for capital. While securing traditional funding can be challenging, it’s important to explore all potential avenues to turn your dreams into reality. If you find yourself facing a financial barrier, remember that you might be sitting on a silver mine – quite literally. Those forgotten silver items could hold the key to funding your business idea, providing you with a quick, flexible, and personal source of capital.

So, take a moment to scour your home for those old silver items that have been passed down or acquired over the years. Give them a new purpose by selling them and directing the proceeds toward your entrepreneurial aspirations. By doing so, you’re not only unlocking the potential of your silver stash but also investing in your own ingenuity and drive. Your business journey might just be one sale away from a glittering start.

Business Expansion, International News, News

Why An Employer Of Record Is Key To Helping Businesses To Expand Overseas

MANY growing and ambitious businesses will strive for global expansion at some point in their growth trajectory.

To succeed you will need to expand into new markets, grow your business presence, increase margins, and enhance your overall business operations.

And one of the key solutions that employers can add to their arsenal is the use of an Employer of Record (EoR), which helps to simplify hiring and paying an employee in a new state or country.

By using an EoR, businesses can free up time and resources and shield themselves from compliance and legal risk.

One of the leading experts in this field is Steve Malley, Global Director of EoR at HSP Group.

Here, Malley explains why an EoR should be an essential part of any global expansion strategy – and sets out how the HSP group helps its clients to utilize its benefits.

 

What is an EOR?

An EoR is a third-party organization that acts as the full legal employer of an employee while they do work for another company. An EoR assumes employment responsibilities, legal risks, and compliance responsibilities. It hires employees, executes payroll, administrates benefits and manages other HR functions on your behalf.

An EoR can greatly simplify hiring and paying an employee in a new state or location. By using an EoR, businesses can free up time and resources and shield themselves from compliance and legal risks.

 

Why is it important?

Serving as a swift-to-implement and risk-mitigating strategy, EoR facilitates businesses in accessing a new talent pool across different countries or regions, eliminating the necessity for establishing a complete legal entity. When executed accurately, this approach carries no potential for contravening local employment or tax regulations.

Navigating unfamiliar employment and tax laws in foreign jurisdictions can expose businesses to substantial risks. However, EoR acts as a protective shield, ensuring full compliance with local regulations. With EoR, companies can confidently operate within the legal framework, minimizing the potential for costly penalties or legal entanglements.

It’s also worth mentioning that especially for start-up businesses, EoR solutions allow businesses to set up in different markets with a leaner financial footprint.

Right off the bat, there’s so many benefits to EoR, but you must make sure you have the right provider onboard to help you achieve these.

 

What to consider when picking an EOR provider:

The industry has been inundated with service providers that have been coming to market with their own version of the truth, and so decision makers are flooded with information.

Whilst this can be a great thing, allowing you to evaluate all these opinions, such as some people advising on whether it should be direct or non-direct EoR, or lengths of time to employ people in certain countries, it can overcomplicate the process.

Therefore, business owners should aim to find an experienced provider that can not only ensure the minimum requirements such as compliance, but also simplify the process.

Businesses should also consider the transparency of the provider, its knowledge and expertise of different markets, its global mobility, and workforce solutions.

 

How HSP has created a model to effectively deliver EOR solutions:

HSP has four main offerings as part of our overall EoR solutions:

HSP EoR Offerings
EoR Evaluation – a HSP consulting project to help a customer evaluate if EoR is the right or the wrong answer for them, given their objectives and other available solutions in the market.
Solutioned EoR – HSP ‘white-labeling’ 1 of 3 EoR partners that have been selected through a lengthy RFP exercise.  We will have personas for buyers and EoR providers to better align which EoR provider the work is sourced with based on the buyer profile.
Supported EoR – a ‘managed service’ HSP offering, whereby we sit between the end customer and the EoR provider to ensure the customer has a fully optimized experience.
EoR Graduate – HSP assists a customer with establishing/running their own infrastructure and moving away from the EoR model.  This likely includes some version of setting up an entity, managing registrations, assisting with setting up a bank account, managing payroll, and statutory accounting and tax.

 

To find out more about HSP Group and how it can assist with global expansion, particularly through the use of EoR solutions, visit the website today at https://www.hsp.com/eor

AI, Cybersecurity, News

How AI has Increased Risk of Businesses Falling Victim to Cyber Attacks

“The time period during which attackers can conduct their reconnaissance on victims is significantly reduced with the introduction of tools like ChatGPT.” 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE tools, although vital to businesses, have also heightened the risk of a company falling victim to a cyber attack.

That’s the view of two of the country’s leading cyber security experts – who are today speaking out to help reduce the soaring rate of incidents.

Marc Avery, CISO and Managing Partner of the Cyber Chain Alliance and Roy Shelton, the CEO of Connectus Business Solutions boast decades of combined experience in this area.

Yet both say the risk has never been higher from cyber terrorists – and that AI is creating new problems for security experts to solve.

Marc said: “In much the same ways as previous revolutions in technology, large language models and Artificial Intelligence (AI) more broadly, present fresh Cyber Security risks to consider. Since the Ancient Egyptians were using codes within hieroglyphics to keep their messages secret, we have founded security principles on trust. We limit access to sensitive things, only to those things that we trust, for example by sharing a unique key or code. However, when the keys are not physical, we look to rely on other things to build that trust; the familiar voice of somebody calling from a number we recognise, the face of somebody on a video call, a legitimate-looking email or the integrity of applications on our smartphones. The speed, sophistication and accuracy of AI leads us to question some of those things we previously trusted.

“Yet, the reality is that the time period during which attackers can conduct their reconnaissance on victims, compile their attack tools and launch a successful attack is now significantly reduced with the introduction of tools like ChatGPT.  The process of attack is no different than it was before, but the tools, data and pre-compiled knowledge is far more widely accessible. Ultimately, this will require organisations to be more prepared for an attack and respond even faster when new vulnerabilities are announced. The race to defend ourselves before the attackers beat us has become more important.”

And Marc says this, in turn, has increased the importance for companies to accept there is an ever-increasing need to accept a cyber security cost exists in doing business.

He said: “In much the same way organisations budget for insurance, depreciation, and cost of goods or labour increases, organisations must also start to consider the cost of needing to protect information more diligently.

“For those organisations who consider themselves as consumers of technology, there is a need to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of important data or assets. With a continued increase in the number of organisations becoming the victim of attack, no matter what type of sector they are in, the threat of losing access to systems or customer data being exposed, the likelihood of being attacked is higher than ever.

“Organisations really need to consider how resilient they are against cyber-attacks. For those companies who are delivering technology services such as cloud service providers, software companies, manufacturers of tech-enabled products etc. they also need to recognise this increased likelihood of attack and consider how much they need to invest in their product or services to ensure that their customer data and systems is appropriately protected.”

And Marc said the post-pandemic environment makes this issue all the more important.

He said: “With the post-pandemic increase in online service adoption, more and more technology organisations are collecting large amounts of sensitive customer data and one data breach could impact the whole of their customer base. In a climate of increased attacks, it is more important than ever for service and product providers to ensure that they have recognised this important cost of doing business.”

Marc’s comments were echoed by Roy Shelton, the CEO of the Connectus Business Solutions (CBS).

Roy leads a team of the country’s most skilled experts in helping businesses prevent cyber attacks.

Revealing the three reasons he believes most companies fall victim, Roy said: “The first is naivety, and thinking a breach will not happen to them as they are too small to be impacted or targeted by a fraudster. They feel their data is not worth protecting, but when they realise they have employee’s personal information, customer information they become more concerned. It’s only when an attack or breach occurs and they are locked out of core systems (email, accounts, windows OS) or their unsuspecting accounts clerk has been a victim of phishing email do they panic and wish they had taken the advice given.

“Others fall victim because they turn down support on the basis they think it is too expensive to implement and they feel the loss would be less costly than the protection, which is totally ill-founded. Protection is so low cost these days and it’s not an excuse any more

“And the final reason we see, and one which is becoming more and more common, is that some businesses think it is too Intrusive to take preventive steps. They don’t want their machines ‘being spied on’. Yet basic education and awareness and tools are non intrusive; they run discreetly in the background proactively scanning for threats.”

Food & Drink, News

Robinsons Become First Carbon Literate Brewer and Pub Company

Sixth-generation North West family brewers, Robinsons, have trained 40 of their 116 head office employees in Carbon Literacy with plans to have their entire central team Carbon Literate within a year. The 185-year-old brewery is the first brewer and pub company to have actioned a commitment to becoming a carbon-literate workforce, with a dedicated training workshop certified by the Carbon Literacy Project. The training has been introduced as part of the business’ Net Zero roadmap across their brewing, bottling and pub estate business, achieving 40 certified employees and becoming a Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation in the first six weeks.

Carbon Literacy® is defined by The Carbon Literacy Project as “An awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.” Recognised by the UN at COP21 as one of 100 worldwide Transformative Action Programs, The Carbon Literacy Project initiates and helps deliver Carbon Literacy in a unique and award-winning way: through the certification of people and organisations by their participation in a brilliant day’s-worth of action-focused learning about climate change, which the participants themselves help devise.

 

Phil Korbel, Co-Founder and Director of Advocacy at The Carbon Literacy Project said: “We need to see Carbon Literacy embedded in every workforce, which involves breaking out of the ‘eco bubble’ of ‘green’ business and making this simply ‘business’. That’s why it’s such good news to have Robinsons as our first brewery and pub chain. Their ability to influence their landlords, supply chain, their sector and the public is second-to-none and we can’t wait to support them to take Carbon Literacy even further.”

 

The Carbon Literate certification at Robinsons has been developed and delivered by their Retail Environment Champion, a university placement position linked to the tenanted pub division, and within a dedicated sustainability department instated in the business in 2022. This company-wide integrated workshop aligns with Robinsons’ commitment to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040, in line with the hospitality climate action group Zero Carbon Forum, of which Robinsons Brewery is a member.

 

Ben Robinson, Director of Tenanted Operations and the lead on Robinsons sustainability project, Target Zero, said: “We’re delighted that 90% of our directors are now Carbon Literate, including both our Managing Directors. The course has equipped our leaders with the knowledge they need to drive positive climate action throughout our business and their teams. We have now successfully trained every department within the business at a management level and continue to roll out the workshops to the rest of our workforce. We have so far engaged decision-makers who work with resourcing raw ingredients and materials, to designing pub refurbishments, to team members who influence the actions of others in their day-to-day work.”

 

Martyn Weeks, Director of Brewing & Operations at Robinsons, pledged: “I will review the purchase and installation of a carbon dioxide recovery plant to our brewery fermentation vessels. This will collect the CO2 from our brewing fermentations which otherwise would be released to the atmosphere. The CO2 will then be used within our new brewery for carbonation of drinks. There will be an increase in our electricity usage but as we only purchase green electricity, this will not impact the carbon footprint of the site. The real benefit will be that we will reduce our use of imported CO2 which is currently made as a byproduct of ammonia fertiliser production.”

 

Issie Masters, Retail Environmental Champion, certified Carbon Literate at Manchester Metropolitan University, and sharing her knowledge as a trainer at Robinsons Brewery, said: “The team have shown dedication and a commitment to understanding the impact of carbon emissions and finding innovative ways to reduce them in our business. With their newfound knowledge, our colleagues have the confidence to reduce greenhouse gas emissions not only at work, but also in their personal lives, and have made some fantastic commitments to reducing their carbon footprints at work. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to spread climate awareness and enhance the visibility of Robinsons Target Zero goals throughout the company.”

News

85% Rise in Female Fans Requesting Football Shirts Since Start of World Cup

As the country rallies to support the Lionesses in their semi-final match against tournament hosts Australia, London-based vintage and reworked clothing retailer, Vintage Threads have seen an 85% rise in the number of female fans requesting football shirts, online and in store, since the start of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.  

  

With their flagship store in London’s Covent Garden, Vintage Threads, have seen an incredible surge in demand for football shirts and memorabilia as The Lionesses continue to inspire young women across the country.  

  

With the world coming together to celebrate the remarkable growth in women’s football, Vintage Threads have also been making their mark by inviting fans to transform their cherished and worn football kits, scarves, flags and memorabilia into one-of-a-kind pieces. 

  

The FIFA Women’s World Cup continues to capture the hearts of sporting enthusiasts across the globe, and Vintage Threads is seizing the moment to celebrate sustainable fashion with amazing pieces that encouraging fans to become more conscious with their fashion choices. 

  

If you would like to support the Lionesses in an original vintage England shirt, Vintage Threads also have handpicked, curated, vintage collections featuring some amazing England pieces amongst loads of other internationals, though you would be brave to wear an Australia shirt around London tomorrow! 

  

“It’s been amazing to see the effect that The Lionesses and the FIFA Women’s World Cup has had on both male and female football fans. To see such a significant surge in demand for our vintage football shirts and reworked collections shows just how passionate fans are in supporting their countries and it’s been a lot of fun creating bespoke pieces out of all these old scarves and random bits of memorabilia.  Fingers crossed the Lionesses can make it through a tough semi-final!” 

  

Freddie Rose, Co-Founder and Owner of Vintage Threads 

  

With a team on hand to breathe new life into football kits, Vintage Threads are empowering fans to create fashion-forward pieces that speak to their individual style. Whether it’s a stunning new dress, a chic shirt, or a repurposed vest, Vintage Threads’ transformative touch turns worn football kits into exquisite sports-luxe apparel. 

  

Yet, the brand’s appeal goes beyond reinventing cherished football kits. Vintage Threads already boast an extensive collection of vintage football apparel, aligning seamlessly with the FIFA Women’s World Cup’s fusion of tradition and innovation. Expertly combining intricate details from reworked football kits into unique creations, customers can cherish the memories of the tournament for years to come.  

  

Seize this opportunity to celebrate fashion and sustainability with Vintage Threads. Transform your football kits, express your unique style, and become a part of a brighter, more eco-conscious future.  

  

For more information on Vintage Threads and their Rework program, please visit: https://vintage-threads.com/