Monthly Archives: August 2023

Data & Analytics, News, Tech

vitagroup Selects Yugabyte to Underpin  Patient Health Care Records System for Catalonian Population

Yugabyte, the leading PostgreSQL-compatible distributed SQL database company, has been selected by vitagroup, the German-based health technology specialist for vendor-independent digitalization, to underpin the delivery of an upgraded open source patient health care records system for the Catalonian Center for Telecommunications and Information Technology (CTTI). This system will support the Catalan population of 8 million people.

To deliver CTTI’s vision of patient-centric health care, CTTI required a highly scalable and resilient data platform. This platform will unify all Catalonian health records and support the concurrent access, updates, and usage of up to 80,000 healthcare users, primarily local hospitals and general practitioners.

The project includes the delivery of the vitagroup Health Intelligence Platform (HIP) and the HIP Clinical Data Repository (HIP CDR) to CTTI.

YugabyteDB Anywhere, which simplifies a self-managed database-as-a-service (DBaaS) at scale, was selected by vitagroup due to its ability to:

  • Scale to support 8 million Catalan citizens
  • Serve 80,000 concurrent users in a transactional context
  • Meet CTTI’s commitment to open source

 

Martin Gaffney, Yugabyte Vice President, EMEA, (pictured above) said, “This is a significant project for Yugabyte in the region. We are thrilled to be working in partnership with vitagroup to deliver a highly scalable and resilient open source based patient-centric health information system that supports the entire Catalonia population.”

Historically, the challenges of fragmented and siloed solutions, the limited scalability of systems architectures, and the inflexibility of proprietary technologies have hindered the unification of healthcare records in the region.

 

“We are very happy to have Yugabyte on our side in this pioneering initiative”, said Stefan Schraps Vice President Business & Community Management, vitagroup. “With this strong partner, we can reliably serve the largest possible requirements for the project and address the need to lift the scaling restrictions of monolithic PostgreSQL. Another plus: like our HIP CDR, YugabyteDB is built on open source technologies, which gives Catalonia the perfect combination of vendor independence, future-proofing and uncompromising performance.”

 

Technology Background

vitagroup selected Yugabyte after competitive bids, one of which offered EHR with monolithic PostgreSQL.

The proof of concept was conducted on YugabyteDB Managed, YugabyteDB’s fully managed Database-as-a-Service. YugabyteDB Managed seamlessly supported 80,000 concurrent users and 20 billion medical record documents. This scalability, Yugabyte’s professional services support, and CTTI’s preference for open source, were key factors in vitagroup’s final database decision.

Support for JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) documents, supported in YugabyteDB, was also critical. Health records are required for many different purposes, and a healthcare database cannot easily and flexibly be managed in a strict tabular format.

YugabyteDB is planned for installation in Q3 2023 with production roll-out of EHR targeted for early 2025. The production system will run in CTTI data centers and the application platform will be on Kubernetes.

 

L & D, Manchester, News, Recruitment, Talent Management, Training

Award-winning, Manchester-headquartered emerging talent consultancy secures public sector supplier status

Grayce has been awarded preferred supplier status as part of Public Sector Resourcing’s (PSR) Recruit Train Deploy (RTD) service. This will enable the business to provide Grayce’s Hire, Train, Deploy and Develop solutions to the public sector, ensuring digital transformation is supported, new skills are brought to the public sector and emerging talent is given the spotlight it deserves.

The appointment will enable Grayce to directly deliver services across Central Government, Local Government, Health and the wider public sector through a recognised and compliant framework.  Expanding on its existing public sector capability, the company will provide these organisations with carefully selected Grayce talent, employed by Grayce, and supported through tailored development pathways encompassing digital, data and business skills, while supported by Grayce’s dedicated delivery team and support structure. Government organisations will have an option to permanently employ Grayce talent directly following completion of their development programme.

Flexible technical resource

Using Grayce enables clients to build and develop their technical and transformation teams as their business requirement grows. Grayce also attracts a diverse range of emerging talent with low risk to the clients – providing a proven model and high client satisfaction rates.

 

Jo Matkin

Jo Matkin, CEO at Grayce said: “We are delighted to be part of this procurement framework for the public sector. All organisations need to focus on their digital transformation right now, and I believe that by partnering with us for digital, data, commercial and transformation talent, we will not only match talent with business demand, but also equip the public sector with skills for the next generation.

 

Building individuals’ careers and clients’ talent capability 

“Although our analysts are employed by us, as our clients’ needs change, they have the opportunity to take the analysts on as direct employees. Our business model enables us to help build individuals’ careers and clients’ talent capability. This means we can enhance their workforce, building digital and business skills for the future.”

 

For further information about how Grayce can help you meet the changing dynamics of your business, visit: www.grayce.co.uk

Disability, Diversity & Inclusion, News, Recruitment, Tech

Evenbreak Joins Disability Ethical AI Alliance (DEAI) To End Data Bias In HR Tech 

The world’s first disability job board Evenbreak today announced it has joined the Disability Ethical AI Alliance (DEAI) in solidarity with leading global organisations such as IBM and the Australian Network on Disability, who are working to ensure HR tech is working for disabled people, not against them. AI Developers, Responsible Tech influencers and HR Leaders are seeking to address the biases built into AI Recruitment tools for age, gender, sex and race while still managing to discriminate against those people who also happen to have a disability.

The DEAI, is an informal thought leadership initiative that aims to persuade the global AI community and associated influencers that disability is a part of the human condition that matters. AI recruitment tools are now considered an organisations first line of defence in recruitment, using models that match ideal existing employees. However, due to video interviewing AI, qualified people are missing out on employment opportunities, because their disabilities do not match the blueprint. Someone with a speech impediment, due to Cerebral Palsy or facial disfigurement caused by an accident would not make the first round of recruitment.

By joining the DEAI Evenbreak is actively part of an organisation that aims to:

  • Help AI creators, developers and buyers to understand how the disability discrimination they are facing impacts on an organisation’s talent pool, workforce and customers.

 

  • Demonstrate that AI regulation is inadequate by increasing pressure on regulators worldwide to brain these AI tools into the realm of consumer protection.

 

  • Highlight a need for an HR accreditation that builds specialist knowledge on the impact of discriminatory AI recruitment practices.

 

  • Develop a Disability Ethical? AI resource library to help organisations worldwide to demonstrate that building technology which works for disabled people is ultimately better for everyone.

 

Evenbreak, Founder and CEO, Jane Hatton, said: “I was alerted to the work the DEAI is doing by a member of my marketing team, Titi Lucas.  Even though I have worked in recruitment and addressing the inequalities in the workplace for over 20 years, I am staggered by the amount of work to be done in AI to ensure disabled candidates are given an even chance of getting through the first round of recruitment. When employers consider equality in the workplace Disability continues to trail behind, Evenbreak will continue to be at the forefront raising awareness and fighting for this to change. Disabled people are premium candidates, who due to their living experience have fine-tuned project management skills, problem solving skills and innovative minds that the modern workplace needs to succeed. We can’t afford for new HR AI technology to let everyone down.”

For more information about Evenbreak, visit www.evenbreak.co.uk

 

Finance and Banking

Mastering High-Impact Events: A Trader’s Guide to Navigating the Forex Calendar

The foreign exchange (Forex) market is a dynamic arena influenced by various economic events, each with varying degrees of impact. These events are detailed on the Forex calendar, a crucial tool for traders seeking to make informed decisions. Among these events, high-impact releases stand out due to their potential to induce significant market volatility. This in-depth tutorial will teach you everything you need to know to identify and prepare for potentially market-moving events on the forex calendar.

Understanding High-Impact Events

High-impact events are typically major economic releases, central bank decisions, and geopolitical developments that can cause substantial market movements. These events often revolve around vital economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) announcements, Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP), interest rate decisions, and inflation reports.

The Impact Scale

Forex calendars categorize events based on their potential market impact. The impact scale usually ranges from low to high, with high-impact events having the most significant potential to shake up currency pairs. Understanding this scale is crucial for assessing the risk and rewards of participating in a trade during such events.

Strategies for Trading High-Impact Events

  1. Preparation is Key: Research and mark high-impact events in your trading calendar. This ensures you’re aware of potential market-moving releases well in advance.
  2. Stay Informed: Keep a close eye on economic forecasts and analysts expectations. This knowledge will help you gauge the market’s reaction based on whether the data matches, exceeds, or falls short of these expectations.
  3. Mind Your Risk Management: In high-impact events, volatility can lead to price fluctuations. Implement tight stop-loss orders to protect your capital from sudden adverse movements.
  4. Consider Volatility-Based Strategies: Volatility strategies like straddle and strangle options can be employed to capitalize on significant price movements during high-impact events.
  5. Please wait for the Dust to Settle: While jumping into a trade immediately after a high-impact release might be tempting, waiting for the initial volatility to subside before making a move is often prudent.

 

Examples of High-Impact Events

  1. Interest Rate Decisions: Central banks’ choices regarding interest rates can lead to significant market shifts. Traders closely monitor these decisions as they reflect the central bank’s assessment of the economy’s health.
  2. Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP): The NFP report, released monthly in the US, provides insights into the country’s job market health. A solid or weak NFP figure can lead to significant USD movements.
  3. GDP Announcements: GDP reports reflect a country’s economic performance. A GDP growth rate that surprises positively or negatively can lead to substantial currency movements.

 

Conclusion

Mastering high-impact events on the Forex calendar requires a blend of knowledge, preparation, and risk management. By understanding the significance of these events, implementing appropriate strategies, and staying informed, you can confidently navigate the market’s volatility. Remember, while high-impact events present opportunities, they also carry increased risks. Therefore, always prioritize risk management and maintain a disciplined approach to trading.

In the ever-evolving world of Forex trading, keeping a finger on the pulse of high-impact events can make all the difference between success and missed opportunities. Equip yourself with the insights from this guide, and you’ll be better prepared to harness the power of high-impact events for your trading journey.

 

 

Employee Engagement, News

“Experience is Everything” – Experts Discuss Why Retailers Need to Focus on Employee Experience

Experience is everything, particularly for employees. Austin Cooke, COO of Poundland and Jon Kelly, MD of live events agency Meet & Potato explain why retailers need to focus as much on employee experience as they do on customer experience in order to drive commercial gain.

So often in the world of retail, the focus is on the experience of the customer. And whilst this is of utmost importance, Poundland COO, Austin Cooke, argues the customer experience will never be better than the colleague experience, and that the two are intrinsically linked.

Austin Cooke

Poundland invests in an annual conference and quarterly regional roadshows that supports this sentiment. Talking about this, Austin said:

“The annual conference is the one time in the year we can get everyone together. We share universal messages, have one big party and set the tone for the next financial year. We also do regional roadshows every quarter which sees the board visit 7 regions across 4 days to provide company updates and make sure we see every store manager once every quarter.

“The conference in particular allows us to reward and recognise teams and individuals who are adding value to the business, with life changing prizes such as having their mortgage paid, winning brand new cars, luxury holidays etc. We launch the strategy for the following year, set out our aims and ambitions and give our teams the motivation and momentum to take back to their stores to help us deliver. This is a huge culture piece for the business and it’s massively valuable.

Having a People Focus is one of the key elements of Poundland’s business strategy. “Our people are our biggest asset and we need to make sure they know that. But when it comes to events, it has to be done right. The conference is our once in a year opportunity to communicate and appreciate a mass live audience, and we need to use experts in the business to help us with that.”

 

So how do brands do this successfully? 

Jon Kelly

Jon Kelly, MD of Meet and Potato, an agency that produces live and virtual events and content, designed to creatively showcase their clients’ business strategy, argues that authentic brand experience is paramount.

“When putting on an internal event for a retail business, we need to understand their strategy, values and personality, and most importantly, their audience. We need to echo this knowledge across every aspect of the event environment. The Poundland conference is a great example. Colleagues need to feel immersed in the brand, and that their experience is as important as the end customers’. The event has to practice what the brand preaches. For example, Poundland has a minimal queueing policy in store, so it’s our job to ensure that during the time 1400 of their people are with us at the conference, they’re not queuing too long to register, to go into a breakout session or for their lunch.”

Just as important as the physical environment, is the messaging.

 

“We work closely with business leaders to develop really inspirational content to motivate their retail teams to deliver. These events are huge catalysts for the business and set the tone for the year, so we need to be bang up to date with the brand priorities to make sure the key messages land with the audience.

“Once we have the environment and the content in place, it all comes down to delivery. We always encourage the brands we work with, to be human, bring their true personality into the event and engage with their employees authentically just as they encourage colleagues to do in store. You don’t want a top down culture at an event, with no emotion or personality, that won’t motivate your teams. The whole experience needs to leave them feeling informed, entertained and appreciated.

 

Asked how Austin knows these events work he replies, “We notice a huge uptick in the productivity of our teams and we also notice a drop in attrition. We put the effort in with our internal teams, so they pass this on to our customers. This matters, and in retail at the moment, where there is consistent negative news, it matters more than ever. Invest in your teams so they invest in you and drive sales. It makes commercial sense by building loyalty and retention for your business. And don’t take yourselves too seriously. Our board loves these events, we’re often presented with the most outlandish ideas for delivery and if it will help the message land in a memorable way, we go with them.

 

Jon agrees. “Every business is different and not everyone will be comfortable being too zany, but find your comfort level and go for it. With a bit of expert guidance, a brand can create truly memorable experiences to engage and inspire their teams.”

 

For more information or to discover other ideas for employer events, visit www.mandp.agency

 

Finance and Banking, Investment

Shining Investments: Your Ultimate Guide to Purchasing Gold Bars

Gold, often referred to as the “yellow metal”, has captivated human interest for millennia. Its lustrous shine, rarity, and enduring value have made it a sought-after commodity in various cultures and epochs. Historically used as a form of currency, today, gold stands as a symbol of wealth and a safe-haven asset. Investors are drawn to its intrinsic value, which remains relatively stable even amidst economic downturns.

Unlike paper currency or digital assets, gold’s tangible nature offers a sense of security. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to act as a hedge against inflation, ensuring that one’s wealth is preserved for future generations.

 

An Economic Safeguard

In the fluctuating world of finance, gold has consistently stood as a beacon of stability. When stock markets tremble and currencies waver, investors often turn to gold as a refuge. Its value doesn’t hinge on a single country’s economy or a corporation’s performance, making it less susceptible to the typical market volatilities. Especially during periods of economic downturn, political unrest, or high inflation, gold’s price tends to either remain steady or even increase.

This counter-cyclical nature of gold provides a safety net for investors, allowing them to diversify their portfolios and reduce overall risk. Moreover, as history has shown when confidence in traditional financial systems wanes, the demand for physical gold surges. This isn’t just a trend but a testament to gold’s enduring reputation as a reliable store of value, offering a sense of security when the economic horizon seems uncertain.

 

The Benefits of Starting Small

Venturing into the world of gold investment doesn’t necessitate a grand leap. Starting small, especially with 5-gram gold bars, is a prudent and accessible approach for many budding investors. These compact bars serve as an ideal introduction, allowing one to familiarise themselves with the gold market without committing a significant sum. The tangible nature of a 5-gram bar provides a tactile connection to one’s investment, making the investing experience feel real. Gold Avenue makes investing in 5 gram gold bars easy. They are an online retailer of precious metals with decades of experience in buying and selling gold. With their help, you can begin your precious metal investment portfolio.

Their relatively lower price point compared to larger bars or coins offers a more affordable entry, reducing the initial financial barrier. As one’s confidence and understanding of the market grow, these small bars can be easily traded or expanded upon. They also make diversification within a broader investment portfolio simpler. In essence, 5-gram gold bars pave the way for a gradual, informed, and secure journey into the realm of gold investment.

 

Decoding Gold’s Value

The value of gold, unlike many other commodities, is influenced by a myriad of factors both tangible and intangible. At its core, gold’s price is determined by its purity and weight, with the London Bullion Market setting the gold spot price twice daily. However, beyond these metrics, global economic indicators play a pivotal role. Interest rates, inflation rates, and geopolitical tensions can all sway gold prices. For instance, during economic downturns or periods of high inflation, investors often flock to gold as a safe-haven asset, driving its price up.

Gold’s supply and demand dynamics, central bank activities, and even global events like wars or pandemics can impact its valuation. On a more intangible level, human emotions and market speculations also play their part. The collective sentiment of investors, driven by global news or economic forecasts, can lead to rapid fluctuations in gold’s market value.

 

Understanding The Different Forms Of Gold Ownership

Before diving into gold investment, understanding the distinction between ‘allocated’ and ‘unallocated’ gold is crucial. Allocated gold refers to specific physical gold items – be it bars, coins, or bullion – that are individually assigned and stored for an investor. This gold is the investor’s legal property, segregated from other assets and safeguarded in a vault. Should the storage provider face financial difficulties, the investor’s gold remains untouched.

Conversely, unallocated gold doesn’t represent specific items but rather a claim against a general pool of gold held by a bank or institution. Essentially, it’s a promise that the investor owns a certain amount of gold, but not any specific piece. While this form often comes with lower storage fees, it carries higher risks. In case of the provider’s insolvency, the investor becomes an unsecured creditor, potentially facing losses. Choosing between these forms hinges on one’s risk tolerance and investment goals.

 

Tax Implications in the UK

In the UK, the tax landscape surrounding gold investments is unique and requires careful navigation. Firstly, investment gold, which includes gold bullion bars and certain coins, is exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT). This exemption ensures that investors aren’t burdened with additional costs when purchasing or selling their gold assets.

However, when it comes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT), the waters get a bit murkier. If an investor sells their gold at a profit that exceeds the annual CGT allowance (£12,300 as of 2021), they are liable to pay this tax on the gains. The silver lining here is that specific UK legal tender gold coins, such as the Sovereign and Britannia, are exempt from CGT, making them particularly attractive to UK investors.

It’s essential for investors to maintain accurate records of their gold purchases and sales, ensuring they remain compliant and can calculate any potential tax liabilities accurately.

 

Safekeeping Your Gold Investment

Storing physical gold securely is paramount to safeguarding one’s investment. While some investors opt to keep their gold at home, this approach comes with inherent risks, from theft to damage. Professional storage solutions, such as bank vaults or specialised gold storage facilities, offer heightened security. These facilities are equipped with advanced security systems, ensuring the gold’s safety from theft and environmental hazards.

However, storing gold outside one’s premises often incurs storage fees, which can vary based on the gold’s value and the chosen facility. Additionally, insurance is a crucial aspect to consider. If storing gold at home, one must ensure their home insurance policy covers its full value. For third-party storage, verifying the facility’s insurance coverage and any additional insurance requirements is vital. While gold is a tangible asset, its physical nature necessitates careful consideration of storage and insurance to preserve its value and ensure peace of mind.

 

Integrating Gold into a Balanced Portfolio

In the intricate tapestry of investment strategies, gold threads its way as a unique and valuable component. While equities, bonds, and real estate have their merits, gold offers a diversification that few other assets can match. Its historical negative correlation with stocks means that when stock markets dip, gold often shines brighter, acting as a counterbalance in a diversified portfolio.

Including gold in one’s investment mix can mitigate risks, especially during economic downturns or geopolitical uncertainties. It serves as a hedge against inflation, preserving purchasing power when fiat currencies devalue. Gold’s global appeal ensures liquidity, allowing investors to quickly convert their holdings into cash if needed.

However, like all investments, moderation is key. Financial experts often recommend allocating a small percentage of one’s portfolio to gold, ensuring a balanced approach. One can achieve stability and growth potential by weaving gold into the broader investment fabric.

 

In the landscape of investments, gold remains a steadfast beacon of value and security. From understanding its intrinsic worth to navigating the nuances of ownership and taxation, investing in gold requires informed decisions. Whether you’re starting small with 5-gram bars or diversifying a vast portfolio, gold offers a unique blend of stability and potential growth.

Its timeless allure and its role as an economic safeguard make it an essential asset for novice and seasoned investors. As with all investments, a balanced approach, underpinned by research and understanding, will pave the way for a golden financial future.

AI, News

New report unveils the relationship between AI and time measurement and experience

The Global AI Ethics Institute (GAIEI) has announced it has released a report exploring the relationship between time, perception and AI. Importantly, the report discusses the new ‘model AI time perception’ and whether new experiences of the passage of time is something that we could expect from AI systems.

“The history of time is deeply rooted in the tight relation between living creatures and their natural environment,” says GAIEI President and Co-Founder, Aco Momcilovic. “So far, it seems that these questions, and many others surrounding the relation between time and AI, have gone totally unexplored.”

“First, how likely is it that AI would attain a high and flexible enough intelligence that it could become sentient? Also, we attach the perception of time to the living, at the least—and usually to sentient beings; can we implicitly assume that an extremely advanced AI system would have its moment of awakening, and maybe a moment where it “dies”? Or could future sentient AGIs be immortal? Could that span of time also be a factor that influences perception of time?”

 

One observation the report explores with AI and time is AI’s limitations mean it cannot deal with the complexity of time and its non-linearity. For example, AI may not be able to work with the concept of causality, where a cause leads to an effect in the future, or the concept of simultaneity, where multiple events happen at the same time.

“These limitations may lead to AI making decisions that have unintended consequences in the future, or not being able to account for the impact of their actions on the present,” the report states. “Thus, AI may not be able to fully able to integrate its actions with the complexities of human emotions and decision-making, which are often based on past experiences and future expectations.”

 

Download the report here.

 

About the The Global AI Ethics Institute (GAIEI)

The Global AI Ethics Institute is the only global think tank, addressing ethics applied to AI through cultural lenses. Founded in 2021 by renowned AI Ethicist Dr. Emmanuel Goffi and lecturer and owner of the FutureHR consulting firm Aco Momcilovic, the Institute is set to promote respect for cultural diversity, specifically in the field of ethics applied to AI. Importantly, the Institute opens meaningful, ‘outside the box’ thinking and debate around the ethical implications of AI, offering an open-minded and non-judgmental forum where all voices are heard. Discover more here.

Menopause, Menopause at work, News

Menopause friendly accreditation for Specsavers

A MENOPAUSE in the Workplace accreditation has been awarded to Specsavers, recognising the healthcare retailer as a business which supports colleagues through effective and comprehensive training.

The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, established by Henpicked: Menopause in the workplace (www.menopausefriendly.co.uk), recognises high standard and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace.

In 2022, Specsavers launched MenoTalk; a colleague-led menopause community network which provides members with a safe space to discuss, listen and share their menopause experiences. The group has been pivotal in bringing the colleague training to life and regularly meet to share feedback to help build a menopause-friendly working environment.

 

MenoTalk group co-chairs, Louise Furby and Carolin Millken are proud of the achievement; ‘We set up our MenoTalk colleague group to give everyone affected by menopause a safe, confidential space where members can share experiences and get practical advice. Being awarded the Menopause in the Workplace accreditation is testament to the supportive environment this has created. We look forward to continuing to expand on the advice, support, and education throughout the business.’

The accreditation is industry-recognised and the only accreditation that sets clear standards which must be met. As such, it is truly meaningful and considered by many as a mark of excellence for menopause in the workplace.

To achieve the certificate, employers are assessed by an independent panel and must demonstrate evidence of their effectiveness in six key areas: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, facilities, and evaluation.

 

Deborah Garlick, founder and CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace says: ‘Specsavers has done exceptionally well to achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation and deserve credit for the success of its MenoTalk programme. We know that open discussions, supportive conversations and creating a psychologically safe environment are key to making lasting and meaningful change for colleagues. I have no doubt that Specsavers colleagues will feel the benefit of it being a menopause friendly employer and hope this positivity will cascade to its customer community as well.’

 

For more information please contact:  amy.obrien2@specsavers.com

News, Wellbeing at Work

Private sector ready to deliver 1+ million COVID vaccines – leading industry medical expert

Responding to reports that COVID vaccinations may soon be available to buy privately in the UK, the Founder and Medical Director of the first British company to provide flu vaccination campaigns has estimated that over one million people could benefit from allowing private providers to deliver COVID vaccinations.

 

Dr Charles Levinson, Doctorcall Founder and Medical Director, commented:

“Millions already receive their flu jab privately and mobilising that existing network to provide COVID vaccinations is a quick and easy win. Companies can offer wide scale programmes for their employees and individuals ineligible for an NHS jab can choose to pay a relatively small fee.”

“We see great quality in the choices made by employers and individuals – they self-select to ensure the right people get the vaccine, with companies keeping critical staff at work and with individuals on whom others depend putting themselves forward.”

“We have been calling for this as it will help alleviate pressure on NHS services by reducing spread and illness. It can be delivered through a combination of workplace clinics and electronic vouchers that could be redeemed at local pharmacies – the same as Doctorcall’s existing flu network.”

“Boosting capacity to add COVID vaccination is relatively straightforward as the vaccinations can be administered at the same time. The existing network could be immediately deployed to give over one million people protection in time for the challenging winter season.”

“Before any doses are administered, details will have to be addressed on storage, pricing and licensing. I urge officials to open discussions with the private sector, allowing us to take the relevant steps to prepare for an organised campaign.”

“Doctorcall is the longest-established provider of private flu vaccinations and demand is currently at a record high. Companies of all shapes and sizes recognise the benefits, why not use the same template for COVID vaccinations? Providing greater protection to those who choose to accept it.”

 

—

 

References:

‘Record early demand’ announced for private workplace flu jabs following NHS vaccine drawdown report

https://doctorcall.co.uk/archives/news/record-early-demand-announced-for-private-workplace-flu-jabs-following-nhs-vaccine-drawdown-repor

Ihttps://www.itv.com/news/2023-08-18/private-covid-booster-jabs-could-be-for-sale-in-uk-for-first-time-next-year

 

Doctorcall workplace flu jabs:

https://doctorcall.co.uk/workplace-flu-jabs

 

 

 

Awards, Law, News, Yorkshire

Yorkshire Law Firm In The Running For Duo Of Industry Awards

Leading law firm Ison Harrison has been shortlisted for two awards at the Yorkshire Legal Awards, one of the legal sector’s most prestigious industry events.

The firm is in the frame in the Law Firm of the Year (medium) and Corporate and Commercial Law Firm categories. Ison Harrison won the medium law firm of the year accolade last year and this is the third successive year that the firm has been shortlisted for the award.

The awards ceremony takes place on 5 October in Leeds.

This latest achievement follows Ison Harrison’s successful transition to becoming entirely employee owned at the beginning of 2022 when the three shareholder directors agreed to sell the business to an Employee Ownership Trust. The firm’s corporate and commercial division is also on track to post its best year following an increase in transactional values combined with a growing headcount.

2022 was a record year for the firm with turnover in the company & commercial division up 67% on the previous year. So far in 2023, the department’s turnover is 78% higher than the same period in 2022 and the team has grown to 29 people, requiring additional office space in the Leeds City Centre head office to accommodate the additional recruits.

Ison Harrison, which has a network of seventeen offices throughout the region, was founded in 1978. With an annual turnover of over £20 million, the firm has become a well-known regional practice offering the broadest range of legal services to thousands of people and businesses in the region.  The firm opened its newest office in Wakefield in September 2022 with plans for future expansion in the region.

 

Jonathan Wearing, managing director at Ison Harrison, commented: “After our most successful year in our history last year, we are already on track to exceed those achievements in 2023. We are proud to be shortlisted once again as the medium law firm of the year and hope we can defend the title. To be shortlisted in the corporate and commercial category is testament to the achievements of the division which continues to go from strength to strength. It’s a major achievement and recognition for the hard work put in by all our team.

“Becoming a 100% employee-owned business has proved to be a defining moment in our journey as a firm, providing stability for all of our dedicated staff and the perfect platform for further growth.”

 

Richard Coulthard, head of corporate and commercial at Ison Harrison, added: “It’s an honour to be shortlisted which comes off the back of three years of continued growth of the division and some really exciting recent developments such as the promotion of Ben Palmer to partner and the appointment of specialist corporate mergers and acquisitions lawyer Victoria Boid, further boosting the firm’s company and commercial law team offering. With transaction values in the corporate team increasing significantly and the team developing a specialism advising on employee ownership transition, 2023 looks like being our best year to date and we look forward to the awards outcome later this year.”

 

Ison Harrison currently hold 13 Law Society accreditations including Conveyancing Quality, Clinical Negligence, Children Law, Family Law, Immigration & Asylum, and SRA Higher Courts Rights – civil and criminal.

For more information, visit www.isonharrison.co.uk