Monthly Archives: October 2023

Awards, News

Celebrations in store for Welsh businesses at the Chamber Business Awards

Six Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid members have been announced as regional winners for the 2023 British Chamber of Commerce Chamber Business Awards.

The awards recognise the best British businesses through the Chambers network with a series of regional rounds, before showcasing innovative businesses on the international stage. The awards provide a valuable opportunity for UK and international Chambers to be recognised for their innovation and dedication.

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid’s winners are:

  • Concrete Canvas in the Problem Solver category
  • Ogi in the Rapid Riser category
  • IKEA in the Workforce Developer category
  • BCB International Ltd in the Global Player category
  • Llamau in the Community Champion category
  • Browne Jacobson in the Equality Trailblazer category.

 

By placing at the regional awards, all winners are now in the running for the national BCC Chamber Business Awards, which will see the overall champions announced on 18 October.

 

Paul Butterworth, CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “I am continually inspired by the innovation and agility of businesses in Wales, and have high respect for the work and dedication of our local Welsh businesses. It is wonderful to see our members receiving the recognition they richly deserve.

“The Chamber Business Awards are a great platform to elevate and promote the hard work of our Welsh businesses and it is a real privilege to represent them. I would like to extend my congratulations to all who entered into the awards, and to wish our winning members the best of luck for the next stage. Pob lwc!”

 

Further information on the regional winners and the national ceremony can be found here: https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/chamber-business-awards/

News, Pensions

‘Young savers lead the way in pension engagement, but more needs to be done’, says expert

Pensions experts are calling on people to check their workplace pensions regularly to ensure they are saving enough for their future.

Recent research by Moneyhub has revealed that a quarter of savers never check the value of their workplace pension, while 23% only check their pension once a year. A similar study carried out by Smart Pensions reported that over half of defined contribution pension holders check their pensions once a year or less and do not know if they are saving enough for a comfortable retirement.

Younger savers were more likely to engage with their pensions, according to Moneyhub, with 48% of 16 to 24 year olds and 47% of 25 to 34 year holds checking their workplace pensions on a monthly basis.

Stuart Price, Partner and Actuary at Quantum Advisory, says: “This latest research highlighting that the younger generations are becoming more engaged with their pensions is really encouraging. Now, the industry, together with government, need to keep driving this interest so that regularly checking workplace pensions becomes the norm for savers of all ages.

“The planned expansion of auto-enrolment for 18 to 22 year olds from April next year is a step in the right direction in terms of increasing employee participation from an earlier age, providing a solid foundation of saving for retirement from the start of young people’s working lives. This is an area that the pensions dashboard, when it comes to fruition, could really capitalise upon to help with further engagement.

“These changes, combined with teaching financial literacy from an early age, will aid young people on their journey to financial stability and independence. However, further action needs to be considered to reach those current savers who are not checking their workplace pensions regularly, or at all, and who may be at risk of not saving enough for a comfortable retirement.

“While education and awareness may assist, in reality what we need is people saving more. This is particularly difficult for low income earners who will have less money to save in the first place. Government could step in to legislate an increase in the minimum employee and employer contributions, freeze tax thresholds to incentivise additional contributions or set a flat tax rate of 30% for all, a radical thought which would redistribute some of the tax breaks to lower earners.”

Finance and Banking, Fintech, News

Digital Evolution: Gala Technology, Nuapay, Apple Pay and SOTpay Unleash the Future of Payment Gateways

Gala Technology, including its flagship product SOTpay, a pioneering force in the world of financial technology, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Nuapay and Apple Pay, aimed at revolutionising the way businesses perform digital transformations through a groundbreaking payment gateway.

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses are constantly seeking innovative solutions to streamline their operations and provide customers with exceptional experiences. Gala Technology understands this imperative and has forged a strategic alliance with Nuapay, a leading Open Banking payments provider, and Apple Pay, the industry leader in secure and convenient mobile payments.

This exciting partnership has led to the development of a game-changing payment gateway that promises to redefine payment processes, enhance efficiency, and propel businesses towards a successful digital transformation journey.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

  1. Seamless Open Banking Integration: Gala Technology’s partnership with Nuapay brings the power of Open Banking to businesses, enabling them to initiate payments directly from their clients’ bank accounts. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for clients to manually enter their bank details, reducing errors and delays.
  2. Apple Pay Convenience: In collaboration with Apple Pay, Gala Technology’s payment gateway now offers a secure and user-friendly option for customers to make payments using their Apple devices. With just a tap or a glance, transactions are completed swiftly, enhancing the customer experience and catering to a tech-savvy audience.
  3. Streamlining Digital Transformation: The synergistic partnership between Gala Technology, Nuapay, and Apple Pay addresses the core challenges faced by businesses looking to embark on a digital transformation journey. It simplifies payment processes, minimizes operational complexities, and sets the stage for efficient and seamless transitions.
  4. Competitive Advantage: Businesses adopting this integrated payment solution gain a competitive edge in the digital era. By offering efficient payment methods and a frictionless customer experience, they position themselves as industry leaders, fostering customer loyalty and trust.
  5. Future-Proofing Business Operations: This partnership is not just about addressing current needs but also about future-proofing business operations. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, businesses equipped with Gala Technology’s payment gateway can adapt quickly to emerging trends and technologies.

Jason Mace, CEO of Gala Technology, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Our partnership with Nuapay and Apple Pay signifies our unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge payment solutions to businesses. We’re excited to be at the forefront of digital transformation, providing our clients with the tools they need to thrive in the ever-evolving financial landscape.”

Chris Evans, Business Development Manager at Gala Technology, added, “This partnership opens up a world of possibilities for businesses seeking to streamline their payment processes and offer unparalleled convenience to their customers. We’re confident that our innovative payment gateway will become an integral part of their digital transformation journey.”

Gala Technology, including its flagship product SOTpay, is a forward-thinking financial technology company that specialises in providing innovative payment solutions to businesses across various industries. With a commitment to enhancing efficiency, security, and customer satisfaction, Gala Technology, through SOTpay, continues to lead the charge in the digital payment space.

For information visit www.galatechology.co.uk

Business Advice, Education

Learn English Online: English With Lucy Shows An Excellent Path to Speak Fluent English

In today’s interconnected world, the English language has transformed from being a simple lingua franca to an essential skill for personal, professional, and business growth. From sealing a business deal in Dubai to enjoying the latest British series on Netflix, English has infiltrated every corner of our globalised existence.

If you’re reading this, chances are you understand the power of the English language. But understanding alone isn’t enough, especially if you’ve ever felt the cold grip of panic when asked a question in English or if you’ve struggled to understand a rapid conversation between native speakers.

Why is English Such a Powerful Tool?

English is not just another language; it’s the common language that bridges gaps and breaks barriers. It’s the language of international business, the lingua franca of the modern world, and the key to unlocking numerous opportunities across the globe. Whether you’re eyeing that promotion at your job or looking to broaden your horizons, enhancing your English skills with English with Lucy can open doors you never imagined.

English in Business

Business English is crucial in the corporate world. With firms from different countries collaborating daily, English has become the go-to language for communication. Whether you’re in a meeting, sending an email, or discussing strategies, proficiency in English can be the determining factor in securing a deal.

The British Council, a revered institution in the realm of the English language, has recognised the growing demand for Business English and frequently emphasises its importance. This means there’s a real-world need for learning English, especially in a business setting.

Listening Skills in a Fast-Paced World

But here’s the twist: it’s one thing to know English and another to understand and be understood. This is where listening skills come into play. The ability to decipher spoken words, especially when spoken fast or with a heavy accent, is crucial. Whether it’s understanding the nuances in a business meeting or catching every word of your favourite English song, sharpening your listening skills is paramount.

Enter “English with Lucy”

Lucy, a passionate British English teacher, understands these challenges first-hand. Born in the scenic English countryside, Lucy has since embarked on a mission: to help learners worldwide master the English language, all from the comfort of their home. But what sets Lucy’s online English courses apart?

Beautiful British English: The Ultimate Online English Course

Lucy’s BEAUTIFUL BRITISH ENGLISH B1 Programme is not just another online course. It’s an experience, meticulously crafted to cater to learners of different skill levels. Whether you’re just starting or are looking to move to a more advanced level, Lucy’s lessons have got you covered.

Pronunciation First!

Lucy’s approach is distinct: she prioritises English pronunciation. As someone who learnt to pronounce Spanish words before diving deep into its grammar, Lucy knows the confidence that comes from speaking a language without the fear of mispronunciation. Plus, in the world of English where one word can have multiple pronunciations, this skill is invaluable.

Strong Foundations

Like constructing a building, learning a language requires a robust foundation. Lucy’s course delves deep into the essentials of grammar and vocabulary, ensuring students have a firm grasp on the basics before advancing.

Real English for Real Conversations

Beyond textbook language, Lucy introduces learners to real British English. This isn’t the watered-down version you might find in old-school courses. It’s the English as it’s spoken today, enabling students to hold deep, meaningful conversations with native speakers.

Fun with Learning

Lucy also stresses the importance of fun in the learning process. By incorporating engaging videos, memory-boosting exercises, and real-life situations, she ensures learning English online remains an enjoyable and enriching experience. Think of it as watching a movie or listening to music; you’re not just learning, you’re living the language.

Grammar, Vocabulary, and More

With 12 comprehensive modules, students get a 360-degree understanding of the English language. From in-depth grammar lessons to vocabulary exercises, every aspect of the language is covered. Plus, with downloadable tools and resources, learners can practise at their own pace.

A Worldwide Community

Lucy’s online English courses aren’t just about lessons and exercises. They’re about building a community. With access to a private English language course and an inspiring community, learners can connect with peers from around the world, share experiences, practise speaking, and progress together.

Embracing the Digital Era of Language Learning

The digital age has radically transformed how we approach learning. Gone are the days when mastering a language meant being confined within the four walls of a classroom. Now, with online courses like Lucy’s, aspiring English learners from every corner of the world can tap into expert lessons without leaving the comfort of their homes. This flexibility not only allows for learning at one’s own pace but also fosters a diverse community of learners, united by their passion for the English language.

Furthermore, online English courses, bolstered by interactive tools and resources, have added a dimension of immersion that traditional methods could only dream of. As such, they don’t just impart language skills but also cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the cultural nuances that come with it. In essence, digital learning platforms have democratised English language education, making it accessible, engaging, and more effective than ever.

In Conclusion

If you’re looking to learn English online and immerse yourself in authentic British pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, Lucy’s course might just be your best bet. It offers a holistic approach, blending the traditional with the contemporary, ensuring learners not only learn English but live it.

In the era of online learning, it’s time to invest in yourself, improve your English, and join the millions who are confidently speaking English with Lucy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are online English courses as effective as traditional classroom lessons?

Absolutely! Online English courses, especially those crafted with care like Lucy’s, provide comprehensive lessons and resources that rival, if not surpass, traditional methods. Moreover, the flexibility to learn at one’s own pace can enhance retention and understanding.

2. I’m a beginner; is Lucy’s course suitable for me?

Yes, Lucy’s BEAUTIFUL BRITISH ENGLISH B1 Programme caters to a range of skill levels. With its focus on building strong foundations, it’s perfect for beginners looking to establish a solid grasp of the English language.

3. How do online courses enhance listening skills?

Online courses often incorporate multimedia lessons, including videos and audios, which are pivotal in improving listening skills. Regular exposure to native pronunciations and accents, as offered in Lucy’s lessons, significantly bolsters understanding of spoken English.

4. Is there an opportunity to practise speaking in Lucy’s course?

Definitely! Lucy’s online course goes beyond just passive learning. It offers a private course community where learners can connect, practise speaking, share experiences, and get feedback, ensuring holistic language development.

 

 

Exercise, Health Tech, Outdoors

Suunto steps up to the plate – new releases: Suunto 5 Peak, Suunto 9 Peak and Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition

Suunto is a company that specialises in sports watches and navigation tools. Recently the brand has launched three new models: Suunto 5 Peak, Suunto 9 Peak, and the Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition. All the devices offer advanced features as well as stunning design and quality workmanship.

Suunto 5 Peak – versatility in a small package

Suunto 5 Peak is a remarkable addition to Suunto’s line of sports watches, combining sleek design with advanced features for outdoor enthusiasts. The device is ideal for people who want to carry a practical and functional tool to monitor their workouts with them at all times. It features a minimalist and elegant design, making it suitable for any outfit.

Suunto 5 Peak has built-in GPS that allows you to accurately track your route while running, cycling or climbing. It’s equipped with optical sensors to monitor your heart rate and blood oxygen levels. This allows the athletes to keep track of their fitness and choose the appropriate intensity level for their workouts.

Suunto 5 Peak also has a number of additional features to make using the device easier. The intuitive user interface allows you to navigate the menu quickly and easily. In addition, it lets you receive phone notifications and listen to music. The smartwatch is made of durable and lightweight materials to ensure durability and resistance to mechanical damage. It’s also water resistant to 50 metres, which allows it to be used when swimming or diving.

Suunto 9 Peak – a watch for demanding athletes

Suunto 9 Peak is a sports watch for discerning athletes who value not only aesthetics, but also functionality and durability. The device offers advanced features that allow you to control and analyse your training.

The smartwatch has precise navigation features, including an integrated GPS system and barometric altitude measurement to track your route and plan your workouts in mountainous areas. The watch can last for up to 170 hours on a single charge, so it’s perfect for long hikes. As a result, athletes do not need to worry about battery charging during longer adventures.

Suunto 9 Peak also has an advanced workout monitoring system to track heart rate, calories burned and acceleration. The device is able to automatically adjust its settings to suit you, allowing you to make the most of your workout time and improve your performance.

Suunto 9 Peak is made of sturdy materials that provide durability and resistance to mechanical damage. The watch case is water resistant to 100 metres, allowing the athlete to use the watch while swimming or diving.

Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition – a luxury limited edition

Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition sports watches stand out not only for their design, but also for their high functionality. They are made of the highest quality materials, such as titanium and ceramic, which provide an exceptional appearance, durability and resistance to mechanical damage.

The smartwatch boasts advanced outdoor features such as automatic barometer calibration and weather tracking. These are extremely helpful tools for extreme sports and mountain hikers who want to know what awaits them on the trail.

The smartwatch is water resistant to 100 metres, which makes it suitable for swimming or diving. This is the ideal watch for water sports enthusiasts.

The Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition watch keeps going for days on just one charge. This is extremely convenient for those who travel frequently or anyone who’s not always near a charger.

Suunto – the perfect watch for any active person

Suunto has been providing its customers with top-quality sports watches for years. New models such as Suunto 5 Peak, Suunto 9 Peak and Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition are further steps on the road to perfection. Suunto 5 Peak is a versatile watch for people who play a variety of sports, Suunto 9 Peak is for discerning athletes, and Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Limited Edition is a luxury series that combines functionality with exceptional design. All three models stand out for their advanced features, accurate measurements and high-quality workmanship.

AI, HR, HRTech, News

Human Resources (HR) v Artificial Intelligence (AI) – How will it impact Staff, Line Managers and HR numbers?

Risk consultancy and insurance intermediary Partners& publishes research* on the likely impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on employment numbers, line managers, and Human Resources (HR) departments.

 A survey* of 203 employers – representing a combined workforce of nearly 200,000 employees – by risk consultancy and insurance intermediary Partners& lifts the lid on how employers are viewing the arrival of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the UK workplace.

The Partners& research provides a rather more positive outlook than some of the doomladen headlines of 2023.  More than 7 in every 10 employers (73%) questioned do not expect the arrival of AI to result in large numbers of lost jobs, with only 14% expecting the new technology to result in a small (12%) or significant (2%) reduction in employee headcount.

A small number of employers (4%) expect to employ more workers as a result of the arrival of AI in the British workplace.

 

Steve Herbert, Wellbeing and Benefits Director at Partners&, commented:

“2023 has seen a surge of almost apocalyptic national media headlines around potential job losses as a result of the introduction of AI, yet our research reveals that the vast majority of employers are relatively sanguine about this new technology, and few believe that it will make any more than a minor difference to their overall employee numbers.”

 

The research did however reveal a greater impact on HR and line management roles.  Whilst more than half of respondents (55%) thought that the number of such roles would remain largely unchanged, 1 in 4 employers (25%) expected either a significant (1%) or a smaller (24%) decrease in those roles focussed on people management duties.

The survey also reveals which aspect of employment and HR practices might be most altered by the introduction and use of AI systems.

 

More than a third (35%) believe that workforce planning – including board-level data and returns on investments (ROI) – will be improved by AI, and 1 in 4 (25%) also expect the new technology to improve the recruitment and onboarding process.  Other improvements may include communications and employee engagement (18%), and talent development and training (11%).

However, the survey also highlighted concerns that AI could be detrimental to some aspects of the employment journey.  Around 3 in every 10 employers (29%) questioned thought that AI might worsen performance reviews and line management, with a similar number (30%) concerned about communications and employee engagement.

 

Herbert concluded:

“Artificial Intelligence is here to stay, and it is likely that it will fundamentally change the British workplace.  Yet those changes will vary significantly depending on sector, employer, and workforce demographics.  Employers and their HR teams will therefore need to work hard to ensure that any negatives to their employment process are carefully considered and sympathetically dealt with to minimise potential disruption or harm to employer and employee alike.”

 “We would therefore encourage employers to engage early with their workforces over any such change, and to use all the facets of their wellbeing and support offering to help smooth the transition to the new – AI-enabled – workplace world that clearly lies ahead.”

 

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*The Research was undertaken at the Partners& Employment Webinar on 19 September 2023 amongst an audience of more than 230 senior Human Resources (HR), Finance, Payroll, and C-suite attendees representing 203 employers and a combined workforce of more than 192,000 employees.  The employers represented in the survey arose from a range of Private, Public, and Third Sector employers.

 

 

Partners& is a trading style of Partners& Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Registered in England and Wales. No 00497227.

Registered office: MRIB House, 25 Amersham Hill, High Wycombe HP13 6NU. +44 (0) 3300 940177.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accountancy & Accounts, Finance and Banking, News, Sustainability

Public sector needs to prepare for sustainability reporting and assurance challenge

Public sector finance and audit professionals urged to take the lead on the sustainability reporting and assurance agenda

Across the globe momentum is building for sustainability reporting and assurance in the public sector. The IPSASB decided to move forward with the development of public sector specific sustainability reporting standards beginning with a Climate-Related Disclosures standard. Finance and audit professionals working in government, public sector bodies and supreme audit institutions – Auditors-General’s offices, Courts of Accounts and similar (SAIs) –  can demonstrate leadership on this agenda, driving action to progress transparent reporting and assurance of expenditure and actions to address sustainability challenges.

At the World Investment Forum in Abu Dhabi on 16th October three global bodies , ACCA, IFAC and IDI launched a summary of their forthcoming introduction to sustainability and assurance in the public sector.

Based on their ongoing work and recent global roundtables with public sector reporting and auditing experts, the report makes the case for a focus on the principle of sustainable development: ‘meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. It outlines what sustainability reporting and assurance mean for the public sector, why they are important, and key principles for governments, SAIs and other public sector bodies to consider in this journey.

Speaking at the ACCA/UN symposium on developing public sector sustainability reporting, Maggie McGhee, executive director for strategy and governance at ACCA (pictured above)  said: “A sustainable future for all is a primary concern across government activity. At the same time governments play a critical role in establishing good governance: the institutional, policy and regulatory frameworks in which society operates. So governments and other public sector bodies need to be able to measure and report on how their policies and expenditure are addressing sustainability challenges.”

 

Laura Leka, principal and public sector lead at IFAC said: “Policymakers and other stakeholders, including the public, need information to understand the sector’s impact on sustainable development. It’s important that sustainability reporting provides disclosures that are high-quality, decision-useful, and prepared in accordance with internationally recognised reporting and disclosure standards.”

 

As sustainability reporting develops, independent external assurance will become increasingly necessary to build trust in the information being disclosed. Roundtable participants saw SAIs taking the lead, building on their experience auditing progress towards sustainable development.

 

Archana Shirsat, deputy director general at IDI, said: “SAIs have a central role to play in providing independent and objective oversight on sustainability information generated by the public sector. Determining appropriate forms of assurance or confidence, engaging with stakeholders and developing auditor competencies to audit sustainability information is important to build public trust.”

 

Read the Executive Summary here.

Law, News, North of England, Yorkshire

Yorkshire Law Firm Opens 18th Regional Office

One of Yorkshire’s leading law firms has opened its second office in South Yorkshire, taking its total network of offices to 18.

Based in Doncaster, Ison Harrison’s new office, located in Cavendish Court, will be managed by Dayne Bailey-Mayfield, a licensed conveyancer who has been with the firm for a year.

Dayne has 12 years of conveyancing experience and specialises in residential sales and purchases.

 

The team at Doncaster also includes family law executive, Kate Camm and Jessica Haigh, associate solicitor in wills and probate.

Kate has worked in family law for over 15 years and joined Ison Harrison in April this year. She specialises in private children matters.

Jessica, a private client solicitor with five years’ experience, joined Ison Harrison in 2021. Jessica is STEP (Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners) qualified, which is an international recognition of specialist knowledge and experience in wills, trusts and probate.

 

Ison Harrison became a 100% employee-owned business in early 2022. Since becoming owned by its employees, the firm has experienced significant growth in the number of clients that it acts for and the opening of its 18th office further strengthens the firm’s presence within the region. This is the second new office the firm has opened since becoming entirely employee-owned.

The new legal practice will provide a full range of legal services for both business and private clients ranging from new build and conveyancing to family law and wills and probate matters as well as being able to draw on the wider expertise in the firm for commercial clients.

 

Doncaster manager, Dayne Bailey-Mayfield, said: “It’s great to see Doncaster thriving since it gained city status. I am excited to be a part of this through the opening of our new office, enabling us to connect with the local community, build relationships and provide support with any legal requirements.”

 

Ison Harrison managing partner Jonathan Wearing, said: “Opening our 18th branch is another major milestone for the firm as it’s our second office in South Yorkshire. We opened our first in the county in Barnsley in 2019. This newest opening represents a continuation of our progressive growth strategy, helping us to broaden our offering of the full range of legal services through a network of offices spanning the Yorkshire region. We are very much looking forward to establishing the Ison Harrison name in Doncaster and wider throughout South Yorkshire.”

Ison Harrison employs more than 250 staff across Yorkshire, offering the broadest range of legal services in the region.

 

The firm has over 10 Law Society accreditations including Lexcel, Clinical Negligence, Family Law, Immigration & Asylum, Conveyancing Quality and SRA Higher Courts Rights – civil and criminal.

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Pictured above: Ison Harrison’s managing partner Jonathan Wearing (left) with the team at the new Doncaster office.

Cybersecurity, Tech Thought Leadership

Cybersecurity Awareness month – Why Software Patches and Updates need to be Treated as a Priority – and not just by your business

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month – here, Tom Huckle, Director of Information Security & Compliance EMEA, BlueVoyant considers the important role software updates and patches play in keeping your cyber defences intact  – and why it matters to your supply chain partners too.

“High profile security breaches have peppered the news cycle over the last few years with the more recent MOVEit hack or the well-known Log4j vulnerability dominating the headlines. In the past few days, it was reported that hackers were trying to exploit vulnerabilities in VPN and other software. With breaches of this nature, updating software and doing this rapidly is key before known vulnerabilities are exploited again. By patching immediately, you remove the opportunity for cybercriminals to continue leveraging a path into your network.

However, it isn’t only enough to patch your own system. It’s also imperative organisations closely monitor how quickly their vendor’s and third-party suppliers patch. Not patching quickly is risky not least because cybercriminals now exploit vulnerabilities like this faster.

One case in point is the Atlassian vulnerability now classified as CVE-2022-26134. Once alerted, Atlassian released a fix the next day. About 30% of vulnerable organisations had patched within 10 days but the patch rate plateaued the following week, with 70% of Vulnerable Confluence instances remaining exposed. Further to this, 60% of related global systems monitored by BlueVoyant remained unpatched six weeks after the release.

To prevent instances like this, the focus needs to be on secure software development practices particularly when using open-source software libraries. Awareness of potential vulnerabilities in these libraries continues to improve, but more work is needed.

Take the focus to your interconnected supply chain and identify the third parties that may bring vulnerabilities into your ecosystem.”

Carbon Reduction, News, Property, Proptech, Tech, Technology

Cloud receives national recognition for innovation.

Cloud has been recognised as a leading innovative property technology company in the UK. The firm’s Mindsett product has helped the company to rank second in the BusinessCloud Top 50 PropTech businesses.

Cloud’s new technology, Mindsett PRISM ®, is a patented new IoT solution that monitors building assets, delivers data to a cloud-based dashboard and app, and encourages users to make practical environmental changes.

By combining IoT, AI, and machine learning, property managers can effectively target energy and resource usage, reducing costs and waste and building an asset data index to enable predictive maintenance. Data shows that users achieve 23% energy savings in large multi-site operations.

Commenting on the ranking, Jeff Dewing, Cloud CEO, said: “We set out to help companies address the challenges of reducing their carbon emissions in a meaningful way. After years of research and development, the Mindsett PRISM ® product is now achieving results for customers across a diverse range of industries.

“The beauty of the Mindsett platform is that it uses data to drive behavioural change, which independent studies have proven accelerates change to achieve economic efficiencies and environmental benefits.”

PropTech 50 is an annual study of UK businesses using innovative technologies for building management, real estate, and construction. A public vote is combined with selections from an independent judging panel to determine the final ranking.

Mindsett PRISM® can be integrated with existing systems and workflows, making it easy for organisations to adopt without disrupting their operations. The system is designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive dashboards and apps and interactive reports that provide actionable intelligence.