Monthly Archives: August 2024

News

North Staffordshire training provider supporting hundreds of emergency services staff

A NORTH Staffordshire training firm – who have been operating for more than two decades – say it’s their own ‘lived experiences’ which have enabled them to support hundreds of emergency services staff.

Abacus Training have been delivering specialist pre-hospital care courses to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue since 2017, and helped to train hundreds of staff.

Following the work with their local fire service they were also welcomed on to the National Framework for the Provision of Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine Training and Associated Services and Support to Blue Light Emergency Services in 2019.

The framework is a recognised organisation for emergency services seeking reputable pre-hospital care training providers.

“One of the main things which we pride ourselves on is that all of our trainers have lived experience in their field and have worked previously in the emergency services themselves and are all qualified teachers,” said Mike Taylor, (pictured in blue t-shirt) founder of the Blythe Bridge based Abacus Training.

“It is really important for all of our team to share their own lived experiences so we can help those who are there to serve others day in day out with emergency care.

“Staffordshire Fire and Rescue have been a big part of our work since 2017. Each staff member has to retrain every three years and via our programmes we have helped to train and retrain around 600 staff so far. We also understand that various scenarios can come up for the fire service, and therefore we don’t just train in a classroom – we go on site during simulated incidents and support staff – whether they are trainees or experienced officers – to work through each process step by step.

“It really is serious work and when you have worked in the emergency services yourself, you understand what is required.”

Martin Weaver, Head of Learning and Development from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “It’s been a real privilege working in partnership with Abacus to ensure our work force are fully trained and able to deal with a range of situations in times of need.

 

“We strive to give our communities the most efficient and effective service, and this is made possible by the high-quality training we receive from organisations like Abacus.”

Apart from the work with the emergency services, the training provider has been working with various industry organisations including manufacturing, education, trades and government since 2002 and trained thousands of employees UK-wide.

Again Mike – who was previously a  volunteer for West Midlands Ambulance Service for 13 years and has been working under East Midlands Ambulance Service with emergency call outs since 2022 –  says the last two decades of being in business is testament to the expertise staff bring with them.

“We have a great team who fully understand how important pre-hospital care and first aid is in the workplace and outside of the workplace,” adds Mike.

“To be able to teach someone something new, something so important and something which can ultimately help to save lives – really needs to be done with an understanding from within.

“In doing so and sharing lived experiences – it all helps to provide others with confidence in themselves if they should ever need to help someone.”

For more information about Abacus Training please visit https://abacustraining.co.uk/

Business Advice, Business Podcasts, International News, Travel

From Old Havana to the World: An Intimate Journey on “Moving Countries 101”

This week on Moving Countries 101, podcast host Clare Kay welcomes a remarkable guest, Shane Batista, whose journey from the streets of Cuba to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain is nothing short of extraordinary. Born and raised in Old Town Havana, Cuba, Shane takes listeners on an intimate and raw journey through her life experiences, sharing stories that are both heartfelt and revealing.

Growing up amidst the vibrant yet tumultuous backdrop of Havana, Shane discovered early on the stark difference between being a traveller and a tourist—insights she now passionately shares. As a teenager, she navigated the clandestine world of Havana’s underground economy, mingling with tourists in the hidden corners of Havana’s paladares (underground restaurants) and peddling contraband cigars. Her resistance to becoming an informant for the authorities led to her being labelled a “danger to society.” Yet, her spirit remained unbroken.

Shane and a Havana neighbour

Shane’s story took a remarkable turn when an observant American recognized her potential and offered her an opportunity to study in the American Culture Language Program in Los Angeles. Leaving Cuba with only a backpack and $20, she set out on a journey that would reshape her life in ways she never imagined.

Despite working hard to secure her green card in the U.S., Shane opens up for the first time on this episode about how her life took a dramatic turn down a “really bad path.” She shares her raw and unfiltered experiences, describing how life in America challenged her but ultimately “built me up and made me the person I am now.” She reflects on how the U.S. shaped her into the strong, self-reliant person she is today, from being a young woman without family in the U.S., confronting the stark realities of living without health insurance, to finding solace in the catharsis of art.

Now having spent more time outside of Cuba than she did growing up there, Shane pays tribute to the influential matriarchs in her life and recounts the emotional reunion with her mother after eight years apart. Her story is marked by moments of courage and defiance: from speaking up to her mother at just eight years old, saying, “It’s him or me,” to asserting her dignity when applying for a chef position in Spain by refusing to send a photo of herself in makeup and declaring, “I’m not applying for a modelling agency.”

Her journey has been shaped not only by the highs and lows of forging a new life in different countries but also by the kindness and love Shane has encountered along the way. For her, home has come to mean the people she is blessed with rather than a specific place. She shares about Prida, her “absolute legend” of a dog, whose companionship she still cherishes and misses profoundly.

Looking forward, she dreams of settling in Oaxaca, Mexico, a place where she envisions continuing her journey of self-discovery and connection. Her philosophy of being a traveller—exploring new places solo, engaging deeply with locals, and experiencing the freedom of travelling alone—has become a defining aspect of her identity.

Join Clare Kay and her guest for an episode that is as much about survival and transformation as it is about the beauty of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit. This is a journey not just across borders, but deep into the heart of what it means to be a traveller in this world.

 

About Moving Countries 101 Podcast:

Moving Countries 101 is a podcast dedicated to exploring the lives and experiences of individuals who have made significant moves across the globe. Hosted by Clare Kay, the podcast aims to inspire and inform listeners and viewers about the challenges and rewards of living a life in different countries.

It’s a must-follow for anyone who is interested in or is planning on living and working overseas.

 

Podcast Links:

You can listen/watch and follow this week’s podcast here (don’t forget to like and follow!):

 

Apple

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782

 

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj

 

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo75XfTWDQl6JgTn4pzlvnA

Armed Forces, Business Podcasts, News

Inside the mind of a military strategist: Lieutenant General Sir Nick Borton KCB DSO MBE talks NATO, Putin and the path to peace

In the eighth episode of the Culture de-cooded podcast – where culture expert, Charlie Coode, gets the inside scoop on some of the world’s most impressive leaders – recently retired British Army General, Sir Nick Borton discusses his extraordinary military career, the challenges of modern leadership, and geopolitical issues around the globe.

With an impressive record including command roles in Afghanistan and Iraq, Sir Nick brings a wealth of experience to the table, offering unique perspectives on some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Speaking candidly about NATO, the conflict in Ukraine, and Russia’s long-term strategy, he pulls no punches when discussing the importance of deterrence, particularly in the face of growing global tensions. “If we arm and train to a sufficient degree to demonstrate that he [Putin] won’t win a war, then we will deter him from starting one” says Sir Nick. “But if we bemoan the fact we’re not prepared and say we’re in a pre-war generation, it’s inevitable that we’ll be fighting the Russians in the next 10 years”.

Nick and Charlie recording

Recognising that leaders like Putin and Kim Jong Un band together because they’re feeling lonely, Sir Nick nonetheless warns that, without robust deterrence, the threat of conflict is all too real. “Deterrence is what we should be focussing on”, he emphasises, drawing on decades of strategy.

In addition to his views on international security, Sir Nick also speaks about the evolving nature of the British Army, reflecting on the need to maintain balance between operational efficacy and the diverse, inclusive culture that the modern military demands. “We’ve got a difficult task. It’s all hands to the pump. If you’re here to help and you’re good at what you do, fantastic. Everything else doesn’t matter” he says, adding “and in that way, the armed forces are an extraordinarily diverse organisation”. “I think that’s something we can be proud of and has changed over the course of my service for good”, Sir Nick states.

 

For podcast host, Charlie, whose work with Culture15 focusses on building and maintaining effective business cultures, Sir Nick’s insights prove invaluable. The episode not only delves into global politics and military strategy but also highlights the transferable leadership skills that apply across all sectors, with Sir Nick’s reflections on individuality, responsibility, and the importance of understanding the people you lead offering powerful lessons for listeners from all walks of life.

The full episode of Culture de-cooded, which is available to listen to on all major podcast channels, is therefore a must listen for anyone interested in leadership, global security and the nuanced dynamics of modern warfare. Indeed, Sir Nick’s sharp analysis and personal anecdotes make for a compelling narrative that will keep you both informed and inspired.

 

For more information, visit:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YEADDD4DKwcxzrRbebRMm?si=RScC9s4ZSZ-mSmWe5ovkAw

https://culture15.com/insights/episode-8-sir-nick-borton-mbe-former-senior-british-army-officer-and-nato-commander/

 

 

Education, Education News, News, Parenting

How to help your child adjust to a new school

Whilst some children may be excited for the year ahead, returning to school after the summer break can be nerve-wracking for many. They might be worrying about upcoming tests or exams, different classes or new routines, so this time can be a source of anxiety for many individuals. If your child is starting a new school, this can be a scary transition, whether it’s stepping up from nursery to school, from primary to secondary school, or changing schools for another reason.

Caroline Wright, Director: Early Childhood Regulation, Research & Development at Bright Horizons offers tips on how you can help your child adjust to these changes, and continue their learning journey with confidence and a sense of wellbeing.

 

  1. Provide an explanation

For younger children especially, moving schools can be confusing and unsettling. You may have to move your child for unforeseen circumstances, such as a work opportunity or a change in family dynamics, and these can be complicated and difficult conversations to have. Children deserve honesty, so try and explain in the most simplistic way, using age-appropriate language as to why this move is necessary. Try to make your explanation positive but be prepared to listen to their anxieties and not to ‘dust over’ them as if they’re not important. Acknowledge their fears and assure them that you’re there to help them.

  1. Visit the school

Sometimes the biggest worry about starting a new school is getting lost, especially if your child is making the jump from nursery to school or from primary to secondary school. In this transition, you and your child should create an opportunity to visit the school before the move if possible.

It’s important for you and your child to look around the new school and familiarise yourselves with their surroundings before the transition. Reassure the child that you are also learning about the environment and talk about what you will do if you get lost in the early days of the transition. Who will you ask? What will you feel about asking? Talking with them as you walk through the building and pointing out what they will be learning in each room, with guidance from staff, can help your child to be more confident to potentially ask questions for themselves as you look around. Ask if you can take photographs of the school and you can share these together at home later to remind your child of what the environments look like and what happens in which rooms.

  1. Meet teachers

Similarly, the adjustment may be a little easier if your child has familiar faces they can turn to in those first few weeks. See if you can arrange a few introductions to not only their teacher/s but also other staff who they’ll work closely with before starting at the school. Ask if there are photographs of teachers on the school website, so that you and your child can become familiar with what the teacher looks like before you actually start the transition. A familiar face is always welcome!

  1. Encourage new friendships

Your child’s new school might have a buddy system, introducing them to a peer to help them settle in. Additionally, as your child gets through the first weeks in their new school, consider asking them about any friends they’re making.. You could suggest arranging something outside of school with some of their classmates, such as a trip to the cinema, or you could speak to parents about arranging a playdate for younger children.

Perhaps your child might struggle more socially or need some encouragement to make new friends. One way to help them get involved is by suggesting they join after-school clubs that sound interesting to them to help to meet like-minded friends.

  1. Validate feelings

Don’t be surprised if your child is finding this difficult in the beginning to make new friends and to feel confident in this new situation. Squeezing yourself into an existing friendship group can be difficult. Think about how you’re feeling trying to make friends in your new workplace and with your neighbours. Talk to your child honestly about how this can feel and ask if you can help. Transitions can be tough, even for adults. And regardless of how your child is feeling about this time, their emotions are valid. Try and communicate with them that whilst you might not be in their exact situation, you can understand why they’re feeling the way they are. From time to time, we all experience emotions that can be overwhelming but with your support, they can get through them.

  1. Spot the signs

You should be on the look out for signs that your child is worried or anxious about the transition before starting the new school, as well as the first few weeks or months afterwards. You might notice changes in behaviour or changes in mood. You know your child better than anyone else, and maybe they find it more difficult to talk about their feelings. They might not have the vocabulary to be able to explain how they’re feeling; they might be experiencing physical signs, such as sensations in their tummy or feeling as if they want to cry, but they might not be aware that these are signs of anxiety. Help them to describe the physical feelings and then you can provide the words to explain what those feelings might be: worried, anxious, afraid etc. Remember, children display their fears through their behaviour but they might not yet be able to talk about those fears without your help.

If you notice your child or teen becoming more withdrawn, not showing interest in usual hobbies, or generally have lower energy than usual, these can often be telltale signs that they could be struggling.

  1. Try to keep routines predictable

Control the controllables as much as you can. A loss of control can be a trigger for anxiety for many, especially for children who are often used to being in a routine. One way to approach the adjustment period when moving to a new school can be to look at the things that will be staying the same. Will you still be leaving at the same time in the morning? Does the school day finish at the same time as before? Will the family eat dinner together when everyone is home?

  1. Maintain connections

Your child may be nervous about missing their friends as they adjust to a new school. As a parent, you can support them in maintaining connections with existing friendships and assuring them that a new school does not mean the end of these. If your child is younger, then consider keeping in touch with parents and arranging a schedule for when your children can meet. If you have moved further away, you might need to arrange transport for your teen to catch up with friends in advance. Technology can also be to your child’s advantage, so encourage them to keep in touch via video calls and text messages if they’re old enough.

Business Tech

The death of paper invoices as apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Teams take over

A recent study has found that three-quarters of small businesses and sole traders rarely send invoices in the post, but instead, use apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Microsoft Teams.

The study also found that an overwhelming 97 per cent of traders believe that the mobile ‘office in the pocket’ has helped to improve their business.

As well as this, 79% say that they would experience problems in their work if they were without them, according to research by Vodafone Business.

More than half of the small business owners who took part in the study said using traditional methods of communication and invoicing would be more time-consuming, and 83 percent revealed that they had gained clients by switching to using app-based methods.

Using these systems for communication, either internally or externally seems to be the major attraction for these professionals as 45% said that WhatsApp was the most important app for the daily running of their job while 20% said Microsoft Teams was the most crucial for messaging.

The findings are revealed following the launch of the latest episode of Vodafone Business’ Digital SOS documentary series. Starring Vodafone Business brand ambassador and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, the series is aimed at helping SMEs supercharge their businesses by making better use of digital technology.

The latest episode sees Steven paying a visit to, D.A.Y, a small fashion boutique based in Peckham, South East London to help boost its online sales with the support of Vodafone Business’ V-Hub – a free online support service that provides expert guidance, knowledge, tools and training for small-medium businesses.

Maria Koutsoudakis, Brand Director at Vodafone UK, said: “Our findings show how vital applications, like Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp, are to small businesses up and down the UK. Whether apps are used for customer communication, invoicing, employee training, or other business activities, they require connectivity to thrive and grow their business. As the nation’s network that connects more than 550,000 unique businesses across the UK, we know that strong and reliable mobile connectivity is essential for small businesses to stay connected to the customers, employees and places they care about.”

With such a large focus on using these apps in daily business, the Vodafone Business study also found that many businesses and employees would significantly struggle without them.

21% conclude that if they were placed into a position without these apps and systems it could have significant implications on their livelihoods with 9% believing “It would endanger the existence of my business running”.

On top of this, another 9% feel that they might “Potentially lose their business” and a further 3% openly accept that they “Would not be able to survive without them.”

Joe Roberts-Walker, Founder at Mejuicer, said: “I remember creating our first business group chat and felt proud of what I’d built as a standalone founder. Even now when I add people to our network, it’ something tangible to see that we’re growing.

“Now we use our group chat every day and its completely improved the efficiency of the day-to-day running of our small business. From instant communication, and sharing content, to instructions, feedback and handovers – we use it for everything!”

This reliance on apps in the workplace signals the ever-growing importance of technology and connectivity within business.

Participants in the survey have said that these apps have most improved their ability to communicate externally with clients with 46% believing this to be the best advantage these apps contribute towards business.

While the majority (80%) of firms use apps like WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams to conduct their business, nearly half (46%) use them most frequently to communicate with clients while 20% use them most for speaking to staff.

Amelia Lawes, Founder at Apex Gym, said: “Group chats have been fundamental to helping us build a community at Apex Gym, improving our ability to communicate externally with our clients as well as having one central point of communication to streamline our activities – we’d be pretty lost without our group chat!”

APP MOST USED BY BUSINESSES USERS APP MOST USED FOR BILLING USERS
WhatsApp 47% WhatsApp 34%
Facebook Messenger 9% Facebook Messenger 4%
Instagram 4% Instagram 2%
Microsoft Teams 22% Microsoft Teams 19%
Slack 5% Slack 9%
IMessage 2% IMessage 3%
SMS 6% SMS 9%
Notion 0% Notion 2%
Other 5% Other 19%

 

 

News

IT firm approaching 25th anniversary spearheading landmark telecommunications switch

A PROMINENT IT firm celebrating 20 years in business is calling on organisations to be ready for landmark changes to telephone and communication networks in the UK.

CATalyst Systems, based in Denbigh and Chester, is working with customers across North Wales, the North West and beyond ahead of The Big Switch Off in 2027.

The move will see the phasing out of BT’s ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) in favour of newer technology including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

CATalyst Systems owner Rory McGough says this is a watershed moment for the industry, yet many people are unaware that ‘landlines’ as we know them will be a thing of the past.

Employing 11 engineers and administrative staff, the managed IT service provider is at the forefront of developments and keen to support current and prospective clients as they make the transition over the coming months.

“This is happening and it’s happening soon – even with the deadline being moved to 2027 – but the majority of businesses are completely unaware of it,” said Rory, who has worked in the sector for more than three decades.

“For long-standing public and private sector organisations where a landline is key, those that are physically on the premises, this will have a major impact as the traditional analogue systems are being completely scrapped in favour of VoIP and internet-based platforms.

“There is still time but it’s a good idea to get in touch and be prepared, make sure you upgrade existing machinery and technology to meet the deadline, which will be here before we know it.”

A member of popular Irish music combo The Weebag Band, Rory was raised in Dundalk before moving to Liverpool and later North Wales in the 1960s.

He worked for the Ministry of Agriculture in IT before taking the plunge at the turn of the century and going it alone.

One of a handful of IT partners in Wales supporting organisations as they ready themselves for the switch to IP – and a silver partner of prestigious global service provider 3CX – CATalyst Systems has gone from strength to strength.

With a team of dedicated, skilled professionals at his side, Rory supports clients across multiple arenas – including retail, law, medical and finance – and is proud of how they manage to be flexible and offer the “personal touch” while providing high-quality bilingual services.

“We are effectively our clients’ IT department, we are part of the team, and that’s very important to us and to them,” said Rory.

“We have grown together and remained at the cutting edge of advances in technology and sustainability – including our revamped website and journey to becoming net zero – which is vital for CATalyst and its customers.”

He added: “For many, the big switch-off is huge, it could be seen as concerning and confusing, but it’s a simple process if businesses anticipate rather than react at the last minute.

“We are already helping companies make the changes necessary, migrating them onto modern cloud-based systems in place of the outdated PSTN technology.

“We are here for help, advice, and guidance, so get in touch to find out more.”

Finance and Banking, Investment, News, Social Housing

SASC makes a second investment of £1.11 million to Positive Steps Partnership in Dundee to buy properties to house vulnerable adults

Positive Steps Partnership (PSP), a Dundee-based charity providing supported accommodation services for vulnerable adults, has received a second social investment loan of £1.11 million from Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC) to purchase properties to house adults with addiction issues, including ex-offenders.

This loan is from SASC’s Social and Sustainable Housing Fund II (SASH II) and follows SASC´s initial SASH I loan of £1.65 million to PSP in 2020. It will allow PSP to purchase 15 properties across Dundee, 13 one-bedroom flats and 2 two-bedroom flats, to meet demand for accommodation for 17 vulnerable adults to live independently.

 

The first loan enabled PSP to move into property ownership for the first time and purchase 30 one-bedroomed flats across the city.

PSP´s mission is to help vulnerable adults who face a range of potential barriers to sustain independent living. This includes people who are impacted by substance abuse, mental health issues, learning difficulties, offending behaviour, institutionalised living or homelessness.

The charity has helped more than 190,000 people over the past 35 years. In 2023 their Housing Support service supported almost 300 individuals to maintain their tenancies and reduce the risk of homelessness, and almost 50 individuals were able to move to independent living.

 

Derek Sharkey, CEO of Positive Steps Partnership said: “Owning properties is a more sustainable way for us to meet the increasing demand for supported accommodation in Dundee. We work with some of the most vulnerable people in society to help them to take control of their lives. Many of them face multiple and entrenched disadvantages, but with our support they can overcome challenges and become independent citizens making a positive contribution to their communities.”

 

Mark Bickford, CEO of SASC said: “Dundee has one of the worst incidences of intravenous drug deaths per capita in Europe and the loan will be central to PSP supporting more people with substance addictions, as well as ex-prisoners and other vulnerable adults and helping them to progress to healthy, independent living. It will also enable PSP to further expand its owned property portfolio and be less reliant on council properties and private landlords.”

 

SASH II launched in November 2022, and is the follow-on fund to SASH which launched in May 2019 and successfully raised and allocated £64.5m to frontline charities.  The fund supports charitable organisations that deliver a combination of support and housing to move from renting existing housing stock to owning it.

 

For more information on Positive Steps Partnership visit: https://positivesteps.org.uk/

 

For more information on SASC visit: www.socialandsustainable.com

News

Game of Thrones director turns spotlight on media industry for students

A RENOWNED movie director was put under the spotlight by Coleg Cambria students.

Neil Marshall, whose credits include Hellboy, Game of Thrones, Westworld, and Dog Soldiers, paid a visit to the college’s Creative Media department for a Q&A with learners in Deeside.

A Best Director winner at the Saturn Awards and British Independent Awards for The Descent, he spoke about his career in the industry and provided the cohort with advice and guidance on how to pursue their dreams.

Cambria Lecturer Edward Evers-Swindell wrote and directed the movie Dark Signal, which Neil supported as Executive Producer.

He said it was an “inspirational and informative” session for the students and staff.

“Neil discussed his route into film and his personal journey as well as answering questions on a range of topics,” said Edward.

“What made this even more valuable for the students is that he is self-made, rather than knowing anyone in the industry he started from scratch with no more than a passion for films to sustain him.”

He added: “Neil’s journey has been long and hard, but hopefully gives inspiration to learners who didn’t know how to get started in the movie business.

“His talk was fascinating and went into detail about each of his projects and how they came about, while being incredibly honest about projects that were, in his own words, successes and failures, as well as the differences in working in film vs television.

“The students asked some brilliant questions that demonstrated a real interest in what they had listened to, and their feedback was really positive, so it was a fantastic event for all of us.”

Neil also recorded a podcast with Edward and the team, where he discussed the importance of engaging with academia and the next generation of talent, on and off camera.

“I think it’s vital, we never had anything like this when I studied film,” he said.

“Nobody came from the business to talk to us; it would have been an eye opener and refreshing and bolstered our enthusiasm.

“I like coming to these things and talking to students because I want to inspire people. That’s what we aim to do as filmmakers, inspire people.”

Technology

Remediation Over Ratings – Achieving Third-Party Cyber Risk Reduction

By Leigh Glasper, Director, Cyber Advisory at BlueVoyant

The most effective third-party risk management (TPRM) programmes prioritise risk remediation alongside risk identification. While security ratings services (SRS) have long focused on risk identification, the burden of curation and remediation has traditionally fallen on the customer.  

In the past, default solutions to the challenge of reducing third-party cyber risk have focused on SRS, providing cyber risk assessments of third parties by utilising multiple data streams to provide a rating or score to organisations that illustrates the cyber security posture within their third-party ecosystem. 

In theory, this enables the prime organisation to prioritise risk mitigation and governance in specific vendors. However, it does not provide any direct support to address false positives or aid vendors’ remediation challenges. 

While SRS have long served to monitor organisations’ cyber security posture, they also have a number of notable limitations that true risk reduction solutions have moved beyond. Modern businesses focussed on third-party cyber risk reduction require both a more comprehensive solution to third-party cyber risk; one that fully manages risk by rapidly identifying and resolving critical cyber security issues in the third-party ecosystem. 

As a result, enterprises need best-in-class security programmes the deliver measurable cyber risk reduction through effective and integrated remediation activities.  

Accuracy is Everything

Effective remediation requires precise, validated data to ensure that both risks and the “footprint,” or attack surface, of a company are accurately identified and evaluated. This ensures that nothing is overlooked and that identified risks present a real threat.  

SRS typically rely on un-verified data sources. Without human analysts to validate risk findings and company footprints, these services often generate many false positives. This leads to information overload and ‘alert fatigue’ as client organisations spend valuable time sifting through inaccurate data.  

Organisations often receive a low security rating due to perceived vulnerabilities that, upon investigation, are found to not even be within their attack surface. This diverts attention and resources away from real threats and strains relationships with third-party vendors, who may be unfairly flagged.  

Context Matters

Understanding the context of a vulnerability is also crucial for effective remediation. A vulnerability that poses a significant risk in one environment may be less critical in another, which is why every organisation has its own unique risk tolerance based on business need and operational criticality.  

SRS apply a generic assessment model across all vendors. This one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for the specific business processes and critical importance of certain vendors within a supply chain. A financial institution, for example, has vastly different third-party criticality needs compared to a healthcare provider. 

Effective and appropriate risk reduction requires tailored assessments that consider the unique context and criticality of each vendor within the third-party ecosystem.  

Guided Mitigation

The most significant drawback of SRS solutions is the lack of actionable guidance they provide for mitigation once a risk is identified. SRS load customers with risk findings but leave the task of acting on that information to the customer. This includes validating escalated risks, prioritising findings, and developing action plans — while also ensuring effective communication and collaboration with third parties.  

This all adds further stress to the customer’s workload and creates friction with third-party vendors, especially when false positives are involved. The strain on business relationships can be particularly intense if a risk turns out to be unfounded.  

Consider the impact on a vendor that is told to remediate a cyber risk but is not provided the telemetry or accuracy of data to quickly and efficiently identify the asset and mitigate the risk through targeted remediation activity. Not all vendors will act to mitigate a risk, even one as simple as an open port, unless they receive specific instructions on how to address and resolve the issue.  

Modern Solutions Focus on Remediation

To move beyond the limitations of traditional security ratings services, businesses need robust TPRM programmes, which can be supported by modern solutions that prioritise data validity, offers proportionate and prioritised remediation assistance, and measurably reduces risk across the entire third-party ecosystem. 

Leading TPRM solutions should actively assist in guided remediation by communicating directly with vendors, ensuring that vulnerabilities are promptly addressed, reducing the exploitable window to potential threats actors.  

By providing clear, actionable guidance, TPRM providers can help organisations prioritise and address vulnerabilities effectively, ensuring that resources are focused on genuine risks. 

Accurate Monitoring and Real-Time Updates

A comprehensive third-party cyber risk monitoring program should also feature continuous monitoring and real-time updates, ensuring that zero-day vulnerabilities and emerging threats are quickly identified and managed.  

This proactive approach significantly reduces the lag time associated with traditional SRS, providing greater defence and resilience against evolving cyber threats, driving measurable risk reduction and minimising the risk of exploitation.  

Tailored Risk Thresholds

Good remediation needs effective prioritisation, which should consider each organisation’s unique operational needs and risk tolerance. A robust third-party cyber risk offering enables organisations to create tailored risk thresholds that consider the specific business processes and critical importance of each vendor within the supply chain.  

By considering the context and criticality of each vendor, external security teams can provide increasingly actionable insights, helping internal teams to save time and more effectively deploy resources.  

SRS-only model no longer fit for purpose

The third-party cyber risk management landscape is shifting to focus on remediation and actual risk reduction, moving beyond mere risk identification and ratings. By focusing on actionable insights and tailored remediation efforts, modern solutions make it easier for organisations to measurably reduce their supply chain risks and secure their partner ecosystems. 

Sport

Connectus Announces New Sponsorship of Luke Cowan-Dickie

Connectus Business Solutions is proud to announce that it will be sponsoring Sale Sharks’ esteemed international hooker, Luke Cowan-Dickie.
This sponsorship highlights Connectus’ ongoing commitment to supporting top-tier rugby talent, and reflects the company’s dedication to excellence within the sport.
Roy Shelton, the CEO of the Connectus Group, said: “We’re proud to be sponsoring Luke this season in what we hope will be a successful season both for him and for the Sharks.
“As a business we are passionate about supporting sport from grass roots up to professional level and we look forward to continuing our ongoing relationship with the club.”
Luke Cowan-Dickie boasts a distinguished career, having made over 100 Premiership appearances with Exeter Chiefs. His outstanding contributions were significant in Exeter’s first European title. Internationally, Luke has earned over 40 caps for England, and his efforts contributed to the country’s Grand Slam victory in the 2016 Six Nations. The athlete’s remarkable career aligns with Connectus’ ongoing support for top rugby talent, continuing their established sponsorship tradition.
This sponsorship marks the sixth consecutive season that Connectus has supported Sale Sharks, highlighting the company’s consistent commitment to rugby. Previous sponsorships have included players such as former club captain Jono Ross, England international Tom Roebuck, and Manu Tuilagi. Adding Luke Cowan-Dickie to the list of exceptional talent backed by the company reflects Connectus’ focus on supporting world-class rugby talent.