Monthly Archives: September 2024

Appointments, News

Vidett grow team with three new appointments

Vidett, a UK leading professional trustee and pension governance firm, has appointed three new members to the team, to support its continued growth plans.

 

Amanda Ford joins as an assistant manager to support clients with their governance, pensions secretarial and project work. She joins from Aon’s investment team where she was a technical analyst working on different pension schemes of varying sizes, ranging from the small with 28 members to very large, with assets from c£5bn.

Prior to this she worked at AXA, initially in their quotations department, covering all life and defined contribution (DC) pension calculations, before moving on to the DC pensions administration team.

Lisa Sweeney also joins as an assistant manager to support Vidett’s trustee team with governance and ongoing scheme requirements. She joins from Mercer UK where she was a pension consultant providing support to client managers and scheme actuaries, including scheme secretarial services, drafting governance documents and member communications as well as acting as a point of contact for trustees and advisers.

She began her career DWP as an administrative officer, working on Pension Credit claims and assessments; later moving into pensions administration and spending 12 years working as a senior administrator for the Civil Service Pension Scheme.

Jacob Inerfield joins as a project manager in the Governance team, bringing with him significant experience in projects and operations across industries including charity, hospitality, local government and most recently, pensions. He joins from Capita where he was initially an operations manager in local government environmental health, trading standards and licensing, before working in pensions consulting.

A key highlight at Capita saw him project managing the restructure of 130+ small/medium pension administration schemes and working within their digital transformation project team to roll out a new online portal for members.

Commenting on the appointments, Wayne Phelan, Chief Executive at Vidett, said:

“We are delighted to welcome three new highly experienced team members. Lisa and Amanda bring significant pension expertise having worked in high profile pension roles on a wide range of schemes.

“Jacob is a skilled project manager who has implemented change and continuous improvement processes across all business operating functions. His pension consulting experience will be of particular value to our team. We wish all three every success in their new roles.”

 

Vidett is a privately owned business, independent from any other provider of services to corporate pension and employee benefit schemes. With an unrivalled knowledge bank to support client needs, Vidett currently looks after over 475 clients with total assets in excess of £142bn and over 2.5 million scheme members.

Education, L&D, Menopause, News

MA Professional Practice graduate excels in the field of Post-Menopause research

Katie Day, an experienced professional in training and development, has successfully completed an MA in Professional Practice from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. This academic achievement marks a significant milestone in her career, reflecting both her dedication to personal growth and her commitment to advancing her field.

Katie said the programme, under the Professional Practice Framework (PPF), enabled her to explore how her experience of starting a business and acquiring new skills has shaped her approach to training. She said:

“The course allowed me to acknowledge the depth of knowledge I’ve gained over the years, something I had always taken for granted.”

This has empowered her to share her experiences with the women she works with, particularly in the context of post-menopause, highlighting the possibilities that this stage of life can offer.

This has empowered and encouraged her to share the MA journey with the women she works with, clearly demonstrating that, post-menopause, life offers a wealth of possibilities and opportunities.

Katie said her MA has enhanced her position as an expert in menopause training, a field she has been dedicated to for many years. She adds:

“Having the Masters helps position me as one of the ‘experts’ in the field and supports me in terms of recognition, trust and confidence with others.”

The course also prompted Katie to reassess her training methods, allowing her to make adjustments that benefit both her clients and herself. Despite over 30 years of experience in delivering training, Katie found that the course provided new opportunities for growth and development.

“Completing the MA has shown me that, when I focus and put my mind to something, there is very little I, or indeed anyone else, is unable to achieve. It represented a huge personal milestone and proved that post-menopause offers women a myriad of opportunities, should they wish to grab hold of them and investigate which are the right ones for them.”

Running her own business presented unique challenges and opportunities throughout the course.

Katie added:

“The impact on my work was significant. Balancing the demands of the course with my business responsibilities was challenging, but it also provided valuable insights that I have incorporated into my training sessions.”

Katie said she had discovered new skills through the course, particularly in research, time management, and academic writing.

“Stretching my mental capacity to write at a Level 7 academic standard was a new and challenging experience. However, it was incredibly satisfying to develop this new way of thinking and writing,” she said.

The MA was designed to accommodate Katie’s needs within her workplace.

“Running my own business meant that I did not have to ‘run it past’ anyone in terms of negotiating time to complete the requirements of the degree. It was down to me to juggle and manage my time and the demands of the business.”

This flexibility, coupled with the support of her business partner, allowed Katie to successfully manage her time successfully and complete the degree.

Katie describes the MA in Professional Practice as a life-changing experience.

“It was difficult.  It’s meant to be: it’s an MA. However, the sense of achievement was huge. It represents an opportunity to challenge yourself, with the amazing support of the University and everyone within it. We never truly know what we might be capable of unless we try.”

“Whilst there were times I questioned if I could continue and complete it, I am so pleased that I pushed through those doubts.  I am delighted to know that I have an MA (with Distinction!), as this is something that, at the beginning of the journey, I doubted I was capable of.”

Katie expresses her deep gratitude to the entire PPF team at UWTSD for their support during her studies.

“Studying for the MA at UWTSD was like being part of a large family where every member had your back and was rooting for your success. I always felt heard and supported, by everyone from my amazing tutors to all the admin staff and the people in the library. There were times when it felt like I was the only student, such was the focus and support I received.”

Sarah Loxdale, Senior Lecturer in the PPF team at UWTSD said:

“Katie’s journey through the MA in Professional Practice has been nothing short of inspiring. Her ability to balance the demands of her business, while excelling in her studies is a testament to her determination and passion for personal and professional growth. Katie’s commitment to expanding her expertise, particularly in the field of menopause training, is incredibly valuable, and we are proud to have been a part of her journey.”

Lowri Harris, Senior Lecturer in the PPF team said:

“Katie’s achievements reflect the transformative nature of the Professional Practice Framework. Her work within her business and her dedication to enhancing her skills have not only enriched her professional practice, but also the communities she serves. It has been a privilege to support Katie throughout her MA, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact her expertise will continue to have in her field.”

Katie looks forward to continuing her academic journey with a Doctorate in Professional Practice (DProf) at UWTSD. Her research project has already influenced her work, leading to new courses like “The Menopause Mind” and fostering collaborations with medical experts.

Business & Property News, Business Advice, Coaching and Mentoring, News

Amazon Web Services and IQ Capital join Cooper Parry to empower next gen of data-driven CEOs

  • Cooper Parry officially launches the third vertical of VentureCEO, focusing on data.
  • Partners of the programme include AWS, IQ Capital and {insert}.
  • The curated 10-week collaboration provides direct access to experienced CEOs, specialised content and personalised mentorship sessions with industry experts.

VentureCEO has officially launched its ‘Future of Data’ cohort -the flagship early stage programme by Cooper Parry’s Tech & High Growth team – the leading UK startup and scaleup advisor in the accounting and tax space. It’s the third vertical of VentureCEO; a collaboration designed specifically for early-stage CEOs who have raised up to £8m and are utilising the transformative power of data.

With data driven companies generating an estimated £343 billion in annual turnover (6% of total UK turnover) in 2023 and employing 5% of the total UK employees across the economy, advances in technology and data are reshaping both business and consumer markets.  The number of UK based AI companies alone has increased by over 600% over the last 10 years. However, entrepreneurs in this sub sector must overcome major barriers to accelerate mass adoption of these technologies and deliver outcomes that ensure user trust.

Building on the success of previous collaborations, this invite-only group of 20 CEOs is the biggest cohort to date, and has a focus on pioneering innovations in data across various sectors such as software, SaaS, AI and sustainability.

The 20 CEOs located across the UK, are from the following companies: Ambar, WeAreFulFilment, Kuberno, CSX Carbon, IntelligentAI, Lab1, InsightTerra, Dorae, GaiaLens,  Meaningful Vision, Osprey Flight Solutions, Deontic Data, Additive.earth, Prospectral, iKue, Palqee, Alchem Technologies, Klarytee, Armadillo Analytics and Infer.

The 10-week collaboration provides a series of deep dive sessions, in person events, panels, and workshops to help the early-stage CEOs get unique insights and support from later-stage CEOs (series B and beyond) and domain experts who have successfully navigated the complexities of scaling businesses, while also creating a powerful network.

Steve Leith, spokesperson for VentureCEO and Partner and Head of Tech & High Growth at Cooper Parry, comments on the purpose behind the programme:

​​ Steve created the team to support over 500 scaleups and high-growth companies in the UK. Before joining Cooper Parry, he spent 20 years in Grant Thornton’s Technology team and has worked with scale-ups that have raised in total over $5bn in venture capital. He has mentored at Wayra, Seedcamp, Microsoft Accelerator, L Marks accelerators and Cisco EiR London. Steve also supported the Tech Nation sector and scaleup programmes working with the UK’s fastest growing scale-ups.

“The “Future of Data” cohort represents a group of hugely high potential CEOs who will go on to build another wave of disruptive data-driven businesses in the UK. The ecosystem has seen great success from similar data-led businesses scaling over the past few years, securing significant funding and achieving major exit events.

“This collaboration is designed to equip these early stage CEOs with key insights and learnings from later stage CEOs and leaders who have scaled businesses through adversity and opportunity and ultimately achieved success. We are extremely fortunate to have the support of our incredible partners who will be crucial in the facilitation of learning and community building to help these leaders succeed.”

Supported by commercial partners including Amazon Web Services (AWS), IQ Capital and Fox Williams},expert advice is on topics such as competitive strategy and building a board is also on hand from  Daleth and MyNonExec who continue their support for the VentureCEO cohorts, alongside a dynamic array of sector specialists including CharlieHR, Luminous PR and Cooper Parry Wealth. Each brings a unique set of resources and expertise to further enrich the experience for participating CEOs.

The later-stage CEOs involved include Tugce Bulut, formerly of Streetbees, now founder of alchemy A.I, Odera Nonyelu Ume-Ezeoke who successfully exited Viewsy, Paul Humphrey, CEO of BMLL, and Husayn Kassai, formerly of Onfido which was acquired by a US competitor in a deal that marked Oxford University’s largest-ever return on investment for a student-led start-up. The four data visionaries have all been at the helm of some of the UK’s most innovative data scale-ups and during their tenures have raised a combined total of over $300m.

Paul Humphrey, CEO of BMLL, adds: “The current business landscape demands a strong grasp of data to drive growth and innovation. Advice and guidance from seasoned CEOs was invaluable in my own journey, so it was an easy decision to join VentureCEO’s program and support the next generation of data leaders.”

Over the 10-week VentureCEO Future of Data programme, the CEOs and Founders in the cohort will have access to the following program elements:

  • CEO Stories: Exclusive sessions where later-stage CEOs (Series B and beyond) share their experiences and insights.
  • CO Strategy: Deep dive sessions on topics such as adaptive culture and competitive strategy, led by subject matter experts.
  • CEO Circles: Curated communities of CEOs at similar stages, facilitated by experienced coaches and organisational psychologists.
  • CEO Wellbeing: Focused on maintaining founder well-being, with strategies for positive leadership and mental health resets.
  • VC Office Hours: Sessions with top deep tech investor Jonno Evans from IQ Capital, offering fundraising advice and pitch deck reviews.

For more information about VentureCEO or to express your interest in being part of a future cohort, visit:  https://www.cooperparry.com/venture-ceo

News

Depute Provost of Perth & Kinross Officially Opens £350k Caravan Development at Braidhaugh Holiday Park, Crieff

Largo Leisure Holidays proudly hosted the Depute Provost, Councillor Andrew Parrott, at Braidhaugh Holiday Park today to officially open the park’s new £350,000 development.

The event, marked by a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony and wildflower scattering, represents a significant investment in local tourism and long-term growth for the picturesque market town of Crieff.

The riverside development at Braidhaugh Holiday Park introduces 10 new holiday home ownership caravans to the park, aimed at attracting long-term holiday homeowners. The development also includes four new holiday rental caravans, two two-bedroom (sleeping 6) and two three-bedroom (sleeping 8), perfect for larger families. Two of the four new rentals are pet-friendly, offering an inclusive option for holidaymakers travelling with dogs.

This development is part of a broader investment strategy by Limerston Capital, which acquired Largo Leisure Holidays in March 2022, furthering its commitment to boosting Scottish tourism.

Councillor Andrew Parrott, Depute Provost of Perth & Kinross, had the honour of touring the development and the new holiday homes before delivering a brief speech, saying “It has been a delight to officially open the new development at Braidhaugh Holiday Park today. This significant addition offers holidaymakers and holiday home buyers an opportunity to experience Scotland’s rich history, along with its fantastic food and drink. It’s also a tremendous asset to the town of Crieff, benefiting local businesses and attractions with the increased number of visitors. With further developments planned at Braidhaugh in the future, the town will continue to thrive and grow.”

Local businesses were also invited to attend the launch event, further solidifying the partnership between Braidhaugh Holiday Park and the local community. Many business owners expressed excitement at the prospect of increased tourism and economic growth in the region.

Alison Watson, Group Operations Director for Largo Leisure, stated: “We are incredibly proud of the new development. Alex Butler’s Contractors partnered with us on this project and were absolutely fantastic. Their care and attention to detail were truly unmatched. Braidhaugh is a beautiful park that sits proudly on the banks of the River Earn. It has a real sense of peace and calm here but with the luxury of being on the edge of the pretty town of Crieff with its lovely little shops and fantastic pubs and restaurants. Local business owners have come down to support us today, which we are incredibly grateful for, and we hope Crieff as a whole can benefit from the investment, we’ve made at Braidhaugh.”

The new holiday caravans are now available for booking, with more information on the development and holiday rental availability accessible via Largo Leisure Holidays.

Food & Drink, Inverness, News, Scotland

Cask Release Marks Whisky’s Arrival in Inverness

Uile-bheist Distillery has launched a special limited release of quarter casks to celebrate the long-sought revival of malt whisky distilling in Inverness.

The Highland capital was once known as a ‘malting town’ but its links with distilling disappeared completely in the 1980s when its trinity of distilleries suddenly closed down, with major job losses.

Now Uile-bheist is reconnecting enthusiasts with that proud heritage by launching a trio of unique casks which mark a new beginning for single highland malt whisky production in the city.

Uile-bheist’s malts, made using water from the River Ness, are the first to be produced in Inverness for over 40 years, since the demise of the Millburn, Glen Mhor and Glen Albyn distilleries.

The company’s Head Distiller, Drew Shearer, says the new malt offerings, matured in charred, peated and un-peated casks, offer buyers a choice of layered, balanced and characterful whiskies – as well as a piece of history.

Whilst developing its new cask programme, the Uile-bheist team has also been working with historian Jason Julier, to piece together the remarkable stories of the lost city distilleries.

At one time, Novelist Neil Gunn was exciseman at Glen Mhor whilst 3 bottles of Mackinlay’s malt, from the same distillery, were salvaged from the ice under Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Cape Royds Antarctic expedition hut in 2010 and found to be near pristine after almost 120 years.

Honouring these traditions, whilst ushering in a modern chapter, Uile-bheist hope to incorporate some of the rare artefacts and images of the past for Tour visitors to its state-of-the-art distillery on Ness Bank.

The new 125-litre cask offerings, from its youthful distilling team, evoke classic traits of Highland single malt production in Inverness but with several modern twists.

Like former distilleries, Uile-bheist uses local malting barley grains, from Bairds Malt in the city, but its production methods are amongst the most sustainable in the whisky world, today.

A pioneering Sustainability Centre uses water from shallow water wells in the River Ness for production, assisted by solar PV installations which save 250 tonnes of carbon per year.

Scientifically advanced stills technology from renowned German coppersmiths, Kaspar Schulz, makes for high precision distilling, and brewer’s yeast is used in the fermentation to develop crisp, estery flavours; a unique innovation reflecting Uile-bheist’s dual nature as a distillery and brewery.

A minimum fermentation time of 96 hours produces a creamy, banana-forward flavour profile to the Uile-bheist Highland Single Malt, now in year two of production.

“We are proud to bring these limited quarter casks to the market, the first chapter in the Inverness whisky revival,” said Head Distiller, Drew Shearer.

“So much detail and precision goes into our new-make spirit and we select the casks very carefully to produce the high quality we want; quality that the city was always known for.”

He added: “Our charred quarter casks will give rich vanilla notes to the whisky. When charring, lignin in the wood is broken down to produce vanillin. That will provide a fresh, vibrant flavour with layers of sweetness and depth.

“The un-peated quarter casks will provide a more mellow, delicate flavour and a little flora in the maturation which will deliver a subtle, refined flavour.

“With the peated quarter casks, you will pick up some of the distinctive smoky, seaweed character from the Islay malt whisky previously matured in those casks.”

The quarter casks, all priced at £3750, are available on Uile-bheist’s website.

Whisky consultant Mitch Bechard, said: “It’s exciting to see Inverness reclaim its place on the whisky map.”

For information on the historic casks, see: https://www.uilebheist.com/distillery-whisky-tours/#casks

Data & Analytics

Circana launches Liquid Data Go, helping small to midsize manufacturers unlock big growth

Circana, a leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behaviour, today launched its Liquid Data Go solution in the UK, providing insights into shopper behaviour and retail trends that help level the playing field and support small to medium-sized (SME) FMCG manufacturers to compete effectively in the market.

As part of the launch, Circana revealed the latest insights from its Liquid Data Go platform and identified significant trends in distribution. Encouragingly, SMEs with an increase in Total Distribution Points (TDP) over the last 12 months compared to the previous year, account for 64 percent of SME value sales. However, manufacturers that have lost TDP account for 36% of the total SME value sales and report a drop in value – from £5.1Bn in value sales last year (across Major Multiple Grocers) to £4.2Bn in 2024, a loss of -£920M (-18 percent).

Distribution and display: A winning combination for growth

Brands that gained TDP over the past year have seen a 28.3 percent increase in total value sales, demonstrating the strong correlation between gained distribution and sales growth. In contrast, those brands that lost TDP have experienced a decline in value sales, down by 12.9 percent. The difference between the two groups is striking – TDP-gaining brands have outperformed their counterparts by an impressive 41.2 percentage points.

In response to soft market volumes in many categories, Circana analysis revealed that SME manufacturers have increasingly turned to promotional investment as a strategy for growth. 61 percent of SME value has seen an increase in promotional giveaway over the past 12 months compared to last year, leading to a notable 10 percent growth in sales for these manufacturers. In contrast, the remaining 39 percent of value, accounted for by manufacturers that lowered promotional investment, only achieved a modest 2 percent sales increase.

Alex Lawrence, Senior Strategic Insight Director at Circana said: “Promotional investment has driven disproportionate growth for SME brands but the scale of out-performance – just eight percentage points – pales in comparison to the out-performance that is achieved through distribution gains and comes at a cost along with the inherent risk of margin erosion.

“However, gaining new distribution isn’t always feasible, and when retaining existing distribution doesn’t translate into growth, our data highlights that efficient promotional investment is the key growth enabler.

“Driving promotional efficiency for SMEs is challenging with premium location off shelf display in high demand and expensive, nevertheless, 56 percent of SME value has seen an increase in the proportion of units sold with off-shelf displays year-on-year. These brands have outperformed their counterparts by an impressive nine percentage points, further emphasising the importance of efficient promotional investment as a growth enabler for SMEs.”

Empowering growth through data-driven decisions

Driving total distribution points and efficient promotion is reliant on data and Circana’s findings re-affirm the importance of having access to easy to analyse granular market EPOS data as critical to business success.

“Big data doesn’t have to come with a big price tag anymore,” commented Lawrence. “With Liquid Data Go, small and midsize FMCG manufacturers can unearth the same insights that their larger manufacturer competitors rely on to make sound business decisions for growth. This easy-to-use solution works like an ‘analyst in a box,’ offering quick access to key trends and performance insights. In just a few clicks, users can better understand market drivers, identify opportunities and put forward strategic recommendations.

Liquid Data Go is specifically designed to organise essential market and business performance data around the most important business questions, helping companies make smarter, data-driven decisions for growth. Fundamentally, the platform enables clients to engage with retailers to secure and grow distribution as the cornerstone to achieving value sales growth.”

Already available to customers in the US, SME manufacturer Mike Tysiak, VP Sales, Lily’s Toaster Grills said: “Liquid Data Go has been an essential tool in our brand’s growth journey. As we scale, we’ve moved beyond relying solely on great presentations and customer rapport; now, we leverage data-driven insights to showcase our brand’s performance at the retail level. The platform empowers us to make informed decisions across different categories and channels, providing the factual backing we need to demonstrate growth. Additionally, it’s invaluable for forecasting, helping us to predict SKU velocities and align our expectations with customer needs. Overall, Liquid Data Go has been a seamless and cost-effective solution that we plan to expand as we continue to grow.”

Business Advice, Global Mobility, Global Travel, International News, News

Crossing Continents: Unlocking Inner Power and Global Connection

Clare Kay returns with another insightful episode of the podcast, Moving Countries 101, featuring Sangeeta Gautam, an inspiring guest who shares her personal journey of moving across countries and cultures. Their conversation explores the concept of global citizenship and the strength of human connection. By focusing on the commonalities that bind us, moving to another country becomes a more empowering experience.

Growing up in a small town near Calcutta, India, created by the British, Sangeeta’s idyllic, multicultural childhood set the foundation for her adventurous spirit. After high school, Sangeeta moved to New Delhi and later, despite concerns about her father’s recovery from a stroke, took up a career opportunity in Thailand—a decision driven by curiosity and the advice of friends, which helped her push past her initial hesitation.
Sangeeta reflects on the invaluable advice that shaped her decisions and success abroad. One of the first lessons she received was to make enough money to care for loved ones—a goal she achieved through her career in Thailand.
Moving to Thailand proved to be a transformative experience. A friend advised her to “make a lot of friends,” which empowered her to embrace new cultures rather than holding on to preconceived notions of what it meant to be from India. Building friendships with local Thai people, despite language barriers, helped her immerse herself in the culture.
One of the key lessons Sangeeta highlights is that, no matter where you go, locals are trying to understand you just as much as you’re trying to understand them. With an open, honest, and curious mindset, she successfully settled into Thai culture and saw the power of looking outward at the needs of others, rather than being consumed by her own concerns.

Later, another career opportunity took her to the USA, which she has made her home. Sangeeta reflects on expectations versus reality when relocating and how she grappled with the challenges of a colder climate.

Friendship once again played a crucial role in her journey, this time helping her navigate the application process for a green card. Here, she shares a story of fulfilling a promise she made—and the universe responding in kind—a testament to the power of integrity, and a poignant example of the value of seizing opportunities without fear of regret.

 

Sangeeta also shares a universal truth: when applying for a job, there are two possible outcomes—getting it or not—but by not applying, the only answer is “no.”

Throughout this episode, Clare and Sangeeta unravel fascinating anecdotes and insights for anyone considering moving abroad—or  looking to live a more culturally aware life through international travel.

Tune into the podcast episode to hear the full conversation and gain valuable wisdom from this guest’s remarkable journey.

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:
Apple
Spotify
YouTube
Lifestyle & Travel

WeRoad Launches Enticing Campaign on London Underground Revealing the Easiest Route to Finding New Friends

Because Making Friends in Your 30s Shouldn’t Be This Complicated – Take the Simple Route
– Travel with WeRoad and make friendships that last.

WeRoad, the adventure travel brand known for bringing solo travellers together for unforgettable experiences, today announced the launch of a bold new advertising campaign across the London Underground. The campaign aims to address the growing challenge of forming friendships in adulthood and positions group travel as an exciting solution.

Starting this week, London commuters will encounter WeRoad’s eye-catching advertisements in every third tube car, totalling 1100 ad locations throughout the network. The campaign features a single, striking creative design across all Tube Car Panels (TCPs), humorously illustrating the complexities of making friends as an adult and presenting WeRoad’s group travel experiences as a refreshing alternative.

The campaign coincides with WeRoad’s largest sale promotion of the year, providing those struggling with the harsh reality of returning to work with the perfect cure for the post-holiday blues: another trip.

WeRoad’s biggest promotion of the year is the perfect opportunity to secure your 2025 travels ahead of time and find new friends throughout the adventure.

Early Bird Deals include a number of destinations such as::

● The Amalfi coast from as little as £459
● Maldives from £719
● Mexico from £1479
● The Philippines from £1759
● Japan from £1479
● Morocco ‘Express’ trip from £489
● Kenya from £1889

*Pricing is dynamic, and applicable to limited spots on tours.

WeRoad’s new advertising stunt comes in response to recent research highlighting the difficulties many people face in forming new friendships, particularly after the age of 30. WeRoad’s campaign encourages Londoners to step out of their comfort zones and consider travel as a means to forge meaningful connections.

Fabio Bin, CMO of WeRoad, commented on the campaign: “We’re thrilled to bring our message to the heart of London’s daily commute. This campaign is about more than just promoting travel; it’s about addressing a real social need. By plastering our message across the Underground, we’re reminding thousands of Londoners daily that adventure and new friendships are just a trip away.”

Tomas Gianelli O’Ryan, Creative Director at DUDE says, “We are very excited to take a new step in our efforts to get more people talking about the complexities, ups and downs, and difficulties of making new friends in your 30s. And what a better place than the Underground, where phone signal doesn’t reach, we get bored, and are left with lots of time to think”.

The London Underground campaign is part of a larger initiative that includes billboards in London and Manchester and a series of free community events in cities across the UK. These “WeMeet” events, range from yoga sessions to drinks after work where people can make new friends, and taste WeRoad experience on a local scale as well as having the chance to connect with like-minded individuals.p

WeRoad’s innovative approach to group travel has struck a chord with travellers. The global adventure travel market is valued at around $750 billion annually and is expected to continue growing at a double-digit pace (source:TechNavio – April 2023).

As WeRoad continues to expand across Europe, this London-centric campaign underscores the company’s commitment to fostering real-life friendships through shared travel experiences. The campaign was created in collaboration with creative agency DUDE, known for its impactful and memorable advertising solutions.

Business, Business Investment, Caerphilly, Cardiff

Cardiff Capital Region’s £45m investment in Ogi to boost digital connectivity for South East Wales

The £45m investment from Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) into Ogi, Wales’ biggest alternative network provider, represents CCR’s largest single investment into a company since its formation in 2017. The debt-financing package aims to develop and transform digital capabilities in villages, towns and cities across the Cardiff Capital Region, helping to reduce digital disparities and offer local communities and businesses reliable services and ultrafast connectivity.

Businesses will be positively impacted by having better reliable broadband, enabling greater productivity, cloud computing, AI and data storage. The investment is also foundational to the development of CCR’s high-tech sectors and key to ongoing developments like the Investment Zone.

One of CCR’s key priority sectors, the creative industries has already benefited from Ogi’s data connectivity capabilities, with the recent 2024 Paralympics live produced remotely at The Broadcast Centre Cymru in central Cardiff.

Ogi’s new full fibre infrastructure is bypassing old, worn-out connections and giving people working and living in the Region a new level of connectivity. The package will bring many benefits including local employment, and with 100,000 premises already on the new fibre to the premise [FTTP] network, it’s Ogi’s ambition to reach many more.

 

Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith said:

“This is a significant investment by Cardiff Capital Region, backed by the UK Government, which will be transformational for many people and businesses in south east Wales. Good digital connectivity is vital for economic growth and to enable people to access services and enjoy their leisure time.

“I’m delighted that the investment is being put into a Welsh company, Ogi, demonstrating the benefits of working together to create jobs and prosperity.”

 

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council and Chair of Cardiff Capital Region Committee, said:

“This investment on a practical level means so much for residents and businesses who may have previously struggled with broadband connectivity. Bringing our Region quite literally up to speed will enhance not only user experience, but also encourage further opportunities and economic growth that align with CCR’s vision for an inclusive, next generation digital infrastructure.”

 

Cllr Andrew Morgan, Leader Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
and Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure and Major Projects Delivery, said:

“This major project is being delivered with the express aim of enabling our Region to compete on so many levels. I’m looking forward to the next stages of this Welsh company’s development and seeing even more of the Region benefit from the capabilities of full fibre today, in readiness for tomorrow.”

 

Ogi’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben Allwright, said:

“Right from the start, our ambition has been to become a leading Welsh telecoms company, and the last few years have certainly laid strong foundations for that goal.

“With key strategic sites like Aberthaw to the south and the heads of the valleys to the north, there’s massive potential across the capital region – and partnering with CCR at such an exciting time in their own development is the next logical step for Ogi’s growth in southeast Wales.”

Awards, L&D, News

Mind Tools Shortlisted for Four Learning Technologies Awards

Mind Tools celebrates multiple nominations at Learning Technologies Awards 2024
Mind Tools, a specialist in management and leadership learning and development, is proud to announce its shortlisting for four awards across three categories at this year’s prestigious Learning Technologies Awards. These nominations are a testament to Mind Tools’ innovative approach to transforming workplace learning experiences and their partnership with industry-leading clients to drive measurable business impact.
Mind Tools has been shortlisted for the following awards:

Best Use of Blended Learning – Commercial Sector

Mind Tools have been shortlisted twice in this category. The first nomination celebrates the success of a blended learning programme designed in partnership with South Western Railway (SWR).
Facing ongoing industry disruption and leadership challenges, SWR sought to equip its leaders with the skills to navigate change, foster collaboration, and support teams. The programme resulted in a 12% increase in leadership capability.
This initiative has had a tangible impact on leadership morale and effectiveness within the company.
For the second nomination, Deloitte collaborated with Mind Tools to build Coaching Skills for Effective Conversations – a scalable and innovative, blended programme. It has been designed for everyone in Deloitte irrespective of their role or grade giving all employees the opportunity to learn how to use coaching skills to have better professional conversations. Participants build their skills through digital modules, weekly coaching practice and use of job aids. The programme is accredited by The Institute of Leadership and upon completion individuals earn Deloitte certificates and Credly badges.

Excellence in the Design of Learning Content – Commercial Sector

Mind Tools’ collaboration with Heathrow Airport is recognised for its innovative approach to fostering inclusivity and belonging. The programme, titled Right Where I Belong, used real employee stories and interactive scenarios to create an engaging, experiential learning course. The result was an increase in representation at senior levels, exceeding expectations in employee feedback on workplace culture and inclusivity.

Learning Designer of the Year – Claire Gibson, Mind Tools

Mind Tools is also proud to celebrate the individual nomination of Claire Gibson for Learning Designer of the Year. Claire’s innovative, data-driven approach to learning design, coupled with her commitment to measurable impact, has earned her a reputation as a leading figure in the field. Her dedication to continuous improvement and learner-centred designs has made a lasting impact on both her team and clients.
Ross Garner, Head of Content and Custom Solutions at Mind Tools, commented:
“We are thrilled to be shortlisted for these awards, which recognise the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our team and our partners. At Mind Tools, we are committed to designing learning solutions that not only engage but deliver real business impact, and these nominations are a wonderful reflection of that commitment.”

The winners of the Learning Technologies Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony on 13 November in London. Mind Tools looks forward to celebrating the industry’s most innovative and effective learning initiatives and continuing to contribute to the future of workplace learning.

About Mind Tools

Mind Tools brings accessible, on-demand performance tools and resources focused on leadership, management and personal effectiveness that empower colleagues to perform in today’s progressive workplaces. Helping them build happy and successful careers and to contribute positively to the success of organizations, the world over. At Mind Tools, empowering people to thrive at work has been our passion for over 25 years.