Monthly Archives: October 2024

Gambling

The History of Casinos: From Ancient Times to the Digital Era

By Marcelo Uliana

  1. Gambling in Ancient Civilizations
  2. The Rise of European Casinos
  3. Casinos in the America –  a new world of gaming
  4. The Digital Revolution – Online Casinos
  5. How Technology Continues to Shape Casinos
  6. Responsible Gambling and Industry Regulation
  7. The Future of Casinos – What Does It Hold in Store?
  8. FAQ
  9. Conclusion

The history of casinos spans thousands of years, spans many cultures, and has grown into the multi-billion dollar industry we know today. From ancient dice games to modern virtual reality casinos, the journey is as exciting as it is varied. Here’s a look at how casinos have grown from simple gambling to online and digital giants.

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Gambling in Ancient Civilizations

In fact, gambling has a history as long and complex as civilization itself, and long before there was a casino on the Las Vegas Strip, people were already playing various forms of gambling in ancient societies.

 The Origins of Gambling in Mesopotamia and Egypt

Mesopotamia is the earliest known land where records of gambling have been found, dating back to around 3000 BCE. The Mesopotamians played dice games for both entertainment and divination. The Egyptians also placed bets, and some evidence of this is still buried among their other relics: ancient Egyptian texts commonly mention the game of jay, in which lots were cast to see whether something would happen or not.

Ancient China and the First Games of Chance

The Chinese are also credited with inventing keno, which not only remains in this game today, but has also spread to other games that can be found in its region of origin. By 2300 BCE, games similar to what is now called keno were already popular, and the phenomenon itself became almost ubiquitous across cultures early in history.

The Rise of European Casinos

As gambling developed, Europe became the center of sophisticated gambling houses, a progression that eventually led to the modern casinos we know today.

Italy and the Birthplace of the First Casino

The first casino we know of, the Ridotto, appeared in Venice, Italy, in 1638. Founded as a means of managing and controlling large-scale gambling activities during the Carnival season, the Ridotto attracted crowds who came to enjoy a variety of games. This marked the beginning that would eventually put the casino environment on the map.

The Spread of Casinos in Europe

By the 18th century, gambling houses had become a feature of many regions of Europe, and establishments could be found in France, Germany, and England. Games like roulette became popular in 18th-century France, while card games found a devoted following in Britain. The casinos that were created left us with a rich legacy that we can still inherit today, partly because they offered luxurious ways to play and introduced ways that modern casinos still allow people to use.

Casinos in the America — a new world of gaming 

In America, gambling changed once again. It took on the customs and mores of a brand new nation.

The Legendary Riverboats of Gambling 

Also In the 19th century, along the Mississippi River, riverboat casinos thrived- particularly during a time when many states made gambling illegal. The boats served as escape venues for folks who played cards and other games, evading local anti-gambling ordinances. They also laid the groundwork for a flourishing gambling culture in the American South.

 Las Vegas: The Iconic Casino a Capital and Society for Tourists 

No discussion of the history of casinos is complete without mentioning Las Vegas. With the opening of El Rancho in 1941, Las Vegas became the heartland for American casinos. Over time, it blossomed into a sprawling city with world-class casinos that attracted visitors from around the equator-and out beyond this too! Many prepared to see America’s gambling fecundity.

The Digital Revolution – Online Casinos

Online casinos emerged in the late 20th century, which saw the most significant change in the history of gambling, namely the emergence of internet casinos.

The Birth of Online Casinos in the 1990s

The first online casinos emerged in the 1990s, meaning that players no longer had to visit a physical establishment to play a game, but could instead play from their homes. Virtual casinos began to snowball, and this development became increasingly sophisticated as technology advanced and more sites became available with a wider range of games on offer, as well as secure payment methods available at each site.

The Rise of Mobile Gambling

With the rise of mobile phones in the 2000s, mobile gambling became a new trend. Players could now play on the go, opening up an even wider audience and increasing convenience. Today, mobile technology continues to be the driving force behind the growth of online casinos.

How Technology Continues to Shape Casinos

These Days the latest technology continues to overwhelm the casino industry, bringing new features and ensuring that players enjoy first-class entertainment.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain 

AI machines and blockchains are changing the face of security and customer service at casinos. Many online casinos are now using AI to give games recommendations that are personalized for each individual player and prevent fraud. On the other hand, blockchain makes gambling more open: cryptocurrencies provide an additional method of payment for players.

Virtual Reality Casinos and What Lies Ahead 

Virtual reality (VR) can only serve to lift internet casinos to a higher standard. VR casinos provide a 3D environment for players to experience from their own homes, bringing the physical and online casino worlds together in a fully immersive way.

Responsible Gambling and Industry Regulation

For physical and online casinos on the rise, regulation now is necessary. Regulatory bodies worldwide enact rules that promote responsible gambling and protect players, particularly in the online environment for whom age verification as well as prevention against addiction pose key challenges.

The Future of Casinos – What Does It Hold in Store?

Casinos seem to be developing all the time. The future looks bright. Newborn advances in technology, such as VR and AI, may well mean an even more revolutionary pleasure for playing a game, at the same time mobile and online casinos can maintain their hold over market share.

FAQ

When was the first casino opened?

The first official casino, Ridotto, in Venice, Italy, in 1638.

How did online casinos emerge?

Online Casinos The 1990s marked the debut of changes in technology. At first, online gaming sites were quite limited, but as technology developed, so did online casinos.

Are casino games really random?

Yes. Legitimate casinos use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure fair play, and the randomness of the game is also regulated by authorities.

Has technology changed the casino industry?

Thanks to technology, casinos have evolved into more modern all-in-one services that offer you a platform to play online games and mobile access from virtual reality to artificial intelligence for a personalized gaming experience.

What is the future of the casino industry?

The future may see more advancements in virtual reality, mobile access, and additional AI features, making gambling more immersive and accessible than ever before.

Conclusion

Though from ancient dice games to cutting-edge virtual casinos, the history of gambling is a fascinating journey through such varied human culture and technology. Adapting and growing with society, casinos have evolved continuously to satisfy the needs of players over the generations. As technology advances, there’s every reason to believe that casinos will continue to amaze us, giving new ways to play and more chances of winning.

 

 

Image by Pixabay

Business, Business Advice, Business Finance, Economy & Jobs News, Politics

The Budget – key next steps for businesses

Gus Williams, interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, shares the key next steps for businesses in Wales following the Autumn Budget.

 

National Insurance and National Minimum Wage increases

“Businesses should look at their budget planning for next year and cashflow forecasts. Both of these increases will impact the next round of staff wage increases and the increases to National Minimum Wage don’t just impact those at the bottom, but put upward pressure on those above. Getting this right can take time and require a few rounds of review and revision to get right and ensure all the potential knock on impacts are carefully considered. Businesses will need to consider the impact of these increases to pricing, cashflow and working capital.”

 

Employee Rights Bill

“Although we don’t have fixed dates yet, businesses with staff currently on zero hours contracts may want to include this consideration in their planning for next year and think about the impact of those staff who are able and want to move onto fixed contracts.  Both the tax and National Minimum Wage increases along with the proposed Employee Rights Bill will have impact on future staff planning and recruitment.”

 

Business owners considering selling or retiring

“The increases to Business Asset Disposal start from 5 April 2025, so those business owners already thinking about exiting may wish to consider the impact on their timeline.”

 

Businesses looking to acquire

“As above, the changes in Business Asset Disposal Relief in 2025 may provide an immediate opportunity to look at potential acquisitions you would like to make.”

 

Capital Allowances

“Capital Allowances are set to remain in place as they are. Those businesses who were concerned about certainty can now act and plan with confidence that the rules should remain the same for the foreseeable future.”

 

Inheritance Tax, business property relief and Business Asset Disposal Relief changes

“A common issue we see is business owners leaving it too late to plan effectively for retirement or exit in a way that maximises the value of their business or meets all of their retirement and exit objectives. Achieving this can require several years of planning to align the short-term and long-term business and financial objectives. Ensuring you plan further ahead can help minimise the impact and risks of tax changes.”

 

The government’s growth strategy

“The Budget identified important sectors that the government will be looking to support with specific initiatives. Businesses operating in these sectors may want to keep an eye out for further announcements and engage in any consultations. The Chambers will of course be contributing and help facilitate these. The sectors identified are:

  1. advanced manufacturing
  2. clean energy industries
  3. creative industries
  4. defence
  5. digital and technologies
  6. financial services
  7. life sciences
  8. professional and business services”

 

The industrial strategy can be found on the government’s website.

 

Farmers

“Generational small farmers will feel particularly aggrieved by the changes to agricultural land relief for Inheritance Tax and some intense lobbying will be taking place before these come into effect. Whether that lobbying will have any impact we will wait and see. As with the changes to business property relief, farmers will need to consider their succession planning and seek advice to ensure they have a workable plan in place that meets their objectives.”

Wales-specific impacts

“The increases to funding for the Welsh Government will be rolled into the next Welsh Government budget planning this December. Support for business will be a part of those discussions, and the Chamber will continue to be a voice for members and businesses as a part of the Welsh Government budget planning process.”

News

Panasonic’s KAIROS Platform Delivers a Competitive Esports Advantage for University of Staffordshire

Panasonic’s KAIROS platform is utilised alongside 4K-capable PTZ and studio cameras, delivering an eSports degree that equips students with the required industry skills.

Bracknell, UK. October 2024 – University of Staffordshire has created a state-of-the-art eSports broadcasting course with the support of Panasonic and its long-term partner, Digital Garage. This will enable the university to run eSports events, accommodate more students onto the course and position itself as a leader in academic eSports broadcasting.

University of Staffordshire was the first university to launch a dedicated eSports degree. It has enlisted Digital Garage to expand its professional broadcasting capabilities, as part of a £2.7 million eSports expansion programme at the university’s Stoke-on-Trent campus. As the primary contractor, Digital Garage will manage the entire design and build, equipping the space with professional broadcast studio equipment from Panasonic.

IP-based video production
The new 61-seat arena in University of Staffordshire’s eSports Broadcasting Hub will utilise Panasonic’s state-of-the-art live video production platform, KAIROS. Two AT-KC200 mainframes will be utilised, compatible with the SMPTE ST 2110 IP-based transmission standard that is revolutionising the transmission of video and audio signals over IP networks.

Ideal for remote and studio-based production environments, KAIROS virtualises traditional switcher functions and eliminates many legacy switcher hardware constraints. It features innovative CPU/GPU architecture and removes the one-to-one input restrictions of SDI-only switchers. This will enable much of the intermediary kit to be removed, providing a cutting-edge, cost-effective solution for eSports broadcasting.

The installation of Panasonic’s KAIROS platform and 4K-capable cameras provides students with a professional broadcast environment in a university setting. Their experience in operating Panasonic’s cutting-edge KAIROS platform and IP-based video production networks delivers the future skills they need to go into the workplace.

Richard Mortimer, Technical Services Manager at University of Staffordshire, commented: “We needed to deliver a course to recruit the next generation of sportscasting students, albeit within budget. Digital Garage gave us the confidence to step out of our comfort zone and invest in high-level Panasonic technology, to build industry-leading facilities with commercial viability. We knew that adopting ST 2110 was absolutely the right decision, giving us a competitive advantage in eSports.”

4K-capable broadcasting
University of Staffordshire’s studio is equipped with three AW-UE100 4K-capable PTZ cameras and three AK-HC3900 HDR studio cameras. The UE100 PTZ is the first 4K 50p/60p[1] PTZ camera to support high bandwidth NDI® and SRT IP transmission protocols. Its direct drive motor delivers smooth pan and tilt movements, with a wide-angle lens with a 74.1° field of view and 24x optical zoom offering installation flexibility, low noise, and high-resolution image capture – making it ideal for remote and studio-based productions.

The HC3900 1080p HDR studio camera is equipped with a large 4K-CMOS sensor for high sensitivity and video quality, ideal for broadcasting, events, education, and corporate environments. Future upgrades to native 4K 60p/50p will enable the HC3900 to deliver native 4K video with a horizontal resolution of 2,000 TV lines.

Professional broadcasting in an academic setting
With Digital Garage managing every aspect of the project, including design, build and budgeting, it has complete autonomy over the selection of best-of-breed kit from Panasonic. It has also re-designed the installation and staging layout to maximise the form and functionality of the space.

Furthermore, Digital Garage and Panasonic have delivered ST 2110 and KAIROS-based training, to help University of Staffordshire’s IT and academic staff transition to an AVoIP-based production approach. This will enable them to manage the innovative technology and answer any installation or workflow queries – whilst supporting students effectively.

Mike Whelan, Managing Director of Digital Garage, added: “KAIROS live production platform was a no-brainer; the ultra-low latency of ST 2110 is ideal for eSports. Combined with Panasonic’s PTZ and studio cameras, University of Staffordshire’s eSports arena now has the ‘wow’ factor. They can now provide state-of-the-art technology to students, giving them the tools required to run and host eSports events.”

For more information, read the full case study here: https://eu.connect.panasonic.com/gb/en/case-studies/staffordshire-university-case-study

[1] Actual output format is UHD (3840 x 2160) 59.94p/50p.

Education, South Wales

Student who battled years of addiction announced as breakthrough artist fellow

A Cardiff Metropolitan University student has been announced as a breakthrough artist fellow after overcoming years of personal challenges.

Mia Roberts, 30, from Holyhead, North Wales, studied Master of Fine Art at Cardiff Met and has been announced as one of the Breakthrough Artists Fellows from the Artist Futures Fund for 2024.

The Artists Futures Fund – formerly known as the Artists Benevolent Fund – supports artists to overcome barriers and flourish creatively and professionally. Cardiff Met is also one of the fund’s Higher Education Institution partners.

The annual Fellowship programme award grant supports contemporary artists who are facing economic, social, cultural or health barriers that would otherwise prevent individuals from undertaking their creative practice and advancing their career.

Mia talks very openly about her battles with alcohol and drug addiction which went on for years and affected her studies, while struggling to come to terms with her sexuality and identity. Mia made the brave decision to speak to her family and friends and seek help.

Mia now lives in Cardiff after completing her master’s at Cardiff Met, it was during her studies that she was made aware of the Artists Futures Fund Fellowship Grant.

Mia said: “For years, my drinking and drug taking affected my studies, it meant I had to move university while doing my undergraduate degree. I was on a downward spiral and caused my family a lot of worry but after making the decision to turn my life around, I now use my personal experiences to help inspire my art projects.”

“To be announced as a fellow was a massive shock. I was in a state of disbelief when informed, and still feel like it’s not real to be honest! Being able to get back in the studio and continue making without so much external stress is something I’m incredibly grateful for. Without this, I most likely would have been unable to really immerse myself and continue making. I’ve already been planning projects for the year and am excited to get to work.”

Mia highlighted that she takes inspiration for her art work from real life and that her own life experiences help her as an artist.

Discussing her dreams for the future, Mia said: “I would love to become a print technician or an art teacher, whilst making my own art on the side. I like to help people and have had such a great experience with my tutors, they have been incredibly helpful and inspired me, so I would love to give someone else that confidence. If I could do that while still making my own artwork, it would be great.”

Each of the Artist Future Fund Breakthrough Artist Fellow receives a £10,000 grant to support living costs, materials and other costs incurred during the Fellowship, along with full time studio space provided by a Higher Education Institution.

Sean Edwards, Programme Director of Fine Art & Photography in the Cardiff School of Art and Design, and Mia’s mentor, said: “We are thrilled that Mia has been awarded the Artists Futures Fund Fellowship and will spend a further year with us in the studios. Mia proved to be an exceptional student during her studies with us, fully engaged with her practice and consistently pushing and developing techniques in sculpture, printmaking and bookmaking.

“There is an honesty to Mia and her practice that is rare and cuts through to the core of what a practice can be for someone questioning their place and role in the world, and in turn asking us to consider ours. Mia’s generosity in the studio, through open collaboration and discussions helped her to really expand and develop over her masters study with us, and this fellowship will allow her the opportunity and security to continue building on that, to continue to take risks and help to her establish a practice, that I have no doubt, will only go from strength to strength in the coming years.”

Offering advice to other students and their support networks, Mia said: “Everyone is different and we all go through different things. My advice would be directed more at the people around those struggling – often, it’s very tough to deal with things on your own. I know without a support network around me of people willing to help me, I may not have been able to push through difficulties I’ve had.

“We need to be more caring and communicative to each other and focus on creating an environment that functions socially and promotes inclusion of everyone. Sometimes checking if people need help or are okay or investing time in a conversation can go a long way.”

Appointments

New Director At Claremont In Bristol

The Bristol office of award-winning interior design and fit-out business Claremont has promoted one of its longest-standing team members as part of its commitment to supporting career development.

Bristol-based design manager Pippa Davie has been promoted to director. She joined Claremont in 2007 and has been instrumental in some of the company’s most significant office interior design and fit-out projects, including Mills and Reeve, Tetra-tech and Pukka.

Pippa’s directorship is part of a raft of promotions across the business, with two more new directors, two new board directors and three new associate directors announced in the Warrington office.

The promotions follow significant growth across the business, including the delivery of large-scale multi-million-pound projects for Admiral in Cardiff and AQA in Manchester, as well as new client wins, including Grant Thornton and Heineken.

Tim Frankland, managing director of Claremont, said: “Since we became an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in 2020, we’ve been focused on nurturing and rewarding our talent, which is pivotal to our continued success, stability, and longevity.

“Our team’s drive, skill and enthusiasm have built Claremont into what it is today, and we’re delighted to see so many of our people progressing their careers with us.”

Claremont has been delivering office interior design and fit-out projects from its Warrington,  Bristol and London offices for more than 48 years. It was the first of its industry peers to assume the EOT ownership model.

Business Tech

Yorkshire digital marketing agency leader relaunches popular podcast 

Manpreet Singh, CEO of Leeds digital marketing agency Bobble Digital, has relaunched his marketing insights podcast series, BobblePod and introduced his personal brand, Mr Bobble, on social media.

After an eight-month break, BobblePod has relaunched with a new look, feel and podcast format, hosted by Manpreet and produced by James Marriott from Sound Media. The successful business and marketing podcast series has returned with weekly episodes, released each Tuesday. Each week’s episode will focus on a new topic, with episodes already filmed and published on digital marketing tools, wokeness in marketing, and seasonal marketing strategies.

Alongside a selection of guests, BobblePod dives into the latest digital marketing news and views to give expert insights to help listeners market their business or services, including in-depth debates on the latest news, views and hot topics from the digital marketing world.

Host Manpreet Singh heads up the award-winning Bobble Digital and has a digital marketing career that spans over ten years. He’s passionate about delivering outstanding digital marketing strategies for clients and educating business owners on the power of digital marketing through business, multimedia content and networking events.

Bobble Digital was established in 2017 and specialises in marketing strategy, PPC, SEO, social media, video and analytics, working with clients in the UK and Dubai to drive digital business growth.

The marketing agency leader has also launched his personal brand, Mr Bobble, at the Business Catalyst Club event in Leeds. The brand has been rolled out across several key social media platforms, where Manpreet will share candid insights into the life of a digital marketing agency founder and entrepreneur, as well as marketing insights and expertise.

Manpreet explains, “It’s a pleasure to bring BobblePod back after an eight-month hiatus. We’ve listened to feedback from our subscribers and relaunched the podcast in line with this to create a more exciting and engaging series where no topic is off-limits. The podcast aims to be a go-to for business owners, entrepreneurs and marketers who want to learn more about digital marketing. We have some fantastic guests lined up for this season, including Tony Mallett, Chris Nightingale, Levi Fowler and Georgia Dixon who I’ll be discussing some exciting topics with over the next few months.”

In addition, Manpreet has recently delivered a program of insightful talks for business owners at Marketing Showcase events across the UK on boosting your organic search ranking on Google and supercharging your SEO with AI tools.

Energy, Green Energy, News

Energy sector warned over strict legal investment rules

Businesses or individuals looking to invest in the energy industry are being warned about strict Government rules which mean their acquisitions can be scrutinised or even blocked as a matter of national security if they don’t obtain the correct permissions.

The warning comes from solicitor and sector specialist Beth Margetson who says that those who complete an energy-related acquisition without correctly notifying the Government also face severe civil and criminal penalties under the National Security and Investment (NSI) Act.

Beth, a partner in the Renewables team at mfg Solicitors, urged potential investors across the industry to be aware of their obligations under NSI and seek legal advice to avoid falling foul of the law.

She said: “The NSI Act was introduced in January 2022 to address concerns around the change of ownership of assets in sensitive industry sectors and businesses – including energy and electricity storage.

“Under the Act, the Government can intervene in certain acquisitions that may give rise to a risk to national security. They can impose certain conditions on an acquisition, or even unwind or block it completely.

“Buyers who fail to give a correct notification of an energy-related transaction also face severe civil fines of up to 5 per cent of their global turnover, or £10 million – depending on the greater amount – as well as five years in prison.

 

The renewables expert and her team recently exhibited at the Solar and Storage Live show at Birmingham’s NEC and said many people in the industry had questions about their legal obligations under NSI.

 

She added: “The NSI has in many ways been a game-changer for those looking to enter into, or expand within, the energy industry.

“The acquisition of substantial generators or aggregators of electricity can fall within the mandatory notification requirements of the NSI, mainly because the Government considers the energy sector to be essential to the country’s economic growth and stability.

“Due to this seriousness from a central government level, it means that a mandatory online notification may be required for certain transactions, including the purchase of a business or certain assets.

“Aside from the heavy penalties faced for approaching a deal incorrectly, there’s absolutely no doubt that investments into the right energy businesses are proving to be extremely lucrative in recent years. But transaction success only comes if the right advice is taken, and if the correct steps and processes have been followed.”

 

 

Investors are being advised that if the business they are acquiring carries out activities within the energy sector, and their shareholding or voting rights increase to more than 25%, 50% or 75% – or they acquire voting rights which enable them to secure or prevent a resolution governing the affairs of the business – then a mandatory notification may be needed.

Activities within the energy sector which fall under the Act include onshore and offshore generation, aggregation, the transmission or distribution of electricity and storage.

 

For further information, or advice around the National Security and Investment Act 2021, readers can contact Beth through beth.margetson@mfgsolicitors.com

mfg Solicitors has offices in Birmingham, Kidderminster, Worcester, Bromsgrove, Ludlow and Telford.

 

 

Careers, News, Pay & Reward, UK, USA

UK salaries trail the US as businesses brace for Autumn Budget impact, Deel data reveals

With hikes to National Insurance announced during the Autumn Budget set to increase the cost of doing business, UK businesses are bracing themselves for possible reduced investment, hiring freezes, lower pay, price increases and jobs moving overseas – particularly with markets like the US strengthening.

New global salary data from Deel, the all-in-one global hiring and HR platform, sheds light on how compensation in the UK is lagging behind the US — a gap that could have significant implications for UK businesses striving to remain competitive on the global stage during these uncertain times.

According to Deel’s analysis of hundreds of thousands of contracts, UK salaries continue to fall short of their US counterparts, especially in technical roles.

 

Key findings from the data include:

  • Stagnant salary growth in the UK: While technical roles in the US have seen salary increases of roughly 15% over the past 18 months, the UK has only experienced a modest 3% rise.
  • Compensation gap: The average salary for a full-time employee (FTE) in the US stands at $125,000, significantly higher than the UK’s average of $102,000 — a gap of $23,000.

In terms of specific roles, UK professionals face even wider disparities compared to their US counterparts:

  • UK Software Engineers earn $123k on average, up just 2% year-on-year (YoY), compared to US Software Engineers who saw a 68% increase, bringing their average salary to $131k.
  • UK Product Managers’ salaries dropped by 10.9% YoY to $116k, while US Product Managers enjoyed a 23.2% YoY rise, earning $144k on average.
  • Account Executives in the UK saw a 5.5% YoY drop to $104k, compared to their US peers who now earn $100k after an 11.1% increase.

 

Despite these challenges, there is some optimism when it comes to gender representation and compensation. In the UK, female representation in technical roles has seen a notable increase, signalling progress towards closing the gender gap. However, female workers globally still earn less than their male counterparts, with women in technical roles earning on average $88k in the UK compared to $109k for men. The US shows a similar trend, with women earning $128k versus $150k for men in technical positions.

 

Matt Monette, UK Country Manager at Deel, comments on what this means for UK businesses:
“Deel’s data underlines the significant challenges that UK businesses face in attracting top talent, especially when competing with US firms that can offer more competitive compensation packages. With the Autumn Budget introducing changes that could further increase the cost of hiring, it’s crucial for UK businesses to give a holistic review to their approach to employee engagement and benefits. We want British businesses to stay competitive, and that includes how they attract and retain top talent against a global landscape.”

 

 

Awards, HR, HR Tech, London, News, Tech, Technology

Culture15 shortlisted for InfoWorld’s 2024 Technology of the Year Awards

Culture measurement platform, Culture15, has been shortlisted as a finalist for InfoWorld’s 2024 Technology of the Year Awards.

Launched in 2001, InfoWorld awards recognise the most groundbreaking products in information technology, rewarding companies that change the way businesses and people operate. Offering multiple award categories, the awards are each designed to celebrate the world’s most innovative products across cloud computing, data management, dev-ops, AI and machine learning.

 

Enhanced with AI capabilities, Culture15’s SaaS platform has been shortlisted for the Business Intelligence and Analytics category, alongside two additional finalists.

This latest announcement marks a period of significant growth for Culture15, spurred on by the launch of its innovative new AI feature, which enables organisations to turn spoken or written qualitative feedback – in any one of 26 languages – into culture analytics, providing actionable insight into the collective behaviours that show up in how work gets done.

One of the factors the judges particularly recognised is that Culture15’s culture analytics dashboard allows companies to gain total clarity of their current culture for the first time ever, allowing them to identify and nurture the culture and behaviours they want to inspire within their organisation.

 

Speaking about this latest awards achievement, Culture15’s CEO and Founder, Charlie Coode, states “We are thrilled to be recognised by InfoWorld alongside such strong competitors in the Business Intelligence and Analytics space. This nomination is a testament to the impact that data-driven cultural insights can have on worldwide business, as well as to the hard work and effort of our team. We look forward to seeing the results of the award and continuing to help organisations build cultures that work”.

 

For more information, visit:

https://culture15.com/

https://www.infoworld.com/about-us/

Business Podcasts, Global Travel, Lifestyle & Travel, South America Travel

Discovering Puerto Rico’s Hospitality, History and Hidden Gems on Moving Countries 101

Clare Kay, presenter of the Moving Countries 101 Podcast, shares her passion for Puerto Rico in this week’s episode

Travel is great teacher, and when I recall the places I have visited, while I always remember the scenery, it’s often the lessons you remember at a deeper, more moving level.

Our visit to Puerto Rico, and primarily Condado and Old San Juan taught me something profound about the dual nature of a place that has been so deeply impacted by invasion.

 

There’s a kind of guarded strength here—a resilience built up over centuries of outside forces shaping their land, their lives, and their culture. However, as modern visitors, I think we have a unique responsibility. We are welcomed, yes, but there’s something sacred about the invitation. To truly feel the hospitality of Puerto Rico, we need to show up with more than typical tourist expectations. It’s about deep respect and genuine interest. This approach can inspire trust, allowing locals, especially those in hospitality, to go above and beyond, even revealing personal stories or favourite spots we’d never find otherwise.

When we do, the experience is transformed. We find ourselves not just served but genuinely embraced, often with locals generously sharing the hidden gems and personal spaces that make the island’s spirit so unique. It’s this mutual trust, I believe, that turns a simple visit into an extraordinary experience, making us not just tourists, but welcomed guests.

Old Juan

Stepping into Old San Juan felt like entering a vibrant painting. The uniquely coloured buildings shimmer against the sunny skies, creating a picturesque scene perfect for exploration. As we strolled down the cobblestone streets, I was captivated by its charm and history. San Juan’s two major forts, El Morro and San Cristóbal, offer an ideal blend of history and breath-taking views. These affordable attractions provide just the right amount of information, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Interestingly, the forts’ walls and lawns are now home to iguanas, which, despite their majestic appearance, are non-native intruders that have significantly impacted the local ecosystem.

El Yunque National Rainforest

The El Yunque National Rainforest, a drive outside of San Juan, is indeed a must-visit. With a good guide, you will learn about the rainforest’s unique biodiversity and enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower.

Puerto Rico’s art galleries also offer a window into the island’s vibrant and resilient culture. Exploring these galleries provided insight into the island’s complex history through diverse and thought-provoking artistic expressions.

Puerto Rico’s Culinary Scene

While I regrettably didn’t discuss it in the podcast, Moving Countries 101, no visit to Puerto Rico is complete without exploring its culinary scene. Given that hospitality is the gateway to any country, food is the key that unlocks the heart of any culture.

Since I didn’t share extensively on the podcast about Puerto Rican cuisine, allow me to say more here so you won’t miss out. During our stay, we indulged in a mix of high-end and budget-friendly eateries.

For a splurge, I recommend Amor y Sal, an elegant restaurant known for its creative fusion of local flavours and modern cuisine, offering a truly elevated dining experience.

Traditional Mofongo – Image Credit: Deposit Photos 

For a more casual experience, Pannes in Condado serves traditional Puerto Rican dishes in a warm, lively atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed, authentic meal. Puerto Rican cuisine is a delightful fusion of Spanish, African, and Taíno influences, and some must-try dishes include:

  • Mofongo: A savoury dish made from mashed plantains
  • Lechón: Slow-roasted pork, often the centrepiece of gatherings
  • Arroz con gandules: Rice with pigeon peas

Beach Life

One of Puerto Rico’s great advantages is its accessibility, especially for Americans, as it’s a U.S. territory and only a short flight from the East Coast. The island offers a perfect blend of city exploration, beach relaxation, and rainforest adventure, all within reach thanks to affordable cab services and excellent tour operators.

As I reflect on our time in Puerto Rico, I’m struck by the warmth of its people, the richness of its history, and the beauty of its beaches and landscapes. The value of moving overseas isn’t just about a fresh start in a new home but also the chance to explore nearby countries and cultures, enriching the journey in unexpected ways. Whether you’re considering a move or just a visit, Puerto Rico offers a unique Caribbean experience that’s sure to captivate you.

Tune in to this week’s episode of Moving Countries 101, available on all major podcast platforms, to join me for more about our trip to Puerto Rico.

For local trips and tours within Puerto Rico, check out VIPadventures at www.adventurespuertorico.com

About Moving Countries 101:

Moving Countries 101 is a podcast that dives into the deeply personal stories of people who have crossed borders—whether for career, family, or forced circumstances. Hosted by Clare Kay, whose own global relocation adds a unique perspective, each episode offers listeners and viewers a raw look at the challenges and growth that come with relocation. The show provides valuable insights into both the practical and emotional aspects of moving abroad, presenting a paradox of moving to a new destination while focusing on the ongoing experience of having moved countries. As the podcast evolves, listeners can expect a blend of solo episodes from Clare, sharing her insights and experiences, alongside conversations with guests who bring their unique stories to the table.

Subscribe to Moving Countries 101 for real stories, unique observations, and expert insights about moving countries.

Podcast Links:

You can listen to/watch Moving Countries 101 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. Follow this week’s podcast here:

 

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