All posts by Lisa Baker, Editor, UK Business News

Lisa Baker is an experienced journalist, Owner of Need to See IT Publishing and the Editor of Business in the News. Lisa covers Business, Health, HR and Technology.
Awards, Menopause, Menopause at work, News

Tilbury Douglas successfully achieves The Menopause Friendly Accreditation

Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out business, has successfully achieved The Menopause Friendly Accreditation established by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace.

The Accreditation is industry-recognised and the only accreditation that sets clear standards which must be met. In order to achieve it, employers are assessed by an independent panel and must demonstrate evidence of their effectiveness in six key areas: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, facilities and evaluation.

Tilbury Douglas has been focused on creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces as part of its Better Together initiative. This included the launch of an employee network called Women @ Tilbury Douglas. 

Craig Tatton, Chief Operating Officer and Better Together Sponsor at Tilbury Douglas, said: “Our Women’s Network has been committed to embedding high standards that embrace menopause in our workplaces. This has included seminars for all employees on World Menopause Day and the launch of a Menopause Policy, as well as training for senior management.

“We recognise that true inclusion is a journey, but we are proud to be officially accredited for everything that has been accomplished so far.”

“I’m greatly encouraged by the success and impact of the Women’s Network at Tilbury Douglas and pleased to see them prioritise menopause in the workplace,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace. “Achieving The Menopause Friendly Accreditation is something to be proud of and especially for industries, such as construction, that are traditionally male orientated in terms of their staffing and business activity. Tilbury Douglas has done exceptionally well and I hope other similar businesses are inspired and encouraged by what they have achieved.”

Hardware, Networks, News

D-Link unveils new Video Surveillance-Enhanced Gigabit PoE Smart Switch Series

The DSS-200G Series Gigabit PoE Smart Surveillance Switches are ideal for businesses of all sizes looking to bolster IP video surveillance setups

(DSS-200G-10MP, DSS-200G-10MPP, DSS-200G-28MP, DSS-200G-28MPP)

D-Link, a global leader in networking and connectivity technologies, has announced the launch of the DSS-200G Series Gigabit Smart Surveillance Switches. The DSS-200G series switches come with surveillance-enhanced features designed to meet the surveillance requirements for businesses of all sizes, including monitoring, management, and troubleshooting tools, making surveillance network management easier and quicker than ever.

The new surveillance-enhanced 10/28-port smart-managed switches offer comprehensive surveillance features with optimised traffic handling, PoE support, easy configuration, troubleshooting tools and simplified deployment. They also come equipped with an intuitive web interface and layer 2 network management features, making it easy to add management capabilities to business networks without complicated setups. The optional Surveillance Mode automatically detects D-Link and third-party IP cameras and NVRs, giving real-time access to device and system information such as PoE power usage and budget, bandwidth utilisation and device status. Auto Surveillance VLAN feature separates surveillance devices’ traffic from the rest of the network, ensuring data security and prioritising surveillance traffic.

Additionally, the series utilises a DIP switch that allows users to quickly and easily turn functions such as QoS on and off, extending PoE connection up to 250m, isolating ports, enabling PD-Alive and spanning tree protocol without the need to access the device’s web configuration. As a result, businesses looking to expand their network, install IP cameras up to 250 metres away, and save costs when deploying devices such as wireless access points, network cameras or IP phones stand to benefit the most from the hardware.

The DSS-200G Series switches have high PoE power budgets with up to 90W PoE++ support – ideal for powering and connecting demanding devices such as video conferencing systems and displays, making them ideal for businesses looking to deploy a future-proof network. They also come equipped with 6kV surge protection against sudden electrical surges caused by lightning or unstable electrical currents.

“At D-Link, we understand that security and surveillance are crucial for all businesses, regardless of their scale and size,” said Claude Chou, President of D-Link Europe. “The DSS-200G series is ideal for businesses looking to empower surveillance setups with an easy-to-use, cost-effective and reliable switch, which keeps data reliability and functionality in mind.”

Availability and Pricing

Contact your local D-Link office for more information

https://eu.dlink.com

Marketing & PR, News, Social Media

‘Status Update’ Content Creator Podcast Launched By Disrupt

Former Made In Chelsea Star Stevie Johnson Interviews A Cast List Of Inspirational Digital Creators

Former award-winning Made in Chelsea star, Stevie Johnson, is launching a new podcast series which delves into the careers of inspirational content creators to discover what makes them tick and how they forged their unique career paths.

‘Status Update’, which is due to be launched on 4th October, features some of the best-known creatives and has been designed for listeners with an interest in the future of social and digital content.

The series focuses on influencer marketing agency Disrupt’s view that the ‘Future is Creator’ and teases out some moving, amusing, highly personal and motivating stories from each guest about their own inspiring digital and social media content.

The interviews lead to a few expletive-filled moments in the podcast studio.

The first episodes include discussions with stand-up comedian and TikTok phenomenon Rob Mayhew; author, entrepreneur and creative sociologist Amy Kean; photographer and activist Misan Harriman; speaker, writer and activist Jamie Klingler; and entrepreneur, mental health advocate and co-founder and COO of Social Chain Dom McGregor.

 

Host Stevie Johnson and co-host, ‘voice of Gen Z’ Jake Crabb, begin each episode by asking their guests to recall one of their most cringeworthy ‘Status Updates’.

The podcast’s title is a reminder of early social media status updates, like those on Facebook, where a short sentence was the only option, since adding photos, videos, GIFS, or emojis were not then possible.

 

Stevie Johnson, managing director of Disrupt, said: “Status Update is the social media and creator podcast for those of us who find good content utterly inspiring and who want to hear from the people behind it.

“We’re excited to have collated a guest list which includes some of the most inspirational social creators, activists, authors, photographers, poets and comedians and we have many others to come in the weeks ahead. If you want to know how they made it, how you can do it, and how best to do it, then come and join us on Status Update.”

 

Status Update will be available on Apple and Spotify.

 

The first episode features Rob Mayhew, Creative Director at digital innovations agency, Gravity Road, who is often aptly described as ‘The King of Agency Comedy.’

A stand-up comedian, Mayhew has attracted more than 5.3 million likes and 150,000 followers on Tik Tok for his award winning short sketches – and bright jumpers – which shine a light-hearted spotlight on creative agency life.

He tells ‘Status Update’ that he is still “bursting with ideas” and that his sketches are “a love letter to the industry” which have “changed my life.”

 

He says: “ It’s so simple, and it’s so easy to say but, if you’re making good content, eventually you’ll find its audience.

“Anyone can do it – that’s the thing about Tik Tok. If no one sees it, no one sees it, but It’s like anything – you’ve just got to want to do it and stick with it. The best advice I can give is just keep going with it.”

 

Mayhew also explains what brands get when they work with an experienced creator to promote their message.

“When a brand works with me it might not take that long to create a sketch and to film it, but what they’re buying is the 20 years of agency experience, the little nuances I’ve picked up on, the mistakes I’ve made over the past few years making these sketches.”

He adds: “I’ve been fired, not been promoted, not passed my probation. I’ve worked for great agencies, I’ve been bullied. Everything you see is pretty much based on something I’ve observed or a funny version of it.”

 

A later “Status Update” episode in the series will feature Misan Harriman, who was the first black person in the 104-year history of British Vogue to shoot the cover of an issue. In June 2022, Harriman photographed Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and granddaughter of King Charles III.

 

Podcast co-host Jake Crabb, Disrupt’s marketing manager, says: “These stories sum up neatly exactly why we’re launching Status Update. It’s about inspiring creators with the phenomenal stories of inspiring creators. By joining us on the journey, we hope to create a whole new generation of social media and digital creators.”

 

The first edition of Status Update will be released on October 4th to coincide with a launch party being held in London.

Construction

Economic Benefits Of Choosing Fabric Buildings For Your Business

Today’s entrepreneurs are always on the hunt for cost-effective solutions that don’t compromise on quality. They understand that every penny counts, especially when it comes to buildings and infrastructures.

But did you know there’s a clever and economical solution?

Enter fabric buildings—a game-changer for businesses looking to save without skimping on durability. Let’s dive into what these are and the compelling reasons why your business should consider them.

What Exactly Are Fabric Buildings?

Fabric buildings, also known as tension fabric structures, consist of a robust steel frame covered by specially engineered fabric materials. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar structures, these buildings are designed for both temporary and permanent purposes. The material allows flexibility, but don’t mistake it for fragility. These structures are sturdy and built to last.

A Cost-Effective Option For Modern Businesses 

Now that we’ve touched on the basics of fabric buildings, you might be wondering if you should consider them for your business. Tension fabric structures don’t just use innovative materials or feature modern aesthetics, as their true charm lies in their economic advantages.

Whether you’re a startup trying to maximize every dollar or an established business looking to optimize your ROI, the benefits can significantly impact your bottom line.

Let’s explore these benefits further:

  • Cost-Efficient Construction 

Fabric buildings are simple and quicker to install compared to traditional buildings. They don’t need costly concrete foundations since they can be anchored directly to existing ground. The frame and fabric are all you need, meaning fewer materials and labor hours.

As fabric buildings have a less permanent nature, some jurisdictions may have a more lenient permit process. This can save both time and money on administrative front ends.

With all these factors in play, it’s no wonder businesses can optimize their construction budget when opting for fabric structures.

  • Lower Maintenance Expenses

Minimal upkeep is another advantage of fabric structures. The unique fabric is designed to resist UV rays, rain, and snow damage. This translates to fewer repairs resulting from weather-related wear and tear. Besides extreme weather, fabric buildings are also pest-free, so your business can spend less on pest control and related maintenance.

The fabric cover also protects the underlying structure from direct exposure to moisture and other corrosive elements. Engineered fabric buildings are especially beneficial if you’re building in a more humid or seaside environment, as they prevent rust and corrosion.

Keeping them clean requires no more than occasional washing to remove dust and dirt. In case of damage, all you need is to replace the section of the fabric. There’s no need for paint jobs, sealing, or costly repairs associated with traditional buildings.

  • Energy Savings

The inherent design and material of fabric buildings contribute to noticeable energy savings. The translucent fabric can provide natural lighting during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting. This means a decrease in energy consumption and, consequently, your electric bill.

Fabric buildings also offer insulation that matches or even surpasses traditional structures. During colder months, they can retain warmth, reducing the need for extensive heating systems. In warmer months, the fabric can reflect sunlight and prevent excessive heat buildup, decreasing the dependency on air conditioning.

The flexible design of fabric structures means that you can easily integrate natural ventilation systems. This can further reduce the need for powered ventilation and cooling solutions.

Businesses can anticipate lower utility bills and a more sustainable operational model when opting for fabric buildings.

  • Flexibility And Scalability

One of the standout advantages of fabric buildings is their unparalleled adaptability to suit evolving business needs. Their design inherently provides flexibility that traditional structures can’t match.

Your workspace may need adjustments as your business grows. Fabric structures can be easily reconfigured to accommodate your current needs. You can even add sections without any massive disruptions to your ongoing operations.

Are you planning to change your business location or move to a seasonal hotspot? Some fabric buildings can be disassembled and reassembled at a new site. Such mobility spares you from the financial burden and time constraints of building afresh or leasing new spaces.

Furthermore, fabric buildings can be set up on various grounds, be it concrete, asphalt, or gravel. This means you don’t need a prepared site, which offers you a more excellent choice in location and on-site preparation.

These dynamic features ensure that fabric buildings can pivot with your business’s changing circumstances, making them a financially and operationally sound choice.

  • Eco-Friendly

Fabric structures also offer green advantages over traditional structures. Initial construction consumes fewer resources in terms of materials and energy. The streamlined manufacturing process of these structures means less waste. Lightweight components also mean fewer transportation emissions when shipping to the building site.

At the end of their lifecycle, many parts of the fabric buildings can be recycled. Depending on its composition, the fabric can be recycled, while the steel or aluminum frames can be repurposed.

Opting for fabric buildings is a financially savvy choice and one way for businesses to lower their carbon footprint and promote the planet’s well-being.

Final Thoughts

When you want to make a sound business decision, remember that it’s not about the money you spend but the money you save. Fabric buildings offer an opportunity to cut costs while securing a sturdy and reliable space for your business endeavors. It’s a win-win that’s hard to ignore.

So, when considering your next business expansion or startup location, think of fabric. Your wallet and business will thank you for it.  

Digital Skills

Organic Growth Through Blogger Partnerships: Understanding the Power of First Impressions

With the expansive online world, capturing your audience’s attention quickly becomes paramount. How you introduce content plays a significant role in this endeavour. One might wonder how some bloggers manage to keep their readers glued to their posts right from the start. The secret lies in writing enticing intros. A compelling introduction piques curiosity and ensures that the reader invests time in the content that follows.

But it’s not just about the introduction; the quality and consistency of your content play an equally vital role. Even if a blogger manages to grasp a reader’s attention initially, retaining them requires substantial, valuable information presented in an engaging manner.

The Value of Mutual Growth

Building connections with other bloggers can be immensely rewarding. Not only does it present opportunities for sharing insights and collaborating on content, but it also paves the way for organic growth. These partnerships can offer exposure to new audiences, drive increased web traffic, and boost credibility.

Why does this partnership-centric approach work? Bloggers naturally have a built-in audience who trust their recommendations and insights. By leveraging this trust and expanding reach through joint ventures, both bloggers can benefit, cultivating an environment where mutual growth thrives.

Reaching Out with Purpose

Successful partnerships don’t just happen overnight. They require effort, persistence, and a well-thought-out strategy. Enter the world of blogger outreach services. These platforms connect businesses with bloggers, simplifying the process of initiating collaborations.

The key to efficient outreach is to ensure your objectives align. When reaching out, be clear about your goals, what you offer, and what you’re seeking in return. A tailored, genuine approach tends to yield more positive responses than a generic, mass-sent message.

The Role of Authentic Links

As your partnership with fellow bloggers flourishes, another strategy comes into play: link building. Authentic, value-driven links can not only drive more traffic to your site but also elevate your blog’s authority in search engine rankings.

However, it’s crucial to approach link building with caution. Aim for quality over quantity. The links should feel natural within the content, directing readers to valuable, relevant resources. Spammy links or forced insertions can detract from your content’s value and potentially harm your reputation in the blogging community.

Sustaining Long-Term Collaborations

Blogger partnerships are not just a one-time event. They present the potential for long-term collaborations, leading to sustained organic growth. Keeping the relationship mutually beneficial is paramount. Regularly brainstorm content ideas, share resources, and evaluate the partnership’s outcomes.

Furthermore, open communication is the cornerstone of any lasting relationship. Check in with your partner bloggers, provide feedback, and be receptive to theirs. Adapting and evolving together will ensure the partnership remains fruitful for all parties involved.

Harnessing Feedback for Continuous Improvement

While it’s tempting to solely focus on the numbers – traffic, engagement rates, or followers – it’s equally essential to tune into your audience’s feedback. Comments, emails, and direct messages can provide a wealth of information about what’s resonating with readers and what’s not.

By understanding your readers’ preferences and pain points, you can refine your content strategy, making it more aligned with their needs. Additionally, sharing this feedback with partner bloggers can lead to more refined collaborative projects, ensuring that the partnership remains relevant and valuable.

It’s essential to remember that in the dynamic world of blogging, flexibility and authenticity reign supreme. Stay genuine, focus on building real connections, and the organic growth that follows will be both rewarding and sustainable.

 

Sustainability

Sustainability and Business Strategy – How Can Your Business Benefit?

Climate change is the challenge of our times, and one that we as a nation are rapidly trying to meet. With sea temperatures rising at record levels, and set to rise all the quicker, the pressure is all the greater on all sides to see change happen.

For businesses, the incentives behind seeking sustainable practice are not as straightforward. But the benefits greatly outweigh the upfront costs, in multiple ways.

Brand Value and Sustainability

The theory – that sustainable practices can benefit a business both directly and indirectly, and demonstrably improve its future outlook in the process – is shored up with data. Businesses that place sustainability at the heart of their brand and message have been shown to benefit from a 32% share of market growth, without even acknowledging the direct impact of sustainable messaging on consumers.

With regard to consumers and demographics, sustainability is eminently popular; in e-commerce, 75% of retail consumers show a distinct preference for greener infrastructure. Further, 78% of consumers specifically value sustainability in the products they purchase. But how does this manifest, exactly?

Compliance, Reputation and Consumer Appeal

Greener infrastructure and the adoption of sustainability-focused business models have an essential, legal, compliance-based incentive attached to them. With the very real threat of climate catastrophe, the UK government is working in concert with other nation states to reduce carbon emissions. However, taking direct efforts to create effective air pollution solutions as part of manufacturing or engineering processes is not only legally mandated in certain ways; it is also beneficial from a PR perspective.

As explored above, green options are preferable to a majority of consumers; committing, publicly, to sustainable practice enables a business to enjoy a greater degree of consumer appeal, and also to align with a majority on what has become a major touchpoint in societal discourse. Conversely, business missteps with regard to sustainability or environment are judged harshly by consumers, and reputation can be harmed as a result.

Resource Efficiency

Exploring sustainable practices as a business can also bring ancillary benefits in the form of efficiency. Energy efficiency is the predominant example in this regard, being one of the main focuses for both domestic households and larger-scale commercial projects in reducing carbon footprints. Efficient processes reduce requirements for water, fuel and electricity, in turn reducing overhead costs. The same principle can extend to materials.

Enhanced Profitability

Financial motivation should not be the primary mechanism by which sustainable practices are sought, but they can be helpful in justifying certain fundamental changes in business position or structure. Reduced overhead costs are one manner in which profits can be raised, while increased appeal amongst consumers represents a sizeable wedge on the sales-side of the equation.

Another, indirect, manner by which profits can be increased is through investment – and a public commitment to sustainability and sustainability innovation can attract eco-conscious investors with the right financial stature to fund equitable growth.

 

To summarise…

Sustainability can greatly enhance a business strategy by fostering innovation, reducing costs, and enhancing reputation. Embracing eco-friendly practices can lead to resource efficiency, lower energy consumption, and reduced waste. This not only attracts environmentally-conscious consumers but also pleases investors seeking long-term viability. Ultimately, a sustainable approach not only benefits the planet but also boosts a company’s bottom line and competitive advantage in today’s conscious market.

 

 

Care, Healthcare Tech, News, Software

Nourish Care expands into person-centred community care with CarePlanner acquisition. 

Nourish Care, the leading Digital Social Care records system signals expansion with acquisition of home care planning software CarePlanner

Nourish Care has announced its expansion into improving outcomes for person-centred care anywhere with the acquisition of CarePlanner, the software used by more than 2,000 domiciliary care agencies.

Nourish currently serves more than 3500 residential care providers with its flexible digital care management software and aims to adopt a more holistic approach by widening its net and delivering care management and support in the community. Funding for the acquisition  was facilitated by NatWest.

“A person’s pathway into care is very often far from straightforward and many people want to stay at home for as long as they can. The community is the place where the magic needs to happen, so that people can be at home, supported by a digital provider that can bring everyone in the circle of care together  – family, care teams, regulators, NHS care staff, etc. People who are being discharged into the community from hospital need to be supported on a platform that is used by both care workers and hospital care teams, ” says Nourish CEO and founder Nuno Almeida.

“When it is done well, social care helps to weave a web of relationships in local communities that add meaning, connection and purpose to our lives. A powerful digital tool keeps everyone informed and coordinated. It also gives the person being cared for a voice. CarePlanner is an ideal partner for us because it enables us to deliver the best possible person-centred care experience in the community.”

 

Agencies who currently use CarePlanner will continue to have access to all the functions and integrations that have made it so popular. Going forwards, Nourish will offer clients the choice of using a combination of the products that suits their needs.

Nuno says: “We will do more than simply maintain those integrations, we’ll evolve them so that partners integrated with CarePlanner can deliver even more value in the future.”

 

Nourish’s chief product officer Jeremy Baldwin, adds: “CarePlanner has more than a decade of experience delivering software that covers all aspects of care worker management including availability, visit requests, rates, rosters, monitoring of visits, payroll, etc and will become the backbone of our range of functionality enabling us to deliver services through home care providers into the wider community.”

 

Careplanner CEO and founder Matthew Sharp says: “We welcome this partnership at  CarePlanner. Nourish and CarePlanner are market leaders and this partnership will revolutionise adult social care and drive improvement across the sector.”

 

Kit Maclaren, Head of Venture & Growth Finance, NatWest comments: “We are delighted to have structured this expanded debt facility for Nourish, supporting the management team and Livingbridge as they continue to champion digital solutions that are at the heart of modern care provision. This financing was delivered through Venture & Growth Finance team, which reflects our firm’s wide dedication to support scale-up companies at each stage of their innovation lifecycle. We look forward to supporting Nourish as they continue to grow their presence in the care market.”

Awards, Business, Business & Property News, News

DigitalWell announced as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies 2023

Company receives award for third time

DigitalWell has been named as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies. The awards programme is led by Deloitte Ireland, in association with Bank of Ireland. The company, which demonstrated superior business performance this year, was recognised at an awards ceremony on Thursday, 14 September.

This year at the 15th annual awards ceremony, Deloitte recognised 130 indigenous companies representing 24 of the 32 counties across the island of Ireland.

The network of companies has a combined turnover of €17 billion and €3 billion of exports sales, providing employment for over 53,000 people across Ireland across a range of sectors – from manufacturing and tech to construction and food and beverage. A detailed judging process precedes the recognition, evaluating the entire management team and business strategy. The judges look beyond financial performance at areas such as a company’s environmental, social and governance standards, strategic planning and talent strategy, when awarding Ireland’s top privately owned businesses.

Brian Murphy, Lead Partner for Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards Programme at Deloitte Ireland said: “This year we’re celebrating 15 years of the BMC programme and the incredible companies that have qualified. Even though this year’s cohort faced into another challenging period, over the past 15 years we’ve seen how indigenous Irish businesses find opportunities in change. Strengthening governance and recognising the value of specialist expert advice on critical areas such as ESG were key discussion points in the coaching sessions. We also saw companies increasingly focused on innovation driving internationalisation. Despite the uncertainties of the past few years, the confidence of Irish businesses is clear as more and more are scaling their market reach internationally”.

The eight newly qualified companies are: APC Ltd (Dublin), Codex (Dublin), JJ Rhatigan & Company (Galway), Kyte Powertech (Cavan), Lowe Corporation (Antrim), Mail Metrics (Dublin), Production Equipment Europe (Galway), and Topflight Travel Group (Dublin).

There were also 112 companies that requalified as a Best Managed Company, five companies achieved Gold Standard, and five companies were awarded Platinum Standard.

Nikki Canavan, Senior Director, Head of Origination & Sustainability, Corporate Banking Ireland, and judging panel member said: “Over the last number of years the companies in the Best Managed Companies network have shown huge strength in the face of disruption and uncertainty. This year in particular – a year that tested Irish businesses like never before – the judges noted the commitment, bravery, resilience and tenacity of the applicant companies.”

The members of this year’s judging panel were: Frank Ryan (Chair of Judging Panel) and current Chairman of the Board of IDA Ireland; Nikki Canavan, Senior Director at Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking; Feargal Mooney, Non- Executive Director and former CEO of Hostelworld Group; Sarah Murphy, CEO, Business Post; Colm Foster, Director of Executive Education at the Irish Management Institute; Ellvena Graham OBE, Chairman and Non-Executive Director, Ellvena is Chair of the Belfast Waterfront, ICC & Ulster Hall, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Group (EAG) in Northern Ireland, member of Senate & Senior Independent Governor of Queen’s University, Non Executive Director Dale Farm, and Chairman Catalyst; Lionel Alexander, Chairman Intact Software, Board Member Fine Grain Property, Board Member at St. James’s Hospital Dublin and Chairman Advanced Manufacturing Centre Ireland.

—

About DigitalWell

DigitalWell is a leading provider of enterprise communications, consultancy, and technology transformation services.  Formed in 2007, DigitalWell differentiates itself on its holistic, customer experience-centric approach, while simultaneously providing a secure digital environment for its clients to collaborate in, all while improving communication and connectivity across a myriad of platforms. DigitalWell harnesses technologies to enable clients to continually anticipate and exceed their customer expectations regardless of where those customers are, where their clients’ personnel are working from, or how they interact. With ISO 27001 accreditation and VMware Cloud Verified certification, DigitalWell serves over 3,000+ public and private-sector enterprise clients globally.  It employs 230+ people in over 20 locations.


About the Best Managed Companies Awards

The Deloitte Best Managed Companies programme, in association with Bank of Ireland, promotes and recognises excellence in Irish/Northern Irish owned and managed companies. It is the only awards scheme on the island of Ireland that considers a business’ performance from every perspective. Entrants to the programme will compete for this designation in a rigorous process that evaluates the calibre of their management abilities and practices.

Programme sponsors are Bank of Ireland, the IMI and the Business Post. For further information, visit www.deloittebestmanaged.ie.

International History of Best Managed Companies Programme

The Best Managed Companies Programme originated in Canada in 1993, where it has been run successfully ever since and is the country’s leading business awards programme. In addition to Ireland and Canada, the programme is currently run in a total of 48 countries including China, The US, Southeast Asia, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Czech Republic, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Turkey, Mexico and Chile.

About Bank of Ireland

Bank of Ireland’s purpose is to enable its customers, colleagues and communities to thrive. The Group is one of the largest financial services providers in Ireland, offering a wide range of banking and other financial services and operating Ireland’s largest retail branch network. In the UK, the Group has long-established partnerships with the Post Office and the AA providing consumer financial services. The Group’s international business is conducted by its Corporate Banking and Global Markets teams operating from Dublin, London, and offices in continental Europe and the United States.

About Deloitte

At Deloitte, we make an impact that matters for our clients, our people, our profession, and in the wider society by delivering the solutions and insights they need to address their most complex business challenges.

As the largest global professional services and consulting network, with approximately 415,000 professionals in more than 150 countries, we bring world-class capabilities and high-quality services to our clients.

In Ireland, Deloitte has approximately 3,000 people providing audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. Our people have the leadership capabilities, experience, and insight to collaborate with clients so they can move forward with confidence.

In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte Ireland LLP. The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press. Deloitte Ireland LLP is the Ireland affiliate of Deloitte NSE LLP, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”). DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL and Deloitte NSE LLP do not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.

E-Commerce, Marketing & PR, News

Nfinite Expands Offerings for CPG Companies

Unveils New Research Underscoring Current Challenges in Product Visual Creation for CPG Brands

71% of CPG companies struggle to keep product images up to date using traditional photography

 

Nfinite, the leader in next-generation product visualisation technology for brands and retailers, today announced expanded offerings for CPG and released new insights from independent research conducted by Dimensional Research. The study highlights the challenges faced by consumer-packaged goods (CPG) companies in product image creation, which can hinder their competitive edge in the online marketplace.

The new report “The state of product visuals for CPG”  found that rapid product changes are a major challenge, with 71% of respondents struggling to update product images. Limited resources and budgets are also concerns, as 47% of companies lack staff and 31% state they face high costs when it comes to product visual creation. Scaling image creation activities is another hurdle, as 68% of CPG respondents state they exceed their allocated budgets.

Baby Products
Food Products
Pet Products

A noteworthy finding was the strong demand for channel-specific imagery, enabling personalised online shopping experiences, with 93% of respondents offering this tailored shopping experience. The majority (71%) of CPG companies prioritise contextual or lifestyle images for selling new items, while 67% focus on trendy or “hot” items for this type of imagery. The study confirmed that contextual or lifestyle backgrounds outperformed plain backgrounds in terms of image effectiveness. However, despite this knowledge, 64% of companies still use plain white backgrounds for their product images, indicating the difficulty in producing adequate lifestyle imagery.

As a result of these findings and additional research and development, Nfinite is launching new solutions tailored to CPG companies to help these brands succeed with online marketplaces and retailers. The Nfinite platform now enables CPG companies to automatically produce comprehensive packshots of products, 360° videos, lifestyle and contextual imagery to bring products to life.

“Our research and development highlight the critical role of product imagery in consumer engagement for CPG companies. Overcoming product image creation challenges is essential for these companies to maintain a competitive edge, build brand loyalty, and drive online sales in today’s digital landscape,” said Nfinite founder and CEO Alexandre de Vigan. “That is why we are proud to unveil new solutions that help address these obstacles and provide a future-forward solution to help CPG companies succeed in the digital commerce landscape.”

The study indicated a notable shift in the industry, with 62% of companies reporting they currently use CGI image creation technology.  Furthermore, 71% of CPG companies expressed enthusiasm for technology solutions that gave them the ability to create photorealistic visuals without requiring a photo shoot, and 78% of CPG companies expressed a positive perception of CGI image creation, illustrating further adoption across the industry in the years to come.

The study emphasised the significant positive impact of great imagery across performance metrics, with 60% of respondents strongly agreeing on its influence. This underscores the crucial role that visual content solutions can play in helping CPG companies achieve their marketing objectives and drive revenue.

Research Methodology

A total of 104 qualified individuals from the United States completed the survey conducted by Dimensional Research. All were VP or C-level executives working at a retail company with more than 1,000 employees. All had responsibility for online sales, with decision-making responsibility for product images or e-commerce merchandising.

 

About Nfinite

Nfinite, a virtual photography platform, enables brands and retailers to build, manage, and display product visuals, grow their business and deliver better customer experiences. The Nfinite Platform makes it easy to create, display, and manage unlimited product visuals using cutting edge 3D CGI technology, making high quality visual content more affordable, adaptable, and faster to create. With Nfinite, companies can deliver endless visual combinations, interactive experiences, and real-time personalized content to their customers worldwide. Visit nfinite.app for more information.

Awards, Diversity & Inclusion, News

Diversity and Inclusion Champions Shortlisted in 2023 Inclusive Awards

The 2023 Inclusive Awards has announced its shortlist, highlighting over 60 individuals and organisations working tirelessly to remove barriers and put diversity at the very heart of everything they do.

Now in its ninth year, the Inclusive Awards is the only ceremony that rewards organisations and individuals and organisations who have excelled in their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. This year’s ceremony will take place in London on December 5, 2023 at The Hurlingham Club and be hosted by TV presenter Sean Fletcher.

“I’ve worked in TV and radio for 25 years, and it’s been clear to me that the most efficient, successful and happy workplaces in my career have been the most diverse,” says Sean Fletcher. “From gender to ethnicity and disability to age, the jobs that stand out for me for enjoyment and productivity are those where inclusion is high on the agenda. Getting things right at work is crucial to getting things right in our communities, networks, families and social circles. The positive impact of working with integrity among people who are tolerant, accepting, encouraging and motivating ensures an individual’s sense of belonging and wellbeing and cannot be underestimated.”

The 2023 Inclusive Awards were judged by an independent panel, including award-winning Computer Scientist Professor Sue Black OBE and Conscious Inclusion Specialist Jiten Patel. Together they looked beyond policies and practices to identify those individuals and organisations who could demonstrate they have achieved true diversity, inclusion, equality and equity in their workplace or community.

The shortlist is below and can also be seen here https://inclusiveawards.com/2023shortlist/

“In difficult and challenging times, using the talent of a diverse workforce is more important than ever,” says Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies and founder of the Inclusive Awards. “The Inclusive Awards continue to be an exceptional way to celebrate the courageous actions of individuals and organisations, who are already striving for inclusion.

“Not only does diversity within a workforce foster an inclusive working environment, it can also bring business benefits and provide a market advantage,” says Paul. “We look forward to celebrating the many and varied achievements of our finalists and I congratulate them all for being shortlisted for the impact they’ve made.”

Diversity Power List returns

This year’s Inclusive Awards also mark the return of the annual Diversity Power List, honouring 50 champions of inclusion and diversity who are making a positive difference to the lives of others, creating an impact within their industry sector and showcasing outstanding dedication in their respective field.

The 2023 Inclusive Awards Finalists

Head of Diversity & Inclusion: Joanne Conway, Ben Spencer-White, Shelley Vaisey, Allison Fox, Alessandro Storer, Justine Gillespie, Chanelle Gray, Liz Douglas

Chief Executive of the Year: Andy Briggs MBE, Joanne Williams, Ken McMeikan, Stuart Love, Julie-Ann Haines, Tom Hoosen-Webber, Raman Bhatia, Simon Pirotte OBE

Consultancy of the Year: Mindweaver, Gina Battye, Association of Accessible Employers, Equality Leaders, Abstract, Diverse Educations Centre for Accessible Environments, Creative Access

D&I Tech Initiative: Proto, Ability Today, myGwork, Diversely, Kinverse.io, Global Equality Collection, AXS Passport by Diversity & Ability, Skills 4 EMPOWER Programme

Inclusive Culture Initiative: Kin + Carta, Utopia – Inclusion Makers, Rethink Mental Illness, HSBC Enterprise Tech, Metro Bank, Auto Trader, Capital One, Bridgend College

Outstanding Diversity Network: The Oxa Neuro and Physical Diversity Voice Group, University of Sunderland – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Staff Networks, Aviva Origins, The BOLD Network at Lloyds Banking Group, TalkTalk Women in Tech, OVO Believe, Pride Network at the Principality Building Society, Unity at EY

Social Mobility Project: Zero Gravity, Sefton@Work, Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture, Clu, Capital One & National Numeracy, Future Frontiers, Greene King, Migrant Leaders

Diversity Teams: Anglo American EDI Team, Lincs Police Dyslexia Accessors, Manchester Fire EDI Team, HSBC UK inclusion Team, Organisational Development Team at United Utilities, QA D&I Champions Team, Humberside Police Positive Action Team, Ministry of Justice Wellbeing Team