Category Archives: Business News

Business, Business News, News

Celebrities and leaders to map Metal Box Factory future

Future plans for the iconic building will be unveiled at an open day

Welsh legends Max Boyce and James Hook will complement a swathe of business leaders and dignitaries at the official unveiling of the revamped and restored Metal Box Factory, one of the most historic and iconic industrial buildings in South Wales, as ambitious plans for its future are revealed.

At a special event on Thursday October 13, the celebrities will attend an official open day hosted by Ministry of Furniture and SO Modular, two of the key companies responsible for the regeneration of the site. The event will also be attended by the many stakeholders interested in the future economic prosperity of the region.

At the event, ambitious plans for the site will be discussed, which will involve bringing the building and its grounds closer to the local community.

The event will focus on “Y Dyfodol – The Future” with speakers sharing their insights into 21st Century education buildings, investment, regeneration, job creation and the hidden challenges of agile and hybrid working. Guided tours will be available, including around SO Modular’s extensive site where timber frame modular homes are constructed.

Specifically, Simon Brennan, Head of Property & Regeneration, Neath Port Talbot Council, will deliver an opening address, and Stuart Moyse, Educational Building Consultant, will discuss creating learning environments for the 21 Century. This theme will be developed further by Andrew Beadle, Director of Education at Powell Dobson Architects.

The event will also feature a keynote presentation by Dr Debra Williams, the Chair of Global Centre of Rail Excellence, a £300 million investment planned for Neath Port Talbot, which will create a high-speed rail testing facility. Jon Rae, Director of Resources, Welsh Local Government Association, will discuss the Hidden Challenges of Agile & Hybrid Working. Finally, Dean Curran, Managing Director of Vortex, also a resident in the Metal Box Factory, will discuss innovative solutions to air pollution.

The Metal Box Factory in Neath, locally as “The Box”, was occupied for more than 70 years and was a core employer in the region. Previous occupier the Crown Packaging Company closed in 2016. It was then vacant until 2019 when a deal between local timber frame and offsite construction specialist SO Modular and Neath Port Talbot Council kickstarted the regeneration of the 55-acre site.

SO Modular has invested over £10 million in acquiring and regenerating a large part of the iconic site in Neath. The company, which currently employs around 150 people in Neath, anticipates it will double its workforce in conjunction with its expansion to the site. The move will allow SO Modular to increase its capacity to 3,000 homes per year.

More recently, Ministry of Furniture, an education & workplace interiors specialist, took a further 8,000 sq ft of space over two floors on long-term lease from Neath Port Talbot Council. It has plans to take a further 40,000 sq ft of manufacturing space in the future, supporting further expansion and new jobs.

Other parts of the massive site have been taken by The Safety Letter Box Company and Vortex, part of Marston Holdings, a company at the forefront of smart city technologies, which builds environmental sensors, networks and data solutions to support decarbonisation efforts globally.

Graham Hirst, Managing Director, Ministry of Furniture, said:

“Our move to what is an iconic building in the area represented a pivotal moment in the company’s history, but we now want more. In addition to further developing our business and expanding our offering, we also want to help develop the site, so it once again sits at the heart of the community in the region.

“Once upon a time, this was a vibrant hub with local sports teams and other community groups all using the space. We want to play a part in making that a reality again. Along with the other companies operating from this space, we have devised some exciting plans that will be unveiled at this special event in October.”

Charlotte Hale, Director of SO Modular, said:

“For us as a company, this space has allowed us to keep pace with demand while pushing an environmentally friendly agenda, both in terms of the style of construction we champion and in terms of how we will regenerate the site itself. But it has also always been about making a significant investment that will benefit the local economy.

“Our aim was to create a sustainable, redefining building that restores the site to its former glory but in an innovative and eco-friendly way; we want it to be a landmark of the town again, which the community can be proud of, while also benefiting the local supply chain and keeping jobs and money in the region.”

More information on this event and future plans for the site can be found here:

www.ministryoffurniture.com/y-dyfodol-the-future-at-metal-box-neath

Business News, Charity Events, News

GS Verde Group partner with St David’s Hospice Care to launch the ‘Biz Quiz’

Dealmaking business GS Verde Group has been announced as the exclusive sponsor of the inaugural ‘Biz Quiz’ organised by St David’s Hospice Care.

 

The new event is designed to bring businesses from across South Wales together for staff, clients and contacts to mingle, network, and enjoy an entertaining evening in a light-spirited setting while supporting St David’s Hospice Care.

 

Hosted by rugby’s own Gareth Charles at Glamorgan Cricket Ground on Friday 28th October, teams will compete across five rounds of questions to raise valuable funds for the Hospice, with a top prize of £500 for the winning team.

 

David Dulieu, Development Director of GS Verde Group, said: “We are delighted to support St David’s Hospice Care, and their crucial work providing care for patients and families at the most difficult times of their lives.

 

“GS Verde are always keen to support great causes like St David’s’ Hospice Care, who play such an important role across the communities where many of our colleagues and contacts are based.”

 

Since 1979, St David’s Hospice Care has provided committed, bespoke palliative and end of life care to patients and families, ensuring they have choice and dignity in the care they receive.

 

The charity cares for over 3,200 patients and families every year, at a cost of almost £9 million. With less than 30% of this funded by the Government, the Hospice relies on donations and fundraising.

 

Emma Saysell, CEO of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “We are so delighted to have the tremendous support from the GS Verde Group in sponsoring our Biz Quiz. We hope that we get a big turn out from the businesses in South Wales, helping us to raise vital funds for the Hospice. We can promise a challenging and fun-filled afternoon.”

 

Entries cost £200 per team of four, with food included. Register your quiz team today: https://stdavidshospicecare.org/event-details/the-biz-quiz/

 

 

Business News, News

Intelligent Automation: The Winning Variable in a World of Constant Change

By Dan Johnson, Director of Product Marketing at Kofax

“The only thing constant is change.” The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus spoke these wise words long ago – but little did he know they would ring truer today than ever before.

Change – disruptive change, to be exact – has become so pervasive that we’ve come to expect it. In fact, it seems to be the one thing we can count on in these uncertain times. But that doesn’t mean it’s predictable.

Whether it’s supply chain issues, poor employee retention, organisations don’t know what’s coming next. While constant disruption can be unnerving for business leaders, some companies have proven it’s possible to thrive amidst the never-ending uncertainty. These companies respond faster and more effectively than the competition. How? What’s the variable in the change equation that separates the leaders from the laggards?

It’s intelligent automation. The technology makes processes and operations more resilient and agile, so businesses can react, adapt and embrace change.

The C-suite believes in the benefits that intelligent automation offers. A resounding majority (90 percent) of global executives said automating workflows post-COVID will ensure business continuity, according to the Kofax 2022 Intelligent Automation Benchmark Study. Nearly the same number (89 percent) thought digitally transformed companies have a competitive advantage.

If you want to achieve true digital workflow transformation, however, you need to apply intelligent automation to three key areas of business vital to success. When done properly, businesses develop the resiliency and agility required to balance the equation of change.

The Intelligent Automation Trifecta: Customers, Employees, Processes

Eighty-eight percent of executives surveyed in the benchmark study said they need to fast-track end-to-end digital transformation. The key drivers behind this shift are:

  • Optimizing customer acquisition and retention (94%)
  • Running the business (operational processes) (93%)
  • Improving customer engagement across channels (93%)
  • Ensuring compliance, data management, and security (83%)
  • Enhancing employee productivity and satisfaction (82%)

A quick scan of this list is all it takes to see the three most important elements for a healthy business:

  1. Loyal customers
  2. Happy employees
  3. Dynamic processes

Intelligent automation is the most effective and efficient method of transforming all three areas into sources of productivity, satisfaction, and cost savings your organization can depend on

1. Satisfied Customers Are a True Expression of Success

Who doesn’t love a great customer experience? When it’s particularly good, you might tell your friends. Or post a review on social media. You’re also just as likely to share a negative review if your experience was especially frustrating.

Remote and hybrid work, supply chain issues, and decreasing employee retention have all made it harder than ever to deliver a personalized and speedy customer experience. Intelligent automation helps organizations overcome these obstacles.

Frictionless onboarding uses automation and artificial intelligence technology to create a seamless and simple process for new customers. Required documentation can be uploaded and verified via smartphone, saving time without sacrificing security. Customers can check the status in real time across any channel.

Once on board, the positive experience continues as automation pre-populates forms for existing customers. Intelligent chatbots provide knowledgeable help (or route the customer to the right person the first time). These same bots provide employees with relevant data, so they can help customers in a more personalized and timely manner.

Digital workflow transformation will have your customers singing your praises online and off.

2. Loyal Customers Are a Function of Your Employees

No matter how far into your automation journey you are, human employees will always remain an integral component for success. In fact, if your employees aren’t happy, you’re going to struggle keeping your customers happy. Customer-employee interactions may be declining, but when they do happen, they’re often about more complicated tasks. An unmotivated worker who takes no pride in their work isn’t going to produce a satisfied customer.

The challenge to keep workers engaged and satisfied is harder than ever, as the Great Resignation has swept across the globe. Gone are the days of settling for a job because it pays the bills. People don’t want to spend their days collating documents or entering numbers into a spreadsheet. They want a sense of value and purpose.

If your organization is experiencing staffing shortages, intelligent automation can help you get more done with fewer staff. Automation technologies like cognitive capture and document intelligence can capture, process and analyze all the incoming structured and unstructured information, with fewer errors and in a fraction of the time. With information digitized, managers and executives have access to real-time data, so they can quickly decide the best course of action when the next disruption occurs.

Automation also creates a better working environment for employees. Robotic process automation creates digital workflows that take over the mundane, boring tasks like processing applications and loans. Human workers can focus on more interesting projects that require more thought and strategy. Additionally, they have access to the data they need to complete this work thanks to automated workflows.

Happy and engaged employees are less likely to join the resignation wave, and your organization will earn a reputation that makes it easier to attract new talent.

3. Dynamic Processes Yield Exponential Gains

These days, you never know how you might need to adapt your business processes. Supply chain issues, Brexit complications, the pandemic and regional regulations pertaining to compliance and data security all contribute to the cacophony of chaos businesses have been forced to deal with the last two years.

Since there’s no sign of things calming down, the only way to survive is to make key processes and workflows agile.

Supply chain issues? Onboard new vendors quickly with a seamless and secure digital process. Leverage RPA to integrate data from internal and external databases and applications, so customers and suppliers have access to real-time status updates on shipments.

Regulations slowing you down or costing you in fines? Facial recognition along with authentication and verification technologies improve fraud detection, while document security features like content redaction, secure print release, and data encryption keep the information secure (yet accessible).

Dynamic processes, by its very definition, will change. A low-code automation platform makes it easy to adapt on the fly. Any citizen developer can jump in as new obstacles pop up – no coding required. Add in cloud platforms that scale quickly and you’re ready for whatever changes come your way.

Regardless of your industry, intelligent automation streamlines critical business processes for maximum efficiency and resiliency.

To sum up, organizations that plug in a powerful intelligent automation platform can digitally transform workflows to create a frictionless customer experience, reduce employee burnout, increase employee satisfaction, and streamline operations. Be confident in your ability to solve for the unknown and make success the new constant for your organization.

Business News, News, North of England, Regional News

Business leader invited to show enterprise in Leeds

Unity Enterprise (UE) is seeking a socially conscious individual with proven business acumen and a desire to stimulate entrepreneurial activity in diverse neighbourhoods in Leeds to become its Chair.

A not-for-profit subsidiary of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, UE was established more than two decades ago to create positive social and economic opportunities for local people, businesses and communities.

It currently provides 142 affordable business units for over 80 diverse businesses across its three centres.

UE recently launched a new bespoke scheme, Steps to Business, to give aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages the platform and professional support to build their own sustainable business.

The new Chair will help spearhead UE’s post-pandemic drive to boost enterprise, nurture business talent and create new jobs with a particular emphasis on people of BME origin.

The successful candidate will also sit on the Unity Homes and Enterprise Board.

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “We are indebted to Emma Green who has served with great distinction as UE Chair. She retires from the post with our sincere thanks.

“It was hoped that the end of Covid lockdowns and the return of more normal times would lead to a major upturn in entrepreneurial activity.  The cost of living crisis has made this more challenging, but we will not be deterred from our mission to help people start up, nurture and grow successful businesses.

“The new Chair of UE will be invited to work with the Board, our fantastic staff and key partners including Leeds City Council to help devise new initiatives such as how to reach more untapped entrepreneurial talent.

“We also want to continue upgrading our three enterprise hubs, including Leeds Media Centre where the Steps to Business programme is based, which offer high quality, affordable offices and workspaces for organisations of all sizes.

“It is a deeply rewarding role and a wonderful opportunity for a successful businessperson to share their wisdom and change people’s lives for the better.”

More information about the post is available on the Unity Homes and Enterprise website.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 5 August.

Business News, Wales News

What you didn’t know about the ‘hidden gem’ that’s home to thriving Welsh businesses

One of Cardiff’s most exciting hidden gems has quickly become a popular office location for growing businesses – and is poised to build a business community with a difference.

 

Offering state-of-the-art serviced offices in a historic, Grade II listed building, Space2B at The Maltings provides businesses with an ideal place to thrive.

 

Since its redevelopment in 2010, The Maltings, the only set of historic buildings remaining in the north of the Cardiff Bay area, has been lauded as a major conservation achievement for retaining the industrial character in the conversion.

 

With 550 people working across 100 companies in health science, law, graphic design and more, The Maltings has been home to numerous success stories. These include entrepreneur Matt Jones, who is returning with his new venture ReThink Advertising.

 

Matt Jones said: “The Maltings is more than just serviced offices. To me, it’s a place to connect, to be surrounded by entrepreneurship and likeminded people. There’s a real progressive buzz in the air and you feel it from the moment you walk through the doors.”

 

As part of The Maltings community, businesses benefit from serviced and self-managed, ultra-modern office suites, flexible leasing options and support from the management team, as well as contemporary workspace solutions such as co-working spaces, meeting rooms and virtual offices.

 

Mr Jones added: “The management team, receptionists, and maintenance teams are always on hand to help, no matter the request. I’ve had offices in some of Cardiff’s most sought-after locations, but nothing beats the dynamism of the Maltings.”

 

A perfect blend of modern and heritage design features, the building’s unique appeal has even attracted the likes of production crews at Netflix and Bad Wolf, appearing in a number of episodes of BBC’s internationally beloved, Doctor Who.

 

The community continues to thrive, with Space2B partnering with IoD Wales and the Federation of Small Businesses and launching a dedicated fitness space with ION Training, opening The Maltings and its first-class facilities to even more members of the South Wales business scene.

 

Space2B Office Manager, Sophie Mear said: “We’re really proud of the vibrant, divergent community that’s been built here at The Maltings and feel Space2B offers support to our members in a truly unique way that reflects the needs of a modern-day business.

 

“With our recently developed event spaces open to the public as well as our members, we can’t wait to welcome more people inside to see what we have to offer.”

 

Whether for celebrating or collaborating, The Maltings offers a diverse event space, from its private Mezzanine floor to the ground floor complete with Kin & Ilk café and bar, suitable for a variety of events from drinks receptions to panel talks, for up to 120 guests.

 

Having recently announced City Hospice as their charity of the year, the team at The Maltings have plans in the pipeline for new and exciting events, details of which can be found at www.space2b.wales/spaces/whats-on.

Business News, Education

First Afro Hair training apprenticeship launches in Wales

ISA Training and Afro Hair Academy Wales have teamed up to offer training in type 4 multi textured hair. It is the first hairdressing apprenticeship to offer the specialist route in Wales.

 

Salons throughout Wales have previously had to travel to England for training. The announcement is a huge breakthrough for the industry and long overdue.

 

ISA Training, the longest running hair and beauty training provider in Wales have provided hair, beauty and barbering apprenticeships for almost 25 years. The announcement means its current hairdressing apprenticeships can now be studied with a focus on type 4 hair.

 

The partnership was officially announced at an event in Cardiff, attended by industry, salon owners and the current reigning Miss Wales, Darcey Corria. Darcey is the first Miss Wales of colour to win the event in almost 25 years and will use her reign to raise awareness around diversity as part of her campaign #Darceyfordiversity.

 

Simone Hawken, qualifications manager at ISA Training said, “We have been offering hair, beauty and barbering apprenticeships across Wales for almost 25 years. Recognising the skills shortage for type 4 hair, we are proud to be the first provider to offer this specialism, making our hairdressing apprenticeships more diverse and inclusive. It has been a struggle for salons needing training in the past. Now they can access everything they need on their doorstep.”

 

The training will take a place at Afro Hair Academy Wales based in Cardiff. The owner, Joy Djadi, will teach the Level two and Level three hairdressing qualifications through ISA Training.

 

Joy said, “There are many people within the industry passionate about making a difference, but there has never been a focus on type 4 afro hair. I never gave up my quest that something needed to change. I wanted to shine a spotlight on multi-textured hair as hairdressing has always been predominantly white and Caucasian. Partnered with ISA Training we can make a difference and bring greater diversity to the hair industry.”

 

Joy decided to study hairdressing when she was 25. She built up a career and started teaching hairdressing before setting up her own business. After 15 years running the business in Cardiff, Joy moved to London. She returned to Wales determined to make a difference, and now that has been made possible with the ISA Training partnership.

 

The hairdressing apprenticeships are fully funded, meaning no cost to learners or employers. Learners train on the job in a salon and earn a wage. They can be a new staff member or currently work in a salon. The courses are available to everyone over age 16.

 

Joy continues, “I teach and understand growth, texture and the different types of hair, how to handle it and what tools to use. The most important thing is not to be afraid of it. There is a huge demand for this skill in the hair sector. We hope to educate younger generations of hairdressers. It’s important they know some aspects of the different hair types – even if it is just how to wash and blow dry type 4 hair.”

 

Darcey Corria, current reigning Miss Wales said, “When I was younger I always struggled to find a salon specializing in multi textured hair so the partnership with ISA Training and Afro Hair Academy is exciting news. No young girl should have to worry that she can’t go to a salon, just like her friends, and have her hair done. Through my campaign #Darceyfordiversity I want to help make a difference and show my support for the changes being made to bridge the diversity gap in Wales.”

 

To find out more about the fully funded hairdressing apprenticeships, visit www.isatraining.co.uk

Bridgend, Business News, News, Start Ups, Start-Up News, Wales News

Bridgend MS welcomes support to help young people start their own business

Sarah Murphy, Welsh Labour’s Member of the Senedd for Bridgend and Porthcawl, has welcomed the Welsh Labour Government’s commitment to support 1,200 young people to start their own business as part of plans to foster a new culture of entrepreneurship among young people in Wales.

 £5 million of funding will be invested over the next three years to deliver on the self-employment aspect of the ambitious Young Person’s Guarantee – one of Welsh Labour’s key pledges at the Senedd election in 2021.

 Specialist support will be provided via:

  •  A new Young Person’s Start Up Grant of up to £2,000 per business. This will support 1,200 young people that are unemployed, left education or training in the early stage of business to become self-employed.
  •  Pre and post start up support for one year, designed to help individuals overcome any barriers to starting a business, including one-to-one business advisory support, entrepreneur mentoring, business planning and financial management.

 

Sarah Murphy, Welsh Labour’s Member of the Senedd for Bridgend and Porthcawl, said:

 “I’m determined that there will be no lost generation as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, so I’m really pleased that the Welsh Labour Government is investing £5m to deliver the self-employment aspect of our ambitious Young Person’s Guarantee – a key Welsh Labour pledge at last year’s Senedd election.

 “Encouraging young adults to stay in Wales by building their careers and launching their own businesses here will be instrumental to making young people feel confident in planning their future.

 “Our young people hold the key to Wales’ future success. Their talents, skills and creativity are essential to ensuring our economic success. I welcome the Welsh Labour Government’s determination to do all they can to help deliver the long-term economic benefits our young people deserve for them all to fulfil their potential.”

 

The Welsh Labour Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee will provide everyone under 25 in Bridgend, and across Wales, with the offer of work, education, training, or self-employment.

 The £5 million fund will build on the success of Big Ideas Wales, run by the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service, which provides learning through workshops led by entrepreneurs and a network of Champions to aide transition from Further and Higher Education into the world of work.

 The investment is included in the £20.9m a year commitment to extend the hugely successful Business Wales service beyond the end of EU funding in 2023.

Business News, Events, News, Tech

Ted X Returns to Swansea – with history making technology, Incredibly diverse Speakers, TEDx Fringe full of business opportunities

Ted X returned to Swansea last week – it’s first in person event to follow a hugely successful online event in 2021 – and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Held at the Swansea.com stadium, hosted by Kevin Johns MBE and aptly themed ‘Tomorrow’s World’, the packed event brought together an exceptional series of talks from the business, education and the wellbeing sector – and showcased the best of Swansea on an international platform.

One of the highlights was one Speaker appearing in hologram form from the United States, Linda Fisk, CEO and Founder of LeadHERship Global.

The innovation was courtesy of the event Headline Sponsor Unify, who had multiple, out of this world, innovative displays throughout the day.

The event was attended by in excess of 200 people from all over the United Kingdom, including entrepreneurs, a delegation of 40 from UWC Atlantic College, 30 of which were students; two of them being Speakers. Only 100 at a time were allowed in both the morning and evening segments.

Other Speakers included:

  • Multi-Guinness world record holder, international bestselling author, distinguished Professor and co founder of The #GeniusFormula, Chris Imafidon
  • Former Olympian, Commonwealth, European and World Champion athlete Derek Redmond
  • Tracey Smolinski, Serial Entrepreneur, Founder of Introbiz, co founder of IWOW, author of Master Networking and creator of networking tool Fortune in the Follow Up.
  • Dawn Lyle, co-founder of iCREATE and #4theRegion
  • Melanie Pledger, Executive Coach and Founder/CEO of DNA Light Up
  • Ryan Smith, Pathway Leader for BA Animation: Game Arts
  • Sally Penni MBE, Practicing Barrister at Law, Keynote Speaker, Trainer and Facilitator
  • Sian Rees, Head of School of Culture & Communication Swansea University. Experienced public relations and branding specialist, currently teaching PR and branding at Swansea University and running the MA Communication, Media Practice and PR.
  • Tony and Sam Holness. Tony Holness is an advocate for neurodiversity and Triathlon coach to his autistic son. After a successful career in IT and Banking Tony left the corporate world to help his son realise his dream of becoming the world’s first Ironman Triathlete with autism to compete and the Ironman World Championships in Kona and to become the world’s first openly autistic Professional Triathlete.
  • Professor Tom Crick MBE, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor Swansea University
  • Amina Mohamed, Founder and CEO of The Confidence Capsule, a platform created to enhance your feminine magnetism.
  • Dr Argita Zalli and Dr. Detina Zalli, both of whom have an incredible background in teaching, charity work and medicine at an international level
  • Life and Wellness Coach Emma Hopkins
  • Ceirion Galliers, a young student at UWC Atlantic College, who left barely a dry eye after his talk on ‘The Ripple Effect’
  • Christiana McEwen, set to study at UWC Atlantic College in 2023 shared her experiences in Sierra Leone and her belief that ‘Tomorrow is in our hands’.

Event organiser, Mark Davies said:

“This first post-covid Swansea TedX event was another huge success and the ripples will continue across the international TedX community as many of the talks are already accessible online.

“The remaining talks will be live in the coming weeks, but what we really can’t capture is the energy in the stadium, which was truly electric.  Following a series of high profile business events in Swansea, including the inaugural Introbiz Business Exhibition, South West Wales feels like an area that is beginning to blossom.  It’s an exciting place to be based and I can’t thank our speakers, partners and sponsors highly enough for delivering such a powerful series of talks.

“The challenge now is to top this in 2023 – personally, I can’t wait!”

 

Business News, International News, News

Berkshire IT maintenance expert looks to European push after management buyout and new marketing partner

IT maintenance expert Smart Capital Technology (SCT) has emerged from a management buyout with a new push to capture a larger slice of the European market and further its growth.

New CEO Andy Morgan, who led the buyout, has brought in digital marketing expert Milk & Tweed to revitalise its marketing both across the channel and in the UK.

“We have new investors and a really motivated management team which has a real appetite to grow the business,” he said. “We plan to do it by extending the services we offer and focusing on our journey into Europe and beyond with a bit more gusto.”

He joined the company, based in Twyford, near Reading, as finance director two years ago and was tasked with helping to help build a bigger market share. “I saw that there was an exciting opportunity with SCT so I put my case forward to become CEO and I’ve been in that transition period for the last 12 months,” he said.

The 20-year-old firm, which posted a turnover in excess of £10 million in the last financial year, can provide parts and engineers to replace and repair broken business-critical networks to IT suppliers who support an extensive range of organisations – from household brands to industrial businesses – who need connectivity to networks or servers.

Its 80 staff and over 25,000 parts stored at 40 locations across the UK, Europe and the US enables SCT to guarantee delivery of replacement parts in as little as two hours.

“Our customers are the companies that supply, install and maintain networking and server and storage to end users anywhere there is critical connectivity, and where, if their network infrastructure drops, they could stop generating income,” said Mr Morgan. “We are the suppliers’ parts and engineer service provider to their customer.

“We can send both the part and the engineer to their site within two or four hours or next business day, depending on the service they take. To do that we need ‘feet on the street’ – engineers in the right place –  so we have 40 in UK and Ireland and have access to more than 3,000 in Europe.”

SCT already has contracts to look after over 500,000 networking and server and storage devices, the vital pieces of kit that connect clients to the outside world, but Mr Morgan wants to increase that significantly. “We have just turned the dial to grow it this year,” he said.

“There is a multi-billion European market in the sectors we are looking at so if we can win a couple of per cent of that it would be significant.”

The company can look to an average 99 per cent service level agreement performance for its customers as evidence of its reliability. “We do a great job but we don’t tell enough people about it,” said Mr Morgan. “When customers work with us and they say we need these 10,000 devices supported, what we make sure is that we have the right parts in the right place, at the right time.”

Wiltshire creative agency Milk & Tweed is working on a digital PR strategy. Mr Morgan said: “What I see from Milk & Tweed is that they have suitable skills in digital marketing and we are looking forward to seeing how those skills, plus their creative marketing expertise, fits within our sales cycle.

“They have a broad skillset, plus they are experienced and creative so they will add some flair to our brand.”

Milk & Tweed creative director Jake Jeffries said winning the contract is proof of the agency’s increasing reputation. “We are all very excited to be working with a company like SCT. We feel that we are on the same page in lots of aspects within our businesses, not just with how ambitious we both are.

“We are all really eager to learn more about their business and help them achieve their targets. We are doing a lot of graphic design work, digital marketing and some work on the web site so it is the full Milk & Tweed package.

“It’s gratifying that Andy and his team recognise the work we’ve done and the results we’ve achieved for our clients. They are an international firm so not only is it great to see that our name and reputation is growing so rapidly, but working with fantastic businesses makes it a joy and a pleasure.”

Find out more about SCT at smartct.com and about Milk & Tweed at milkandtweed.com.

Business News, News

FullCircl Partners with NayaOne Digital Sandbox to offer Customer Lifecycle Intelligence Transformation

London, 26th May 2022: FullCircl, the Customer Lifecycle Intelligence (CLI) platform that helps B2B companies in financially regulated industries do better business faster, is delighted to announce a partnership with the NayaOne Marketplace and its Digital Sandbox. This exciting partnership will provide regulated businesses the opportunity to unlock the intelligence needed to engage with the right business customers, accelerate their onboarding, and keep them for life.

Business customers expects a service that is fast, frictionless, and personalised. But due to the challenges faced by regulated businesses, they often end up optimising processes rather than maximising customer relationships. CLI from FullCircl addresses many of the costliest, most time consuming and critical challenges regulated businesses face – helping them win the right customers based on business requirements and risk appetite, accelerate onboarding through automated and perpetual KYC, AML, and credit checks, and keep customers for life through proactive engagement.

FullCircl offers a single solution to make better decisions across every stage of the customer lifecycle, reducing cost to acquire and serve by up to 80% through the combination of advanced data ingestion, validation and augmentation via web app, rules engine and API. By partnering with NayaOne, FullCircl will be accessible to a diverse range of financial institutions looking to accelerate their business transformation through the use of the sandbox product.

Commenting on the partnership Stuart Boardman, Director of Channels and Revenue Partnerships at FullCircl, commented: “We are delighted to partner with NayaOne, an innovative platform that shares our ambition to solve today’s biggest financial services challenges through collaboration. FullCircl is already trusted by more than 600 companies, but the digital sandbox environment will provide the opportunity for more regulated businesses to securely evaluate the customer lifecycle intelligence advantage.”

Oli Platt, Product Manager at NayaOne marketplace added: “We are excited to have FullCircl fully integrated to our tech marketplace and ready to test. The FullCircl integration enables financial services institutions to access to super-connected enriched data on companies and the officers inside them which will accelerate use cases from investments and deliver better business, faster.”