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UK Scaleup Navenio Hires New CEO To Drive US Expansion Following 153% Growth in 2021

  • Navenio strengthens senior team with the appointment of a new CEO to build out its global offering, after securing first two sites in the US
  • Follows December’s £9.5m series A top-up, £1.5m NHSX AI in Health and Care Award and new partnerships with platforms such as HERE Technologies

Oxford, UK; 3rd February 2022: Navenio, the UK health & location tech scale up, today announced plans for its next chapter of growth and expansion into the US, following a £9.5 million investment awarded last month. The company has appointed Connie Moser as CEO, who joins Navenio with more than 30 years of experience in healthcare strategy, sales and operations, including building large-scale businesses across global markets.

Navenio, which saw a 153% increase in revenue in 2021, has also appointed geospatial expert Andrew Loveless to drive innovation outside of healthcare in his role as VP of Business Development. The appointment comes after Navenio recently partnered with HERE Technologies, to power the Indoor Positioning element of its Indoor Map as a service: a one-stop shop for indoor mapping solutions.

As part of its plans for growth, Navenio’s US-based leadership will lead the charge from the largest health economy in the world, bringing the benefits of indoor location services to everyone, everywhere. Connie Moser, new CEO of Navenio, added: “I am joining at a pivotal time for Navenio and am delighted to drive our expansion in the US and beyond. I look forward to building strong global partnerships and believe passionately in the vast potential that Navenio can bring by ensuring ‘right person, right place, right time’ in healthcare settings. Artificial intelligence is one of many technologies making a real world impact in the healthcare sector, and I’m proud to lead a company spearheading digital transformation.”

Navenio is tackling the rising cost of healthcare with a tool that can increase workplace productivity by up to 100%, freeing up clinical resources for other high value tasks. The company’s mission is to get teams back to capacity post-pandemic by maximising patient flow in key departments such as imaging and logistics, a key issue limiting the ability of hospitals to improve both clinician and staff productivity, and patient throughput.

Martin Moran, Chairman at Navenio commented: “I’m delighted to announce our plans for growth and welcome both Connie and Andrew to the Navenio team. The possibility of indoor location technology is vast and we’re excited to be expanding into the US, providing the benefits of our technology to everyone, everywhere.”

Following recent funding from NHSX, as part of an AI in Health and Care Award, Navenio is also currently developing a proven and nationally scalable evidence based solution to further support improved patient flow across the NHS. The first live sites, as part of the 13 hospital Award programme, have already delivered a positive impact to Trusts, staff and patients, with the full results due to be published later in 2022.

Appointments, Automotive, Automotive Tech, Business, Business News, Electronics, Europe, European News, Industry News, Industry Press Releases, Manufacturing, News, UK

Codasip appoints Functional Safety VP

Dave Higham’s expertise in ISO 26262 and security drives Codasip’s custom processor opportunities

Munich, Germany – 2 February 2022 – Codasip, the leading supplier of customizable processor IP, has appointed Dave Higham as the company’s Vice President of Functional Safety. His in-depth expertise in standards for functional safety and security will accelerate the application of Codasip’s RISC-V processor IP and Studio custom processor designer tools in the automotive and industrial sectors.

Higham will directly support customers looking to develop groundbreaking innovations using Codasip’s tools and development platform, particularly within areas such as Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. His expertise in the development of key industry specification ISO 26262 is of paramount importance, but his role is broader than that, reflecting how functional safety and security (such as ISO 21434) are key in many areas of technology.

Karel Masarík, Codasip’s Founder & President commented, “With his decades of experience at Delphi, one of the automotive industry’s Tier One technology suppliers, plus years of experience in multiple global semiconductor vendors, Dave brings to Codasip an unparalleled understanding of FuSa. I have no doubts that he will help Codasip customers maximize the opportunities of innovating in these markets, and to guide them intelligently through the safety requirements.”

Dave Higham, added, “Automotive is an obvious growth market for Codasip’s processor IP and Studio tools. But functional safety and security go hand in hand in many market areas too, where our customers expect these to be covered in any design conversation. Codasip has a unique ability to support customization and there are a number of architectural features we can enable to ensure safety and security are better by design, from the tools and methodology as well as in our standard products.”

Appointments, Business, Business News, Cybersecurity, Europe, European News, IT Services, London, London News, Networking, Networks, News, News from England, Security, South East, South East England News

Westcon-Comstor appoints Patrick Aronson as Chief Marketing Officer

Move signals renewed focus on Partner Success for the security, networking and hybrid cloud distributor

LONDON, UK – 1 February 2022 – Westcon-Comstor, the global technology provider and specialist distributor, today announced it has appointed Patrick Aronson as Chief Marketing Officer. In this position, Patrick will be responsible for driving growth, and building a modern marketing organisation that will ensure Westcon-Comstor’s continued leadership in a world increasingly driven by subscription and as-a-service business models. He takes on this new role, in addition to his current role as Executive Vice President in Asia Pacific, which sees him responsible for business performance across Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Westcon-Comstor continues to see accelerated market demand across global markets – and continued customer growth from the channel community. This new appointment signals a renewed focus and investment into partner success and a commitment to delivering channel customers with solutions and technology that will help them adapt and prosper in an environment pivoting quickly to software and hybrid cloud.

Patrick will lead Westcon-Comstor’s global marketing strategy and drive the evolution of the company’s 130-person strong global marketing team with a focus on analytics, marketing automation and Partner Success.

In a move which heralds a truly international leadership team for Westcon-Comstor, Patrick joins fellow C-suite members – David Grant, CEO, in London, Rakesh Parbhoo, CTO, in Johannesburg and Callum McGregor, CFO, in New York.

“I’m thrilled to take on this new responsibility as CMO as we continue to build and grow the business,” said Patrick Aronson, Chief Marketing Officer, global and Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific, Westcon-Comstor. “I know first-hand from our partners that they’re looking to us to provide the right tools, process and structure at scale so they can adapt their business models to deliver recurring value to each one of their customers. Westcon-Comstor is already a trusted brand by the world’s leading technology vendors. As these vendors pivot to subscription and annuity models, they too are keen leverage our focus on Partner Success.

“As an inspirational leader who has been part of this business for the past seven years, Patrick is the ideal person to join the C-suite and to drive partner success”, said David Grant, CEO, Westcon-Comstor. “Patrick’s been instrumental in spearheading our success in the Asia Pacific region, having launched and led initiatives like our APAC Partner Success Centre and developing our cloud business with AWS and Microsoft. He’ll bring that experience, leverage the work and make it global. The future is bright – and I’m excited to work more closely with Patrick.”

Patrick has been responsible for growing and leading Westcon-Comstor’s business in Asia Pacific. Prior to joining, Patrick spent a decade leading Motorola’s mobile business in south-east Asia. He spent five years as Managing Director at Brightstar where he developed its engagement strategy and mobility business. He has a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Asian Studies from Hobart College, New York, and is fluent in Vietnamese and Thai.

Business, Business News, Business Reports, Business Research, Customer Experience, E-Commerce, ECommerce, Industry News, Industry Press Releases, Logistics, Logistics Tech, London, London News, News, Retail, Retail & E-commerce, South East, South East England News, Supply Chain

Point of no return: 89% of consumers identify returns as priority for ecommerce retailers

  • 81% of consumers would write off a retailer if they saw issues with return process
  • 61% say easy returns result in exchanges over refund

London UK; 1st February 2022: 89% of consumers identify ease of returns as top priority when purchasing online. That’s according to new data from delivery experience platform Sorted, which found that retailers who get the returns process right will reap the most consumer loyalty.

The survey, consisting of 2,000 UK respondents, found that those with strong returns processes in place will also see a return on investment, with 61% saying they would be more likely to exchange a product bought online than get a refund if exchanging was made simpler.

Adversely, 81% say they would avoid ordering from an online retailer if they saw issues with their return process, a concern for retailers when 29% of consumers claim to have had an unsatisfactory returns experience in the last 12 months. The data also revealed that 44% would not re-order from an online retailer if they had experienced issues with their return process, and 36% would be reluctant to reorder from those retailers failing to provide clear returns details.

The need for seamless returns

The research also demonstrated a real hunger for proactive communications, with 77% saying that getting timely updates on the progress of their return, refund or exchange would make them more likely to purchase from that retailer again. Additionally, a quick and simple refund process (42%) and the ability to return via a local shop or a convenient location (26%) was revealed as crucial for customers.

Consumer expectations were also identified, with respondents saying they are more likely to be lenient with smaller retailers when it comes to returns. Alternatively, over nine in ten believe it is important for large corporate retailers to have a seamless returns process (94%).

The findings come at a time when ecommerce continues to soar, following a trend that has polarised retail since the onset of the pandemic. Shipping volumes through the SortedREACT platform increased by 429% during peak season (October to December 2021 vs the same period in 2020), meaning UK retailers have reached a critical point with the delivery and returns experiences they offer to consumers.

“In the aftermath of the Christmas peak, retailers are going to be dealing with an influx of returns. However, at every opportunity, a refund could become an exchange. Those who fail to offer quick and convenient ecommerce experiences will no doubt suffer in this competitive landscape,” shares Carmen Carey, CEO of Sorted.

“Retailers must learn that they can’t simply stop the brand experience the very moment an order reaches the customer’s door, but ensure a seamless process is carried right through the customer journey. With returns now a major point of differentiation for brands, retailers – big and small – must invest in the full post-purchase journey in order to both attract and retain the modern customer.”

Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business, Business News, Europe, European News, Industry News, Industry Press Releases, IT Services, News from England, Security, UK

Fast-Growing Distributor Nuvias Group Joins the Global Technology Distribution Council

The innovative European company serves more than 7,000 partners with leading-edge solutions enabling security, agility and manageability in Hybrid IT and unified communications.

Woking, UK — February 1st 2022 — The world’s leading consortium of technology distributors – the Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC) – announced today the addition of the Nuvias Group to its membership, furthering its mission to drive channel success and strengthen the value of technology distribution.

Founded in 2015 by Rigby Private Equity, the Nuvias Group is now a $750M company with offices across Europe. The company’s highly skilled and experienced teams – in addition to its well-established relationships with world-class vendors – position the IT distributor to make a unique impact in 2022 and beyond.

“Nuvias Group is a model for what successful technology distribution will look like today and into the future,” said GTDC CEO Frank Vitagliano. “Their ability to flex and adapt to the changing needs of the channel will also help our organization to better meet the evolving requirements of today’s technology vendors, resellers and solution providers— as the world continues to shapeshift around us every day.”

The Nuvias Group’s focus areas include unified communications, cybersecurity and intelligent networks, with specialised solutions offered via an ecosystem of more than 40 highly skilled vendor partners in 16 European countries.

“We’re dedicated to providing ever-greater value to the IT channel our vendors and customers,” said CEO Simon England, who brings an extensive background in value added distribution, with previous leadership positions at Westcon Group, Azlan and Tech Data. “Joining forces with the GTDC only helps us to further that mission.”

The Nuvias Group has continued its organic and acquisitive growth over the past year, posting double-digit growth and acquiring highly specialized distributors to strengthen its presence and service in the UK, Benelux and the DACH region.

Business News, FInance

Sidestepping Convention: Leatherback Makes It Easy, Fast and Secure to Conduct Global Transactions

New “neo bank” Leatherback is poised to disrupt the financial services sector with its one account, multiple currency solution that allows businesses and individuals to conduct global transactions easily, quickly and securely.

Leatherback founder and CEO, Ibrahim Toyeeb, says the introduction of Leatherback to the global market is underpinned by a desire to democratise banking and provide opportunities for borderless global trade and commerce.

“It’s no secret that emerging markets are the principal drivers of global growth. Given this reality – and the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed numerous restrictions on travel and commerce – Leatherback was formed to simplify global trade for people and operations everywhere, allowing them to seamlessly move money from one continent to the next.”

In this respect, Leatherback provides a much-needed solution for exporters and importers, immigrant-owned businesses, international students, the migrant population in general, tourists and multi-nationals with foreign operations that require financial solutions, payments or foreign exchange.

Leatherback is inspired by the leatherback sea turtle, a nomadic creature that roams the seas from the northern regions of the arctic, to as far south as the pacific, without self-imposed restrictions to hinder its movements.

Like its namesake, the fintech operation is built on the same principles. It offers multi-currency accounts with the option to exchange currency instantly across multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, India, Nigeria, Egypt, Uganda, Tanzania, Angola, South Africa, the UAE, Denmark, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. The organisation enables clients to create local and foreign accounts to give them the option to remit funds across 40 countries, while businesses can invoice and collect directly in over 13 currencies.

Notably, Leatherback is fully regulated by the FCA in the UK, Fintrac in Canada, the Central Bank of Nigeria and other regulatory authorities in the 13 countries it is licenced in. “Ensuring our users operate in a secure space is non-negotiable. The multi-layered cybersecurity measures we have deployed are aimed at safeguarding their money and providing them with peace of mind,” adds Toyeeb.

At the core of Leatherback is the ability to break down payment barriers, promote business expansion, remove barriers to business growth, and build a global digital payments infrastructure that harnesses the rise of digitisation.

While it may seem implausible that users can set up accounts, make currency conversions and global payments within minutes, Leatherback has done just that. A zero-balance start-up fee and highly competitive rates provide further compelling reasons to join the Leatherback fold.

While Leatherback allows for ease of making and receiving payments around the world, it also integrates invoicing and payroll services, tax management services, and revenue management.

Leatherback is a game-changer in the industry. By using Leatherback’s networks, account holders can spend abroad in the local currencies from the comfort of their offices or homes, at competitive exchange rates.

Through its collections application programming interface (API), clients can accept money globally – in-store or online – from more customers, in their preferred countries, and in small or large volumes. In addition, trade finance unlocks working capital for short- and long-term business goals, business continuity and disaster recovery.

With its deep understanding of local markets and global finance, Leatherback’s main objective is to remove borders from transacting, so that people and businesses are encouraged to be ambitious and provide their services freely, making and collecting payments with ease around the world. “We believe in side-stepping convention to continuously find better ways to make things happen,” concludes Toyeeb.

Business News, Finance and Banking

How to Invest in the London Stock Exchange

The London Stock Exchange is one of the most lucrative and oldest entities of its type in the world, with a rich heritage and history that can be traced all the way back to the coffee houses of 17th century London.

Of course, the market has evolved markedly over the years, from a bustling and corporeal trading floor to a largely remote entity where the overwhelming majority of trades are executed online.

But what are the main markets of the exchange, and how can you invest in this in the current climate?

 

A Look at the Main Market and FTSE 100 Stocks

Overall, more than 1,000 companies operating in over 60 nations and across 40 industrial sectors are directly  or indirectly affiliated to the London Stock Exchange, through a number of listed equities and securities.

Much of this activity is driven through the main market, which is measured by several indexes that track company performance. The most prominent of these is the FTSE 100, which serves as a global benchmark for some of the world’s largest listed companies by value.

This index covers a broad range of industry sectors, with aviation and travel firms expected to experience sustained growth into 2022 and beyond (coronavirus permitting, of course).

Certainly, equities such as British Airlines owner International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) and the aero-engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce are driving growth in the FTSE 100, while oil giants like BP and Royal Shell continue to engage in large-scale acquisitions and grow exponentially as they adapt their models to incorporate renewable energy sources.

As the UK and European economies recover from Covid-19 and its associated lockdowns, FTSE 100 construction firms are also growing rapidly. Take equipment rental firm Ashtead, for example, whose share price has nearly doubled over the course of the last 12 months and created a total market cap value of $29.21 billion.

This also hints at wider demand in the sector, as rental firms supply the market in general and grow in line with rising demand and company expansion.

 

How to Invest in the London Stock Exchange

Not only is the London Stock Exchange a reputable and historical financial sector, but it also offers a wide range of investment vehicles to interested parties.

For example, the FTSE 100 is a major index that covers a broad range of businesses and sectors, creating an opportunity for investors to deploy their funds across a broad range of assets and minimise their exposure in the marketplace.

There’s no doubt that indices trading helps to reduce investment risk, while also making it possible to profit without assuming ownership of an underlying asset.

On a similar note, you can also access indices and equities through dedicated CFDs in the forex market, once again eschewing ownership and speculating on real-time price movements.

Such options create far greater flexibility than single stock investment or classic buy-and-hold strategies, especially in a volatile market and against the backdrop of wider economic uncertainty.

Business News

4 Essential Tips to Grow Your Business

Making it as a business owner might be your dream. But if you’re new to the game, those first few steps can be daunting.

There’s good news however, as research shows that two thirds of customers trust small businesses over big names. With people more inclined to put their faith in smaller brands, you can get to work on growing yours and drawing in these customers.

If you’re ready to start growing your business, then here are four things you should do.

 

  • Know Your Stuff

Being knowledgeable about your market is a must. With a thorough and up-to-date understanding of your industry, you’re better equipped adapt to trends and continue to offer your clients and customers a helpful and reliable service.

It’s also a good idea to understand best business practices. You probably don’t have the time to return to university to study a full-time degree, but additional qualifications can be useful in building your business understanding. However, with a distance learning institution such as Anglia Ruskin University, you can study business on a fully flexible schedule that suits your needs.

 

  • Connect With Your Customers

Asking your customers to give you feedback is a great way to get to know what they’re looking for and provide it. It also shows them that you care about what they want.

When they leave a review, whether it’s positive or negative, be sure to respond as this will also encourage other customers.

It’s also a good idea to get active on social media. Not only will this help your customers to find you, but most of these platforms have a direct messaging feature that will enable your customers to easily reach out to you if there’s a problem or they have any questions.

 

  • Get Online

Regardless of how small your business is, having a website is essential for the 21st century. It doesn’t just contribute to your legitimacy, but chances are this will be how many of your customers find you.

One popular platform that business owners are using to bring their companies into the digital world is Shopify… not to be confused with Spotify!

It has become so easy to create an online store that that there’s really no excuse not to cater for potential online customers.

 

  • Research Your Competition

Researching your competition is essential, especially when you’re just getting started. It’s vital that know who they are and recognise what makes them successful.

And, if you can learn from their mistakes then you’re on to a winner!

But if there’s something that they’re doing better than you, or something that you’d like to implement in your own company, then draw inspiration to improve your own business.

For example, how do they maintain good relationships with their customers? Do they run innovative marketing campaigns? Draw in custom with fun competitions? Write a blog? Whatever works for them, try and adapt the strategy to suit your needs, and identify what’s missing from their offering so you can fill the gap in the market!

 

Are you a business owner? Share your tips for achieving growth in the comments below!

Business News, Finance and Banking, News

CFOs at Crossroad in Attempt to Build Post-Covid Business Resilience

Zellis research CFOs in UK and Ireland for large employers shows addressing continuity risks exposed by Covid sit at top of mind for CFOs and the board

Chief Finance Officers (CFOs) across the UK and Ireland have no clear plan as to where they should be focusing financial investment for 2022, according to research conducted by Zellis, the payroll and HR specialist. Despite overwhelming consensus that addressing business continuity risk has become a much more pressing concern, CFOs are divided as to where to build post-pandemic resilience.

The research, carried out this summer among the CFOs of 125 organisations with over 1000 employees, shows that 99% agree business continuity risks in back- office processes have become a bigger issue since February 2021, with 1 in 5 (20%) agreeing ‘completely.’ Similarly, 99% suggested that a ‘more robust approach’ to mitigating business continuity risks was important for their business in the next 12 months.

However, opinions were divided among CFOs on what was needed to support that resilience. Nearly half (49%) said ‘reviewing supplier relationships’ and pursing ‘operational efficiency’ (43%) had required more personal attention from them since the outset of the pandemic. As a return to normality became clearer over the summer of 2021, a focus on investing in increasing digitisation (26%) and improving remote working options (25%) were the areas CFOs were most keen to address, followed by talent management (18%), cost control (17%) and automation (14%).

“Whilst the past 18 months have been about keeping the business above water during the pandemic, the coming year will be about how to rebuild and improve operations,” said Alan Kinch, CFO Zellis. “The problem facing CFOs is that, after a year of exceptional constraints, there are now so many areas of the business which need urgent attention. The boardroom is turning to their CFO and asking: which area should we focus on first?”

The Resilience Factor

While nearly every CFO surveyed (99%) recognised the significance of business continuity risk planning, only 50% of all participants had updated their approach in the last 12 months. 25% were only still developing new mitigation strategies, while a further 25% had not made any changes at all.

CFOs who had adapted their strategies during the past 18 months were more likely to suggest addressing regulatory compliance (42%) and reducing inefficiency (30%) as their priorities for the months ahead. They were also notably more likely to consider analytics and the need to upgrade their technology as priorities than counterparts which had made few or no changes.

This opens a significant advantage where businesses are looking to avoid disruption emerging from staff changes, or talent shortages. Zellis’ previous study, conducted early in the pandemic in 2020 showed that nearly half (44%) of businesses were unsure of their ability to function if key staff members were to become incapacitated due to COVID-19. 27% of CFOs interviewed this year admitted that they would push for more automation across operations for this very reason.

“Finding the right area to focus on during a time where everything can change at the drop of a hat is no easy task,” concluded Alan Kinch. “CFOs are now facing all sorts of new pressures, not only from the boardroom but also from investors and customers. This means that, as well as looking after the finances of an organisation, they are also now firmly in the ‘hot seat’ for having the right tools and plans in place to eliminate risk.

“Seeking out a resilience-based approach often means improving access to the information, reporting and functionality necessary to withstand significant change; the quicker CFOs can get a handle on this, the sooner they will see the benefits across their entire organisation.”

Acquisitions & Partnerships, Business, Business News, Wales News

Cardiff based Santia acquired by Marlowe PLC for £4.5m

A Cardiff-headquartered asbestos inspection and testing company, Santia, which also has an office in Nottingham, has been acquired by Marlowe PLC for £4.5m.

Santia provides asbestos and construction design management services to its customers across a broad range of sectors, the management team has been in the industry for circa 60 years, with the business employing 120 staff.

Private shareholders Craig Jones, Liam McLoughlin and Alexis Vranch wanted to develop and grow Santia to the advantage of all stakeholders, particularly its customers and employees.   The business has grown and built a strong reputation since it was bought in a management buy-out in 2018.

Managing director Craig Jones said: “We were delighted that Marlowe PLC expressed an interest in Santia. The last 18 months have been incredibly challenging for many of our employees, customers and suppliers, and providing long term security to our valued staff was at the forefront of our decision-making process”.

For the year ended 31 December 2019, Santia generated an adjusted EBITDA of £800,000 with revenues of £10.6m.

Mr Jones added: “Having successfully secured a number of new contracts in addition to developing a multi service offering, the group of companies within Marlowe provide both resources and expertise to enable Santia to grow to its true potential.”

Cenkos Securities is Marlowe’s nominated adviser and joint broker.  Santia was advised by corporate finance advisory business, the GS Verde Group.

Speaking on the deal, Leanne Thomas, Director: “We were delighted to advise Santia on this deal.   As a long-standing client of the Group, it is always a pleasure to work with the management team, and we wish all parties the very best for the future”.