Category Archives: Business News

Business News, News, Tech, Technology

emotii to become ‘go to’ real-time translation tool for businesses worldwide

Innovative real-time communication app, emotii, is set to become the ‘go to’ translation tool for businesses worldwide following its integration with widely used tech platforms, Microsoft Teams and Slack.

Following the successful launch of the emotii consumer app earlier this year, which garnered over 100,000 downloads in three months, emotii is now available for businesses of all sizes.

 

Accessible as a desktop app, a web solution, an API integration and the original smartphone application, emotii enables real-time authentic communication between individuals and groups, regardless of their location or languages spoken.

Available in 126 different languages, emotii leverages advanced artificial intelligence to create human connections. The global app was originally developed to redefine how we connect across languages and cultures, enabling users to send and receive messages in their own language – while automatically translating words, context, idiomatic expressions.

 

In recognising the valuable role emotii can play in a professional setting, the innovative real-time communication tool has now been integrated into widely used tech platforms, Microsoft Teams and Slack, to help organisations effectively tackle poor communication and inefficiencies between multinational teams.

Easily integrated into existing IT infrastructure, its multilingual chatbot API facilitates seamless communication between companies and their customers in the user’s native language, improving overall experience, while helping to drive brand loyalty and business growth.

 

Csaba Suket, Co-Founder and CTO of emotii, explained:  “Recent studies show that 29% of businesses have lost customers due to miscommunication and language barriers. What’s more, only about 5% of the global population speaks English as their native language, and approximately 20% can communicate in English at all. As such, we believe that emotii has the potential to revolutionise not only how we communicate but also how we connect professionally.

“By breaking down language barriers with our innovative platform, emotii enables seamless interactions across the globe. From facilitating international business transactions to fostering friendships across borders, emotii is paving the way for a more interconnected and inclusive world. We provide organisations with the opportunity to easily expand and form customer relationships in new and exciting international markets—all through a quick and easy app integration!”

 

Accessible via the in-app store for both existing and new Microsoft Teams and Slack users, emotii is available in three different tiers for business users, starting with a free basic offer, a premium solution that integrates more functionality, and the Enterprise solution that enables multinational teams unlimited integrations and usage.

 

For more information, visit: https://www.emotii.ai

 

Appointments, Business, Business News

New appointment to support Welsh businesses’ trade ambitions

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid has appointed David Peña as its new International Trade Manager.

David, who is originally from Barcelona and speaks English, Catalan, French and Spanish, joins the Chamber from International Trade Matters.

With his professional career spanning the retail sector, licensing industry, business development and trade support, David brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him to the Chamber.

In his varied career he has worked in culturally different companies, opened access to new markets for companies in all continents and liaised with businesses, organisations and brands such as Asmodee, Ministry of Defence (UK), Royal British Legion and The Smurfs.

Additionally, David holds a Level 5 Diploma in International Trade from the Institute of Export where he is a full member and was awarded twice in his graduation ceremony including the Prize for Academic Excellence from the Worshipful Company of World Traders.

In his new role, David will lead the trade team at the Chamber and assist members, partners and businesses in Wales with their exporting and importing needs including compliance, training, access to new markets and supply chain connectivity. David will share his invaluable knowledge and experience, becoming an asset to the team.

David said: “I am looking forward to supporting all our members in their international trade journey. I know from experience how challenging it can be, but I trust that Chambers Wales will be the right partner to be alongside our members at every step of the journey.

“As a native Catalonian and a Catalan speaker, I fully understand the particularities of being a nation within a nation, and the challenges but also the opportunities that this uniqueness can bring to the table.”

In his spare time, David trains with his local rugby club and plays the occasional veterans game as a scrum half.

Commenting on David’s appointment, Penny Lock, Director of Partnerships at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming David as a core member of our team who will be instrumental in supporting our members in their international trade journeys.

“This appointment represents another step in our mission of taking Welsh businesses to the world across our global network. David will be a tremendous asset to the Chamber, and we are very excited to work with him and to learn from his invaluable knowledge.”

Business, Business News

Mon Timber Finalists in The Wood Awards

Mon Timber is celebrating after being shortlisted in the buildings category of the prestigious Wood Awards for its work on the restoration of the iconic Bristol Beacon.

Mon Timber, a branch of Premier Forest Products, worked alongside contractors Ian Williams Carpentry (IWC) and Willmott Dixon to renew the historic Grade 2 listed site earlier this year. They completed bespoke projects to regenerate the interior of the building with beautiful wooden features, with acoustic prowess to match.

The Wood Awards is the UK’s premier competition for excellence in architecture and product design in wood. Established in 1971, the Wood Awards recognises, encourages and promotes outstanding wood design, craftsmanship and installation.

From more than two hundred entries, eighteen buildings and fifteen furniture projects were selected by the judging panel of leading architects, engineers, designers, artists, critics and sustainability experts. Winners will be announced at the Carpenter’s Hall in London on 20th November.

Terry Edgell, Co-founder & CEO of Premier Forest Products said: “We’re so pleased to have been shortlisted for the prestigious Wood Awards this year, for the fantastic work completed on the Bristol Beacon. The impressive architecture will be on display for years to come, and the hard work that went into the project needs to be rewarded. A big congratulations to our team at Mon Timber, and good luck for the awards ceremony.”

Premier Forest Products is engaged in the importation, processing, merchanting and wholesale distribution of timber and timber products from multiple sites across the UK.

Business, Business News, Employee Engagement, Employee Experience

Kontroltek Champions Growth and Unity Through Employee Ownership

Kontroltek, a leader and trusted partner in industrial electronic and mechanical repairs, has announced the successful creation of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), transferring majority ownership of the company to its employees. 

 

This transformative step, facilitated by GS Verde Group, marks a new era of shared success and sustainable growth for the company.

 

Andrew Follant, Managing Director of Kontroltek, said: “Since starting Kontroltek, it has always been my vision to find a way to share the success of the business with all my employees and this was a perfect way to do that.

 

“The EOT will promote long-term and sustainable growth for the group. As beneficiaries of an Employee Ownership Trust, all our eligible employees are now even more personally invested in our success, ensuring exceptional service and satisfaction for all our customers and driving a culture of engagement and collaboration.”

 

Kontroltek provides comprehensive industrial electronic and mechanical repair, supply and maintenance solutions to industry across the UK, specialising in the repair and supply of industrial automation components. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, Kontroltek has established itself as a trusted partner in engineering reliability.

Business News

Connectus Sponsors Doncaster Knights’ 150th Anniversary Season

Connectus Business Solutions, a leading Business Managed Services Partner, is today announcing a new sponsor partnership with the Doncaster Knights as the club enters its 150th Anniversary season.

In an exciting collaboration, Connectus will feature its brand as the post-protector sponsor, and showcase its branding with a banner at Castle Park throughout the season among other significant contributions to the club. The sponsor will also enjoy a further three hospitality tables for games of their choice.

The company is also sponsoring Joe Ford, the Head Coach of Doncaster Knights, who is looking to guide the Knights to the top of the table this season. The bespoke sponsorship package also includes the presentation of a framed, signed 150th Anniversary Knights shirt and four season tickets so Connectus can get behind the Knights all season, underlining the strong relationship between the Doncaster Knights and Connectus.

“We are delighted to have Connectus as a new sponsorship partner and look forward to working with Roy and his team in the years to come,” said Tracey Owen, Commercial & Partnership Executive, Doncaster Knights.

“The team truly appreciates Roy’s history with Castle Park and his commitment to growing Connectus locally. It’s a huge welcome back to Roy, and we are delighted that he and Connectus have chosen to support the Doncaster Knights as we push for the Premiership.” she further added.

Roy Shelton, CEO of Connectus, has a long-standing connection with Castle Park, having played rugby there and participating in fundraising efforts to build the Clubhouse Building – Arms Park back in the late 1990s.

He said: “Connectus Business Solutions have a long and proud tradition of supporting sports from the grassroots up to the professional level, including local triple winners Bentley Village FC and Gallagher Premiership side Sale Sharks. We are excited about this new collaboration with Doncaster Knights, and we look forward to supporting the team throughout the coming season.”

“This partnership reflects our commitment to not only backing the team on the field but also fostering a deeper connection with the local community. We believe in the power of sports to bring people together, and we are proud to be part of Doncaster Knights’ journey during this milestone season.”

Highlighting their commitment to success, the Knights have strengthened their squad by adding key players such as Semesa Rokoduguni, ex-England and Bath player, as they push for Premiership promotion.

The partnership launch event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3rd, coinciding with the Knights’ first home league game against Ampthill in the Championship.

Business, Business News, Finance News, Fintech

Swansea Building Society Integrates with Knowledge Bank for Streamlined Mortgage Criteria

In a pioneering move, Swansea Building Society has joined forces with Knowledge Bank. This partnership brings Knowledge Bank’s acclaimed criteria sourcing platform to mortgage intermediaries, enabling effortless, subscription-free access to Swansea Building Society’s wide-ranging mortgage criteria.

This integration allows intermediaries to effortlessly search and view Swansea Building Society’s comprehensive criteria across Residential, Buy to Let, and Self Build mortgages, all from a single, user-friendly interface. Swansea Building Society’s criteria, known for their breadth and inclusiveness, are meticulously maintained and updated through Knowledge Bank’s KB PRO access, ensuring that intermediaries always have the most current information at their fingertips. Access to the Knowledge Bank platform can also be found via the Swansea Building Society website.

The key benefits of this integration include comprehensive criteria access, allowing intermediaries to explore a wide range of criteria addressing all aspects of Swansea Building Society’s lending options. With the convenience of accessing all criteria in one place, intermediaries can streamline their research process, saving valuable time. Real-time updates ensure that any changes made by the lender are instantly reflected on both Knowledge Bank and the lender’s Interactive Criteria Guide, guaranteeing accuracy and reliability.

Swansea Building Society is recognised for offering some of the most extensive and sought-after criteria in the market, catering to a wide range of intermediary queries. The platform is also designed for optimal use on mobile and tablet devices, allowing intermediaries to access information on-the-go. Importantly, intermediaries can access Swansea Building Society’s criteria without needing a Knowledge Bank account.

Shane Chawatama, Sales Director at Knowledge Bank, said:

“We are thrilled that Swansea Building Society, a longstanding supporter of Knowledge Bank, has chosen to utilise our Interactive Criteria Guide. This integration not only enhances the accessibility of mortgage criteria available to intermediaries but also reinforces our commitment to providing innovative, user-centric solutions that drive efficiency and success in the mortgage industry.”

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, added:

“Our partnership with Knowledge Bank reflects our commitment to enhancing the experience for mortgage intermediaries. By providing easy, real-time access to our comprehensive mortgage criteria, we are enabling intermediaries to make faster, more informed decisions. This collaboration underscores our dedication to supporting our customers with the best tools and resources available.”

Intermediaries are encouraged to explore this powerful new tool and experience the benefits of having extensive, up-to-date mortgage criteria readily available. With Swansea Building Society’s Interactive Criteria Guide, making informed and timely lending decisions has never been easier.

Business, Business News, Electronics, Engineering

Former Wales Rugby International Scott Baldwin Joins Kontroltek as Business Development Manager

Kontroltek, a leading provider of industrial electronic and mechanical repairs, has appointed Scott Baldwin as its new Business Development Manager. Baldwin, renowned for his distinguished rugby career, brings a wealth of strategic insight and valuable connections across the UK to his new role.

In his capacity as Business Development Manager, Baldwin will focus on creating opportunities to expand Kontroltek’s market presence and enhance client relationships. His extensive experience in high-performance environments, coupled with his proven ability to cultivate strong partnerships and build robust team cultures, makes him a valuable addition to the Kontroltek team.

Andrew Follant, CEO, Kontroltek, said: “We are delighted to welcome Scott Baldwin to Kontroltek. His track record of success and his passion for driving growth align perfectly with our vision for the future. We believe his support will play a crucial role in advancing our business objectives via his UK-wide network.”

Baldwin, a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of competitive dynamics both on and off the field, said: “I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with Kontroltek. The opportunity to apply my skills, experience and extensive network in a different context is really exciting. I look forward to contributing to Kontroltek’s continued success.”

Prior to joining Kontroltek, Baldwin enjoyed a successful rugby career, representing Wales internationally and earning 37 caps. He played for Ospreys, Worcester, and Harlequins, where he was instrumental in winning the English Premiership. Baldwin also served as vice-captain of Harlequins and was part of the senior leadership group. Additionally, he worked as a defence coach at Newcastle.

Business News, Education News, Insurance

ERS Unveils Swansea Trainee Underwriter Programme to Boost Career Opportunities

ERS, the UK’s leading specialist motor insurer with a rich 75-year history, has introduced a Trainee Underwriter Programme at its Swansea office. This initiative is designed to foster new career opportunities in underwriting for aspiring professionals in Wales.

In April, the first group of trainee underwriters joined the programme which offers a mix of practical training and academic studies, leading to industry-recognised insurance qualifications accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). All trainees get the opportunity to spend time in London, gaining both insights into the insurance industry and Lloyd’s of London operations.

ERS is situated in its spacious Crucible Park office in Swansea Vale and has nearly 500 employees. Since its significant investment in Swansea in 2014, ERS has enhanced local job opportunities, aiming to be the employer of choice in South Wales’s financial sector.

This Trainee Underwriter Programme builds on ERS’s Underwriting Academy which opened in 2020, expanding career paths for its employees and local talent. Designed to be rewarding, challenging, and enjoyable, it integrates with ERS’s diverse roles in claims, project management, business analysis, IT, counter fraud, personal injury, and risk governance.

As part of the IQUW Group, operating in Swansea, London, and Bermuda, the group wrote over $1.3 billion of specialty business in 2023 with ERS focusing on specialist motor and IQUW on property and specialty insurance and reinsurance. IQUW has a diverse range of insurance products, including Aviation, Cyber, Cargo, Crisis Management, Marine, Political Risk, Energy, Property, D&O, Financial Institutions, Political Violence, Terror and War risks written from the London office. They also provide Reinsurance for Property Treaty International, US-specific Reinsurance, and Specialty Reinsurance, written in London and Bermuda. This diversity allows ERS experts to explore various areas of insurance and reinsurance.

Jodie Aucamp, Talent Resourcer at ERS, highlights the syndicate’s investment in Swansea and their commitment to local talent: “Our new Trainee Underwriter Programme is a key addition to the varied roles we offer in Swansea, providing long-term career growth opportunities.”

Cameron Jackson’s journey demonstrates ERS’s career pathways. Starting as an underwriting assistant in Swansea, he progressed through the Underwriting Academy to become a qualified underwriter and subsequently joined the London office. Jackson praised the company’s supportive culture and the diverse, enriching nature of underwriting.

“There will always be a need for insurance and underwriters, making this a rewarding and secure career choice,” Jackson said, emphasising the limitless pathways in underwriting.

If you’re interested in any of the roles available at ERS, please visit their careers webpage.

Business News

New case study reveals the importance of transforming company culture

A new case study uncovers the importance of building a positive company culture for improved employee retention, productivity and innovation.

Cognexo, a leading provider of employee engagement and development solutions has worked with Zenith, the UK’s leading independent leasing, fleet management and vehicle outsourcing business, for the past several years, supporting them in building a highly skilled and fulfilled workforce instrumental for accelerated growth.

The brand-new report reveals the steps taken to improve Zenith’s company culture through improved employee engagement as well as implementing a continuous learning culture. Cognexo was also able to demonstrate ROI by delivering a return on time – saving Zenith 90,000 productivity hours by eliminating the need for ongoing refresher training.

Research shows that businesses with highly rated cultures can attract a wider range of talent — nearly half of job seekers consider it a key factor in their decision-making process.

Dan Buckley, CEO of Cognexo, commented: “Understanding when and why to initiate a cultural change is crucial in achieving a strong culture based on employee well-being, community and loyalty. Companies that foster a culture of innovation are also more likely to experience high growth rates.”

The report details some of the key indicators that signal a need for cultural re-assessment:

  • High Employee Turnover: General Market Indicators show a 25% increase in turnover rate over the past year.
  • Low Employee Engagement: Only 40% of employees report feeling engaged at work.
  • Poor Communication: 70% of employees cite communication issues as a major issue in the workplace
  • Lack of Innovation: The quarterly product release rate has slowed by 30% a year.
  • Negative Workplace Behaviours: Reports show a 30% increase in workplace bullying

The report further details the steps that Zenith took in their cultural evolution which was built around creating a feedback culture. Specifically:

  • Conducting extensive listening sessions, totalling 100 hours, with underrepresented groups within the company.
  • Collaborating with a company called ‘People Deliver Projects’ to introduce a unique concept where board members witness employee sentiment simulated through live acting.
  • Establishing colleague-driven inclusion focus groups, such as a Gender Focus Group, empowering colleagues to take initiative and control over their own projects.

Further statistics in the report reveal that:

Organisations where leaders consistently demonstrate cultural values are 70% more likely to have employees who are highly engaged and committed to the company’s mission.

Companies prioritising diversity and inclusion initiatives are also 35% more likely to have financial returns above industry norms.

Stuart Price, Chief People Officer for Zenith, commented: “The strength in creating a feedback culture is uncovering people’s passion for the business and galvanising that into something the employees can take ownership of. You can’t change what you don’t recognise or own.”

Employees who rate their company culture poorly are 24% more likely to experience high levels of stress at work. This highlights the impact of culture on employee well-being and mental health.

By integrating top-down leadership adjustments with bottom-up employee empowerment, Zenith is successfully navigating cultural change to ensure its success continues for years to come. Prioritising inclusivity, communication and employee listening, will help companies cultivate a thriving culture that aligns with their strategic objectives and adapts to the evolving business landscape.

You can view the full report with further statistics and findings here: https://cognexo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cognexo-Zenith-Navigating-a-Cultural-Transformation.pdf