Author: Sam Allcock

Hikvision has unveiled a series of upgraded one-stop solutions designed to simplify the process for installers working with small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). These solutions aim to address common challenges faced by installers while helping businesses grow with easy-to-use, customizable packages tailored to specific needs. The new offerings are accessible through a dedicated SMB section on the Hik-Partner Pro platform, which enables installers to select product combinations, generate quotes, and share them with clients quickly. In addition, a smart ordering tool has been introduced to provide personalised product recommendations based on the size of the installation and the specific needs…

Serres, a leading developer of surgical fluid management solutions, has secured a significant €1.8 million grant from Business Finland. The funding will support the company’s mission to develop sustainable solutions that assist hospitals in achieving net-zero emissions. The grant will be used to advance Serres’ strategic efforts in designing solutions that reduce hospital waste and improve the sustainability of fluid collection in medical environments. This initiative is part of the company’s broader vision to make a meaningful impact on healthcare sustainability and reduce the environmental footprint of hospitals worldwide. Eija-Riitta Hämäläinen from Business Finland highlighted the ambitious nature of the…

As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) and Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, business networking organisation Pink Link is hosting a major event aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs. Dubbed “GEW2024 Going For Growth,” the event on Tuesday, 19 November, will bring together women founders, growth advisors, and industry leaders at Liverpool’s Hope Street Hotel. This initiative is designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources needed to scale their businesses. Pink Link’s founder, Coral Horn, emphasised the importance of accessible resources to overcome the unique challenges women often face when expanding a business. “Scaling a business is thrilling but can…

Manufacturers across the Midlands have voiced mixed responses to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, with many expressing concerns over the impact of increased costs on business confidence. The government’s plans for green investment and tax strategy have been cautiously welcomed, but there is concern that rising employer costs could hinder the sector’s growth prospects. Bridge Cheese, a commercial dairy manufacturer based in Telford, voiced its apprehensions. Managing Director Michael Harte, whose business has expanded to a £30 million turnover in just six years, expressed worry over the increase in National Insurance payments for employers. While welcoming the government’s green commitments, Mr…

Businesses in East Lindsey are being urged to take advantage of free international training and development opportunities, thanks to additional funding for PAB Sema4’s Global Gateway Programme. Following its success in helping Lincolnshire companies expand into global markets, the programme is now expanding its reach in East Lindsey, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Global Gateway Programme equips local businesses with practical skills for navigating international markets, targeting professionals across various sectors, from manufacturing to marketing. The aim is to boost both individual expertise and economic growth in the East Lindsey area, while fostering broader community development. Nigel…

Barry Leahey, President of the Cumbrian playground equipment manufacturer Playdale Playgrounds Ltd, has been named among the most influential leaders in the North in the 2024 Northern Leaders list. Compiled by BusinessCloud, the list celebrates leaders who have made outstanding contributions to the northern business landscape, highlighting those who drive innovation and champion regional growth. Mr. Leahey, who joined Playdale Playgrounds in 2004, is recognised not only for transforming the company into a leading name in playground manufacturing but also for his dedication to supporting economic progress in Cumbria and across the UK. His inclusion in the Northern Leaders list…

IgniteTech’s CEO, Eric Vaughan, is set to discuss the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and human collaboration at the Financial Times’ Future of AI Summit in London on 6 November 2024. IgniteTech, serving as a lead sponsor alongside Lenovo and PwC, joins a select group of global technology leaders in exploring AI’s transformative role across industries. In a fireside chat moderated by the Financial Times’ AI Editor, Vaughan will outline how his organisation has embraced AI while fostering a culture that empowers both AI and human creativity. Joining an impressive array of speakers that includes Chief Digital Officers from Fortune…

Vernal Biosciences, a leading company in mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) development, has announced the appointment of Jim Petrilla as its new Chief Executive Officer and Board Director. Petrilla, an industry veteran with over three decades of experience in biopharma and clinical research, takes over from founding CEO Dr. Christian Cobaugh. Cobaugh will continue in his role as Chief Scientific Officer and Board Director, where he will focus on advancing the company’s scientific and technological capabilities to strengthen its innovation pipeline. The leadership transition marks a significant step forward for Vernal, as the company seeks to scale its mRNA manufacturing…

TalkTalk Business, a major provider of internet, data, and managed services to UK businesses, has announced a partnership with Aria Systems to introduce a new, enhanced billing solution as part of its technological overhaul. The Aria Billing Cloud, which is AI-powered and integrates seamlessly with Salesforce’s Communications Cloud, will serve as TalkTalk Business’s new billing support system (BSS), designed to enhance revenue management and customer experience. TalkTalk Business, which became a standalone company in March after separating from the TalkTalk Group, required an independent business support system to sustain its rapid growth and operational independence. Following a rigorous evaluation process,…

On International Giant Panda Day, 27 October, the city of Dujiangyan in Sichuan province declared its participation in the Panda Homeland Culture Creativity Contest. Organised by the Chengdu government, this contest aims to position Chengdu as an international hub for panda-themed cultural and creative innovation, inviting artists and creators from across the globe to contribute. The city of Dujiangyan, known for its giant panda heritage, plans to select a live giant panda as the ambassador for its cultural initiative, with the help of the National Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda. This panda will inspire a unique cultural identity…