Home Blog Page 138

Owl Bridge Media and ante inc. Merge to Broaden Services for B2B2C Companies

0

Owl Bridge Media and ante inc., two leading media agencies, are pleased to announce their merger, which will enable them to offer existing and new clients a full-service creative strategy and production studio. The merged agency will capitalise on 55 years of combined experience to provide an enhanced array of services in social impact, fintech, climate tech, aerospace, and founder-led growth verticals.

With a track record of building and nurturing some of the most impactful brands globally, Owl Bridge Media and ante inc. have an impressive portfolio that includes renowned names like Global Citizen, Hulu, and Mel Robbins. They have also collaborated successfully with industry giants such as Niantic, Netflix, and Sony Pictures Television. The merger will bring together their strengths and resources, delivering a comprehensive range of services to clients under one roof.

With an in-house team of marketing, media, and creative veterans, the new entity will offer tailored solutions that drive meaningful results and foster sustainable brand growth. As an agency of record, the merger allows for 360° social, digital, video, podcast and television production.
For clients wanting execution-focused creative work, the agency will offer a tiered white-label subscription model with no binding contracts.
Owl Bridge Media is a media agency specializing in campaign creation and management for social impact brands. Owl Bridge Media has successfully worked with clients across state government and private enterprise to elevate brand trust and drive engagement.
ante inc. is a media agency known for its innovative approach to creating IP for founders and subject matter experts. ante inc. has built a reputation for excellence in the industry, working with high-profile clients to achieve their revenue goals through digital media.
“I’m proud to bring on the expertise of ante inc.” said Jay Gunning, Founder of Owl Bridge Media. “This is a significant step toward expanding our capabilities and delivering even greater value to our clients. Our combined knowledge and shared vision will enable us to push the boundaries of what is possible for our clients and tell their stories from initial vision through distribution to their audiences.”
Mandy Miranda, Co-Founder of ante inc., echoed the message, “Our merger with Owl Bridge Media marks the beginning of an exciting long-term vision. Together, we are well-positioned to offer a full suite of services that meet the evolving needs of our clients and help them increase the ‘return on creative’ they are seeking in connecting with their audiences.”

The fishing scene in Littleborough: A hidden gem for anglers and tourists

0

The North West is home to plenty of natural hotspots, with Hollingworth Lake Country Park in Littleborough up there with the best of them. Just a short train ride from Manchester Victoria, the award-winning tourist destination is a buzzing location for fishing and water sports.

There are various angling businesses thriving in the area already. And with more people than ever in search of amazing days out, there could be further business opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to take advantage of the lake’s draw.

Entertainment industry highlights widespread interest in fishing

Fishing has always been a popular pastime in the UK, but interest in it is clearly on the rise. This is highlighted by the abundance of fishing-themed offerings in entertainment. The online casino industry acts as a great barometer for what’s hot in the mainstream, and there are plenty of fishing titles to choose from.

Fishing Frenzy Megaways, for instance, is an updated version of the much-loved fishing slot. It comes with a game mechanic that allows for more than 100,000 win lines, meaning that the gameplay is as unpredictable as a day out fishing on the lakes. This isn’t the only fishing slot either. There are tons of others, such as Fishing Trawler, Fishing Cash Pots, and Arctic Fishing.

Fishing has also been a popular theme for developers in the growing virtual reality industry. Studios are striving to recreate real-world activities in the technology, and there’s clearly a huge audience out there for fishing-themed offerings such as Real VR Fishing.

Fishing businesses thriving in Littleborough

There are already various businesses taking advantage of the popularity of fishing in Littleborough. The best-known option for anglers is the Pennine Trout Farm and Fishery on Calderbrook Road. It’s a tranquil spot for fishing aficionados to enjoy the sport without feeling crowded.

Fishers have the option to cast their lines into a couple of well-stocked lakes, meaning that it’s a rewarding experience for novices and professionals alike. The spot is known for its natural environment, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts as well as fishers.

Business opportunities around the Lake

For people in search of business opportunities in the fishing industry, Hollingworth Lake offers a variety of options. Due to the high number of anglers in the area, bait and tackle shops are always going to do great business. In terms of ventures directly related to the pastime, it could also be worth offering fishing lessons and guided fishing tours in the area.

There are also numerous ways to capitalise on the vast amount of traffic that the lake attracts. For example, ice cream shops, cafes, and restaurants could all do excellent business. Airbnb entrepreneurs could also buy up property in the surrounding vicinity and rent it out to holidaymakers.

For business-minded people who want to expand into new ventures, Littleborough offers a variety of opportunities. With interest in fishing on the ascendancy, companies related to the pastime could flourish.

Full circle: From Prince’s Trust loan applicant to official mentor

A Manchester resident who built a multi-million-pound business after receiving a loan from The Prince’s Trust is now an official mentor for the youth charity.

Jamie Boyd (pictured) borrowed £3,000 from The Prince’s Trust to start a same-day courier business after a devastating injury ended his professional rugby career in 2005.

Almost two decades later, Today Team now operates nationwide out of Taylor Business Park in Risley – and is on track to turn over £3 million this financial year.

Jame (43) said: “The Prince’s Trust offered me a lifeline after the lowest moment in my career. I was 24 years old with a busted knee and no money in the bank. I used the loan to lease a van and put in 60-hour weeks to build a business that now has top-tier clients all over the UK.

“I am delighted to have now deepened my commitment to The Prince’s Trust by becoming an official mentor. Being able to give back to the charity and help young people in Manchester, who are setting up their first enterprise, is a great ‘full circle’ moment.”

At The Prince’s Trust, mentoring is defined as the provision of personal support, assistance, encouragement and inspiration to young people during and following the charity’s programmes – usually at a time of transition and over a sustained period.

The charity has designed a Personal Development Plan to allow the mentee and mentor to set goals and measure progress during their regular check-ins.

“I grew up in the Rugby League community and the sport taught me an awful lot,” said Jamie, who lives in Castlefield.

“Coming from a single-parent family, I benefited from having the coaches and other players’ parents around me.

“Having been brought up in that supportive environment, I am a big believer in the learning that can come from someone who has more experience and is willing to share it. Over the years, I’ve built up a strong network that allows me to do just that whenever I hit a roadblock in business, and I’m finding it very fulfilling to now be that person for the young people I mentor.”

The Prince’s Trust approached Jamie about becoming a mentor after he shared his inspiring story at an enterprise day, held at Beehive Mill in Ancoats, last year. His engaging talk, ‘10 Things I Wish I’d Known on Day One’, became the catalyst for his official involvement.

He added: “The charity knew I was interested in mentoring, they thankfully opened the door for me – and the rest is history. I’m proud that I’ve gone from being a ‘one man and his van’ operator to a nationwide business, helping up to 70 delivery partners earn a living every day.

“With Today Team growing, I am happy and grateful to now be able to invest time in building mentorship relationships that help young people whose shoes I was once in.”

Helen Galloway, youth development lead at The Prince’s Trust, said: “It is wonderful to have Jamie on board as one of our volunteer business mentors. His business has gone from strength to strength since first being supported by The Trust almost 20 years ago. It’s great that he is now using his experience and expertise to help the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

To find out more about mentoring opportunities with The Prince’s Trust, visit princes- trust.org.uk

Eoin Morgan plays down speculation linking him with England white-ball job

Eoin Morgan says the “timing is not right” for him to potentially take over as England’s white-ball head coach.

Current boss Matthew Mott is under increasing pressure following England’s disappointing performance at their last two major tournaments.

England were knocked out in the group stage of the World Cup in 2023 before an unconvincing showing during their run to the semi-finals in the T20 equivalent this year, before losing heavily to India in the final four.

But Morgan, who captained England to World Cup glory in 2019 and has been heavily tipped for the role, insists he is currently focusing on his media and family duties.

Morgan, working as a pundit during Sky Sports’ coverage of The Hundred, said: “I’ve been asked a lot over the past couple of months about the role and if I would take it on, and my answer has simply been that the timing for everything in my life at the moment is not right.

“Yes, I want to coach down the line, but I have a young family and I spend a lot more time at home and watching cricket doing this. I’m absolutely loving what I’m doing.

“This news is actually news to me. It’s obviously not nice when a coach comes under fire and there is a lot of speculation about his future but only time will tell what will happen.”

Mott was appointed head coach in 2022 following Chris Silverwood’s sacking, with Brendon McCullum appointed as Test coach.

Morgan was still skipper at the time but retired shortly after before criticising the side under Mott during their World Cup defence.

GB’s Dujardin given provisional six-month ban and out of Olympics

British Olympian Charlotte Dujardin has been provisionally suspended for six months by equestrian’s governing body the FEI.

The dressage star, who is Britain’s joint-most decorated female Olympian, had already pulled out of Paris 2024 after a video emerged of her making an “error of judgement”.

The FEI said it had recieved footage of the three-time gold medalist “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare – during a training session conducted at Ms Durjardin’s private stable”.

They said the 39-year-old confirmed it was her in the video “filmed several years ago” and “requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations”.

Though the six-month ban remains provisional while the FEI investigates, Dujardin said she will “withdraw from all competition while the investigation takes place”.

“What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse,” Dujardin said in statement.

“I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”

The equestrian rider has won three gold medals across London 2012 and Rio 2016, and needed one more medal at the Paris Games to become the female British athlete with the most medals.

She is currently tied with retired cyclist Laura Kenny on six medals having also won silver at Rio before two bronzes at Tokyo 2020.

Olympics: GB’s Dujardin pulls out of Paris 2024 after ‘error of judgement’

Charlotte Dujardin, Great Britain’s joint-most decorated female Olympian, has pulled out of Paris 2024 after a video emerged showing her “making an error of judgement”.

Dujardin, 39, says she is under investigation from the International Federation for Equestian Sports (FEI) and will withdraw from competing while this takes place.

The equestrian rider has won three gold medals across London 2012 and Rio 2016, and needed one more medal at the Paris Games to become the female British athlete with the most medals.

She is currently tied with retired cyclist Laura Kenny on six medals having also won silver at Rio before two bronzes at Tokyo 2020.

Dujardin said in a statement: “What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse.

“A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session. Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is investigating and I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition – including the Paris Olympics – while this process takes place.”

The video in question has not been made public and it is unclear what the nature of the investigation is at this stage.

“What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment,” she added.

“I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.

“I will cooperate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage during their investigations, and will not be commenting further until the process is complete.

“I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”

Appy Pie Acquires Appsmakerstore.com in Major No-Code App Builder Space Deal

0

NOIDA, INDIA, July 18th, 2024Appy Pie, a prominent figure in the no-code app builder industry, has officially acquired Appsmakerstore.com. This transaction includes the technology, platform, intellectual property rights, and customer base of Appsmakerstore, marking a significant advancement for both companies in the no-code “Do It Yourself” mobile app building sector.

Founded in 2010 by Rudi Carlsen, Appsmakerstore has established itself as a pioneering platform, empowering citizen developers to create mobile applications for businesses and organisations without needing coding skills. Throughout its history, Appsmakerstore users have successfully created thousands of mobile apps for the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Abhinav Girdhar, CEO of Appy Pie, extended a warm welcome to all Appsmakerstore customers and partners, stating, “We are excited to bring Appsmakerstore customers into our community. We have great plans ahead, and we are confident that you will be delighted with the new features and enhancements we have in store. Rest assured, there will be no changes to pricing and customer arrangements in the near future. Our primary goal is to provide a seamless transition and continue offering top-notch services.”

Rudi Carlsen, the founder of Appsmakerstore, expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, saying, “I’m glad to see that a well-known player in the industry like Appy Pie will continue the journey we started. I want to thank all our customers for their support over the years.”

This acquisition represents a convergence of shared visions and a commitment to innovation. Appy Pie’s mission to democratise technology, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes to embrace and integrate cutting-edge solutions, aligns perfectly with Appsmakerstore’s goal of enabling individuals and businesses to create mobile apps effortlessly.

The strategic move by Appy Pie positions the company to solidify its stance as the leading no-code AI platform for citizen developers and agencies worldwide. While the terms of the deal, including the purchase price, have not been disclosed, the implications of the acquisition are clear. It underscores Appy Pie’s dedication to expanding its capabilities and market reach, ensuring that more users can benefit from its innovative no-code solutions.

The no-code app development market has been growing rapidly, driven by the increasing demand for digital solutions and the shortage of skilled developers. Platforms like Appy Pie and Appsmakerstore have been pivotal in addressing this gap, enabling businesses to create functional, high-quality mobile apps without the need for extensive coding knowledge.

Appy Pie’s acquisition of Appsmakerstore is expected to bring about several enhancements to the platform, leveraging the strengths of both companies. Customers can look forward to new features and improvements that will enhance their app development experience. Moreover, the combined expertise and resources of Appy Pie and Appsmakerstore are set to drive further innovation in the no-code space, benefiting the wider community of citizen developers and businesses.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Appsmakerstore by Appy Pie is a notable development in the no-code app builder industry. It not only strengthens Appy Pie’s market position but also reaffirms its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality app development solutions to users around the world. As the integration progresses, customers of both platforms can anticipate a seamless transition and continued excellence in service.

Flare Triumphs with King’s Entrepreneurship Prize for Student Safety Apps

LONDON, UK – July 18th, 2024: Flare, a pioneering company offering bespoke student safety apps, has been awarded the prestigious King’s Entrepreneurship Prize. This accolade is one of Europe’s largest and most competitive university entrepreneurship awards, highlighting Flare’s innovative approach to student safety.

The prize, presented by King’s College at Cambridge University, includes a significant grant designed to help Flare extend its services to more universities, colleges, and schools throughout the UK.

Flare’s white-label service empowers educational institutions to create tailored safety apps that meet their specific needs, thereby promoting a secure and supportive environment for students. Founded by recent graduates of Cambridge, Flare is committed to using advanced technology to enhance student welfare.

Gabriel Brown, co-founder of Flare, expressed his excitement about winning the prize: “With the support of the King’s Entrepreneurship Prize, we can expand our reach and offer more institutions the opportunity to provide branded safety apps for their students. Our service allows universities and colleges to prioritise student safety and promote a positive brand image by offering a customised app that meets their unique needs.”

In November 2023, Flare launched a free student safety app called “Flare – Stay Safe.” This app has been adopted by over 50 student union partners across more than 27 universities in the UK. It functions as an emergency alert tool, enabling students to send pre-written alert messages to friends and family with just one tap. This app has proven particularly valuable for smaller institutions that may lack around-the-clock security staff.

Flare’s white-label service builds on the success of their free emergency alert app, offering a range of customisable features. Educational institutions can order a safety app that aligns with their brand and meets their specific needs, including features such as emergency messaging, location sharing, a one-tap SOS button, and a panic alarm.

Flare’s innovative microservice architecture allows the company to lower the financial and logistical barriers to adopting student safety apps. For example, Flare offers free trials so institutions can test the app with key stakeholders before committing to a purchase. Additionally, the delivered apps are fully maintained and tested by Flare, included in a cost-effective annual subscription.

By providing a branded safety app, institutions can showcase their commitment to student welfare, enhancing their reputation and fostering a supportive environment. Flare’s scalable and economical service ensures that even the smallest universities and colleges can implement top-tier safety solutions.

Winning the King’s Entrepreneurship Prize is a significant milestone for Flare, affirming its innovative approach and dedication to improving student safety through technology. The recognition and financial support from this award will significantly boost Flare’s growth and impact across the UK.

For more information about Flare and its branded safety solutions, please visit  www.flare.cx  http://www.flare.cx

From Financial Ruin to Six-Figure Success: The Remarkable Journey of Gavin Watson

0

SOUTH YORKSHIRE, UK. July 18th, 2024 – In a remarkable turnaround story, Gavin Watson, once mired in debt and uncertainty, has successfully established a flourishing consultancy and production company that helps individuals launch profitable courses and coaching programmes.

Gavin Watson’s ascent in the business world has been nothing short of inspirational. With over 14 years of experience as a digital entrepreneur and strategic partnerships with global marketing experts, Watson now provides comprehensive coaching solutions. His offerings empower clients to navigate the complexities of the business landscape with confidence and clarity.

Watson’s journey began in the depths of financial struggle. He spent years trapped in the pitfalls of get-rich-quick schemes and multi-level marketing (MLM) ventures, desperately trying to escape his former career as a quantity surveyor. His fortunes began to change when he met a seasoned information publisher who mentored him. Armed with new-found knowledge, Watson generated an impressive £80,000 in revenue within his first year of trading. However, early success was followed by setbacks as he deviated from his core strategy.

Undeterred by adversity, Watson recognised the importance of building a solid business foundation. Over the past five years, he has invested over £165,000 in mentorship and education, learning from every misstep and continually refining his approach. Today, his company, Gavin Watson Coaching, offers clients ‘done for you’ and ‘done with you’ coaching programmes. These programmes are designed to accelerate online business growth by identifying target audiences, developing sales funnels, crafting tailored copywriting, managing online advertising and social media content, and producing high-quality videography and photography.

Watson’s consultancy business is now thriving, and he has earned the title of certified business strategist. His journey from financial ruin to entrepreneurial success highlights the vital role of mentorship and adherence to proven methodologies in achieving business goals.

In addition to his consultancy, Watson is expanding his business portfolio with several new ventures. He is launching a software company, writing books, and producing a new podcast series called ‘Entrepreneurs Online.’ Moreover, Watson is dedicated to addressing the mental health challenges faced by entrepreneurs. His upcoming mini-series will explore the realities of online business, mindset challenges, and the impact of cyberbullying.

Watson’s story is one of resilience and commitment to excellence, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. His dedication is evident in his recent sponsorship of the renowned ‘AdCon’ event, which featured Dragon’s Den investor Steven Bartlett as the keynote speaker. Additionally, Watson’s expertise has been recognised by Global Business Strategist Lisa Johnson, who has invited him to speak at her Sales & Strategy days.

Watson’s mission extends beyond business success; he aims to destigmatise anxiety and mental health struggles within the entrepreneurial community. His transparent approach to discussing these issues is set to make a significant impact, offering much-needed support and understanding to those navigating the often challenging world of entrepreneurship.

Gavin Watson’s journey from financial hardship to six-figure success underscores the power of perseverance, strategic mentorship, and a commitment to continuous learning. As he continues to expand his ventures and support the entrepreneurial community, Watson’s story will undoubtedly inspire many more to pursue their business dreams with renewed vigour and confidence.

Joanne Avison Launches Revolutionary Book on Fascia and Movement

0

Brighton, UK. July 18th, 2024 – Joanne Avison, a distinguished author, illustrator, and yoga specialist, is set to release her latest book, “Myofascial Magic in Action.” The first in a five-book series commissioned in 2023, this publication promises to revolutionise the understanding of movement and therapy through Avison’s pioneering research on fascia, anatomy, and movement.

The innovative series aims to simplify the complex science of fascia, making it accessible and practical for a broad audience, including yoga and Pilates instructors and physiotherapists. This initiative seeks to transform how movement is taught and understood, providing profound insights into human anatomy.

Avison’s personal journey began with her struggle to comprehend her own body. A self-described non-athlete and bookworm, she experienced chronic pain and limitations following the birth of her son. Traditional physiotherapy and yoga failed to alleviate her symptoms, leading her to explore anatomy, biomechanics, biotensegrity, and fascia. This quest for knowledge took her to human dissection labs and mystery schools, where she discovered the unique, interconnected nature of the human body through the fascia’s living interface.

Her deep dive into fascia—an essential connective tissue matrix—revealed that the body operates more like a liquid crystal interface than a mechanical machine. Avison’s research demonstrated that a thorough understanding of fascia could significantly enhance movement, prevent injuries, alleviate chronic pain, and improve overall well-being. This paradigm shift has transformed her life and the lives of many others through her teachings and writings.

Avison’s first book, “Yoga, Fascia, Anatomy, and Movement,” became a best-selling specialist resource, lauded for its depth and clarity. Despite initial pressure to produce a coffee-table book, she remained committed to creating a serious, impactful work, resulting in a respected academic publication that has influenced movement teachers worldwide.

“Myofascial Magic in Action” continues this legacy, offering a more practical and user-friendly approach. The high-ticket course accompanying the book, launched in October 2023, has already seen remarkable success and steady growth. This course trains movement instructors to integrate Avison’s methods into their practice, promising transformative results for their clients.

In addition to her writing, Avison is an international teacher of applied structural anatomy, a professional Structural Integration practitioner, and the Director of the Art of Contemporary Yoga Teacher Training in London. Her extensive training includes certifications in Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Autoimmune Response Testing (A.R.T.), and Frequency Specific Microcurrent (F.S.M.), among others. Avison’s unique approach integrates her studies in anatomy, philosophy, and spiritual sciences, offering a holistic perspective on human movement and wellness.

Her involvement in the emerging field of Fasciategrity and her ongoing work in complementary health and medicine underscore her dedication to advancing understanding in these areas. Avison’s upcoming series of books, illustrated with her whimsical cartoons, aims to demystify fascia and empower individuals to move better, live pain-free, and connect more deeply with their bodies.

In 2015, Avison’s work caught the attention of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA), a charitable foundation in Los Angeles. Invited to teach their community, she integrated her knowledge of fascia with the spiritual teachings of this mystery school, significantly influencing her perspective and approach. By 2023, she had earned a doctorate in Spiritual Science, becoming an ordained minister and merging her scientific knowledge with spiritual insights.

Avison’s personal journey has also been marked by resilience. Diagnosed with breast cancer, she applied her methods to aid her recovery, achieving remarkable results. Within 12 weeks of major surgery, she was able to perform full weight-bearing yoga, demonstrating the efficacy of her “myofascial magic” techniques.

Her story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a deep commitment to improving human movement and wellness. Avison’s work is not just a contribution to the field of movement and therapy; it is a game-changer, offering a new way to understand and care for the human body. The course, co-created with Paul Thornley, is a fabulous “non-denominational” movement practice for all movement instructors. Her upcoming series of books will provide clear, actionable steps to improve natural human movement, making this essential knowledge accessible to all, regardless of age and fitness level.

Joanne Avison’s contributions to the fields of anatomy, movement, and wellness are unparalleled. Her work bridges the gap between traditional teachings and modern science, offering a fresh perspective that resonates with practitioners and enthusiasts alike. “Myofascial Magic in Action” is poised to become a cornerstone in the education of movement professionals, continuing Avison’s mission to transform lives through a better understanding and practice of fascia-based movement.

For more information or to learn more about Joanne Avison’s upcoming book and course offerings, please visit Myofascial Magic: https://www.myofascialmagic.com