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Legal Marketing Brand Launched by Bark Street Digital

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Bark Street Digital (BSD), a full-service digital marketing agency based in Bolton, has introduced BSD Legal—a brand-new venture exclusively tailored for law firms and legal businesses.

What sets BSD Legal apart? In the competitive legal landscape, every law firm aims to distinguish itself. BSD Legal steps in equipped with a team of seasoned professionals who possess a deep understanding of both the intricacies of law and the digital landscape. BSD Legal assists legal businesses in achieving success by crafting personalised strategies that set law firms apart from their competitors.

The directors at Bark Street Digital bring a remarkable legal background to the table. Over the course of their careers, they have gained an intimate understanding of the challenges and aspirations faced by law firms. With their combined expertise in both law and digital marketing, they are uniquely positioned to provide insights and solutions that consistently hit the mark.

But that’s not all. BSD Legal goes beyond creating an appealing online presence; it’s about delivering tangible results and ensuring that law firms capture the attention of their target audience. By harnessing tools like SEO, Social Media Management, and PPC advertising, BSD Legal guarantees that law firms occupy a prominent position in the digital spotlight. Moreover, they rely on data-driven strategies, not guesswork, to fine-tune their approaches and maximise their impact.

BSD has a proven track record of transforming businesses through digital marketing. Now, with BSD Legal, they are extending their expertise to the legal sector.

To discover how BSD Legal can assist your law firm, reach out to our team today.

One Day Agency Accelerates You’s Nationwide Awareness Campaign

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One Day Agency partners with You (formerly YouFibre) to launch a nationwide outdoor campaign with nearly 2,000 placements, enhancing awareness as You expands its ultrafast and ultra-affordable broadband services across the UK.

Founded by Jeremy Chelot in 2019, You is dedicated to bringing high-speed, cost-effective broadband internet to UK households through full fibre connectivity. With a recent infusion of £230 million in funding, in collaboration with its sister company Netomnia, You is poised for rapid growth, extending its fibre service to new regions throughout the country.

You enlisted the expertise of One Day Agency, one of the UK’s fastest-growing marketing and advertising agencies, known for its diverse client portfolio, including Verifone, the Polish Tourism Board, BigCommerce, Raventos Codorniu, Unidays, and more.

Laurence Beauchamp-Ward, a member of One Day’s growth team, commented, “This has been a great campaign to work on, as we have been able to demonstrate our point of difference as an agency. You detailed understanding of ready-to-service areas, big data and audiences, meant we could plan very strategically with minimal wastage. We overlaid 1st and 3rd party data with our internal planning tool, so we can locate formats and media owners that fall within immediate proximity of the desired postcodes. We are excited to see how our media mix will support the direct sales team!.”

In 2023, the Manchester advertising agency continues its remarkable growth trajectory, doubling its staff at its Manchester headquarters and expanding its presence in international markets, including the USA and Europe.

Examining the Cost Considerations of Apple Wallet Integration for Mobile Access

In today’s digital age, the growing trend of using smartphones and wearables for various purposes, including building access, has become increasingly prevalent. One such advancement is Apple Wallet integration for mobile access, allowing iPhone users to use their Apple Wallet to store digital access cards and employee badges for easy building entry. While this promises a seamless user experience, it is essential to consider the associated costs and logistical challenges, particularly when dealing with legacy hardware and existing building access control systems.

Before embracing Apple Wallet as the sole solution for mobile access, it’s vital to conduct thorough research to understand the initial limitations and costs involved in upgrading your current access control infrastructure. When evaluating Apple Wallet integration as a mobile access solution, here are some additional costs to consider:

1. Reader and Firmware Upgrade Costs:

  • Apple supports Apple Wallet keys only with approved lock or reader manufacturers who have NFC readers in their product lineup. Older access control hardware may require updates or replacements to support Apple Wallet integration.
  • Many widely used access control readers, like HID’s Prox and MultiCLASS, may not be firmware-upgradable for Apple Wallet access.
  • Upgrading hardware and installation for 20-30 new NFC-enabled readers can cost $20,000 – $30,000 or more, depending on local labor rates.
  • Consider potential business disruptions during the upgrade process.

Alternative Solution: Companies like Sentry Interactive offer innovative solutions that allow you to keep existing functional readers in place and perform mobile access integration with a software upgrade, reducing costs significantly.

2. Custom Integration Costs:

  • Each building requiring Apple Wallet integration typically necessitates a distinct Apple key, increasing complexity and system costs.
  • Mixing different reader types, such as HID’s Signo and Wavelynx Ethos readers, can further complicate the setup process.
  • Custom integrations may cost between $10,000 and $20,000, excluding labor costs for reader firmware updates and software adjustments.

Alternative Solution: Streamlined solutions like Sentry Mobile Access can offer cost-effective integration with major access control brands.

3. Licensing Costs:

  • Apple Wallet integration may incur licensing costs, such as Apple License fees (approximately $3 per user per month) and Seat License fees (approximately $6 per user per year).

Alternative Solution: Explore options that don’t require additional licensing fees.

4. Credential Management Costs:

  • Managing credentials for multiple buildings can add complexity and cost.

Alternative Solution: Seek solutions that offer centralised and efficient credential management.

5. Scaling Costs:

  • As you implement Apple Wallet integration across multiple buildings, costs and complexities can increase.

Alternative Solution: Consider solutions that allow for remote management of multiple buildings under a common system platform.

While Apple Wallet integration offers a seamless user experience, the associated costs can be significant. It’s crucial to weigh these costs against the benefits, especially when a substantial portion of users relies on Android devices. Exploring alternative solutions, like Sentry Interactive’s NFC Mobile Access for both iOS and Android users, can provide cost savings and flexibility without the need for extensive hardware upgrades.

Ultimately, the choice of mobile access solution should align with user preferences, budget constraints, and the need for widespread usability and efficiency. Making an informed decision based on your specific requirements is essential in the rapidly evolving field of access control.

HØJ Unveils a New Era of Smoking with the Reinvented HAMP and Compact HAMP mini

Leading innovator in high-quality smoking accessories, HØJ, proudly introduces the reimagined HAMP and HAMP mini, a pair of hemp rolling papers designed to redefine shared and solo smoke sessions. These launches embody HØJ’s commitment to offering a harmonious blend of luxury, sustainability, and value, all while elevating the smoking experience.

Revolutionising the Smoking Scene

On September 21st, HØJ is set to launch the freshly enhanced HAMP, promising to revolutionise the smoking scene. Incorporating feedback from the dedicated HØJ community, this luxury rolling kit has been refined to perfection. The airflow-optimised and robust filters promise smoother and more efficient smoke sessions, ensuring that each roll delivers impeccable taste and efficiency.

Redesigned Packaging and Exclusive Access

Part of the allure of the new HAMP is its redesigned packaging. Sleek and stylish, it reflects the premium quality of the product while offering exclusive access to HØJ House. This unique digital Web 3.0 app features a wealth of resources, including how-to tutorials, advanced rolling guides, and a platform for direct communication with the dedicated team at HØJ.

Golden Leaf Experience

The HAMP experience doesn’t stop there. To up the ante, HØJ has hidden a 24k smokable hemp gold leaf paper in every 200th pack. Upon finding the Golden Leaf, the lucky winner can claim a free HØJ product of their choice worth up to $179*, elevating the HAMP experience to one filled with anticipation and excitement.

Introducing the HAMP mini

On September 29th, HØJ will be launching a more compact hemp rolling paper to its collection, the HAMP mini. Tailored specifically for personal or solo sessions, it offers all the innovative features of the larger, King Size Slim HAMP in a more manageable 1-1/4 rolling paper size. Just like its older sibling, the HAMP mini carries the thrill of locating a Golden Leaf in every 200th pack, keeping the element of intrigue alive in every roll.

A Lifestyle Upgrade

“With the new HAMP and HAMP mini, we’re pushing the boundaries of the traditional smoking experience,” says Simon V. Folmann, Founder of HØJ. “We’re not just offering premium hemp rolling papers; we’re offering a lifestyle upgrade. The chance to discover a Golden Leaf turns each roll into an exciting quest, adding an exhilarating layer to the HØJ experience.”

Available Online

Both HAMP and the HAMP mini rolling papers will be available for purchase online from their respective launch dates on HØJ’s website (www.hoj.life). So, whether you’re planning a shared session or a personal retreat, elevate your smoke experience with HØJ’s latest offerings in hemp rolling papers. Rolling is half the experience, so roll with the best.

Terms and conditions apply. Read more at: https://www.hoj.life/policies/terms-of-service

Lifespanning: Melding Art, Science, and Soul for a Brighter Tomorrow 

“Art and science, theory and practice, the conscious and the subconscious – it’s the blending of these elements that creates a symphony called life,” begins Jean Fallacara, Founder & CEO at Lifespanning Media. 

Redefining Longevity 

Lifespanning isn’t just about adding years to one’s life but infusing those years with purpose, vitality, and joy. It is about grasping control over the myriad health elements that contribute to how long and how well one lives. 

In a world where the term ‘longevity’ often reduces to mere numbers – how many years one has lived – Lifespanning Media seeks to enrich that narrative. They believe everyone deserves a life characterized by robustness, filled with intent, and rewarded with well-being. 

Uniting Minds for a Unified Goal 

Lifespanning Media bridges the gap between distinct worlds. From doctors and scientists to philosophers and tech enthusiasts, this is an initiative that draws minds from various realms, all driven by a singular aim – to champion longevity. And not just any longevity, but one that’s harmonized with the essence of life’s worth. 

“We’re at an intersection – where science and technology meet humanity and society,” Jean elucidates. “We’re experiencing a wellness revolution unlike any other.”

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Pushing Frontiers with Lifespanning Media 

As a pioneering media ventures company, Lifespanning Media focuses on exploring life span through various facets. Their mission is to mainstream human longevity. But it’s not just about living longer; it’s about comprehending one’s biological profile, mental health, and physical condition, and delving deep into the ethical, social, and spiritual implications of longevity. 

The company’s portfolio is extensive. It ranges from content that delves into biohacking and encompasses wellness, science, sociology, and even philosophy. The blend of AI, VR, and XR technologies makes the content not just informative but also immersive. 

Engaging, Educating, and Empowering 

Lifespanning Media, through its multimedia assets, provides a platform for individuals to explore the depth of longevity’s implications in today’s world. It’s a perfect amalgamation of physical and digital worlds, creating a space where audiences can connect, converse, and grow a community, eventually leading to holistic commerce. 

But it doesn’t end there. The company has also invested in experiential and educational programs. From virtual events, publications, and conferences to academic certifications, Lifespanning Media is pioneering the journey towards accessible knowledge and authentic life span extension. 

A Vision for Tomorrow 

For Jean and his team, it’s clear – they’re not just charting unknown territories. They’re crafting a vision for tomorrow. A world where longevity isn’t just a statistic, but a harmonious blend of vitality, purpose, and well-being. 

With Lifespanning Media at the helm, the future looks not just longer, but brighter. 

Hair Removing Creams and IPL; Which Should You Choose

If you want to get rid of unpleasant unwanted hairs from your body, there is a diverse variety of options to remove hairs either temporarily or permanently. Almost all temporary hair removal methods are simple, easy, cheap, and painless except for very painful waxing.

On the other hand, permanent hair removal methods are difficult, expensive, and need professional skill to perform except for IPL which is performed with smart and handy IPL devices at home.

Hair-removing creams or depilatory creams are commonly available in the market with different names and qualities. They are very easy to apply and remove to get silky smooth skin in less than 5 minutes but hairs are grown again in 3-5 days. Contrary, IPL is done at home with any IPL device available in the market to remove hairs permanently.

Depilatory Creams for Hair Removing:

Initially, for depilation and hair removal, hair removal powder was available in the market, after that, it took the modern shapes of creams with better customer compliance. It was discovered as an alternative hair-removing method to shaving. It is a chemical-based technique for hair removal.

Working of Hair Removing Creams:

Hair-removing creams are easily applied to the skin without any special skill. There is a chemical in the hair-removing creams called thioglycolic acid that breaks the bond between proteins called keratin, which makes hair strands with different bonds.

Application of Hair Removing Creams:

It is very easy to apply and remove creams and you will feel good if you follow the following instructions;

Clean the surface for hair removal

Apply the cream on that area evenly

Leave it for 3-4 minutes

Remove the cream gently with a warm and damp towel

Thoroughly clean the surface with plain water.

Do you think that if you leave the cream for a longer time, it will increase the longevity of the hair removal method? The answer is no because if you apply the cream for a longer duration, it will cause skin burns and skin allergies.

Pros of Hair Removing Creams:

A huge population of males and females are using hair removal creams as a temporary method to get rid of unwanted hair because;

  •         It is a very speedy process and it takes 5-10 minutes from start to end
  •         It is really cheap and easily available in all grocery shops
  •         The use of hair removal creams is very easy treatment as compared to other hair removal methods
  •         With hair-removing creams, hairs become softer as compared to shaving but less soft as compared to waxing.

Cons of Hair Removal Creams:

Just like all hair removal methods, hair removal creams have also some disadvantages such as;

  •         The worst thing is the smell of all hair removal creams due to the presence of chemicals. Although the manufacturer adds some fragrance but unable to get rid of the foul smell
  •         Sometimes manufacturers add harsh chemicals to get the best results and they either irritate the skin or cause allergy to the skin
  •         Hair removing creams does not directly affect the roots therefore hair removal is short and temporary.
  •         If creams react with the skin, it may cause painful sensations and become worrisome.

To check whether hair removal creams are the best choice for IPL hair removal, you should have a brief introduction about what IPL hair removal is.

IPL Hair Removing:

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and it is a permanent method of hair removal. IPL is carried out by different IPL devices available in the market. It is a relatively difficult procedure as compared to hair removal cream.

Working of IPL Device:

IPL uses laser light to damage the hair roots by attacking melanin pigment in the hair follicle. Therefore, it takes a lot of time to regrow hairs, and hairs are removed permanently after 4-5 sessions.

Application of IPL:

Hairs are removed from an area for IPL treatment. Then the soothing gel is applied on it and an IPL device is used to damage the hair roots. It is suitable for small areas while professional IPL is suitable for larger areas.

Pros of IPL:

IPL is the most common way to remove hair nowadays because;

  •         It is very convenient and customer-friendly
  •         It removes hairs permanently
  •         It does not cause severe pain
  •         It has multiple power settings for different skin tones and hair textures

Cons of IPL:

IPL is the great invention of the time but it has the following cons;

  •         It is not suitable for darker skin tones and hair colour
  •         It takes time and professional devices to carry out the procedure
  •         It also needs professional skills to do IPL and requires regular sessions
  •         You need to purchase the device at once, which can be heavy on your pocket.

After making a comparison between both methods, it has been observed that hair removal creams are cheap, easy, and take less time to remove hairs temporarily while IPL is used to do permanent hair removal but it is costly, difficult, and takes longer time.

#Gospel4All Campaign Launches at the Houses of Parliament

On September 19, 2023, Premier Gospel Radio station made history with the launch of its groundbreaking campaign, #Gospel4All, at the iconic Houses of Parliament in London. This event not only celebrated the enduring power of Gospel music but also marked a significant step toward gaining official government recognition for Gospel Heritage Month in the UK.

The #Gospel4All campaign is a bold initiative aimed at uplifting, inspiring, uniting, and educating people through the soul-stirring melodies of Gospel music. It seeks to celebrate Gospel Heritage Month and bring Gospel music to the forefront of British culture and education. Premier Gospel, the leading radio station for Gospel music, is spearheading this movement to highlight the positive impact of Gospel music on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

The launch event boasted a lineup of influential guest speakers who shared their insights and perspectives on the significance of Gospel music and the #Gospel4All campaign’s objectives:

Kim Johnson MP expressed pride in the work done by Liverpool Lighthouse and Premier Gospel to shed light on the importance of Gospel music and its joyful impact. She also commended the pilot projects introducing Gospel music to school curriculums and hoped for national expansion.

Thangam Debbonair, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, discussed the need to examine and improve support for Gospel music and artists within the cultural sector.

Kevin Bennett, Acting CEO of Premier Christian Communications, emphasised the campaign’s goal of opening doors for Gospel music programs in schools, hospitals, care facilities, and prisons.

The event also featured compelling performances from Platoon Music’s Ryan Hylton and Folabi Nuel as part of their Apple Music Gospel Heritage Month project, “A UK GOSPEL CELEBRATION.”

Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE, Premier Gospel’s Station Director, provided an insightful presentation on the #Gospel4All campaign, inviting attendees to join the movement. Premier Gospel’s manifesto pledge for #Gospel4All encompasses:

  • Uplift: Collaborating with charities and organisations to uplift marginalised communities.
  • Inspire: Engaging with young people through music, events, and mentorship programs.
  • Unite: Promoting inclusivity and diversity within the Gospel music industry.
  • Educate: Advocating for the inclusion of Gospel music in school curriculums and educational initiatives.

Join Premier Gospel in their mission to celebrate, uplift, inspire, unite, and educate through the power of Gospel music. Follow the #Gospel4All campaign on social media and be part of this historic moment.

Foresight backed Reward Finance Group achieves landmark £200 million lending milestone

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Alternative finance provider, Reward Finance Group (“Reward”), has passed the £200 million loan book milestone. 

 

The news comes just over a year after Reward received a £50m increase in its credit line from regional growth company investor, Foresight Group (“Foresight”). This increase brought the total capital committed to Reward, by Foresight, to £130 million – the largest credit facility the Foresight Private Credit team has agreed to date.  

 

In its twelfth year of continuous growth, Reward is now in the process of doubling the size of its business, facilitated by its ambitious regional expansion programme and the launch of new funding products. 

 

With a presence in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, London, Edinburgh and Cardiff, Reward lends up to £5 million across every sector, from start-ups to established businesses across England, Wales and Scotland. 

 

The £200 million lending milestone has been a major boost to the local economies in which Reward’s offices are located. Since its inception in 2011, Reward has supported over 2,000 businesses across the UK by providing over £1 billion of working capital. This has resulted in a positive impact in the local areas where these businesses operate; driving increased revenue, creating high-quality jobs, enabling innovation and providing the support for companies navigating difficult trading periods. 

 

Nick Smith, Managing Director at Reward, said: “Achieving such an exceptional lending milestone underlines the ongoing hard work and expertise within our team across our six regional offices. It’s also testament to the terrific relationships we’ve forged with our extensive network of SMEs, commercial finance brokers and other introducers.” 

 

Amy Crofton, Director at Foresight Group, added: “Reward has developed a niche in combining responsible lending with a pragmatic and flexible approach, acting quickly to deliver finance to companies when required. It has been a privilege to have supported such a dynamic company on its journey to date, and it is a source of pride to see the positive impact that Reward has had on local economies. We look forward to seeing what is next for the Reward team.” 

Cirrus Unveils Groundbreaking Upgrade to Contact Centre Platform, Elevating Customer Service

Cirrus, a leading provider of contact centre solutions, has announced a transformative upgrade to its contact centre platform that promises to revolutionise customer service. With a keen focus on harnessing generative AI and seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies, Cirrus consolidates essential tools within a single platform. This advancement is poised to empower contact centres across the UK to enhance customer service while significantly boosting operational efficiency.

The upgraded platform incorporates a range of potent technologies, including CRM, workforce optimisation, and advanced omnichannel features such as an outbound dialler, Drag-and-drop IVR, workflow builder, and agent scripting. The native integration of these elements into one platform facilitates the deployment of generative AI, particularly Cirrus ‘Copilot.’

Jason Roos, CEO of Cirrus, explains, “We have been thinking very hard about where generative AI would have the most profound impact on contact centre operations. And so, in addition to the platform upgrade, we have developed Cirrus Copilot, our ChatGPT AI assistant. Cirrus Copilot lends its support to human agents, automating tasks, offering guidance, and delivering insights that lead to stellar customer interactions. Cirrus Copilot optimisation frees agents to focus on more rewarding engagements.”

The new Cirrus platform empowers businesses of all sizes to personalise each interaction, ensuring that every engagement is meaningful. Real-time agent assistance creates a transcription for every call, enabling agents to enhance their communication with each customer. AI takes the lead in steering the conversation.

Despite the release of the new platform, Cirrus remains committed to ongoing collaboration with its valued partners, allowing for continued 3rd party API integrations. Cirrus and its clients continue to strive for excellence in customer service, setting new industry standards.

The future of contact centre customer service has arrived, and it’s powered by Cirrus.

Ripe strengthens specialist boat insurance offering with Craftinsure acquisition

Wythenshaw-based insurtech Ripe has completed its first M&A transaction by acquiring specialist boat insurer, Craftinsure.

The deal – subject to customary closing conditions – is the first that Ripe has made since Aquiline Capital Partners invested in the business last year.

Established 22 years ago, Craftinsure offers specialist insurance for boat owners. As a bespoke online insurer with a passion for its product, Craftinsure aligns closely with Ripe’s customer centric ethos and will benefit from Ripe’s cutting-edge technology and marketing expertise to drive future growth.

Increased foothold

Craftinsure currently has over 23,000 policyholders and, together with Ripe’s existing Insure4Boats brand, this acquisition increases Ripe’s boat insurance market foothold to more than 50,000 policyholders.

The combination with Craftinsure strengthens Ripe’s position in the market and solidifies its place as one of the UK’s leading specialist boat insurers.

Craftinsure founders, Mark Lee and Rob Cage, will continue to lead the business.

Landmark moment

Paul Williams, CEO of Ripe said: “Today’s announcement marks the beginning of Ripe’s strategy to expand through targeted acquisitions in specialist leisure, lifestyle and small business markets.

“This is a landmark moment for Ripe as we expand our boating portfolio through Craftinsure.

“Our two businesses share digital synergies and a likeminded, customer-focused approach. With our cutting-edge technology and delivery of products designed around customer’s individual needs, we believe this is an incredibly exciting moment for us and the customers we serve.”

Chair of Ripe Laurel Powers-Freeling said: “As an ambitious insurtech, Ripe is on a very exciting journey. Adding Craftinsure to our portfolio is an important first step in solidifying our growth, and we anticipate there will be many more announcements to come.”

Perfect partnership

Rob Cage, Co-Founder and MD of Craftinsure said: “We look forward to working with Ripe on the next step in our journey. As boat owners ourselves we set out to bring the best possible insurance options to people who love boating as much as we do.

“We are confident that through this move, we will be able to leverage Ripe’s technology and marketing expertise for our customers.”

For Ripe, legal and tax advice for the transaction was led by EY, with financial diligence provided by Deloitte.