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Achieving SEO Success: Mindset Coach Offers Innovative Problem-Solving Approach

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Mark A Preston, a mindset coach specialising in search engine optimisation (SEO), is offering businesses a fresh perspective on the industry. Through his tailored workshops, Mark employs an innovative problem-solving approach to help organisations and marketing teams rethink the traditionally linear nature of SEO.

Mark has trained and mentored thousands of people since 2001, including marketing agencies, in-house marketing teams, and small business owners. His goal is to help people achieve the perfect SEO mindset, enabling them to stop wasting time on strategies that generate zero impact.

For years, businesses and marketing agencies have recognised the importance of SEO for achieving success. However, it doesn’t always deliver the desired results. Given that SEO is a constantly evolving field, keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices is crucial to staying ahead of the competition. The reality is, there are numerous SEO strategies that businesses could employ, but many people spend countless hours on activities that yield no impact.

As a mindset coach, Mark helps people adopt a specific type of thinking regarding SEO. When applied, this thinking creates a lasting positive impact. Mark uses problem-solving, a fundamental component of SEO, to streamline processes and equip professionals with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to tackle tough challenges. This enables agencies or companies to move in the right direction.

Mark offers valuable workshops and SEO mindset keynote talks for marketing professionals and small business owners, encouraging them to adopt the correct approach to SEO and start achieving tangible results. He aims to get participants to question themselves, providing a “lightbulb moment” that inspires them to view SEO from a fresh perspective and be receptive to a new way of working, resulting in improved outcomes. All of his SEO training workshops are tailored specifically to each agency or business.

“Having been in the industry for so long, I understand the time and effort invested in SEO and its practices, and therefore appreciate other professionals who strive to achieve the best results for their business or clients,” says Mark. “Through my bespoke workshops, my primary objective is to create a long-lasting positive impact by enabling individuals to ‘think’ about SEO in a particular way and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed. Hopefully, with that ‘lightbulb moment,’ they can see SEO from a different perspective and be open to a new way of working, leading to improved results.”

Mark’s professional speaking journey began over a decade ago when a local business expo invited him to be their keynote speaker due to his excellent reputation as the go-to person for SEO-related matters. Since then, Mark has delivered talks at business expos, corporate events, trade organisations, and marketing conferences around the world.

Ultimate Guide: How to Set Up a Proxy Server on Windows 11

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Introduction

Wish to set up a proxy server on Windows 11? If so, you’ve come to the right place – our today’s guide provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to do that and avoid all the possible difficulties, as well as with information on what the proxies are in general and how they work. So let’s not waste time and check everything together!

What is a proxy and how does it work?

A proxy server, often known as a device or router, serves as a conduit connecting users and the Internet. Hence, it helps to prevent Internet trespassers from entering a private network. An “intermediary” is a server because it acts as a middleman between online users and the websites they view.

Computers connect to the World Wide Web via IP addresses. It directs incoming data where to go and identifies outgoing data with a return address so that other devices can authenticate it, much like your home’s street address. A machine with its own IP address that is linked to the Internet is all that a proxy server is.

Why is it worth using proxies?

Using proxies can be truly beneficial – let’s look at this question a bit closer:

  • Security. Since a proxy operates as a buffer between the Internet and a user, it’s able to block all the cyber attacks possible, as well as access to malicious websites.
  • Anonymity. You can improve your anonymity as well: proxies just hide the user’s IP address and other identifying information. That’s why you’re able to remain anonymous and access all the restricted and limited content.
  • Performance. By lowering the traffic’s amount and caching frequently accessed content, proxies can also boost network performance.
  • Content filtering. Finally, they filter the content you use, ridding you of unnecessary information and inappropriate materials.

Proxy types you should know about

There are several proxy types you should know about – below are the most popular and important ones:

  1. Public proxies. Anyone can utilize a public proxy, which conceals the identity of its users by giving them access to its IP address. The users of this proxy are more at risk of having their data compromised even if it’s inexpensive and simple to use.
  2. Residential proxies. This proxy provides the user with an IP address that can be linked to a particular physical unit where all requests are examined and forwarded.
  3. High anonymity proxies. The user’s identity is further concealed through this proxy, which is essentially an anonymous proxy. Before the proxy makes an attempt to connect to the target site, the user’s information is removed to achieve this.
  4. Transparent proxies. To stay anonymous to people it’s enforced on, transparent proxies can be employed. The use of this kind of proxy is advantageous for businesses that want to establish one without alerting their staff members to it. Transparent proxies are more susceptible to some types of security risks, like SYN flood denial of service attacks.
  5. Datacentre proxies. The data centre where the user’s requests are evaluated and forwarded may house this proxy server physically. It isn’t connected to a web server but to a different organization via a data centre.

How can we set up a proxy service on Windows 11?

Finally, we can move on and take a closer look at the setup and installation of the proxy server on Windows:

  1. Click the “Start” button on the dashboard with the right mouse button to see the context menu, then pick Settings.
  2. Choose “Network & Internet” from the pop-up box, and then “Proxy”.
  3. When adding a proxy server for the first time, manual configuration is recommended.
  4. Under the subsection titled “Manual Proxy Configuration,” click the toggle switch next to the “Use a Proxy Server” button. Input the proxy server information into the form that you will see. IP address and port number should be included (these proxy server data are available in the personal account, and can be copied from there). Next, click on “Save”.
  5. Good job! You have finished configuring the proxy server. Anytime can be used to change the proxy server settings.

Why is it worth using the services of Proxy-Store?

Are you seeking reliable proxies at a good price? If so, it’s suggested that you go with Proxy-Store.com since it gives its clients access to a large selection of proxies, affordable costs, and a variety of bonuses and discounts. Let’s delve more into the reasons why choosing Proxy-Store’s services next time is beneficial:

  • Excellent proxies. Proxy-Store.com is quite proud of the calibre of the services it offers. As a result, you shouldn’t worry about any problems or logs when utilizing the proxies provided by this platform in the future. The performance of the Proxy-Store has been evaluated throughout time.
  • Many locations. Each reliable proxy supplier offers proxies from a wide range of nations worldwide. Proxy-Store.com is certain to have a proxy for you wherever you go.
  • Low costs. Proxy-Store has the most competitive pricing when compared to its rivals; the website is fully equipped to win over customers. That means that you won’t spend a lot of money looking for the right proxy.
  • Superior customer care. Another plus is Proxy-Store’s faultless customer support. What do we make of that? Call the company’s support staff if you have any questions or issues – they will provide you with all the information you need and take care of your issues as quickly as they can.
  • Strong standing. The website made a name for itself as a reliable source for finding proxies. On the official website of the business, many Proxy-Store users offer positive evaluations and choose to use it repeatedly. Don’t pass up this opportunity since Proxy-Store.com is prepared to assist everyone in need of trustworthy proxies.

Conclusion

Now, you know everything you need to reach your aim: what the proxies are, how they work, what the main proxy types exist, and, finally, how to set one up on Windows 11. Using our step-by-step instructions, you’ll definitely avoid all the possible difficulties and mistakes and complete the process successfully. In addition, always choose a proxy provider wisely and consider Proxy-Store as the option next time. Good luck, and thank you for your attention!

Liverpool Ecommerce Agency, Velstar, Turn To Quirky Quarter to Inspire Outside-The-Box Thinking

In the modern landscape, brands are spoiled for choice when it comes to ecommerce partners – which led Velstar to put outside-the-box thinking at the heart of a gathering of the Velstar team, and set themselves apart from the competition.

While the agency is predominantly hybrid or remote, the ambition was to bring everyone together to develop the agency’s thinking and culture in a unique way.

While looking for ways to achieve this, Holly Roberts, Finance & Operations Director, came across what would prove to be the ideal venue. Packed with puzzling challenges, brain-teasing workouts, oddball photo opportunities, interactive experiences, and looking to take its first steps into corporate events, Quirky Quarter is a venue like no other.

With Quirky Quarter’s rooms aiming to warp perception, the Velstar team were provided with a day of puzzles and optical illusions, as well as a talk from Olympian and motivational speaker Steve Smith. When thinking about an Olympian, we often think about innate talent or extraordinary genes – Steve’s talk reminded us that when we see someone at the top of the podium, there is a team standing behind them.

The Olympian’s first-person account gave the team an insight into the magic that can happen when a team collectively works towards the same goal, it’s only then greatness can be achieved. The team left with an altered perspective on what makes for a successful team and how they can add this to their ecommerce expertise. 

When everyone claims to be number one at something, the Liverpool agency knows it needs to become more than just another number one agency. As such, Velstar is looking to become the go to growth partner for ecommerce brands with big ambitions and to develop a culture not just of excellence, but of genuine creativity and insight, ready to take risks and win big for themselves and clients.

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Speaking about the day, CEO and founder Dan Sheard stated: 

When I launched Velstar in 2016, it could have been argued that the world didn’t really need another web-development agency – but thanks to an emphasis on hiring the best people and retaining that talent through dedication to culture and professional development, we’ve grown really quickly, acquired the awesome WeInfluence to bolster our marketing credentials and are now looking to push ourselves to the next level. 

We took a chance and changed gears for this latest quarterly get-together, and I’ve been delighted with the results – not only did we have a great day full of laughs, it also generated some truly exceptional ideas for how we can make immediate improvements for our clients. Honestly, I couldn’t have hoped for a more successful day. 

Quirky Quarter Event Coordinator, Summer Edwards, commented:

The experience Quirky Quarter offers the general public has been really successful, but we’ve been really keen to broaden our offering and work more with dynamic businesses tired of using the same corporate venues. 

When we spoke to Holly, we knew our ambition aligned with what Velstar wanted to achieve. Holly and her team were able to use the different spaces in the venue in a variety of unique ways – from the central area being employed as a conference space for all 50 attendees, to several smaller breakout spaces, all with that Quirky feel. 

The best thing was revealing more of the spaces and exhibits slowly as the day went on, meaning there were plenty of surprises before we ended with a fantastic drink reception in our library.

We’ve been delighted with the feedback from the Velstar team – we always knew that the venue inspired people to look at things differently, and it’s been fantastic to see the impact that’s had in a business setting. You could almost see the sparks flying!

We wanted Quirky Quarter to offer something off the beaten track – visually, experientially, cognitively and we think we’ve managed that and are looking forward to partnering with more businesses like Velstar that want a team building day, conference or more that takes people outside of the ordinary to develop the extraordinary. Velstar 3 scaled

About Velstar

A Shopify Plus Partner, expert ecommerce development and growth partner, Velstar boasts more than 60 staff across the UK, and is growing quickly. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Liverpool, UK, the agency has partnered with some of the world’s most recognisable brands to take them from the design and launch of their online presence to the growth of their online visibility and revenue through digital marketing.

About Quirky Quarter

Located at 142 Duke Street, Liverpool, Quirky Quarter is a fully accessible experience emporium which aims to deliver a literal ‘wow’ factor. With its immersive collection of surreal exhibits, optical illusions and photo opportunities, Quirky Quarter provides people of all ages with the chance to step outside of the everyday and gain a new, altered perspective.

How Upgrading Your Business Technology Can Increase Its Value

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As a business owner, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest technology in order to remain competitive and grow your business. Investing in upgraded technology can help increase the value of your business significantly by improving efficiency, increasing customer satisfaction, strengthening security measures, and boosting productivity. Below we will discuss some of the key benefits of upgrading your company’s technology and how this investment can pay off in the long run.

  1. Improve Efficiency
  2. Increase Customer Satisfaction
  3. Enhance Security Measures
  4. Boost Productivity

1. Improve Efficiency

In today’s fast-paced world, efficiency is key to success. One way to improve efficiency is through automation. By automating processes, businesses can eliminate human error and improve accuracy. Furthermore, using cloud-based software can provide easy access to data and allow for collaboration between team members. Leveraging analytics can also greatly benefit a business by providing insights and allowing for data-driven decision making. By implementing these strategies, businesses can streamline operations and focus on what really matters: driving success.

2. Increase Customer Satisfaction

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is the key to customer satisfaction. It’s no secret that cashless payment options have become increasingly popular, but the adoption of contactless card machines have been accelerated by the pandemic, with customers wanting to minimize physical contact. Incorporating artificial intelligence into customer service interactions can provide customers with instant responses and quick solutions to their problems, without the need for human interaction. Personalizing online experiences is another powerful tool for engaging customers and creating a seamless, enjoyable shopping experience. By leveraging these three powerful tools, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction, strengthen brand loyalty and ultimately drive profitability.

3. Enhance Security Measures

In today’s digital age, protecting data from cyber attacks is of paramount importance. Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated, making it imperative to have strong security measures in place. Among the most critical measures are firewalls, encryption methods, and identity verification systems. A firewall creates a barrier around a network to prevent unauthorized access, while encryption ensures that data is scrambled and unreadable to unauthorized parties. Identity verification systems help to prevent fraud by verifying the identity of users before granting access. It’s crucial that individuals and businesses alike prioritize the protection of their sensitive data with robust security measures to avoid the devastating consequences of a cyber breach.

4. Boost Productivity

Productivity is essential for any business to succeed, especially in today’s fast-paced world. With the increasing use of technology, businesses can not only automate their processes but also collaborate with teams remotely. Collaboration tools like video conferencing software enable teams to communicate in real-time, making meetings more efficient and saving time on travel expenses. Project-management applications help teams better manage their tasks, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and deadlines are met. The productivity boost is further enhanced with workflow automation tools, which streamline repetitive and time-consuming tasks, saving valuable time and reducing errors. By using these collaboration tools, businesses can ensure that their teams have the necessary tools to work efficiently and effectively, leading to better productivity and ultimately, success.

To conclude

Upgrading business technology is a key factor in increasing the value of any business. By improving efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and boosting security measures and productivity, businesses can stay ahead of competitors and successfully drive growth. To do so, companies should invest in automation, cloud-based software, analytics tools, contactless payment methods, artificial intelligence technologies and workflow automation tools. By leveraging the most up-to-date technology, businesses can maximize their value and ensure long-term success.

Why Investing in CCTV Could be Essential for Your Businesses

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Investing in Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems can be a valuable asset for businesses of any size. Not only do they provide an extra layer of security, but they can also help to reduce the cost of insurance premiums and deter potential criminal activity. In this article, we’ll discuss why CCTV is worth it for your business and how it can provide a number of benefits. We’ll also explain why it’s important to invest in a quality system that meets your business’s security needs. Read on to find out more about the advantages of investing in CCTV for your business.

  1. Benefits of Investing in CCTV for Your Business
  2. Improved Security
  3. Lower Insurance Costs
  4. Deterring Criminal Activity
  5. The Importance of Quality Systems

Benefits of Investing in CCTV for Your Business

Investing in CCTV for your business may seem like an added expense, but the benefits outweigh the initial costs. By having a security system in place, you not only deter potential criminals, but also have a way to identify and prosecute those who do commit crimes on your property. Additionally, CCTV footage can be used to monitor employee activity and ensure that they are following company policies and procedures. This can improve productivity and accountability within the workplace. CCTV can also improve customer confidence in your business, as they can see that you take their safety seriously. By investing in CCTV, you are investing in the overall safety and success of your business.

Improved Security

As a business owner, the safety and security of your establishment and employees should always be a top priority. Fortunately, with the advancements in technology, Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems have significantly improved in deterring crimes and providing crucial evidence in solving them. A CCTV system allows you to monitor your business effectively, even when you are away, and provides an added layer of protection against potential intruders or burglars. By installing a CCTV system for your business, you can rest assured that you’re taking proactive measures to protect what you’ve worked so hard to build. Don’t wait until it’s too late; invest in a CCTV system today and experience enhanced security like never before.

Lower Insurance Costs

Installing CCTV systems is an effective way to provide surveillance in and around your company; not only does it create a safer and more secure environment for your employees, customers, and assets, but it can also lead to lower insurance premiums. Insurance companies take into account the level of security in your premises before calculating your rates, and a reliable CCTV system can help you qualify for discounts. So, investing in CCTV not only protects your business, but it can also save you money in the long run.

Deterring Criminal Activity

As a business owner, it’s important to take steps in ensuring the safety and security of your establishment. One of the most effective ways to do so is by installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. These cameras serve as a powerful deterrent for potential criminal activity, as they capture footage of any suspicious behavior and can be used as evidence in the event of a crime. Not only do CCTV cameras provide a sense of safety and protection for your employees and customers, but they also give you peace of mind knowing that your business is being thoroughly monitored.

The Importance of Quality Systems

The significance of a high-quality CCTV system cannot be understated, as it plays a critical role in deterring criminal activities, identifying culprits, and providing evidence to authorities when required. A good quality CCTV system provides clear footage, it doesn’t suffer from interference and offers high resolution. A top-of-the-line CCTV system offers real-time monitoring, remote access, smart analytics, and easy scalability. Investing in a high-quality CCTV system ensures your business’s safety, reputation, and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

In today’s world, businesses are faced with more security risks than ever before. Many companies are therefore investing in CCTV (closed-circuit television) systems to protect their assets and staff. However, one major factor holding businesses back from making this investment is the cost of installation. It’s important to remember, though, that the cost of not having CCTV can be much higher in the long run. CCTV can help prevent theft, vandalism, and break-ins, which can all lead to significant financial losses. Plus, the peace of mind provided by having a reliable security system in place is invaluable. Ultimately, the cost of installation should be viewed as an investment in the safety and security of your business.

Kids Eat Free at Coral Island: Re-Launched

Blackpool’s 2023 season is well underway, and Coral Island – the seafront pirate-themed family entertainment centre – has launched a dazzling rebrand of its long-running Kids Eat Free promotion.

The refresh uses neon light-style graphics – soon to be seen all along the resort’s famous Golden Mile as well as on TV ads in the local, regional and Scotland areas.

The Kids Eat Free promotion gives children aged under 10 a free kids’ meal ‘all day every day’ with each paid adult’s meal. The offer is available at the amusement arcade’s four participating restaurants, including The Buccaneer Family Bar & Restaurant, Peggy’s Snack Bar, and the award-winning Big Fish Trading Co. and Traditional Chippy.

Striking New Redesign 

The rebranding now features a striking neon sign-style design, on the familiar yellow background, with the ‘Kids Eat Free’ lettering boldly standing out amongst other neon light-inspired images,  such as burgers and hotdogs and the iconic Blackpool Tower, celebrating Coral Island’s long-standing presence on the Promenade.

Coral Island’s managing director, Jeff MacNamara, said: “We’re very proud of our Kids Eat Free brand, which has been providing value for money for families visiting Blackpool and Coral Island for many years, especially during the current cost of living crisis. With the summer season here with us in Blackpool, it’s good to know families can have a fantastic day out at Coral Island, even when on a tight budget.

“We’re incredibly excited to launch the new Kids Eat Free design, and the flashing neon light effect is representative of what makes Blackpool great, with the world-famous Illuminations and the excitement of the arcades. We can’t wait for everyone to see them!”

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Great Savings For Families 

There are no vouchers required for the promotion, simply keep an eye out for the striking new posters and stickers in each of Coral Island’s participating restaurants. Not only is it available all day, every day, but there’s no limit to how many times the Kids Eat Free offer can be redeemed, so families are free to dine from breakfast right through to dinner and make great savings.

Peggy’s Snack Bar opens in time for breakfast with a full counter service, and a family of four can set themselves up for the day for as little as £13.90 with the Kids Eat Free offer. The offer also includes the Three Meat carvery served every Sunday from noon at The Buccaneer, a pirate-themed bar and restaurant inside Coral Island.

Tap To Play With New Contactless Play Cards 

The popular family entertainment centre has also recently launched its brand-new, state-of-the-art Coral Island Play Cards, which can be loaded with credit to use as contactless with most of the arcade and ticket games in Coral Island, saving the trouble of carrying pots of change around – except, of course, the traditional seaside penny pushers, which will always want your two penny pieces!

Have you ever wondered how to play a game of Roulette well?

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If you have never played Roulette before and you want to try your chances, you’ll want to make sure you know the basics of how to play. This article will teach you everything you need to know about the iconic wheel, so you can not only play at a land-based casino, but also play online Roulette games, anywhere, at any time you like!

A casino classic, Roulette, has been played for centuries, allowing players from all over the world to attempt to predict the outcome of the iconic wheel. Keep in mind that if you do play Roulette, only bet with money you can afford to lose. This is the number one rule with any casino game.

Keep on reading to find out more about Roulette!

The history of Roulette

The first blueprints of the iconic Roulette wheel were, in fact, invented by mistake in the 17th century, after French inventor and scientist Blaise Pascal tried to create a perpetual motion machine.

Up until the mid-19th century, the Roulette wheel remained the same since its invention, containing both a single zero pocket as well as a double zero pocket. However, that all changed in 1842, when French brothers Francois and Louis Blanc redesigned the wheel, removing the double zero, which in turn lowered the house edge. The new, lower house edge proved to be a favourite amongst players, and soon became known as European Roulette.

Surprisingly, after sailing across the seas to America, the lower house edge and single zero wheel wasn’t as enjoyed as much by players in the States, so they added the double zero back to the wheel. This version is now referred to as American Roulette.

The progression

When the first online casino opened its virtual doors in 1996, more players across the world were introduced to the wonderful world of Roulette, boosting its popularity further, and towards a newer audience.

Now, Roulette is a popular online casino classic. There are multiple variations of the game, which showcase classic television gameshow inspired games and themed wheels like Lightening Roulette, for example!

How to play

  • The dealer will open the betting window, allowing players around the table to place their bets wherever they predict the ball will land within the pocketed compartments on the wheel.
  • Then, when the betting window has been closed, the dealer will spin the wheel and release the ball into play.
  • The ball will bounce around in the opposite direction to the spinning wheel before landing in a pocket.
  • When the wheel has come to a complete halt, the dealer will announce the winning pocket. After this, any player around the table that predicted correctly will be paid out accordingly.
  • All chips will be raked off the table, ready for a new betting window and game to begin.

We hope this has helped you to understand Roulette and the history behind the iconic game which is played by so many. Will you be taking your chances and spin the wheel anytime soon?

The Sculpts Celebrate Securing Major Contract 

The Sculpts, a unique Manchester-inspired homeware and lifestyle brand, has recently won a significant contract to create and supply one of Manchester’s most prestigious institutions, the Manchester Museum, with a bespoke tile collection.

Coinciding with the renovation of the museums’ Oxford Road site, The Sculpts has been commissioned to create two new MANCHESTER letter tile series, along with an illustrated history of the bee in art and culture. The themes for the custom-made collection reflect the museum’s commitments to sustainability, biodiversity, and inclusivity, which have been depicted in detail throughout the new illustrations in The Sculpts’ distinctive style.

At the helm of the Manchester born and bred brand, which creates surreal yet soulful designs that pay homage to the industrial spirit of the city and its surrounds, is illustrator and architect Richard Bennett. The Sculpts’ designs are brought to life by Richard to feature across its distinctive range of ceramics, prints, and textiles. Strongly evoking the heart and heritage of Manchester, intricate detail and meaning lies behind each and every design.

The listing marks the latest of several prestigious collaborations for the firm. After only establishing in 2020, The Sculpts has attracted a lot of interest already, with a growing number of retail outlets in the North West and beyond stocking its products. Existing partners include the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Central Library and the National Trust.

Richard Bennett, Founder and Designer at The Sculpts commented: “Collaboration is at the heart of our creative philosophy, and our partnership with the Manchester Museum has been a fantastic opportunity to explore and celebrate the archives and culture of such a respected establishment.

“We have ambitious plans for the brand going forward, with several exciting announcements to make in the coming months, including the opening of our very own retail space.”

For more information and to browse The Sculpts collection, visit: www.thesculpts.com

Oyster IMS drives Information Security with a New Leader

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Oyster IMS, the London and Dublin based information management consulting firm have recruited experienced security and data protection professional, David Francis, to head up their new Information Security Consulting practice.

Francis joins as Head of Information Security Consulting from London Insurance Market underwriters Canopius where he occupied many senior roles including Head of Information Governance and Group Data Protection Officer.

Francis commented: “This is a wonderful opportunity to join a growing and well-respected consultancy and to work with an amazing set of public, private and third sector organisations.    Information security has always been my key area of expertise and the new services we are now offering both complement and enhance the long-established governance and data protection practices.  I am looking forward to building a high-quality team of consultants and analysts to help our clients establish a safe and secure environment to support their strategic goals and day-to-day activity.”

Oyster IMS Managing Director Josef Elliott commented: “It’s wonderful to have David on board – we have known him for a long time and he has years of experience of solving client-side problems which will prove invaluable to our new practice.   David holds a range of privacy and security accreditations and will be a natural leader for this new group.  He has dived straight in and is already leading on a number of security assessments and ISO27001 implementation projects for UK and Irish clients.  

As far as the business is concerned, information security is the final piece in the practice we have been putting together and I’m very excited that we are now be able to advise and support our clients across all three major information management disciplines; data protection, information governance and information security.”

Oyster IMS is a consultancy-led information management business delivering expert advice, working with best-of-breed software products, and offering on-going and enduring services to a wide range of organisations in the areas of data protection, information governance and information security.

Updated Advice for Owners and Operators of Holiday Parks

Business Companion, a provider of free and unbiased legal advice for businesses, has released updated guidance to aid holiday park owners and operators.

From complaints handling to contracts, marketing and sales promotions, there are specific rules which owners of holiday caravan parks must be aware of if they want to keep their business healthy and their customers happy.

A holiday caravan or lodge is not like many other consumer purchases. Customers in this sector are seeking a home away from home, a place to spend their hard-earned leisure time and relax away from the stresses of daily life. Holiday park owners and operators who sell holiday caravans and lodges, therefore, are in the business of selling much more than just four walls and a roof – they are selling a lifestyle and an aspiration, as well as all of the expectations that go along with it.

There are factors specific to the holiday caravan/lodge sector which are in many ways unusual, and which are important for businesses operating in the space to consider.

People purchasing a caravan or lodge on a holiday park are entering into a large financial transaction, possibly secondary only to buying a house. They are committing into a long-term contract regarding the location of their purchase, its maintenance and facilities, and sundry other considerations. In many cases they will be making the purchase in a marketplace with which they are unfamiliar, and will to a certain extent be vulnerable as a result.

For all these reasons, it is particularly vital that businesses operating in the sector have a firm grasp of their obligations under consumer law and understand the consequences of getting things wrong.

To help holiday park owners and operators, Business Companion – a free online resource for traders of all sizes who need up-to-date, reliable and easy-to-understand information about consumer law – has published a new guide.

The guide, which is written by experts in consumer law, is divided into four easily digestible sections, focusing on contract law and unfair terms; fair-trading law; sales, marketing and entry into contracts; and dealing with holiday caravan/lodge owners.

It sets out what is required by the legislation to ensure that owners can make an informed purchasing decision, alongside the relevant aspects of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

The guide also covers things like how to avoid giving out any misleading information or making misleading omissions in contracts and marketing materials, as well as aggressive and banned commercial practices. It contains examples of everyday mistakes to avoid, as well as examples of best practice that can help boost your business’s reputation and help safeguard you if problems do arise.

Sue Steward, Head of Education & Training at Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said:

“It is really important that people purchasing holiday caravans or holiday lodges know exactly what they are buying into before they make a commitment. Getting things right and spending a little extra time to make sure all parties are happy and comfortable before any contract is signed, will help everybody in the long run.

“When it comes to consumer law, most businesses are keen to get things right, and no one sets out to disappoint their customers. It can sometimes be easy to make mistakes unintentionally though. Hopefully this guidance will help to keep your business running smoothly and your customers happy so they can enjoy their holidays.”

To view the guidance or download the PDF booklet, click here.