BlackFog Partners with Telkom Business to Curb Cyber Crime Against SMMEs

18/10/2021

Cheyenne, Wyoming – October 18, 2021–

BlackFog, the leader in on-device data privacy, data security and ransomware prevention today announced a partnership with Telkom Business, a South African telecommunications provider operating in more than 38 countries across the African continent, to deliver security solutions to help protect the digital journey for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) as they work to embrace digital transformation.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, there’s been a significant surge in cyberattacks as businesses across the globe digitised their operations to adapt to remote working. Cyber crime has risen exponentially, with BlackFog recording more than 175 publicized ransomware attacks to date this year. With the increase in cyberattacks, Telkom Business launched Smart Secure Solutions in partnership with BlackFog to offer affordable cybersecurity solutions to SMMEs.

“The partnership with BlackFog is part of Telkom Business’ software-as-a-service solutions to help businesses to fast-track and secure their digital journey. Smart Secure prevents the loss of data and the unauthorised collection and transmission of data,” said Telkom Business Executive Marketing, Innocent Pereira. “Businesses can use this solution to prevent malicious activity across all company devices and protect their intellectual property. It equips businesses with the tools they need to successfully run a business in the digital economy.”

Telkom Business’ smart cybersecurity solutions provide protection from malware, ransomware and spyware, and are aimed at preventing endpoint devices from cyberattacks to ensure that small businesses can protect their data from unauthorized access and potential threats. Through the partnership with BlackFog, Telkom Business provides SMMEs with software that monitors enterprise compliance with global privacy regulations such as the POPI Act and GDPR.

“When we look at successful cyberattacks, all roads lead to data exfiltration. Without it, cybercriminals are unable to steal information for competitive, disruptive, or monetary gain,” said Dr. Darren Williams, BlackFog founder and CEO. “BlackFog’s disruptive technology prevents unauthorized data exfiltration, effectively allowing organisations to stop hackers in their tracks. BlackFog is excited to partner with Telkom to deliver this level of cybersecurity to their customer base.”

Smart Secure leverages behavioural analysis to pre-empt potential attacks by preventing unauthorised data exfiltration, ensuring that data that is on a device stays on the device and protecting employees from cyberattacks no matter where they are working. This protection will enable businesses to successfully get connected, win customers and maintain productivity, without worrying about the safety of their data.

Pereira adds, “Businesses have had to amplify their digital communication and digitise their operations due to the pandemic. While digital means simplify many processes for businesses, cybercrime remains a significant threat, and businesses need sufficient and affordable software that will allow them to protect their organisation, and that is what our partnership with BlackFog provides.”

For more information about BlackFog’s partnership with Telkom Business and the Smart Secure Solutions offering visit the Telkom online store.

For more information about BlackFog’s partnership with Telkom Business and the Smart Secure Solutions offering, visit the Telkom online store.

ABOUT BLACKFOG

Founded in 2015, BlackFog is a global cybersecurity company that has pioneered on-device anti data exfiltration (ADX) technology to protect companies from global security threats such as ransomware, spyware, malware, phishing, unauthorized data collection and profiling. Its software monitors enterprise compliance with global privacy regulations and prevents cyberattacks across all endpoints. BlackFog uses behavioral analysis to preemptively prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in enterprise security systems and data structures.

BlackFog’s preventative approach to security recognizes the limitations of existing perimeter defense techniques and neutralizes attacks before they happen at multiple points in their lifecycle. Trusted by corporations all over the world, BlackFog is redefining modern cyber security practices. For more information visit www.blackfog.com

ABOUT TELKOM BUSINESS

Telkom SMB blends the broad range of Telkom’s data and voice connectivity products, with the power of BCX’s productivity portfolio, and the savviness of the Yellow Pages online marketing solutions into digital propositions tailored to fit the entire lifecycle of our business customer’s needs. We continue to improve and expand our value propositions to meet the needs of our customers through strategic partnerships. For more information visit: https://www.telkombusiness.co.za/about-us

Can blockchain deliver radical transparency, finally?

Shelby Grey

14/10/2021

Sustainability related investments are becoming an increasing part of business for many companies. This is partly due to more legal requirements but also because the social and environmental impacts of production make up a large portion of society’s most pressing issues. Many clothing brands find it difficult to be transparent with their production due to supply chain complexities and a fear of how consumers will react. However, taking responsibility for a supply chain in full is the first step towards sustainability. PaperTale’s solution help the brands to prove their sustainability actions through full transparency and traceability of their supply chains.

Gina Tricot makes traceability a design feature through PaperTale

PaperTale was invited by Science Park Borås to showcase their technology in a limited edition collection created by Gina Tricot. The range features PaperTale’s blockchain-based technology, making it possible to track each garment individually back to the cotton farms in Australia. The CO2 emissions and amount of water used to produce that particular product are automatically calculated and shown to the consumers through a mobile app and NFC tag. The technology also connects each product with the craftsmen & farmers involved in its manufacture, bringing a new level of human connection.

It takes zooming in to stand out

PaperTale’s solution is based on Blockchain, so each process is automatically given a unique ID in their network as it occurs. Scanning the garment with PaperTale’s app, consumers can access the verified supply chain, unique to that item. Other features include calculating exact CO2 and water impacts on an individual garment level, meaning this solution has become even more relevant regarding the onset of carbon tax laws. Today, clothing brands invest incredible sums in sustainability and the importance of this market is still growing. Brands tend to communicate this to their consumers by certificates, but the problem is that the trust in these labels is diminishing over time.
Consumers do not want to pay for an investment which they neither easily comprehend, nor fully trust. This is where PaperTale makes the difference. “By zooming in on the production stages connected to each individual product and verifying each transaction, the consumers have all the evidence they need to be assured that the item has been made corruption and slavery free” – Bilal Bhatti, Founder and CEO

How Regularly Updated Equipment, Perks, and Vehicles Shows Employees Their True Worth

John Richardson

14/10/2021

Working eight to ten hours a day, sitting at a desk or behind a steering wheel, is undoubtedly no easy task. After a while, as tiredness and fatigue kick in, employees may very well switch off and become disengaged. A workplace that has cheap and outdated equipment will only accelerate staff disenchantment. It also hinders people’s ability to be productive and create results in the long run.

With tools and an environment that feel both old and stagnant, even the best-performing and most dedicated employee will start to look around in search of new, more stimulating opportunities. A role that a business rival right down the street may be offering.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to refresh your equipment and to revaluate your company perks from time to time. By doing so, you will continually convince your staff that your business is the right one for them to thrive both on a personal and professional level.

Here is a list of aspects you could implement to render your company the place to be and to really let your employees feel valued. And, the good news is, there are no pay rises involved.

Praise and give credit

We all like to receive a compliment every now and then. A pat on the back or a quick word of appreciation for your employee’s hard effort will do them the world of good. In fact, it is surprising how a small sign of recognition can brighten one’s mood in a flash, and motivation will be sure to remain high and positive throughout the day.

Flexible schedule

The current challenging climate brought about by the ongoing pandemic has altered many of our habits and routines, including the way we work. As lockdown constrained us at home, we soon had to switch to remote working. Now that the crisis seems to be slightly more under control, staff have gradually been repopulating the office. However, a flexible schedule has inevitably become a desired perk for employees, who find the chance to balance office and home working extremely appealing. Giving the opportunity to people to alternate and programme their own work timetable will be a huge incentive in the eyes of your staff: affording flexibility in their schedule will show them that they are both trusted and valued members of the team, rather than merely paid subordinates.

Modern, compact equipment

As already briefly mentioned, old and outdated tools do not do your business nor employees any favours. It is worth investing in renovating and refreshing your equipment to make sure that your staff are as efficient and comfortable as possible. For instance, fast compact laptops are an excellent way to allow employees to easily carry out their duties wherever they happen to be working from (home, trains or even hotels). Moreover, they save precious space on the office desk, avoiding unnecessary clutter which ultimately distracts and slows down your staff. By providing functional and up-to-date equipment, workers will feel that their position and efforts really matter to you.

Memberships

A long, full day at work is usually mentally draining and can, on occasion, be stressful. A good way to reward your employees for their efforts and to help them refuel for the following shift is to provide them with discounted memberships. A gym pass could, for example, be the perfect cure for a hard-working team member to lift, squat and Zumba their stress away. By thinking about their physical and mental wellbeing, you are demonstrating that you appreciate them as individuals even before than as workers.

Vehicles

If your employer’s job requires them to buzz about in a car or a Vauxhall van for a large portion of their working day, you should make sure to provide them with a vehicle that is safe and – ideally – enjoyable to drive. Darting through busy roads for hours while sitting on an uncomfortable seat or with vehicle parts dangling off is certainly not going to make those peak-time traffic jams any less stressful. With a vehicle in good condition, your team member will feel safer and more relaxed, and those horning cars and shooting mopeds will be far easier to tolerate.

With these small tricks and precautions, we hope that you will be able to create a work environment that no one will ever dream about leaving. By showing your appreciation, not only will your staff feel truly valued and at ease, but their level of productivity and work rate will become a real asset to the success of your business.

Sources

http://www.refreshleadership.com/index.php/2017/08/5-ways-show-employees-valued/

https://hcm.agency/office-management-the-importance-of-updated-office-equipment/

https://snacknation.com/blog/best-employee-perks/

https://www.localwise.com/a/1008-21-effective-ways-to-keep-employees-happy-and-productive

Swansea’s Oldest Record Store Derricks Music Launches New Website Developed by Ballyhoo

John Richardson

13/10/2021

Earlier this week Ballyhoo launched an updated website for their loyal client Derricks Music, a Swansea-based music and events ticketer and record seller with a shopfront on Oxford Street in Swansea city centre.

Who Are Derricks MusicDerricks Music have worked with Ballyhoo, a Birmingham web design agency, for over a decade to help sell their products online and keep their website up-to-date. This year, Ballyhoo has been working with Derricks Music to bring their website in line with modern web design techniques and introduce new functionality for admins and users.

The Website Project Derricks Music’s website was originally created by Ballyhoo in 2011, and after being live for over 10 years, the website had a well deserved refresh earlier this year. The website needed to be made mobile responsive, and the branding has also received a refresh – removing the old three-dimensional elements and textures , and replacing them with brighter and cleaner elements.

Ballyhoo managing director, Anthony Chaffey, has said, “Derricks Music was one of the first websites I developed and we’ve worked closely with them for so long they’re part of the Ballyhoo family. The site has performed well over many years but was well overdue for an overhaul, so we were delighted to get the opportunity to show what we can do with current techniques and toolsets; and we’re thrilled with the results.”

Read more about this web design project here: https://www.ballyhoo.co.uk/Derricks-Music.html or read about Ballyhoo’s other recent projects in our online portfolio here: https://www.ballyhoo.co.uk/Projects.html

SOURCE

Urgent Plumbing Repairs You Need to Fix Immediately

John Richardson

13/10/2021

Is there anything more frustrating than an emergency plumbing repair? It can throw a spanner in your home life, as well as spring an unexpected cost on you.

Some repairs are definitely more urgent than others and need to be fixed straight away. If they’re left, they can have serious short- and long-term consequences.

Here, we cover the most urgent plumbing repairs and why you need to fix them immediately.

A blocked or overflowing toilet

Blocked toilets are no fun. In an instant, one of the most essential items in our home becomes unusable. If it’s overflowing, that’s even worse news.

If your toilet is only experiencing a minor block, you might be able to fix it yourself with a few handy tools. A slow-draining toilet suggests there is a blockage forming, but it hasn’t entirely blocked the pipe. Often, using a plunger can help you to shift a small blockage.

If the water in your toilet has risen and hasn’t gone down at all, you probably have a complete blockage. You can try using a specialist chemical product to break down the blockage, but in serious instances, you might need it fixed professionally.

In order to prevent blocked toilets, we recommend only disposing of toilet tissue in the toilet. Any other items you may use, including sanitary towels or wet wipes, aren’t designed to be flushed down the toilet and can easily cause a blockage. Cleaning your toilet regularly will also prevent waste build-up.

Burst pipes

Burst pipes can be a recipe for disaster. This is a common problem in the colder months because cold water coming from outside can cause your pipes to contract. If there are any weak points, they could burst.

Burst pipes not only affect your heating and plumbing systems but can also cause serious damage to your home. Depending on where the pipe bursts, you could see water damage in your walls, ceilings, and wiring, as well as flooding in your home. That’s why it’s so important to address this straight away.

Your first course of action should be to turn your water off to prevent further leaking and flooding. If your home has already started to flood, get rid of as much water as you can. Heating up the area the pipe has burst in can help because it may have frozen before breaking.

Unless you’re experienced in plumbing maintenance and repair, we recommend seeking a professional plumbing repair at this point. To prevent burst pipes, you can insulate your water tank and pipes. Keep the rooms that hold your water tank or pipes heated – despite it holding their water tank, some people may not warm their loft due to the fact they don’t spend time there, but these cold rooms can cause burst pipes.

Leaky taps and toilets

Many people might consider a leaky tap, toilet, or pipe a nuisance but not an emergency. However, leaky plumbing can cause a number of serious problems, so it’s something you need to fix quickly.

Leaking taps and pipes will not only send your water bill through the roof but they can also cause some serious damage. A constant leak can rust nearby metal, as well as making any wood around it rot away and grow mould. This can then become a real health hazard in your home.

How you address the leak depends on its source. If it’s from the spout of your tap, for example, this could require a washer replacement. If it’s coming from behind or below the handle, however, this means a different part could be to blame. You’ll need to shut off your water supply before fixing your tap. Alternatively, call professional help if you don’t have prior experience in this.

Nobody wants to experience a plumbing emergency, but sometimes, they happen. It’s important to be able to recognise what’s an emergency and what can wait. If you experience any of these three problems, it’s important to address them immediately.

Sources

https://www.diy.com/ideas-advice/how-to-unblock-a-toilet/PROD_npcart_100817.art

https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/15-things-you-should-do-when-you-find-a-burst-pipe/

https://www.wickes.co.uk/how-to-guides/kitchens/fix-leaking-tap

The Seasonless Wardrobe Guide

John Richardson

13/10/2021

We tend to buy our clothes in line with the four seasons, but what if we could have a timeless wardrobe packed with items we could just throw on any day of the year? That’s where a seasonless wardrobe comes to play.

A seasonless wardrobe is very similar to a capsule or a minimalist one in that it contains between 10 to 100 thoughtfully selected items that can be mixed and matched to suit any type of weather. The concept was first coined in the 1960s alongside the minimalist art form and has now become a lifestyle.

Think of a seasonless wardrobe as a sustainable, easily available collection of timeless items that “spark joy”, as the organising guru Marie Kondo would say. In this guide, you’ll learn how to find joy in your own seasonless wardrobe.

The benefits of a seasonless wardrobe

Why would you want to get rid of the clothes you already have only to own less? Because, as the iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel once said, “less is always more”. This sentiment applies not only to the versatility a seasonless wardrobe enables but also to the host of benefits of this fashion endeavour, including:

Organised closet. Say goodbye to the endless search for that LBD you wore three years ago and hello to a tidier closet that has all your garments in one place.
Seamless transition to each season. You no longer need to rearrange your wardrobe for each season and store your out-of-season clothes somewhere else.
Increased happiness. Who has time to wear clothes that don’t make them happy? With a seasonless wardrobe, you will be brimming with joy and confidence every single day.
Be prepared for any type of weather. Rain, sun, hail, storm, whatever the weather, your thoughtfully curated, seasonless wardrobe has got you covered.
Save time and money. Shopping sprees become a thing of the past, which means you have valuable time and resources on your hands to spend on more important things.
Positive environmental impact. The notion of seasonal shopping for clothes informs our consumer behaviours. But in the fast fashion realm, where high-street retailers produce luxury knock-offs in an instant, the cycle has increased up to 52 seasons, which means that a new collection is produced every week of the year. By choosing longevity over fast fashion, you’re reducing your carbon footprint.
Travel light. When you only own a certain number of items, packing for both short and long trips feels like a walk in the park.

How to create a seasonless wardrobe

Now that you know what the benefits of a seasonless wardrobe are, how do you go about reinventing your closet to reflect your new eco-friendly, clutter-free, joy-inducing fashion approach? From the purge to finding your new statement pieces, here are our top tips to create a seasonless wardrobe.

Define your style

It’s easy to be lured by the seasonal trends, but these garments have a short life span and are likely to be out of style by the time the next collection comes in. As a result, you end up with short-lived pieces which are hard to pair with the rest of your clothes.

Instead, invest in timeless pieces that you absolutely love and are happy to wear again and again. Take a look at your wardrobe and notice which pieces grab your attention and make you feel good – these are the ones you need more of. Do they follow a particular style, such as boho, grunge, business casual, or streetwear?

In order to determine what is your signature look, consider the functionality of your clothes. Do you predominantly wear professional clothes for work, or does your lifestyle allow you to have more freedom in terms of your wardrobe? Is comfort your priority, or do you consider yourself a trend-setter?

These are all important questions to ask yourself when doing your wardrobe analysis, but whatever your definitive style is, you surely can fit it in about 30 garments!

The Purge: Get rid of what you don’t need

Of course, the easiest way to start a seasonless wardrobe would be to ditch all your current clothes and buy everything new. But, unfortunately, that’s not as sustainable, budget-friendly, or fun as going through the whole process.

The most important yet hardest step of this process is purging your old wardrobe. We tend to cling to items with sentimental value. But here is a good rule of thumb: if you haven’t worn something in more than a year – ditch it!

Start by dedicating a ‘keep’, ‘maybe’, and ‘get rid of’ piles and ask yourself the following questions when deciding which goes where:

Is this my style?
Does it fit well?
Will I wear it again?
Is it versatile?
Do I have similar items in my wardrobe?
Does it spark joy?

Aim to keep about 20 to 30 items as a start. Although this might sound difficult, remember that you need to leave space for some new items to enter your wardrobe.

Once you’re done with this task, lift your spirit by doing your bit for the environment or someone else. Your unwanted clothes don’t have to end up in the tip. Instead, find a creative way to dispose of them – donate them to a friend or a charity, or upcycle them into other items, such as totes, dresses, decorations, and tank tops.

Choose your colour scheme

Hot pink might be your go-to summer colour, but it wouldn’t work as well in the winter, for example. And if you have 10+ seasonal nuances in your wardrobe, it means that your collection of clothes is non-cohesive.

To combat this issue, choose a palette that features no more than 10 colours that can be worn any day, any season. Blacks, greys, whites, navy, royal blue, as well as nudes, are some staple colours that go with pretty much anything.

And if you really love vibrant or season-specific colours, treat yourself to two to three statement pieces in those colours. Remember, to create a seasonless wardrobe, you need to do things strategically while having fun!

It’s all about layering

You might be wondering how your wardrobe can be weatherproof if you only have a small number of clothes. The answer is layering.

Layering lets you put on several items of clothing on top of each other in a comfortable and fashionable way. This method ensures that you can easily add a pair of tights, chunky women’s boots, a sweater, and a jacket to your favourite floral dress for the autumn and just as quickly strip it down to a pair of sandals and cool sunglasses in the spring.

This means that you need to invest in basic items so that you can accommodate layerability. High-neck sweaters, white shirts, and basic tees are great for that.

Choose quality over quantity

When transitioning to a seasonless wardrobe, you also need to shift your mindset from impulse shopping to intentional shopping. It’s best to have an ongoing list of a few staple items that you need to add to your wardrobe. Decide on the exact tailoring, colour, and style of the garment so that you don’t give in to the temptation to buy something from the sale rack that you then wouldn’t be able to style.

Don’t rush into buying new clothes. Instead, give yourself a few weeks to find an item that best fits your needs and is also sustainable. When you have a seasonless wardrobe, it’s really important to have clothes that are made to last. These are usually made from durable materials by slow fashion brands. Local and independent brands offer garments that use recycled materials, operate on a fair trade agreement, and have a sustainable supply chain – these will make your shopping experience worth your time and money.

Declutter regularly

To close the life cycle of your seasonless wardrobe, you should declutter it regularly. That way, you won’t end up with too many pieces at once, and you’ll be able to make space for new, exciting garments to enter you closer.

As a rule of thumb, once you reach your desired number of items, every time you buy a new piece of clothing, get rid of an old one by donating it or upcycling it.

Having a seasonless wardrobe is becoming more and more popular as eco-awareness is on the rise. Fashion brands are also responding to the new lifestyle change by creating versatile items that can be worn not only through all the seasons but also from day to night. Try and see for yourself how free you’ll feel!

Sources

https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/m/minimalism

https://konmari.com/marie-kondo-rules-of-tidying-sparks-joy/

https://www.instyle.com/fashion/future-of-fashion-is-seasonless

https://ladydecluttered.com/the-simple-guide-to-a-minimalist-wardrobe/

https://dayready.co/seasonless

https://www.uselesswardrobe.dk/how-to-build-a-seasonless-capsule-wardrobe-for-a-warm-climate/

Newcastle Jeweller’s Reveals the UK’s Most Popular Wedding Destinations in New Interactive

John Richardson

13/10/2021

Angelic Diamonds has launched a new online platform that offers a breakdown of the UK’s most popular wedding destinations.

With many couples looking to combine their dream wedding with an exotic holiday, and now that travel restrictions are being eased, a destination wedding holds more allure than ever.

There’s also the tempting price point; Angelic Diamonds has revealed that 26 of the British public’s favourite overseas wedding destinations cost less, on average, than tying the knot in the UK.

On their new interactive platform, Angelic Diamonds has crunched the numbers to reveal the average costs of weddings in 29 romantic locations. This also includes the additional costs of flights and accommodation. To calculate the costs for each destination, Angelic Diamonds used Skyscanner to gather flight costs (based on one week during the most popular wedding month, September, for two people). Then, they used Trivago to find the average accommodation costs (based on one week in September for two people and considering the five top-rated hotels).

The fun and engaging online platform also includes a breakdown of the destinations that are the UK’s favourite places to exchange vows. The most popular places were revealed using a scouring system. This was based on the average number of monthly Google searches relating to destination weddings in each country, and the number of Instagram hashtags relating to destination weddings in each location.

On top of all this, the interactive is a one-stop destination for anyone curious about what it might be like to tie the knot abroad. From traditional Swedish wedding traditions to the paperwork you’ll need to get married in Turkey, there is a wealth of information to dive into!

Neil Dutta of Angelic Diamonds explained the inspiration for the project:

“After so long without a holiday and without being able to enjoy the wedding of their dreams, our customers are all so excited to plan something wonderful for their big day. Destination weddings have been talked about a lot recently, and that gave us the idea to create this platform. As well as wanting to offer advice and make the process a little easier for our customers, we want to help inject the fun back into wedding planning. After all, every couple deserves something special after such a difficult period.”

Angelic Diamonds encourages couples to visit their website to explore the Weddings Around the World interactive.

Give the platform a go here: https://www.angelicdiamonds.com/weddings-around-the-world/

To find out more about Angelic Diamonds, visit: https://www.angelicdiamonds.com/

Personalised fashion chatbot reduces retail returns rate by whopping 46%

Shelby Grey

13/10/2021

A successful pilot has led to the full launch of SizeFinder – an AI chatbot designed to help customers find perfect-fitting clothes A fashion chatbot designed to help shoppers find clothes that guarantee a perfect fit is set for an official launch following an enormously successful trial period.

SizeFinder – which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to provide fashion advice for customers – was piloted by London startup Viko Ai in recent months. The results were both exciting and encouraging – helping to reduce customer clothes returns by a staggering 46% on average (or 60% in some instances). The AI tool works by aligning product-specific sizing data (known as tech packs) with the shopper’s own measurements and preferences.

SizeFinder offers guidance for buyers on how to take accurate measurements, but can also use customers’ previously-purchased clothes to make recommendations. Despite strong demand, online retail has been hampered by high return rates – with clothing and footwear affected most of all. Young fashion website ASOS just recently announced the departure of its chief executive – a move attributed in part to an increase in returns.

“Poor fit” is cited as the most common reason for customers returning clothing in the current market – so Viko Ai conducted a study to analyse why so many shoppers are failing to order the right sizes first time around. Based on a study of 1,000 online shoppers, Viko Ai deduced that people either ignore size charts or regard these guidance documents as inaccurate and/or unreliable.

One example is the Barbour size chart on John Lewis’ website, which is accompanied by the message: “actual measurements may vary slightly by style”.

Viko Ai’s founder Toby Hobson said that SizeFinder had been launched to offer personalised fashion advice that would reduce the rate of returns across the retail sector. He stated: “Merchants like to complain about returns, but if they don’t offer accurate, easily accessible information, what do they expect? ”

A SizeFinder demo is available online now, with the full launch to follow.

No News Is Not Good News! How To Win Non-Executive Director Roles

John Richardson

13/10/2021

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works.

What do searchlights do? We’ve all seen films set in prisons, or prisoner-of-war camps, where escapees are fleeing the powerful beams, desperate not to be spotted, or during the Blitz where they criss-cross the dark skies to seek out enemy planes. The point is, no-one – fugitive or Luftwaffe pilot – wishes to be seen. For visibility would often lead to a most unpleasant outcome.

In a metaphorical sense we still have a searchlight – the most powerful searchlight ever invented – but these days being illuminated by that most powerful beam isn’t something to be avoided at all costs – it’s to be sought after.

Especially if you’re interested in a non-exec role.

The searchlight, of course, is Google.

The first thing companies do when looking at you as a potential non-exec is to seek information, and we all know where they look to compile that information. It therefore makes sense to enhance your searchability as much as you can. Let them see what you’ve done, how you’ve helped companies scale up or sell their business. But up till now, it’s not been guaranteed that the search beams will highlight all the information that’s out there and that you want them to see.

Imagine you’re an escaped convict (in a film, by the way!) and that searchlight is scouring the expanse of long grass beyond the prison compound. Would you:

a) remain hidden deep in the grass

b) stand up and wave your arms about?

Now imagine you’re interested in a non-exec role (in real life now!) and you know you have a track record of success that would be of interest to companies seeking exactly such expertise. Would you:

c) do little to increase your profile on Google

d) take advantage of a product that guarantees you are searchable and prominent for key search terms on Google?

Although a) and c) are (literally and metaphorically) the same answer, it’s clear that the scenarios are completely different, and what’s sensible in one case is folly in the other. Similarly, with b) and d).

To put it bluntly, you’d be a fool to choose b) and c).

Imagine the d) option, though! Every success you’ve been involved in; your finest articles; the value you’ve added to the businesses you’ve worked with – all guaranteed to shine in Google search. A search for “Non-Exec in the North West”, for instance, returns YOU at the top of the page.

It’s a passport to NED success!

Let’s be realistic: if you aren’t searchable online, you stand little or no chance of passing a critical part of any company’s due diligence.

But of course, if you prefer the long grass…

Metaphorically speaking!

SOURCE

Top 7 Airbnbs in the UK

John Richardson

13/10/2021

The UK is awash with stunning destinations. However, finding equally stunning accommodation can be difficult. Alongside the 4,000 something strong army of Olympians which descended upon London in 2012, another big arrival was occurring. Airbnb, owned by American billionaire Brian Chesky, has enabled so many people to veer away from the standard hotel room, choosing instead an individual experience in a unique destination. Here, with Flogas, who sell gas bbqs, we take a look at some of the UK’s quirkiest, off-grid Airbnb destinations.

Number 1: Shepherd’s Hut, Snowdonia

If you were looking to escape with just you and your beau, then we can’t think of any better place to do it than here. Clogau Shepherd’s Hut in Snowdonia National Park is a one-bedroom cabin, complete with outdoor hot tub and access to a private beach. Watch the stars cascade through the night sky and the sun rise in the morning, in arguably one of the most romantic settings Wales has to offer. Situated only five minutes from the seaside town of Barmouth, despite the evident privacy, you aren’t too far from amenities. However, the cabin does have a full kitchen and log burner, meaning you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own seclusion!

Number 2: Yurt, Madeley

Located in the Ironbridge Gorge Heritage site, this four-person yurt combines luxury with privacy. An indoor fireplace, an exterior pizza oven, hot-tub, and brick surround campfire would almost convince you that you were staying in a Disney inspired fantasy. The host, who offers up various meal alternatives delivered right to the yurt, including Thai curry, tagine, and a breakfast hamper, describes the location as ‘a rustic space set under a canopy of woodland trees.’ The area, which lies in the shadows of the bridge built in 1781, offers unlimited alternatives in the way of things to do, so you’ll never find yourself unimpressed!

Number 3: Serendipity, Scarborough

It would be utter serendipity that you would stumble across these shepherd’s huts by chance. Nestled in the middle of the Scarborough countryside, in close proximity to Dalby forest, these luxurious cabins are situated in the centre of a working farm. With green pastures for miles and what has been suggested is, ‘the comfiest bed people have ever slept in’, lie back and take everything in, all thanks to the panoramic view offered up the clever positioning of the cabin. The welcoming hosts also deliver a breakfast hamper at your convenience, so you don’t need to worry about packing the bacon butties.

Number 4: The Oaks Studio Pod, Fortwilliam

Situated at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, if you are prepared to make the journey north, you won’t be disappointed with what you’ll find. The pod is approximately two miles from the foot of the summit and a mile and a half from the town centre of Fort William. A full-size doubled bed, kitchen facilities, television, and WiFi is certainly enough mod cons to trick you into thinking you haven’t left the city centre The picturesque view over Loch Linnhe is a stark reminder that you are frequenting perhaps one of the UK’s best hidden gems. It exists as the perfect choice for anyone looking to tackle one, if not a handful of the Munros.

Number 5: The Wee Whisky Barrel, Findhorn

Not much says Scotland like an ageing whisky barrel. Therefore, if you were to truly immerse yourself in the land of the thistle’s true culture, then staying in one does just that. Findhorn is an ecovillage, and one of the UK’s largest intentional communities. Within Findhorn lies a big barrel and a ‘wee’ barrel. They are fully fitted with double and single beds, and offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in a truly unique experience — the owners have mentioned you may feel just like ‘a hobbit living in the Shire’. Only a ten-minute walk from the barrel and you’ll find yourself in the middle of the beautiful Moray sand dunes.

Number 6: Gorestown Glamping, Dungannon

This two-bed glamping pod in Moy, approximately an hour from the capital, Belfast, defines off-grid luxury. Classic meets modern in this shepherd’s hut that features an inbuilt cinema and surround sound entertainment system. Gaze out onto the five-acre fishing lake with confidence that you aren’t contributing to carbon emissions during your stay in this solar powered lodge.

Number 7: Let’s Go Hydro Boathouse, Carrryduff

Northern Ireland’s latest popular attraction, Let’s Go Hydro, is the definition of fun, regardless of age. Modelled on BBC hit series Total Wipeout, the water park allows you to take part in aqua rugby, an assault course, and a whole host of water sports. Thankfully, if this doesn’t sound like your thing, you won’t be left deserted. The resort’s stunning boathouse has a rooftop terrace with a wrap-around balcony, meaning you can kick back and assume the rays while the kids do their own thing. Luxury hasn’t been left on the exterior, however. Enter, and you are greeted by two full size bedrooms, one of which is a master, and brand-new kitchen/diner. Of course, the pièce de résistance, although, is the hot tub, ensuring relaxation is guaranteed.

Why follow the crowd and go to a mundane hotel room, when you can clear your head, get outdoors, and explore everything the UK has to offer in regard to a unique experience, and location?

Sources

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/23944194?s=67&shared_item_type=1&virality_entry_point=1

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/17261315?s=67&shared_item_type=1&virality_entry_point=1

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/13162406?s=67&shared_item_type=1&virality_entry_point=1

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/2563430?s=67&shared_item_type=1&virality_entry_point=1

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/33951392?s=67&shared_item_type=1&virality_entry_point=1

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/20618067?s=67&shared_item_type=1&virality_entry_point=1

1...282930...61 Page 29 of 61