EPAM Systems, Inc., a leading digital transformation services and product engineering company, has won the 2023 Google Cloud Social Impact Partner of the Year Award for North America. The Company was recognised among a diverse group of organisations for creating the best examples of customer and partner innovation and transformation—solving today’s biggest challenges across key industries worldwide. The Social Impact award is given to those who went above and beyond in 2022, creating or promoting initiatives that made a positive and lasting impact on our world.
At the onset of the war in Ukraine, EPAM identified an opportunity to connect the dots between supply, demand, logistics and funding. The UkraineNow website was created as an infrastructure provider to Ukraine’s Ministry of Social Policy and other volunteer organisations and NGOs. The website is hosted on Google Cloud and aggregates important humanitarian aid data from numerous endpoints. It supports the UkraineNow global initiative that mobilises volunteers worldwide to help evacuate Ukrainian children, the elderly, and those with disabilities from the war zone.
“We’re pleased to be recognised as a 2023 Google Cloud Partner of the Year for our continued efforts in providing unwavering aid and support to Ukraine during a crisis,” said Stepan Mitish, VP and Head of EPAM Ukraine. “As an adaptive enterprise, we help customers pivot quickly under unrelenting waves of change. Such was the situation, and we quickly mobilised a plan to orchestrate a solution with the UkraineNow website in addition to our other support initiatives while consistently delivering exceptional results to Google Cloud and our mutual customers.”
“Google Cloud’s partner awards recognise the significant impact and customer success that our partners have driven over the past year,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, Corporate Vice President, Global Ecosystem and Channels at Google Cloud. “We’re delighted to recognise EPAM as a 2023 Google Cloud Partner Award winner and look forward to a continued strong partnership in support of our mutual customers.”
EPAM and Google Cloud help solve companies’ most complex cloud challenges. With more than 2,000 experienced Google Cloud engineers, EPAM has been a premier partner since 2018 and recently announced a strategic global partnership to help enterprises modernise and transform with the power of AI. Credentialed and specialised in Google Cloud technology and industry pillars, EPAM provides best-in-breed Google Cloud solutions to its customers.
Creative Technology today announced the release of the all-new Creative Zen Hybrid Pro wireless headphones and their accompanying bundles, the Creative Zen Hybrid ProClassic and Creative Zen Hybrid ProSXFI, all adorned with an alluringly sleek new finish. Equipped with nifty features such as Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Mode, a powerful 40 mm Neodymium driver, and an impressive battery life of up to 100 hours, these latest headphones are perfect for everyday adventures, from commuting to movie nights to gaming.
This pioneering launch also heralds a new era in wireless audio, as this latest range of Creative Zen Hybrid Pro headphones harness LE Audio to provide users with pristine sound quality, ultra-low latency streaming, and the versatility of multi-streaming for a truly elevated audio experience.
Complementing this release are the all-new Creative BT-L3 and Creative BT-L4 audio transmitters, which serve as gateways to unlocking the core features of LE Audio and Super X-Fi technology as well as paving the way for an expanding LE Audio ecosystem.
Creative Zen Hybrid Pro Creative Zen Hybrid ProClassic Creative Zen Hybrid ProSXFI
Creative Zen Hybrid Pro headphones usher in a new era of audio experiences for audiophiles, gamers, and anyone who appreciates pristine audio.
Unlocking the Power of LE Audio
LE Audio technology is changing the game in the audio industry, aiming to transform how users experience wireless audio. This technology offers enhanced next-generation wireless audio performance with lower bitrates, beyond the classic Bluetooth technology users have become accustomed to over the years. In short, LE Audio not only elevates audio performance but also extends battery life, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted listening experience.
With LE Audio, the power to share audio experiences takes on a new dimension. With support for both unicast and broadcast modes, users have the flexibility to enjoy their chosen audio streams privately or share them across multiple devices, bringing a new level of convenience and versatility.
Lastly, the Ultra-Low Latency (ULL) mode ensures impeccably smooth audio playback, boasting latency as low as ~ 20 ms. This feature not only promises seamless synchronization but also redefines the audio experience for both movie enthusiasts and avid gamers.
Headphones Fit for Every Adventure
The Creative Zen Hybrid Pro wireless headphones and their associated bundles, the Creative Zen Hybrid ProClassic and Creative Zen Hybrid ProSXFI have all the hallmarks of the perfect go-to pair of headphones fit for every audio adventure, from daily commutes to immersive gaming sessions. Each iteration of these cutting-edge headphones caters to varying audio preferences and needs.
Notably, the standalone Creative Zen Hybrid Pro is LE Audio READY, which serves as a cornerstone to unlock the world of LE Audio. To tap into this feature, users can easily activate it when paired with the Creative BT-L3 and Creative BT-L4 audio transmitters, which are thoughtfully bundled with the Creative Zen Hybrid ProClassic and Creative Zen Hybrid ProSXFI, respectively.
Alongside this, the latest Creative Zen Hybrid Pro boasts an array of core features, including Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode, giving users the flexibility to fully immerse themselves in their audio or stay attuned to their surroundings with modes that seamlessly adapt to any environment. It also comes equipped with custom-tuned 40 mm, powerful yet light Neodymium drivers, which ensure every note is reproduced with power and precision, delivering a rich and captivating sound experience.
Users can also enjoy crystal-clear call quality with the integration of the advanced AI-powered Deep Neural Network (DNN) noise cancellation technology that allows for conversations to be heard loud and clear, even in bustling environments.
Designed for seamless on-the-go use, the Creative Zen Hybrid Pro also boasts an impressive battery life of up to 100 hours, perfect for extended trips. Switching between devices is also made simple with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connectivity. Additionally, its sleek and lightweight build also offers comfort while users embark on their audio adventures, making it easy to bring their favourite tunes wherever they go.
Adding a touch of personal flair, the customizable RGB LED lights enable users to tailor the headphones to match their unique style. Users can also further fine-tune their audio experience through the Creative App’s customizable EQs and controls.
For users who are seeking an elevated audio experience, the bundled options open the doors to the world of LE audio and Super X-Fi. The Creative Zen Hybrid ProClassic offers an enhanced yet versatile audio solution that includes the Creative BT-L3 audio transmitter, which unlocks the power of LE Audio, as well as a detachable boom mic, creating an all-encompassing audio experience ideal for entertainment and seamless communication.
The Creative Zen Hybrid ProSXFI, on the other hand, is tailored for gamers and offers the best of both worlds, allowing users to experience both LE Audio and Super X-Fi magic with the Creative BT-L4 audio transmitter. The Super X-Fi UltraDSP chip fitted in the audio transmitter is a powerhouse that fuels the SXFI BATTLE Mode, which is specifically designed to give users a competitive edge in virtual battlegrounds. The bundle also includes a detachable boom mic for improved voice pickup and clarity for clearer in-game chat.
LE Audio Ecosystem
At the heart of this expanding LE Audio ecosystem are the Creative BT-L3 and Creative BT-L4 audio transmitters, designed to unlock the full potential of LE Audio and Super X-Fi technology while paving the way for an array of forthcoming products. These include soundbars and True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, all of which will seamlessly integrate with the LE Audio ecosystem. The introduction of the Creative Zen Hybrid Pro headphones and audio transmitters lays the foundation for a future audio experience that is seamless and integrated across devices.
“The launch of the Creative Zen Hybrid Pro headphones and the LE Audio Ecosystem represents an unparalleled revolution in the world of wireless audio. We’re proud to offer users a gateway to the future of sound, redefining their audio experiences and paving the way for a new era of connectivity and entertainment,” said Song Siow Hui, CEO of Creative Technology.
Pricing and Availability
Step into the future of wireless audio and preorder now for exclusive access to the latest range of Creative Zen Hybrid Pro headphones available at Creative.com.
Creative Zen Hybrid Pro is priced at UK£89.9 and is available at Creative.com.
Creative Zen Hybrid ProClassic is priced at UK£119.99 and is available at Creative.com.
Creative Zen Hybrid ProSXFI is priced at UK£134.99 and is available at Creative.com.
Today, SoundMAGIC is pleased to announce global availability of the P60BT wireless ANC full-size portable headphones – SoundMAGIC’s first over-ear wireless headphone model. The P60BT carries on the tradition of high value and high quality, with 40mm drivers, the latest technology including aptX HD, Hybrid ANC, and an impressive 50 hours of playback time.
The SoundMAGIC P60BT is available now from Amazon and selected retailers worldwide for £99.99/$189.96/€149.
Award-Winning History
For over a decade, SoundMAGIC has redefined the budget audio category for headphones and earphones. With early releases such as the multi award-winning E10 and E11 wired earphones, SoundMAGIC quickly became synonymous with value. Later, with award-winning Bluetooth models including the E11BT earphones, TWS50 true wireless earbuds and P23BT portable wireless headphones – SoundMAGIC’s reputation for affordable, high-quality gear was fully cemented.
The P60BT has been developed to deliver premium audio and features in an affordable package. 40mm custom made drivers deliver a dynamic sound, tuned for maximum engagement and clarity in a way that SoundMAGIC is best known for. The design of the headphones ensures a comfortable and fatigue-free fit, with soft memory foam earpads, and the headband covered with a soft silicone coating chosen by SoundMAGIC for its durability – especially when compared to the more typical PU leather material used on most headphone models.
Premium Features. Affordable Price.
As for features, the P60BT can be used in one of three modes: Normal, ANC and Ambient. The Hybrid ANC technology uses internal and external microphones to reduce a wider range of frequencies when compared to standard ANC. With Ambient mode selected, ambient awareness is increased and users are able to hear their surroundings without having to remove the headphones. aptX HD compatibility as well as AAC and SBC means that users will get the best audio quality delivered from their device. And aptX Low Latency provides gamers with lightning speed wireless audio so they won’t miss a thing.
Get the most out of the P60BT for longer with up to 50 hours of playback from a fully charged battery, and up to 45 hours with ANC activated. Users can also make the most of the quick-charge feature when needed, and get an additional 5 hours of playtime from just 10 minutes of charging. A USB-C cable is supplied in the box.
Using intuitive touch controls, the P60BT is very easy to use. Play and pause tracks, or take phone calls with a double tap, swipe right or left to skip audio, and swipe up or down for volume control. Users can also activate voice assistant with three taps. SoundMAGIC has intentionally disabled 1-touch controls in order to avoid accidental control activation.
The P60BT can also be used as a wired headphone, and a 3.5mm audio cable is provided for those wishing to do so. The cable has a built-in high-quality boom microphone making the P60BT suitable for gaming and conference calls. Also supplied is a tough carry case, and the P60BT can fold up for easy and safe storage when not in use.
Available Now
Supplied with a 3.5mm audio cable with attached boom-microphone, USB-C charging cable and protective carry case, the SoundMAGIC P60BT is available now from Amazon and selected retailers worldwide for £99.99/$189.96/€149.
Specifications
Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth 5.2
Driver: 40mm Dynamic, Neodymium
Codec Support: aptX, aptX HD, AAC, SBC
Transmission Range: Up to 15m
Playtime: Up to 50h
Playtime with ANC: Up to 45h
Battery: 800mAh Li-ion Polymer
About SoundMAGIC
Founded in 2005 by acoustic design engineer Tony Xu, SoundMAGIC design and manufacture award-winning headphones and earphones. By utilising the latest technology and best materials, SoundMAGIC is continuously improving and updating these products based on customer feedback. With awards and recommendations from What Hi-Fi?, Stuff magazine, T3, Trusted Review and AV Forums, SoundMAGIC headphones deliver immersive sound quality, outstanding durability and stylish aesthetics, consistently outperforming similar products from established competitors.
SoundMAGIC’s range of headphones is extensive and growing all the time! Their flagship earphones, the E Series, are fun and exciting, while producing clarity and definition rivalling earphones twice the price. The P Series comprises of on-ear and over-ear headphones that are perfect for the daily commute or a session in the gym. For serious at-home listening, the HP series deliver high fidelity sound that will satisfy any audiophile.
Global mobility company Bolt has partnered with Snapchat to create a new Lens that gives every person the power to reimagine their city by visualising urban spaces with fewer parked cars in real time using augmented reality (AR).
The new Lens, which is called P.E.O.P.L.E. (Parked Environment Optimisation for Public Land Enhancement), recognises parked cars and turns them into environments built for people, such as outdoor cafés, cycling lanes and green spaces, and is available to millions of Snapchatters worldwide. It’s the world’s first augmented reality lens that detects cars and replaces them with people-friendly places with a single tap.
The Lens forms part of Bolt’s newest pan-European brand campaign “Feels Like Home”, which encourages people to aspire towards better urban environments with less congestion by highlighting how cities should feel like an extension of your living room, rather than a space for cars.
As the urban populations grow and cities are battling with rising transport emissions and congestion, shared mobility – including shared taxis, bikes and scooters – can help people switch away from using private cars by increasing connectivity to public transport and catering to people’s different mobility needs. Bolt offers taxis on demand in Dublin and Cork, and shared electric bike rental in Sligo, Kilkenny, Wexford, and Bray.
Research from the Tallinn-based firm revealed that only one-quarter of Irish drivers believe they are likely to give up their car in the next five years. Over half (54.55%) of the 1000 drivers that responded cited the overall expense of running a car as a potential reason for giving it up, whilst 52.35% mentioned rising fuel costs as a motivating factor.
A recent consumer survey from McKinsey found that nearly 50% of people are willing to swap private cars for different transport in the next decade, and almost 30% aim to use micromobility or shared mobility more in the coming decade. Bolt’s research also confirms that 63% of people believe shared mobility (ride-hailing, e-scooters, e-bikes, and car sharing) decreases the necessity for owning private cars.
Liisa Ennuste, a creative strategist at Bolt, said: “For decades, cities have prioritised cars over pedestrians, bikes and scooters. This is reflected in the space distribution in cities where more than 60% of urban areas are reserved for cars instead of pedestrians and infrastructure for more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
“Many cities have realised that and are moving away from a car-first mindset by building cycling roads, supporting micromobility, and turning parking spaces into small parklets. Our collaboration with Snapchat is a reminder of how cities can be improved by creating more spaces for people, not cars.”
Poli Dor, Head of Central & Eastern Europe Business Solutions at Snap, commented: “We’re really excited about our work with Bolt, not least because this project helps us to showcase AR’s ability to imagine and promote a more sustainable way of living. We have over 397 million daily active users on Snapchat, so to bring this type of creativity to our platform can have a massive impact, and can help educate people to make more informed lifestyle decisions, like how they get around their city.”
In addition to the Snapchat app, the Feels Like Home campaign will be activated across many other channels, including social media and OOH.
Feels Like Home is the latest Bolt campaign which highlights the potential for cities to be improved if more urban space was devoted to people and infrastructure for shared mobility options like ride-hailing, e-scooters and e-bikes, which reduce the need for owning a private car. Bolt’s suite of products offers viable alternatives to private car ownership: ride-hailing seeks to replace the need for owning a private car, while e-scooters and e-bikes are perfect for shorter journeys, and Bolt Drive can be used for longer journeys where ride-hailing is not suitable.
In past campaigns like Cities For People, Not Cars, Bolt has highlighted how urban environments have been transformed, showcasing historic photos of European landmarks filled with cars and newer photos from the same locations showing fewer cars and more space for people
The new Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC empowers employees to focus and sound their best with immersive rich audio and adaptive ANC. It is the first boomless headset certified for Microsoft Teams Open Office due to its outstanding performance in noisy environments. The Bluetooth enterprise headset offers a sleek design for complete comfort, featuring soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband for an ultralight fit. Users can stay in command with up to 21 hours of talk time, convenient on-ear controls, and smart sensors for automatic call answering and 40 mm drivers.
Now in for review we will be testing these out over the next few weeks so if you have any questions feel free to ask on any of our channels and we will answer as always, packed with features these over-ear headphones actually has 6 mics so not a word will be missed and certified for Microsoft teams and have gesture control with adaptive ANC, you can connect your mobile or laptop and for the laptop there is an adapter just in case and software to download to take more control.
Auxilion today announces the findings of its new cloud study – carried out by Censuswide and involving more than 200 IT decision makers in large enterprises across Ireland – which found that access from the dark web is a concern for almost a third (32%) of IT leaders in enterprises across Ireland.
The research revealed what IT leaders view as the security risks associated with cloud computing, with the top five being ransomware/malware (33%), data loss/theft (33%), access from the dark web (32%), account hijacking (31%), and phishing/social engineering attacks (29%).
Over a quarter (27%) see lack of staff awareness as a cybersecurity risk associated with cloud computing and a similar proportion (26%) cited human error. Some 23% also said malicious insiders.
The study revealed that configuring cloud properly and securely is proving to be a challenge for 40% of enterprises, with almost half (47%) of respondents admitting that IT security risks are a main concern around cloud adoption and management. Furthermore, some 29% said they have limited or no visibility of their workloads in the cloud.
On the other hand, more than a quarter (27%) of IT leaders say they are using cloud computing to enhance their organisation’s security standing. Moreover, some 24% have documented workflows so cloud security incidents are responded to consistently and a similar proportion (22%) have a standardised and automated incident response strategy in place for same.
However, in-house skills do appear to be a weak spot with less than a fifth (18%) of enterprises having experienced individuals in their team who know what to do in terms of cloud security incidents and one in ten (11%) outsourcing this part of their IT as they lack the in-house skills.
In keeping with this, the study found that 31% of IT leaders are concerned about the lack of in-house skills when it comes to the adoption and management of cloud computing, with almost half identifying cloud and cybersecurity as the two areas where in-house staff most need to be upskilled (48% respectively).
Donal Sullivan, Chief Technology Officer, Auxilion, said: “Cloud has the potential to transform how a business operates, while also benefiting productivity, security and growth. However, the IT foundations and skills need to be in place for organisations to realise and capitalise on the potential of cloud. If they are not, businesses will lose out on the value of cloud and also leave themselves open to risk.
“The threat landscape is more sophisticated and relentless than ever, with attacks coming from various directions and through different channels. Combined with a hybrid workforce, companies need to ensure their IT infrastructure and strategy is resilient.
“For some, that means establishing a more coherent cloud security incident response strategy. For others, it means outsourcing to an expert partner. Companies must therefore identify not only the cloud infrastructure and approach that works for them but also any skills gaps or additional solutions they need. In turn, they can make a success of – and drive success with – cloud.”
Edifier International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets, announces the W320TN True Wireless Noise Cancellation Earbuds. True Wireless Adaptive Noise Cancellation Earbuds with AI Multimodal Adaptive System, Hi Res sound, 27.5 hours battery life and a new open fit design for an ultra-comfortable fit.
The Edifier W320TN earbuds feature an advanced AI Multimodal Adaptive System that employs a combination of various sounds and algorithms to provide users with top notch noise cancellation,
superior sound quality and clear calling capabilities. With these earbuds, users can enjoy an immersive experience with no distracting ambient noise and make and take calls with ease thanks to the advanced noise cancellation technologies. The earbuds also come with multiple modes that allow users to customize their audio experiences with the Edifier Connect App.
The Edifier W320TN introduces an AI Multimodal Adaptive System which combines multiple sounds and algorithms to ensure that users have the strongest noise cancellation, the best sound quality and the clearest calls. The W320TN creates an appropriate depth of noise reduction. Air leakage was identified as the issue impacting sound quality and immersive experiences in earphones. Through careful testing and analysis, parameters were set to balance perception of the real world with the desired immersive environment. This leads to improved sound quality and a more satisfying user experience.
The W320TN is equipped with LDAC audio encoding and decoding, with a sampling rate of 96kHz/24 bit. They also transmit 3 times the music details when compared to other earbuds, avoiding sound loss during transmission. With Hi Res Wireless certification, it possesses the ability to decode and restore audio accurately, thereby presenting the subtle changes in sound quality with clarity.
Crystal clear voice calls can be experienced with advanced technology featuring 3 + 3 microphones and AI Adaptive Environmental Noise Cancellation. Say goodbye to background noise and enjoy uninterrupted conversations with family and friends. This feature ensures that users will be heard loud and clear, no matter where they are, allowing users to stay connected with confidence and clarity.
The Edifier W320TN has a long battery life. For just 10 minutes of charge, users will get an hour of use. With ANC on, playtime will be 3.5 hours for the earbuds and 14 hours with the charging case whilst with ANC off there will be 5.5 hours playtime for the earbuds and 22 hours with the charging case.
The W320TN features an open fit design. The earbuds are ergonomic and fit snugly into the ear without causing any pressure on the actual ear. The built in infra-red wearing detection sensor intelligently knows the wearing status – keeping noise cancellation on and playing music when the earbuds are put into the ear and pausing noise cancellation and music when the buds are taken out of the ears. The W320TN can be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously for fast switching between devices. With Google Fast Pair, the W320TN can quickly and effortlessly pair with your Android device under Bluetooth.
Edifier W320TN
With a low latency of 80ms in game mode, users are able to master a variety of mobile games. Audio and video synchronisation secures victory for players by guiding them to accurately identify the position of enemies. The IP54 rating (dust- and splash-proof) means that users can go to the gym or an exercise class without worrying about perspiration during exercise.
Main Features:
Long Battery Life. Playtime with ANC off is 5.5 hours plus 22 hours with the charging case.
Open Fit & light weight design – reducing the pressure you may feel.
Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation automatically offers the most suitable noise cancellation mode., The ANC mode can also be adjusted manually using the Edifier app.
Hi Resolution Sound provided by larger 13mm dynamic drivers plus LDAC codec and Hi-Res Audio Wireless.
Crystal clear call quality identifies voices and filters out disruptive noise.
Wear Detection – Music will play / pause automatically.
The construction sector’s supply chains remain under extreme pressure. Despite the worst effects of the pandemic now slowly subsiding, other factors, such as labour shortages and inflation, are likely to remain amplified. Delays can seriously impact a contractor’s balance sheet if not accounted for. Simon Herod from EstimateOne digs deeper…
Even pre-COVID, the intricacies of the supply chain often gave rise to inefficiencies and delays, ultimately hindering construction projects’ progress. Now, with labour shortages and rising inflation, the industry must turn to digital technology to help them centralise and reshape their supply chains. While these problems may appear to be ‘on-site’ issues, steps taken by the estimating and procurement teams is the first step towards alleviating risk.
Having engaged in daily conversations with estimators over the past six years, it is apparent that the workings of the industry’s supply chain are far from simple. The process of sending out project specifications, obtaining quotes, and aligning subcontractor services with the main project contractor can often result in a mixed-matched supply chain that’s confusing for everyone. Online tendering is part of the solution.
So, let’s get into the tips and tricks to ensure your supply chain is running like a well-oiled machine…
Casting a Wider Net
Due to insolvencies, no one’s subcontractor network looks like it did pre-pandemic, and as the availability of skilled labour continues to dwindle, main contractors must now look to expand their horizons and seek out new sources of supply beyond their usual go-to pool of subbies. For these working partnerships to succeed, seamless collaboration throughout the build is non-negotiable.
Digital tendering platforms, likeEstimateOne, aim to create a buffer against construction delays and disruptions, ensuring smoother project execution. Empowering main contractors and subbies alike is the aim. With automated platforms, contractors can advertise job opportunities and extend invitations to potential subcontractors to submit quotes, cutting out the back and forth.
Constantly refreshing your network is important to keep a competitive edge. Broadening your pool of suppliers, main contractors can bolster their resilience and reduce their dependency on a limited set of subbies.
Automate, Centralise & Collaborate
In the face of challenges, the evolving landscape of the construction industry has compelled main contractors to reimagine their supply chain strategies all together. The persistent labour and material shortages have pushed contractors to evaluate and adopt alternative approaches to sourcing subcontractors. Even the smallest blip holds the potential to throw your supply chain into chaos; having a centralised digital platform could mitigate this risk.
In the hustle and bustle of the construction game, when it comes to tendering, it’s all about building connections, not drowning in a sea of paperwork. Trusting old-school methods for managing tenders can lead to missed chances and quotes that are way past their prime. Collaborative networks offered by these platforms make it easy to keep documents safe, work together seamlessly, and track quote progress in real-time. Your estimators won’t be wasting time sifting through quotes or splitting doc packages, but investigating the real deal – actual quotes.
Automation doesn’t always mean relying on a robot to get the job done. This automation equals faster processes that remove the repetitive tasks and let you get back to the build at hand. Automated addenda management can remove the risk of document superseding mistakes. Access to digital document audit trails provides a helpful overview of which subcontractor has which document and reduces the risk of document disputes.
The future supply chain
The rocky supply chain shows that it’s time the industry looks towards automation in order to diversify – the tendering process is no exception. When both parties do better, subbies win more work, and you have more accurate quotes, it’s simple! We aren’t calling for a complete tech-infused makeover, but instead start to embrace the streamlined processes that let you get back to fostering solid relationships. Because, in the end, our aim is all about bringing things together for enhanced teamwork and smooth builds.
As cost-of-living pressures continue, savings rates appear to be making a steady recovery this year after savings and spending habits were impacted by COVID-19 and a sustained period of inflation.
According to Zurich’s annual Cost of Education survey, conducted by iReach this May and June, 56% of families in Ireland already have savings in place that have acted as a shield against the cost-of-living pressures. This figure is slightly up on 2022 (54%).
The good news is that plans to save are on the increase, with the highest levels seen since 2019. Pre-COVID, around 40% of families had committed to putting money aside for a rainy day, which had decreased to 32% by 2022, before climbing to 51 % this year.
Commenting on the findings, Jonathan Daly, Head of Life Retail Distribution and Propositions at Zurich Life Assurance plc said: “It is encouraging now to see the rise in the number of families planning to start saving to plan for the future. In terms of saving for your child’s education, planning ahead and opening a savings account when children are young will help you to manage education costs before they become a significant financial burden.”
The Cost of Education survey provides insights into how much parents are spending, what factors are influencing how much they save and how they plan to save for the cost of their children’s second and third level education.
The research has found that:
56% of parents said they have family savings in place that are used to reduce the financial strain of inflation, up 2% on 2022.
More than half (51%) of parents now say they are more likely to create a family savings fund to protect against the impact of potential future inflation rises, a big increase of 19% from last year.
The majority (68%) of students studying at third level education currently live at home, up 10% compared with 2022.
Parents of third level students paid on average €3,931 on third level fees in this year’s survey.
The average annual cost of third level student accommodation was €10,077, while rented accommodation had an average annual cost of €5,179.
Parents estimated the total cost of secondary school education at €3,581.
28% of parents have taken out a loan to help pay for their children’s secondary school costs.
Parents can use Zurich’s Cost of Secondary School and College Calculators to work out the estimated costs of sending their children to secondary school and college and to see how much they might need to save each month to meet these costs:
