Author: Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

Jabra launches new wireless headset designed for frontline workers – Jabra Perform 45

Jabra, a leader in personal sound, video, and office solutions, is launching the Jabra Perform 45, the first in its new Jabra Perform product series that is set to help digitally transform frontline workers. Research* revealed that many frontline workers feel they lack the right technology and access to information to do their job effectively. The discreet Bluetooth® mono headset addresses these concerns with its compact design and Push-to-Talk (PTT) button. Frontline workers can gain direct access to other colleagues instantly and make faster, informed decisions, boosting their productivity and performance within the business, as well as enhancing customer satisfaction.

Connectivity made simple

Minimal button interactions and intuitive button placements are essential for those who are darting between the shop floor and the stock room so they can find the right buttons fast. With the PTT button directly on the headset, any urgent questions can be answered, and problems can be solved almost instantly no matter where the employees are. The PTT feature is unique in a headset form factor and helps make workers more productive.

The PTT button works with leading platforms like Microsoft Teams Walkie Talkie and Zebra Workforce Connect straight out of the box and can be integrated with the business’ preferred platform using the Jabra SDK. For a full overview of the devices used by the business, employers can use the Jabra Xpress management software which allows users to keep track, update, and customise all devices across the whole organisation.

Crystal clear communication, anywhere

Noise is a constant challenge for most frontline workers. For this reason, the Jabra Perform 45 is equipped with an advanced ultra-noise-cancelling microphone that removes up to 80% of background noise, helping co-workers to hear each other correctly right the first time. The speaker has also been optimised for speech clarity, allowing for smooth, uninterrupted communication on both ends.

Moreover, the Face2Face feature in the headset helps to ensure that customers always have the workers’ full attention. This feature is activated by lifting the microphone boom arm to a vertical position, which mutes all incoming audio. When the employee is ready to re-engage with colleagues on the PTT channel, they simply need to pull the boom arm back down to receive PTT messages again.

Comfortable, lightweight design for all-day use

When working in a busy environment, it is essential for frontline workers to have a lightweight headset that does not weigh them down. The compact Jabra Perform 45, which weighs just 18g, fits comfortably and discreetly around whichever ear the workers prefer to wear it on, ensuring that they always appear approachable and professional to customers. It comes with three sizes of EarGel™, so workers can find the fit that feels right for them – be it on the left or right ear.

“We are reminded more than ever of the essential role of frontline workers across industries like healthcare, hospitality, warehouse and retail. They are the glue which binds the entire operation together, so we knew that our new line, Jabra Perform, needed products that can help frontline workers do their job better. Our hope is for frontline workers to have everything they need within finger’s reach with the Jabra Perform 45 headset so they can assist their colleagues and customers and can remain in the zone no matter where they are,” says Yves Dupuis, SVP at Jabra.

 

Key features of the Jabra Perform 45:

–          Small, lightweight, and discreet design – Workers will be comfortable all-day and always look approachable to customers. It is easy to sanitise and is durable, with IP54-rated protection from dust and water

–          80% noise–cancelling microphone and crystal-clear sound – Keeps communication smooth and without disruption

–          Push-to-Talk – Enables instant communication with colleagues

–          Easy to set up and intuitive to use – Minimal button presses and has an intuitive, durable, simple-to-sanitise design

–          Extensive battery life and range – up to 20 hours of Push-to-Talk usage, or up to 8 hours if it is just being used for calls, and up to 100m / 300ft wireless range. Universal USB-C charging and compatible with 5-Bay Charging Stand

–          Moveable boom arm – Able to mute all incoming audio instantly, allowing for increased focus on customers

–          Able to customise and manage devices – via Jabra Direct and Xpress software and available for integration with free SDK

Jabra Perform 45 is available now for distribution as well on Amazon and Jabra.co.uk, MSRP: £113. Find out more about Jabra Perform 45 at jabra.com/perform45.

Remote workers cause surge in hacking! Tips on how to use Wi-Fi

It’s not uncommon for organizations to have employees that travel to different locations whether it’s to visit customers or different offices, especially with the rise in remote working and remote co-working spaces.

When these employees travel or work outside of the office network, they often connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots which could be creating a ‘massive surge’ in hacking crimes according to web filtering platform Titan HQ.

Providing users with remote access to the corporate network can help improve employee productivity, but it introduces a high level of cybersecurity risk with a chance an attacker could also gain remote access. However, this is far from the only danger when it comes to public Wi-Fi as hackers can also easily target individuals and their information with ease when connecting to public Wi-Fi.

When it comes to public Wi-Fi, the most likely threat is a common hacker or scammer attempting to steal a user’s information for profit. Attackers are often after personal details such as your name, address, financial information or social security numbers. There is also the potential for blackmail if an attacker finds compromising documents or images on your device.

As you peruse your favorite social media site, access your email, and check to see if a financial transaction cleared your online bank account, a hacker could easily capture all of your login credentials and data. So what is the most dangerous word or phrase when it comes to Wi-Fi?

“Free Wi-Fi”

As a result of the rise, in the US, the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission have all urged caution when using free Wi-Fi and be mindful of the security risks. Other organizations such as the AARP have cautioned its members that “Free public wireless networks may come at a steep price – the theft of your finances and identity.”

Free WiFi is everywhere these days, giving us the ability to work remotely in coffee shops and restaurants. It’s very convenient but potentially unsafe. Connecting to a public Wi-Fi network requires little authentication – at best you’ll be greeted by a captive portal and have to check a box agreeing to the terms of service.  Anyone can connect to these networks, including cyber criminals.

The presence of any of these factors can contribute to an insecure environment, in which hackers can easily target unsuspecting users who are oblivious to their potential jeopardy.  Some of the most common threats include the following:

  • Stealing your password or personal information within a non-encrypted connection or through a rogue access point
  • Session hijacking so that a hacker can browse a site using your own online account
  • Obtaining information on your computer by directly accessing your computer
  • Downloading malware and viruses that can then conduct their malicious task

On public Wi-Fi, there are many ways scammers can use to get to you. Here are some of the most common:

Man In The Middle attacks

These attacks are one of the most common while using public Wi-Fi. A hacker captures the data you are sending. Most hackers who use this method exploit flaws in apps or websites that allow them view the information being passed. The information can include bank details, passwords, personal identification information, and other data that could be used for identity theft. The most common type of MITM attacks is those that occur over unencrypted and unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

The easiest way for an attacker to exploit public WiFi is to position himself between clients and the router. A man-in-the-middle attack is like eavesdropping where an attacker can get in-between points A and B and intercept data. Sometimes this data can be modified in the process of transmission to trick the victim into disclosing sensitive information, such as login credentials. The victim will likely never notice anything is amiss. Once the user falls for the deception, the data is collected.

Fake Hotspots.

Not all public hotspots are legitimate. Attackers create “free” WiFi networks (often called evil twin hotspots) in an attempt to lure in unsuspecting users. When you connect to such a network, you give criminals an opportunity to monitor all your data. All an attacker has to do is find a high-traffic location and set up a fake network with a legitimate sounding name like ‘Hotel Wi-Fi.” By the time the attack is uncovered or authorities have isolated the source of the signal, the attacker has moved on – with the stolen user credentials.

The whole experience is transparent to the victim. Most of the time the hacker allows the victims to reach their intended Internet destinations while they secretly eavesdrop on the network traffic so that they can steal the information from the victims as the victims attempt to log in to their e-mail, provide credit card numbers while shopping online, etc. Avoid using open Wi-Fi hotspots – always ensure they’re secured and that a password is required to access them.

Wireless “sniffing.”

This is a practice where your data is observed, intercepted, and interpreted. It helps experts to diagnose any problems on the network. In the wrong hands, it can be used to monitor and collect data from unsuspecting victims.

Common Tools used by Wi-Fi attackers

While many sites are switching to Secure Socket Layer (SSL) which provides end-to-end encryption, there are various ways an attacker can circumvent this. One example is an SSLstrip, a tool that transparently hijacks HTTP traffic on a network.

This lets security managers assess the risk level of a network with the push of a button but it can also make it easy for attackers to scan public WiFi networks and find vulnerable devices – including yours.

“It doesn’t take long for a determined hacker to crack an unprotected  wifi network. For would be hackers, there are a multitude of websites that promise to help you crack wi-fi passwords in two minutes. Many others provide significant detail on wireless hacking tools’ Ronan Kavanagh  from TitanHQ said.

“This does not mean that you should never utilize public Wi-Fi. It just means you should take precautions. If you wouldn’t verbally give out your password in a crowded coffee shop then you should see a wireless hotspot as being full of prying ears as well as everyone shares the same wireless access point. In a sense, it is one big conversation.”

How To Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi:

1. Check the Terms and Conditions.

In your desire to get some free internet, it can be quite tempting to click through any terms and conditions that pop up on your screen. However, you should be careful about what you sign up for in public. A huge amount of free public Wi-Fi also takes something from you. These firms will give you some bandwidth as long as you agree to give them your email address and a phone number for instance. Try to find time to read before agreeing.

2. Stick to Advertised Wi-Fi Networks.

Just because you see free Wi-Fi pop up on your screen does not mean you must connect to it. Hackers are known to set up free Wi-Fi that they use to mine data from unsuspecting individuals. If you see open Wi-Fi that is not advertised publicly, you will have to think twice about using it.

3. Only Visit Secure Sites on Wi-Fi.

The green padlock at the top left corner of your browser shows you that you are connecting to a secure site. This sign is even more important when you are relying on free Wi-Fi. Think hard before doing anything important when on free Wi-Fi. For instance, avoid making any credit card transactions on public Wi-Fi. Additionally, it is best to use a mobile browser rather than an app when on public Wi-Fi. Mobile browsers are better at checking the security of sites than apps.

4. Switch Off Sharing.

When your device is connected to the Internet in a public area, you will not want to share anything. You can turn off sharing in the Control Panel depending on the OS you use. You may also opt to have your OS do it for you by choosing “Public” the first time you connect to a public network.

5. Switch Off Wi-Fi Capabilities in Public.

Even when you are not actively connected to any Wi-Fi network, your computer hardware can still transmit data to any network that is in range. There are measures in place to keep such networks from getting in touch with you. However, hackers can be quite smart, and they can get into your laptop. Besides that, switching off Wi-Fi settings allows you to extend the battery life of your device.

Other Useful Tips.

Avoid downloading anything when using public Wi-Fi. Additionally, always ensure that the OS and all other software are always up to date. Although your device automatically manages your connection when you are on public Wi-Fi, it is always best to double-check. When you are done with Wi-Fi, always forget the network. That way, you can reduce the security risk to your device. Additionally, make simple choices like using different passwords for each app.

  • Always ask the establishment what the name of the official hotspot is.  This will prevent you from making incorrect assumptions and choose a malicious hotspot.
  • Disable the “auto connect” or “auto-join” functions for saved hotspots for all of your wireless devices, which is good advice in general.

Fairphone demand electronics industry needs to start paying living wages

It sounds like a no-brainer: Everyone working a normal job with normal hours should be able to afford food and shelter, regular meals and other basics such as medication and education for themselves and their family. The principle is, in fact, so fundamental that the United Nations recognised it in the 1948 Universal Declaration on Human Rights, confirming that “Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity”.

Unfortunately, even in some industrialized countries, this vision is still not reality. Current woes around inflation and rising prices are putting additional pressure on the poor, and aggravate existing inequalities. Globally speaking, however, the discrepancy could not be more striking. Especially in countries where most of the extraction, processing and production of our electronics take place, people find themselves working in mines under harsh circumstances, earning less than five dollars a day. People working on the production line spend up to 80 hours per week selling their labour just to survive. They are the hidden workforce behind the products in your hands.

It is therefore time for manufacturers in the electronics industry to start paying workers a living wage – regardless of where they are located. A living wage, mind you, not a “minimum wage”. Ideally, this distinction would not be necessary once legal minimum wages in production countries actually constituted a living wage. All too often, however, they do not. According to statistics by the International Labour Organization (ILO), nearly one in five workers globally earn too little to lift themselves and their families out of extreme poverty. When Fairphone conducted their own research, together with a local NGO in four regions in China in 2020, we found that a living wage would be up to three times the local legal minimum wage.

The impact of low wages can be detrimental, and is reflected in different symptoms and malpractices such as excessive overtime, malnutrition, lower education opportunities for children and, in extreme cases, might even encourage child labour.

The advantages are crystal clear. Checking in with workers who receive a living wage, they report to be more satisfied and happy with their work. A content workforce, in turn, leads to less turnover and lower expenses for training and recruiting while also ensuring stability in the value chain. Higher wages encourage consumption and boost a country’s economic system. Employees who are working excessive overtime, on the other hand, tend to be tired, less efficient, will make more mistakes and have more accidents. Most importantly, however, paying a living wage means treating people as people rather than as “human resources” and to respect their inalienable dignity.

Given these benefits, the price for implementing a living wage in our supply chain is ridiculously low. For Fairphone, it currently amounts to 2 USD per smartphone we sell – less than your average cup of coffee. And scaling and adopting this model is not rocket science, either: For many industries including electronics, researchers, organisations, think tanks, and industry pioneers have already done the legwork, and are sharing their instructions online for free – accounting for the cost of living and other geographical differences per place of production. Fairphone, too, has published a guide on paying living wages, laying out nine steps towards ​​paying product prices that include a living wage. It is high time more companies took leadership in this area. Out of the 17 sustainable development goals that the United Nations have set for 2030, two – SDG 1 on poverty reduction and SDG 8 on inclusive and sustainable growth – can be directly impacted by bridging the gap between minimum wage and living wage.

Yet despite the obvious benefits for employers, hoping that we will get there with voluntary commitments only is utopian. In most countries, even the existence of minimum wages is the result of decades of fierce union and workers’ rights movements that ultimately resulted in mandatory laws. It is time for the European Union to follow suit and to incorporate a true living wage into the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. Over 60 companies and NGOs have already joined our call to ensure this. On the consumer side, Fairphone is currently collecting signatures for a petition to the European Union. The industry needs to realize that the issue goes far beyond their annual balance sheet. Inequality is a threat to global stability. Low wages are a violation of human rights. It is time for manufacturers to accept their responsibility.

Skullcandy SLYR gaming headphones – First Look

Earlier this month Skullcandy launched a trio of value-packed headsets for all skill levels. Offering compatibility across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and mobile, the all-new SLYR, SLYR Pro and PLYR Multi-Platform Gaming Headsets were purpose built for gamers, delivering rich, detailed sound, crystal-clear communications and all-day comfort.

Today we have the SLYR headphones in for review and we will take a quick tour of the latest headset on offer from the company which is now back in the gaming business. Presented in some nice packaging the new headset is very light and comfortable out of the box with simple controls to use and looks the part for gaming, any questions feel free to ask whilst we test them out. The collection is rolling out now at Skullcandy.com, starting at $59.99 MSRP for SLYR and ranging to $129.99 MSRP for PLYR.

SLYR Multi-Platform Wired Gaming Headset – £59.99 MSRP

  • Skullcandy Supreme Sound – Unique audio-tuning process enables users to maximise the depth and detail of each sound

  • Bi-Directional Mic – Improves voice pickup for enhanced communications

  • Mute & Volume Control – Easy-to-reach, on-board controls enable gamers to quickly mute and adjust volume without gameplay interference

  • Durable, Lightweight Design – Constructed from tough, lightweight materials including head-conforming memory-foam ear cushions wrapped in moisture wicking and breathable material

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Why Merchants Should Outsource Customer Care

Customer care is one of the most important responsibilities for any company. Merchants want to provide the best possible service to their clients, but this responsibility can be challenging to manage. Therefore, many organisations outsource their consumer care functions to third-party providers. These third-party partners offer a variety of benefits, including security, multiple payment options, cross-selling capabilities, and flexible call centre hours. They also help businesses increase their customer loyalty and improve their bottom line.

It’s cheaper than finding new customers

Outsourcing your customer care functions to a third party is one of the best ways to improve the overall customer experience. By hiring an outside service provider, you unlock a global talent pool, industry-specific knowledge, and multilingual skills. It also offers greater flexibility in staffing levels. This leads to improved customer retention, word of mouth recommendations, and repeat business.

Recruiting top talent is not only difficult but costly. While there are numerous ways to hire employees, the process is time-consuming and expensive. This includes paying for job board subscriptions, applicant tracking systems, reference checking, and onboarding. In many cases, this cost can be more than the outsourcing fee.

Oftentimes, outsourced recruiting teams are better equipped to handle the customer care needs of your organization. These teams specialize in recruiting and training agents, ensuring quality and consistency. In-house recruitment teams may not be able to devote enough time to customer care training. Outsourced teams also eliminate employment law and privacy risks. Outsourcing teams will also be able to train employees more effectively.

It improves customer loyalty

When you outsource your customer service, you ensure that you are using trained professionals who are dedicated to your customers’ needs. This is vital for improving customer satisfaction, which leads to increased customer loyalty and overall company success. By using a customer service outsourcing agency, you can take advantage of their expertise and global talent pool. They can handle a variety of tasks, from multilingual support to 24/7 helplines. Outsourcing also allows you to adjust staffing levels as necessary. Customers will appreciate the improved experience and may even recommend your company to their friends.

Customer care outsourcing also exposes your business to state-of-the-art equipment and technology. The latest technologies will help improve customer service, and the multiple channels of contact will trigger a transformation in the growth of your business. Customer service is about more than answering customer queries and bringing in more clients; it also involves gathering valuable data from customers, which can help you improve your products and services.

It frees up your team’s time

Customer care outsourcing can save you money and improve the quality of service you provide. It frees up your internal team to focus on the most critical requirements, while also plugging operational gaps. This extra coverage helps you manage wait times and reduces customer support turnover. Ultimately, outsourcing can free up your team’s time and energy to focus on growth strategies.

If you’re unsure of whether to outsource customer service, it’s important to think about your goal before choosing a provider. Obviously, you’ll want to minimize your employee workload, but it’s also important to consider the savings potential. You can also choose to outsource some of the more complex tasks, such as complaint management and customer win-back services.

The cost of customer service outsourcing will vary depending on how many employees you need, the number of hours they work, and the complexity of the tasks they perform. Typically, an outsourced team will cost between $20 and $40 an hour. You’ll also save money by eliminating the need for premises, equipment, social security contributions, and holiday pay.

It reduces costs

Outsourcing your customer support functions can be a smart move if you’re looking to cut costs. It’s not only a smart way to increase efficiency, but it also allows you to avoid seasonal workforce fluctuations. Customer care outsourcing services are often offered by companies that can provide a full range of solutions to help your business run more efficiently.

The most obvious benefit of outsourcing is the cost reduction. It’s far cheaper than hiring an in-house team. Outsourcing also eliminates the need for training employees. In-house staffing requires a substantial investment in training, which adds to a business’s budget. Another cost benefit of outsourcing is the ability to tap into additional resources.

Customer care outsourcing reduces costs, but it isn’t a magic solution. There are many risks involved, so a company needs to be cautious and follow best practices when choosing a service provider. If done correctly, this service can lower costs and increase service hours. There are a few important aspects to consider, including the technology being leveraged, the skill set required, and the type of contract.

Trade Republic – Europe’s largest savings platform launches in Ireland

Trade Republic, the largest savings platform in Europe, today launches its services in the Republic of Ireland. Residents of Ireland can now use the Trade Republic app or website to jump-start their wealth creation journeys with secure, easy and commission-free access to capital markets. Trade Republic’s core product, ETFs and stock savings plans, will help the Irish to save up for retirement and with lower risk.

In Ireland, the average household currently saves 20 percent of their income, most of which sits idly in bank accounts. On top of that, residents of Ireland are still facing high brokerage fees or are getting offered difficult to understand investment products. Trade Republic has set out to change that.

Since 2015, the company has built a financial offering from scratch with an easy-to-use product everybody can afford, so everyone can start putting their money to work. Trade Republic does not charge its customers any order commission, there is just one euro of external fees to cover clearing and settlement, regardless of the size of the order. Savings plans for stocks and ETFs are offered completely free of charge.

Irish customers have access to a total of over 8,000 Irish, European, Asian and US stocks and 1,100 ETFs, real-time data, price alerts, a wide range of different order types and extended trading hours, from 7:30am to 11:00pm. Savings plans, with which users can automate investing in the stock markets, are available for over 3,600 stocks and ETFs.

“Inflation in the eurozone has risen sharply – this should be a wake-up call for all Europeans,” says Christian Hecker, Co-Founder of Trade Republic. “All Europeans need to have access to capital markets to start fueling long-term investing, participate in economic growth and ultimately save-up for retirement. We built Trade Republic to enable them to do exactly that, and have now opened our doors to a total of seventeen markets, so Europeans everywhere can finally take their personal finances into their own hands.”

With inflation being at almost nine percent in Ireland, there really is no alternative to investing,” says Hugo Suidgeest, Country Manager of Trade Republic in Ireland. “Everyone who leaves their money just sitting in their bank account will lose purchasing power year over year, and the state pension – even if you work until 70 years of age – will probably not be enough to keep up your lifestyle.”

The Trade Republic account can be opened in the app as well as on the desktop in just a few minutes and is possible for adult users who are both fiscally and physically resident in Ireland with a smartphone (with iOS or Android operating system), a European telephone number and a SEPA bank account.

To change the financial system, Trade Republic has built a financial offering from scratch since 2015, with an easy-to-use product everybody can afford. With more than €1.3bn in venture capital investments by Sequoia, Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund or most recently Ontario Teachers’, Trade Republic will continue to strongly invest into further growth, to expand its offering and launch new products to empower all Europeans to create wealth. Trade Republic is combining the security needs of a highly regulated environment such as the financial industry with the flexibility and customer centricity of a high-tech platform. Besides Ireland, Trade Republic is today also expanding its services to Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovakia and Slovenia. The company is now present in a total of 17 European countries, reaching 340 million people.

Panasonic Avionics Grows European MRO Footprint with Expansion in Ireland

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics) has today unveiled the significant expansion of its European MRO (maintenance, repair & overhaul) facility in Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland.

The MRO center, which first opened in October 2019, has been expanded in size by 500 percent, taking it from 6,000 sq. ft to 23,000 sq. ft. At the same time, Panasonic Avionics has tripled the workforce at the site.

The Dundalk facility is operated by Panasonic Technical Services (PTS), a division of Panasonic Avionics. It provides repairs, line maintenance, spares parts supply, and technical services and training to customers in the EMEA region and is Part 145, TCAA, FAA and UK CAA approved.

PTS expects to induct 1,500 – 2,000 units per month at its Dundalk facility. It will repair the X series and Next IFE systems, and Boeing CSS equipment, as well as being its European distribution center.

Tom Eskola, Vice President and General Manager of Panasonic Technical Services, says: “The expansion of our Dundalk facility will enable our customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa to benefit from the tailored maintenance solutions which we provide at the high level they have come to expect from Panasonic Technical Services.” 

“Our primary objective is to offer customised maintenance solutions, delivering greater peace of mind to our customers by ensuring guaranteed performance and cost.”

Eskola confirms the demand for maintenance services within the industry adding, “As the aviation industry returns towards pre-pandemic levels, MRO slots are, once again, at a premium.”

Panasonic Avionics’ investment in the Dundalk facility has been supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Leo Varadkar TD said: “In a significant move for Dundalk and Louth, Panasonic Avionics has tripled its workforce following a major expansion. A pioneer in aircraft communication systems, Panasonic Avionics IFE and satellite Wi-Fi systems are used on thousands of aircraft across the world. The Dundalk facility will provide repair, maintenance and spare parts to Panasonic’s customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Ireland’s status at the heart of Europe, along with our strong talent base, continues to attract global manufacturing and engineering companies to our shores. I wish all the team the best with this expansion.”

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs Thomas Byrne said “I strongly welcome the decision by Panasonic to double its workforce in Dundalk. This decision represents a significant vote of confidence in the North-East region as a hub for commercial activity and will provide a welcome boost to the local economy. Today, there are over 400,000 more jobs in our economy than there were on the day the Government took up office and that significant increase is thanks to the presence of companies like Panasonic within our economy.”

CEO of IDA Ireland Martin Shanahan said: “The decision by Panasonic Avionics to expand its facility and triple its workforce in Dundalk is terrific news for the North East region.  This MRO facility will strengthen and compliment Panasonic’s existing global and European presence.  IDA Ireland remains committed to winning jobs and investment in regional locations. I wish Panasonic every success with this expansion.”

The expanded Dundalk facility is one of ten PTS locations within Europe. In addition to the Ireland-based repair shop, there are also airport line maintenance stations at Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Lisbon, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Madrid, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, and Rome Fiumicino.

Panasonic Avionics will be showcasing its European offering at MRO Europe in London from 19th – 20th of October.

Actavo launches new EV Charge Division

Actavo, a leading international infrastructure operations partner, headquartered in Dublin, has launched its first-ever direct-to-consumer offering, Actavo HomeCharge, specialising in the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in homes. The new service is available to customers nationwide and leverages Actavo’s over 40 years of experience in managing In-Home installations for leading brands, as well as its expertise in installing EV charge points in Ireland and the UK.

All of the chargers offered by the company are smart EV chargers, which allow consumers to manage their car charging from a mobile app and avail of the best tariffs. In addition, all of the EV chargers in the Actavo HomeCharge product range qualify for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant of up to €600 for home charging units, which is available to homeowners regardless of whether they currently own an electric car.

Actavo’s In-Home team of over 500 service engineers, customer service staff, and technicians, currently carries out over 40,000 home visits per month under household brands such as Sky, SIRO, Virgin Media, and Prepay Power.  In a new departure, under the Actavo HomeCharge brand, a nationwide team of highly experienced electricians is being deployed to roll out this new service directly to consumers across the country.

Brian Kelly, CEO of Actavo said: “Actavo is delighted to launch its new EV Charge division, HomeCharge. This is an exciting opportunity for the company in the rapidly growing market for Electric Vehicle chargers. We will be leveraging the talent and expertise of one of the country’s largest and most experienced in-home installation teams, in our first-ever direct-to-consumer offering.

As electric vehicles become more and more ubiquitous, the demand for the installation of smart EV chargers in the home will increase at a fast pace in the coming years. We believe this offering will benefit consumers as it provides a fast, reliable, nationwide service from an expert team and it also speaks to Actavo’s commitment to operate sustainably, as we increase our focus on sustainable practices and services.”

According to the Central Statistics Office, In the first seven months of 2022, 21% of all new cars licensed for the first time were electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles compared with 14% in the same period in 2021.

Actavo HomeCharge will facilitate the installation of a wide range of EV chargers, compatible with all major electric car brands.

Amazon processing centre officially opens in Dublin

The Amazon fulfilment centre in Dublin received a visit today from Leo Varadkar TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, for a behind-the-scenes tour of the new facility.

The Tánaiste also unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the new 630,000 square foot fulfilment centre.

During his visit, the Tánaiste who was accompanied by Emer Higgins TD, toured the fulfilment centre in Baldonnell Business Park, met with some of the team working at the site and followed the journey of a parcel to see first-hand what happens when a customer clicks ‘buy’ on the Amazon website.

The Dublin centre, which opened in August, is Amazon’s first fulfilment centre in Ireland. It provides faster delivery for customers across the country, including one-day delivery on hundreds of thousands of items.

The centre has created 500 new jobs across a wide range of roles, including engineers, HR and IT professionals through to health & safety and finance specialists and operations managers as well as employees who perform the crucial role of picking, packing and shipping customer orders.

Amazon Dublin Warehouse Ireland

The fulfilment centre tour, led by General Manager Darragh Kelly, also provided the Tánaiste with an insight into the many career development programmes and opportunities for employees at Amazon, including the Amazon Career Choice programme.

Amazon Career Choice is an innovative programme which pre-pays 95% of tuition for courses in high-demand fields, up to €12,000 over four years, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon.

 Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: “The opening of Amazon’s first fulfilment centre in Ireland has created 500 new jobs, and is a really important investment in our country. There are jobs available at all level including many high-skilled jobs in engineering and IT among others. This investment indicates a strong commitment to Ireland by Amazon. It was great to meet the enthusiastic team in person and to see at first-hand how orders are fulfilled for customers across the country.”

 Amazon Dublin fulfilment centre General Manager Darragh Kelly said: “It was great to welcome Tánaiste Leo Varadkar for a tour of our new fulfilment centre in Dublin. It was a pleasure to introduce him to our fantastic team who process orders for customers in Ireland. I hope the Tánaiste enjoyed his visit and I look forward to welcoming him back to our fulfilment centre in the future.”

Amazon also provides opportunities to improve existing skills or learn new ones through internal career progression opportunities such as cross-training, transferring to a different department and promotion into a managerial role.

Amazon provides competitive pay, excellent benefits and a modern, safe and engaging work environment for its employees. Amazon pays all full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees in Ireland a minimum of €13.50 per hour. Employees are also offered a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection and an employee discount as well as a company pension plan.

The team at Amazon’s new Dublin fulfilment centre marked the site’s opening by donating €20,000 to four Irish family support charities.

Donations of €5,000 were made to Cliona’s Foundation, Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and Barretstown by the charity committee at the new Amazon fulfilment centre as part of the company’s community support programme.

Anyone can find out more about what it’s like to work at an Amazon fulfilment centre by signing up for a tour at amazonfctours.com.