English Spoken Everywhere: How Language Makes Dubai an Easy Destination for Brits

Suddenly arriving in a foreign country and feeling at home straight away isn’t always to be expected—but in Dubai, it’s nearly the standard for British tourists. The moment you arrive at the airport, English is everywhere: on signboards, on menus, spoken effortlessly by hotel staff, restaurant staff, shop staff, and even by the fellow who helps you with your Tesla rental Dubai at the airport. Add modernized infrastructure and technology-driven travel amenities, and it’s little wonder that Brits are going ga-ga for this Middle Eastern holiday spot.

No Language Barrier, No Stress

One of the biggest faffs of travelling overseas is trying to figure out a language which you don’t understand. Getting a road sign incorrect or accidentally ordering sheep brains for your dinner instead of, say, cabbage and potatoes, not being able to speak the lingo can be proper stressful. But in Dubai? No problem.

English is widely spoken across all sectors—tourism, retail, business, and even government services. The majority of Dubai’s population is made up of expats, and English is the default language for communication between people from all over the globe. That means asking for directions, sorting a SIM card, or booking a desert safari is smooth sailing.

Tech Meets Travel: Modern Mobility with a British-Friendly Twist

Let’s have a word about how Dubai’s modern tech scene pairs perfectly with its welcoming vibe. The city’s gone full throttle into the future with smart services at every turn—automated metro systems, app-based hotel check-ins, and digital payment options literally everywhere. For Brits used to tapping their card or mobile for everything, it’s like being back home, just sunnier.

And then there’s the cars. Tesla rentals Dubai are a thing now, so you can see this modern city in a car that matches the vibe. You want to glide past the Burj Khalifa quietly or pull up to Dubai Mall in a model X? Done—and save the planet, as well. It has plenty of charging points, sat-nav roads, and huge free parking areas, so EV travel not only becomes feasible but convenient.

Navigating the City Like a Local

Because of the ubiquity of English use, it’s easy to get around Dubai. GPS software works just as well and defaults to using English instructions. There are both English and Arabic street signs, and you can even recognize the street names—so you won’t be making that wrong turn into the camel market unless you really want to do it.

Want to pull over at a gas station (yes, even for your Tesla to get a snack)? Employees speak English. Reserving a valet service through your hotel? English. Posing a question to a local regarding the best shawarma place? Nine out of ten times, they will answer back in flawless English—perhaps even with a British accent!

Hospitality That Feels Familiar

Hotel reception, spa bookings, room service—every aspect of your holiday feels more at ease without the embarrassment of a language barrier. Staff are trained to international standards, and British tourists are so common that certain corporations make special efforts to cater to UK sensibilities. You might even be served Marmite on the breakfast buffet or have a “proper English cuppa” asked for you at a café.

This level of ease makes Dubai a top choice for solo travellers, families with kids, and even retirees. Whether you’re out on the town or chilling in your hotel, you’ll always feel understood.

Why Brits Keep Coming Back

No wonder, then, that Dubai is a favorite among British tourists. With English spoken everywhere, there is no guessing, no Google Translate, and no cringe-worthy mistakes. Instead, you get to be fully immersed in the experience—whether that’s shopping in high-end boutiques, basking in the sun on the beach, or tearing through the city’s stunning skyline in a cutting-edge Tesla.

And let’s not forget too the comfort that, if things do go wrong, you can get them sorted in double-quick time because help is only a clear, English-speaking phone call away.

The Verdict on Dubai

Dubai’s high-tech, high-luxury, English-speak environment is one of the easiest—and most exciting—places for Brits to visit. With renting a Tesla Dubai, gourmet room service, or local navigation at your beck and call, you’ll never feel out of place.

So if sun-kissed bliss where everything just works—and sounds familiar—is on your agenda, Dubai should top your list. Job done.

 

Walter Walsh Launches New Digital Platform SocialTies

Today, SocialTies, a new free digital platform co-founded by three-time All-Ireland winner Walter Walsh, has officially launched. Built for community groups, such as schools, and grassroots organisations, SocialTies brings everything – from fixtures and results to ticketing, training resources, messaging, and exclusive content – into one unified, branded space. Designed around the real needs of today’s communities, the platform puts connection, identity, and community impact at its core.

Walter and his team have addressed a common frustration faced by organisations, relying on multiple disconnected tools to manage day-to-day communication and operations. Instead of navigating between group chats, outdated websites and scattered emails, SocialTies brings everything into one streamlined, purpose-built environment, finally offering a digital solution tailored to how real communities work.

“We built SocialTies because communities deserve better,” said Walter Walsh, CEO and Co-Founder of SocialTies, “For too long, they’ve been expected to make do with outdated websites, scattered group chats, and platforms that were never built for them. This isn’t about adding more noise, it’s about giving community groups, schools and grassroots organisations the digital infrastructure to connect, grow, and take ownership of their space online.”

Walter Walsh Launches New Digital Platform SocialTies – techbuzzireland

SocialTies is built on a new advertising model that delivers value to both communities and businesses. The platform is completely free to use both for individual users and the organisations themselves, with revenue generated through its Community Shared Advertising Model. Businesses gain targeted access to engaged, local audiences in a trusted environment, while 50% of all ad revenue is returned directly to the organisations and communities using the platform.

Brendan Kavanagh, Co-Founder of SocialTies, said: “Too many community platforms fail because they rely on goodwill, not good models. With SocialTies, we set out to create something that’s commercially robust and genuinely useful – it is a platform where local advertisers can reach engaged audiences in a meaningful way, while directly funding the communities they care about. It’s digital advertising that delivers real ROI.”

The first live platform built on SocialTies is Kilkenny Cats Social, created in partnership with Kilkenny GAA. As the pilot rollout, it demonstrates how the platform can be adapted to reflect the identity and structure of any organisation, in this case, one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting communities. Beyond content and communication, the partnership highlights SocialTie’s mission of community engagement at all levels – 50% of all advertising revenue generated on the app goes directly back to Kilkenny GAA, supporting grassroots development and major projects like the new Centre of Excellence.

Walsh, a former Kilkenny Senior hurler added “Kilkenny has given me so much, on and off the pitch, so launching our flagship product here means a huge amount to me. We built Kilkenny Cats Social to reflect everything this county stands for: pride, purpose, and community. I’m proud that we’re starting in Kilkenny, and even prouder that every tap, every ad, and every message on the platform gives something back to the place that shaped me.”

Why Stryker Sees Talent as the Foundation of Innovation

In today’s MedTech landscape, where technological breakthroughs are redefining what’s possible in-patient care, it’s easy to focus solely on the machines, data, and devices driving that change. Mag O’Keeffe, Vice President of Global Additive Technologies at Stryker explains more

But behind every innovation – whether it’s a surgical robot, a smart implant, or a predictive algorithm – are the people who imagine, build, and continuously improve them. It’s this human engine of progress that often determines whether innovation scales, sustains, and ultimately succeeds.

At a time when competition for talent is intensifying and industries face increasing disruption, how we develop, support, and continuously upskill our people is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it is a defining strategy.

Ireland’s MedTech leadership has always been grounded in talent, but today, the challenge is evolving. This demands a shift in how we think about talent. It’s no longer enough to hire for existing roles. Instead, it is vital to build adaptable and diverse workforces capable of evolving with new tools, technologies, and expectations.

Diverse pathways into MedTech

Creating a future-ready workforce starts with opening up multiple, accessible routes into the sector – regardless of someone’s background, education, or starting point. Not everyone follows a traditional path into a career, which is why flexibility and inclusivity in attracting and developing talent are so important.

Apprenticeship models are a powerful example. They offer individuals – including school leavers, career changers, and those re-entering the workforce – the opportunity to gain formal qualifications while contributing directly to real-world projects. At Stryker, we’ve seen apprentices progress into engineering, operations, and leadership roles. This is proof that talent can emerge from many directions when given the right support and structure.

Our programme enables participants to pursue degrees in manufacturing engineering while rotating between academic study and on-site learning. It’s not just about gaining a qualification—it’s about reshaping career trajectories and unlocking potential that might otherwise go untapped.

Equally important are graduate entry pathways, which bring fresh energy and new perspectives into the organisation. Each year, we welcome graduates from a range of disciplines to our nine sites across the island of Ireland. Stryker’s graduate programme rotates participants across engineering, finance, and other core functions, giving them exposure to the breadth of the business. It’s not just an onboarding tool—it’s a way to build a pipeline of future leaders who bring curiosity, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration to their roles.

Together, these pathways – whether through apprenticeships, graduate programmes, or internal mobility – reflect a broader commitment to inclusive growth. By creating multiple entry points into MedTech, including for those coming straight from school or those seeking a new direction mid-career, organisations can tap into a wider talent pool, foster diversity of thought, and build teams that are equipped to lead the future of healthcare.

A learning culture

Offering training and upskilling opportunities is one thing; embedding a culture of continuous learning is another. That means creating systems, time, and initiatives that make development part of the everyday.

Our Training Centre of Excellence in Tullagreen, developed in partnership with IDA Ireland, has been designed to make upskilling a key aspect of transformation.

The three-year training initiative, developed with the support of IDA Ireland, will equip employees at Stryker’s Tullagreen facility with the agility and skills for the future of work, promote innovative thinking, and embed a culture of continuous improvement, and advance sustainability.

But it also reflects something more fundamental: when people feel supported to grow, they stay engaged, motivated, and committed.

That support extends beyond formal programmes. Every employee in Stryker Ireland has access to a LinkedIn Learning licence, providing on-demand access to a wide range of training and development resources. It’s one more way we ensure that learning is not just encouraged—but embedded into how we work, lead, and grow.

Growing talent through opportunity

One of the most pressing challenges for business leaders today is retention. Employees, particularly early career professionals, are seeking to find a workplace that nurture their strengths, provide opportunities to grow and are driven by purpose.

At Stryker, our purpose lies in making innovative products and solutions that make healthcare better for more than 150m patients annually across the globe. It is what drives our employees each day and encourages them to come up with new ideas and find creative solutions to complex medical and surgical problems.

But retention isn’t only about formal programmes. It’s also about creating cultures where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore new directions. Our education assistance scheme, for example, has enabled hundreds of employees to pursue new career opportunities, many of them in fields they may never have imagined accessing before.

People powering innovation

The success of any MedTech organisation depends not only on the technologies it develops, but on the people who bring those innovations to life. At Stryker, the commitment to developing talent – through apprenticeships, graduate programmes, continuous learning, and leadership development – isn’t just a cultural value. It’s a business strategy.

These initiatives have helped build and invest in a workforce that is skilled, diverse, and passionate about achieving our mission of making healthcare better. They’ve driven innovation, improved retention, and strengthened our ability to adapt in a fast-changing industry.

But more than that, this investment is creating opportunities for employees – opening doors for individuals to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact.

Ekco acquires Adapt IT, bringing acquisition spend to €57M in two years

Ekco, one of Europe’s leading security-first managed service providers, today announces that it has acquired Adapt IT, a Cork-headquartered IT managed service provider (MSP). The new deal, which is Ekco’s sixth acquisition in two years, brings Ekco’s total acquisition investment to €57 million within this timeframe.

In business for more than 20 years, Adapt IT employs 37 people at its Cork location, serving customers in the small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SME) market. Its 300-strong customer base operates in industries such as manufacturing, retail, hospitality, legal, and finance. The deal bolsters Ekco’s ability to support fast-growing SMEs with unified, secure, and scalable technology solutions.

The acquisition of Adapt IT brings Ekco’s global headcount to more than 1,000 employees and adds a seventh Irish location to its growing regional network. In addition to its three sites in Dublin, Ekco now operates in Cork, Waterford, and Laois, as well as across the UK, Netherlands, South Africa, and Malaysia. Adapt IT’s expertise in Microsoft solutions will strengthen Ekco’s modern working service offering for its customers, and its MSP focus will further build upon Ekco’s existing managed service capabilities.

Adapt IT’s customer base will now benefit from Ekco’s suite of advanced cloud services, automation expertise, and cybersecurity capabilities in areas including security information and event management (SIEM), security operations centres (SOC), and backup. As the cybersecurity regulatory landscape continues to evolve, Ekco will also provide peace of mind through its compliance services. Additionally, Adapt IT’s teams will be able to avail of comprehensive upskilling, certification, and continuous learning opportunities to keep pace with industry demand.

The deal is the latest in Ekco’s wider acquisition strategy for growth and brings the total number of businesses acquired by Ekco in the last two years to six. Earlier this year, the company announced the purchase of Predatech, a UK-based cybersecurity consultancy. In 2024, it added UK legal IT specialist CTS to its portfolio of companies. 2023 saw the additions of MSPs Radius and Bluecube, as well as cloud migration and cybersecurity specialist iSystems.

Cian Prendergast, CEO at Ekco MSP, said: “The acquisition of Adapt IT is the latest move in our aggressive expansion strategy which targets key acquisitions combined with sustained business growth. This strategy reflects an investment in innovation that will make us in Ekco, and our acquired companies, stronger as a result. We’re building a modern, security-first MSP that helps ambitious businesses to operate with confidence and resilience.

“Adapt IT, like us, is a cloud-first business that reflects our culture and has had tremendous success in building a nationwide customer base. By bringing our two companies together, we will enhance our regional footprint in a location where we see vast opportunities for our expansion, while also combining our knowledge and services to pioneer the demands of the modern enterprise. It strengthens our position as the go-to IT partner for businesses who want the reliability of a national partner with the responsiveness of a local team.” 

John Levis, Managing Director, Adapt IT, said: “We are delighted to join the Ekco group, an Irish-founded business which is on an impressive growth trajectory. This will enable us to continue to deliver top-tier services to businesses, backed up by the skills and resources of a larger group. We are seeing that even smaller businesses are seeking enterprise-grade IT and cybersecurity solutions – Ekco’s expertise will help us to meet this growing demand as the volume and complexity of cyber threats continues to rise.”

Goggle Gemini expands Veo 3 capabilities in Ireland

Google has just announced a significant expansion of Veo 3 capabilities within the Gemini App, empowering Google AI Pro subscribers in Ireland. I have taken it for a spin today so to speak and impressed at what it can do now so one can only imagine what possibilities are coming down the road.

Google is making it easier than ever for users to generate and share dynamic video content directly from the Gemini App. Veo 3, the advanced video generation model, allows Google AI Pro subscribers to generate videos from text.

Simply click the “tools” option in the Gemini prompt bar, select “video,” and describe your scene. Gemini will instantly create an eight-second video clip at 720p resolution, delivered as an MP4 file in a 16:9 landscape format, complete with audio.

Read more

Watch the clips on a quick test 

CHERRY spotlights ergonomic highlights for gamers

Summer brings longer days and rising temperatures, but the gaming world continues at full speed. This season is filled with exciting releases, including Death Stranding 2, Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater, and Mafia: The Old Country. Meanwhile classics such as Fortnite, Call of Duty and EA SPORTS FC remain ever-popular favourites. To support long sessions during the warmer days, CHERRY presents hardware that combines performance with ergonomic design.
CHERRY, internationally recognised for its precision-engineered switches, brings its legacy of quality to the gaming world through CHERRY XTRFY. With decades of experience in input technology, the brand delivers solutions that meet the demands of serious gamers.
CHERRY XTRFY stands for uncompromising performance, sophisticated design, and professional-level ergonomics, which are developed in collaboration with e-sports athletes and tested in everyday use by real gaming enthusiasts.
Two products worth trying this summer:
  • The CHERRY XTRYFY MX 8.3 TKL Wireless is available from the end of July 2025. It offers ultra-fast connectivity, interchangeable switches and ultimate control with an intuitive display and rotary knob. The high-quality housing offers a smooth typing experience, making it the ideal choice for anyone wanting to customise their setup.
  • CHERRY XTRFY M64 PRO is a high-end wireless gaming mouse with an ergonomic shape and ultra-flat front. It is ultra-lightweight and ultra-fast with 8K for the lowest click latency worldwide. This product is ideal for precise movements even during long sessions, and it’s a real eye-catcher on any desk.
The setup is enhanced by accessories like the CHERRY XTRFY H3 headset, known for its ultra-light design, crystal-clear audio, ergonomic comfort, and detachable microphone. Adding to the experience, the GP7 mouse pad offers a durable, responsive surface engineered for precision and control.
With decades of expertise in ergonomics, CHERRY extends its knowledge beyond office environments to meet the demands of the gaming world. The latest products are engineered for high performance and long-lasting comfort – perfect for those marathon sessions that stretch late into the night without causing fatigue in wrists, fingers or shoulders.
This new lineup demonstrates that ergonomics isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential for sustained gaming enjoyment and peak performance. And in a summer packed with gaming milestones, having the right setup makes all the difference.
The CHERRY XTRFY products have an eye-catching, stylish design perfect for those wanting to share their set up on Twitch, Instagram or TikTok. RGB, high-end materials, and individual customisation can turn every set up into a statement, and every stream into an experience.
To ensure gamers are prepared to enjoy their favourite games this summer, CHERRY is launching its ‘Summertime – Game Time’ campaign through July and August. The promotion includes numerous discounts and opportunities to win prizes.
From the 10th to the 27th of July 2025, CHERRY XTRFY will be giving away lots of prizes on Instagram and X, including game keys, tickets for Gamescom, and the latest CHERRY gaming gear.
CHERRY will also be running several promotions in stores this July, with the opportunity to snag popular models at up to 40% off. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to discover CHERRY in the gaming sector.
What’s next?
The gaming summer has only just begun; CHERRY will be unveiling more exciting new products that are sure to get gamers’ hearts racing in the run-up to Gamescom 2025. From new switch innovations to complete setup solutions, CHERRY is staying on top of its game when it comes to taking the gaming experience to the next level.
For more information about CHERRY products, visit: www.cherry.de/en-gb

Reimagine Property Ownership With Secure, Tokenized Platforms: A How-to Guide

Owning property has always been a staple of wealth generation and a traditional marker of financial stability. Yet, the conventional approach to property ownership is fraught with challenges. High entry costs, extensive paperwork, and legal limitations can deter potential buyers and investors from entering the real estate market. Fortunately, technology is revolutionizing this landscape. Tokenized platforms offer a novel solution, enabling fractional ownership and enhancing accessibility in the property market. This guide explores how secure, tokenized platforms are reshaping property ownership and provides actionable steps for interested investors.

The Concept of Digitized Real Estate Ownership

To fully grasp how tokenized platforms can improve property ownership, it’s crucial to understand what tokenization entails. Tokenization converts physical assets into digital tokens that can be easily traded on blockchain networks. These tokens represent shares in the underlying asset, allowing multiple investors to own fractions of a property. This system leverages blockchain technology to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency throughout the investment process. Unlike traditional real estate, which requires substantial capital and can involve complex legal frameworks, tokenized real estate lowers ownership barriers. Investors can now gain exposure to premium properties without needing to invest a large sum of money upfront. 

The rise of platforms specializing in digitized real estate o streamlines transactions. Smart contracts ensure that agreements are executed seamlessly and transparently. As properties are listed as tradeable tokens, transaction costs decrease significantly, making property investment more appealing to a broader audience. By allowing diverse investment opportunities, from residential properties to commercial developments, these platforms cater to the evolving wants and needs of modern investors.

Benefits of Tokenized Property Ownership

The advantages of embracing tokenized platforms in real estate are manifold. For one, they enhance liquidity in a traditionally illiquid market. Real estate transactions often take weeks or months. Tokenized assets can be traded quickly on secondary markets, allowing investors to convert their holdings into cash without lengthy selling processes. This enhanced liquidity is particularly advantageous for those who seek quicker returns on their investments. Another benefit is the potential for increased returns on investment. Tokenized platforms often feature lower fees and expenses, which maximizes profits for investors. 

The ability to diversify investments across various properties mitigates risks as well. Instead of betting on a single high-value property, investors can own slices of multiple properties, balancing their portfolio and protecting against localized market downturns. Finally, tokenized platforms strengthen investor trust. With all transactions recorded on an immutable blockchain, transparency and accountability are elevated. Investors can access transaction histories and ownership details without involving middlemen. This aspect is crucial for fostering confidence among new investors who may feel apprehensive about entering a market traditionally associated with opacity and fraud.

How to Get Started with Tokenized Property Investment

Beginning your journey into tokenized property ownership starts with research. Familiarize yourself with the leading digitized real estate ownership platforms available today to understand the property offerings and their unique selling points. Reliable platforms incorporate robust security measures, such as two-factor authentication or multi-signature wallets, to safeguard your investments. 

One notable option for investment is genuine property-backed tokens like those found on platforms facilitating fractional real estate tokens for everyday investors. Here, you can explore various properties available for tokenization. Make sure to thoroughly analyze these options and assess their respective market values, potential returns, and risk profiles. 

Once you’ve selected a platform, the next step is to create your account. This process typically involves registration, identity verification, and funding your investment account. Many platforms accept traditional bank transfers, cryptocurrencies, or various payment methods. Conduct thorough due diligence before investing any sizable amount. Understand the terms of investment and the risks involved, ensuring you comprehend how the platform handles liquidity, fees, and potential exit strategies.

Understanding the Regulatory Landscape

As with any investment, understanding the regulatory landscape is vital when dealing with fractional real estate tokens. Regulations surrounding real estate and cryptocurrency vary widely depending on the country or region you operate in. To avoid pitfalls, consult legal experts or advisors familiar with local regulations to ensure your investments comply with necessary laws. 

Ongoing regulatory developments in the cryptocurrency space can impact the legality and functionality of tokenized platforms, making it vital to stay informed about changes that may affect your investment strategies. Navigating these regulations can seem daunting, but good guidance will bolster your confidence as you take on this innovative investment route.

Future Trends in Tokenized Property Ownership

Looking ahead, the evolution of tokenized property ownership seems promising. Mastering data analytics and artificial intelligence can streamline investments even more by providing insights into market trends, property valuations, and buyer behaviors. This integration will allow property investors to optimize their strategies and make more informed decisions. 

As awareness of tokenization continues to grow, more institutional players may enter the market, increasing legitimacy and customer trust in tokenized platforms. Collaborations between traditional real estate companies and fintech startups are likely to emerge, merging the best practices of both worlds for the benefit of investors. As more properties transition to tokenized formats, we can expect to see novel financing options arise. Crowdfunding efforts can be more effectively structured, giving a broader base of investors access to exclusive real estate opportunities that once required considerable capital. 

 

Secure tokenized platforms are transforming property ownership by making real estate investment more accessible, transparent, and efficient. By leveraging blockchain technology, these platforms reduce barriers to entry, increase liquidity, and empower investors to diversify their portfolios with greater ease. While navigating regulatory frameworks remains important, the ongoing advancements and growing acceptance of tokenization signal a promising future for real estate investment. Embracing this innovative approach offers individuals the opportunity to participate confidently in the evolving property market and unlock new pathways to financial growth.

FunnyFuzzy Fully Orthopedic Surround Support Waterproof Dog Bed Review

The FunnyFuzzy Fully Orthopedic Surround Support Waterproof Large Dog Bed is an ideal addition to your pets wellbeing and we have gone through several offerings now with our LOLA over the years.

LOLA is by no means a large dog but this come in several sizes and FunnyFuzzy have lots to offer on their store and do check it out, in this review we check out the FunnyFuzzy Fully Orthopedic Surround Support Waterproof Large Dog Bed and some additional items from their range and you should check them out.,

Setting up takes two minutes of your time and the materials used are exactly what you need  being durable and scratch resistant, currently LOLA has an armchair for dogs which she sits there like a king and she sits in this like one too and approves, infact when I went to get my camera and placed the bed down she did a burner into it behind my back which was hilarious

as I wanted to get a video of her doing so she is dead wide to the camera now with me and having featured in several reviews and is a one shot chance only and take a hike for pictures.

Overall from my point of view here this is comfortable with a pillow in center and is a simple product to use and maintain and keep your dog or cat happy also providing orthopedic support.

Waterproof Oxford Fabric: Made with high-quality waterproof Oxford cloth, it keeps the bed dry and easy to clean, ideal for dogs that may have accidents or enjoy outdoor play before naptime.

Durable & Scratch-Resistant: The tough fabric stands up to digging and scratching, perfect for dogs that like to “dig” into their bedding before settling down.

Orthopedic Support: The full-surrounded design offers unparalleled bone and joint support, relieving pressure points and helping to ease your dog into a more restorative sleep.

Anti-Anxiety Comfort: The raised edges create a sense of security and support optimal head and neck posture, which can help soothe anxious pets and provide a safe haven for a serene slumber.

Fully Washable Design: Every part of the bed can be easily disassembled and washed, ensuring a hygienic and clean sleeping environment for your pet.

Check out their store in the link below

BUY 

Heated cushion review

Camera review

Video review 

 

Bank of Ireland becomes the first Irish bank to be Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly

Bank of Ireland is the first Irish bank to become Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly, with all of its 182 branches across Ireland and Northern Ireland now recognising the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol, as well as extending its JAM Card partnership.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for people to voluntarily share that they have a “non-visible” disability or condition that may not immediately be apparent to others. Those availing of the service can wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard or pin to indicate that they may need a helping hand, or more time in bank branches, with Bank of Ireland branch colleagues trained to identify the Sunflower ensuring additional supports can be provided when required.

The JAM Card is another discreet way to let others know that you need ‘Just A Minute’ of patience and support, with Bank of Ireland first becoming JAM Card friendly in July 2020. Customers can show their JAM Card in branches to let a member of staff know they need a little extra time or assistance when doing their banking and all Bank of Ireland branch teams have also been trained to recognise the JAM Card.

In addition to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and Jam Card initiatives, Bank of Ireland is introducing a broader programme of customer accessibility enhancements, including accessible ATMs, simpler customer communications, and new supports for customers with hearing impairments. These changes are part of a wide range of accessibility improvements being carried out across the Bank following the introduction of the European Accessibility Act.

Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer, Bank of Ireland said: “Providing an accessible and welcoming banking experience for all our customers is a priority, and I am delighted that we are the first Irish bank to become Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly. We also recognise the JAM Card across our entire network, are installing 650 new accessible ATMs, and have improved supports for customers who are deaf or have hearing or speech difficulties with SignVideo – an on-demand sign language video interpretation service. These initiatives help remove barriers that some customers encounter on a daily basis, and we will continue working to provide inclusive banking services across our entire customer base.”

Paul White, CEO at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Bank of Ireland to ensure all their branches are now Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly. I want to recognise the continuing steps the Bank is taking to provide an inclusive banking experience for all its customers.”