Category: Business

Initial Hygiene Unveils the Signature Inclusive Sanitary Bin

Initial Hygiene, Ireland’s leading expert in commercial washroom hygiene solutions, has launched a new offering in washroom waste disposal: its Signature Inclusive Sanitary Bin.
Developed over two and a half years, this bin marks a turning point for the disposal of hygiene waste within the toilet cubicle. Whereas most washroom waste units on the market are not necessarily inclusive of all waste needs, either due to their capacity, cubicle orientation or opening type, this new bin can safely and discreetly handle all forms of period and incontinence waste in the cubicle. It is therefore the perfect solution for all washroom types (female, male, accessible and unisex).
Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager with Initial Hygiene Ireland, comments: “We believe that every person deserves dignity when using public or workplace washrooms. No one should enter a washroom without the confidence that they will be able to dispose of their personal hygiene waste in a discreet and dignified way within the toilet cubicle.
“For too long, the design of washroom waste units has overlooked the needs of many users, including men managing incontinence waste disposal to those people who need to use accessible facilities. The Signature Inclusive Sanitary Bin changes that. It has been specially designed for dignity in every cubicle by discreetly managing the disposal of both menstrual and incontinence waste.” 
Alongside its new sanitary waste bin Initial Hygiene has also unveiled five new door signs to help raise awareness and educate on the broad range of disabilities and conditions that accessible* washrooms should accommodate.
Accessible washrooms are often assumed to be only for those with visible mobility challenges, which might be due to the historic use of the wheelchair symbol on signage. Initial Hygiene believes that accessible washrooms need better signage to raise awareness of the wide range of disabilities or long-term health conditions that may mean a person needs to use an accessible washroom.
For example, many people with invisible conditions such as, chronic pain, autism, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, or those living with stoma bags will often need to use an accessible washroom. By adopting more inclusive signage, public spaces can send a clear message: accessible washrooms are for everyone, regardless of whether their disability or long-term health condition is visible or not.
Colm Moore, continues, “All too often, individuals with hidden disabilities may feel scrutinised when trying to use an accessible washroom. Door signage is a practical way to show what conditions an accessible washroom caters for as well as being a way of helping to educate other washroom users on the various reasons someone might need to use an accessible washroom. Currently, many signs only feature the traditional wheelchair symbol, which does not reflect the needs of those with less visible conditions.
“Everyone deserves a dignified washroom experience, and by introducing more inclusive signage, we can help ensure that accessible washrooms are recognised for what they truly are: spaces for everyone.”
This initiative comes at a crucial time, as research from the Irish Wheelchair Association shows that 66% of people with disabilities have trouble accessing public buildings, including toilets, and 68% believe facilities are inadequate. By supporting greater understanding and visibility of diverse needs, Initial Hygiene’s new signage aims to help building owners, businesses and local authorities create accessible washrooms that are more welcoming, better respected and used appropriately by those who need them.
For more information about the Signature Inclusive Sanitary Bin and Initial Hygiene’s full range of washroom hygiene solutions, visit www.initial.ie.
*By accessible washroom (also known as a disabled or accessible toilet), we mean a washroom space designed to accommodate people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs or have mobility impairments, with features like extra space for manoeuvrability, grab bars, and accessible fixtures. It will also contain a wash hand basin and hand drying solution, all within the same space.

Hyvä vs. Luma: Which is Right for Your Magento Store

Your theme choice shapes how fast your Magento store works, how easily it grows, and how well it turns visitors into buyers. Store owners often start with Luma because it comes bundled with Magento. Many eventually look for something faster and more flexible. Hyvä has become the leading modern alternative, supported by experienced Magento frontend teams such as the Hyva theme development company that help merchants move to a stronger storefront.

Below, you will find a clear comparison to help decide which option better aligns with your growth plans.

Performance and speed

Speed sits at the heart of profitable ecommerce. Pages that load slowly create friction and lower conversion rates. Magento’s default Luma theme carries a heavy frontend stack with many scripts and dependencies. The browser loads Knockout.js, RequireJS, LESS, and many layout files. It works but slows down the storefront.

Hyvä trimmed the stack. It relies on Tailwind CSS and Alpine.js. Fewer files. Less code. Pages render faster. Stores usually score much higher in PageSpeed and show smoother navigation. Many Hyvä projects hit 90+ mobile scores on Google Lighthouse compared to under 40 for typical Luma storefronts. Merchants running paid traffic especially notice the gains because shoppers drop less often when every tap responds instantly.

Fast loading stores see more add‑to‑cart actions and better Core Web Vitals. One key metric, Largest Contentful Paint, on Hyvä often stays around 1.2–1.8 seconds, while Luma pages may reach 3.5–5 seconds or more on mobile. Better speed drives smoother navigation and stronger visibility in search. That is a solid business advantage.

Why speed differs

  • Hyvä removes more than 200 legacy JavaScript dependencies from the default frontend. “- Tailwind CSS builds only the styles actually used on the page.
  • Less processing on the client side helps mobile shoppers with weaker devices.

Even during peak traffic, stores powered by Hyvä keep a good user experience because the frontend stays light.

Design flexibility and customization

Luma allows quick launch with almost zero configuration. Visual changes are possible but require more effort. Developers work with a layered layout structure and LESS, which takes longer to style and modify. Anything beyond the basics often becomes time‑consuming.

Hyvä encourages clean UI development. Tailwind speeds up styling. Components can be reused and adapted without rewriting too much. Designers and developers both gain freedom to implement unique layouts or UX ideas.

To show the difference, here are two common scenarios

  • Start‑up stores or temporary projects often rely on Luma to save time.
  • Established brands pick Hyvä to create a custom identity and support complex product catalogs.

When you need advanced visual features or unique category navigation, Hyvä gives the creative room to build.

Development costs and licensing

Luma is free. It is included with Magento. Small stores appreciate the low entry cost. But as the store grows, development and maintenance often become more expensive because every improvement touches multiple frontend layers.

Hyvä requires a paid license. The price is about €1,000 per project. At first glance, that may feel like an additional burden. But for many businesses the math works out differently because:

  • Faster performance improves conversion and revenue.
  • Developers spend less time fixing slow scripts and styling issues.
  • Future changes require fewer resources.

Investment returns appear in both user behavior and reduced technical effort.

 

Scalability and long‑term benefits

A storefront needs space to grow. More categories, more content, more visitors. Luma can handle that technically but performance may degrade as the frontend becomes heavier.

Hyvä is built to scale. The architecture remains simple even when new extensions join the stack. Magento modules integrate more cleanly because the frontend layout avoids the legacy complexity.

Growing stores gain three long‑term advantages that support commercial success:

  1. Stable performance with more catalog items and traffic peaks.
  2. Easier implementation of modern UX patterns like sticky carts or advanced filters.
  3. Future‑proof technologies that developers actively enjoy working with.

When stores plan upgrades or redesigns, Hyvä keeps the process manageable.

Extension compatibility and ecosystem

Extensions power marketing, loyalty systems, payment options, and more. With Luma, nearly every vendor supports it because it has been around for years.

Hyvä’s ecosystem expands quickly. Many key modules already support Hyvä out of the box. When something does not work immediately, the Hyvä community provides tooling and fallback connections that make compatibility easier to achieve.

Merchants who rely on standard ecommerce features rarely face blockers. When switching themes or redesigning UX, experienced Magento partners help ensure compatibility and keep integrations working without downtime. Custom integrations usually move faster than expected because the markup is more predictable.

How to choose for your business

Both themes have clear strengths. The right choice depends on your current stage and goals.

Luma fits better when Hyvä fits better when
Budget is tight and the priority is a quick launch Performance directly impacts revenue and conversions
Standard look and basic functionality are acceptable Unique brand identity and custom layouts are required
MVP store or temporary project tests the audience Long‑term scaling and marketing growth are planned
Catalog is small and traffic is moderate Product range grows and UX must stay fast under load
Limited developer resources for UI work Development team wants a clean, modern frontend stack
Speed is not a top priority at early stage Mobile share is high and PageSpeed scores matter

Specialized Magento agencies support migration projects for merchants who start on Luma but later need more speed and flexibility. Their teams keep the transition smooth while preserving store functionality.

For brands running campaigns or handling thousands of SKUs, Hyvä gives a strong foundation without technical debt.

Final advice before choosing

Think not only about the launch day. A store evolves. Marketing strategies change. Buyers expect more convenience every year. The theme becomes a business decision, not only a technical one.

If your strategy includes SEO, high mobile traffic, or growth through ads, Hyvä supports that journey better. You protect your speed, lower friction during checkout, and simplify future redesigns.

Those entering ecommerce for the first time may still find Luma enough to learn the market. Later, migration stays an option when scaling becomes a priority.

Both paths work. The best one reflects where you are today and where you want the business to go next.

 

The First 90 Days After a Sale: The Make-or-Break Window for Your Cash Flow

For most small and medium businesses, the sale isn’t really the finish line. It’s the starting point of a delicate countdown — the first 90 days after the invoice goes out. Those three months quietly determine whether your business runs smoothly or spends the quarter scrambling to cover bills, pay suppliers, or delay projects because the money you earned hasn’t arrived yet.

It’s a window that doesn’t get talked about enough. Most teams focus on closing deals, delivering work, or delighting customers. But the period right after a sale is where your cash-flow story is written.

Why the First 90 Days Matter More Than Any Other Phase

Customers rarely pay late because of a dramatic issue. It’s almost always tiny things that snowball — the invoice got buried in someone’s inbox, a team member left, their internal approval process took longer than expected, or the client assumed someone else had handled it.

The longer an invoice waits to be seen or addressed, the more likely it is to drift into “later,” and later slowly drifts into “overdue.”

Here’s what makes the first 90 days the most critical period:

  • People are most responsive immediately after a purchase
  • Motivation to tie up loose ends fades quickly
  • Accounting cycles move slowly in many organizations
  • Internal approvals often stall without reminders
  • Early lapses become harder to correct after multiple billing cycles

If your business doesn’t have a structured follow-up rhythm built into those first three months, your chance of getting paid on time shrinks with each passing week.

Early Engagement Sets the Tone for Payment Behavior

The first few days after a sale are when your customer experience is at its highest point. They’ve just chosen you. They’re happy. They’re invested. It’s the perfect moment to reinforce expectations — including how and when payment happens.

SMBs often hesitate to emphasize payment terms too directly, but clarity isn’t rude. It’s professional. And setting clear expectations early doesn’t just help you get paid sooner; it builds trust.

Simple things make a big difference here:

  • Sending a friendly “next steps” email immediately after the sale
  • Reiterating payment terms in plain language
  • Giving customers multiple payment methods
  • Clarifying who approves invoices on their side
  • Asking for the best billing contact before the first invoice goes out

These steps don’t feel like “collections.” They feel like organized onboarding — and customers appreciate it.

What Happens When the First 30 Days Are Quiet

If there’s one period where businesses lose control of their cash flow, it’s days 1–30 after the invoice goes out. Not intentionally — they’re just busy. The team jumps into delivery, support, fulfillment, you name it. The admin part of the sale gets pushed to the background.

Meanwhile, the customer is equally distracted, and the invoice gets buried under their own pile of priorities.

This is when many invoices unintentionally slip into overdue territory, not because someone refused to pay, but because no one was paying attention.

So the pattern goes like this:

  • Week 1: “We’ll pay it soon.”
  • Week 2: “I’ll get to it tomorrow.”
  • Week 3: “What was that invoice number again?”
  • Week 4: “We’ll add it to next month’s batch.”

A simple, consistent process prevents that slide before it even starts.

The 60-Day Mark: Where Cash Flow Gets Shaky

Once an invoice hits 60 days overdue, you’re in a danger zone. Not because the customer is unreliable — but because human psychology starts working against you.

At this point:

  • They might feel embarrassed they haven’t paid
  • They’re less likely to respond quickly
  • The invoice is no longer fresh in their mind
  • Their internal cycle has rolled over
  • The “I’ll deal with it later” instinct strengthens

And for your business, everything starts tightening. Cash flow planning gets blurry. Investments get delayed. Suddenly you’re juggling instead of growing.

Why Some Invoices Drift Into “Never Paid” Territory

Here’s the uncomfortable truth most SMB owners eventually learn: the older an invoice becomes, the harder it is to recover.

After 90 days, payment probability drops sharply. After 120 days, the odds get grim. By the time you hit 180 days, it often isn’t about collections strategy anymore — it’s about damage control.

Most silent non-payers don’t set out to become non-payers. They drift into it. The communication fades, the urgency fades, and finally the relationship fades.

But all of this is preventable with the right structure in that early 90-day window.

The Power of Routine (Even If You Hate Reminders)

A consistent follow-up rhythm saves SMBs more than they realise. It reduces the emotional exhaustion of chasing payments and creates a steady, predictable pattern your customers come to expect.

The most effective rhythms usually include:

  • Automatically sending reminders before the due date
  • A check-in a few days after the invoice goes out
  • One reminder at the halfway point
  • A friendly nudge on the due date
  • A firmer message if the invoice becomes overdue
  • Clear escalation steps if it continues beyond 30 days

This is where account receivable automation software quietly becomes the behind-the-scenes hero. It’s not about being aggressive; it’s about staying consistent even when your team is swamped.

Turning the First 90 Days Into a Cash Flow Advantage

When you build structure into that crucial 90-day period, everything downstream gets easier:

  • Cash flow becomes predictable
  • Customer relationships stay healthier
  • You avoid the shame-and-silence spiral of late payments
  • You catch issues early instead of wrestling with them months later
  • You spend less time chasing and more time growing

The first 90 days aren’t just an admin phase. They’re an opportunity — the chance to turn a sale into revenue without friction or worry.

The Window You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Every business owner knows closing deals is essential. But turning deals into timely, reliable cash is what keeps the lights on and growth steady. The first 90 days after a sale are where that transformation happens — or where it falls apart.

With the right communication, consistent follow-ups, and a system that takes the pressure off your team, that window becomes less of a risk and more of a strength.

 

Are Inflatable Tents Right for Your Brand? Pros, Cons, and Use Cases

When it comes to trade shows or outdoor exhibitions, style and function go hand in hand. Today’s brands are looking for event solutions that provide a de-risking balance of visibility, functionality, transportability, and versatility. Inflatable tents are becoming a more viable alternative to traditional tent structures, as they offer specific advantages in setup time, transportability, and design configurations. Inflatable tents can help to improve brand visibility and engagement, whether you are using them for corporate promotions, product launches, community events, etc. Other brands that are using custom tents are also interested in inflatable tents as part of their event plan because of the synergies of style and function.

As inflatable tent technology becomes more mainstream, many companies are asking the same basic question: Are inflatable tents right for my brand? Answering this question involves understanding the pros and cons of inflatable tents and having an understanding of proper understanding across industrial applications.

Weighing the Pros, Cons, and Ideal Uses of Inflatable Tents

 

  • Portability and Ease of Setup for Efficient Food Vendor Tent Setup

Inflatable tents have become a contender to metal frame tents; however, inflatable tents are quicker and easier to set up, as they can be inflated by one or two people quickly. They are inherently appropriate for mobile events, pop-up activations, and temporary setups. In the food vendor tent setup example, this ease of configuration is important. Food vendors work in inherently small kiosks, and time is critical. The speed at which food vendors can inflate and deflate tents allows them to serve customers on time with little to no wait time. Lastly, they can be rolled into a small bag, making it easier and less expensive to transport them. It is especially true for traveling bands/brands and touring promotions.

  • Visual Appeal and Brand Visibility

Inflatable tents provide an impactful visual display straight away. The silky-looking, curve-shaped, customizable surfaces ensure the brand’s identity pops above rows of basic structures. They can be printed in high definition with logos, patterns, or thematic graphics to help attract the eye even from a distance.

Due to their contemporary appeal and flexibility, inflatable tents can complement various brand identities—from chic and corporate to bold and fun. The versatility of inflatable tents also lends their design to creative lighting solutions, including internal LEDs, that can transform an inflatable tent into a glowing beacon on the trade show floor, attracting foot traffic toward the booth. When there are dozens of competitors vying to capture the attention of consumers at trade shows or festivals, visual impact is the difference between lasting impressions and being overlooked.

  • Durability and Weather Resistance

Inflatable tents may be lightweight but are built from tough, weatherproof material such as armor PVC or polyester. These materials are designed to resist wind, light rain, and sunlight without becoming distorted in shape or fading in color. The internal air beams replace metal poles, tolerate pressure evenly, and deter collapse after being under duress.

Properly inflating and storing, while checking for punctures or leaks periodically, is key to their longer utility. Inflatable tents are strong enough for regular outdoor use, but especially in severe storms or with sharp objects, there is some concern. For brands that conduct outdoor events regularly, a higher-grade commercial tent can be helpful. Along with that, secure and effective professional methods can help set up your inflatable tent with confidence.

  • Sustainability and Reusability

With a focus on sustainability in business, event planners and exhibitors are examining the materials they select. Inflatable tents are perfect for an eco-conscious worldview, as they are reusable and create less waste. Where traditional tents are generally disposed of after a single use, inflatable tents can be utilized again and again for each event, decreasing the need for single-use and replacement materials.

Inflatable tents also have a lighter footprint in terms of transport. Their lighter weight uses fewer resources to ship to the event, as well as for setup. So for organizations that want to advance a cleaner, greener event, a sustainable setup using efficiencies can further a positive brand experience. Inflatable tents also use less material than custom tents, and as such, they take less energy for production, as well as to transport and store.

  • Cost Considerations and Suitability for Different Brands

Although pricing differs based on the size and quality of inflatable tents, they are usually a long-term investment, and owing to their durability and reusability, they result in cost savings. Besides, less hardware, labor, and transport costs make these inflatable tents able to be rigidly fit, which enables tighter transport.

That said, inflatable tents may not be appropriate for every brand or event. For instance, an organization that has multi-day exhibits or activations in a busy, high-traffic area of a market will typically prefer the traditional framed tent, as it provides a rigid structure and more design options with the inner space. That said, inflatable tents are exceptionally helpful in duration-preferred or outdoor festival activations, or experiential marketing events.

End Point

Inflatable tents offer brands a contemporary, adaptable, and visually striking solution for portable event structures. The simple setup process, visual identity, and sustainability possibilities make them a useful tool for a dynamic marketing plan. Before deciding on this option, brands should think about their event needs, budget, and environmental considerations. Whether alongside custom tents or standalone structures, inflatable tents highlight how innovative design can be used to re-establish brand presence, function, efficiency, and visual storytelling that now live together under an air-filled roof.

Ireland Opens Markets at the London Stock Exchange

Ireland’s Minister for Financial Services Robert Troy, today became the first Irish government minister to open markets at the London Stock Exchange (LSE), marking Ireland Day and the growing innovation partnership between the UK and Ireland’s financial services sectors.

Hosted by Enterprise Ireland – the Irish government’s trade and innovation agency and Europe’s third-most active VC investor in fintech – the event highlighted record investment, expansion and landmark acquisitions by Irish financial services and fintech firms in the UK, including Ireland’s Fexco Group’s acquisition of Sainsbury’s Travel money this year. The acquisition marks a major expansion for Fexco in the UK’s retail foreign exchange market. The deal announced during the summer, increases Fexco’s UK retail footprint to more than 460 locations, as well as introducing over 18 million Nectar members to Fexco’s travel money services.

Minister Robert Troy commented: “Ireland and the UK are indispensable partners in today’s financial services ecosystem. Sustained investment in Irish fintech and their growth and expansion in the UK, has played a pivotal role in shaping excellence across the City and the wider UK market. Today’s announcements demonstrate how Irish firms are not only investing at home but are also creating jobs and establishing a permanent presence in the UK, benefiting both the UK and Irish economies.”

Supported by nearly €1 billion in VC funding over the past five years, Enterprise Ireland-backed fintech companies are tackling critical industry challenges in compliance, data analytics, cybersecurity, risk management and digital transformation across the UK and global markets.

More than 200 Enterprise Ireland financial services and fintech clients are now active in the UK, investing, scaling and partnering with the country’s leading financial institutions. Today’s ceremony coincided with significant announcements from four Irish firms addressing pressing UK market needs:

•    Version 1, Ireland’s largest home-grown technology company, will mark its 30th anniversary in 2026 and continues to deliver on its major announcement of 1,000 UK AI-related jobs and a £40 million investment programme. Recently its collaboration with NatWest to embed responsible AI governance across the organisation won “Best Data Governance with AI Initiative” at the DataIQ awards.

•    Fenergo, the global leader in client lifecycle management, currently employ 35 people in the UK and will 10-15 new UK roles over the next year.

•    CWSI, a leading Irish cyber security provider today announced a strategic partnership with Bristol based Changing Social, an AI Workplace Transformation consultancy. The collaboration is expected to generate revenues in excess of $40m in the next 24 months across Licencing, Consultancy and Associated Services. Together, the two Microsoft partners will help organisations unlock the productivity and innovation potential of Microsoft Copilot and other AI-driven technologies without compromising on security, compliance, or control.

•    Clear Strategy, a leading Irish data and AI consultancy, is expanding from 34 to 50 specialists in the coming quarter as it grows its UK presence and launches ‘Tempo’, its reference data management solution, into the UK market.

•    ID-Pal, the global leader in AI-powered identity verification, has unveiled the latest enhancements to its fraud detection feature, ID-Detect. Fresh off winning Biometric Authentication Innovation of the Year at the 2025 Payments Awards, ID-Detect’s authentication engine identifies signs of digital manipulation and the markers of AI-driven document fraud. Recent results include preventing fraud valued at +£3m for car-financing platform Finset.

Kevin Sherry, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland, added: “The UK is Ireland’s largest country export market and a strategic priority for Irish tech, financial services and fintech companies. We are laser-focused on forging high-value business connections and supporting Irish firms to enter, scale and invest in the UK.

“The global financial industry faces a number of mounting pressures – regulatory complexity, escalating cyber and fraud risks, green compliance, data silos and AI bias. Irish firms are building world class customer solutions that are agile, scalable, and secure. They’re helping UK institutions navigate regulatory complexity, unlock new efficiencies, and stay competitive in a fast-moving landscape.”

Hosting the Irish delegation at the London Stock Exchange today, Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange said: “Today has been a historic day. We are delighted to have welcomed Minister Robert Troy, the first Irish government Minister to open our markets, alongside Enterprise Ireland and some of Ireland’s most innovative companies. This celebration reflects the long-standing and important ties between the financial services industries of the UK and Ireland.”

The UK market is the largest country export market for Enterprise Ireland backed client companies. In 2024, 29% of total client exports, valued at €10.52bn, went to the UK and representing a 4% increase on 2023. Tech, financial services and business services exports to the UK accounted for €1.2 billion in 2024, with tech increasing by 12% and fintech increasing by 5% on the previous year.

Ireland Day at the London Stock Exchange will conclude with a dinner reception at the Irish Embassy in London, hosted by the Ambassador to Great Britain, Martin Fraser, attended by close to 100 senior leaders from across the UK and Ireland’s financial services industry.

Irish companies participating in Ireland Day at the London Stock Exchange, included: Binarii Labs, Clear Strategy, CWSI, Daon, Fenergo, Fexco, Fund Recs, ID Pal, and Tines.

From Reach to Real Impact: 7 Smart Social Media Strategies for Growing Brands

In today’s digital world, social media is at the heart of brand engagement. It is no longer merely a medium related to visibility; it is an important vehicle for building identity, trust, and engagement with an audience. All interactions, posts, and comments contribute to brand perception and impact purchasing decisions. Brands that want to persistently grow must do more than look at vanity metrics—likes and shares—to create real engagement that resonates emotionally and intellectually. Expert branding consultancy services drive this process, assisting organizations with creating and sustaining an online presence aligned with their values and audiences’ preferences. Building from reach to real impact requires a thoughtful approach to an authentic narrative that promotes connection, relevance, and purpose.

7 Smart Social Media Strategies for Growing Brands

1. Harnessing Cultural Insights to Create Deeper Connections

Identifying audiences requires more than simply demographic analysis; it requires an understanding of the culture in which the audience inhabits. Utilizing cultural insights equips brands to engage in the social conversations tied to the audience and reflect their values and trends that matter to them. When brands engage with their audience’s beliefs and cultures, it creates authenticity that cannot be bought and manufactured through paid campaigns. Recognizing and celebrating community moments, tying into relevant conversations, or highlighting regional influences places the brand in a comfortable, relatable, human pillar rather than the traditional corporate voice.

2. Developing a Consistent and Distinct Brand Voice

Each post, comment, or caption plays a role, however big or small, in developing how a brand is perceived.  Being consistent with a tone (professional, conversational, funny, or inspirational) creates familiarity and builds trust. Visuals, language, and responses should all reinforce this voice across all platforms. If a tone is inconsistent, audiences can become confused, and the identity can be weakened.  When a style guide is built to outline the tone and imagery to use as the model for your voice, it ensures that every brand communication showcases the same essence, so the audience can recognize the brand in any format.

3. Prioritizing Storytelling Over Selling

Social media is all about storytelling—stories that inspire people by touching on emotion, value, and the personal side of a brand. Instead of promoting products constantly, the best stories are about journeys, struggles, and stories behind the success. Sharing a customer’s experience, a behind-the-scenes look at a service or product, and the people who work at your organization creates transparency and relatability. A better story ties back to the purpose we often refer to; that story goes further and sticks with the reader longer than one that is only about ‘selling’ and positions the brand as a brand that connects with people rather than simply an advertisement.

4. Embracing Data Analytics for Smarter Decision-Making

Numbers have their own stories to tell. Social media analytics provides insights into audience behavior, content performance, and engagement trends. By observing key metrics, such as engagement rates, demographic audiences, and sentiment, brands can determine how to optimize and adjust. Data helps turn strategy into information. Frequent analysis gives a brand the ability to be agile to shifts in trends while maintaining a consistent message.

5. Leveraging Influencer Partnerships Strategically

Influencers are still incredibly important in linking brands to communities. The right influencer partnership builds credibility, especially if the influencer aligns with brand values. Rather than counting up followers, for successful partnerships, we prioritize authenticity and audience trust. For example, micro-influencers often create more engagement due to their niche communities. As part of a larger marketing effort, brands can grow reach and maintain authentic connections with their audiences by leveraging influencer content.

6. Integrating Social Responsibility into Brand Messaging

Contemporary consumers expect brands to operate positively. Showing sustainability initiatives, community projects, or good ethical conduct earns trust and affinity from consumers. When a brand shares social media content that truly demonstrates a commitment—like a commitment to environmentally-friendly practices, or inclusivity, for example—it shows it is accountable in ways beyond profits. The more a brand provides transparency about its impact, the better it creates a positive reputation when trying to attract values-driven consumers who prefer to only engage with brands that make an impact.

7. Encouraging Two-Way Engagement and Community Building

Social media should not be a simple broadcast for only one party. Participating in the dialogue (replying to comments, resharing user posts, or hosting activities) fosters community and trust. Audiences enjoy being acknowledged and included. Polls, Q&As, and participation campaigns help convert a passive follower into an active contributor. Once people feel that they are all on the same journey together, they will advocate for your brand. The most powerful social presence does not dominate; it starts a conversation.

End Point

Sustainable growth on social media requires more than being seen. It is built on authenticity, connection, and adaptability. Combining creativity with data, empathy with analysis, and storytelling with responsibility can help brands create impact and improve their overall presence online. These seven strategies serve as a guide for growth that doesn’t go away, turning brands into members of their community, rather than a voice in the crowd. Real impact occurs when social media is more than a marketing tool, but a device driven by purpose.

PMI National Project Awards, in association with PwC, celebrate Lidl for first net zero energy supermarket

The Ireland Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) announces the winners of this year’s PMI National Project Awards, in association with PwC. Among the winners was Lidl for its first net zero energy supermarket in Ireland.

The annual awards recognise the contribution and excellence of project management in Ireland, showcasing the best innovation and talent in the profession. This year, 10 awards were presented at the black-tie event hosted at PwC’s Dublin office on Thursday 6 November.

From a workforce management transformation project in the retail sector to a telehealth programme, the event celebrated a variety of projects across numerous industries and demonstrates the growing influence and success of project management in Ireland.

Lidl was celebrated in the special “Future of Work Excellence” category for Ireland’s first net zero energy supermarket. Based in Maynooth, the store is net zero in both operational and embodied carbon. Furthermore, the supermarket’s design promotes wellbeing and productivity among employees by incorporating natural light, landscaped surroundings and low noise systems. Electric vehicle chargers, bike racks, and e-bike stations have also been installed to promote sustainable commuting.

Other organisations that were successful on the night included Primark, ESB and the HSE. Individuals were also celebrated, including three under-35 changemakers. These were Rachel Bothwell of GP Practice Ally, Sainath Vasantha of Deloitte, and David Garry of KSN Project Management.

The full list of winners for 2025, chosen by an independent judging panel*, can be found below.

  • PMO of the Year – National Broadband Ireland.
  • Project Professional of the Year – Niamh McAuliffe, NMA Consulting Ltd.
  • Private Sector Project of the Year – Primark: Workforce management transformation “myTime”.
  • Public Sector Project of the Year – ESB: PI Vision: Unlocking data, empowering decisions, transforming ESB.
  • Project Management for Social Good – AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd: Nanobubble technology lifecycle project.
  • Under-35 Changemakers of the Year – Rachel Bothwell (GP Practice Ally), David Garry (KSN Project Management), and Sainath Vasantha (Deloitte).
  • eHealth Project of the Year – HSE: Community and primary care telehealth programme.
  • Special category: “Future of Work Excellence” – Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland: Lidl Zero Maynooth Store.
  • Special category: “2025 awards submission most compliant with the 17 x UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” – AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd: Nanobubble technology lifecycle project.
  • Ireland Chapter of the PMI Volunteer of the Year – Mariana Zanivan.

Speaking about the awards, Peter Glynne, President of the Ireland Chapter of the PMI, said: “The project profession in Ireland seems to go from strength to strength every year. This year was no different, with the quality and creativity of projects pushing the boundaries in terms of ambition and innovation. Not only that but these initiatives and individuals are driving real impact both within organisations and for society as a whole.”

John Dwyer, Partner in PwC Ireland, added: “As the landscape of business and work continues to evolve, project professionals are at the forefront, driving innovation and technology-led transformation across Irish and international organisations to prepare for the future. Both the Ireland Chapter of the PMI and PwC are deeply committed to the transformation agenda, and we at PwC are delighted to again be the headline sponsor of the Awards this year and support two specific awards – the Future of Work Excellence Award and the eHealth Project of the Year. This sponsorship highlights our dedication to advancing project management through a complex and fast-changing environment with resilience and optimism, to ensure that we are fit for the future. We commend each and every one of the finalists and a huge congratulations to the winners.”

Innovative Mica Insulation Solutions | Axim Mica

In a world powered by technology and precision, the importance of reliable insulation materials cannot be overstated. Axim Mica stands as North America’s only ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer and supplier of mica-based insulation products recognized for its innovation, quality, and customer-first approach. For over a decade, the company has led the industry with solutions that empower high-performance applications across some of the most demanding sectors in the world.

Axim Mica’s mica insulation materials are engineered to meet the needs of industries where reliability, safety, and efficiency are non-negotiable. From advanced aerospace systems to cutting-edge electric vehicles, Axim’s expertise ensures optimal performance where it matters most.

The Legacy of Innovation and Quality

Axim Mica’s journey is defined by its dedication to excellence. For 12 years, the company has been continuously certified under ISO 9001:2015 a distinction that reflects its consistent commitment to world-class manufacturing standards. This certification isn’t just a label; it represents the company’s promise of quality, reliability, and accountability in every product it delivers.

The company’s approach goes beyond merely supplying mica insulation; it redefines how these materials are designed, produced, and integrated. By combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, Axim Mica ensures every product delivers superior thermal and electrical insulation performance, even under the harshest conditions.

Every partnership begins with a simple goal: understanding the customer’s specific challenges and engineering insulation solutions that deliver lasting value.

Elevating Performance in Aerospace Applications

The aerospace industry demands materials that can withstand extreme environments, intense heat, vibration, and stress. Mica insulation plays a critical role in ensuring aircraft systems operate safely and efficiently under these conditions. Axim Mica’s precision-engineered materials provide exceptional dielectric strength and thermal resistance, making them a trusted choice for aerospace components.

From turbine insulation to engine wiring protection, the company’s mica-based products ensure aircraft reliability at every altitude. More importantly, Axim’s technical expertise allows it to customize solutions for aerospace manufacturers who require precision and performance without compromise.

Innovation isn’t just about creating new products, it’s about anticipating the evolving needs of industries like aerospace and delivering insulation solutions that meet tomorrow’s challenges today.

Driving Efficiency in the Automotive Industry

The global shift toward sustainability has transformed the automotive industry, making high-performance insulation more important than ever. As vehicles become more electrified and intelligent, the demand for efficient thermal and electrical management systems continues to grow.

Axim Mica’s materials are designed to meet these modern automotive challenges head-on. Whether used in braking systems, electrical insulation, or heat shielding, mica provides exceptional resistance to temperature and voltage fluctuations. The result is enhanced vehicle safety, improved component lifespan, and greater energy efficiency.

The company’s ability to collaborate directly with automotive engineers ensures that its mica insulation products integrate seamlessly into new designs, supporting innovation across conventional and emerging vehicle technologies.

Powering the Electric Vehicle Revolution

Few industries are evolving as rapidly as the electric vehicle (EV) sector, where innovation meets environmental responsibility. Axim Mica is playing a vital role in supporting this revolution by supplying mica-based insulation solutions that enhance the safety and reliability of EV batteries, motors, and power systems.

Mica’s natural properties make it ideal for thermal and electrical insulation in EV components, protecting them from overheating and electrical failure. Axim’s advanced mica laminates and sheets are engineered to handle the high voltages and temperatures typical of EV powertrains ensuring stable performance and safety for drivers and manufacturers alike.

As global demand for electric mobility grows, Axim continues to innovate in this space, helping manufacturers build the next generation of sustainable vehicles.

Supporting the Foundry and Steel Industries

In heavy industrial sectors like foundry and steel, insulation must withstand some of the most extreme conditions imaginable. High heat, constant exposure to molten metals, and demanding mechanical processes require materials that offer unparalleled thermal endurance and structural integrity.

Axim Mica’s insulation products are trusted in foundries and steel plants worldwide for their durability and resilience. From furnace linings to heat shields and electrical insulation components, these mica-based materials help optimize energy efficiency and equipment longevity.

What sets Axim apart is its hands-on approach to problem-solving. The company doesn’t just deliver products it partners with engineers and operators to provide tailored insulation solutions that improve safety, minimize downtime, and reduce operational costs.

A Team Driven by Expertise and Integrity

Behind Axim Mica’s global success is a team of dedicated professionals engineers, materials specialists, and technical experts who bring decades of industry knowledge to every project. Many team members have worked directly in the industries Axim serves, giving them unique insight into the real-world challenges their clients face.

This insider expertise allows the company to provide practical, results-driven recommendations that go beyond generic solutions. Whether it’s optimizing a production process or improving insulation efficiency, Axim’s team approaches every task with precision and a deep understanding of the client’s needs.

It’s this personalized, collaborative philosophy that has made Axim Mica a trusted partner to manufacturers and engineers worldwide.

Innovation That Moves Industries Forward

At its core, Axim Mica is more than a materials manufacturer, it’s an innovation partner. The company invests continually in research and development to stay ahead of evolving industry standards and customer expectations. This commitment ensures that its mica insulation products not only meet current demands but also anticipate future applications across emerging technologies.

From aerospace breakthroughs to advancements in electric mobility and heavy industry, Axim’s insulation solutions are helping shape the future of engineering performance.
Please find relevant business stories here. 

A Trusted Partner for the Future

In an era where technology, efficiency, and sustainability intersect, Axim Mica remains a benchmark for quality and innovation. Its customer-driven approach, combined with a relentless pursuit of excellence, continues to set new standards for mica-based insulation manufacturing.

Choosing Axim Mica means choosing a partner that values precision, integrity, and long-term success. As industries continue to evolve, the company’s focus remains clear: to provide insulation solutions that empower innovation, enhance performance, and move the world forward one layer of mica at a time.

What Every Finance and Operations Manager Should Know About Digital Invoices and E-Invoicing

When you’re sitting in the board-room or reviewing the operations of your organisation, the term digital invoice should shift from being an “optional upgrade” to a “strategic must.” Below is a professional, clear walk-through designed for decision-makers, finance managers, operations heads, procurement leads, who are ready to bring their invoice processes into the 21st century.

What a digital invoice really means

A digital invoice is more than a PDF sent by email. It is an invoice created, sent, received, and processed in digital form. It is ideally integrated with your accounting or ERP systems, archival storage, and workflow approval. The key is that it replaces much of the manual handling of paper, and it reduces testing and sorting, and enhances visibility.

Meanwhile there is a closely-related term: electronic invoice (or e-invoice). That term refers typically to invoices with structured data, machine-readable formats (XML, EDI) that can be automated by the receiver’s system. 

In short: 

Every electronic invoice is a digital invoice, but not every digital invoice is a full e-invoice with structured automatic processing. 

Why you should care about digital invoice adoption

From the vantage of a senior manager, implementing digital invoices delivers real business value:

Cost savings in processing 

Traditional paper or manual invoices incur printing, postage, manual input, errors, and rework. Changing to digital invoice workflows can significantly reduce those costs. 

Faster cash-flow and payment cycles  

With digital invoices you can send, receive and begin processing immediately. This improves invoice turnaround, reduces late payments and improves visibility into payables/receivables. 

Improved accuracy and fewer exceptions  

When your invoice data comes in digital form, you reduce manual entry, mistakes, mismatches and disputes. That means fewer vendor queries, less time chasing issues. 

Auditability, compliance and visibility 

Invoices stored digitally can be searched, traced, and integrated with your systems. That supports audit trails and regulatory compliance more easily than paper invoices. 

Better supplier/customer relationships 

When you pay reliably, when your processing is efficient, your vendors are happier and your reputation improves. Digital invoice workflows contribute to that. 

Scalability and future-readiness  

As your business grows (volume, geographies, complexity), manual invoice processes become a bottleneck. Digital invoice systems scale more easily. 

How to approach implementation for organisations

Since you’re thinking with a strategic hat on, here are the steps and considerations:

  1. Review your current process: How many invoices/month? How many manual touches per invoice? What is the error/exception rate? Where are delays?

  2. Define your goals for digital invoice adoption: Do you want cost reduction, fewer errors, faster supplier payments, better control? Get measurable targets.

  3. Check system compatibility & data flows: The digital invoice solution must integrate with your ERP/AP system. Also check how your suppliers will submit invoices and the format required. 
  4. Decide the level of “digital-automation” you need: Are you simply going paperless (digital invoice as PDF + upload)? Or are you going full e-invoice (structured data, automated matching, real-time validation)? The decision impacts cost and benefit. 
  5. Prepare your stakeholders (vendors, team, IT): Your team will need training. Suppliers need to know how to send digital invoices. Define the workflows, approval channels, escalation paths.

  6. Pilot with a subset: Start with a manageable number of invoices/suppliers, test, refine, then scale.

  7. Track performance and refine: Measure invoice processing time, error rate, cost per invoice, supplier satisfaction. Use data to improve.

  8. Archive and compliance: Make sure your digital invoice system allows for secure storage, audit trail, retention policy, legal validity.

How the electronic invoice dimension adds value

When you move beyond digital invoice (i.e., upload of PDF) to full electronic invoice (structured, automated), you get deeper benefits:

  • Machine-readable fields, automatic matching of purchase orders, invoices, shipping receipts reduce human intervention. 
  • Real-time data for payables/receivables dashboards and better financial planning.

  • Reduced fraud risk, improved regulatory alignment (dependent on jurisdiction).
  • Higher level of integration with trading partners and business systems – less “manual hand-offs” between buyer/supplier operations.

Bottom line for your organisation

If I were advising a CFO or operations head: implementing a digital invoice framework is no longer “nice to have.” It’s fundamental. It saves time, saves money, increases capacity and cash flow of your finance department to engage in more value-add instead of paperwork. Going even deeper: by going all the way (structured data, automated workflows) you prepare to have a future in which invoice processing is, on the whole, touchless and in which your organisation is ready to scale and change regulation.

FAQs

How quickly will I see benefits after deploying digital invoice processing? 

You should expect to see improvements in processing time and cost within the first few months of a pilot. Depending on volume and team readiness, many organisations report full return on investment within 12-18 months. 

Will every supplier need to change how they send invoices if we adopt digital invoice workflows? 

Not necessarily all at once, but you’ll want a clear supplier ramp-up plan. Some suppliers may continue paper for a short transition period. For full benefit you’ll encourage them to shift to electronic formats as you scale.

Is a digital invoice the same as a paperless invoice? 

Mostly yes in terms of “no physical paper,” but not exactly. A paperless digital invoice may simply be a PDF scanned or an email attachment. A full digital invoice is integrated with your systems, and an electronic invoice (e-invoice) is even deeper, it uses structured data and automation.