Category: Business

4 Reasons Why Your E-Commerce Business May Be Struggling

Running an e-commerce business can be rewarding but also challenging. It is normal to feel the pre-launch jitters when thinking about diving into the e-commerce world. You’ll also make missteps along the way – it’s all part of the journey. However, research shows that 90% of new startups bite the dust, and e-commerce isn’t immune. Many meet the same fate, leaving the success rate hovering around 20%. This statistic doesn’t sound exciting, but it is possible to dodge the “failed e-commerce” bullet. It all starts with knowing the possible challenges that may arise and how to navigate them. Here are four reasons why your e-commerce business may be failing.

 

  • Product content pitfalls 

So you have an awesome product and have done all the homework. However, how you list your product can make all the difference. From grainy-looking pictures to unengaging copy, not paying attention to the little details when putting your product out there could cost you. Remember, the internet is a big space, and the world is watching, making it essential to execute with excellence. It’s not just about pretty pictures, either. Your product description should be crystal clear and speak to your audience. Sometimes, plain and simple words work better than fancy jargon. Also, remember that your site’s design affects the customer’s vibe, so ensure your interface is attractive and user-friendly.

 

  • Checkout chaos

 Research reveals that 55% of customers might vanish into thin air without free shipping at the end of the shopping process. And that is just the beginning of checkout troubles, as cart abandonment rates sit at almost 86%, according to 2023 Statista data. But there is hope, so don’t give up just yet. You can offer discounted shipping and streamline your payment process to make life easier for your customers. They’ll love you for it and are more likely to return for round two. Therefore, when developing your payment systems, consider professional options like Paymentshub payment API, which can be your ticket to a smoother and safer e-commerce experience.

You’ll also want to evaluate the tools and technologies supporting your store. Many businesses achieve better performance by switching to more robust platforms for D2C ecommerce, which offer features tailored to direct-to-consumer operations. Selecting the right infrastructure can reduce friction in your checkout flow and improve the overall customer journey.

 

  • Irritating pop-ups 

Excessive pop-ups can frustrate your customers while they navigate your platform and could cause them to look elsewhere. Today, customers are spoiled with options, so you don’t want to give them an excuse to consider other businesses instead of yours. Although pop-ups have their place, timing is everything. Annoying pop-ups with invisible exit buttons are a big no-no. Keep your website user-friendly, and while you can still integrate pop-ups, keep it away while your potential buyer is still window shopping. It’s better when a pop-up is activated when the user goes ahead to toss an item into their cart. 

 

  • Lack of SEO optimization

 

 

Many online startup founders make the mistake of saving SEO for a rainy day. However, it would help if you avoided that path. Start right out of the gate. Pin down those keywords that matter to your business. At the very least, keep them on your page titles with relevant search terms that show your target market that you have what they need. Go for high-volume, low-competition keywords to ace the search game. If this feels like an unfamiliar territory, search the web for SEO tips or hire an SEO guru. 

 

The Founder Factory Unveils New Brand ‘Factory44’, Delivering On-Demand Creative Services for Every Business Stage

The Founder Factory, Ireland’s on-demand creative studio, has announced its strategic rebrand to Factory44, with a renewed mission to provide compelling and impactful content solutions for businesses at every stage of development.

The transition to Factory44 signals the company’s evolution from a niche service provider initially geared towards startups and founders, to a dynamic, membership-based hub of creative solutions catering to the diverse and time-sensitive content needs of businesses. From ideation to execution, Factory44’s dedicated team of experienced content creators, designers, and strategists are on-hand to deliver content that engages, educates, and inspires audiences, powered by a state-of-the-art studio and equipment suite.

Since inception, Factory44 has exclusively served clients from the founder and start-up community, with an affordable membership price tier of €4,500 per year. This membership package grants members unlimited, on-demand access to Factory44’s dynamic studio, expert team and a full-scope of content creation services including podcasting, videography and photography. It also includes invites to exclusive member-only events, featuring Factory44’s growing network of members, creatives, founders and marketers. Factory44 has also introduced separate price tiers for SMEs and large enterprises with more comprehensive content needs, with add-on packages including copywriting, video editing, strategic digital consultancy, graphic and web design, as well as social media management.

Under the stewardship of serial entrepreneurs Bernard Nolan and Robbie Phelan, Factory44 has experienced an accelerated growth trajectory, expanding from an original staff of two at the beginning of 2023 to eight full-time staff members currently, with two new hires earmarked for Q4 of this year. Having closed a €250,000 pre-seed investment round earlier this year, the funding is being allocated towards business expansion and recruitment, with a particular emphasis on scaling the company’s multi-faceted content department and launching new content ‘factory’ locations in the coming 24 months.

Bernard Nolan (CEO and Co-Founder) has held senior management positions in globally renowned tech companies along with founding multiple startups in fields such as MedTech and AI recruitment. Bernard has won multiple startup awards, including Ireland’s Best Healthcare Start-up in 2017 at the National Start-Up Awards, having founded an online medical platform empowering users to access, store, manage and communicate medical information anytime, anywhere. He was also a regional finalist in Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Competition by Local Enterprise Office / Enterprise Ireland in 2018. His Factory44 Co-founder Robbie Phelan is a seasoned sales and operations senior manager, who previously Co-founded a HR technology company that delivers an AI-powered talent experience platform, enabling a faster, fairer and friendlier hiring experience for candidates and employers alike. Together, Bernard and Robbie are now laser focused on disrupting Ireland’s content creation scene.

Commenting on the announcement, Bernard Nolan, Co-Founder and CEO of Factory44 said: “Our ongoing and rapid expansion demonstrates the high market demand for affordable, membership-based content creation services. In today’s hyper-competitive economy, businesses at every stage of development need on-demand access to dedicated content experts, without paying lofty fees. Whether you’re a startup looking to establish a strong digital presence, a founder seeking to expand your sphere of influence and personal brand, or an established enterprise aiming to refresh your brand narrative, Factory44 has the expertise to craft best-in-class content that aligns with and supports your business objectives.”

Robbie Phelan, Co-Founder of Factory44 said: “By only paying for what they need, our expanding client base derives fantastic value from our dedicated in-house experts, who are treated like an extension of their team – reliable, dedicated and invested in their success. With a three-story state of the art facility centrally located in the heart of Dublin, we’re building a thriving network of enterprises that can explore collaboration synergies, while achieving the highest standards of content output in an affordable and efficient manner.”

Spencer Dock Transforms for Culture Night as Local Community, HubSpot, and A Playful City Celebrate a Year of Creativity and Trust Building

Through a series of hugely successful projects and workshops, A Playful City has been collaborating with young people from SWAN Youth Service living in Dublin’s North East City to transform their community by constructing pop-up spaces for them to socialise, interact and play with their peers in an exciting project funded by HubSpot.

Culture Night 2023, taking place on September 22, is the perfect opportunity to showcase how A Playful City through its collaboration with local partners including SWAN Youth Service, HubSpot and Dublin City Council, and especially the local youth community who have activated public spaces in hugely positive ways that are often overlooked.

On Spencer Dock on Culture Night, the young entrepreneurs, artists and chefs will be serving up a night of fun and culture for all the community. Rosemary, basil and rocket lettuce, all grown in nearby Mud Island Community Garden, will be harvested and used to embellish the pizzas cooked up on site for Culture Night. Poems that have been composed in workshops with award-winning performers such as FeliSpeaks will be exhibited in the public arena and an illustrator will top the night off with live drawing throughout the night.

Through vision, imagination and mentorship from HubSpotters, and with funding from key partners, A Playful City, a locally-based not-for-profit is helping to activate public spaces for the common good and giving a much needed outlet to young people in the local community.

“Culture Night 2023 is such a fitting way for all the community in the North East Inner City to come together and celebrate the many constructive and creative ways they’ve worked to help improve public spaces in their local environment,” said Neasa Ni Bhriain, Creative Director of A Playful City.

“Public spaces are so important in unlocking the talent and imagination of our young people,” Ni Bhriain said, adding that it was important we celebrate and champion what’s been achieved in the past year.

One of the stars on Culture Night will be the specially designed Enterprise Mobile, which will be utilised by local young people in conjunction with A Playful City. The nifty mobile unit, designed with sustainability in mind and managed by the young people from the community, can be turned into a pop-up stall and used for a variety of events such as showcasing their entrepreneurial endeavours. As well as being central to Culture Night, it will be used by young people in the North East Inner City for many years to come.

Working closely with HubSpot, based on Spencer Dock, A Playful City has coordinated a series of “Mentor Moments” in which HubSpotters from around the globe have provided valuable insights and shared ideas with the young people in a collaborative and creative way.

“It’s been hugely rewarding to meet and collaborate with the young people from our community,” said Eimear Marrinan, VP of Culture and ESG at HubSpot. “They’ve been as eager to learn as we have been to share our knowledge around entrepreneurship and skill development. We are really looking forward to coming together and celebrating their talents with the community we work and live in on Culture Night.”

Commenting on the positive results that come from when young people are entrusted with public spaces, Eibhlín Harrington, a project leader from SWAN Youth Service, said, “So often we hear negative stories about young people and public spaces, when in fact, here in the North East Inner City, they have accomplished so much, provided they are entrusted with spaces in their neighbourhood, and that we all work together as a community to foster trust, respect, and creativity.

“There is an incredible amount of talent, drive and creativity amongst the young people in the NEIC and Culture Night on Spencer Dock is the ideal opportunity to showcase this to the community and reimagine what is possible in our public spaces,” she added.

SSE Renewables donates €1.1 million to almost 400 Irish community groups

SSE Renewables, Ireland’s leading developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy has donated over €1 million to almost 400 local charities and community groups across Ireland in the last year, once again demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the economic and social wellbeing of those local communities which host its wind farms. 

The contribution is revealed in SSE Renewables’ 2022/23 Community Investment Review for Ireland, which has been published today. 

In total SSE Renewables has invested €1.1 million this year from its wind farms into 382 community-based projects across the country. The funding generated for the SSE Renewables Community Fund comes from revenues earned by its wind farms across Ireland, including the Galway Wind Park Community Fund, which is Ireland’s largest community benefit fund. This year’s €1.1 million investment contribution is one of the largest-ever annual investments made by SSE Renewables into local communities from its wind farms. 

SSE Renewables’ funding helps support local groups, sports organisations and schools among others in rural Irish communities to develop their facilities with energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades as well as social and environmental projects that enable community development. 

The SSE Renewables’ 2022/23 Community Investment Review marks 20 years of wind powered funding by the company into Irish communities. Since it first launched its Community Fund programme in 2003, SSE Renewables has invested over €11.4 million into almost 4,500 community-based projects located closest to its wind farms. This funding is awarded to community groups near wind farms located in Cork, Cavan, Donegal, Wexford, Monaghan, Sligo, Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary and Galway. 

Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director of SSE Renewables said: “With the climate emergency and energy security at the top of the agenda, we’re proud at SSE Renewables to be playing our part in helping Ireland’s transition to renewable power. In the last year we’ve continued to produce huge amounts from our onshore wind farms across Ireland, while progressing the next wave of industry leading projects, both onshore and offshore. 

“We recognise that an integral part of a just transition is sharing value with the local communities in which we operate. We’re committed to investing to ensure Irish communities have what they need now and for the future. That’s why in the last year SSE Renewables has donated over €1 million to local projects to invest in issues as diverse as inclusive sport to biodiversity centres. In doing so, we’re aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring the investments we make into local communities help deliver affordable and clean energy, take climate action to reduce emissions, and support the creation of sustainable cities and communities. 

“As we build more renewable assets across Ireland, we’re ensuring the country benefits from local, clean, resilient energy with a commitment to local supply chains to boost our economy. As part of this commitment, we’ll collaborate with communities to help them achieve their ambitions and support thriving, robust and prosperous communities across Ireland.” 

In addition to providing funding support to local groups and organisations, this year’s Community Investment Review details the education funding support SSE Renewables is providing to young people from its ongoing scholarship programme. In the last year, the Galway Wind Park Scholarship Fund has provided just over €50,000 in scholarships for 16 young students who live near Ireland’s largest wind farm and wish to attend their third level college courses of choice. This brings the total number of young scholars supported financially by the Galway Wind Park Scholarship since it was launched in 2019 to just over 80. 

Alongside funding contributions across local communities, 2022/23 has been a year of growth and development for SSE Renewables’ Community Funds. In County Donegal the company worked with development partner FuturEnergy Ireland to undertake an extensive community consultation with local representatives and community members in the design and key priorities of a new community fund for the Lenalea Wind Farm, which is due to open next year. 

This year also saw a significant increase in applications from communities across Ireland looking for measures and projects designed to support the delivery of low carbon infrastructure in rural areas, and so support a greener future and tackle the climate emergency. 

In County Galway, €110,000 was presented to Comhairle Ceantar na nOileán from Galway Wind Park to establish the Low Carbon and Sustainability Centre of Excellence in Casla. The centre is creating new sustainable economic opportunities to support the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the region by supporting the re-skilling of workers and supporting homeowners to complete retrofit improvements. The centre is providing skills training in emerging retrofit technologies including solar PV, external wall insulation and ventilation. The project plans to train 280 professionals per annum and support the energy improvement of up to 10,000 local homes. 

Patrick McHugh, Director of Comhairle Ceantar na nOileán, said: “In Galway, the waiting list for energy efficient home upgrades is nearly two years. Through the development of this training centre in Galway, timeframes for upgrades will be reduced with the project having the potential to impact over 30,000 individuals and in excess of 10,000 homes, so contributing towards Ireland’s net zero goal.” 

In the community of Bunnoe, County Cavan, where the next nearest publicly available electric vehicle (EV) charging point is over 10km away, SSE Renewables’ funding totalling €2,500 has supported the installation of a first-ever EV charger at the Bunnoe Community Enterprise Centre. Visitors to the community centre, GAA club and football club can now charge their electric vehicles while visiting the local amenities. 

Patsy Fitzpatrick, Volunteer at Bunnoe Community Enterprise Centre, said: “In a rural area like Bunnoe, people have to travel at least 10km to access an EV charging point. The provision of this charger has improved efficiency and reduced cost for our locals, it has attracted people to the area to avail of the charger and use other resources whilst waiting, and most importantly it demonstrates our commitment and support towards achieving net zero.” 

SSE Renewables will continue to support Ireland’s green recovery and it hopes to continue the same level of successful support to communities in the coming year. In the coming year it will continue public consultation on the design and priorities for a community fund for Yellow River Wind Farm in Rhode, County Offaly, which it is currently constructing. 

In the offshore wind energy space, SSE Renewables is continuing to develop plans for Ireland’s 2030 offshore targets, including delivery of its flagship Irish offshore wind project, the 800MW Arklow Bank Wind Park II which is expected to generate a community benefit fund of around €6m annually should it become operational before the end of the decade. 

You can read the SSE Renewables 2022/23 Community Investment Review here.

Data Edge 5G Tech Day

Data Edge, the leading Irish network and application performance management company, will host a free seminar on Wednesday, 18th October, in The Address Citywest Hotel, Co. Dublin, to look at the challenges and opportunities that network operators and regulators face when it comes to 5G deployment and testing.

As 5G networks are being widely deployed around the world, the cellular network operators, their subcontractors, and the National Regulator Authorities need to ensure that the networks are functioning well by measuring Radio Frequency (RF) metrics in the field.

Data Edge’s seminar will provide attendees with a full day of education, networking, and live demonstrations. Industry experts will outline how 5G networks are currently being deployed and how best to optimise their performance, providing customers and partners with faster and improved connectivity that can enable a better overall experience.

The event is being co-hosted by Anritsu, a global provider of innovative communications Test and Measurement solutions for more than 125 years. Cyril Noger, Radio Frequency (RF) & Wireless Field Application Engineer, Anritsu EMEA, will present at the event, and be joined by Andrew Cole, an Anritsu Field Application Engineer responsible for the company’s wireline product portfolio.

With more than 26 years’ experience in the Test & Measurement industry, Cyril is an industry expert who has focused on RF and wireless technology, starting with 2G and though every iteration up to 5G.  He will present a number of the day’s talks, including; Ensuring Performance of 5G Network with Accurate Field Measurements, and Performing Indoor and Outdoor Network Coverage Mapping. Andrew Cole, also a veteran of the sector with 40 years’ experience, will speak about efficient testing of today’s wired networks, as well as assisting with the live demonstration.

Leading Irish telecoms analyst, Luke Kehoe, who specialises in the area of 5G, will also deliver a talk at the event on the current state of play of Ireland’s 5G rollout.

Speaking about the event, Paul Phelan, CEO, Data Edge said: “Advances in network speed are the backbone to supporting all the innovation that is happening in the technology industry, and without it the digital economy would not be able to thrive as it has done. This seminar will provide attendees with valuable insights into how best to optimise their networks and to make the most of 5G, navigating the obstacles and making the most of the opportunities that it presents.”

Further information and registration are available here. Places are limited so early booking is strongly recommended.

6 Real Ways You Can Make Money Online Beyond Selling Goods

In the digital age, the Internet has revolutionized the ways we communicate, learn, and most pertinently, make money. The online world is overflowing with opportunities for savvy individuals to boost their income beyond traditional methods. This isn’t limited to selling goods alone, as is often presumed. This article shines a spotlight on various legitimate and innovative ways to earn money online, with potential avenues that may not have crossed your mind. Whether you’re seeking a full-time remote position or a side hustle to grow your savings, these 6 real ways to make money online could be your stepping stone to financial flexibility.

1. Take Online Surveys & Participate in Focus Groups

Market research companies are always looking to hear what consumers have to say about their products and services, so they reward individuals for providing candid feedback and opinions. This could mean taking an online survey or participating in a virtual focus group. Even though the payouts aren’t usually significant, it’s a great option if you’re short on time and don’t mind giving your two cents.

In addition, many survey sites offer rewards programs and sweepstakes that you can join for free. All this means is that even if you don’t qualify for a particular survey, you still have the opportunity to make money through other activities like clicking on ads or watching videos.

2. Become a Freelance Writer or Editor

If writing is in your blood, then this could be the perfect opportunity to make some extra money. There are numerous freelance websites through which you can connect with clients looking for help in creating high-quality content. Whether it’s SEO web content, magazine articles, social media copywriting, or blog posts, the demand for experienced writers is always on the rise. You could also join an editing platform to work on manuscripts and other projects as they come in. 

When starting out, you’ll likely be offered lower rates in order to build up your profile. But as you gain more experience and establish yourself as a professional freelancer, you can begin charging competitive prices for your work. You might even land some long-term contracts with larger organizations, enabling you to make a living wage from the comfort of your home.

3. Investing With a Broker

Investing money is an excellent strategy for growing your wealth over time. However, if you’re not well-versed in the stock market and financial jargon, it can appear overwhelming. This is where the expertise of a broker becomes invaluable. Namely, the professionals at Forex Broker Listing suggest that by partnering with a trusted broker, you can receive guidance on how to prudently and securely invest your funds. With the right brokerage platform, you can conveniently access market data and research from anywhere with an Internet connection. 

Most brokers also offer attractive bonuses for new customers that make it easier to start investing without a large initial outlay. Knowing when and where to put your money can help you earn a profit in the long run, without putting too much strain on your finances.

4. Become an Online Tutor

 

If you have a passion for teaching, why not leverage those skills to earn some extra income? Platforms like WizIQ and Udemy offer opportunities to create and teach your own online courses or join existing ones. This allows you to set your own rates and schedule, granting you full control over your workload. According to ReviewsXP, teaching experiences can vary from hosting live lectures or webinars to developing engaging content such as video tutorials and quizzes. The best part is, that most online tutoring positions don’t require a formal degree as you can virtually transfer your knowledge to eager learners.

5. Become an Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketing involves promoting different products and services as part of a larger network or platform. When customers click on your affiliate links and purchase the advertised product or service, you’ll receive a commission from the merchant. The amount varies depending on the platform and the products in question, so it’s worth doing some research to find out which companies offer attractive rates for their affiliates.

What makes affiliate marketing so great is that you don’t need to own a website or blog to get started. You can join an affiliate program and simply publish your links on social media or other channels to earn commissions. You can even bundle several products together as part of a package deal, and then promote it to a wider audience for greater success.

6. Become a Virtual Assistant

The term “virtual assistant” (VA) refers to an individual who provides administrative services remotely from home. Basically, you’ll be completing tasks that help busy executives and entrepreneurs who can’t do everything themselves. As a result, there is a growing demand for talented VAs to take on day-to-day tasks like scheduling meetings or conducting research. You could even offer copywriting services if you have the necessary expertise, as this skill is in high demand among businesses. Depending on the company, you might also have to manage social media accounts or answer customer service queries. 

The internet isn’t simply a vast pool of information—it’s a bustling marketplace of opportunities, too. Whether it’s taking online surveys, freelance writing, investing with a broker, tutoring, affiliate marketing, or becoming a virtual assistant, there are numerous legitimate ways to make money online. Remember, no venture is without its challenges and each one requires dedication, perseverance, and discipline. However, with a clear strategy and consistent effort, you can tap into these platforms and generate a substantial income from the comfort of your home. The digital world is yours to explore and profit from, so take the first step towards financial autonomy today.

UNLEASH World Returns to Showcase Companies Transforming the Future of Work

UNLEASH, the fastest-growing HR events across Europe and the US, returns to Paris for its 11th year on 17-18 October, 2023. Organised by UNLEASH, a global digital media and events business dedicated to HR, technology, learning and recruitment leaders, the flagship UNLEASH World conference has been the epicentre for HR, recruitment, learning expertise and tech influence for the last decade. This year, it returns to explore the transformative power of technologies such as AI in shaping the future of work.

Set across 12 theaters, UNLEASH World attendees will hear from visionary keynote speakers including CEOs from L’Oréal, Aliaxis and Roullier Group, CHROs from Airbus, Spotify and Sodexo, and Rugby legends, Jonny Wilkinson, CBE and Serge Betsen. With a diverse range of keynote speakers, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, UNLEASH World provides cutting-edge insights and best practices for everyone – from CEOs to HR leaders and executives.

“UNLEASH is the most influential HR event in the world, where attendees are given the opportunity to meet the who’s who of the industry from some of the most exciting brands and employers in the world – under one roof, over two days of face-to-face meetings,” said Marc Coleman, CEO and Founder at UNLEASH. “Massive thanks too to our Headline Sponsors who are the heartbeat of the HR Industry and help ensure UNLEASH is the go-to global event for HR Leaders, including: AWS, Bob, Deloitte, Eightfold, Phenom, Qualtrics, SAP SuccessFactors, Visier, Workday, and Workhuman”.

Through keynotes on the main stage and further breakout stages, attendees will gain on some of the most pressing topics including:

  • Creating an Exponential Organization in the Modern Era
  • The Adaptive Enterprise – HR Technology in the Age of AI
  • Tech & Human Harmony in a Hyper-Connected World
  • Harnessing the Power of Resilience and Reinvention
  • Mastering Employee Connection and the Social Contract in Today’s Talent Landscape

The speaker roster itself is star-studded with 200+ of the best in the HR industry with speakers including:

  • Jean-Claude Le Grand, CHRO, L’Oréal
  • Katarina Berg, CHRO, Spotify
  • Josh Bersin, Founder & CEO, The Josh Bersin Company
  • Natalia Wallenberg, CHRO, Ahold Delhaize
  • Salim Ismail, Founder, OpenExO
  • Anika Grant, CPO, Ubisoft
  • Thierry Baril, CHRO, Airbus
  • Beatriz Rodriguez, Chief Talent and DEIB Officer, Bayer
  • Reza Moussavian, VP of People Products, Zalando
  • Maud Alvarez-Pereyre, Chief People & Transformation Officer, LVMH
  • Andrew Elston, Global Head, Workforce Strategy Enablement, HSBC
  • Laura Hingel, Global Head of Talent & Employer Branding, Christian Dior
    Henrik Hansen, VP Global Head of Integrated People Services, Philips
  • Denise King, Vice President, Global Benefits and Payroll, Medtronic
  • Artur Nejmark, Head of HRIS Operations, Volvo Group

Introducing the UNLEASH World Startup Program: A veritable launchpad for trailblazing entrepreneurs in the HR and Future of Work. UNLEASH has been the launchpad for the future of HR Tech, this high-impact platform has already seen its network of startups raise an astounding €10 billion in funding. 2023 UNLEASH World Startup Award offers an unparalleled opportunity for early-stage companies to break through. Established in 2011, this accolade has proven to be more than just a trophy; it’s a gateway to funding and exponential growth. Our last four champions and runner-up’s secured game-changing funding within months. Those interested in entering the award can find out more here.

For more information, including the agenda and how to register for the event, visit https://www.unleash.ai/unleashworld.

Paradyn backs up critical data for Donegal County Council

Paradyn, one of Ireland’s leading cybersecurity service providers, is today announcing that it is backing up critical data for Donegal County Council with Vault365, an all-in-one backup, ransomware, and data protection solution.

Donegal County Council needed to effectively back up and secure its Microsoft Office365 data to ensure compliance and eliminate the setup and maintenance of its own hardware, storage, and infrastructure. Paradyn deployed the Vault365 solution which runs in the cloud and backs up information to its own highly secure off-site data centre. The remotely stored data is immutable and cannot be compromised by potential cyberattacks on the organisation’s estate.

Paradyn’s solution is protecting sensitive information for Donegal’s 166,000 citizens. It’s also enhancing the user experience for those who engage with the council’s vital services as public information is backed up, reliable, and up-to-date.

Ongoing monitoring and management by Paradyn of the Office365 estate gives peace of mind to Donegal County Council that its critical assets are protected. The council also has access to a self-service portal, meaning it has full control and visibility of the solution. The solution is flexible and scalable in line with organisational growth in the future.

Paradyn is securely backing up 900 Microsoft Office365 accounts for the council across applications including Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive. As Microsoft only stores data for up to 90 days, the Vault365 solution ensures business continuity and is increasing employee productivity as data can be quickly recovered in the event of an incident. The new solution is based on a cost per user model, which is resulting in significant cost savings for the council.

Sean Dunnion, Project Leader Information Systems at Donegal County Council, said: “With Paradyn’s extensive expertise securing organisations in the public sector and local government, they were the natural fit to support on this next phase of our journey. This Vault365 solution has futureproofed our data protection and backup capabilities, and provides peace of mind that sensitive information is secure.

“Crucially, it’s helping to enhance the services we provide to citizens throughout Donegal as the solution gives us full control of our Office365 estate, while ensuring minimal downtime should an incident occur. Ultimately, the technology is built with growth in mind and will enable us to scale as needed.”

Fergal Meehan, Chief Commercial Officer, Paradyn, said: “It’s a common misconception that Microsoft backs up customer data, which is why it’s essential for organisations to proactively protect their critical information. Vault365 eliminates the risk of losing access and control over this data, underpinned by the expert knowledge of our experienced specialists. Hackers will typically target on-site backups and having critical data stored securely in an off-site location provides an extra layer of protection.

“The council deals with citizens’ sensitive information and provides crucial public services to the people of Donegal, and this solution enables the council to meet these needs now and into the future.

Excitement builds as Ireland’s aquatech industry aims for global recognition at BIM conference

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency is hosting a conference next month that aims to position Ireland as the centre of excellence for aquatech. The inaugural Aquatech Business of the Year award is also being announced at the event.

The conference, being held in partnership with global aquaculture accelerator, Hatch, and supported by the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, will gather some of the leading experts in aquaculture including Kristen Virega, SVP Global Shrimp efishery, Neil Sims, Founder and CEO, Ocean Era and Jennifer Bushman, Sustainable Aquaculture Strategist and Communicator. BIM CEO, Caroline Bocquel is also among the key speakers.

Aquatech can be defined as any technology enabling sustainable seafood farming. There are currently 62 aquatech companies operating in Ireland, employing almost 900 and with a combined turnover of €217 million.

This exclusive discussion and knowledge sharing opportunity will provide a platform for senior policy makers, aquaculture and tech sector thought leaders and investors to learn how  Ireland can build its capabilities in this space.

‘Aquatech – Ireland’s Global Opportunity’ is taking place at the Brehon Hotel in Killarney, Co Kerry on Thursday 19 October from 14:00 to 16:00 (Irish Standard Time). You can register to attend for free at the following link:  bit.ly/44CLJgX