Ireland’s Industry Leaders Unite at Cantillon 2024 to Address Urgent Issues in a Sustainable World

Cantillon 2024, scheduled for 7th March at Ballygarry Estate Hotel, Tralee, marks its 10th year as a pivotal platform for thought leaders, visionaries, and industry experts to delve into the urgent issues arising from the transformation towards a sustainable future. The conference will be an opportunity to hear from industry experts on topics including strategic planning, meeting future talent needs, and the evolving culture of organisations. The conference will explore how business leaders can navigate complex transformation processes, framing transformation not just as a strategic imperative but as a commitment to a resilient and prosperous world for generations to come. Cantillon 2024 is not to be missed for those looking to lead transformation in their organisation.

President of MTU, Professor Maggie Cusack, expressed the urgency of the conference, stating, “Tickets are selling fast, be sure to secure your place at Cantillon 2024 which aims to spark innovative solutions to the most pressing issues in securing a sustainable future, honouring the legacy of Richard Cantillon, the pioneering economist.”

In a rapidly changing global landscape, Cantillon 2024 highlights the importance of the need for transformation across sectors from technology and energy to healthcare and manufacturing. The conference serves as a nexus for industry leaders, policymakers, scholars, and innovators to collectively address challenges and strategically plan for a sustainable future. The need for transformation extends beyond businesses – influencing economies, shaping policies, and necessitating the cultivation of a dynamic talent pool geared for the future.

Cantillon 2024 will feature a diverse array of presentations, interactive panel discussions, and networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. The conference will emphasise the urgency recognised by governmental bodies to develop and implement policies fostering sustainability. From carbon emissions reduction to incentivising green innovations, policymakers play a crucial role in steering industries towards a secure and sustainable future. Organisers are urging those interested to secure their tickets fast before they are sold out.

Highlights from the programme include keynotes from industry leaders:

  • Shane McGibney, Chief Business Transformation Officer at Kerry Group, who will be discussing how to create a transformational culture mindset;

  • Senior Economist at AIB, John Fahey who will be sharing the future transformation requirements from a global economic perspective;

  • Gemma Corrigan of Federated Hermes Limited, focusing on the multi-stakeholder engagement process when leading sustainable transformation; and

  • Disruptive innovation expert Aidan McCullen, who will explain the need to embrace the paradigm shift impacting every facet of global industries, economies, policies, and talent development.

Following the keynotes, panel discussions will dissect the seismic shift towards sustainability across industries. The rising demand for professionals with expertise in sustainability, environmental science, and technology will be a central focus, reflecting the changing landscape of the workforce.

Expert panellists across a host of industries will include:

  • Mr. Padraig McGillycuddy, CEO Ballygarry Estate Hotel: Transforming the Business Model for a Secure Future

  • Ms. Sheena Dympsey Executive Vice President and Chief Solutions Officer at Indivi.: Navigating Transformation in a Complex Digital Health environment.

  • Mr. Cathal Foley CEO, PACE; CCO, Fexco Drive: Platforming to analyse Carbon Emissions in the Air!

  • Dr Assumpta O’Kane, Business Psychologist: Workforce of the Future: The Competing Forces shaping 2040 and beyond!

  • Dr Alison Hampton, Ulster University:  Transformation through the lens of the Zillenial and AI!

With networking opportunities built in throughout the day, key topics of discussion will include the value of collective problem-solving approaches through cross-industry partnerships, public-private collaborations, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

Cantillon 2024 will also shed light on the increasing priority boards, investors, and consumers place on businesses committed to sustainable practices, influencing market trends and investment strategies.

For the full line-up of speakers, visit: www.cantillon.ie; and tickets are available to purchase here: https://events.mtu.ie/index.cfm?page=events&eventId=954

Guerbet Launch Solar Project to Power 18% of Pharmaceutical Operations in Dublin

Guerbet, a pioneer global pharmaceutical company specializing in medical imaging and contrast agents, has launched its first solar farm at its API manufacturing site in Dublin, coinciding with the celebration of its 30th year in operation.

2.4MW solar farm will meet 18% of the company’s total electricity requirements:

Guerbet entered a contract with Enerpower powered by Greenvolt, a leading renewable energy company, for the construction of a 2.4MW solar farm at the Guerbet site in Damastown in 2022.

The two companies entered into a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement where Guerbet has guaranteed to purchase the solar PV electrical power for a period of 20 years. The solar farm is constructed on land owned by Guerbet and will provide the equivalent to the electricity consumption of 500 households.

The project will deliver 18% of the site’s electrical power on an annualised basis, and during the peak summer months could potentially power the plant without addition of electricity from the grid during daylight hours.

The initiative aligns with Guerbet’s strategy and its People and Planet Corporate Social Responsibility positioning for reducing carbon footprint as it looks forward to the next 30 years.

David Hale, CEO of Guerbet Group indicates: “At Guerbet, our purpose is ‘Building lasting relationships that enable people to live better’, and preserving our planet is a foundational part of that purpose.  In 2023, we made a commitment validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to reduce our carbon emissions by 27,5% for Scope 1+2 and 13,5% for Scope 3 by 2032. Our partnership with Enerpower is a great example of a relationship that will help us achieve those objectives.”

David Forde, Site Lead at Guerbet Dublin said: “Guerbet has a long history of innovation, growth, and service in the pharmaceutical industry. This new Corporate Power Purchase Agreement will produce renewable electricity for our API manufacturing site in Damastown and is a significant development in our long-term strategy to significantly reduce carbon emissions at the site. Guerbet joined the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) which encourages ambitious climate action in the private sector by allowing companies to set science-based emission reduction targets. This is a further step on that journey.”

It also comes as the company celebrates 30-years of operation in Ireland. Over the past three decades, Guerbet has continuously strived for excellence, delivering cutting-edge medical imaging solutions and contrast agents to healthcare professionals worldwide, as well as offering highly skilled employment in the area.”

John Carty, CCO of Enerpower powered by Greenvolt stated, “We are delighted to partner with Guerbet on their first solar energy project. Similarly to Guerbet’s ethos we too endeavour to build lasting relationships with our customers and are delighted to add Guerbet to our list of clients using solar energy in Ireland.”

Guerbet marks 30 years of operation in Ireland, employing over 130 skilled workers

The site in Dublin began production in 1994 and currently boasts a workforce of over 130 skilled professionals at the Damastown location. This local presence contributes to the company’s global footprint, which spans across the 5 continents with 2,830 employees worldwide.

Guerbet develops and manufacture contrast media, which are instrumental in improving the visibility of internal organs, blood vessels, and tissues during medical imaging procedures.

Every second, somewhere in the world a patient undergoes an imaging procedure with a Guerbet product. More than 60,000 health professionals rely on the contrast agents to diagnose disease and assess treatment efficacy.

New tech innovations that are transforming mobile gaming

More than seven billion people own mobile phones, accounting for more than 90% of the world’s population. With these numbers, it is not surprising that casino operators and game developers have optimised their sites to suit mobile game use. For example, a player who wants to enjoy casino games can simply log on to an online casino on their phone to play. And when using sites like Hellspin, the loading rates are as fast as the player would enjoy on a desktop or console. As a result, more people have opted to embrace mobile gaming in place of desktop gaming. We look at how tech innovations have supported this change:

Mobile Gaming Innovations

By itself, mobile gaming is an innovation. Two decades ago, it was just but a dream. At the time, players who wanted to enjoy casino games or other games had to use desktops. These were bulky, expensive, and few, thus locking many players out of gaming. Mobile phones soon became common, and casino operators and mobile game developers took advantage of this popularity to introduce mobile-optimized games and sites. But this innovation on its own has not been enough. As such, operators and developers have used the following technologies to make gaming much more accessible and fun:

  • Mobile Apps

For a long time, players had to load mobile websites to play the games they wanted. Not only was this inconvenient for them, but mobile sites did not always offer optimal playing experiences. Now, operators and developers have solved this by providing players with apps that have the following advantages:

  • They are compatible with mobile devices: Operators and developers create mobile apps that work with different operating systems to ensure that players have the best experiences. For example, an Android device user can get a Google Playstore app that fits their device’s capabilities, thus resulting in smooth gameplay.
  • They offer unique features: While mobile sites often have many features, they often lack the customizability available in apps. Players can choose graphics and sounds while enjoying additional features that may not be available on the main website. For example, many casino operators offer app-only bonuses.

Best of all, logging into apps is much easier as players can simply find the app and enter their details, unlike mobile sites that require them to load an entire page before they can start playing. Security features are also much better on apps.

  • Augmented Reality (AR)

Playing offline games often appeals to many players who want to experience the gameplay in real-time. However, offline gaming comes with many challenges, including increased costs, limited accessibility, and strict gaming periods. Online operators have figured out how to merge the real-world gaming aspects with virtual elements to create an immersive experience. They do this through AR, which makes digital images look real to the player, thus making the game even more interesting. When a player interacts with superimposed virtual elements, it’s much easier to forget that they are not playing in a physical game setting as everything seems real.

On top of AR, many operators and developers have been looking into the use of virtual reality (VR). This technology is a step above AR as it allows players to step into an intermediary between the virtual and physical worlds. For example, a player can use VR aspects to tour a virtual casino, interact with other players, and enjoy the games, much like they would in an offline setting. While this technology is still in its early stages for mobile phone users, it already shows a lot of potential.

  • Cloud Gaming

In the early 2000s, players had to download the games they wanted to play. As such, they had to invest in additional storage. Else, they could not install or run the games. Extra storage was also necessary as players levelled up and thus acquired more features. So, when mobile gaming became available, many players worried they had to buy devices with a lot of storage to keep up with these demands.

Cloud gaming saved the day by allowing operators and developers to host their games in the cloud. This way, players can enjoy games without downloading them. They only need to secure their logins and use them to access the games when they have stable internet access. Moreover, this technology makes it easier for players to interact with others from all over the world and even play the same games.

  • 5G Connectivity

For players to enjoy mobile games, they need smart devices and stable internet access. The former has been made easy by the number of mobile manufacturers who have thrown their hats in the ring. Even with $20, a player can find a phone that can access the internet and allow them to play. But internet access is a whole other issue. Many players have often struggled with slow loading speeds despite having advanced mobile phones.

5G technology boasts fast connectivity and reduced latency, allowing players to enjoy smooth gameplay without crashes or lags. So, as the player makes a move, they can enjoy the real-time changes in the game. Not only does this make the game more interesting, but it also makes it easier for players to make good moves to secure wins.

 

Additionally, many operators have introduced blockchain technology to ease digital payments and secure transactions. 

 

Mother’s Day – Affordable tech gift ideas

Show your Mum, Stepmum or mother figure some love this Mother’s Day with some useful tech gadgets that she will love with something for everyone here check out the options below which are affordable and ideal for those ladies into some tech in their life.

QDOS HYBRID SOFT + SNAP iPhone 15 case

Price: £29.99

Available from: QDOS

This iPhone 15 case (other models available) is a MagSafe compatible, soft touch, translucent, coloured case with a frosted back panel made using 73% recycled materials. The range is made from an ultra-resistant and rigid recycled polycarbonate back with flexible, shock absorbing, recycled TPU which offers 2m drop protection. The case is coated with long lasting anti-yellowing agents to avoid discoloration, as well as a scratch-resistant coating. The gorgeous pastel colours reflect the new iPhone 15 colours.

Groov-e Serenity

Price: £19.99

Available from Amazon

If she struggles to sleep, Groov-e’s new sleep aid sound machine could be the perfect companion. Choose from six different soothing sounds which mimic the natural environment to instill tranquility including, ocean, rain and forest. There’s also a white noise option for those who struggle to sleep because of background noises – ideal for those with partners who snore, live on main roads or live in busy environments.

Rechargeable by USB, it also has a built-in LED night light which is ideal for winding down before sleep. Use the timer function so you can drift without worrying about turning it off. It’s lightweight and compact, so ideal for travel.

Groov-e Boston wooden DAB radio

Price: £39.99

Available from Groov-e, Robert Dyas, The Range

Boasting a stylish yet timeless wooden design, complemented by a silver interface and speakers, Boston has a retro-modern appearance which is adaptable to the décor of any room, it would look at home on any bookshelf, nightstand or sideboard.

Combining 40 DAB presets and FM radio with stereo speakers means users can enjoy their favourite stations with crystal clear audio. An extendable antennae ensures better reception even in trickier spots. Users can also stream their own music, podcast or audiobook from their phone or tablet via Bluetooth, allowing the Boston to also be used as a wireless speaker.

Lightweight with a compact design and featuring a carry handle, it can be moved easily anywhere around the home. It can also be powered by mains supply or four C batteries.

Groov-e Light Curve sunrise/sunset simulation clock

RRP: £39.99

Available from Robert Dyas, The Range, Studio, Groov-e

Give her the gift of better sleep with the Groo-ve Light Curve. The light, which mimics natural daylight, will come on at the selected time, starting off gently and gradually getting brighter until it’s at the optimum level, offering a gentler wake-up that leaves them feeling fresher.

When it’s actually time to get out of bed, a chosen alarm sound or radio station will also be activated to help users wake fully.

For those who like to read or need the light on darker mornings to get ready, the Light Curve has 10 levels of brightness using its LED lamp. And for those who want to create more of an atmosphere, one of the seven coloured mood lighting options can be selected.

EA SPORTS LOI Academy MU20 League launched as part of new season in 2024

The League of Ireland has announced the introduction of the EA SPORTS LOI Academy MU20 League to replace the existing MU19 League as the 2024 EA SPORTS LOI Academy was launched today. 

The introduction of the EA SPORTS LOI Academy MU20 League comes in to allow players in the final age group of the system every opportunity to develop and progress into senior League of Ireland teams. 

The move will see players be retained longer in the EA SPORTS LOI Academy system and it will provide players with the additional time they may need to physically mature and develop as a player. Additionally, the Future Developers rule has been extended to include first year MU20 players who can now play across age groups also.

The launch of the EA SPORTS LOI Academy Leagues for 2024 also sees the introduction of Mayo Football Club to the League of Ireland for the first time. 

Mayo FC will be represented by MU14, MU15 and WU17 teams in their respective EA SPORTS LOI Academy games programmes. 

Kerry FC’s introduction to the League of Ireland is also extended as they will enter a WU17 team for the first time. 

With the most amount of players and teams, the 2024 EA SPORTS LOI Academy Leagues will be the biggest ever in the League of Ireland.

Clubs who have both boys and girls EA SPORTS LOI Academy teams will have the option to play female players with the boys as a player development tool also next season. WU17 players will be allowed to play at MU14 & MU15 level and WU19 players will be allowed to play at MU15 & MU17 level.    

League of Ireland Academy Development Manager, Will Clarke, said: “We’re very excited to launch this years EA SPORTS LOI Academy Development Programme. The introduction of the EA SPORTS LOI Academy MU20 League will give players even more opportunities of fulfilling their potential and achieving their aim of playing for senior League of Ireland teams. We’re also delighted to have Mayo FC enter the League of Ireland with their new EA SPORTS LOI Academy teams as well as seeing football grow further in Kerry with their new WU17 team. Last season we expanded the games programme by hosting several successful events and we look forward to more new events in 2024. We would like to thank EA SPORTS for their continued support in helping to develop the next generation of Irish footballer and I’d like to wish all players, coaches, referees, club officials and volunteers the best of luck ahead of the new season.” 

James Taylor, Director – Football Partnerships at EA SPORTS FC, said: “We are proud to support the EA SPORTS League of Ireland Academy for the second year, as we continue our commitment to the grassroots game and help to develop young, aspiring talent in Ireland. It’s a real privilege to be a part of each player’s journey as they navigate their way through the player pathway to hopefully become a future star of the world’s game. We look forward to continuing to support the clubs, league and players across the country for Season 24.”

Creative Pebble X Series: X Marks the Sonic Spot

Creative Technology today announced the release of the Creative Pebble X and Creative Pebble X Plus, the latest additions to the acclaimed Pebble series. These beautifully tuned speakers are set to transform the users’ workstations or any setup into an immersive sound sanctuary. Boasting an impressive RMS power of up 30W and a peak power of up to 60W, both the 2.0 and 2.1 speakers promise superior listening experience across music, movies, and gaming. Apart from their audio prowess, these latest speakers dazzle with customizable RGB lighting, allowing users to create a pulsating lightshow to match any mood. Along with wired and wireless modes, these latest speakers serve as an excellent choice for those looking for a premium desktop audio upgrade.

     

Pebble X                                                                           Creative Pebble X Plus

Experience the perfect blend of stunning audio and captivating aesthetics with the Creative Pebble X Series.

Pebble’s Sound Signature

The Creative Pebble X series makes its debut, packing a hefty audio punch with enhanced custom-tuned 2.75″ full-range drivers for a truly immersive listening experience. Both models boast the iconic 45° elevated design, meticulously angled for an optimized listening experience.

Taking the audio game up a notch, the Creative Pebble X Plus sports a sleek subwoofer with dual passive radiators, designed to be compact enough to sit seamlessly on any desk setup. With added features like Dialog+ and BassFlex, these latest speakers can deliver powerful bass and crystal-clear spoken dialogues without compromising volume.

Despite their small footprint, these speakers can envelop users with an acoustic power output reaching up to 15W RMS and a peak of 30W when plugged into a PC port. When connected to a 30W (or higher) PD adaptor*, these speakers truly shine as it can deliver a peak power of up to 60W, unleashing their complete audio potential for an outstanding listening experience.

Illuminate Your Soundstage Effortlessly

Experience a burst of colour with customizable RGB lighting, offering a palette of 16.8 million hues and six built-in presets. It’s a fun way for users to personalize their workspaces, matching their unique styles for an immersive audio-visual experience.

Connectivity is also a breeze, with support for wired and wireless modes, including USB audio playback, Bluetooth 5.3, and a universal 3.5 mm AUX input port. In addition, the dual ports for headphones and microphones also add convenience for communications and late-night private listening.

To unlock the full potential of the speakers, users can easily download the Creative app on Windows. This app grants users’ access to the Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine audio technologies, such as Surround, Smart Volume, Bass, Crystallizer and EQ. Users can also personalize the RGB lighting and other features using the Creative app’s modules, which are available on Windows, the Apple App Store, and the Google Play Store.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Pebble X is priced at US$89.99, UK£84.99, EU€99.99 and is available for pre-order at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/PebbleX

Creative Pebble X Plus is priced at US$129.99, UK£134.99, EU€139.99 and is available for pre-order at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/PebbleXPlus

Tech Review – Chipolo Card

The Chipolo Card is a Bluetooth item tracker designed to help locate lost items, such as wallets or keys. It is touted as the thinnest Chipolo, measuring 2.55mm in thickness, and is used in conjunction with the Chipolo app. The card is made of solid hard plastic, ensuring durability when placed in a wallet. It is approximately half the size of a typical credit card and emits a loud 95 dB sound that can be activated from the paired phone to aid in locating the unit. The device has a range of up to 200 feet in line of sight and is water-resistant with an IPX5 standard. The word “Chipolo” is derived from “chip” and “colours.”

Setup and Use: The Chipolo Card is compatible with the Chipolo app for both iOS and Android. The setup process involves downloading the app, pairing the device with the phone, and enabling key features such as locating the Chipolo, range alerts, activating the ringer, and taking a selfie. The device also utilises the Limited Chipolo Community search to find the unit if marked as lost.

Features

Compatibility Note: Users should be aware that if the Chipolo Card is used with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) blocking wallet, the wallet’s design may interfere with the device’s functionality. This is not a fault of the unit, but rather a limitation of the RFID wallet design.

 

 

 Overall Assessment

The Chipolo Card is user-friendly and compatible with both Android and iPhone devices. However, it is important to note that the device is equipped with a non-replaceable battery that has a lifespan of 1 year. Chipolo does offer a renewable option for the battery. The device’s numerous features, including receiving notifications when an item is accidentally left behind, make it a valuable tool for preventing the loss of belongings. In summary, the Chipolo Card is a reliable item tracker that could prove to be a worthwhile investment in the event of misplaced property.

Buy 

Video Review

 

Gen Z is three times more likely to fall victim to online scams than silver surfers

Despite being assumed as the most digitally native generation, Gen Z is  being scammed three times more than silver surfers, debunking the assumption that older generations are less tech-savvy.

Gen Z is regarded as the first true digital natives and are reported to spend more time online than any other generation. However, a recent study by cybersecurity provider F-Secure found that 16-24 year olds are three times more likely to fall victim to online scams (37%), compared to those aged 55 and above (12%). Challenging the assumption that they are the most tech-savvy demographic.

Despite their vulnerability, only 11% of Gen Z respondents expressed concerns about online shopping safety, a stark contrast to 31% of the over 55s. The research indicates a potential lack of awareness among Gen Z regarding the risks associated with online transactions.

In an attempt to protect themselves, and uphold the notion they are scam proof, 71% of Gen Z respondents admit they either completely, or sometimes, avoid independent online retailers, perceiving them as higher risk than well-known brands, where they shop for a greater sense of safety and security. However, the study reveals a misconception, as scams occur across all shopping platforms, with occurrences at 27% for small independents, 23% for large online platforms, and 21% for large retailers.

The most common items Gen Z fell victim to in online scams last year are:

  1. Fashion items
  2. Tech
  3. Beauty products
  4. Furniture and home decor
  5. Travel
  6. Sports gear
  7. Gifts
  8. Food
  9. Vehicles
  10. Concert tickets

Tom Gaffney, cybersecurity expert at F-Secure, says: “Gen Z may be the most tech-savvy of all when it comes to using online tools but it appears that it may be a false assumption to assume they have the same awareness of threats. While they can make a TikTok video and jump on the latest viral trend, our research shows they are less able to identify when they are being exploited by cyber criminals.

“There is a clear lack of awareness among this demographic when it comes to online safety, which could be driven by over-sharing and misplaced trust online.”

F-Secure, a leading cybersecurity provider, offers the following tips to stay safe when shopping online:

  1. Don’t click on declined payment links in emails, even if they look like they’re from a trusted retailer like Amazon. Instead, log in to the retailer’s official website to check the payment status.
  2. Be wary of free offers for digital assets, especially in online video games. Cybercriminals often use these to trick users into giving away their login details.
  3. Be cautious when purchasing from new or unknown online stores. Look for warning signs like a lack of company information or a recently created domain.
  4. Don’t fall for social media scams advertising too-good-to-be-true deals. Check comments and user profiles carefully before making a purchase.

Consumers in Ireland Can Benefit from Faster, More Precise Home Insurance Quotes

 In a development to help residents in the Republic of Ireland access fair and accurate home insurance cover following a record year of heat and rain, Ivernia Insurance, one of Ireland’s leading underwriting agencies, is set to use highly granular detail on property risks, in a new agreement with LexisNexis® Risk Solutions, the data, advanced analytics and technology provider.

The new agreement will enable Ivernia Insurance to gain a much deeper understanding of the property characteristics of a customer’s home, as well as the perils risks for the customer’s precise address such as flood, fire, and subsidence, at the point of quote. This will help Ivernia and its insurance partners, to deliver right, first-time insurance quotes, and products suited to each customer’s specific needs.

Ivernia Insurance will access the detailed property data, including precise perils risks from LexisNexis Risk Solutions, via Applied Riskhandler, a highly scalable SaaS platform * that enables rapid insurance product innovation and underwriting controls to speed the quote process for customers.

Shane McCabe, Insurance Strategic Account Manager, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Ireland, said: “It is vital that home insurance providers access highly accurate and predictive data on property risks, up front, to help them price fairly and precisely as we continue to experience extremes in weather. We are delighted to have secured this contract with Ivernia Insurance, working in partnership with Applied Riskhandler, to help support fair and accurate pricing for home insurance cover.

Graeme Murdock, Head of Underwriting of Ivernia Insurance said: “Ivernia’s goal is to make insurance more affordable and to assist customers during unexpected events. In the past year, Ireland saw the warmest June on record and the wettest July on record, and then we had storms in August that brought trees down and caused flash flooding. The more we can use data to understand the customer’s needs and the risks of their property, the better we can serve them by offering a competitive premium with cover that matches their risk and help them protect their assets. That is why we have taken the decision to invest in the data solutions offered by LexisNexis Risk Solutions.”

Stephen Murphy, Senior Director of Customer Experience, Applied Systems added: “This partnership marries best-in-class data insights, technical capabilities to make these data analytics work effectively in the quote process, and insurance market expertise to deliver the right pricing and products to customers. It is this winning combination that will ensure that consumers have access to home insurance protection, that  has been priced for the precise risk of their property.”