Tag: Business

Beyond Swift: The revolution of instant international payment solutions

For over half a century now, the global financial system has relied on a SWIFT mechanism that, in 2026, feels archaic. It was certainly revolutionary at the time for the banking messaging system that it is. It helped create a safer and more orderly way to get money from one bank to another.

Today, it’s seen as legacy infrastructure that brings with it a lot of friction. A transfer can take days to settle (in the 80s, sending money from the UK to Hong Kong in three days was impressive!), while fees are now seen as high and quite unpredictable. And, perhaps most disappointingly for a correspondence system, tracking the location of the funds is difficult. 

While information travels instantly, money has lagged behind – partly because replacing a large global system, which takes fraud seriously, is understandably sticky. But a quiet revolution has been happening from the bottom up. API-first financial infrastructure has been booming over the past decade, and alternative finance is growing so big that it no longer feels like an alternative.

The problem with legacy systems

To understand the magnitude of this revolution, you first have to appreciate the inefficiencies of the current status quo. Traditional Swift is a chain of correspondent banks – money doesn’t actually go from point A to B, but it passes through a series of intermediaries, all of which collect their own fee.

This structure is therefore inherently opaque. A business might send $10,000, but the recipient might receive $9,850. If the business says it wants the recipient to receive $10,000, then the sender will pay high fees, and it often won’t be clear whether they’re wire fees, exchange spreads, and so on. 

How modern API-first solutions work

The solution to this is interoperability and direct connection. Modern fintechs aim to be borderless, and they’re building their own “financial infrastructure” to achieve it. They might use SWIFT when it works out best, or they might establish entities in multiple countries and connect directly to local banking systems. They might use treasury tricks, where they can deposit/withdraw money from multiple users simultaneously to align a transfer, and achieve it even with no money ever crossing the border. In the end, it’s about choices, flexibility, and being agile.

This API-first approach means instant settlement. Because the payout is a local bank transfer, it clears within seconds.  Plus, the fees are clearer and the tracking is more accurate (fewer intermediaries).

The advantage for global business

For treasury managers and CFOs, the ability to consolidate liquidity is a game-changer for obvious reasons. Before, expanding into new regions like Latin America or Southeast Asia meant opening multiple local bank accounts, which was a bureaucratic nightmare, whether you’re a large corporation or an independent store.

Modern platforms allow users to see their global finances in one view. Through a single API integration, a company can automate pay-ins and pay-outs in dozens of countries. This means it’s easier to track liquidity and cash flow, but it also means it’s easier to manage multiple currencies and have an FX strategy. You can build up reserves in a multi-currency account wallet and execute timely transactions when the exchange rate is favourable (or when it’s large enough to get a bulk FX discount).

Who is driving the change?

Transparent cross-border payments are made up of global generalists and specialized regional experts. Wise is perhaps the most recognizable name and it was an early mover in setting the standard for transparency and mid-market exchange rates, while Airwallex carved out a strong position by offering a comprehensive platform that combines payments with card issuing and expense management – ideal for larger enterprises. 

Latin America is always an interesting environment because it has historically been characterized by fragmented banking systems. Belvo has set the standard for Open Finance, as they’ve helped build the API rails so businesses can access banking data and initiate payments in markets like Mexico, Brazil and Colombia. On the issuing side, Pomelo provides the cloud-native infrastructure to help companies launch and scale, while Dock operates heavily in the background as a banking-as-a-service powerhouse.

Prometeo has positioned itself to focus specifically on borderless banking for treasury management. Here, the international payment solution provides a single API that consolidates these local networks to allow for automated liquidity movement between Latin America and the US.

Value movement

Instant international payments is still a new concept to larger banks. But for those looking to take advantage of maturing open banking regulations, payments is an area which is improving in quality while decreasing in cost. It has come at a time of the rise of crypto, which is in part how crypto has been kept at bay away from mainstream use. Going forward, it’s unlikely to see large corporations embrace interoperability because it’s a playing field leveller, and so bottom-up fintech movements will continue to shape consumer experience.

Irish Shoppers Favour Trusted Websites Over Social Media

Consumers in Ireland are gearing up for one of the biggest online shopping weekends of the year, with 55% planning to make a purchase during Black Friday or Cyber Monday, according to a new survey from .ie (Ireland’s national domain registry), conducted by Core Research. The survey reveals that while social selling continues to grow, trust and security remain key factors in how and where people choose to shop.
The research shows that more than half (51%) of consumers are likely to make an impulse purchase during the sales, driven by price, convenience and speed.
Electronics (68%) and clothing (58%) top the shopping list, with younger shoppers most likely to buy on impulse.
While consumers are motivated by bargains, trust and security are becoming decisive factors in where they spend. The research found that 58% of shoppers are more likely to buy from a retailer with a .ie domain, citing stronger trust, security, and a desire to support Irish businesses  as key reasons.
David Curtin, Chief Executive of .ie, comments,
“Irish consumers love a good deal, but they also value reassurance. Even the most impulsive shopper wants to know who’s behind the offer and that the business is genuine. A .ie web address signals that there is a connection to Ireland, offering transparency and accountability”
The findings come as awareness of online risks continues to grow. Three in four consumers (76%) believe websites offer stronger protection than social media platforms, while phishing is viewed as the most common scam method (73%).
Over 7 in 10 say phishing is the most common way scams occur. Almost six in ten believe social media is where scams are likely to occur when shopping online. The majority are concerned about online scams. Over 1 in 5 have been a victim of scam. Customer reviews and Google search are the two most common safety checks. More than 3 in 4 think shopping on a website is safer than shopping via a social media platform.
One in five people in Ireland have already lost money to an online scam, with an average loss of €401.
When choosing where to shop, delivery speed ranks as the third most important factor, after price and quality. Faster delivery within Ireland motivates 61% of shoppers to choose .ie sites, while 45% cite domain trust and 33% cite security as key drivers.
.ie’s Five Smart Steps for Safer Black Friday Shopping
  1. Read customer reviews and search the company name online
  2. Watch for unrealistic discounts that appear out of nowhere
  3. Ensure the web address starts with https
  4. Check for the .ie domain to confirm the business has a connection to Ireland
  5. If in doubt – don’t buy
With peak sales pressures and increasingly sophisticated scams, .ie is encouraging shoppers to think smart, shop secure, and keep their money local by supporting trusted Irish retailers. and as I always say STOP THINK CHECK and if in doubt give me a shout on any of my social media.

Google Announces Nano Banana Pro for every builder and business

Today Google has announced Nano Banana Pro, their latest and most powerful image generation and editing model yet, built on Gemini 3 Pro. 

They are bringing Nano Banana Pro to many of the Google surfaces where the original model is already available:

  • Consumers and students: Available now in the Gemini app under the ‘Thinking’ toggle alongside Nano Banana (with limited free quotas before reverting to Nano Banana), in Search’s AI Mode for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S. and in NotebookLM.

  • Professionals: Available to Workspace customers in the Gemini app and in Google Slides.

  • Advertisers: Google is upgrading image generation in Google Ads to Nano Banana Pro to put cutting-edge creative and editing power directly into the hands of advertisers globally.

  • Developers and enterprise: Accessible via the Gemini API and Google AI Studio, and in Google Antigravity; enterprises can use it in Gemini Enterprise and Vertex AI for scaled creation.

  • Creatives: In Flow, the AI filmmaking tool, Nano Banana Pro gives creatives, filmmakers and marketers even more precision and control over their frames and scenes, coming first to Ultra subscribers. 

In addition, Google is expanding their commitment to transparency by launching a new feature in the Gemini app. Users will be able to upload any image and instantly ask if it was generated by Google AI, thanks to their embedded SynthID watermarking technology. As a result, they are removing the visible watermark from images generated by Google AI Ultra tier users in the Gemini app.

See more below

 

Earlier this year we launched Nano Banana (Gemini 2.5 Flash Image). It became the top rated image model in the world, and we were excited to see the overwhelming response from our customers. For enterprises, Nano Banana made it dramatically easier – and more fun – to edit images with natural language and make visuals with consistent characters. 

Today, we’re announcing Nano Banana Pro (Gemini 3 Pro Image), our state-of-the art image generation and editing model, in Gemini Enterprise, Google Workspace, and Vertex AI. Nano Banana Pro excels in visual design, world knowledge, and text generation, making it easier for enterprises to: 

  1. Deploy localized global campaigns faster. The model supports text rendering in multiple languages. You can even take an image and translate the text inside it, so your creative work is ready for other countries immediately. 
  2. Create more accurate, context-rich visual assets. Because Nano Banana Pro connects to Google Search, it understands the real world context. This means you can generate maps, diagrams, and infographics that get the facts and details right — perfect for training manuals or technical guides where accuracy matters. 
  3. Maintain stronger creative control and brand fidelity. The model allows you to upload up to 14 reference images, which means you can load a full style guide simultaneously—including logos, color palettes, character turnarounds, and product shots. This ensures the model has the complete context needed to match your brand identity. Need to refine the result? Just describe the change using natural language to add, remove, or replace details. Nano Banana Pro supports up to 4K images for a higher level of detail and sharpness across multiple aspect ratios. 

Nano Banana Pro and Nano Banana are designed to power a complete creative workflow. Start with Nano Banana for high-velocity ideation, then transition to Nano Banana Pro when you need the highest fidelity for production-ready assets.

Supporting your commercial needs: Both models fall under our shared responsibility framework, and you can ensure transparency and responsible use with built-in SynthID watermarking on every generated asset. We’re committed to supporting your commercial needs with copyright indemnification coming at general availability. 

What Nano Banana Pro can do for businesses 

Nano Banana Pro builds on the incredible speed of the original model, but adds the precision needed for businesses. Marketing teams can use it to generate assets that are immediately campaign-ready and on-brand to quickly iterate on ideas, saving hours of manual review, reducing production cost, and allowing your team to focus on strategy and final creative oversight. Designers can now accelerate concepts and prototyping by rendering a 3D image from a simple sketch or diagram. 

Advanced translation and localization: Marketers, you know how important – and difficult – it can be to translate your campaign into another language. Scaling a global campaign traditionally requires massive budgets and coordination with external agencies. Now, you can easily translate and regenerate assets—allowing you to expand your global footprint without expanding your bottom line. 

Search Grounding: Nano Banana Pro can use Google Search to research topics based on your query, and reason on how to present factual and grounded information. 

Advanced composition: Add up to 14 input reference images to combine elements, blend scenes, and transfer designs to create something entirely new. Nano Banana Pro maintains the quality of a developed asset but delivers it in minutes. 

Advanced text rendering: Generate clear, accurate text within images, unlocking use cases for product mockups, posters, and educational diagrams. This could include natural text placement (e.g., wrapping text around an object) and support for various fonts and styles. 

How customers are already using Nano Banana Pro 

Nano Banana Pro is becoming an essential infrastructure layer for the creative economy, powering the design platforms that creatives rely on. By integrating our models directly into their workflows, we are helping industry leaders like Adobe, Figma, and Canva deliver next-generation AI capabilities. Here’s what they have to say about building on our foundation:

 

 

While platforms build the tools, the world’s leading agencies and brands are delivering results. We’re moving from experimentation to enterprise-grade production, where efficiency and performance shine.

Get started 

We’re making Nano Banana Pro available where your teams already work, keeping you in the driver’s seat: 

  • For developers: You can start building with Nano Banana Pro in the Gemini API today in Vertex AI. For those building with Vertex AI, Nano Banana Pro is an enterprise-grade offering that includes Provisioned Throughput, Pay As You Go, and advanced safety filters. 
  • For business teams: Nano Banana is available in Gemini Enterprise with Nano Banana Pro coming soon. Gemini Enterprise is our advanced agentic platform that brings the best of Google AI to every employee, for every workflow. And, starting today, Nano Banana Pro is rolling out to Google Workspace customers in Google Slides, Vids, the Gemini app, and NotebookLM — learn more. 

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.

Powering the next generation of Irish tech startups

From early-stage SaaS startups in Dublin to scaling fintechs in Cork and Galway, Ireland’s tech ecosystem is thriving. But as competition intensifies, efficiency and agility have become the new currency of growth. For young companies balancing innovation with tight budgets, business cloud storage is now essential. It provides the secure, scalable foundation that keeps data protected, teams connected, and operations running smoothly as startups evolve.

Smarter cloud infrastructure for smarter businesses

Traditional IT setups require heavy upfront investment in servers, software, and maintenance. Business cloud storage removes that burden entirely. Instead of purchasing physical hardware, startups can store, share and back up data online, and pay only for what they use. This approach frees up capital to reinvest in product development, customer acquisition or talent, rather than tying up funds in infrastructure that may quickly become obsolete.

Flexibility and security that scales with ambition

Startups rarely grow in a straight line. Demand can spike overnight after a funding announcement or major partnership. Business cloud storage systems are built for that unpredictability. With scalable storage plans and integrated security, Irish startups can expand capacity instantly without worrying about server upgrades or downtime. This flexibility makes it easier to experiment, pivot, and grow sustainably.

As the number of data breaches continues to rise across Ireland, maintaining data integrity has become a strategic necessity for all companies. Reputable business cloud storage platforms use end-to-end encryption, access controls and regular backups to protect sensitive files from loss or unauthorised access. This level of security not only safeguards company assets but also reinforces trust with clients, partners and investors.

Collaboration without borders

Many Irish startups operate remotely or across hybrid teams. Cloud-based file sharing ensures that everyone—from founders to freelancers—can access up-to-date project files anywhere, anytime. It eliminates version control issues and supports real-time collaboration, even across time zones. 

For small teams trying to move fast, that can be the difference between closing a deal and missing a window of opportunity. Beyond day-to-day communication, it also streamlines client management, onboarding and project delivery and allows teams to share proposals, feedback and updates securely in one place. This seamless connectivity helps startups maintain momentum and consistency as they grow.

Business cloud storage: The bottom line

Business cloud storage is a cost-saving tool and an operational growth enabler. It gives startups the infrastructure of an enterprise at a fraction of the price, letting them focus on what matters most — innovation, execution and scaling.

Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC Review

Having reviewed audio gear and office headsets for over 10 years, I’ve tested a wide range of Poly (formerly Plantronics) products — from dependable Bluetooth models to enterprise-grade headsets. The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is positioned as a premium, business-focused option for hybrid professionals who need comfort, clarity, and seamless connectivity across devices.

Design and Comfort

The Voyager Surround 80 UC is an over-the-head model featuring an ergonomic gap at the top of the headband to reduce pressure points. At 275 grams, it feels comfortable and balanced even during long meetings. The artificial leather ear cushions are soft and breathable, providing a pleasant wearing experience throughout the day.

The overall construction feels solid and businesslike, with subtle branding and a Teams logo for those in Microsoft environments. While the button layout is intuitive for right-handed users, left-handers might find the positioning less natural. Still, it’s a well-designed, durable headset suited to daily professional use.

Controls and Connectivity

Poly combines touch and button controls to handle calls, music playback, and volume with ease. Touch gestures manage playback and volume, while physical buttons cover mute, power, and Bluetooth pairing. 

Connectivity is excellent, with support for Bluetooth 5.3, the included BT700 USB-C adapter, and optional USB-C to 3.5 mm cable for wired use. Pairing with Windows 11, Android, and macOS devices was quick and stable. The headset supports dual-device connectivity, making it easy to switch between laptop and phone without interruptions.

 

What’s in the Box

  • Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC headset
  • Premium carry case with zip pocket for accessories
  • BT700 USB-C Bluetooth adapter
  • USB-C to USB-A adapter 
  • USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable 
  • USB charging cable 
  • User guide

 

The carry case deserves special mention — sturdy, compact, and well thought out, making it ideal for professionals commuting between office and home.

Setup & Software (Poly Lens)

The Voyager Surround 80 UC can be used straight out of the box via Bluetooth, connecting instantly without requiring additional software. However, downloading the Poly Lens app unlocks a range of useful customisation and management options.

With Poly Lens, users can: 

  • Customise headset controls and button functions
  • Enable smart sensors that detect when the headset is worn or removed
  • Automatically pause or resume media, or mute/unmute calls
  • Manage firmware updates and battery monitoring
  • Access Poly Lens Cloud for centralised device management (ideal for IT teams)

The software is well designed and adds real value, particularly for business users who want to tailor their experience or manage multiple devices.

 

Features

  • Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to reduce distractions
  • Six built-in microphones for clear, boomless voice pickup
  • Dual-device Bluetooth connectivity for laptop and phone pairing
  • Touch and button controls for calls, playback, and volume
  • Up to 21 hours talk time / 24 hours listening time
  • DeepSleep mode conserves power when inactive
  • Teams and UC certified for professional collaboration platform
  • Poly Lens integration for software customisation and management
  • 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty for peace of mind

 

Sound and Microphone Performance

Audio performance is impressive for professional use. The six microphones deliver crisp, natural voice pickup and handle background noise effectively through adaptive ANC. The boomless design keeps things tidy while maintaining excellent speech clarity.

During testing across Teams, Zoom, and Android phone calls, the overall audio quality was faultless. Voices were clear, background noise was minimal, and the headset performed reliably across multiple devices.

However, one noticeable drawback was that while mute and volume controls worked correctly on the headset, these actions didn’t always visually reflect in Microsoft Teams across different laptops. The headset muted and adjusted sound as expected, but Teams’ on-screen indicators didn’t always match the headset’s status — a minor but noticeable usability issue.

On Android, by contrast, everything worked seamlessly: media playback, track skipping, and volume control all responded perfectly.

Battery and Power Management

Battery life remains a major strength, with up to 21 hours of talk time or 24 hours of listening time. The DeepSleep mode automatically conserves energy after 24 hours of inactivity, and charging via USB-C is quick and convenient. It’s an ideal companion for long workdays or travel without needing to worry about frequent recharging.

Real-World Experience

In practical use, the Voyager Surround 80 UC delivers exactly what professionals need: reliable connectivity, consistent audio, and all-day comfort. The dual-device connection works flawlessly, allowing smooth transitions between phone and laptop calls.

While the Teams visual feedback issue is worth noting, it doesn’t affect actual functionality or audio performance. The headset remains a dependable tool for business calls and virtual meetings.

Verdict

The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is a high-quality, professional headset built for hybrid workers who spend much of their day in virtual meetings. It offers excellent microphone clarity, strong noise cancellation, long battery life, and a well-designed carry case that makes it easy to travel with.

While it commands a premium price, it’s backed by solid engineering, reliable connectivity, and a two-year warranty. The only minor frustrations lie in the Teams visual control sync issue and sensitive touch controls, but overall, this is a polished, professional headset that performs consistently where it matters most — in call quality, comfort, and usability.

BUY

Other Poly reviews

Video Review

How UK CCTV Crime Prevention is Shaping Business Security

Business security should always be at the top of a company’s priorities. Measures need to be put in place to protect the business. UK CCTV is playing a significant role in shaping business security. Installing CCTV systems is seen as an excellent tool in risk management for businesses and crime prevention.

It can help to deter theft and vandalism against a business while it can give reassurance to business owners and employees. UK CCTV systems are effective at reducing crime and are shaping business security.

With businesses finding issues such as anti-social behaviour, organised shoplifting and vehicle theft, CCTV is so important to help prevent these types of crimes. Installing CCTV can be vital to help prevent crimes as well as provide important evidence if a crime does occur.

A report from the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) states there are over 21 million cameras in operation. 

Here are some of the reasons why CCTV in the UK is so effective, and why crime decreased by 13% in places with CCTV compared to places without it. 

CCTV works as a deterrence

The main reason why UK CCTV is shaping business security is that it’s a deterrent for criminals. With the presence of CCTV cameras, it can stop those who intend to commit a crime from taking action. 

They are aware that footage will be taken and this footage could lead them to being charged. With this in mind, it can stop them from committing the crime. The possibility of being identified can prevent the action from being taken.

To make sure it’s an effective tool for business security, the UK CCTV system needs to be installed in the best place to stop criminals. It needs to be in the vision of those who encounter your business. It’s a good idea to find an external CCTV system that will cover the whole perimeter of your business.

While it’s a successful business security tool, you need to make sure you stay within the laws of data protection. You can make sure you stay within the law by checking out the government website before installing the UK CCTV system. 

Evidence for investigation 

When a crime does take place, the CCTV crime prevention footage can be used to help resolve the crime. It can provide vital information to those investigating what exactly occurred and action can be taken.

They can make vital identification using the CCTV footage and this could lead to the individual being charged. It’s also essential for insurance claims if an incident did occur that damaged your business.

Having the footage can also help you take steps to help your business security move forward and install measures to prevent further crimes from being committed.

Provides active monitoring

With the UK CCTV surveillance camera playing a vital role in business security, it allows those at the business to actively monitor what is happening at their business. 

A lot of the systems can now be managed while on the go and you can check in and take action quickly if any issues are detected. 

It can help you to be aware of exactly what is going on at your business quarters and to take action if necessary. You can hire security to monitor this for you and help shape your business security.

Commercial access control systems integrated with UK CCTV can also provide an added layer of security by regulating entry to business premises and verifying identities in real time, enhancing overall crime prevention and operational efficiency.

High-tech technology

As CCTV develops, smart CCTV is becoming more common for business security. The new CCTV technology can analyse the footage and inform the business about potential threats that could take place. They can spot any patterns and will inform the CCTV owner regarding any threats to the property or persons.

They can also inform about areas or facilities that are more dangerous so that businesses can put measures in place.

They also offer AI detection which can detect objects that could be suspicious and potentially harm your business. It’s also beneficial as it can identify criminals, so if a theft does occur, this can help with charges to occur.

Not only this, but it can help to diagnose genuine threats to the business. It can also offer faster responses, so that you can get quicker responses which could prevent further theft or threats to staff. These technological advances make this a must-have for shaping business security.

Conclusion

There are so many different types of CCTV systems and you should look at the benefits and negatives before installing one at your business quarters. You need to make sure that the CCTV that is installed is professionally installed by a reputable company. This will stop any errors occurring which could lead to failed recordings.

With the right coverage and the best features, CCTV crime prevention is helping growing businesses stay secure.

 

Cyber Threats Could Force 1 in 4 SMEs to Shut Down After a Ransomware Attack

The latest Vodafone Business Cybersecurity Threat Report reveals a stark reality for Ireland’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), warning that 28% of businesses would be at risk of shutting down after just one ransomware attack, while 94% of Irish SMEs admit they feel unprepared to defend against advanced cyber threats.
With cyber criminals increasingly harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to launch faster, more convincing and more adaptive attacks, the report warns that no business is immune to risk.
AI: The Game-Changer in Cybercrime
The report highlights how AI is now being used to clone voices, impersonate trusted executives, and create highly realistic phishing campaigns, making it harder than ever for busy SMEs to spot malicious activity. These sophisticated identity hacks can lead to operational shutdowns, exposure of sensitive customer data, and long-term reputational damage to businesses.
The financial impact is expected to surge with cybercrime-related costs projected to rise by nearly 50% over the next three years as AI-driven attacks continue to evolve.
The report highlights the emergence of adaptive AI malware, a type of malicious software that can learn and adapt its tactics to evade detection. Traditional antivirus systems are becoming less effective against these shape-shifting threats, signalling a critical need for stronger, AI-enabled defences.
As Irish SMEs begin integrating AI tools into everyday operations, from automating customer service to analysing data, the research shows that 50% of small and mid-sized enterprises ranked cybersecurity among their top five priorities. However, 69% of SMEs admit they lack the proper cybersecurity measures to deploy these technologies safely. This gap is leaving many businesses exposed to new forms of cyberattacks.
However, Vodafone Ireland, connectivity and technology partner to six in ten Irish businesses, emphasises that there are practical steps SMEs can take to strengthen their cybersecurity, such as employee training, software updates, multi-factor authentication, regular backups, and partnering with expert providers for monitoring and threat detection. These measures can help businesses close gaps without requiring extensive IT expertise.
Speaking on the findings, Sinead Perry, Head of SMB Sales – Small & Medium Business at Vodafone Ireland, warned that no business is too small to be a target:
“The scale of AI-powered attacks means no business is too small or too remote to go unnoticed. If you’re online, you’re on the radar. For SMEs, the risk is real – they are big enough to be a target but often don’t have the same security resources as larger firms.”
“Attackers only need to succeed once, while your defences must work every time. Irish SMEs now face two major challenges: defending against AI-driven threats and ensuring their own use of AI is secure.”
“Today, SMEs manage more data than ever before and operate in a complex digital environment that rivals larger businesses. This makes them attractive targets, and with AI in the mix, this threat is evolving fast. SMEs must act now to strengthen their resilience and protect the future of their business. With 2.4 million customers in Ireland, Vodafone is a trusted connectivity and technology partner, uniquely positioned to support SMEs in navigating today’s cybersecurity challenges. This is why at Vodafone Ireland, we are working with leading global technology partners, like Google, Microsoft
and Zscaler, to help SMEs build stronger, smarter defences and protect the future of their businesses.”
The full Vodafone Business Cybersecurity Threat Report is available to download via the V-Hub knowledge centre: https://v-hub.vodafone.ie/knowledge-centre/how-to-defend-smes-from-rising-ai-driven-cyber-attacks.

How to Identify the Best Sustainability Courses for Business Leaders?

The need to be sustainable has never been as intense in the current fast moving business environment. Leaders understand that it is not only a moral but a strategic need to incorporate the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The drivers of this change are the growing stakeholder demands, the regulation requirements, and the effects of the climate change and social inequality. The rate of change in this paradigm is fast leading to the need of specialized knowledge and skills in sustainable business practices.

ESG courses come in at this stage and provide a systematic way in which professionals can enrich their knowledge and improve their ability to effect positive change. However, with an increase in the number of offerings, how does a business leader with a keen sense of discernment identify the most sound sustainability courses that genuinely align with their career aspirations and organizational needs? This guide will explore key considerations all of which can assist you to navigate through the education landscape and make an informed choice that can launch your leadership in the sustainable age.

Understanding Your Needs and Goals

Before you find a sustainability course, you need to assess what you already know, what you want to achieve in your career and what concerns you in an organization. Specify the need or not of a simple understanding or technical expertise in areas like finance of renewable energy, circular economy responses, or sustainable supply chain control. The reason this is necessary is in order to assist in customizing your educational experience in a way that it may have maximum impact on your professional life and your organizations endeavors to be sustainable.

Take into account your status, such as executive, manager or future professional to distinguish between introductory courses, specialized certifications, and executive education courses. Such self-evaluation will assist in narrowing down, making sure that the course fits your particular needs.

Key Criteria for Evaluating Sustainability Courses

When you have quite a clear picture of your needs, you may start to assess the possible sustainability courses according to a number of important parameters. These are the requirements that will assist you in determining the quality and appropriateness of a program and therefore will give the best returns in terms of investment in terms of time and resource usage.

1. Curriculum Relevance and Depth

Review course syllabus. Find a curriculum that is both theoretically and practically balanced with a range of case studies and practical projects. As a leader, a course that explores strategic sustainability, risk management, stakeholder engagement and impact measurement are of special value.

2. Faculty Expertise and Industry Experience

Conduct an investigation on the faculty. Are they well-educated, experienced in the industry and with successful sustainability history? Their life experience may be invaluable.

3. Program Format and Flexibility

Bear in mind the format that most effectively fits your learning style and schedule: face-to-face, online, hybrid, self-paced, or cohort-based. Online courses are flexible, yet they offer enough possibilities in terms of communication.

4. Accreditation and Reputation

The reputation of the institution offering the same and accreditation by known organizations can lend a lot of weight. Search through testimonials, networks and industry reputation that can help determine the status of a program.

5. Networking Opportunities

The courses that provide strong networking with other business leaders, sustainability professionals and faculty can be incredibly useful. Such networks are capable of producing new knowledge, collaborations and employment.

6. Practical Application and Impact

Does the course focus on the practical tools, frameworks, and methods you can apply in your position immediately? Find programs where the participants are encouraged to come up with projects or strategies that can be implemented.

Types of Sustainability Courses for Business Leaders

To narrow your search further, it is useful to know the various types of sustainability courses they offer that are aligned to different learning outcomes and career levels:

1. Executive Education Programs

Targeted at top managers and executives, such programs usually provide a strategic perspective on sustainability, including bringing the factors of ESG into business strategy, risk management and corporate governance. They can be short, intensive and offered by the best business schools and they offer high-level information without a long-term academic commitment. Such programs are suitable to busy professionals who should get the strategic implications of sustainability fast.

2. Graduate Degrees and Certificates

To go a little further and gain a formal degree, one can choose MBA programs with a sustainability focus, a Master’s degree in Environmental Management, or a graduate certificate. They offer in-depth information in multiple areas of sustainability and are best suited to individuals in the field who intend to make a radical career shift towards full-time sustainability work or to enhance their professional competence to a new level. They tend to include intense academic research and study.

3. Online Courses and MOOCs

Online courses such as Coursera, edX and university-specific online courses are less rigid and can be less expensive. These may be basic courses that offer a basic knowledge to the highly specialized subjects which may enable you to study at your own speed. Some of them are self-paced, whereas others can have cohort-based learning, where the instructor interacts and learners collaborate with each other, as it offers a structured but flexible learning environment.

4. Professional Certifications

Professional accreditation in certain fields of sustainability, e.g., LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) of green building, or sustainable finance, are offered by multiple organizations. They are superb in showing specialized knowledge in a specific field and may make you have more credibility in certain areas of the industry. They frequently need to take an exam and may need further education.

5. Custom Corporate Training

Individual organizations have custom sustainability training programs available in many institutions and consulting firms. In case the company is interested in upskilling a group of people or solving certain sustainability issues that are specific to your industry, then a bespoke course can be developed to meet those specific requirements. The programs are offered locally or online and are very useful in creating a sense of collective comprehension and uniformity of approach to sustainability in an organization.

Emerging Trends in Sustainability Education

Sustainability is a dynamic discipline and education does capture the same. The important trends to consider during selection of course include:

1. ESG Integration and Reporting

The most important courses are those that concentrate on strong ESG integration in financial decision-making, performance measurement and transparent reporting. It is essential to learn such frameworks as SASB, GRI, TCFD.

2. Circular Economy Principles

Courses that provide practical strategies of introducing circularity in a business operation are very helpful.

3. Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

Climate risk assessment, adaptation plans, and low-carbon transition plans education is on the rise.

4. Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions

Courses that delve into nature-based solutions, ecosystem services and how they can be incorporated in the business models are leading.

5. Digital Tools and Data Analytics

Find programs that include data analytics, AI, and blockchain use in sustainability management.

6. Social Equity and Just Transition

Holistic leadership requires courses that consider human rights, labor practices, community engagement, and a just transition to all the stakeholders.

Conclusion

Making a proper sustainability course choice is a landmark decision of every business leader who is interested in managing the intricacies of the contemporary economy and making a positive change. It is an investment in your personal development, as well as the future effectiveness and strength of your organization.

After critically analyzing your own needs, examining curriculum relevance, evaluating faculty competency, and program format and reputation, then you can be sure that you have chosen a program that gives you the knowledge and skills needed to become a leader in the sustainable age. Sustainability education is a multifaceted landscape with opportunities at all the levels of experience and aspiration. You are seeking to have a general knowledge base, become the specialist in a certain field, or bring the transformative change to the executive stage, you will find the course that will help you achieve your goals.

The knowledge you will acquire during such programs will enable you to incorporate the environment, social, and governance aspect in the main business strategies, which will promote innovation, reduce risks, and build long-term value to all the stakeholders. Finally, it is not only a matter of compliance or reputation when investing in high-quality Sustainability courses; it is a matter of creating a more sustainable, fair, and successful future of your business and the world.