Finalists announced for inaugural Business & Finance ESG Awards

The finalists for the 2022 Business & Finance ESG Awards have been announced today, with companies from all across the country vying for coveted titles. The winners will be revealed at a black tie gala luncheon at 12 noon on Thursday, June 30th, at The Round Room in the Mansion House, Dublin. Attracting more than 100 entries from 80+ companies nationwide, the ESG Awards aim to recognise and celebrate individuals and groups who are actively striving to address environmental, social and governance issues.

In the light of growing climate change concerns and the increasing importance of sustainability, more and more businesses are recognising the need to adopt ESG into their company’s DNA. As such, the ESG Awards are intended to commend and encourage this trend by recognising the organisations and individuals who are excelling in their efforts and setting the standards for ESG excellence.

Nominations were invited across 15 categories, with Biodiversity Initiative; Diversity, Equality & Inclusion; Social Responsibility Project; and Circular Economy, proving most popular, attracting more than double the average submissions. This reflects the increasing interest in practical applications of ESG through biodiversity and circular economy initiatives, as well as social impact and HR driven projects for company employees.

The finalists for the inaugural ESG Awards are as follows:

  • ESG Company Award (Enterprise): AIB Group plc, Dole plc, SSE Airtricity, Wisetek, Ryanair

  • ESG Company Award (SME): Mobility Mojo, Foxford, Irish Residential Properties REIT Plc, Repak, SIRO, Speed Fibre Group

  • ESG Company Award (Startup): Coopman Search & Selection, Ethico, Sustainable PR, Sustainability Works

  • Sustainable Supply Chain Award: Bus Éireann, Dairygold Co-operative Society Ltd, Wisetek

  • Biodiversity Initiative Award: Carbery, Hanley Energy, Host in Ireland, Intel, Nature Partners (The Nature Trust), Keelings

  • Net Zero Carbon Award: Aviva, ABP Food, Arthur Cox, Fujitsu, Schneider Electric

  • Energy Efficiency Initiative Award: Dairygold Co-operative Society Ltd, Dole plc, E. Flahavan & Sons Ltd, Schneider Electric Ireland Limited

  • Circular Economy Award: BiaSol, VivaGreen Group, Portwest, Refurbed, Spotlight Oral Care, Wisetek

  • ESG Finance Award: AIB Group plc, Initiative Ireland, Sustainability Works, Vivid Edge

  • ESG Investment Award: AIB Group plc, Aviva, Ethico, Mercer, VentureWave Capital Limited

  • Diversity & Inclusion Initiative: Cpl Group, Mobility Mojo, SIRO, William Fry, Woodie’s, Version 1

  • Social Responsibility Project: Allergy Standards, Arthur Cox, Dalata Hotel Group Plc, Marino Software, Fujitsu, TELUS International Ireland

  • Employee Experience Award: Bord na Móna, GIY Ireland, Woodie’s, SIRO, Version, Woodie’s

  • Good Governance Award: AIB Group plc, Ballyhoura Development CLG, Dole plc, Mobility Mojo, Future Planet, Speed Fibre Group

The judging panel – who had a tough task to whittle entries down to just a handful in each category – includes notable business leaders such as Faye Walsh Droillard, Founder of Wake Up Capital; Kathy Ryan, Head of Responsible Investment at Irish Life Investment; Margot Slattery, Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion at ISS; and Anne Heraty, Non-Executive Director for Cpl. In addition to the 15 categories, the judges were also tasked with selecting the Overall ESG Company (Grand Prix Award) and the ESG Leader Award, neither of which were open for submissions. The winners in these extra categories will also be presented at the awards ceremony.

Speaking ahead of the awards ceremony, Ian Hyland, owner and publisher of Business & Finance, said the best of the best will be recognised at the event:

“The growing impetus to ensure ESG standards are met by companies has introduced a whole new range of technology solutions, ideas and products that are changing the way we do business. The Business & Finance ESG Awards was established to honour those who are setting the standards for ESG excellence. We had some really fantastic entries and all finalists deserve our congratulations in reaching this stage. We are looking forward to celebrating their success at the gala luncheon on June 30th.”

5 Fashion Popups Examples You’ll Want To Copy In 2022

Popups are a creative way to catch the attention of online customers who want discounts, recipe offers, or even just general advice. It’s no secret that website popups have been around for decades, and they’re gaining momentum again in recent years, with more people visiting sites and engaging with popups than ever before. Keep reading to learn more about five fashion popup examples you’ll want to copy in 2022 for your online fashion store.

What Is A Popup?

A popup is a form of website advertising that appears on a web page, often as the first or last thing you see (depending on your screen size). The email popup is usually in your face, which often annoys visitors, but it’s rare for people to leave a website because of popups because they understand the value of offers and discounts. It takes time to get visitors used to popups as they’re intrusive, but not everyone minds them.

There are two major types of popups:

  • A simple popup that usually comes with a discount on a specific item. Your customers can close the popup and resume browsing for other things or ignore it completely if they want.
  • A sticky (or fixed) popup that your customers cannot move or close until they hit the “close” X button or click on an arrow icon that lets them finally go to the advertised product link.

Are Popups Still Popular?

Yes, but people are becoming very good at closing popups – especially those targeted to products they are interested in. Users don’t want to be bothered by the popup and expect it to disappear as soon as possible (which is why many popups have a timer attached to them). Still, they often see the popup several times before finally closing it.

 

You might want to consider using a popup because you’ll get more sales during one of your other sales periods (like Black Friday or Cyber Monday). You’ll also be able to collect email addresses for your newsletter for future discounts and promotions.

Most Fashion Popups You’ll Want To Copy Nowadays

You can create any kind of popup and create a custom fashion popup design built to match your brand identity. You can do all kinds of things with your popup, as long as it meets all the requirements of the website owners and moderators. Below are five fashion popup examples you may want to copy in 2022.

Kaufmann’s Customer Club Popup

Kaufmann’s popup is not like other popups on the internet. Rather than choosing a physical product that may be subject to taste, the company offers you a gift card to make sure that you return to their store. Kaufmann also frames its email popup around a sense of exclusivity by asking you to become a member of its customer club.

Plus, this conversation with the popup can help offer insights into your shopping habits and preferences so they can better assist with future purchases. The email popup design is rather plain but looks great so that the potential customer can get all the necessary information with no fuss.

Miinto’s Sales Promotion Popup

When it comes to fashion popups, Miinto is a new player in the game. This brand has found success with its summer sale, and they want you now.

Miinto offers you an exclusive discount code for their summer sale if you sign up for their email list and complete a survey on your shopping experience. The pop-up stays open to give people enough time to sign up without being too overwhelming. It is important that they keep it simple and make sure people know what the offer entails from the offset and when emails will be sent out with discount codes so customers don’t forget about them.

Ny Form’s Giveaway Popup

I have seen a lot of online companies using pop-ups to collect email addresses. It seems like there is no simpler way for them to do it. Ny Form, a Danish sports clothing company, is aware of this. That’s why you can enter the giveaway directly from Ny Form’s website popups on their site. The company uses benefit-driven teaser copy and a compelling headline to engage email users. In addition, they offer a well-positioned prize and give clear and straightforward instructions to win the prize.

Floyd’s Shopping Assistance Popup

Pop-ups are the most fashionable way to spice up your site. They can be used to advertise new products, special offers, and email sign-ups to direct shoppers to essential information on different products. Floyd’s Shopping Assistance Popup is designed as a window with a picture of an outfit and some tips on how to wear it.

Why it works: Floyd is a popular Norwegian apparel brand. They have a lot of things to say, but they only have one chance to get a customer’s attention in order to get them to buy their products. Floyd has managed to create useful content by using pop-ups while also promoting specific products. This makes the customer feel more connected to the brand and encourages them to buy. It is important for Floyd’s pop-up design that the tips and images are relevant to the customers and that the links lead directly to Floyd’s product pages without visitors having to leave their website.

Minimum’s Cart Abandonment Popup

When it comes to e-commerce, one of the best marketing strategies is the prevention email for abandoned carts. The truth is that most people who are shopping on your website will abandon their carts and leave without buying anything. You can use this to your advantage and reply with a pop-up offer for a 10% discount to finish the order. It’s a simple and smart approach for higher conversions.

The Bottom Line

Popups are very helpful because they let you stay on top of your game, creating special offers for your customers. They are very effective promotional tools, and since people are used to them and often reluctantly close them for fear of being asked for too much information, it’s not the worst way to advertise. In fact, many popups are created with a timer to make the customer ignore it after a few seconds. I hope this guide gives you vast information about fashion popups popular in 2022.

Want To Improve Your Business? Try These Useful Tech Tools

Are you looking for an effective and efficient way to improve your business? If so, you should consider using some of the latest tech tools. There are several great options available, and each one can help you achieve your business goals. This blog post will discuss some of the best tech tools for business owners. We will also provide a few tips on how to use them effectively. Let’s get started!

1. Using VNC

VNC is an excellent tool for remotely accessing computers. It can be used to control another computer from your own or to access your computer from a remote location. VNC is perfect for business owners who need to be able to work from anywhere. To use VNC, you will need to install the software on remote and local computers. Once installed, you will be able to connect to the remote computer using a special password. You can then work on the remote computer as if you were sitting in front of it. By using remote access via RealVNC, you can work from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. There are a few things to keep in mind when using VNC for business purposes. First, you should only give access to trusted individuals. Second, you should make sure that the computer you are accessing is secure. Finally, you should always use a strong password to protect your remote access.

2. Utilizing Google Apps

Google Apps is a great way to improve productivity in your business. There are several apps available, each of which can help you differently. For example, the Gmail app can be used to manage your email accounts. The Calendar app can be used to keep track of important events and deadlines. And the Drive app can be used to store and share files. You can use these apps individually or in combination with each other. One of the best things about Google Apps is that it is free to use. All you need is a Google account. If you don’t already have one, you can create one for free. Once you have an account, you can start using any of the apps that interest you. To get the most out of Google Apps, be sure to explore all the features and options that each app has to offer.

3. Incorporating Social Media

Social media is a great way to connect with customers and promote your business. There are several different social media platforms, each of which offers its own set of features. For example, Facebook allows you to create a business page where you can share information about your products and services. Twitter is a great platform for sharing news and updates about your business. And LinkedIn is perfect for networking with other professionals. You should use social media to connect with customers and promote your business. However, you should be sure to use it in a way that is professional and respectful. When you use social media for business purposes, always remember to represent your company in a positive light.

4. Creating a Mobile App

Mobile apps are a great way to promote your business. They can be used to connect with customers and promote your products and services. There are several different platforms that you can use to create a mobile app. The most popular is the iOS platform, which is used by iPhone and iPad users. Android is another popular platform, which is used by devices such as the Samsung Galaxy and HTC One. Windows Phone is also an option, though it has a smaller market share. Once you have decided on a platform, you will need to choose a development company. This company will help you design and develop your app. Once your app is complete, you will need to submit it to the appropriate store and promote it to potential customers.

5. Implementing Project Management Software

If you want to improve your business, one of the best things you can do is invest in project management software. This type of software can help keep your team organized and on track, making it easier to complete projects on time and within budget. There are many different project management tools available, so be sure to do some research to find the one that best suits your needs. Another software improves your business is by investing in customer relationship management (CRM) software. This type of software helps businesses manage their customer data, including contact information, purchase history, and more. CRM software can also help businesses automate tasks like marketing and sales follow-ups. Again, there are many different CRM tools available, so be sure to find the one that best fits your business needs. 

6. Get Customer Feedback

Customer feedback is a valuable asset for any business. It can help you improve your products and services, as well as the overall customer experience. There are several different ways to get feedback from customers. One is to simply ask them for their opinion. You can do this in person, over the phone, or through an online survey. Another way to get feedback is to observe customer behavior. This can be done through social media monitoring, web analytics, and more. Once you have collected feedback from customers, be sure to take it into account when making decisions about your business. Some people may not be comfortable giving feedback directly. In this case, you can try holding a focus group. This is a group of people who are brought together to discuss a certain topic. Focus groups can be used to gather feedback about your business, as well as generate new ideas.

 

As we saw, there are several different ways that you can use technology to improve your business. These are just a few of the most popular and effective methods. Be sure to experiment and find what works best for you and your company. With the right tools, you can take your business to the next level! Good luck!

How Software Can help to Grow Your Business quickly

Everything you do online today leaves a digital footprint. As the internet continues to grow, it is becoming more important for individuals and businesses to understand how marketing on the internet can grow your business. Software like Google News can fully automate and simplify your advertising strategies while giving you access to the biggest search engines that are available now on the market. You can also use software to expand your reach by targeting specific demographics or locations. Software is not a new concept in the field of marketing, but with the advancements that have been made recently in internet technology, using our own software can quickly grow your business.

Now, in this article, we will cover six specific points of how software can help improve your business’s growth rate quickly and how retail software solutions plays crucial role in growth of any business.

Streamline employee tasks: Employee task management can be a daunting task. It can be difficult to keep track of who is responsible for what, when they are supposed to do it, and where they should find the information, they need. Software can help to simplify this process by automating many of the tasks employees must complete each day. This helps to reduce the amount of time employees have to spend on paperwork and organising their tasks. Additionally, it can help managers monitor employee performance more easily.

Competitive advantage: Software is better equipped to offer a competitive advantage than hardware because software can be updated and improved more quickly. There are many companies that offer field software as a form of a competitive advantage. Some of the features that make software better than other brands include: faster loading times, customizable designs, and user-friendly interfaces. All of these features make it easier for customers to use the product and find the information they need quickly. In addition, these features help companies differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Pursuing a sales lead: Software is better than ever when it comes to following leads. With the help of retail software solutions, businesses can easily keep track of their sales leads and analyse their performance. This way, they can identify which leads are productive and which ones need more attention. Additionally, software makes it easy to follow up with leads and closed deals. Finally, it provides administrators with detailed reports that help them understand the success of their marketing campaigns.

Cost Effective: Software has become a major trend in business, and with good reason. Automating routine tasks can save businesses time and money. For example, a software company may have an accounting system that automates the process of creating invoices. This saves the company time and money by freeing up staff to do other tasks. In addition, software can automate processes that are not particularly labour-intensive but that could still result in cost savings. For example, a company may have a system that automatically orders parts for manufacturing. 

Better ROI: Software is an important part of any business, and it is especially important in the volatile market today. It can have a huge impact on the ROI of a business. By improving the efficiency of an organisation’s software, it can save time and money. It can also help to improve customer service and increase efficiency within the company. In some cases, it can even take over manual tasks that were previously done by employees. This can save money on salaries and benefits, while also allowing the company to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Maintain good customer relations: Managing customer relationships can be a lot of work. Thankfully, there are software solutions that can help you do it more efficiently. One such solution is Relationship Management Software. This software can help you keep track of all your customer contacts. It can also help you respond to customer inquiries in a timely manner. Additionally, the software can automatically create follow-up emails for you. This way, you’ll never miss an opportunity to win over your customers

As a business owner, you know that the benefits of using software are endless. From streamlining your day-to-day operations to helping you expand your reach and grow your business, there are countless reasons why software is essential in today’s world. With so many options available on the web, it’s important to find the right one that will help your business grow and succeed. Thank you for reading

How to Start a Company in the UK: Legal Side of the Business

So you’re thinking about starting a business. Well done! Starting a business is the best way to escape the nine-to-five rat race and live the entrepreneurial dream. But it’s not as easy as it looks. There are a lot of legal hoops to jump through, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

So we’ve come up with a checklist to help you with the process – you might find some of these steps familiar, but we hope they can help you start your company with some extra guidance. So keep reading and have all your questions answered — be it about opening a UK bank account for non resident running a small business or obtaining a licence.

1. Research What You Want to Do

What kind of business is this going to be? Do you have the resources to back it up? If not, can you get them? If you’re starting a new business, have you spoken to a few other companies who’ve done something similar? It’s not enough to just say: “I want to run a business, let’s do it!” You need to know what you’re doing and why. You need to think about your business strategy, financials, marketing, and how it will work – all these things, plus the nuts and bolts of getting it all running. 

2. Make a Plan

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to put everything into a plan. Before you start working out how you’re going to start your business, it’s a good idea to do the following:

 

  • Draft a business plan — Whether you’re a web designer, a doctor, a mechanic or just starting your own business, this is going to be the backbone of your company. A business plan will tell your story. What will it be about? How much will you charge? Who will you work with? Will it be a home-based business, a franchise, or a business registered with a third-party provider? 
  • Determine the legal structure of your business — This is a way of dividing ownership of your business between you and the company — whether it’s a sole trader, limited company, or partnership. Different rules apply to each type of company, but each has its benefits;
  • Draft a company constitution — Some people will want their company to operate on a different basis to their personal life, so it’s worth having a look at the legal implications of how you want your business to run. There are certain things you won’t be able to do as an individual – like buying or selling property, or trading on a particular market – that are fine if you operate as a limited company;

3. Register Your Business

Some businesses have to register with the local authority to get started. This could be to check whether there’s anyone on the electoral roll, or it could be to make sure you’re registered with HMRC or VAT number to file any tax returns.

4. Check the Health of the Local Economy

A healthy local economy means there’s a good number of potential customers in the area, and local businesses are likely to give you support. You’ll want to find out what other companies are operating in your area. Think about local industries. Are there any that are in decline? Has the same industry been making a profit for years and years, or have things been changing? How healthy is the surrounding area’s public transport system? Is the road network, shops, schools, and recreational facilities still operating? These are all things to look out for.

5. Find out More About Local Licencing

Are there any local licencing requirements? There might be. A local business licence will be required, for example, for a bar, nightclub, restaurant, or shop selling alcohol. If you’re setting up a business to provide accommodation, such as a bed and breakfast or guest house, you may need to apply for planning permission from the local council. And if you’re planning to sell drugs, for example, you need to apply for a Class C drug licence from the local police. Check all the local licencing requirements before starting your business.

6. Know the Law and Tax Systems

Before starting your business, you need to understand the law. Most government departments, whether they’re local councils, the police, or HM Revenue & Customs, keep a register of who is who. They include all the important people who should know who they are and what they need to do. They’ll also tell you what you’ll need to do to set up your business and comply with the law.

Plan Your Effort Accordingly

Starting a company is a time-consuming process. But you can do things right by creating a plan and sticking to it closely.

 

Lion’s Den business pitch event returns on 25th May to celebrate Afro-Irish Entrepreneurs.

Lion’s Den returns to celebrate the entrepreneurial talent of the Afro-Irish community and African diaspora.

Wood Quay Venue in Dublin will host the competition organised by the African Professional Network of Ireland (APNI).

The competition sponsors are Dublin City Council, Dogpatch Labs, META and HoaQ.

Six businesses are vying for the 2022 prize. The companies offer services in healthcare, fintech, commercial model management, fashion and food.

The public can vote until 16th May to select three finalists from the six company shortlist. The three finalists will pitch on the 25th May in front of Ireland’s tech and investment communities.

The Lion’s Den is not only a competition but a unique networking opportunity. Representatives from Enterprise Ireland and the Irish VC community will be in attendance. The pitch finale will be one of the largest events celebrating Africa Day in Ireland. Africa Day is a global event which has been running since 1963.

Against the historic background of the viking city wall dating from 1100 AD – the future game changers in Afro-Irish community get a chance to storytell about how they have built thriving businesses in the COVID era.

Lion’s Den is a platform that can contribute to building the first Irish unicorn with an Afro-Irish founder.

The shortlisted companies gain access to sponsor led workshops on brand building and expansion.

Previous winners include Wellahealth and the Jungle Food Company. Wellahealth have received seed investment from AXA Mansard (one of the largest insurers globally). Jungle Food Company are now listed with national retailer SuperValu.

Ayo Olabimtan, investment manager and president of the APNI spoke about the contest:

“It is the only business pitch competition in Ireland focused on entrepreneurs of African descent. It provides the companies access to an invaluable support network and access to capital. It is a unique springboard for growing businesses to connect with investors from the growing start up scene in Ireland.”

The public can vote for their top business until the 16th May. They can also register for their free ticket to attend the grand finale on the 25th May at the link below

https://linktr.ee/apnireland

Lion’s Den is an APNI event. APNI is a non-profit organisation with over 1,700 members connecting African and Afro-Irish professionals and business owners through webinars, workshops, competitions and mentorship schemes.

Full information is on the website

Shortlist

 

Business  Founders Mission Website
Eko Model Management Tessy Ehiguese and Dave Olu Providing diversity in the commercial model space. https://www.ekomodelmanagement.com/
La Ruche Health Rory Assandey Increasing access to essential healthcare in low-income communities. https://laruche.health/
K Pesa Leyla F Karaha Funding for women lead start-ups. https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpesa/
Surejobz App Alex Oshunloye Helping Africans find work across boundaries. https://www.surejobzapp.com
Mama Shee Edizemi Onilenla Bringing West African cuisine to Ireland’s local stores. www.mamashee.com
Umoja Linn China Soribe & Meneliswa McDonald Creating a marketplace for African fashion designers. www.umojalinn.com

 

https://www.apni.ie/

Why Is Link Building Important For Your Business? Find Out Here

As an entrepreneur, you know that success depends on various factors. One key factor is your ability to build strong links for your business website. There are many different types of links that you can build for your website. The most common types include backlinks, blog comments, directory listings, guest posts, and social media likes or shares. Website owners, bloggers, and other online marketers all rely on link building to help them reach their business goals. You may be wondering why link building is so important. Keep reading to find out more about this essential aspect of online success.

Creates More visibility for your Website

One of the best benefits of link building is that it can help you create more visibility for your website. When you have links across the web pointing back to your site, this can help you to increase your online visibility. More people are likely to discover your website and engage with it. Increased visibility is essential for newer businesses or those without a large marketing budget.

Consumers will notice your website when you invest in link-building strategies that work. There are many different tools and techniques that you can use to build the right types of links for your website. Of course, it is crucial to consider finding quality backlinks relevant to your industry that can provide value to your website visitors. By focusing on link building, you can help your business succeed in today’s competitive online marketplace.

Helps You Improve Your Search Engine Ranking

One of the most important reasons to focus on link building is that it can help you improve your website’s search engine ranking. When you have strong links pointing to your site, this signals to search engines that your site is valuable and worth displaying in search results. As a result, your site is more likely to appear higher up on the results list when potential customers perform a search related to your business.

When your site is ranked high in search engine results, this also means that you are more likely to gain quality traffic. People looking for the products or services you offer will be able to see your site and click on it. This can help you to grow your business quickly and easily.

Builds Trust and Credibility

Another reason to focus on link building is that it can help you build trust and credibility with potential customers. When other websites link to your site, they trust your site and believe it contains high-quality information. This can help you attract more visitors to your site and convert them into paying customers.

This can be especially beneficial if you can get links from authority sites in your industry. Authority sites are those that are well-known and respected by consumers. These links show that you are an authority figure in your industry, which can help you gain the trust of potential customers.

Builds Your Reputation as an Authority in Your Industry

Another critical reason link building is so important is that it helps you build a strong reputation as an authority in your industry. When other sites with high authority link to yours, this tells search engines that your website has valuable content and should be considered an expert resource for anyone researching your industry or niche. As a result, people who visit your site will view you as an expert in your field and be more likely to use your products or services.

This is a critical way to build trust with potential customers and encourage them to do business with you. It can also help you attract more high-quality links in the future, as other websites will want to link to a site considered an authority in its industry.

Generates More Traffic to Your Site

Link building can also generate more traffic to your website. When people see links to your site on other websites, they may be curious about what you have to offer and click on the link to visit your site. This can help you increase the number of visitors to your site quickly and easily.

More traffic can lead to more sales and higher profits for your business. It can also help you build a strong customer base that will continue to do business with you. In addition, if people find your site through a link on another site, they are more likely to remember your URL. Hence, revisit your site in the future. This can help you build a loyal customer base that keeps coming back to your site.

Allows You to Reach New Audiences

Link building allows you to reach new audiences that may be interested in your products or services. When you receive links from other websites related to your industry, this can help you attract customers who are unfamiliar with your business.

As a result, you can grow your customer base and increase sales for your company. Link building is an essential aspect of online marketing and should not be overlooked by any entrepreneur looking to build a successful business website. By focusing on different link-building techniques, you can improve your search engine ranking and generate more traffic to your site. As a result, you can grow your business quickly and easily.

Helps Connect With Other Businesses and Influencers

One of the most important reasons why link building is so crucial for your business is that it allows you to connect with other companies and influencers in your industry. This can help you build valuable relationships that lead to future collaboration opportunities, joint ventures, or sales referrals.

When businesses and influencers link to your site, this can also increase the visibility of your website and help you gain more traffic from potential customers. If these connections lead to sales opportunities down the road, they can be a great way to generate new revenue for your business.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to grow your business, an online marketer trying to build your brand, or simply someone who wants to improve their search engine rankings and visibility, link building is an essential part of success. By focusing on various link-building activities, such as guest posting on other sites or sharing content on social media, you can build strong relationships with other online marketers and improve your search engine ranking and visibility.

Ireland features among global leaders in embracing hyperautomation

Irish businesses feature prominently in a list of nations embracing hyperautomation according to new research by analytics leader SAS.

David Shannon, Head of Hyperautomation, at SAS UK & Ireland, says that as interest in the AI-powered technology surges, Irish firms are amongst the global leaders in embracing new opportunities.

“We know from our own research that companies are already using hyperautomation to drive efficiency, customer service and innovation,” he said.

“This is particularly true of competitive consumer-centric industries like retail, fulfilment, insurance and financial services, where it can give businesses the edge over their rivals.”

His comments come after research by SAS showed that while interest in the technology continues to rise across the bulk of nations featured in the research, Ireland ranked fourth out of 24 countries analysed, with 2.49 people in every 10,000 looking for ‘hyperautomation’ and related keywords between 2020 and 2021.

Leading the way was Finland, with 4.5 out of every 10,000 people searching for the term online, followed by Sweden with just under 3 and Switzerland at 2.74. The UK appeared in 12th position in the rankings.

The term ‘hyperautomation’ was first coined by Gartner in 2019 and refers to the AI-driven technique of processing multiple large datasets from across an organisation in a cloud-based ‘always-on, always-connected’ system.

David Shannon added: “While search data can’t tell us everything, it’s a useful barometer to test the mood of nations. Awareness has grown rapidly in some countries in just three years, indicating where demand could be strongest.

“Automation has enabled businesses of all sizes to transform their operations, and hyperautomation is the next step in the journey. Now is the time for them to build it, and other advanced technological solutions, into their digital strategies.”

For further information and for the full research, visit:

https://blogs.sas.com/content/hiddeninsights/2022/04/08/which-countries-are-leading-the-way-in-the-hyperautomation-revolution/

Top 10 countries for hyperautomation awareness

Country Annual total searches (2021) Potential reach General awareness (% of potential reach)*10,000
Finland 2,120 4,640,000 4.57
Sweden 2,860 9,580,000 2.98
Switzerland 2,170 7,910,000 2.74
Ireland 1,190 4,770,000 2.49
Australia 4,160 20,600,000 2.01
Singapore 3,730 19,900,000 1.87
Austria 1,710 9,140,000 1.87
Netherlands 5,580 31,300,000 1.78
Belgium 1,760 11,000,000 1.6
Germany 10,930 74,500,000 1.46

How Strobing Lights Can Enhance Your Events

Are you looking for a way to enhance your events and make them more memorable? If so, strobing lights may be the solution you are looking for! Strobing lights create an intense effect that can really capture people’s attention. Not only are they visually appealing, but they can also create an exciting atmosphere that will keep guests entertained. They can be used at any type of event, from weddings to corporate events. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of strobing lights and how they can be used to create a stunning visual experience for your guests!

What strobing lights are and how do they work?

Strobing lights are a type of lighting that emit short, powerful bursts of light. They are often used in clubs and other nightlife settings to create an energetic atmosphere.

Strobing lights work by flashing on and off very quickly, so quickly that the human eye is unable to see them as a continuous light. Instead, they appear as a series of quick flashes. This creates an effect that is often called “strobing”.

Strobing lights typically use LEDs, which are light-emitting diodes. LEDs are able to produce quick pulses of light by turning on and off very rapidly. This rapid pulsing creates the illusion of sustained light, even though the individual pulses are very brief. 

The benefits of using strobing lights for events

Strobing lights are used to create an effect that makes it seem as if the light is ‘strobing’ or flashing on and off. This creates an interesting visual effect that can be used for events, such as parties, to make them more exciting.

Strobing lights have a few benefits. First, they can help to attract attention and create excitement. Second, they can be used to create an illusion of movement or depth. Third, they can be used to improve the visibility of event space. Lastly, strobing lights can also be used to create a sense of fun and excitement.

Different ways to use strobing lights to enhance your event

There are a few different ways to use strobing lights to enhance your event. You can use them as a way to create excitement and energy among your guests, or you can use them to highlight specific areas or aspects of your event.

For example, if you want to create an energetic atmosphere, you can place strobing lights around the perimeter of your event space. This will help create a flashing effect that will grab people’s attention and get them excited about what’s going on. Alternatively, if you want to focus attention on a particular part of your events such as the stage or the dance floor, you can place strobing lights in those areas.

How to choose the right strobing light for your event?

When selecting a strobing light for your event, it’s important to consider the size of the space and the type of effect you’re hoping to create. Larger spaces can accommodate more powerful lights, while smaller spaces may require a more subtle effect.

Small spaces can be overwhelmed by too much light, so it’s important to choose a strobe that has a lower output. If you’re looking for an eye-catching effect, go with a strobe that has a higher output.

It’s also important to take into account the color of the light. Some strobes produce white light while others produce colored light. If your event is themed, choose a strobe with the appropriate color for your theme.

Planning and preparing for your event with strobing lights

When you’re planning an event with strobing lights, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, make sure that the venue you’re using is prepared for the lights. This means ensuring that the ceiling and walls are white or light-colored, as dark surfaces can absorb and reflect light differently than lighter ones.

Additionally, you’ll need to make sure that any curtains or other materials covering windows are also light-colored, as darker fabrics can make strobing lights appear even brighter and more intense.

Finally, it’s important to provide guests with a warning before the event so that they can be prepared for the lights and know what to expect.

How to set up and control the lighting effects?

There are a few ways to create strobing lighting effects. One way is by using a dimmer switch to slowly change the brightness of your lights. Another way is by using a controller that can be programmed to change the light patterns.

If you want to create strobing effects with regular lightbulbs, you can use a dimmer switch to vary the brightness of the light. You can also buy special controllers that allow you to create custom light patterns. These controllers usually have a display screen that lets you see what the light will look like before you actually run it.

Tips for using strobing lights to enhance your event experience

By using strobing lights, you can create an exciting and energetic atmosphere that will keep your guests entertained. Here are a few tips for using strobing lights effectively:

  1. Make sure the venue is dark enough so that the strobing lights will be visible.
  2. Use a mix of colors to create a varied and interesting effect.
  3. Keep the light patterns simple so that they are easy to follow.
  4. Avoid using too many strobing lights at once, or it may be too overwhelming for guests.
  5. Experiment with different light speeds and intensities to find what works best for you.