Tag: Business

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.

Take a Closer Look at the Challenges of Growing a Business

As a business owner, you know that growing your company is no easy task. It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance to achieve success. But what are the specific challenges you face when growing your business? And what can you do to overcome them? This blog post will take a closer look at the challenges of growing a business.

Finding New Customers

One of the biggest challenges businesses face is enlarging the circle of customers. With more competition than ever before, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd and attract new business. You need to get creative and think outside the box to find new customers. 

Try using social media, online advertising, or even word-of-mouth marketing to reach a wider audience. Once you’ve found new customers, you need to keep them returning. This can be challenging, as it’s often easier (and cheaper) for customers to switch to a competitor. 

To retain customers, you need to provide them with excellent customer service and value for their money. It would help if you also made it easy for them to do business with you, whether that means having a user-friendly website or offering flexible payment options.

Increasing Competition in the Industry

As your business grows, you will likely face more competition. This can be a challenge, as you need to find ways to differentiate yourself from your competitors. To stand out from the crowd, you need to offer something unique that your customers can’t find anywhere else.

Business experts emphasize creating a solid brand that customers will remember. Additionally, you need to make sure your prices are competitive and that you offer excellent customer service. The team at Venture Smarter emphasizes the fact that knowing your competitors more is elemental. This makes you understand their moves and how to be ahead of the pack. By offering a superior product or service, you can stay ahead of the competition and keep your business growing.

The Demands of a Growing Workforce

As your business grows, you will likely need new employees to keep up with demand. This can be a challenge, as you need to find qualified workers who are a good fit for your company culture. You also need to make sure you can afford to pay them a competitive salary. Once you’ve hired new employees, you need to train them and help them get up to speed with your company’s products or services.

 

Besides, growing a business also makes payroll management issues complex. As your company grows, you will likely need to hire more employees, which can be costly. You also need to make sure you can afford to pay them a competitive salary. In addition, you need to manage all the different payroll tax obligations. Although it may seem like a difficult task, there are techniques to make it simpler. To free up some of your time so you can concentrate on the more crucial aspects of the business, you might want to think about outsourcing your payroll.

More Cash Flow Control Needs

Another specific challenge businesses face is managing cash flow. As your business grows, you will likely need to invest more money in inventory, equipment, and other resources. This can strain your finances, as you may need to take out loans or use credit to cover the costs.

One of the best ways to manage your cash flow is to keep track of your spending and budget. You may also need to offer discounts or payment plans to customers to encourage them to pay on time. Additionally, you can try to negotiate better terms with your suppliers or vendors. By being proactive and managing your finances effectively, you can keep your business afloat during tough times.

Keeping the Supply Chain Running

As your business grows, you will likely need to source materials and products from suppliers. This can be a challenge, as you need to find reliable suppliers who can provide you with the items you need at a reasonable price. You should also have enough inventory on hand to meet customer demand.

If you’re having trouble finding suppliers, you can try attending trade shows or networking events. You can also search online directories or use supplier sourcing websites. Once you’ve found potential suppliers, vet them carefully to ensure they are reputable and reliable.

Dealing with Red Tape

 

This can include everything from filing for permits and licenses to complying with regulations. Dealing with red tape can be time-consuming and frustrating, but it’s essential to do your research and make sure you are compliant. Otherwise, you could face hefty fines or even shut down your business.

Investing in automation software can help you never skip any regulatory requirements. Automation software can automate tracking regulatory changes and ensure your business is always compliant. This can save you time and money and help you avoid costly fines. For instance, you can find a business tool to cater to your tax and accounting duties.

Growing a business is not without challenges, but it can be an enriching experience. By being aware of the challenges you may face, you can be better prepared to deal with them. Additionally, you can save time and money by investing in automation software while ensuring your business is always compliant. With careful planning and execution, you can overcome any obstacle and keep your business growing.

 

Irish businesses are most likely to be on the path to decarbonisation

Expleo, a global engineering, technology and consulting service provider, today announces the results of global research, which found that 90% of businesses in Ireland say that they have clear plans to meet their decarbonisation targets. The study found that organisations in Ireland are more likely than all other countries surveyed – the US, UK, Germany and France – to be pursuing their green agenda with a clear plan.

The research, which included a survey of 111 business and IT leaders in Ireland, found that despite having clear plans to meet their decarbonisation targets, businesses in Ireland are not there yet. Some 89% believe that their organisation could do more to make their IT infrastructure and projects more environmentally friendly. But with the accelerated uptake of new digital technologies, many are struggling to understand how digitalisation is impacting their environmental footprint. In fact, 90% of senior business and IT leaders say they need to do better to understand the environmental impact of using more digital systems.

Despite this significant knowledge gap, the research, published in Expleo’s Business Transformation Index 2022 Ireland Report, suggests that organisations are starting to realise how technology can be used to support their sustainability efforts. Almost one-third (30%) of businesses in Ireland will use digital transformation to become more sustainable and environmentally responsible.

Many businesses are prepared to dedicate a significant portion of their IT budgets to becoming more sustainable. Almost half (42%) of businesses in Ireland plan to spend more than 10% of their 2022 tech budgets making their IT more sustainable. Just 2% of organisations will not use any of their tech budgets to make their IT more sustainable.

Phil Codd, Managing Director, Expleo Ireland said: “Our research shows that Ireland’s business community recognises its role in tackling the climate crisis and there is now a hyper-focus on the need for action. It is promising to see that business leaders are making significant investments in improving the efficiency of their IT infrastructure. We are moving beyond lip service and are now seeing real, meaningful action.

“Digital transformation is proving to not only be good for business but good for the planet. Over the last two years, enterprises have embraced digital technologies to ensure business growth and survival. And while there are some concerns around the environmental footprint of embracing digital, we have seen how the adoption of cloud-based applications, or innovations that use energy more efficiently, have had a positive impact on reducing carbon outputs.

“Increasingly, we will see businesses turn to technology to innovate and improve efficiencies, with sustainability at the core. And while now, businesses are dedicating a proportion of their IT budgets to sustainability efforts, we will soon be at the point where IT and sustainability are intertwined.”

SaaSOptics and Chargify Announce Merger and Rebrand following $150m Battery Ventures Investment

SaaSOptics and Chargify, the leading providers of financial operations and subscription billing management solutions for subscription businesses, today publicly announced the merger of the two companies. The combined company will be known as Maxio and will provide all-in-one revenue management and advanced subscription billing solutions for high-growth software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies.

“Modern SaaS companies require a robust billing and revenue management solution now more than ever thanks to a dramatic rise in the adoption of subscription models with complex pricing structures,” said Jason Parkman, chair of Maxio. “Maxio has an incredible opportunity to transform the subscription management market and provide huge value to our customers by providing a complete financial operations platform, regardless of billing and pricing structure.”

SaaSOptics and Chargify have delivered some of the most innovative and successful solutions addressing the needs of finance professionals, executive leadership, and SaaS founders. These solutions cover the full spectrum of the subscription lifecycle including subscription management, recurring billing, GAAP/IFRS-compliant revenue recognition, SaaS metrics, revenue retention, expense recognition, usage, and events-based billing.

The announcement comes after a year of significant growth for SaaSOptics and Chargify upon receiving a combined $150 million growth equity investment by Battery Ventures in April 2021. This investment has enabled SaaSOptics and Chargify to further invest in both products, ensuring their customers can better manage their billing and revenue while supporting their own end-users.

“It has been truly impressive to see the growth and momentum of SaaSOptics and Chargify over the past 12 months,” said Chelsea Stoner, general partner at Battery Ventures. “Bringing together these two powerful platforms will provide unparalleled value for customers who are scaling their businesses and will finally have a single solution to power both their subscription-billing and financial operations.”

With more than 2,300 customers worldwide and $10 billion in customer annual recurring revenue managed, the Maxio brand will continue to drive innovation in the financial technology space, while providing customers with world-class support for all Chargify and SaaSOptics solutions.

The announcement comes at a time when SaaS businesses are increasingly evaluating whether a product-led or sales-led growth strategy can best boost subscription sales. With a complete billing and financial solution, businesses will not be forced to choose between the two and can instead adopt a hybrid approach that provides their customers with increased purchasing flexibility.

“Witnessing SaaSOptics and Chargify come together over the past year has exceeded all expectations, not just from a brand and product perspective, but as a unified team,” said Chris Weber, president and chief operating officer. “Today’s announcement is just the first of many exciting updates we will be sharing in the coming months thanks to the hard work of our combined Maxio team.”

Maxio currently has more than 260 team members working remotely or at one of its four office headquarters in San Antonio, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; Dublin, Ireland; and Kraków, Poland. As the company scales, it plans to add approximately 115 new positions in 2022 alone to help achieve and surpass its growth goals.

Cut Business Energy Costs and Save Big With These Smart Tips

Are you looking for ways to save money on your business energy costs? If so, you’re in luck. There are a number of smart tips and tricks you can use to cut your business energy costs significantly. Here are just a few of the most effective.

Compare Different Rates to Get the Best Deal on Business Energy

One way to save on business energy costs is to compare different rates and providers. This will allow you to get the best deal on your energy costs, and save money in the process. According to the team behind www.compareyourbusinesscosts.co.uk, there are a few things to keep in mind when comparing rates. First, make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. This means that you should be comparing the same type of energy (electricity, gas, etc.) from different providers. Second, make sure that you are aware of any taxes or fees that may be associated with the energy provider you choose. Finally, make sure that you read the fine print before signing up for anything. 

Educate Your Employees About Energy Conservation

Your employees are your front line when it comes to conserving energy and saving money for your business. Make sure they know how important it is to conserve energy and what simple steps they can take to make a difference. Educate your employees about the importance of conserving energy. Show them how much money your business can save by reducing energy consumption. Offer training on energy conservation techniques and make it fun and engaging. The more your employees know about conserving energy, the more they will be willing to do their part.

 

There are many ways to educate your employees about conserving energy. You can start by hanging posters around the office or placing stickers in strategic locations. You can also send out regular email reminders or set up a competition with prizes for the employees who save the most energy. Whatever method you choose, make sure your employees are aware of the importance of conserving energy and are given the tools they need to make a difference.

Take Advantage of Government Incentives

The government offers a number of incentives for businesses to save energy, which can help you cut your business costs significantly. Many of these incentives are tax breaks, so be sure to speak with your accountant to see if you qualify. One popular incentive is the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA), which allows businesses to claim 100% first-year tax relief on investments in energy-saving equipment. This can be a great way to save money on energy costs, as you can effectively get all of your money back in the first year. 

 

There are also a number of grants and loans available to businesses that want to improve their energy efficiency. The Carbon Trust offers interest-free loans of up to £5 million for projects that reduce carbon emissions, while the Energy Efficiency Financing Scheme provides interest-free loans of up to £100,000 for energy efficiency measures. The government also offers a number of grants through its Energy Technology List (ETL), which can cover up to 30% of the cost of certain energy-saving technologies.

Switch to LED Lighting

One of the simplest and most effective ways to cut energy costs is to switch to LED lighting. LED lights use around 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 50 times longer, so they can save you a lot of money in the long run. They also emit very little heat, so they can help to keep your premises cool in summer. If you’re not ready to switch to LED lighting yet, there are still some things you can do to cut costs. For example, you could use energy-efficient light bulbs These may cost more upfront, but they use less energy and last longer, so they’ll save you money in the long run. 

Turn off lights when they’re not needed. This one seems obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Make sure all lights are turned off when they’re not needed, such as in unoccupied rooms or during daylight hours. Use timers and sensors. Timers and occupancy sensors are a great way to make sure lights are only turned on when needed. For example, you could use an occupancy sensor in a toilet so that the light is only turned on when someone enters the room. Use natural light. Where possible, make use of natural light instead of artificial light. This will help to cut costs and also boost employee morale as it has been proven to improve productivity.

 

There are many ways to cut business energy costs, but these are some of the most effective. Educating your employees about conserving energy, taking advantage of government incentives, switching to LED lighting, and making use of natural light are all great ways to save money. So take a look at your business energy costs and see where you can make some changes to save money.

Google launches Startup School for businesses throughout Ireland

Google For Startups has today announced the launch of its Startup School programme in Ireland. The series of virtual training courses will launch this April and will be available to startup founders and their teams throughout the country.

The initiative aims to provide support to startup founders and their teams by offering a series of free, hands-on virtual courses aimed at helping them to grow and advance their businesses. The interactive sessions will cover a wide range of areas and will feature Google tools and products such as Google Analytics, Google Ads and Google Cloud as well as training around topics such as funding, expanding internationally and becoming an effective founder.

The courses will be offered for free on Wednesdays and Thursdays for six weeks starting on Wednesday 13th April. A number of the training sessions will be led by successful founders  including Pat Phelan, Co-Founder at SISU Aesthetic Clinic, Alison Sheehy, Digital Marketing Lead at GYM+COFFEE and Ryan Scott, CEO of Dropchef. The Google for Startups Startup School is being run in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland and Dogpatch Labs, who will assist Google in reaching startup teams throughout the country.

Paddy Flynn, VP of Geo Operations at Google, said, “We are hugely excited to launch Startup School in Ireland. It’s no secret that Ireland is well known for its entrepreneurial startup culture and building successful startups. We want to continue our contribution to nurturing the startup community and providing free access to this training is one way of doing that. 

“We are very proud of the great work Google has been able to achieve through partnerships with Irish startups and the startup ecosystem, and with the launch of Startup School we hope to reinforce our commitment to helping Irish businesses to grow and succeed.”

Jake Phillips, Ecosystem Development Director at Dogpatch Labs added, “We’ve always been focused on providing a valuable community for startups to support growth, share knowledge and form connections. Google’s Startup School will be another great avenue for startups to access expert knowledge to grow their businesses.”

Google has been successfully running programmes aimed at upskilling startups for several years now and has recently opened its virtual doors at an EMEA level. The Startup School courses in Ireland will be specifically available to and tailored for Irish businesses with the size of each session capped so that all participants have an opportunity to ask questions and interact with instructors.

Startup businesses can find out more and register for the virtual training sessions online at: https://campus.co/global/startup-school/

Businesses struggling to monitor and report on key sustainability metrics

Businesses in Ireland are currently struggling to comprehensively measure, monitor and report on the range of metrics that they contribute to as part of the energy transition and in taking positive climate action.  According to new independent research* conducted on behalf of clean energy supplier, Pinergy, by iReach, 27 per cent of SME’s, employing less than 100 people, do not currently have any tools for effectively measuring, monitoring and reporting their consumption/contribution when it comes to energy, waste, water, air quality and carbon footprint.

The research also highlighted the top three actions businesses are citing to take in reducing their carbon footprint in 2022 are a focus on reducing electricity waste (43 per cent), reducing landfill waste and increasing recycling (40 per cent) and reducing water waste (34 per cent).

Despite a growing demand and trend among businesses to play their part to become more sustainable, without the tools to monitor and measure their contributions, many will continue to struggle to effectively manage and implement these stated actions and targets. 

In response, Pinergy has now developed a new measurement as a service proposition whose aim is to make measurement and reporting accessible to all businesses regardless of size with their simple to use technology.

Through this new service, Pinergy will give businesses the ability to measure the performance of their premises or buildings under various metrics.  The objective is to ensure that ‘what gets measured, gets managed’. Pinergy will install a series of meters and sensors in the building of its customer, that will enable the business to measure electricity & gas usage (regardless of supplier), water usage, waste usage (with select waste companies) and most timely of all, the quality of the air in their buildings.

In terms of measurable performance indicators, Pinergy will be able to offer businesses real time data, automated reporting, target and benchmark settings, carbon reporting and various other sustainability measurements across each of the categories covering energy, water, waste and air quality. For Property Management firms in particular this information can really help in delivering on key ESG goals.

Companies are already using Measurement as a Service to streamline their reporting; John O Donovan with the JLL Management Agent team at The Tio North Dock One & North Dock Two building in Dublin said: “This is a service that is very important to us, for monitoring energy and utility usage which reduces cost and saves time by bringing together a number of different reports into one portal.” 

Commenting on this latest development for Pinergy, Colm Foley, Channel Manager, Business, said: “At Pinergy, we are constantly looking for new ways that our customers can make the most of not only their energy usage but how they can most efficiently manage their buildings and premises. Not only can we now give our customers the ability to measure sustainability KPIs such as their carbon footprint, but we can also show how well utilities such as Electricity, Gas and Water are being used across their property portfolio.” 

“Delivering our Measurement as a Service offering is empowering our customers with data and insights to make more informed decisions that are better for the business and better for the environment.”

* Research was conducted nationwide as part of the iReach Business Decisions Omnibus Survey Q1 2022. Over 200 SME businesses responded to the survey, delivering a high level of statistical accuracy.

New report from Google and Amárach finds that a national investment in digital skills could contribute an extra €9.5 billion to Ireland’s GDP over the next 3 years

A report launched today by Google confirms a substantial economic opportunity for Ireland exists if a meaningful investment in digital skills is made. The comprehensive study developed in partnership with Amárach provides detailed insights into the digital capability needs, ambitions, and plans of 1,000 SME leaders throughout Ireland. The research proposes that a significant investment into digital skills could contribute an extra €9.5 billion to Ireland’s GDP by 2025.

To help Irish businesses succeed online, it is important to first understand how they’re doing today and what their goals are. That is why Google commissioned Amárach to engage SME leaders on their lived experiences and expectations of their digital journey. Titled Bridging the Gap – A Report on Digital Capabilities in Irish SMEs, the study, one of the largest surveys of Irish SMEs in recent years, identified four key gaps in digital capabilities:

  1. Performance – how far businesses are from realising their full potential

  2. Competence – how businesses are struggling to use digital skills

  3. Investment – the role of funding, time, and talent in expanding competence

  4. Advisory – the absence of qualified advisors and suppliers to meet digital needs

The current situation

Most Irish SMEs are in the process of adopting, developing, and evolving their use of digital technologies. But some are further ahead in the process than others.  When asked to rate their own progress, the majority (62%) of Irish SMEs are ‘less than halfway’ on their digital journey. Recruiting people with the necessary digital skillset is also a challenge for Irish SMEs with 41% of respondents agreeing that they do not have a person within the organisation who is tasked with developing digital skills. Only 26% of SMEs say their employees have all the skills needed in terms of basic digital capabilities.

Faced with multiple demands on their time and energy, the report indicates that business leaders believe that the digital skills gap can be closed, but the challenge is prioritising it over other short and medium-term tasks.

Digital tools

The report finds that only 11% of Ireland’s SMEs feel their employees have the skills needed to successfully adopt and use new technology, a statistic borne out in the data where only 53% of SMEs have (or use) social media and video platforms and just 18% make use of customer insights tools. When measuring the number of SMEs that have their own business website, Ireland at 55% ranks comparably lower than the EU average of 77%[1].

The research shows that Irish SMEs are ambitious when it comes to investing in digital capabilities but 50% say they lack basic knowledge about which skills to prioritise. The report indicates that policy makers, advisors, and suppliers to the SME sector need to help address the priority gaps that will deliver quick wins, spurring decision makers to go further.

 Commenting, Alice Mansergh, Director for Small Business at Google said:

“The timing of this report could not be more important, the decisions that business leaders and policy stakeholders make about digital capabilities in the coming months and years will have profound implications for the long-term productivity and profitability of the SME sector, and for sustainable economic growth over the rest of the decade.  For its part, Google will use these findings to help shape the courses we provide via the Grow with Google initiative helping to train people in key digital skills that will empower them to embrace new business and commercial opportunities.”

The opportunity

Irish SMEs are very confident (56%) that meeting their digital skills objectives could make a big difference to business performance, and not just on one or two metrics. SME leaders believe that improving digital capabilities would allow them to increase wages and salaries (28%) and over half of those surveyed (57%) say that meeting their objectives [in digital capabilities] would help them to grow faster and become more profitable.

Bridging the gap infographic

Fiscally, the study proposes that an increased investment in digital skills could grow Ireland’s GDP significantly, calculating an increase of €9.5 billion (to €544.2 billion) by 2025.

Spotlight on Gender

The report identifies several gender differences highlighted in the areas of digital content and social media. Female decision makers in SMEs are more likely to use social media platforms (55% vs 51% of men). Women are more likely than men to see the creation of digital content as a top priority for digital skills development (35% vs 28% of men), as well as using digital tools and channels for marketing (21% vs 17%).

Even though more female leaders than male are likely to adopt and leverage digital tools, female leaders and decision makers in Irish SMEs are less likely to say their organisation is over halfway in its digital journey (58%) than men (65%).

In order for Ireland to achieve its digital ambitions, it is vitally important that female entrepreneurs and SME business leaders are enabled to play their part.

Regional breakdown

Comparing SMEs across the regions we find several differences. 45% of firms in Dublin are likely to think they are more than halfway along their ‘digital journey’ significantly higher than regional firms based in the midlands (32%).  When it comes to the adoption of digital tools, Dublin again maintains a distinct advantage with 62% of firms using a business website compared to only 47% in the border region. Firms in Dublin demonstrate a stronger appetite to upskill with nearly 70% of business leaders in the capital likely to undertake a course in the next 12 months vs 59% of Border firms.

 

These and other differences in the research point to the need for a strong regional focus in Ireland’s digital skills agenda to ensure an equitable and impactful benefit for all our communities.

A post-Covid world for SMEs

The Covid-19 crisis has amplified the power of digital in building business resilience. During the first few weeks of lockdown, Google saw a 300%[2] increase in the number of people taking digital training courses. Research has shown that 80% of European SMEs increased their use of digital tools during the pandemic and those SMEs that embraced digital tools had 60% better revenue results and hired 3 times more employees[3] during the pandemic. The report launched today finds that 64% of SMEs in Ireland say their experience of the Covid-19 pandemic has incentivised them to invest more in digital skills with 76% saying digital tools are more helpful to their business now than before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The report has shown how Irish SMEs are ready to invest in the digital capabilities that will propel their success in the post-Covid era.

 Gerard O’Neill, Chair of Amárach Research added,

“This research is unique in that it provides information and insight directly from SME leaders themselves. The study is comprehensive, representing a cross-section of Irish SMEs and is nationally representative of regions, genders, industries and business models. While we see some subtle differences in the findings, two things are constant to almost all SMEs; first that they believe investing in digital capabilities will enhance their business and second that they are ready to do that now – but they need the right supports. This research allows decision makers, policy makers and industry personnel to have meaningful and informed dialogue that can affect real and positive change to Ireland’s digital landscape.”

  Enterprise Ireland CEO Leo Clancy said,

“Small and medium enterprises remain the backbone of the Irish economy; accounting for  99% of active enterprises and 70% of employment. Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices are committed to supporting these businesses with their digitalisation journeys, investing in the capabilities that will help lead them to international success.

For successful businesses, digitalisation isn’t an option, it is a crucial advantage that allows them to compete and win. The report launched today provides invaluable insight and guidance that will inform debate and enhance decision making as we further invest in digital capabilities across Ireland.”

The full report is available to download [here]

Irish Agency Opens An Office in the Metaverse

Connector by Granite is the first Irish agency to join the Metaverse. The agency’s Metaverse office joins its other locations in Dublin, Cork, Galway.

The virtual facilities include a reception, 12 meeting rooms and an auditorium for events for up to 200 concurrent users.

Commenting on the launch, Strategy Director, Ivan Adriel, said: “Metaverse is a term first coined in Neal Stephenson’s 1992 novel Snow Crash, but in recent years it has taken the world by storm and is now used to describe a world in which the ‘digital and physical’ are blurred. Our new office is a space for experimentation and collaboration and invites our clients to discover what’s next.”

According to Global Web Index Europe, the knowledge of the Metaverse is split almost equally into three groups: 33% who understand the concept, 37% who have heard of it but aren’t sure what it means, and 30% who aren’t sure at all.

Over half of consumers say they are interested in participating in the Metaverse, with 1 in 3 of those who hadn’t heard of it before still saying they wanted to be involved.

Luciano Jacob, Creative Director, celebrates the possibilities the new space brings “The Metaverse allows us to push creativity to limitless frontiers, break the limits of geography to bring people together. We are delighted to launch our office in the metaverse and experiment with new possibilities.”