Tag: points

Why Remote Tech Teams Still Need a Physical Base in Dublin

There is no doubt that even up to this day, Ireland still holds the title of being one of Europe’s most dynamic technology hubs. This is made even more evident by the fact that global companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon maintain major operations in Dublin. Plus, there are quite a lot of startups and scale-ups that are building products from across the country.

These days, remote work has become more prominent than ever before. Remote work has completely changed the way that teams operate these days. After all, everyone from developers to engineers can collaborate despite not being in the same continent.

And yet, even with the growing popularity of remote work, there are still companies that maintain a physical presence in Dublin. This is completely reasonable, seeing as Dublin is a powerhouse filled with global opportunities. Plus, remote flexibility and physical base perfectly complement one another these days. After all, there will eventually come a time when companies who have remote workers will need a physical presence for important meetings with investors, stockholders, and partners.

The Rise of Remote Tech Teams in Ireland

It was the COVID-19 pandemic that made remote work adoption accelerate quickly. Even after the pandemic ended, a lot of companies still retained flexible working policies.

Because of remote work, companies in Dublin were able to recruit talent beyond Dublin’s city limits. This is very convenient, especially since there is no need for hired talent to relocate to fulfill their roles and responsibilities. As a result, most remote teams in Ireland now consist of professionals who are spread across multiple regions.

Sure, remote setups have plenty of advantages. For instance, there is easy access to a wider talent pool that allows companies to recruit specialists who might be unavailable locally. Plus, remote operations do not require a huge overhead. This can be very important for companies that are just starting out.

And yet, there are also some challenges that come with remote setups. These challenges must be anticipated by businesses to make sure they can still thrive despite possible hiccups.

Why Physical Meeting Spaces Still Matter

There is no denying that nothing beats face-to-face interaction. Sure, platforms like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams make it very easy to collaborate remotely. But of course, there are times when physical meetings are needed.

Some instances where face-to-face interactions might be necessary include strategy sessions, product design workshops, and investor presentations. When participants are in the same physical environment, there is a higher chance that productivity is better.

This is the reason why a lot of distributed companies plan for periodic in-person meetings in serviced offices Dublin. This way, they can plan for sessions, onboarding, or collaboration days in person. Flexible spaces are a huge help for these instances since they provide temporary but professional environments that support hybrid teams without a huge overhead.

In a way, these serviced offices serve as meeting points instead of daily workplaces. Employees can still work remotely most of the time and then just gather occasionally for key milestones or project reviews.

Collaboration and Culture in Hybrid Teams

It’s important for all members of an organization to be able to feel comfortable with one another. But since remote work means different people from different cultures can work together, there is a need to set aside a time to get to know each other’s cultures to foster better communication and collaboration.

It’s best if casual conversations, spontaneous brainstorming, and informal mentorship can happen naturally in person once in a while. This way, companies will be able to strengthen team relationships and align employees around shared goals.

These interactions can significantly improve communication and productivity despite the geographical restrictions that exist within an organization.

The Future of Work in Ireland’s Tech Sector

Since remote work has become established in today’s world, there is a very small chance that Ireland’s technology sector will go back to fully office-based work. Therefore, organizations must embrace all the advantages and disadvantages that come with the remote work setup and deal with them as efficiently as possible.

Sure, remote work is a very convenient and flexible setup. And yet, there will always be a need for in-person meetings and interactions; regardless of whether the purpose is to boost morale or collaboration or to brainstorm ideas and solve problems more effectively. Luckily, there are spaces like serviced offices Dublin that companies can pay for just for occasional meetings.

Remote work and occasional in-person meetings are a good combination. While there is no denying that the remote work setup is very convenient, nothing beats the advantages that come with meeting people in person. After all, interactions feel more natural. Plus, there is more room for building rapport and improving relationships.

As Ireland’s technology sector continues to grow, this balance between flexibility and physical presence will likely define how remote tech teams Ireland operate in the years ahead.

Willis, Kayna and Belfry Partner to Simplify Insurance Access for Security Providers

Willis, a WTW business is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Belfry, a modern platform for physical security providers, to launch a digital insurance program tailored for Belfry customers. The program pairs Willis’ insurance expertise with Irish award-winning Kayna insurance technology to deliver data-led, streamlined insurance solutions.

Belfry, a US-based vertical SaaS platform, streamlines security management in an all-in-one software that manages scheduling, timekeeping, payroll, and billing for security companies;

Kayna, Willis’ embedded insurance infrastructure partner, enables the distribution of Willis’ security services insurance to Belfry customers by integrating a seamless insurance portal directly within the Belfry platform. The InsurTech will leverage real-time data to pre-fill forms and support quoting, saving users time and simplifying the procurement process;

Willis’ Affinity model pairs well with Belfry’s platform by delivering tailored insurance solutions that meet the specific needs of security providers.

Belfry’s innovative platform transforms the complex needs of security businesses into a single solution that improves back-office efficiency, enhances employee experiences, and supports exceptional customer service. Through the integration of Kayna technology, which enables Willis-brokered insurance distribution, the partnership strengthens Belfry’s model by leveraging Willis’ global insurance expertise to create a seamless way for security operators to access tailored coverage directly within the Belfry platform.

With insurance being one of the most significant pain points and expenses for security firms, this integration offers timely quotes to address coverage gaps, potential premium savings, and reduced audit risk through pay-as-you-go insurance. The solution removes friction from the insurance procurement process, allowing security operators to stay focused on their work with the confidence that their coverage is comprehensive, timely, and aligned with their operational needs.

“As part of our strategy to deliver tech-enabled insurance solutions, we’re excited to partner with Belfry to embed coverage seamlessly into the security operator journey,” said Paul Lubbers, Head of US Affinity at Willis. “Together, we aim to accelerate quoting and minimize premium audit risk, both of which are critical pain points and areas for improvements in the security industry. Together with Kayna, we are committed to support the success of Belfry customers by making it easier than ever to secure the right insurance coverage with minimal hassle so physical security operators can focus on their job with confidence.”

Jordan Wallach, Co-Founder & CEO of Belfry, commented, “At Belfry, we’re developing a truly all-in-one platform for security operators – one that brings every essential function together in a seamless, intuitive experience. Partnering with Willis and Kayna strengthens that vision by embedding expert resources directly into our platform, helping operators focus less on administrative complexity and more on delivering outstanding service.”

Paul Prendergast, Co-Founder & CEO of Kayna concluded, “Backed by decades of Willis experience and expertise in underwriting and claims management, Belfry is taking an industry lead on delivering data-driven insurance and market choice for their platform customers. This is a winning formula for a great partnership and one that I’m delighted to see powered by Kayna technology.”

Why Stryker Sees Talent as the Foundation of Innovation

In today’s MedTech landscape, where technological breakthroughs are redefining what’s possible in-patient care, it’s easy to focus solely on the machines, data, and devices driving that change. Mag O’Keeffe, Vice President of Global Additive Technologies at Stryker explains more

But behind every innovation – whether it’s a surgical robot, a smart implant, or a predictive algorithm – are the people who imagine, build, and continuously improve them. It’s this human engine of progress that often determines whether innovation scales, sustains, and ultimately succeeds.

At a time when competition for talent is intensifying and industries face increasing disruption, how we develop, support, and continuously upskill our people is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it is a defining strategy.

Ireland’s MedTech leadership has always been grounded in talent, but today, the challenge is evolving. This demands a shift in how we think about talent. It’s no longer enough to hire for existing roles. Instead, it is vital to build adaptable and diverse workforces capable of evolving with new tools, technologies, and expectations.

Diverse pathways into MedTech

Creating a future-ready workforce starts with opening up multiple, accessible routes into the sector – regardless of someone’s background, education, or starting point. Not everyone follows a traditional path into a career, which is why flexibility and inclusivity in attracting and developing talent are so important.

Apprenticeship models are a powerful example. They offer individuals – including school leavers, career changers, and those re-entering the workforce – the opportunity to gain formal qualifications while contributing directly to real-world projects. At Stryker, we’ve seen apprentices progress into engineering, operations, and leadership roles. This is proof that talent can emerge from many directions when given the right support and structure.

Our programme enables participants to pursue degrees in manufacturing engineering while rotating between academic study and on-site learning. It’s not just about gaining a qualification—it’s about reshaping career trajectories and unlocking potential that might otherwise go untapped.

Equally important are graduate entry pathways, which bring fresh energy and new perspectives into the organisation. Each year, we welcome graduates from a range of disciplines to our nine sites across the island of Ireland. Stryker’s graduate programme rotates participants across engineering, finance, and other core functions, giving them exposure to the breadth of the business. It’s not just an onboarding tool—it’s a way to build a pipeline of future leaders who bring curiosity, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration to their roles.

Together, these pathways – whether through apprenticeships, graduate programmes, or internal mobility – reflect a broader commitment to inclusive growth. By creating multiple entry points into MedTech, including for those coming straight from school or those seeking a new direction mid-career, organisations can tap into a wider talent pool, foster diversity of thought, and build teams that are equipped to lead the future of healthcare.

A learning culture

Offering training and upskilling opportunities is one thing; embedding a culture of continuous learning is another. That means creating systems, time, and initiatives that make development part of the everyday.

Our Training Centre of Excellence in Tullagreen, developed in partnership with IDA Ireland, has been designed to make upskilling a key aspect of transformation.

The three-year training initiative, developed with the support of IDA Ireland, will equip employees at Stryker’s Tullagreen facility with the agility and skills for the future of work, promote innovative thinking, and embed a culture of continuous improvement, and advance sustainability.

But it also reflects something more fundamental: when people feel supported to grow, they stay engaged, motivated, and committed.

That support extends beyond formal programmes. Every employee in Stryker Ireland has access to a LinkedIn Learning licence, providing on-demand access to a wide range of training and development resources. It’s one more way we ensure that learning is not just encouraged—but embedded into how we work, lead, and grow.

Growing talent through opportunity

One of the most pressing challenges for business leaders today is retention. Employees, particularly early career professionals, are seeking to find a workplace that nurture their strengths, provide opportunities to grow and are driven by purpose.

At Stryker, our purpose lies in making innovative products and solutions that make healthcare better for more than 150m patients annually across the globe. It is what drives our employees each day and encourages them to come up with new ideas and find creative solutions to complex medical and surgical problems.

But retention isn’t only about formal programmes. It’s also about creating cultures where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore new directions. Our education assistance scheme, for example, has enabled hundreds of employees to pursue new career opportunities, many of them in fields they may never have imagined accessing before.

People powering innovation

The success of any MedTech organisation depends not only on the technologies it develops, but on the people who bring those innovations to life. At Stryker, the commitment to developing talent – through apprenticeships, graduate programmes, continuous learning, and leadership development – isn’t just a cultural value. It’s a business strategy.

These initiatives have helped build and invest in a workforce that is skilled, diverse, and passionate about achieving our mission of making healthcare better. They’ve driven innovation, improved retention, and strengthened our ability to adapt in a fast-changing industry.

But more than that, this investment is creating opportunities for employees – opening doors for individuals to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact.

Revolutionising Connectivity in Ireland: Renewtech’s Affordable Refurbished Cisco Access Points

Efficient connectivity has become the backbone of modern businesses, from start-ups to multinational enterprises. Renewtech is transforming how companies in Ireland meet their networking needs through its range of refurbished Cisco Access Points. Combining affordability, sustainability and high-quality performance, these devices provide reliable and secure connectivity for businesses across various sectors.

Affordable Solutions for Diverse Business Needs

Renewtech’s refurbished Cisco Access Points offer a cost-effective networking solution for businesses of all sizes. Smaller organisations, often constrained by limited budgets, gain access to enterprise-grade technology that supports scalability and growth. Larger enterprises benefit from substantial cost reductions, enabling better allocation of financial resources across their IT infrastructure. The affordability of these devices addresses a critical need for high-quality connectivity without the premium price of new hardware; by choosing refurbished solutions, businesses can stretch their budgets further while maintaining access to industry-leading technology.

Reliability That Supports Productivity

Businesses depend on stable and consistent connectivity to maintain seamless operations. Renewtech’s refurbished Cisco Access Points deliver exceptional reliability, making them a dependable choice for enterprise networks. Each device undergoes rigorous testing and refurbishment to meet strict quality standards. The result is a network infrastructure capable of handling demanding workloads while minimising downtime, allowing businesses to focus on their core objectives. Reliable connectivity reduces operational risks, guaranteeing networks remain functional even in high-pressure scenarios.

Advanced Security for Today’s Challenges

In a climate of increasing cyber security threats, network security remains a top priority for businesses. Refurbished Cisco Access Points from Renewtech integrate robust security features that help safeguard sensitive data and prevent unauthorised access. These devices address critical security requirements with sophisticated encryption, advanced authentication protocols and secure configuration options. Comprehensive protection confirms businesses can safely manage sensitive operations while complying with industry standards and regulations. These features collectively create a resilient network infrastructure capable of mitigating evolving cyber threats.

Adaptability for Varied Environments

A versatile networking solution is essential for businesses operating in diverse environments. Renewtech’s refurbished Cisco Access Points are designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, making them suitable for office spaces, retail environments, industrial facilities and beyond. Devices built for outdoor use feature weather-resistant designs capable of withstanding challenging conditions while indoor models prioritise efficient coverage and scalability. Ultimately, adaptability helps businesses seamlessly expand or reconfigure networks as their operational needs evolve.

Promoting Sustainability in Technology

Reducing environmental impact has become a strategic priority for many organisations. Renewtech supports these efforts by extending the life cycle of high-performance networking hardware. Refurbishing devices prevents electronic waste from accumulating and reduces the demand for resources required to manufacture new equipment. Sustainable practices like this align with corporate social responsibility goals, giving businesses an environmentally conscious way to maintain technological competitiveness.

Balancing Cost Savings with Performance

A careful balance of cost-effectiveness and technical excellence characterises Renewtech’s refurbished offerings. Businesses achieve significant financial savings while benefiting from the advanced features and robust performance associated with Cisco’s industry-leading access points. This balance allows organisations to meet their networking requirements without compromising quality, enabling them to invest in other critical areas of growth and development. Ergo, access to cost-effective, high-performing solutions can help businesses maintain a competitive edge in their markets.

Preparing Businesses for the Future

The pace of digital transformation continues to accelerate, with reliable connectivity playing a central role in business success. Renewtech’s refurbished Cisco Access Points offer businesses a forward-looking solution that aligns with the demands of a digitally driven world. These devices combine advanced technology with adaptability, meeting the evolving needs of organisations across industries. Future-ready connectivity lays a strong foundation for innovation, allowing enterprises to confidently embrace emerging technologies.

Connectivity Solutions Redefining Business Success

Renewtech’s refurbished Cisco Access Points represent a significant advancement in networking solutions for businesses in Ireland. The emphasis on cost savings, sustainability and dependable performance addresses critical business needs across industries. With adaptable, high-quality devices, Renewtech empowers organisations to optimise their IT investments while reducing environmental impact. These solutions are driving a new era of connectivity, enabling businesses to thrive in an interconnected and digitally advanced world.

Electric vehicle charging points vulnerable to cyber attack

Belfast based cyber security specialist ANGOKA says developers of the UK’s fast-growing network of electric vehicle charging points could be sleep-walking into a high-risk vulnerability to hacking and cyber-attacks.  

Significant and rapid growth in the number of electric vehicle charging points is expected in the next three years. There are estimated to be more than 100,000 petrol and diesel pumps across the UK while the number of EV charging points( home and Public) stands at over 350,000 and counting.  While the growth in public charging points will grow exponentially, the risk of hacking, disabling and even weaponizing these has become an increasingly recognized problem. 

Richard Barrington, ANGOKA’s head of land mobility says the race to decarbonize and the shift to electrification goes hand in hand with digitization.  

“We need to electrify our economy but we have not fully understood the need for cyber security in this transition,” says Mr Barrington.  

“While data protection through encryption is in place to prevent the theft of financial information through credit cards and electronic payment forms, the cyber security of the actual charging points should be at the top of the agenda,” he says. 

Because EV charging points are all networked, the risk goes beyond theft of financial information or abstracting electricity. ANGOKA says the potential to engineer an attack back onto the national grid or spoof charging indicators allowing batteries to be over or undercharged means the industry must adopt the Zero Trust principles of Never Trust, Always Verify! 

“The threat landscape becomes even more extensive when you consider the bi-directional data exchange between vehicle and charging point,” says Mr Barrington, “this data exchange can be unprotected and vulnerable meaning hijacking, the introduction of malware and denial of service attacks become probable. 

ANGOKA says the responsibility of providing the cyber security to protect these from attack has fallen between the players in the supply chain, Manufacturers, Installers, operators and procurers e.g. local authorities. 

New regulations coming into force next year creates a more open market in that anyone should be able to use any charging point  irrespective of the operator.  Unfortunately greater levels of interconnectivity will lead to a widening of the threat landscape and risk potentially at national scale.  Mr Barrington. “We believe there is an approach that can address these concerns and the  EV charging sector and the motor industry must step up and take action.” 

Representatives from the automotive sectors are due to meet ANGOKA representatives in Belfast in the coming weeks in anticipation of new EV charging point regulations to be introduced next summer.  

ePower Brings 90 EV Charge points to 13 Irish Hotels

Windward Management, a team of experienced hotel operators and investors, have launched 90 new electric vehicle charge points in 13 of their hotel locations nationwide. The charging infrastructure was installed by ePower who supply, install, support and manage electric vehicle chargers throughout Ireland. 

The investment means hotel guests and customers can now easily charge their electric vehicles  during their visit. As the number of EV drivers continues to rise, Windward believes charging facilities are becoming an imperative hotel offering. The newly installed EV chargers will improve ESG factors, promote sustainability, reduce carbon footprint and increase green credentials. 

The electric vehicle charge points are easy to operate with each station displaying a ‘how to use’ guide for users. The charging stations are visible on several EV charging apps such as Plugsurfing, the ePower app and on the internationally used app, PlugShare. 

Executive Director of ePower Hugh Hall says he’s delighted to be partnering with Windward:  “The ePower team was pleased to install EV chargers for the Windward Managed hotels as they work to improve their approach to sustainability. As well as installing the equipment, we’re looking forward to growing our partnership as we manage and maintain the chargers at these Windward properties in the future”.

The initial take-up of the EV chargers among customers has been very positive and they’re being used more regularly every week as awareness grows about their installation. 

The teams at Windward Management and The TMR Hotel Collection are very excited about building on sustainable initiatives within their managed properties and plan to continue with the expansion of the EV chargers, as part of their decarbonisation plan in the future. 

Group General Manager at Windward Management Charlie Sheil believes it’s a good investment for the future: “We are delighted to offer ePower Car Charging Facilities across our portfolio of hotels, feedback from customers has been fantastic so far and we are looking forward to expanding the facilities in line with our sustainability initiatives”.

Spokesperson for the TMR Hotel Collection Ian McSweeney hopes the chargers will prove popular among customers: “We are very pleased with the professional installation of ev Chargers by ePower across our properties. This is a fantastic service that we are happy to offer and is in keeping with our dedication to addressing the needs of our valued customers.’”

ePower’s EV charging stations are now available at the Connemara Coast Hotel, McWilliam Park Hotel, The Radisson Blu Dublin Airport, Plaza Hotel Tallaght, Tallaght Cross Hotel, Mount Wolseley Hotel, Park Inn Shannon Airport, Aghadoe Heights, Cavan Crystal Hotel, Farnham Estate, Harvey’s Point and soon to be live at The Fitzwilton Hotel and The Anner Hotel.