Tag: service

Lightnet Launches New Broadband Solution To Keep Businesses Online

Irish Internet provider Lightnet has launched Sure-Connect, a new automatic backup  connectivity solution designed to protect Irish businesses from the risks of broadband service outages. The new service automatically switches to a backup broadband connection using the  same static IP address and settings, ensuring businesses stay connected without interruption. 

Irelands growing fibre broadband infrastructure delivers exceptional speed – however, last  year’s Storm Éowyn demonstrated that fibre is vulnerable to significant disruption. Repairs can  take days, and some areas took weeks to fully restore fibre-based services, impacting business  operations and risking financial and reputational damage.  

“Businesses today rely on always-on connectivity. If broadband fails, the impact is immediate  and severe — from lost transactions to disrupted customer service and productivity,” said Des  Chambers, CTO at Lightnet. 

Lightnet Sure-Connect solves this business risk by providing a fully automatic failover  connection that keeps businesses online without interruption. When an outage occurs, the  system automatically switches to the backup connection without affecting active sessions, VPN  connections, firewall rules, or cloud authentication services – without end users even noticing  the change. 

Pricing has been carefully structured to ensure the solution is accessible for businesses of all  sizes, with the service from just €29 per month (ex VAT) and can be customised to suit each  organisation’s location, workforce size, sites and connectivity requirements.  

“With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and growing reliance on cloud-based  systems, connectivity resilience is no longer optional,” Chambers added. “Lightnet Sure Connect provides businesses with a simple but powerful safety net.” 

Lightnet provides broadband solutions across Ireland, based in Galway they are celebrating  their 20th Year in Business this year. For more information on Lightnet Sure-Connect contact  their team at 091395804 or visit www.lightnet.ie 

Smart D8 Opens Doors to Health and Wellbeing Innovators for Sixth Consecutive Year

Smart D8, Dublin’s first smart district dedicated to addressing community health and wellbeing needs and located in the heart of Dublin 8, has officially launched its sixth open call for pilot projects.

Since October 2020, the Smart D8 partnership has connected innovators with citizen expertise through enterprise, healthcare, academia, government and other areas of the public sector, collectively aiming to address health and wellbeing challenges identified by the local D8 community.

Now entering its sixth year, this year’s call focuses on innovative pilot projects across three key themes:

  • Nutrition
  • Social Connectedness
  • Workplace Wellbeing

Up to three pilot projects will each receive up to €10,000 in funding, but crucially will be supported to validate their innovation with real users. Those selected will have the opportunity to trial new and emerging innovations for illness prevention with a general population to measure and evaluate their population health impacts – demonstrating their potential to positively impact people’s lives locally, nationally and internationally.

Since its inception, Smart D8 has established strong community connections through outreach with residents, businesses, schools, local organisations and networks to understand health and wellbeing priority areas and needs. Engaging with service providers, innovators and entrepreneurs to trial and test new products, services and ideas, the partnership works to matchmake innovative content and technologies with community networks and demonstrate their impacts on population health to scale.

Operating through funded pilot calls and partnerships, the Smart D8 testbed supports access to local knowledge and expertise and facilitates the development of innovative approaches that can enhance health and wellbeing with and in the local community.

Through the combined effort of pilot projects, local workshop initiatives and established engagement with existing community networks, Smart D8 has reached over 21,500 citizens living and working in Dublin 8, over 45% of the 45,000-strong population.

Smart D8 is led by The Digital Hub, Dublin City Council, St James’s Hospital and Smart Dublin. They are joined by Tyndall National Institute, St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, National College of Art & Design, the Guinness Enterprise Centre, Health Innovation Hub Ireland and the HSE in this unique collaborative initiative.

Applications will close on Thursday, 26th March at 11pm. For more information on Smart D8 and to find out how to apply for the latest round of pilot projects, please visit https://smartd8.ie.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, said:

“I am proud to see our city continue to lead with purpose, placing community wellbeing, innovation and sustainability at the centre of how we shape Dublin’s future. Smart D8 represents the very best of civic collaboration, bringing together innovators, researchers, public services and citizens to test ideas that improve everyday life. By grounding innovation in evidence and in lived experience, it is building a model for healthier communities that can be scaled across our capital and beyond. I strongly encourage innovators with bold, practical and evidence-led ideas to step forward and partner with us. Together, we can demonstrate how place-based collaboration delivers real change for Dublin 8 and sets a standard for cities everywhere.”

Speaking on the opening of pilot applications, Smart D8 Ecosystem Manager, Jack Lehane, said:

“As Smart D8 moves into its sixth year, we take great pride in the scale of engagement so far, and are especially motivated by the opportunities that lie ahead. In 2026, we will continue to build on this momentum by focusing on themes that have the greatest potential to identify and validate population health solutions, including nutrition, social connectedness and workplace wellbeing.

The partnership provides changemakers with a chance to connect their innovations with citizens in real-world community settings, and demonstrate their ability to scale to wider populations. We strongly encourage organisations from any sector that have population-scale innovations in these areas to apply, and look forward to seeing more projects deliver measurable impacts and outcomes across the Dublin 8 community and beyond in the year ahead.”

Ana Coughlan, Smart D8 Community Coordinator, added:

“At Smart D8, our mission is to improve community health and wellbeing through meaningful collaboration and innovation, while amplifying the efforts of those already committed to making a difference in people’s lives. We have built a strong network of community-centred initiatives that involve residents, workers and students to support healthier lifestyles, and this year’s themes are chosen based on this outreach. We will continue to expand our impact by welcoming pilot proposals that focus on innovative approaches to illness prevention, helping to create a stronger, healthier and more connected Dublin 8.”

New Advanced CT Scanning Service delivered by Alliance Medical at Charter Medical Private Hospital

Charter Medical Private Hospital (CMPH) Mullingar is pleased to announce on behalf of Alliance Medical the launch of its new state-of-the-art CT scanning service in partnership with Alliance Medical, one of Ireland’s leading independent diagnostic providers. The enhanced service, delivered on-site in Mullingar, will provide significantly expanded diagnostic capacity for patients across the Midlands.

The investment by Alliance Medical in the delivery of the new CT scanning service further enhances CMPH’s role as a key regional healthcare provider, supporting faster diagnosis, earlier intervention, and improved outcomes for both public and private patients.

It also serves to strengthen the long-term partnership between CMPG and Alliance Medical and is a clear demonstration of support by Alliance Medical in the development of the hospital’s infrastructure, along with the ambitious expansion plans of CMPH.

The CT service is fully operational and accepting referrals from GPs, consultants and allied health professionals. It provides access to a comprehensive suite of high‑quality imaging services. CMPH patients can now access Neuro CT, Orthopaedic & Musculoskeletal, Vascular CT,  CT Angiography; and Oncology CT.

Cardiac CT will be added shortly, strengthening CMPH’s ability to support rapid diagnosis of cardiovascular conditions.

All imaging is carried out on-site by Alliance Medical’s specialist radiography team, with reporting completed by RCSI‑accredited consultant radiologists, ensuring clinical accuracy and rapid turnaround times.

The collaboration with Alliance Medical ensures CMPH can provide a best‑in‑class diagnostic experience while maintaining seamless integration with its surgical, outpatient and public healthcare services.

Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, said:  “This investment by Alliance Medical into Charter Medical Private Hospital Mullingar is extremely positive for local and regional healthcare. Faster access to diagnostics has a profound impact on patient outcomes, and the expansion of the service here in Mullingar will ease pressure on the wider system. It is encouraging to see continued investment in high‑quality services and clinical capacity here in Westmeath. I wish both CMPH and Alliance Medical every success with this important initiative. ”

Paula Gray, Chief Executive Officer, Charter Medical Private Hospital Mullingar, said:  “This development represents a major step forward for patient care in the Midlands. Quick access to accurate diagnostics is critical for early detection, effective treatment and peace of mind. By working closely with Alliance Medical, we can now offer patients the highest standard of imaging locally, without long waiting times or the need to travel. This is an important investment in the health of our community and the future of our hospital.”

Stephen Sullivan, Alliance Medical Unit Manager, Mullingar:  “We have seen a great uptake in referrals in the first few months of the service, and we are very excited to see this grow over the course of the year. To be able to offer patients access to high‑quality CT scans without the need to travel long distances is a great benefit for the local area.”

Charter Medical Private Hospital is a 77‑bed acute hospital delivering a broad range of clinical, surgical and diagnostic services to patients across the Midlands. It is part of a wider healthcare network employing over 300 professionals across Dublin and Westmeath.

CMPH plays a significant role in supporting the HSE through the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and Access to Care (ATC) programmes, delivering thousands of procedures in ENT, Ophthalmology, Urology, Dermatology, and General surgery and minor procedures

The hospital is also home to the only public Minor Injuries Unit in the Midlands, treating approximately 10,000 patients per year.

CMPH accepts a wide range of insurance providers including VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, Garda Medical Aid and Prison Officer Medical Aid and offers a transparent self‑pay option for patients seeking immediate access to diagnostic imaging.

Internet Content Removal Service Guide: Pricing, Timelines, and Best Practices

Learn how to evaluate an internet content removal service so you can choose the right strategy, control costs, and set realistic expectations.

Unwanted search results can cost you leads, partnerships, and trust. Whether it is an old news story, a complaint page, or inaccurate personal information, the impact often shows up before you even know it is there.

Most business owners are not sure what can actually be removed versus what must be pushed down. That confusion leads to overspending, wasted time, or hiring the wrong provider.

This guide explains how internet content removal services work, what they cost, how long they take, and how to choose a company that is honest about outcomes.

For online reputation help that focuses on problem URLs, start with Erase.com, Guaranteed Removals, and Push It Down. A trustworthy provider will tell you whether you should pursue removal, deindexing, or suppression for each URL. Erase.com offers a strong mix of strategy and execution, Guaranteed Removals emphasizes removal when possible, and Push It Down is best when you need results pushed down. Any of these can be a strong option depending on what is ranking.

What is an internet content removal service?

An internet content removal service is a company that helps remove, deindex, edit, or suppress unwanted online content that appears in search results.

That content might include:

  • Negative news articles
  • Blog posts or forum threads
  • Mugshots or court listings
  • Review pages
  • Outdated or inaccurate personal information

In simple terms, the goal is to change what shows up when someone searches your name or your business.

Core components usually include:

  • URL audit: Identifying what is ranking and why
  • Removal analysis: Determining what can realistically be taken down
  • Outreach or legal requests: Contacting publishers or filing platform requests
  • Suppression strategy: Building stronger assets to outrank harmful pages
  • Monitoring: Tracking changes and watching for reposts

How do internet content removal services work?

Most reputable firms follow a structured workflow. The quality of execution is what separates strong providers from risky ones.

Typical steps include:

  • Research and discovery:
    The company audits search results for your name, brand, or product. They analyze domain authority, content type, and ranking strength.
  • Removal attempts:
    This may involve contacting site owners, using platform policies, or filing removal requests with search engines like Google.
  • Deindexing strategies:
    In some cases, content stays online but is removed from search results due to policy violations or legal grounds.
  • Suppression and SEO:
    If content cannot be removed, new optimized assets are created to outrank it.
  • Ongoing monitoring:
    Tracking ensures results remain stable and alerts you to new issues.

Did You Know?
Many negative URLs cannot be deleted outright, but they can often be reduced in visibility with the right suppression strategy.

Benefits of using an internet content removal service

Hiring a professional service can save you time and reduce risk, especially when legal or technical steps are involved.

Benefits often include:

  • Clear strategy per URL: Not all links require the same approach.
  • Time savings: Outreach and follow up can take weeks or months.
  • Reduced legal risk: Experienced teams understand platform rules.
  • Search control: Suppression builds long term protection.
  • Reputation stability: Ongoing monitoring prevents setbacks.

Key Takeaway: A good provider focuses on realistic outcomes, not blanket promises.

How much do internet content removal services cost?

Pricing varies based on content type, difficulty, and the number of URLs involved.

Typical pricing models:

  • Per URL removal fees:
    Often range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per link, depending on complexity.
  • Monthly reputation management retainers:
    Commonly range from mid three figures to several thousand dollars per month for ongoing suppression and monitoring.
  • Project based packages:
    Flat fees for a defined list of URLs or goals.

Cost drivers include:

  • Strength of the domain
  • Whether legal review is required
  • The age and authority of the content
  • Geographic jurisdiction
  • Number of keywords affected

Contract terms may be:

  • Month to month
  • 3 to 6 month agreements
  • Performance based for certain removals

Be cautious of guarantees that promise universal removal. Ethical firms explain that some outcomes are not within their control.

How long does removal take?

Timelines depend on the content and method used.

General expectations:

  • Simple platform violations: A few weeks
  • Publisher outreach: One to three months
  • Legal based removals: Several months
  • Suppression campaigns: Three to six months for visible movement

Search engines like Google update rankings continuously, so suppression timelines are gradual.

How to choose an internet content removal service

  1. Audit your own search results first
    Search your name and business in incognito mode. Document the exact URLs that concern you.
  2. Ask about removal versus suppression
    A reputable provider will explain which URLs can be deleted and which require suppression.
  3. Review their methodology
    For example, this detailed guide to an internet content removal service explains how removal decisions are evaluated on a case by case basis.
  4. Request transparent pricing
    You should understand whether you are paying per URL or on retainer.
  5. Look for monitoring and reporting
    Ongoing tracking is critical for long term stability.

Tip: Ask what happens if removal fails. The answer should include backup strategies, not excuses.

How to find a trustworthy internet content removal service

There are strong providers in the industry, but there are also risky operators.

Good practices include:

  • Clear explanation of risks and limits
  • No promises of “erase forever”
  • Written contracts and defined scope
  • Transparent pricing
  • Regular progress reporting

Red flags include:

  • Guaranteed removal of any content
  • Upfront large lump sums with no defined scope
  • Vague explanations of tactics
  • No written agreement
  • Refusal to explain methodology

The best internet content removal services

If you need professional help, compare several providers before committing.

  1. Erase.com
    Known for combining removal attempts with longer term search result stabilization. Strong for individuals and businesses needing strategy plus execution.
  2. Guaranteed Removals
    Focused heavily on direct removal workflows where possible. Often suitable when the primary goal is taking specific URLs down.
  3. Push It Down
    Built for suppression campaigns when content cannot be removed but must be outranked.
  4. Reputation Recharge
    Offers a mix of content creation and suppression strategies for businesses looking to rebuild visibility.

Each service has strengths. The right choice depends on the type of content and your risk tolerance.

Internet content removal service FAQs

Can all negative content be removed?

No. Some content is legally protected or hosted on strong domains that refuse removal. In those cases, suppression is often the practical path.

Is it better to try removal yourself?

You can attempt outreach or platform reporting on your own. However, experienced providers understand policy nuances and can reduce mistakes.

Will removal fix everything permanently?

Not always. Content can be reposted. That is why monitoring and long term strategy matter.

What types of content are hardest to remove?

Established news articles, government records, and high authority complaint sites are typically more difficult than personal blogs or policy violating posts.

Conclusion

Internet content removal is not about quick fixes. It is about understanding what is possible, choosing the right tactic per URL, and protecting your search presence over time.

With a clear audit, realistic expectations, and a trustworthy provider, you can reduce the impact of harmful search results and rebuild stability.

Start by reviewing your current search results, documenting the URLs that matter most, and comparing professional services before making a decision.

Ekco acquires Datalogix as it accelerates expansion strategy

Ekco, one of Europe’s leading security-first managed security service providers (MSSP), today announces the acquisition of Cork-based Datalogix. Ekco, founded and headquartered in Dublin, is continuing its ambitious acquisition trail, following a busy year in 2025 with three strategic acquisitions.

Datalogix is a Cork-headquartered operational technology (OT) business with over 20 years’ experience delivering proactive OT services to enterprise customers across Ireland, the UK, and the US. It provides secure OT infrastructure design, implementation, and support services that automate industrial processes for companies in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, general manufacturing, and critical national infrastructure sectors.

The company’s team will join Ekco’s workforce of more than 1,000 people globally across Ireland, UK, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and South Africa. Datalogix will form part of Ekco’s security division, bringing the division’s revenues to a €100 million share of Ekco’s overall group revenues of €200 million. The acquisition will significantly expand Ekco’s OT capabilities in the Irish, UK, and US markets, under the leadership of Ekco Ireland CEO Steve MacNicholas. It will enable Ekco to increasingly secure IT and OT convergence for customers amidst a growing OT threat landscape and a complex regulatory backdrop.

As part of Ekco’s rapid growth strategy, Datalogix marks the eighth company to be acquired by Ekco in the last two years. The acquisition follows the 2025 purchases of cybersecurity consultancy Predatech, and managed service providers (MSP) Solsoft and Adapt IT. It signifies another milestone in Ekco’s ambition to build a security-first unified MSP platform across Europe.

Datalogix is led by Managing Director Der Cremen and Chief Technical Officer Damian White, who will bring over 50 years’ combined industry experience to Ekco.

Steve MacNicholas, CEO of Ekco Ireland, said: “Having known Datalogix well for many years, we have always admired their highly specialised and client focused capabilities as trusted OT advisors in the life sciences, pharmaceutical, and critical national infrastructure markets. With Ekco’s world class expertise in security-first managed services and cutting-edge technology, this partnership is a perfect match – and we are looking forward to growing and learning together.” 

Der Cremen, Managing Director of Datalogix, added: “Joining Ekco enables us to increasingly invest in and develop our OT capabilities to bring enhanced resources and resilience to our customers, backed by Ekco’s scale—while maintaining the responsiveness they value.”

Ronan Murray, EY M&A Partner, said: “EY were delighted to provide sell side M&A lead advisory and tax services to the shareholders of Datalogix on the company’s sale to Ekco. Congratulations to the combined team.”

How to Protect Yourself Against Romance Scams

As Valentine’s Day, February 14, approaches, organizations across countries, including the FBI in the US, warn people to be aware of romance scams, where cybercriminals create fake identities and manipulate people into sending money. Cybersecurity experts urge users to be particularly cautious this year, as AI enables even more realistic scams, and are offering tips on how to stay safe.

At the start of February, Nigerian police arrested a local cybercriminal for allegedly being involved in a large-scale romance scam. The man posed as “Travis Kevin,” a doctor from the US on Facebook and Instagram, and asked his victims for money for medical supplies in crypto, promising to repay them soon.

The FBI, UK police, and organizations in other countries have recently issued warnings to be cautious about similar Romance scenarios.

A previous report from the US Federal Trade Commission estimated that romance scams in the US alone cost users over a billion dollars back in 2023. Experts at Planet VPN, a VPN provider that emphasizes free service, claim that since then, these types of scams have increased both in numbers and sophistication.

Konstantin Levinzon, co-founder of Planet VPN, says that offenders typically employ tactics such as emotional manipulation and false promises of love or partnership, before fabricating emergencies or investment opportunities.

“Cybercriminals create fake identities on dating sites and social media using psychological manipulation to convince victims to send money. They are increasingly relying on generative AI tools to make their scams more convincing. With AI enabling the creation of fake images and videos with just a click, users should be particularly cautious,” Levinzon says.

A recent report from British bank TSB claims that people aged 65-74 were involved in the most romance fraud cases (23%), with those over 55 making up 58% of cases overall.

Meanwhile, social media platforms were linked to 58% of cases, while dating sites were involved in 42%. The data shows that 30% of scams were connected to Facebook, the highest among all platforms.

Levinzon emphasizes that when it comes to protection from scammers, the same principles apply across all platforms.

“Be suspicious of anyone you’ve never met in person – that’s the only safe approach in a digital world increasingly filled with scams,” says Levinzon. “If someone you meet on a dating site seems suspicious, perform a reverse image search to check if their pictures are stolen from other sources. And if the conversation shifts to money, or if someone asks for personal information, leave the conversation immediately.”

To maximize protection, Levinzon advises using a VPN network. Some scammers can track users’ locations and then try to target them with personalized scams based on their country. When a VPN is turned on, it hides the person’s IP address and location, and encrypts all the data, making it invisible even to your internet service provider.

“For maximum security online, we also advise using strong passwords for all your social media accounts and dating sites, and enabling multifactor authentication. In addition, ensure that your privacy settings on social media platforms are set to the highest level, and limit who can see your posts and personal details,” Levinzon says.

Best Internet Service Provider for You

Many internet service providers offer different internet speeds and packages for residential usage.  If you are looking to change your internet service provider, or you simply want to sign up for an ISP, and you are confused about the options, we’ve got you covered.  You’re at the right place because we are going to mention three internet service providers that we find reliable and economical.  Internet service providers of our choice include, WOW! internet, Windstream Internet, and Spectrum Internet.

The internet has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. We use the internet to help us work, buy groceries, book a cab, entertain ourselves, and communicate. Whether you are living alone or with a family, you will require an internet connection to get through your day. Imagine not having access to RarBG and not being able to download the content you want to. Millions of individuals all over the world use the internet to download content. 

Why do we recommend Spectrum Internet?

Spectrum is one of the largest telecommunication companies. Spectrum is a merger between charter communication, bright house networks, and Time Warner. They have millions of users around us, and they are operating in more than 43 States at the moment.  Spectrum Internet is ranked as one of the top internet connections in the United States.

Furthermore, there are many reasons to choose Spectrum Internet. 

  • Spectrum offers three internet plans with high speeds. The minimum internet speed is 200 Mbps, the medium internet speed is 400 Mbps and the highest internet speed is 1 Gig. All these internet plans are offered at a promotional discount.
  • Spectrum requires no contracts and that’s the most relieving fact about it. You can never be sure about your future because you might have to change your location, and if you are under a contract, to cancel your services you have to pay an early termination fee.  Spectrum sets you free from such worries and restrictions. 
  • Spectrum offers a free internet modem that helps you to cut down on your monthly equipment rental. 
  • If someone is under a contract with another provider and wants to switch over to Spectrum, he can do that very smoothly because Spectrum offers a contract buyout plan, they pay your ETF and set you free from unwanted connections.
  • With them, you get many features such as a free antivirus service for protection. Spectrum offers free access to hotspots that are placed nationwide. 
  • There’s a free mobile App by Spectrum, that allows you to manage your account and pay your monthly bills without any hassle.
  • In case of issues or queries, their vigilant customer service representatives are available 24/7.

WOW! internet

If you live on the Westside you must be aware of WOW!.  It is a regional telecommunication company that provides internet, cable TV, and home phone service in 9 states.  They have over 800000 users. 

Why we recommend WOW! internet

There are certain reasons to choose wow internet service which are mentioned below,

  • WOW! internet offers three high-speed internet packages that include the speed of 200 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1 Gig respectively. You can get the highest internet speed packages at a promotional discount. The highest 1 Gig internet costs less than other internet connections.  
  • WOW!  Offers unlimited internet data.  It is always better to have unlimited Internet Data because you don’t have to keep a check on your internet usage, and you can download as much as you like whenever you want, without worrying about any extra charges.
  • At times you sign up for an internet service provider and later on, you’re not satisfied with the service but, you’re left with no choice because most ISPs require a contract and you are bound to use the same service.  The good thing about WOW! is at, they offer 30 days money-back guarantee that gives you the time to see if you are satisfied with their services or not.  You only pay once you are satisfied.
  • They also give the offer to choose the packages that require no contracts. If you want to save yourself from the contractual restrictions, you may opt for WOW! packages without contracts. 
  • Some people are always eager to get internet ASAP, and WOW! is one provider that offers the next-day installation process. Another amazing factor is free installation on all orders that are placed online.

Why we recommend Kinetic Internet

Kinetic is one of the few ISPs that offer fiber-optic connections. Kinetic internet is fiber optic and they offer it in limited locations. If you’re fortunate to have their services, you’ll be getting the fastest internet speeds.

 

  • Their speeds start from 25 Mbps and reach up to 1000 Mbps.
  • They offer unlimited internet data which means, you won’t have to worry about internet data limits anymore. 
  • Windstream requires no contracts, and you’re not charged with any ETF.
  • For people who want enhanced security in the online world, it is the best option as they offer special security services. You can keep your devices and private information confidential this way. 
  • Kinetic also offers special parental control for people who’re always worried about the activity of their kids.

Wrapping up

You should always make a wise choice for an ISP for your home. You can find more details about the providers we mentioned above on their websites. You won’t regret choosing one of our picks for you.

CCPC – New research and guidance on tipping in Ireland

Consumer watchdog issues guidance for restaurants, cafes, hair salons and other service providers as new technologies change the landscape of tipping

New tipping research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has revealed that:

  • 9 in 10 consumers tip at least some of the time
  • Women and over 35s are more likely to tip
  • 2 in 3 believe tipping is becoming less voluntary
  • 3 in 4 would like to see businesses make it easier to opt out of tipping
  • 1 in 5 have recently paid a bill that included an unexpected extra charge
  • 1 in 4 consumers who have encountered standalone tipping terminals have tapped them by mistake

New guidance

The CCPC has issued new guidance based on the research to help restaurant owners and other traders decide how best to collect tips with new technologies.

Published on the CCPC website and sent to industry bodies, the guidance states:

  1. Tipping on a payment terminal should be easy to avoid
  2. Prevent accidental tipping by keeping tipping terminals separate and clearly labelled
  3. Mandatory service charges must be very clearly communicated in advance
  4. Optional service charges must never be automatically added to a bill

Simon Barry, Director of Research, Advocacy and International at the CCPC said, 

“Newer technologies like payment screens and tipping terminals are changing the way we tip for services. It’s important that businesses using these technologies do so in a way that protects the consumer’s right to decide whether and how much to tip.

“Transparency is vital. Any mandatory service charges must be flagged well in advance, optional charges must never be automatically added to bills, and tipping terminals should be placed away from payment terminals to avoid any confusion.”

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body responsible for enforcing and promoting compliance with competition, consumer protection and product safety law, with new and expanding roles in digital and data regulation. We make markets work better for consumers and empower consumers to make informed choices. For more information, visit ccpc.ie

Ekco launches new Dublin HQ

Ekco, one of Europe’s leading security-first managed service providers, today announces the opening of its new headquarters, featuring a state-of-the-art Security Operations Centre (SOC), in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock. The opening comes as Ekco is targeting revenues exceeding €100 million in Ireland and €200 million globally by year-end 2025. Together, the new HQ and SOC will enable Ekco to accelerate its growth in Ireland, boost cyber resilience for businesses, and deliver an enhanced offering to customers.

This is Ekco’s third global SOC and builds on the success of its existing cybersecurity facilities in the UK and Malaysia. It will help to meet growing customer demand for advanced cybersecurity products and services. The SOC will combine advanced threat detection capabilities with Ekco’s expert analysts to identify and respond to threats quickly, and protect businesses from evolving cyber risks. It will also support compliance and enable businesses to align with regulatory requirements, while safeguarding personal and company information.

The SOC can automatically take action when serious threats are detected, including isolating affected devices without the need for manual intervention, helping to ensure faster protection. Ekco’s incident response team has also grown in order to respond to security incidents more effectively, with responses to potential threats increasing by more than 200% over the past six months.

Following a number of strategic acquisitions in Ireland – amounting to seven in the last two years – the new HQ will provide a central hub for Ekco’s approximately 500 employees in Ireland. It will contribute to enhanced collaboration between teams to facilitate more comprehensive customer solutions, while also streamlining processes and service delivery.

In addition, the new HQ provides boosted capacity and will enable the company to expand its customer base in Ireland, with plans to increase the number of customers by 15% in 2026. This will include growth in the public, finance, legal, and professional services sectors. Ekco is also on a path of aggressive global growth and is continuing to expand in key international markets including the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the U.S.

Steve MacNicholas, CEO Ireland, Ekco, said: “The opening of our new Dublin headquarters signifies our commitment to safeguarding businesses and driving consistent growth for Ekco in Ireland. We are on an exciting acquisition path, supplemented by planned organic growth, and this new hub will provide a central location for employees to collaborate. Furthermore, as our team continues to grow internationally, this state-of-the-art facility cements our commitment to Ireland as a leader in cybersecurity.

“The launch of our third SOC represents a significant step for our business as we look to meet the ever-increasing demand for future-ready cybersecurity services. This will enable us to deliver an enhanced service to our customers, ultimately helping businesses to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats, and provide our solutions to an increased client base.”