Business Info - issue 138

Mobility FIRST CLASS CHARGING In a world first, SouthWestern Railway (SWR) is to provide first class passengers with complimentary wireless charging of Qi- compatible smartphones including the latest Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models. Wireless chargers integrated into tables in SWR’s first class carriages debuted on SWR’s refurbished class 444 Siemens Desiro trains on the LondonWaterloo toWeymouth route in November.When the refurbishment programme is complete, all 172 SWR Desiro class trains will have the feature. Broadband BUYWITH CONFIDENCE To counter confusing and misleading marketing messages from broadband providers, the Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA) has launched a new Gold Standard Quality Mark Scheme. Covering full fibre, hybrid, wireless and wholesale networks, the INCA seal of approval will give buyers of internet packages confidence that a qualifying supplier delivers best practice in technology, performance and customer service. INCA CEO Malcolm Corbett said: “In a sector where not even the Government and regulator can agree on what ‘superfast’ means and where the advertising watchdog allows copper connections to be called fibre, it is not surprising that consumers and businesses often don’t know what connection they’re getting when it comes to broadband. The INCA Gold Standard Quality Mark Scheme clarifies the information being made available to consumers and encourages a higher quality of broadband across the UK.” https://www.inca.coop/quality-mark Wearables MENTAL FITNESS Wrist-worn wearables are not just good for one’s physical health; they also improve mental wellbeing. In a survey of wearable owners by Mintel, 72% said devices like fitness bands and sports watches had improved their physical health, with 71% admitting to exercising more since buying a device. More than half (55%) said that their mental health had also improved since using one of the popular gadgets. Andrew Moss, Technology Analyst at Mintel, said: “Wrist- worn technology began with a fitness focus and an emphasis on tracking speed, distance and calories, but now the technology has moved beyond these initial functions. While quantifying improvements in this area is difficult, Brits feel strongly that this technology can help improve their mental health. This perception is likely to be the result of an increased focus on physical health amongst device owners, as improvements here can have a knock-on effect on mental health and overall wellbeing. However, these devices also offer more concrete benefits by allowing users to track sleep and stress levels, and by supporting participation in mindfulness and calming exercises.” Mintel estimates that 4.2 million wrist-worn devices were sold in the UK in 2018. Just under one in five Brits (18%) now owns a fitness band/sports watch and 11% own a smartwatch. www.mintel.com BULLETIN 01732 759725 magazine 07 Design NOW IT’S PERSONAL Graphicomm Digital’s camouflage wrap for an old shipping container is one of 50 personalised design projects included in THE BOOK from paper and packaging distributor Antalis. The publication features the best entries to the inaugural Antalis Interior Design Awards, which attracted 341 submissions from interior designers, architects, printers and brand owners across the world. The common theme linking all submissions is the use of at least one product from the Antalis Coala portfolio of printable materials, including self-adhesive vinyls, wallpapers, textiles and magnetics. More information on the awards and THE BOOK can be found at www.antalisinteriordesignaward.com 3D Print GOING LARGE Birmingham-based large format print business Andesign used a Massivit 1800 3D Printing Solution to create this 11.5 by 6.5 foot African elephant shown crashing through the wall of the company’s Sutton-Coldfield premises. Now a permanent fixture, the 3D printed mammal, which was given a coat of paint for added realism, highlights Andesign’s ability to produce high-impact creative projects that get customers noticed. P2P Magazine | 25 www.p2pmag.co.uk