Say hello to your new office workers. Multi-talented and exceptional performers. THE TECHNOLOGY & WORKPLACE MAGAZINE FOR SMES & PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATIONS WWW.BUSINESSINFOMAG.UK ISSUE156 APPS Interprefy launches AIpowered live translation app for small groups PAGE 22 Q&A The easy way to ensure compliance with the PSTI Act PAGE 21 DISPLAYS How PPDS is aiding collaboration at Oracle Red Bull Racing PAGE 27
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Say hello to your new office workers. Multi-talented and exceptional performers. IN THIS ISSUE: 156 – Q2 04 Bulletin Home workers miss out on pay rises and promotions 08 Innovations New products for the home and office 10 Cover story Fujifilm Apeos office printer series launched in UK 12 Printers Lexmark scales A4 print technology for colour A3 range 16 Accessibility Prize fund doubled for Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs 17 Unified communications Gamma embraces cuddly new branding 18 Cybersecurity Tenable broadens prevention portfolio to cover growing attack surface 20 Email Businesses not ready for email authentication rules, warns EasyDMARC 21 Q&A Are you PSTI Act compliant? 22 Apps Interprefy introduces AIpowered app for on-the-go translation 23 Home working Sub-standard technology frustrates home workers 24 Data migration Why 83% of data migrations fail outright or exceed budgets/timescales 25 Infrastructure Norfolk County Council to cut costs with £1.2 million unified SD-WAN project 26 Sponsorship HP and Keeper sponsor Formula 1 teams 27 Displays Philips Professional Displays a game-changer for Oracle Red Bull Racing marketing team 28 Data protection How to devise an effective data breach response strategy 29 AI LinkedIn Co-Founder Reid Hoffman interviewed by AI-powered digital twin 30 Sustainability Brother celebrates 15-year partnership with Cool Earth Editor: James Goulding 0780 308 7228 · [email protected] Publishing Director, Social Media & Web Editor: Neil Trim 01732 759725 · [email protected] Advertising Director: Ethan White 01732 759725 · [email protected] Art Director: Nick Pledge 07767 615983 · [email protected] Advertising Executive: James Trim 01732 759725 · [email protected] Business Info is a controlled circulation magazine. Applications for free copies will be considered upon receipt of a completed and signed reader info card or online form. Business Info is available on subscription @ £40 p.a. to UK companies or residents and @ £75 p.a. for non-UK subscribers. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. No part of Business Info magazine can be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher. © Copyright 2024 Kingswood Media Ltd. ISSN 1464-8814 Design: Sandtiger Media – www.sandtiger.co.uk FOR THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS VISIT: WWW.BUSINESSINFOMAG.UK Kingswood Media Ltd., 7 Amherst House, 22 London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 2BT · Tel: 01732 759725 • Email: [email protected] BUSINESS INFO GET YOUR FREE COPY To make sure you get every issue FREE, as soon as it is published, just visit www.businessinfomag.uk, click the ‘FREE Registration’ button and add your details to our mailing list. @BinfoMag facebook.com/ BinfoMag If you no longer wish to receive Business Info magazine please email your details to [email protected] 03 magazine
businessinfomag.uk magazine 04 Microsoft honoured at Disability Smart Awards The Business Disability Forum has named Microsoft as winner of this year’s Disability Smart Technology Award for the large precision haptic touchpad on the Surface Laptop Studio 2. The touchpad’s adaptive touch mode and ability to customise click force, finger detection and right click area size enable users with limited mobility to use the trackpad with different parts of their limbs. Also in the Technology category, Family Care Trust was Highly Commended for its creation of an interactive Minecraft version of Newlands Bishops Farm, which provides work-based learning for adults with learning disabilities. The virtual world allows them to prepare in advance for visits to the farm. Now in their 10th year, the Disability Smart Awards recognise organisations that are helping to make the world more inclusive for disabled people. For more information on the 10 winners and 7 highly commended organisations, please visit https://businessdisabilityforum.org.uk/ disability-smart-awards-2024/. ... Acer partners with Plastic Bank Acer is supporting the collection and recycling of at least 50 tons of plastic waste from the beaches of Southeast Asia through a partnership with Plastic Bank. Plastic Bank is a Canada-based social enterprise that aims to reduce plastic pollution by building recycling ecosystems that generate additional income for communities in vulnerable coastal areas. Local members bring ocean-bound plastic to collection branches in exchange for the market price of gathered material, plus bonuses that provide additional income and access to meal vouchers, health insurance and other social benefits. Acer’s Impact Program Partnership with Plastic Bank is projected to prevent the equivalent of more than 2.5 million plastic bottles from entering the oceans. ... Video insights What is the secret to the perfect cup of tea? To find out – and to demonstrate the new image capture and analysis capabilities of its AI-powered market research tool SBX – Streetbees asked members of the public to photo/film themselves making their perfect cuppa. Because Streetbees can now supplement text-based survey responses Flexible working guidance Acas, the leading authority on workplace relations and dispute resolution, has produced a new statutory Code of Practice on requests for flexible working, following recent changes to the law. These give employees the right to: n request flexible working from their first day of employment (rather than after 26 weeks); and n make two flexible working requests in any 12-month period instead of just one. In addition, employers are now required to: n consult an employee before rejecting their request; and n make a decision on the request within two months, instead of three. Through its Code and accompanying guidance, Acas is encouraging employers to take a positive approach to flexible working so that requests are not rejected by default without due consideration. www.acas.org.uk/flexibleworking B U L L E T I N BULLETIN Home workers risk missing out on pay rises and promotion People who work from home all or part of the time are less likely to get pay rises and promotions, according to a new study into UK working practices conducted by the University of Warsaw. The survey of 937 UK managers found that staff who work entirely from home are on average 11% less likely to be given a promotion than those who are entirely office-based and 9% less likely to receive a pay rise. Hybrid workers who split the working week between home and office are on average 7% less likely to be promoted and 7% less likely to be given a pay rise. The downsides of WFH are significantly greater for men than women, with managers being 15% less likely to promote men who work entirely from home than those who are completely office-based, and 10% less likely to give a pay increase. The respective figures for women are 7% and 8%. The study by Agnieszka Kasperska, Professor Anna Matysiak and Dr Ewa Cukrowska-Torzewska of the Faculty of Economic Sciences at the University of Warsaw highlights the importance of company culture and workstyles to the career prospects of flexible workers. While there was no penalty for working at home (fulltime or hybrid) in companies with supportive environments, organisations with very demanding work cultures were notably less accommodating. In fact, managers in those companies are around 30% less likely to promote and 19% less likely to give a pay rise to men who work entirely from home vs. men who work full-time in the office. The figures for women are 15% and 19%, respectively. Presenting the findings at the British Sociological Association’s annual conference in April, Agnieszka Kasperska said: “Our findings indicate that individuals working from home still encounter career penalties, irrespective of the widespread adoption of this mode of work. Both male and female remote workers experience career penalties, but they are substantially larger for men.” She added: “In more supportive organisations, where there is less pressure and family-friendly policies exist, we don’t find such negative consequences of remote work.” www.britsoc.co.uk
01732 759725 05 magazine BULLETIN with photos and video uploaded via its mobile app, with automatic analysis by machine learning algorithms, it was able to draw the following insights from image-based material submitted by 113 survey participants: n Two thirds (67%) of Brits like cow’s milk in their tea, compared to 9% who use plant-based alternatives. n Almost one in 10 (9%) use more milk than water in their tea. n 5% put the milk in first. n Only 31% like sugar in their tea. n The optimum stewing time is 1 minute (preferred by 33%), followed by less than one minute (27%), more than 2 minutes (21%) and 2 minutes precisely (19%). n Half view light brown tea as the perfect colour, with 39% preferring dark brown tea. n When asked to make their perfect cup of tea, 25% of respondents choose alternatives to English Breakfast tea, with the most popular being Chai, Earl Grey and Green Tea. SBX’s new capabilities enable organisations to capture and analyse consumer photos and videos at scale, giving them enhanced sentiment and behavioural insights, with results available via an interactive dashboard in as little as 48 hours. www.streetbees.com/sbx ... A platform for health Vespucci Adventures has chosen May, National Walking Month, to launch its new digital platform and self-guided walking routes to the corporate market. Marketed as a way of improving mental and physical wellbeing in the workplace, Vespucci provides preplanned, self-guided walks, each one bespoke to the customer’s location and the needs/capabilities of its employees. CEO Patrick Morton said: “A survey of 2,000 UK adults showed those who spend 20 hours or more per week in a green or natural space are 41% more productive in an average day than those who spend less than 30 minutes a week outside. With May being both National Walking Month and Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s a good time to launch our new digital platform which provides access to pre-planned walks with start and finish points at the employee’s place of work.” Vespucci Adventure’s walking routes are suitable for companies of all sizes and can be used by individuals or whole teams. Vespucciadventures.com ... BT to help SMEs halve CO2e emissions BT is encouraging the UK’s small and medium-sized businesses to halve CO2e emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 through a new partnership with the UK Business Climate Hub (UKBCH), a joint government/industry initiative. Analysis by Sage suggests that the UK’s 5.5 million SMBs account for 44% of non-household emissions, making their role in tackling the climate crisis critical to the UK’s chances of hitting net zero by 2050. Halving emissions in the next six years could prevent 280 million tonnes of CO2e from entering the atmosphere. As an industry partner and member of the UKBCH Advisory Board, BT will help set SMEs on a path to net zero by making free resources available on the UK Business Climate Hub and by encouraging them to make a pledge to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, achieve net zero emissions before 2050, and report progress on these goals annually. Chris Sims, Managing Director, Small and Medium Business at BT, said: “We know that many of our small business customers struggle to find the time, the funding or the guidance to help them prioritise sustainability. With the UK Business Climate Hub, we are beginning our journey to reach more businesses with free tools and practical support to help them set the foundations for a greener future and ultimately reach Net Zero.” These resources include net zero plans for individual SMEs, free carbon footprint calculators, online training and the Seven Steps to Sustainability guide. https://businessclimatehub.uk/ IT industry regatta returns to the Solent The Russell-Cooke Silicon Cup Regatta, the IT industry’s biggest charity sailing event, is returning to the Solent this September. The annual two-day event gives IT companies the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals on professionally crewed eight or ten-guest yachts, while raising money for three charities: The Genie’s Wish, The Andrew Simpson Foundation and Greig City Academy. Shaun Frohlich, Chairman of the Russell-Cooke Silicon Cup Regatta, said: “Last year’s event yielded an impactful £48,000 contribution to our three charities and we are excited to be returning to the water this September and pushing the funds raised even higher.” Over the last 23 years, more than 7,250 competitors have taken part in the regatta, raising a total of £1.15 million. The 2024 event sponsored by Russell-Cooke Solicitors for the second year will take place on September 17 and 18, with a gala dinner and charity auction at Cowes on the Isle of Wight on the night of the 17th. https://thesiliconcup.com Chris Taylor of UKBCH (l), with BT’s Chris Sims (r)
businessinfomag.uk magazine 06 BULLETIN Many happy returns (and departures) This month marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Channel Tunnel on May 6, 1994. As well as providing a vital transport link between the UK and France, the Channel Tunnel carries ultra-low latency, high bandwidth fibre optic cables operated by Colt Technology Services, the sole digital infrastructure company with connectivity access between the UK and mainland Europe. In September 2021, Colt Technology Services signed an exclusive 25-year contract with Getlink to take over the operation of dark fibre installed in the Tunnel in 1998 and to install a new fibre optic network to increase bandwidth between the UK and Europe in anticipation of traffic growth driven by new technologies such as AI and the Metaverse. Last June, it completed the deployment of a new dark fibre cable connecting London to Paris, giving organisations access to the Colt IQ network, supported by reliable low latency, high-bandwidth connectivity and service guarantees through the tunnel. Colt says cables installed in the Channel Tunnel offer significantly more capacity than subsea cables and are not vulnerable to piracy, ship anchors, commercial fishing or shipping. www.colt.net ... Time running out for EV chargepoint grants Chargepoint manufacturer CTEK is advising businesses and individuals to act fast if they want to benefit from financial incentives for installing EV chargepoints, many of which have less than one year to run. Grants available from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) that are due to close on 31 March 2025 include: n The Workplace Charging Scheme: offering businesses, charities and public sector employers up to £350 per charging socket, for up to 40 sockets in total across each applicant’s site or sites. n State-funded education institutions: 75% off the cost of buying and installing chargepoints, up to a maximum of £2,500 per socket and 40 sockets across all sites. n Infrastructure grant for staff and fleets: for building work to install multiple chargepoint sockets now and in the future, up to £350 per chargepoint socket installed and up to £500 per parking space Exploring tech EE has cut the ribbon on the first of 10 new Experience stores it is planning to open over the next 12 months as part of a £6 million investment in the UK high street. The bricks-and-mortar Experience store in Bristol’s Cabot Circus gives shoppers an opportunity to see the latest in connected technology and get guidance and advice from in-store experts. EE research shows that only 5% of Bristolians get technical advice from retail staff, even though 52% say speaking to a specialist would give them more confidence when choosing technology products. Part of BT Group’s Consumer business unit, EE announced its new retail strategy in June 2023 with the launch of the EE Studio store in Westfield London. www.ee.co.uk B U L L E T I N enabled, to a maximum of £15,000. n Chargepoint and infrastructure grants for landlords: up to £350 per socket, with a maximum of 200 grants a year for residential properties and a further 100 for commercial properties. Infrastructure grants for the wider work needed to install multiple chargepoints are £500 per parking space, for chargepoints installed now or envisaged in the future. n For renters or flat owners: up to £350 to install a chargepoint at a dedicated offstreet parking space. n Households with On-Street Parking: Up to £350 for EV drivers who are installing a cross-pavement solution to enable them to use a home chargepoint for an EV parked in the street outside their home. Daniel Forsberg, Marketing Manager EVSE at CTEK, said: “Applying for these grants involves partnering with OZEVapproved installers and, in some cases, directly with OZEV. Our UK team of experts are on hand to help installers and their customers with technical and operational advice and information.” ctek.com ... AI-generated web content growing fast AI-based text analysis and plagiarism detection specialist Copyleaks is calling for more transparency around AI use after discovering that 1.57% of all web pages now feature AI-generated content. Its study of the period from 2013 to March 2024 shows that AI content on the web surged by 8,362% between November 2022, when ChatGPT 3.5 was released, and March 2024, driven by the use of AI to automate content creation. Before ChatGPT 3.5 there was only a very modest increase in the number of web pages containing AI content – even after June 2020, when ChatGPT3 was released. Alon Yamin, CEO and Co-founder of Copyleaks, said: “Of course, it was expected to see AI utilised within online digital content, but the saturation of it is possibly more rapid than we might have initially imagined. Generative AI poses excellent opportunities within digital content, but it still presents many challenges, especially around accuracy and transparency.” He added: “If this past year is any indication, AI technology will continue to evolve exponentially. That’s why having the necessary tools to provide transparency around AI’s presence is crucial.” Hannah Davies, Brand Marketing Manager, Colt Technology Services
01732 759725 magazine 07 HYBRID WORKING A different breed of business communications partner #GoodTogether Find out more gammagroup.co The best business partnerships are authentic and built on trust, which is why we place relationships at the heart of everything we do Loyal. Supportive. Reliable. By your side.
businessinfomag.uk magazine 08 PPDS, exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays, is expanding the possibilities of its direct view LED (dvLED) displays with the launch of a new entry-level series that includes the company’s first ceiling-hoisted option. In addition to traditional wall-mounting, the Philips Public LED 5000 Series can be supplied with dedicated connection plates and hoisting/hanging bars that allow displays to be hoisted from a ceiling to a height of five metres. Other selling points of the 44in and 28in displays include entry-level pricing, making them a viable replacement for LCD screens in indoor public spaces, corporate offices, retail stores and entertainment venues; a choice of modules with different pixel pitches and dimensions to support a range of viewing distances; the ability to mix display sizes and orientation to support custom installs and reduce the square metre cost of installations, in some cases by as much as 40%; and built-in cable management and board-to-board LED modules that can cut installation times by 50% compared to conventional LED panels. Raising demand WHAT’S NEW INNOVATIONS Talk amongst yourselves New from retail communications specialist VoCoVo, the VoCoVo Link handsfree headset is designed to improve communications, customer service, worker safety and security in small and medium-sized retail outlets, including convenience stores. Its launch follows VoCoVo research showing that 85% of small retail stores have issues with communication in-store, such as not being able to speak to colleagues without customers hearing. Over half (51%) of small retailers currently use personal mobile devices to communicate with co-workers. link.vocovo.com Storage for home workers The Skandi Smart Cases range from Exacompta gives home workers a sustainable solution for tidying away stationery, desktop accessories and other work tools at the end of the working day. Made from 50% recycled polypropylene, the stackable units are foldable enabling them to be stored flat when not required. Skandi Smart Cases have been nominated for Filing & Storage Product of the Year in the 2024 Stationery Matters Awards taking place at the London Stationery Show on May 14-15. Another Exacompta product, the SMALL-BOX drawer set with a wide drawer for A4 documents and two smaller drawers for mobile phone, pens, stationery etc. is a finalist in the Working from Home Product of the Year category. www.exaclairlimited.com More than a gesture In partnership with integrated gesture control leader AMERIA AG, Sony Professional Displays & Solutions has created a non-touch solution that will work with any Sony professional display model without the need for protective glass. This includes BRAVIA 4K Professional Displays, like the brand-new, 98-inch FW-BZ53L (illustrated), and the latest generation of Crystal LED displays. Sony displays powered by AMERIA Touchfree Solutions enable customers in the corporate, education, retail, manufacturing and hospitality sectors to enjoy seamless gesture control without compromising Sony’s superior 4K picture quality and Deep Black Non-Glare coating. pro.sony/displays Translating data Pocketalk has supplemented its handheld translation devices, which provide instant translations into 84 languages and dialects, with the launch of an industryfirst software solution for administering devices and gaining insight into how they are used. Acting as an administrative hub, Ventana enables organisations to group, remotely manage and export/analyse data from Pocketalk devices. Jessica O’Dwyer, Pocketalk General Manager, Europe, said: “Many organisations engage with translation services in one form or another, whether it be in person, via a phone service or through software such as Google Translate. The challenge is that monitoring and analysing this activity is almost impossible, prohibiting organisations from making informed decisions when it comes to translation services based on need. With Ventana you can now get that crucial insight, from how many languages are being translated to where translation is most in demand or whether there is a new demand, all of which can help improve efficiency and resourcing in a cost effective, secure way.” Pocketalk.com
01732 759725 magazine 09 Pinpoint colour accuracy Offering exceptional colour accuracy, extensive connectivity (including a USB-C hub) and a Red Dot award-winning design, the AOC Graphic Pro U3 Series is designed to meet the needs of photographers, visual artists, designers, editors, broadcasters, producers and gaming industry professionals. The series’ big selling point is Calman Ready certification, which enables direct communication with Calman colour calibration software and automated calibration of the monitor for pinpoint colour accuracy. The Graphic Pro U3 line-up includes two 27in displays (the Q27U3CV with QHD resolution and the U27U3CV with 4K UHD resolution) and one 31.5in model (the U32U3CV with 4K UHD resolution). INNOVATIONS Designed for AI workloads Lenovo’s new mobile workstation, the ThinkPad P1 Gen 7, gives mobile-first content creators, data scientists, game developers and CAD specialists the power to run complex AI workloads, thanks to an Intel Core Ultra processor with integrated neural processing unit (for handling light, continuous AI tasks) and NVIDIA RTX Ada Generation GPUs (for more demanding AI processing). Rob Herman, Vice President, Worldwide Workstation and Client AI Business at Lenovo, said: “The newest Lenovo ThinkPad P series mobile workstations offer an ideal combination of workstation know-how, high levels of AI-ready performance and true mobility. The new ThinkPad P series laptops are built to power creative professionals, engineers and data scientists through complex workflows, wherever they need to be.” https://techtoday.lenovo.com/us/en/ workstations Heat-free productivity Epson has expanded its Heat-Free Line Inkjet offering with two speedy A4 MFPs for offices with higher print volumes. With a top print speed of 55 pages per minute and scanning at 100 images per minute, the AM-C400 and the AM-C550 bring the productivity benefits of the company’s A3 AM-C MFPs to compact A4 models. High print/scan speeds are complemented by generous paper capacities and high-yield ink cartridges (up to 31,500 pages) and an improved colour touch-screen user interface. corporate.epson/en/ A good call Sharp UK is helping business customers make the transition from traditional ISDN lines to VoIP technology ahead of the 2025 PSTN switch-off through a new partnership with Gamma Communications, a leading provider of UCaaS, mobile and connectivity services. With 15 offices across the UK, Sharp provides businesses with a wide range of integrated solutions including IT support, cyber security, telephony, managed print, workplace design and furniture. www.sharp.co.uk Added security Enhanced security is one of the key selling points of Konica Minolta’s new bizhub i-Series MFPs and singlefunction printers. New features include an Authentication Attack Detection function that blocks brute force attacks used to crack passwords and other access controls and the option of BitDefender anti-virus protection to prevent the spread of malware to other networked devices. www.konicaminolta.co.uk Easy does it Device as a Service (DaaS) is a popular option for businesses that value the convenience of paying for computers by subscription, with the added benefits of technical support, pre-configuration of devices and immunity from obsolescence. Devices for Teams from Hardsoft goes even further by giving customers a variety of optional services, with everything consolidated into a single monthly direct debit. These include Boomerang device management for repurposing leavers’ desktops and supplying new team members. Devices that are no longer needed are collected, wiped and stored for up to 90 days at no extra cost. When a new PC is needed you can select and reconfigure a Boomerang device via the Self-Service Portal, with shipping to any location. www.hardsoftcomputers.co.uk AI on tap Logitech is helping keyboard/mouse users engage more fluently with ChatGPT with the launch of free software that saves time and clicks when prompting Gen AI apps. Logi AI Prompt Builder software automatically captures the text you’ve selected to work with and offers a choice of pre-defined queries (e.g. ‘rephrase and summarise’) or the ability to craft your own queries and specify the tone, style and length of answer. Users can open and close the software window with the press of a button, using the Logi Options+ app to select a shortcut key or mouse button for that purpose. Alternatively, the new Logitech Signature AI Edition Mouse has its own dedicated AI prompt button to activate Logi AI Prompt Builder. www.logitech.com/business
businessinfomag.uk magazine 10 COVER STORY For nine decades, across multiple technology sectors all around the world, Fujifilm has been a trusted brand, associated with quality products that are proven to deliver output of the highest standards, and to do so reliably, over the long term Fujifilm’s multifunction printers draw on that long, proud history of imaging excellence, as well as a 60-year heritage in toner print technology development. While Fujifilm might be a new name in the European office printer market, it is an extremely well-regarded name in the commercial and industrial print markets in Europe and, furthermore, Fujifilm technologies already power millions of office printers right across the globe. To date, other than in Asia-Pacific (where Fujifilm is the number one supplier of A3 multifunction printers in the region1) Fujifilmbranded multifunction office printers have not been available. Now, with the launch of Fujifilm’s Apeos2 series of MFP devices in the Say hello to Fujifilm, the newest name in the European office printer market UK and Europe, all that is changing. Why Europe, why now? Though the European office printing market is mature and highly competitive, the rapidly changing requirements of the modern workplace are also creating opportunities. From remote and hybrid working, to issues like mobile accessibility, security, and sustainability targets, there are pain points that many current providers aren't adequately addressing. As a result, Fujifilm is launching a new range of multifunction printers with specific features to support hybrid working models, digital transformation and maximised sustainability. With the evolving workplace in mind, this new range was built for securing vital business data; streamlining workflows to boost efficiency, and doing all of this in a way that supports business sustainability goals. This new range also represents a fusion of nearly a century of imaging excellence with cuttingedge technologies designed for today’s digital and flexible workplace demands. Digital Transformation Fujifilm has been at the heart of the global technology shift from analogue to digital for Already the leading supplier of A3 multifunction printers in Asia-Pacific1, Fujifilm now has its sights set on Europe. The UK has become one of the first countries in the region in which the Fujifilm Apeos series of MFP devices is available decades, having already digitally transformed itself from an analogue photographic film company to a global, multi-sector, digital technology giant. Fujifilm’s Apeos range, like so many Fujifilm products, is designed to support customers on that journey by facilitating the simple and efficient digitisation of assets. This is achieved through a range of features like high speed, duplex scanning, and a Duplex Automatic Document Feeder, which allows the loading of originals as small as business cards. Other such features include automatic orientation of scanned pages to upright position, correction of skewed pages, and removal of blanks. Multiple methods to transfer scanned data are available, including email, SMB, FTP & SFTP and, in addition to this, TIFF and JPEG scanned data can be converted to PDF with searchable OCR enabled. Go to market strategy Fujifilm's go-to-market strategy in Europe puts a heavy emphasis on its channel partners, leveraging local market expertise and networks. The company recognises the value of local expertise and works closely with dealers and distributors, providing the resources and ongoing support they need to confidently deliver 1. Source: IDC WW HCP Tracker, 2022Q4, Share by Company A3 Colour Laser Shipping units, Year: CY2022 2. Apeos is a Fujifilm brand developed by FUJIFILM Business Innovation for its multifunction printers and devices. It has since evolved into an integrated brand for Fujifilm office products, including solutions and services. 3. IBM Security, ‘Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021’ (IBM Corporation, 2021).
01732 759725 magazine 11 COVER STORY solutions to businesses of all shapes and sizes. In the UK, the partner Fujifilm has opted to work with for the launch of this range is Aurora, one of the country’s leading business solutions providers and a hugely respected supplier of office machinery, equipment and supplies. Partnering with such a highly respected and well-connected UK business will be critical to gaining rapid market penetration and market share. Andy Moffitt, CEO of Aurora comments: “We pride ourselves both on the breadth of our product offering and the quality of the products and services we provide to our customers. Anyone with any knowledge of dry toner print technology, and the development of office printing solutions over the decades, understands the critical role that Fujifilm has played, and continues to play in that story. So to now be able to work with Fujifilm directly in the UK is going to be of huge benefit to our customers – and is very exciting for us.” This channel partner strategy is being carried out simultaneously in Italy, where Fujifilm is working with local solutions provider Tyche. The same strategy will also be replicated across Europe as the Apeos range becomes available in more and more European countries. Distinguishing Apeos series features Built on Fujifilm’s decades of print and imaging expertise, the ultra-reliable Apeos range is designed for the modern workplace. From remote and mobile printing capabilities; to superior security features; to exceptional sustainability credentials, Apeos is a high-value MFP range, designed to support digital transformation, and to meet the rapidly changing and hugely diverse demands of the fast-paced, flexible, post-Covid office environment. The range comes with multiple standout features that make them competitive in a crowded market: n Superior quality and reliability: With a print resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi and innovative IReCT (Image Registration Control Technology), the Apeos series ensures crisp, clear images with minimal colour mis-registration. This level of quality supports businesses in producing professional-grade promotional materials in house. n Advanced security measures: In today’s hybrid work environments and with data breaches becoming more costly (IBM recently calculated that the average cost is around $4.24 million per incident)3, security is more critical than ever. The Apeos series addresses these needs with features like secure booting, data encryption, and document rights management, ensuring comprehensive security measures that protect sensitive business data. Furthermore, the Apeos range is BLI award certified for its security features. This respected certification, from Keypoint Intelligence, recognises products that perform over and above their peers in multiple different categories. n Sustainability: Fujifilm has integrated its strong commitment to environmental responsibility into the Apeos range. The printers are designed with energy-efficient technologies such as IH fusing and LED printheads, and use Super EA-Eco toner, which reduces power consumption and the printers’ carbon footprint. Fujifilm's commitment to responsible operations is also backed up by its prestigious EcoVadis Platinum Medal. From energy-saving technologies to the use of biomass plastics, Apeos supports a more sustainable workplace. These features not only support sustainability but also improve the workplace environment by reducing operational noise. Connectivity and usability: The Apeos range supports modern digital workflows with features like seamless cloud connectivity, mobile and remote printing capabilities, and advanced scanning functions that facilitate digitisation. This makes the printers exceptionally user-friendly and adaptable to various business needs, as well as ensuring that they are helping people to work smarter, wherever that work happens. Looking ahead Beyond the UK, Fujifilm has also launched its multifunction printers in Italy and is in discussions with dealers and distributors in multiple other European countries as it works to roll out the Apeos series throughout Europe, adapting its strategy to meet specific regional demands and preferences. Fujifilm is committed to transforming business printing solutions with a focus on performance, flexibility, and efficiency, thereby supporting businesses in their digital and sustainable transformation journeys. Fujifilm's market strategy leverages its global brand to introduce these high-end devices to the UK and Europe, collaborating closely with established dealers and partners, to demonstrate the unique value proposition of the Apeos range. Fujifilm's arrival in the European office technology market signals a shift towards solutions that prioritise security, sustainability, and the flexibility needed in today's hybrid work environments. Backed by Fujifilm’s 90-year heritage of quality and innovation, the Apeos range promises to be a pivotal solution for businesses looking to transform their workplace operations. Scan the QR code or click here to learn more. Or contact: Gary Organ Head of DT (Device Technology) UK [email protected]
businessinfomag.uk magazine 12 PRINTERS Lexmark is launching a new line of fully featured A3 colour printers and multifunction products (MFPs) that represent the culmination of years of internal development, testing and innovation. Built upon a scaled-up version of Lexmark’s award-winning A4 print technology, the Lexmark 9-Series combines sophisticated functionality with the ease of use, management and servicing that users of its A4 devices have come to expect. “Our new internally developed A3 platform, the Lexmark 9-Series, offers all the benefits of a simpler A4 device in a fully featured A3 package,” explains Melanie Hudson, Lexmark senior vice president and chief commercial officer. “And, of course, the line retains our commitment to products, services and solutions that are reliable, durable, cost-saving and Secure by Design.” Lexmark’s Managing Director for Western Europe & English Speaking Africa, Arjan Paulussen, adds: “The 9-Series proves that sophisticated technology doesn’t have to be complicated. This new line of printers and MFPs is an industry disruptor.” Extensive line-up The Lexmark 9-Series is composed of eight models – the Lexmark CX963, CX962, CX961, CS963, Bigger and just as good CX833, all available in June, and the CX951, CX950 and MX953, which are scheduled to be available in the first quarter of 2025. In addition to the eight standard models, Lexmark is introducing six MFPs specifically designed for authorised solution providers. The Lexmark XC9655, XC9645, XC9635 and XC8355 will be available in June. The Lexmark XC9535 and XC9525 are scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2025. Industry-leading All models offer an array of accessibility features, interchangeable paper-handling options and workflow software capabilities that can enhance productivity in any business environment – front office, back office, sales floor, healthcare setting, manufacturing facility etc.. The entire product line is designed to be: n Versatile and easy to use. The 9-Series offers a broad range of media size support (A6 to SRA3), high-volume duty cycles, a common set of modular paper-handling options, finishing capabilities and professional colour features including PANTONE calibration. n Simple and easy to manage. The 9-Series’ intuitive interface streamlines workflows by providing simple instructions and prompts. For routine maintenance, toner cartridges can be replaced using just one hand; easily understood visual cues are displayed; and serviceable areas are easy to access and identify. n Sustainable and built to last. The 9-Series’ total post-consumer recycled (PCR) content is an industry-leading 56% by weight for all base-model MFPs and 73% by weight for the line’s base-model printer, based on IEEE calculation procedures. The 9-Series is designed and built to last seven years or more and has a spacesaving, energy-efficient design for a lower carbon footprint. Having few components helps reduce the likelihood of technical failure while minimising the service time required for repairs and maintenance. Lexmark testing shows that experienced technicians can perform the 10 most common service actions, even highly complex tasks, in less than 15 minutes. The entire Lexmark 9-Series has received ENERGY STAR certification, with EPEAT certification pending – just as you would expect from a company that technology analyst Quocirca has identified as a leader in sustainability, noting that Lexmark “sets a remarkable standard in the industry” (source: Quocirca Sustainability Vendor Landscape, 2023). Lexmark leverages award-winning A4 print technology in new A3 models Konica Minolta, Inc has been awarded an EcoVadis Gold Medal for sustainability, placing it in the top 5% of companies assessed by EcoVadis over the past 12 months and extending its medal winning streak to nine consecutive years. EcoVadis provides the leading solution for monitoring sustainability in global supply chains. Using innovative technology and sustainability expertise, it assesses businesses’ performance and provides comprehensive feedback, benchmarking and tools that enable companies to embark upon a journey of continuous improvement. The EcoVadis rating process assesses corporate social responsibility in four areas – Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. Olaf Jonas, General Manager Environmental Social Governance at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe, said: “Receiving a medal from EcoVadis for nine consecutive years is testament to our company-wide global commitment to make a positive environmental and social impact." Konica Minolta does this through a range of own company initiatives and frameworks that are designed to support the goals of international programmes. www.konicaminolta.co.uk Konica Minolta receives EcoVadis Gold Medal
AD SNOM 01732 759725 13 magazine www.snom.com As part of the Snom ecosystem, you will benefit from the over 25 years of experience of the German business telephony specialist and work with a reliable manufacturer who provides tailor-made solutions for a wide range of market segments. Optimal IP solutions for every challenge
businessinfomag.uk magazine 14 CPC SPREAD Compliance with the Act is required by 29th April 2024 Secured by Design (SBD) have developed the Secure Connected Device scheme in consultation with the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT). If you are a company who produce or supply IoT connected products and services, the Secure Connected Device accreditation will enable you to demonstrate that your products have achieved the appropriate and relevant IoT standards and certifications. Meet the PSTI Act requirements with the Secure Connected Device accreditation
01732 759725 15 magazine CPC SPREAD The Secure Connected Device accreditation: exceeds the government legislation, protecting companies, your products, and customers ensures compliance with evolving government requirements and cyberthreats, via an annual appraisal has been developed in consultation with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), who support industry schemes which help consumers make better informed choices when buying connectable devices is a unique and recognisable accreditation that highlights products as having achieved the relevant IoT standards and certification represents a powerful, trusted police brand and the accreditation is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for their IoT products in the UK We are here to help you become compliant Find out more at www.securedbydesign.com/IoT
businessinfomag.uk magazine 16 ACCESSIBILITY Entries now open for disabled entrepreneur awards Prize fund for Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs doubled to £200,000 running of this year’s awards. Sir Stelios said: “We know that people with a disability find it more difficult to get a job. I have long held the view that the best way for a disabled person to get a job is to start their own business and be their own boss! As we are in the business of rewarding entrepreneurial excellence, I sincerely hope that offering these substantial cash prizes for those who have started up their own business and are doing well will inspire other disabled people to start their own businesses and create jobs and wealth for themselves, their families, their staff and suppliers.” To be eligible, entrepreneurs must be registered disabled in the UK and own at least 50% of a UK registered for-profit company that has filed accounts with UK Companies House showing turnover in one year of at least £10,000. Ruth Owen, Chief Executive of Leonard Cheshire, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Sir Stelios again on these important awards. Every year it is fantastic to see the wide array of entries and these awards provide a great opportunity for disabled entrepreneurs to network, build on and promote their businesses. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of easyJet and other easy brands, is inviting submissions to the Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs in the UK 2024. Run by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and the Leonard Cheshire disability charity, the awards, now in their 16th year, celebrate the achievements of disabled entrepreneurs who have set up their businesses in the UK and excel in their chosen fields. Previous winners include Amar Latif, broadcaster and founder of www.Traveleyes-international; Josh Wintersgill of www.easyTravelseat; Steve Holyer of www.Accessibility. com; Mark Williams of www.limb-art. com; Victoria Nelson, founder www. deaf4deaf.com; Joe Waggott of www. metalpolishingsupplies.co.uk; and last year’s winner Cristian Brownlee of www.myadaptability.co.uk. This year’s Awards have a top prize of £100,000 for the winner and £60,000 and £40,000 for the two runners-up, bringing the total awarded to disabled entrepreneurs by Sir Stelios and his Foundation to £1,500,000 since 2006. The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation is also donating £20,000 to Leonard Cheshire to help with the Aurora Managed Services named top accredited supplier on Charities Buying Group Framework Aurora Managed Services has been selected as the number one accredited supplier on the Charities Buying Group (CBG) framework, enabling it to offer a comprehensive range of managed services tailored for charities, not-for-profits and eligible public sector bodies. Established in 2002, the Charities Buying Group uses its collective purchasing power to negotiate competitive pricing for goods and services so that not-for-profit organisations can reduce operational costs and allocate more resources to their missions. Aurora Managed Services offers a variety of solutions including multifunctional devices and printers; print management software; audio-visual supplies and services; document storage and distribution; Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS); external printing; hybrid mail; mail management services; and scanning and archiving services. Richard Pole, Aurora's Enterprise Director of Sales, says the CBG framework has the potential to revolutionise print and digital transformation for charities and the public sector, highlighting the ability of managed services to enhance value and reduce expenditure. He added: "Aurora Managed Services is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions to support these organisations in their digital transformation efforts. With our extensive portfolio and experience, we're poised to drive significant advancements in this space." www.aurora.co.uk There’s so much untapped disabled talent out there and I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s entries.” Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 11 June 2024. The winners will be announced via Zoom on Tuesday 9th July 2024 at 12 noon UK time. https://stelios.foundation www.leonardcheshire.org Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou Last year’s prize winners: in third place, Miles Nicholas (left), owner of Morgans Butchery (www. morgansbutchery.co.uk); in second place, Jack Ryan (centre), founding partner of marketing agency JACK RYAN (www.wearejackryan.com); and in first place, Cristian Brownlee (right), co-founder of mobility solutions provider Adapt Ability (www.myadaptability.co.uk).
01732 759725 17 magazine UCAAS and connectivity company suddenly feel the need to undergo a brand-building exercise?; and w What has a big fluffy dog got to do Gamma? European growth For an answer to the first question, you need only look at Gamma’s growth plans which, given the maturity of the UK market, are focused on expansion of its unified communications offering (strengthened with the acquisition of the EnableX Group in December 2023) and accelerated growth in Europe. Europe is currently a few years behind the UK in the adoption of cloud communications and the sophistication of telephony-related services. Given Gamma’s experience and expertise, Wade says it is well placed to play a big role in helping European businesses move to the cloud and modernise their comms. “There is an opportunity for us to carve out a different and unique position in the rest of Europe as we go forward, and that’s where we want to get to,” he said. The Gamma brand, he says, is very important as a unifying force for the dozen or more companies Gamma has acquired over the last 20+ years and as a means of conveying its capabilities and values as it seeks to forge a distinctive identity, especially in the large and growing European market. Good together Which brings us to the second question. As part of her research prior to the rebranding, Andrea Herbert interviewed 100 customers, suppliers and channel partners to find out what they liked about Gamma, and top of the list was the people. “The real reason we found that people choose Gamma is that warm, fuzzy feeling of a really good relationship,” she said. “We wanted to bring that to life. This is where the idea grew some legs, and then those legs got a bit hairy and then they got a face. And we thought, actually this is the perfect way to describe Gamma. We are a bit like a giant, purple, furry dog. We’re friendly. We’re very positive. If things are tough, we will absolutely protect you. When things are good, we will run by your side in the field. We’re about loyalty. We’re about trust and transparency. I can’t think of anything better to bring that to life than this dog.” Successful relationships Gamma has backed up its ‘Good together’ messaging, with new research that explores the correlation between good relationships and business success. Is Gamma’s largely relationship-driven success (as opposed to brand-driven success) unusual or have other businesses grown in this way? To find out Gamma and psychologist and psychotherapist Dr Charlotte Armitage have produced a Return on Relationships whitepaper based on a survey of 800 people. This clearly shows the importance of relationships to business success, with 72% of business leaders stating that good rapport is more important than price and capabilities when choosing a partner or supplier. In addition, 73% of leaders in growing companies felt they had strong relationships with clients, with 64% saying the same for colleagues, compared to 61% and 52% respectively in businesses with declining revenues. www.gammagroup.co. Gamma Communications is every Marketing Director’s dream (or should that be worst nightmare?), a company that has grown consistently and seemingly effortlessly without any largescale promotion of the brand and its core values, beyond logo/ graphics refreshes (previously undertaken in January 2020). From murky beginnings in 2002 – no one at the company can quite remember how the telephony, connectivity and UCaaS provider started – it has grown into a £521.7 million turnover business, with 1,800 employees and a growing presence in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany. In the UK alone, one in every three calls into a business goes via a Gamma service. In all this time, Gamma, while clearly well known in the channel and valued by its direct customers, has maintained a low profile in the wider world. As Chief Marketing and Product Officer Chris Wade said: “When I joined Gamma, we were described as a company that no one knew and that we didn’t want anyone to know.” That’s now about to change. Wade and Marketing Director Andrea Herbert have broken with company tradition and invested £550,000 in a comprehensive pan-European rebrand and brand marketing programme featuring a giant purple CGI dog and the slogan ‘Good together’. Significantly, this campaign isn’t just aimed at existing customers and channel partners but is designed to raise awareness of the Gamma brand amongst the wider public in the Netherlands, Spain, Germany and the UK, where the new branding was displayed on the side of Manchester’s tallest building for a week after the launch. This begs two questions: q Why does a leading and hugely successful unified communications UCaaS provider Gamma has adopted a giant, purple CGI dog as the embodiment of its core brand values If Gamma was a dog…
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