Business London Press

Outsourcing IT Support: The Benefits for London SME’s

Technology

Danielle Trigg

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08/07/2024

Outsourcing IT Support: The Benefits for London SME’s

Outsourcing IT Support has become a popular trend across small and medium sized enterprises in London. This approach involves businesses essentially hiring external IT service providers to manage and support their technical infrastructure. By doing so, businesses can leverage on the expertise of specialised firms without needing to rely on an ‘in house’ IT department. This trend is further driven by the continuous amount of cyber attacks toward businesses every day. Outsourcing provides businesses with a cost effective solution, increasing operational efficiency and security.

Enhancing Security through Outsourcing:

One of the main benefits of outsourcing IT support is that it helps increase cyber security by a significant amount, specialised IT firms have extensive experience and up to date knowledge of the latest cyber threats. By partnering your business with these experts, you can implement high quality security measures and help prevent cyber attacks. Outsourced IT providers offer services such as consistent network monitoring for any anomalies, threat detection, and incident response. This approach to cyber security helps businesses to avoid any risks, and maintain a secure IT environment. Read more at https://www.mftelecomservices.co.uk/managed-it-services/cyber-essentials/

Boosting Efficiency and Productivity:

By outsourcing IT support, it can lead to huge improvements in efficiency and productivity. Businesses will be able to free up internal sources and focus on their core jobs. IT support will handle maintenance, troubleshooting, and system updates, ensuring that technology runs smoothly without any disruptions. This will also reduce downtime and allows a business’s employees to work more efficiently.

Cost-Effective IT Solutions:

Cost savings are a major advantage of outsourcing IT support, as maintaining an ‘in house’ IT department requires a lot of investment, with salaries, training, equipment, and software having to be paid for. By outsourcing, businesses can direct these costs into paying only for the services that they need, eliminating the other expenses entirely. This also allows smaller businesses to access high quality IT support for a fraction of the cost, allowing them to also invest in other areas and increase their overall growth.

Access to the Latest Technology and Expertise:

Outsourced IT support also brings with it a wealth of knowledge and expertise for businesses. IT businesses stay up to date with the latest technological advancements and best practices ensuring that their clients can benefit also from it. This access to advanced technology and specialised skills can give SME’s a competitive edge, enabling them to innovate and improve their operations.

Compliance and Risk Management:

IT Support Services also play a crucial role in helping to ensure that businesses stay compliant with industry regulations such as GDPR and IT related risks. Compliance with data protection laws and cyber security standards is essential for avoiding any potential legal implications and penalties such as fines. Outsourced IT support ensure that businesses implement the correct security measures and maintain detailed records. IT providers will also do periodic checks to make sure that security is up to date. This helps businesses become compliant and resistant against any potential cyber attacks that may occur.

To summarise, outsourcing IT support offers SME’s in London numerous benefits, including better security, improved efficiency, and savings on costs. By partnering with specialised firms, businesses will be able to get access to the latest technology and expertise ensuring that their business is compliant and secure against cyber threats. It is encouraged that SME’s consider outsourcing their IT support so that they can stay competitive and secure. For more information please visit https://www.mftelecomservices.co.uk/it-support-london/

Is my spouse entitled to my pension on divorce?

Legal

News Desk

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08/07/2024

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Is my spouse entitled to my pension on divorce?

During divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, the court can redistribute pension benefits between the involved parties.

Pensions, are often the second largest asset after the family home and it is vital to understand the options available.

Sarah Whitelegge, senior associate in the Family Law Team at Myerson Solicitors, explains more:

Importance of pensions in divorce

Pension schemes vary widely in type, benefits, and contribution methods. Both parties must disclose their pension benefits fully as part of the financial disclosure process. This includes obtaining the cash equivalent value for all pensions involved.

Entitlement to pension assets

The question of whether a spouse is entitled to half of the pension upon divorce is frequently raised. In divorce or dissolution proceedings, achieving fairness is paramount. The total value of both parties’ pensions can be considered if required to meet needs regardless of the origin or timing of the pension assets. The court can
consider all available assets to ensure equitable outcomes for both parties.

The Pensions Advisory Group (PAG) aims to improves the practice of dealing with pensions on divorce and upgrade the fairness and consistency of outcomes. The second edition of A Guide to the Treatment of Pensions on Divorce was published in January 2024. The report provides guidance for family professionals to encourage
better understanding of the treatment of pensions on divorce.

How are pensions divided?
Dividing pensions solely based on their cash equivalent value may not provide a fair outcome due to the parties’ needs, ages, and the duration of the marriage. A percentage split is often considered more appropriate to ensure equal pension benefits upon retirement.

Methods of dividing pensions:

Offsetting:
Offsetting involves balancing the value of pension assets against other assets held by the parties. This method allows one spouse to retain their pension rights while adjusting the distribution of non-pension assets, such as the family home. It is essential to seek early and appropriate advice in offsetting scenarios.
Pension Sharing:
Pension sharing involves a court order to divide an existing pension arrangement between the parties. Each party has a separate pension fund post-divorce, ensuring independent financial security.
Pension Attachment:
A pension attachment order directs a portion of pension income, lump sum, or death benefits to be paid to the other party when the pension becomes available. Pension attachment orders are less commonly used than pension sharing orders or offsetting.

In conclusion, pension sharing in divorce proceedings requires a nuanced approach that considers each case’s unique circumstances. By understanding and considering the various option available—offsetting, pension sharing, and attachment,—separating couples can work towards achieving a fair divorce financial settlement that meets both parties’ long-term needs.

Contact the Divorce Lawyers at Myerson Solicitors for more information regarding pensions and divorce.

HSAT Revolutionises Crop Disease Detection with Cutting-Edge AI Technology

AI

News Desk

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08/07/2024

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HSAT Revolutionises Crop Disease Detection with Cutting-Edge AI Technology

A pioneering technology is now available to utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) and significantly enhance disease detection and crop prediction.

Known as Inference, and developed by HSAT, this platform integrates multiple established AI technologies, including Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Large Language Models, into a single solution. Inference is a breakthrough due to its high accuracy: typically 95% for crop prediction and over 90% for disease detection.

This AI-powered solution is already deployed on a large scale, having been used on tens of thousands of real-world locations. Inference has been implemented for clients in six countries across four continents, assessing tens of thousands of farms.

Its success stems from its predictive accuracy and user-friendliness, offering farmers and food producers unparalleled insights into their crops’ health and the ability to quickly identify and combat diseases. This capability is highly effective in helping farmers tackle the rising tide of crop diseases exacerbated by increasing temperatures.

Rob Weston, founder of HSAT, said: “The benefits of the Inference technology for the agriculture industry are broad and deep. By leveraging AI for crop prediction and disease detection, farmers, producers and traders can gain a global view of crop health, identify areas of poor irrigation, and create regional and national risk maps.

“The capability is in use by several global food producers and processors. Inference requires no expertise or previous experience, so it is also accessible to any farming operation.

“The demand for reliable disease detection is increasing exponentially. Inference meets this demand head-on, providing farmers the tools they need to make informed decisions and protect their crops against potential threats. Additionally, with daily trading volumes of over $1 trillion in soft commodities, reliable disease detection is a critical requirement for creating accurate crop price predictions.”

HSAT can orchestrate the capture of thousands of crop images taken with mobile devices by locals, known as “ground truth”. HSAT analyses these images to detect disease risk.

Using geolocation data, each image is mapped and associated with corresponding satellite and weather data. With this information, HSAT can identify which crops are affected by disease, create heat maps across entire countries, and build large-scale predictive models of national risks. HSAT can extend its analysis from individual plants to fields, farms, counties, and, where useful for larger companies, to national and global levels.

The accuracy of this analysis relies on the thoughtful use of ground truth data and automated analysis. For example, in creating a predictive model for Cocoa plants in Ecuador, Inference processed hundreds of thousands of images to identify pod discolouration indicative of disease, distinguished these from healthy pods, and assigned a risk ranking to any affected zones.

The collection of ground truth data is integral to HSAT’s operations. HSAT has over 2,000 people worldwide continually visiting fields and farms. The images are taken with HSAT’s proprietary Tessa phone app, which validates the images and transfers them to HSAT’s systems automatically for mapping and processing. The app makes the task so simple that the data collection team can be rapidly scaled in any part of the world.

Rob added: “This efficient process yields thousands of pictures of crops in a matter of days, which allows us to rapidly build highly detailed risk maps. This data is then aggregated into HSAT’s proprietary CropGPT platform, which provides clients access to market updates, dashboards, alerts and data feeds.”

For more information on HSAT, visit hsat.space.

Rhythmic Disorder Music Event Coming to o2 Academy2 Islington

News Desk

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08/07/2024

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Rhythmic Disorder Music Event Coming to o2 Academy2 Islington

ANXY, the renowned music industry expert and entrepreneur, is set to host another unforgettable event at the esteemed o2 Academy2 Islington.

The highly anticipated event is set for 26th July and promises an evening of outstanding musical talent and entertainment.

Joining ANXY at this exclusive event will be Sandi and Sandra from the popular Gogglebox TV show, alongside Bekka Whitney from the renowned Acapella music group. The event will also feature London’s own “beat genius,” showcasing a line-up of top artists in their fields.

Hosted at the o2 Academy2 Islington, guests can expect a night of thrilling performances, exceptional talent, and a celebration of music.

ANXY said: “I am delighted to be back at o2 Academy2 Islington and am very excited about the line-up we have been able to put together.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to witness some of the industry’s finest artists in action in what is set to be a night to remember.”

Join ANXY, Sandi, Sandra, Bekkah Whitney, and London’s “beat genius” at the o2 Academy2 Islington on 26th July.

Tickets are available to purchase via Ticketmaster.

Euro Credit Holdings Limited Plans Expansion Following Triumph Over Unfounded Claims

News Desk

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08/07/2024

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Euro Credit Holdings Limited Plans Expansion Following Triumph Over Unfounded Claims

Euro Credit Holdings Limited and Executive Director Rhys Aldous are delighted to announce a significant victory in addressing recent unfounded claims. This achievement highlights the company’s dedication to integrity and ethical business practices.

Rhys Aldous expressed his relief and optimism after the resolution, stating, “This success feels like a new day for us. Now that these claims have been addressed, we are able to fully focus on our clients, continue to expand our services and move forward.”

Euro Credit Holdings Limited has consistently prioritised transparency, legality, and integrity in all its operations. The company’s commitment to these principles is evident in its ongoing efforts to deliver top-tier financial services and enhance client offerings.

In addition to resolving these claims, Euro Credit Holdings Limited is launching a range of new financial products tailored to meet the evolving needs of its clients. The company is also investing in advanced technologies and comprehensive training programmes for its team members to optimise operations and ensure agility in response to market changes.

This year, Euro Credit Holdings Limited has seen substantial growth, with strong performance in the first half and promising projections for a robust third quarter. The firm’s innovative approach and client-centric strategies have positioned it well for continued success.

“Our clients, partners, and team members can continue to have full confidence in our commitment to excellence,” added Rhys Aldous. “These enhancements are a testament to our dedication to providing unparalleled financial services.”

Euro Credit Holdings Limited remains devoted to fostering trust and reliability in all client interactions. The company is committed to maintaining open and honest relationships with all stakeholders, reinforcing its reputation for ethical business practices.

For more information, visit eurocreditcorp.com.

Rishi Sunak to step down as Conservative leader

Politics

News Desk

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05/07/2024

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Rishi Sunak to step down as Conservative leader

Following the landslide Labour victory in the general election, outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak has visited the King to hand in his resignation.

Sunak said outside Downing Street this morning, that he would step down as Conservative leader as soon as arrangements were in place to select a successor.

But he will continue to serve as an MP for Richmond and North Allerton in Yorkshire, where he did retain his seat.

He said: “To the country, I would like to say I am sorry. I have given this job by all but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the UK must change and yours is the only judgement that matters.

“I have heard your anger, your disappointment and I take responsibility for this loss.

“It pains me to think how many good colleagues who contributed so much to their communities and their country will no longer sit in the House of Commons. I thank them for their hard work and their service.”

He said he had called Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory, adding: “Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner with good will on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country’s stability and future.”

Canugo Unveils Rebrand and New Features for Driver Recruitment

Business

News Desk

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05/07/2024

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Canugo Unveils Rebrand and New Features for Driver Recruitment

Canugo Ltd is delighted to announce the launch of its rebrand along with a range of exciting new features designed to revolutionise the recruitment process for drivers and workers alike. The updated platform now boasts a fresh and modern look, reflecting the company’s commitment to providing a seamless and efficient experience for all users.

Focusing on simplifying the hiring process, Canugo.co.uk now offers a suite of essential features to benefit both drivers and workers. Employers can easily book temporary drivers or gig workers at short notice with just a few clicks. The platform matches users with local, fully vetted drivers available 24/7, offering a reliable and convenient solution for businesses of all sizes.

Canugo.co.uk provides a flexible and empowering way for temporary van drivers and workers to join the platform and work on their terms. Whether you are a driver seeking a temporary job or a worker looking for employment opportunities, Canugo.co.uk offers a fast and efficient way to connect with potential employers.

Some of the key features of the app include:

Fast and reliable workforce: Access to thousands of vetted drivers and helpers available around the clock.
Straightforward booking process: Requesting a worker or driver takes less than a minute, streamlining the hiring process.
Pre-vetted and checked: All workers and drivers undergo a rigorous background-checking process for added peace of mind.
Trusted and rated by clients: Canugo.co.uk has earned the trust and positive ratings of numerous satisfied clients.
Flexible working options: Drivers and workers can enjoy the freedom to work on their own schedule with upfront pricing and no haggling.

“The new rebrand and enhanced features mark an exciting chapter for Canugo.co.uk as we continue to innovate and improve our platform to better serve our users,” said Adam Thomsett, Canugo’s Founder and CEO. “We believe that these updates will provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience for drivers, workers, and businesses looking to streamline their recruitment processes.”

Get started with Canugo.co.uk today to experience the future of temporary job recruitment. For more information, visit www.canugo.co.uk.

“Time for change”: Labour win in landslide general election

News

News Desk

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05/07/2024

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“Time for change”: Labour win in landslide general election

Sir Keir Starmer will be the next prime minister after his party won in a landslide general election.

With a few seats left to come in, Labour have won more than 410 – a gain of more than 200 – whilst the Conservatives bagged just over 110.

Tories losing their seats include senior high-profilers like Liz Truss, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Penny Mordaunt.

Outgoing prime minister, Rishi Sunak, told the nation: “The British people have delivered a sobering verdict (tonight), there is much to learn, and I take responsibility for the loss.”

Labour landslide

Sir Starmer said: “We did it! You fought for her, you voted for it and now it has arrived. Change begins now.

“And it feels good I have to be honest. 4.5 years of work to changing the party, This is what it is for a changed Labour party. ready to serve our country, ready to restore Britain to the service of working people. And across our country people will be waking up to the news that a weight has been lifted from the shoulders of this great nation.”

Meanwhile Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey said his party looks to achieve the best results in its history, with wins in more than 65 constituencies.

Nigel Farage was elected MP for the first time, as the Reform party won four seats.

The Green Party had its most successful night after winning four seats. It had only ever won one in Brighton Pavilion.

Age Care Bathrooms Laments Politicians’ Neglect of Accessible Housing Needs

News

News Desk

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04/07/2024

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Age Care Bathrooms Laments Politicians’ Neglect of Accessible Housing Needs

Bathroom solutions provider Age Care Bathrooms has criticised politicians across all parties for failing to address the urgent issue of accessible housing.

Ruils Independent Living, a disabled people’s organisation, hosted a hustings in Richmond Borough, focusing on housing, health care, education, and social services for both of the borough’s constituencies.

Among the participating politicians were Jonathan Hulley, Conservative candidate for Twickenham, Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat MP for Twickenham, Chas Warlow, Green candidate for Richmond Park, and Philip Moshi, Twickenham Labour local campaigns coordinator.

During the event, Svetlana Kotova, Director of Campaigns and Justice for Inclusion London, condemned the government’s inaction on enhancing accessibility standards for new homes. Her remarks reflected a recent parliamentary report that criticised the government for failing to implement its policy of raising the minimum accessibility level of all new-build homes to the M4(2) standard, announced nearly two years ago.

The Disabled People in the Housing Sector report from the House of Commons Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities Committee in May 2024 also reproached the government for neglecting the housing needs of disabled individuals. It highlighted long waiting lists for accessible social housing and the challenges with landlords refusing home adaptations. The report concluded: “We have found little evidence that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is prioritising the housing policy needs of disabled people.”

Sam Davies, Director of Age Care Bathrooms, stated: “As installers of mobility bathroom solutions, we see firsthand how the lack of accessible housing leaves the ageing and disabled population vulnerable. It’s impacting their quality of life and well-being.

“As a company that works day in day out with individuals and families impacted by these issues, we’re calling for immediate action to ensure every new home is accessible. We’d also like to see an overhaul of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) process for clarity and effectiveness.”

Party Central Debuts: Transforming Event Planning with Advanced Marketplace

Business

News Desk

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04/07/2024

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Party Central Debuts: Transforming Event Planning with Advanced Marketplace

Party Central, an innovative platform designed to revolutionise the organisation of private events, weddings, parties, and corporate functions, has officially launched in the UK. This groundbreaking platform blends technological prowess with industry expertise to transform the event planning landscape for organisers, suppliers, and clients.

Party Central has launched with the mission to make event planning exciting and effortless. By connecting users with top-tier suppliers, the platform ensures every event is a success without the usual stress.

Party Central provides a comprehensive suite of features to make event planning more accessible and enjoyable. Users can access the UK’s largest pool of event suppliers, including caterers, DJs, venues, and decorators. The platform features both established professionals and emerging talents, offering a wide range of options for weddings, parties, and corporate events. Each supplier is rigorously vetted by Party Central, ensuring top-quality and reliable services, so customers can trust the excellence of their bookings.

As an independent and unbiased platform, Party Central treats all suppliers equally, ensuring a fair and level playing field for everyone.

Cost efficiency is another significant advantage of Party Central. The platform negotiates the best rates with suppliers, passing the savings on to customers. High-quality services are available for every budget, ensuring value for money. The intuitive platform simplifies the booking process, allowing customers to plan their entire event in one place. Users receive a tailored package via email or WhatsApp, complete with a secure checkout link.

Behind the scenes, Party Central leverages advanced artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, scale operations, and provide personalised recommendations to users. This AI-powered innovation allows the company to grow aggressively while maintaining high standards of service delivery and customer satisfaction.

The entrepreneurs behind Party Central, Tej Randeva and Dav Panesar, bring decades of combined experience across various industries, including tech, brokerage, finance, events, and luxury services. Their diverse backgrounds and successful ventures have laid the foundation for Party Central’s innovative approach and ambitious growth plans.

Dav Panesar, co-founder of Party Central, said: “We are an extension of our suppliers’ businesses, helping them reach a wider audience and grow their operations. We’re not just a platform; we’re partners in success. Our aim is to boost business for our suppliers and make event planning effortless for our customers.”

Party Central is committed to supporting suppliers’ businesses while providing customers with a seamless booking experience. Tej Randeva, co-founder of Party Central, added: “Event planning should be exciting and effortless. Our platform connects users with the best suppliers in the business, ensuring every event is a hit without the hassle.”

In addition to transforming event planning, Party Central is contributing to local employment. The company plans to create at least five new jobs in its new booking office in the Greater London area, supporting the local economy and providing opportunities for growth and development.

Following its launch, Party Central is set for significant growth. A dedicated UK sales team will enhance market presence and customer engagement, while the new UK headquarters will improve team coordination and service offerings. The company plans to expand its services across various sectors, including corporate events, private parties, weddings, and destination weddings, working with both UK and international suppliers. By diversifying its offerings, Party Central aims to become the UK’s go-to platform for all event planning needs.

For more details, please visit www.partycentral.co.uk. Suppliers wishing to join the Party Central network can sign up at partners.partycentral.co.uk.

Enhancing Security through Outsourcing:

Boosting Efficiency and Productivity:

Cost-Effective IT Solutions:

Access to the Latest Technology and Expertise:

Compliance and Risk Management:

Labour landslide

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