Kevin Hire will use his 32 years of experience and #ThinkPurple attitude to head up Relationships at Vindico. Vindico is growing rapidly, and our latest hire – by name and nature – will use his three decades of experience to build and nurture our wonderful client relationships. Kevin joins us following a successful stint as Business Relationship Manager of Arena Racing and Events (Wales), where he was part of the team who relaunched Ffos Las Racecourse in 2018. Prior to his role at Arena Racing and Events, Kevin worked in several senior managerial positions in press, radio, digital, and events. His experience in building and developing proactive, long-term client relationships is what makes Kevin stand apart from the rest. And it’s this expertise that Kevin Hire will be bringing to his new role at Vindico. “Seeing how Vindico has evolved in recent years to simplify solutions and make the impossible possible means I couldn’t think of working anywhere else,” says Kevin. “My new role means I’ll be working closely with Vindico’s MD, Jo, to reach and introduce new businesses to Vindico. We’ll also be working closely with our current portfolio of clients to help them turn their digital and technical business problems into opportunities. “I believe more in ‘evolution’ rather than ‘revolution’, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in a very exciting future.” Speaking about his latest recruitment, Vindico MD, Jo Polson, adds: “I’ve been lucky enough to know Kev since his time at Parc Y Scarlets, where he worked for Nation Broadcasting. And I always knew he was the type of person we wanted to recruit. “Kev’s focus, despite having sales titles in the past, has always been in creating and sustaining relationships. Listening more than talking, and then making the right connections, makes Kev a perfect fit for Vindico. “He’s been Thinking Purple all along – and he didn’t even know it!” We at Vindico want to extend a huge welcome to Kevin, and we can’t wait to see how he’s going to add tons of #ThinkPurple attitude to his new

Our SWAPP Lite app will ensure the EIHL’s 2021 Elite Series has all the safety and screening it needs to get under way.  Top level British ice hockey is back – and our SWAPP Lite app is helping the Elite Ice Hockey League keep their 2021 Elite Series bubble safe. SWAPP Lite’s EIHL pre-event screening system will make sure that everyone entering Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena has completed a health diary, and has uploaded details of their COVID-19 tests. And although the technology behind it may be complex, we’ve kept the SWAPP Lite app itself as simple to use as possible. Here’s how it works: All players, staff, and volunteers will complete the health diary on their mobile devices before gaining access to the arena They’ll then undergo a further temperature check on arrival The EIHL’s players, coaches, and team officials will be tested every day before entry, and upload their results to the SWAPP Lite app SWAPP Lite then outputs the EIHL’s data directly to the NHS as part of their track-and-trace system     “We are required to submit information about everyone who enters the arena to Public Health England, and this app gives us everything we need to do at the touch of a button,” explained Mike Hicks, Head of Hockey Operations for the EIHL. “[Vindico] have experience of similar-scale events, and have been a vital part of our preparations for the Elite Series. We are delighted to be working with them, and very grateful for their work in such a short space of time.” Our SWAPP Lite app was first rolled out for the Welsh Rugby Union’s Autumn Internationals campaign in 2020. Its success meant it was the go-to safety solution for the WRU’s recent Six Nations championship campaign at the Principality Stadium, too. “Even with games being played behind closed doors, there is still a huge responsibility to keep teams, staff, contractors, and the media safe,” adds Vindico’s MD, Jo Polson. “Bringing SWAPP Lite to the Elite Series in iceSheffield and Motorpoint Arena Nottingham means we yet again get to help sport take place safely. “We’ve taken what we’ve learned from rugby and added new features to meet the unique challenges of this mini tournament. “Additions including accreditation standards, access zones, daily COVID testing, and outputting data direct to the NHS have all been added. SWAPP Lite will continue to evolve to play its part in bring sport back safely, and we’re looking forward to the next challenge.” Aside from developing technologies that keep sports teams safe during the pandemic, we at Vindico are also massive hockey fans. We’ve been supporters and sponsors of the Cardiff Devils since 2016, so this is a dream job for us. Does your sports team, venue, or event need a state-of-the-art yet simple-to-use safety app? Drop us a line to see how SWAPP Lite can help keep you, your teams, and contractors safe and compliant. 

Dragons Rugby’s decision to move three home games in the Guinness PRO14 to Principality Stadium in Cardiff means the Newport-based team will benefit from our SWAPP Lite safety app. The Dragons join the Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff Rugby, and Scarlets Rugby, who have all adopted the SWAPP Lite app for their home fixtures. The SWAPP Lite app – which is currently used at Principality Stadium, Cardiff Arms Park, and Parc Y Scarlets – was created for the Welsh Rugby Union in 2020. It was successfully rolled out at the Autumn Internationals home games at Parc Y Scarlets. It was also used for all of the WRU’s Six Nations home games at Principality Stadium. You can find out how the WRU are using SWAPP Lite this Six Nations here. Even with Welsh sport being played behind closed doors, there’s still lots of people to keep safe – from the teams and staff to medics, contactors, and the media. And SWAPP Lite is helping Welsh rugby teams do just that. The safety app – which is a bespoke version of the original app we created for Transport for Wales – features a handy QR code scanner, valuable track and trace, and pre-registration features. It also monitors standards and accreditations. This makes sure that all members of staff and contractors are up-to-date and meet the current required guidelines. We’re also continually enhancing SWAPP Lite’s safety features. A fire register, and a new look sign in/out book are among the latest app updates. Its adoption by Principality Stadium means it will also benefit events beyond the rugby pitch. “The SWAPP Lite software becomes a real venue asset,” says Vindico MD, Jo Polson. “As we gradually ease lockdown restrictions, venues will naturally be looking to optimise revenue streams by reintroducing corporate events, conferences, and general venue hire. “The adoption of SWAPP Lite means that any businesses or organisations hiring the venue will also be able to benefit from its safety features. It offers an added dimension of safety, and gives event organisers a clear vision of who is on site, and compliant. “That in itself is a selling point for venues.” Could your venue, team, or event benefit from our SWAPP Lite safety app? Drop us a line to find out how we can help you operate smoothly and safely both during and after the

Vindico’s Head of R&D reveals the air pollutants of concern to health in Wales at today’s Welsh Government Event. Our air pollution expert, Paul Lewis, was at the Welsh Government’s online event today to reveal the main air pollutants we need to know about. As one of the panel of experts covering the topic of air pollution in Wales, Paul revealed some harsh truths and surprising facts about air pollutants and our health in Wales. He also outlined the proposed guidance for both businesses and individuals. Breaking it down into gases and particles, Paul singled out NO2 and PM2.5 as the two air pollutants we need to be most concerned about. “Most people think of air pollution as coming from transport. But we’re less aware of our own personal behaviours at home and at work,” insists Paul. Although 40% of NO2 and a third of PM2.5 comes from industry, and traffic – particularly in urban areas – is a cause for concern, emissions continue to fall annually. Which is where our personal habits come in. Mainly in the form of wood burning. Domestic and small-scale burning now account for over 40% of PM2.5 in the UK – and it’s a problem. As Paul puts it: “One of the most damaging pollutants, in terms of our health, is fine particulate matter, which is often referred to as PM2.5, and our research reinforces the need to revise PM2.5 limit values and targets as soon as possible.” And air pollution is not just a local issue. Paul points out that our habits can impact air quality many miles away. “What’s more, the PM2.5 that we breathe might often come from many miles away, which means we cannot rely solely on modelled data. There needs to be widespread monitoring of this pollutant to get a full understanding of where it comes from and the harm it causes.” That’s where our Think Air initiative comes in. “Think Air is proving that effective air quality sensor networks don’t have to be costly. It’s also providing us with meaningful data and insights which, led by ergonomics, can be used to develop longer term behavioural change methods that will ultimately benefit the long-term health of people across Wales and the UK.” Originally launched in 2019, Think Air’s sensor network is already live across Wales. It’s helping to gather the data and insights we need to raise awareness and understanding of air quality and Pm2.5 levels across the country. We’ve expanded the network with the support of Welsh organisations including Niche, Scarlets Rugby, Cardiff Devils, and – most recently – Zip World, who are installing Think Air sensors at all five of their sites across Wales. It’s the only project in the UK to take on the challenge of understanding background and wide range air quality on this scale, and it’s changing the way we understand and measure the impact of toxic air at a local level. Today, Think Air is on track to being the largest live air quality sensor network in Wales – and the largest in the UK by the end of 2021. To find out more about Think Air – and how your business can benefit – drop us a line today.

How much does your fashionable wood burning stove contribute to air particle pollution? The result of that ‘homely feel’ may surprise you, says Professor Paul Lewis.   Recent government data shows that domestic wood burning has become the single biggest source of small particle air pollution in the UK. Although trendy wood burning stoves are used by just 8% of the UK population, they produce three times more small particle air pollution than road traffic. Why is it such a big deal? Tiny particle pollution is harmful to our health as it can enter the bloodstream and negatively impact everything from our lungs to our eyes. The government isn’t planning a ban on wood burners just yet, but a ban on the retail sale of wet wood will come into force on 1st May 2021. Bags of house coal will also be banned from 1st May 2021. These changes are the first such restrictions since the clean air acts of the 1950s. A domestic wood burning stove can triple the level of harmful pollution inside the home. It also accounts for 38% of the pollution particles under 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5). Despite this, a new Government report reveals that the most common reason for using a wood burner is for aesthetic reasons. “Thanks to illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide stealing the headlines in recent times, most people think of traffic and industry when they think of air pollution,” says says our Head of R&D Paul Lewis. “But, most will be surprised to hear that wood burners cause more than three times as much PM2.5 than traffic across the UK. “The new report reveals that people burn wood at home mainly for aesthetic reasons, with little appreciation of how much they contribute to air pollution throughout their neighbourhood and beyond. “Governments are aware that banning wood burners is controversial so they’re actively looking at how new regulations on the type of wood burnt, such as dryer logs, can reduce PM2.5.”   4 key take-aways: The retail sale of wet wood and house coal will be banned from 1st May 2021 in the UK   Domestic wood burners produce three times more small particle air pollution than road traffic   Domestic wood burning can triple the level of harmful pollution inside the home   Wood burning stoves account for 38% of the pollution particles under 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5)   Although we seek that cosy look or hygge feel in the home, it can come at a price. So, if you’re lighting up that fire, make sure you’re thinking of the impact, using dry wood only and being a good neighbour. You can find out more about Think Air – our clean air initiative –

Having a digital presence has never been so important for charities and third sector organisations. Here’s how we’re helping. A charity, voluntary, or a community group’s website has never been so important – especially in these socially distanced times. Luckily, we know a thing or two about creating a digital presence for charities. And we’re continuing to use our tech savvy for good in 2021. Our Purple Vinjas are known for making all singing, all dancing websites with UX in mind. But we’re less known for donating our skills to causes and initiatives we support. That’s right, we at Vindico donate our skills to causes and initiatives we support. And we do this by increasing the digital presence of charities throughout the year – year in, year out. “It’s an important part of our ethos,” says Vindico MD, Jo. “We never turn down an opportunity to help someone if it’s possible. Our ability to support important causes has grown with our capabilities. What started as simple tech support for initiatives that we support has grown to full websites and even applications. Speaking of which, we’ve donated several websites to worthy charities, non-profits and causes over the years. Our most recent websites include Welsh Rugby Former Players Association, Burry Port RNLI, and volunteer group S.A.N. Our first donation of 2021 is a website for Your Black Dog – a Welsh non-profit that’s tackling mental health. “Your Black Dog is a wonderful example of a cause we’re particularly passionate about,” says Jo. “Mental health is a hot topic thanks to the sudden change, social isolation, unemployment, and general unrest that the COVID-19 Pandemic has brought. We as a team couldn’t be prouder to work with founders Marc and Andrew on this new project. “What’s cool about the team at Vindico is, not only do they take their time to get to know what you are trying to achieve, but they do so whilst investing their time getting to know you as a person too,” says Your Black Dog Co-Founder Andrew McCarthy. “They’ve been accessible virtually 24/7, really interested in what we are trying to achieve, and have become true partners in what we are going to deliver.” “There may be certain limitations in what we can offer,” adds Jo, “but we are always looking for the next worthwhile cause to support.” Do you have a worthwhile cause in need of better digital presence? We’d love to hear from you. You can drop us a line and tell us about your cause by emailing us at