This week is National Coding Week – and it couldn’t be better timing for TASK. As its presence in Primary Schools continues to rise, TASK’s introduction to coding is helping pupils and teachers to embrace STEM in the classroom. But let’s rewind – what exactly is TASK? TASK is the UK’s first air quality activity kit designed just for kids. Pioneered Vindico’s Director of R&D, and UK air quality expert, Professor Paul Lewis, TASK is a science lab in a box that covers all areas of the curriculum in England and Wales. With a focus on learning by doing, TASK’s interactive experiences help raise awareness of air pollution in a way that’s easy to understand, measure, and report. It covers all six key areas of learning and experience in the Welsh curriculum, and supports numerous programmes of study in the UK curriculum. But back to coding. TASK’s drag-and-drop coding is the ideal introduction to computer coding and logic – and it’s been designed especially for key stage 1 and 2 (years 5 and 6). Once the air quality sensors are attached and operating, pupils can create alerts and triggers when different levels are exceeded. Imagine an alarm sounding when air quality drops, or a class becomes too rowdy! Beyond building the sensor, pupils use the same intuitive tool to create live dashboards (outputting via HDMI) with the same drag-and-drop interface. In fact, it uses the same methods and tools that create live sensor-based automation platforms in industry and construction. Pretty nifty, right? And the learning doesn’t stop there. When kids learn to code, they gain tons of other skills too. Coding helps primary school pupils to build their digital skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and teamworking skills. It also gives creative skills, too. TASK’s platform has also been designed to make sure knowledge is transferable to higher learning and activities beyond the classroom. If your classroom is new to coding and want to give it a go, you can find out more about TASK’s benefits

COVID has brought many new challenges for businesses. That’s where SWAPP (Smart Workplace Application) comes in. We’ve shouted a lot about SWAPP playing a crucial part in bringing British sport back safely. But SWAPP also provides the safety measures to keep staff, contractors, and visitors safe across all industries. But let’s rewind. What is SWAPP? SWAPP is our unique software platform that features a handy QR code scanner, contactless sign in / out access, valuable track and trace, and pre-registration features. It also monitors industry standards, workplace regulations, and industry accreditations. This makes sure that all members of staff and contractors are up-to-date and meet the current required guidelines. It’s also the app behind bringing many sporting events – including the Six Nations in Wales and the EIHL’s Elite Series – back safely in the UK. How did it come about? SWAPP was originally developed to meet the accreditation needs of Transport for Wales. But we used a new problem (COVID) as a catalyst to not just solve new issues but fix old ones, too. SWAPP then caught the attention of the WRU. So we developed it to meet the demands of sport during the pandemic. It was adopted to safely bring us the Autumn Internationals and the Six nations. Following its success, it was later adopted by Scarlets Rugby, Cardiff Rugby, Sale Sharks, and the Elite Ice Hockey League. Today it helps stadiums including Principality Stadium, the Arms Park and Parc Y Scarlets to safely manage staff, teams, contractors, and visitors. It’s also recently been adopted by Andrew Scott. “We used the Covid pandemic as a chance to not just tackle new problems, but solve old ones, too,” says Vindico MD, Jo Polson. “What started as product for a public sector client quickly became an essential tool for changing workforces. And we’ve continuously updated features to stay one step ahead.” New features and updates for SWAPP include contract management, track and trace, snagging, and risk assessments to make workplaces safer and more efficient. Promoting digital knowledge transfer (which is more important now than ever before), SWAPP is now one of the most prominent safety apps used in Welsh sport and business. It will also soon be rolled out at every train station in Wales, too! Got a business, venue, or team who could benefit from SWAPP? Click here to drop us a line.    

Vindico has made the prestigious Small Biz 100 line-up, which showcases inspiring, independent businesses from across the country. Now in its ninth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success. It encourages us to ‘shop local’ and support businesses in our communities – especially as we navigate the pandemic. Vindico will be highlighted on social media on 4 December 2021 as part of the 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday UK. “It’s been a challenging time for small businesses everywhere, and we’ve all had to work smarter and harder to make it through,” says Vindico MD, Jo Polson. “For us, making the Small Biz 100 line up is recognition that we are on the right path and are set up ready for the next stage of our growth and development. “It’s about more than just our story though, this is an opportunity to learn from and collaborate with 99 other fantastic small businesses in the UK – and that’s something that excites us massively!” This year, ahead of the UN Climate Summit COP26 in Glasgow, the Small Biz 100 features small firms with a passion for sustainability, to demonstrate the important part small businesses play in tackling climate change and helping the UK to achieve net zero. And our self-funded Think Air project is helping businesses and individuals to do just that.  It’s on track to being the UK’s largest live background air quality monitoring network – and it’s changing the way that schools, businesses, and the agricultural sector approach – and manage – activities related to air pollution. With a pledge to go net zero, Think Air is helping to raise awareness of air pollution and encourage positive behaviour change for better – more sustainable – outcomes. “Throughout the crisis we have been reminded of the special role that small firms play in local areas, looking after their customers, communities and the planet,” says Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK. “We are excited to be kicking off this year’s campaign to show our thanks to amazing small businesses like Vindico. As firms recover from the challenges of the pandemic we are calling upon everyone to get behind the campaign to make it our most impactful Small Business Saturday yet.” A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. It remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its ongoing championing the UK high street and commitment to encourage consumers to shop small. On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions. Small Business Saturday attracts huge attention on the day itself, with an impact that last all year. Last year the campaign trended at number one in the UK on Twitter, with the Prime Minister, leader of the opposition and the Mayor of London among those publicly supporting the campaign. Over 90% of local councils also supported the campaign. Click here to get involved in Small Business Saturday