The 4th of December is Small Business Saturday – and Vindico’s official spot on the campaign’s Small Biz 100 calendar. Vindico MD, Jo Polson, is being profiled as part of this year’s Small Business Saturday! We teased back in Summer that we made the line-up, and now we can reveal that our official profile date on the Small Biz 100 calendar is Small Business Saturday itself – the 4th of December. Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities. This year it’s calling on the nation to share a ‘big thank you’ with small firms to recognise their vital role throughout the pandemic. So, as a business who’s spent the last 19 months helping clients to adapt, innovate, and evolve during challenging times, it’s an absolute honour to  be selected as one of the campaign’s prestigious Small Biz 100 line-up, which highlights inspiring, independent businesses from across the country. On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses. Many small businesses also take an active part in the day by hosting events and offering promotions. “Our campaign mission to support and celebrate small businesses has never been more important, as small firms face considerable challenges to get back on their feet, but will be absolutely vital to the UK’s recovery,” says Michelle Ovens, CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday. “The pandemic brought home just how central small businesses are to our communities, so we’re encouraging everyone to get behind them on Small Business Saturday and use it as a way to send a big thank you!” Urging other local small businesses to get involved in Small Business Saturday, Vindico’s MD, Jo Polson, adds: “Small Business Saturday is really easy for small firms to get involved in, and a great way to engage customers. It is completely free and open to all small independents, many of whom collaborate with other local businesses on the campaign. Business owners can download marketing materials via the website and get involved in the conversation online using the hashtag #SmallBizSatUK.” In its ninth year in the UK, last year Small Business Saturday achieved record-breaking success with an estimated £1.1 billion spent with small businesses across the UK on the day, according to estimates from campaign founder and principal supporter American Express. The campaign attracts huge attention, with an impact that last all year. Last year it 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. To get involved in Small Business Saturday 2021, click here.

Vindico attended a swanky afternoon tea in London for Small Business Saturday’s Small Biz 100. We revealed back in the summer that Vindico made this year’s Small Biz 100 line-up. The annual list celebrates the UK’s top 100 small businesses in the run up to Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday, which takes place this year on 4th December, celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities. This year it is calling on the nation to share a ‘big thank you’ with small firms to recognise their vital role throughout the pandemic. As an innovation business, we’ve spent the last 19 months helping clients adapt to change, digitise, and succeed during these unpredictable times. From creating a digital outreach programme for Techniquest to helping the Welsh Rugby Union bring live rugby back to the UK, we’ve been the purple machine supporting our clients throughout. So, this year’s Small Business Saturday theme hits home for us at Vindico. We’re so thankful to be able to play a part in helping businesses adapt, innovate, and evolve – and we’re excited to continue this work in 2022. “It’ been a whirlwind of a year,” says Vindico MD, Jo Polson. “We made it to No 10 Downing Street this summer to present to Boris Johnson at the launch of the Together for Our Planet campaign, and now we’re having afternoon tea at the House of Lords as part the Small Business 100! “If you’d have told me I’d be doing all this a year ago, I’d have laughed. Sure, I’d have taken it, but I still would have laughed! “What a way to start the week after winning Innovation Business of the Year at the Cardiff Business awards on Friday,

Vindico has been crowned Innovation Business of the Year at this year’s Cardiff Business Awards. That’s right, we won the award! After being shortlisted for the second year in a row, Friday saw us take home the Innovation Business of the Year award at this year’s Cardiff Business Awards. As a business at the forefront of tech and innovation in the UK, Vindico has gained a lot of national publicity in the past year – but to be recognised for our achievements in our motherland means a lot to us. It gives amazing recognition to the partnerships, projects, and client collaborations we’ve been part of – and we hope it will help us raise the profile of the exciting work we have in the pipeline, too. The past 12 months has seen us implement some of our most game-changing innovations to date – working with clients ranging from the WRU and Cardiff Rugby to Worcester Warriors and Transport for Wales. Click here to see our recent #ThinkPurple projects. The awards night at Cardiff City Hall was packed to the brim with talent. It was also an extra special one for us as we got to bring along some of our best business pals to celebrate with us. Once again, we want to thank all of our wonderful team, collaborators, clients, and peers for their incredible support. We also want to extend a massive thank you to the team behind the Cardiff Business Awards for not just recognising our accomplishments, but for delivering such a superb awards process from start to finish.   Here’s to

Vindico’s Director of R&D, Professor Paul Lewis, gives us the rundown of COP26 – and what’s next for carbon emissions and air pollution. COP26 was heavily focused on carbon emissions and the drive to net zero (also referred to as carbon neutrality). We heard a lot about the impact of carbon emissions on our planet, the environment, our businesses, and our sustainability. But carbon emissions can also directly relate to air quality – and ultimately our health and well-being, too. We sat down with air quality expert Professor Paul Lewis to find out more. Why is COP26 so important for air quality? Air pollution experts have shown a lot of interest in COP26. The reason why is because the main sources of carbon emissions are very often the biggest contributors to air pollution. This is especially true for fine particulates, often referred to as PM2.5, and Nitrogen Dioxide – two of which cause the greatest impacts on our health. What about coal burning? Coal burning was on the agenda for the first time at COP26.  Although this was a step forward, right at the last minute, there was the lack of a commitment to ‘phase-out’ coal use worldwide. Instead, 196 countries agreed to ‘phase-down’ coal. On the positive side, we’ll see a reduction in coal-fired power stations. But we won’t see the complete removal of coal in countries such as India. How does this impact air quality in the UK? Although the UK has been proactive in restricting coal-burning, a lack of a total commitment from other countries raises concerns over air pollution from our neighbours. Germany still has around 30 coal-fired power stations that won’t be phased out until 2038, while Poland still operates around 50. So, although the UK has only a few coal-burning power stations left, our concern is the fine particulates blowing over from the power stations actively operating in Northern European countries like Germany and Poland. Believe it or not, this can significantly impact our health and wellbeing. In  fact, our own modelling in Think Air has shown how PM2.5 can blow in from these countries, directly causing higher levels of air pollution in areas of Wales. What’s the deal with methane? Methane is a major source of ground-level ozone, which can be a real issue for people with asthma and other respiratory diseases. To tackle this, US President Joe Biden has launched the Global Methane Pledge at COP26, which is asking countries to cut their methane emissions by 30% by 2030. How will we help developing countries? Air quality is a global issue, so it was positive to see the Glasgow Climate Pact commit to doubling adaptation finance for poorer countries. For the first time, both the US and China agreed to contribute to this fund – so this is a major step forward. It means more support to reduce air pollution in those areas, and a request for countries to submit even more ambitious climate pledges at COP27 next year. Lastly, what about electric cars? COP26 also pledged an agreement to encourage both countries and major car manufacturers to aim for zero-emissions vehicles by 2035. This applies to new sales of both cars and vans in leading markets. The UK has signed this agreement, but other major countries, including the US, Germany, and China haven’t – at least not yet. To find out more about the impact of air pollution on your business, industry, and community – and for live updates – visit our sister

Helping Techniquest stay connected with schools during lockdown with a digital outreach programme. What was intended as a stop gap until Techniquest could reopen has become a thriving online platform that continues to grow. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Techniquest knew they needed to adapt their approach – pronto. Wales’ leading science museum wanted a way to stay connected with schools during lockdown – and that’s where Vindico came in. Working with Techniquest, we developed a digital outreach platform that lets schools access fantastic science classes and materials. It’s simple, easy to navigate, and lets teachers access tons of relevant teaching materials and resources for their classroom. These include themed videos and teaching materials on a variety of science topics in both Welsh and English. Some materials are downloadable, whereas others are viewable only through the platform. We also developed a bespoke CMS (Content Management System) that allows Techniquest to manage its content, resources, and users. It also generates single-use redemption codes that can be purchased through Techniquest’s existing ticketing systems. With the pandemic shutting businesses overnight, time was of the essence for this project. In fact, we developed both the digital outreach platform and the bespoken CMS for Techniquest in just one month. Yes, you read that right – one month. It was good-to-go by September 2020, starting with just three online classes. Today, it has grown to over 20 science classes, with engagement still rising as schools adapt to the ‘new normal’. It’s become a key platform for spreading knowledge and STEM skills – and its accessible to every school in Wales. It’s now adopted by 131 schools across 21 Welsh counties, and a few over the border in England, too. To date, 15,385 pupils have accessed the fun and engaging classes – and these numbers continue to grow. “Vindico’s forward-thinking approach, and ability to work to an extremely tight deadline, helped us transform the idea into a digital solution that is now delivering content to pupils across Wales,”  says Gareth McTiffin, Head of Commercial Development at Techniquest. “The positive feedback we’ve received has been overwhelming – and we can’t wait to see the full scope of this digital platform as the project evolves.” Does your business need to raise its digital game – and fast? Drop us a line to see how Vindico’s #ThinkPurple solutions can help you

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) have chosen SWAPP to provide the smart level of safety they need for their Olympic qualifiers. The IIHF‘s adoption isn’t the first time SWAPP has been used for an ice hockey tournament. Our advanced screening platform and safety app was also adopted by the EIHL for their 2021 Elite Series, which took place behind closed doors. Read all about it here. This time SWAPP hit the ice, we quickly turned around a rebrand for the IIHF, making key changes that incorporated the essential processes and legislation for this Olympic qualifying tournament. Outside of ice hockey, SWAPP is already used by some of the biggest teams and leagues in sport – including the WRU, Cardiff Rugby, Scarlets Rugby, and Worcester Warriors. Read all about SWAPP’s latest features here. But this our collaboration with the IIHF is first time we’ve hit Olympic level. And it’s something Vindico MD is slightly excited about! “We’re committed to furthering our relationship with British ice hockey – and the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Olympic Qualifiers lets us do just that. “We’re not only proud sponsors – and supporters – of the Cardiff Devils, but also have a relationship with the EIHL, thanks to SWAPP’s involvement with the Elite Series. Now we can say we’ve taken it to Olympic level! “OLYMPIC! “How many times do you think I can use the word ‘Olympic’ before the content team tell me to stop? Olympic.” To find out more about SWAPP’s advanced screening platform and safety app – and how it can help your team, business, or event stay safe and compliant – drop us a line today. Image

SWAPP – our Safe Workplace App – adds stewarding, temporary staff management and accreditation features. Vindico’s talented development team have been busy creating some exciting new additions to SWAPP ahead of this year’s Autumn Internationals rugby tournament. The latest features introduced to SWAPP’s core platform include a staff management tool for all stewarding at the Principality Stadium, and a new accreditation system for all pass access. “We’re taking a process run by WhatsApp, email, and texts and bringing it all into on smart place – the SWAPP platform,” says Vindico MD, Jo Polson. “The SWAPP platform then provides the management team with live information on staff availability for all events – saving time, effort, and simply making the process easier and better.” These new additions now sit alongside SWAPP’s existing core features. These include a handy QR code scanner, contactless sign in / out access, valuable track and trace, live fire roll call, attendance dashboards, and pre-registration features. It also monitors industry standards, workplace regulations, and industry accreditations – ensuring all members of staff and contractors are up-to-date and meet the current required guidelines. “We used the Covid pandemic as a chance to not just tackle new problems, but solve old ones, too,” adds Jo. “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 – adding contract management, track and trace, snagging, live fire roll call, 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 busines. “SWAPP has evolved rapidly in the last 12 months – going from something useful for providing safe working access to staff during the height of the pandemic, to becoming a key foundation platform that we can bolt on to existing systems, processes and problems. “Simple to use, and smart to run, SWAPP now provides a single portal for management to view essential live information. It also a provided an all-important audit trail of activity. “The WRU signing up for five years shows the faith they have in the platform, and there are yet more exciting plans ahead as we continue to work with the WRU on their development roadmap.” SWAPP originally caught the attention of the WRU in October 2020. It was adopted to safely bring us the Autumn Internationals and the Six Nations during the pandemic. Following its success, it was later adopted by Scarlets Rugby, Cardiff Rugby, Sale Sharks, and the Elite Ice Hockey League. Today it helps venues including Principality Stadium, Sixways for the Worcester Warriors, the Arms Park, and Parc Y Scarlets to safely manage staff, teams, contractors, and visitors. It’s also recently been adopted by Andrew Scott and Transport for Wales. For more information about SWAPP – and how it can help your team, business, or event stay safe and compliant – drop us a line

Vindico’s Head of R&D, Professor Paul Lewis, has been appointed regional Clean Air Champion for the UKRI and the Met Office’s Clean Air Programme. As a new regional Clean Air Champion, Paul Lewis joins the existing champions in supporting the national Clean Air Programme – a £42.5 million investment that supports high quality research and innovation to develop practical solutions for today’s air quality issues. It also equips the UK to proactively tackle future air quality challenges. As our Director of R&D here at Vindico, Professor Paul is already driving some of the most cutting-edge research, insights, and innovations around clean air and its impact on local communities. His most high-profile project to date is Think Air – Vindico’s self-funded background air quality monitoring and insights network – of which he is Co-Founder. Think Air is now the largest urban and rural background particulate network in Wales, covering the entire reach of the country. It provides air quality data  that supports agriculture, commercial, residential, and education environments. It’s also on track to being the largest non-governmental background air quality monitoring network in the UK by the end of 2022. Most importantly, it is collecting real-time data that is helping Professor Paul and the team to gain valuable data and insights into local air quality – what’s impacting it, and what we can do to improve it. “I am delighted to become the UKRI Regional Air Champion for Wales, supporting the work of the Clean Air Programme and Strategic Priorities Fund,” says Professor Paul. “The role will allow me to engage with key stakeholders from academia, industry, government, the NHS and third sector right across Wales to help develop new solutions and policies to reduce air pollution and the impacts on our health and wellbeing.” In addition to supporting the nationwide Clean Air programme, Professor Paul Lewis is a member of the Welsh Government Clean Air Panel. He’s also member of the Cross-Party Group for a new Clean Air Act, and sits on several advisory panels including the Wales Air Quality Direction Independent Review Panel and the Domestic Solid Fuel Burning in Wales, Task and Finish Group. You can fine out more about the Clean Air Programme and its regional champions

Vindico are finalists at this year’s Cardiff Business Awards. We’re excited to announce that Vindico been shortlisted at this year’s Cardiff Business Awards for a second year in a row. As a business at the forefront of tech and innovation in the UK, we’ve gained a lot of national publicity in the past year – but to be recognized in our motherland means a lot to us. It gives amazing recognition to the partnerships, projects, and client collaborations we’ve been part of – and we hope it will help us raise the profile of the exciting work we have in the pipeline, too. The past 12 months has seen us implement some of our most game-changing innovations to date – working with clients ranging from the WRU and Cardiff Rugby to Worcester Warriors and Transport for Wales. Click here to see our recent #ThinkPurple projects. The seventh annual Cardff Business Awards takes place on 26 November at Cardiff City Hall. And after last year’s shift to virtual events during the COVID pandemic, we couldn’t be happier to attend this year’s ceremony in person (MD Jo loves an excuse to get suited and booted). You can find out more about the awards – and its celebration of Wales’s best businesses

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