Vindico has signed a five-year deal with Ice Arena Wales – home of the Cardiff Devils – which will see the ice rink renamed as Vindico Arena from Summer 2023We teased that we had big news to drop – and it doesn’t get much bigger than this! The ice rink has been Vindico’s Cardiff HQ for a few years, and now we’re putting our name on it! In Along with the name change, the ice rink’s website and social media handles will all adopt the new Vindico Arena name.  Visitors, skaters, and ice hockey fans can also expect to see plenty of Vindico’s signature purple branding – from the ice to the screens to the staff uniforms to the lounges – at the arena from Summer 2023. And the changes aren’t just visual ones. Vindico is already a sponsor and tech partner of the Cardiff Devils and the ice rink, and we’ll be enhancing their tech and digital offering from Summer 2023. We’ll be taking over all internal tech and installing cutting-edge digital changes to enhance both the staff and fan experience.  “This is more than just a business deal for us at Vindico. I’ve loved ice hockey since I first played the NHL game on the SEGA Mega Drive back in 1990,” says Jo Polson, Managing Director of Vindico.  “I don’t measure Vindico’s progress in the same way that many business owners do. For me, it’s always been about how much we can support the Cardiff Devils and the arena. We’ve been a sponsor for five years, but we started small with a player sponsorship. By last year we were supplying Wi-Fi, tech and digital signage for the arena, match night sponsors of the Devils, as well as the official partner of the team’s school and community programme.  “When Vindico exceeded 50% growth last year, I knew this could open an opportunity to do even more. When Todd [Kelman] mentioned that the arena deal was an option, I knew we couldn’t refuse.  “We’re long-time ice hockey fans and Devils supporters, and we work with many brands in the sport and stadia space, so it was an organic steppingstone for Vindico as a brand. We know we’ll be able to add so much value to the ice rink – and the overall arena experience – and we’re looking forward to calling it home.” Todd Kelman, Managing Director of the Cardiff Devils added:  “The Devils and the rink have been partners with Vindico for five years now. They’re not just a great business but great people too. When the deal came up, we knew that Vindico would be a perfect fit. They’ve constantly supported us as a team and a business over the past five seasons, adding more and more value each year. I’m looking forward to working together to transform Vindico Arena this summer.” A bit about the arena… The soon-to-be Vindico Arena is the official home of the Cardiff Devils Ice Hockey team who play in the professional British Elite Ice Hockey League – the top-level league in the UK.  Its a world-class facility with a capacity of 3,100 and houses an Olympic-sized ice pad that plays host to Cardiff Devils match nights. It’s also where the city’s figure skaters, junior ice hockey teams, and the public come to practice and skate.  The arena also houses a climbing area, corporate lounges, a gymnasium, a bar, office spaces, and a café – all in the heart of Cardiff Bay’s Sports Village.  We hope to see you all

Vindico MD Jo Polson took to the stage at the 2023 TheStadiumBusiness Summit to shine the light on the stadium tech revolution.  In this popular talk from TheStadiumBusiness Summit, Jo delves into the transformative power of Vindico’s Think Purple approach – a philosophy that goes beyond the ordinary to deliver exceptional results – and how this is revolutionising tech and the sport and stadia sector across the UK. Here, we unravel the key insights from the tech entrepreneur’s presentation, exploring the shift in spreadsheet usage, the challenges of complexity, and the strategic diagnostic process that’s changing the game for sports teams and venues. Here’s an exclusive recap of the seven key take-aways from Jo’s talk that’s setting the stage for unparalleled technological advancement in the stadia sector.  1. Think Purple Vindico’s mantra is “Think Purple”. To “Think Purple” means asking better questions to deliver better outcomes. And it’s more than just a catchy slogan. It’s a philosophy that shapes everything Vindico does. From creating SWAPP (Smart Workplace Application) to help the stadia sector get back up and running during Covid, to developing easy-to-use tailored tech and software platforms, which are designed as a foundation for customisation. Every Vindico product is led by innovation and emphasises simplicity, seamless integration, easy adoption, and enjoyable use.Click here to see Vindico’s journey with Principality Stadium. 2. Focus on Understanding and Customisation Delivering solutions for the unique operations of stadiums, arenas, and other sporting and event venues involves a deep understanding of each business’s needs. Whether it’s streamlining event operations, improving team efficiency, simplifying the stadium accreditation process, or enhancing communications with stewards and the casual workforce, tailoring an easy-to-use central platform is key to optimising event day efficiency.   3. Beware the Rise of the Spreadsheets Vindico has observed a 60% increase in newly created Excel spreadsheets post-pandemic. That’s a lot of data and processes trapped in spreadsheets that previously would have been dealt with differently. And the Stadia sector is not exempt. The rise of more individualised spreadsheets could be attributed to familiarity with the format, a lack of formal training, and remote work isolation. Of course, spreadsheets have become a universal tool for task tracking, reporting, and data management. Used correctly, they can work well. But they also create silos: with everyone using different lists for different things. These individualised lists also means that businesses are at risk of a loss of data and / or understanding of that data should an employee leave. Click here to see ten common Excel problems – and one easy fix. 4. The Rabbit Hole of ComplexityThe rise of Excel spreadsheets isn’t always a bad thing. But it becomes a dangerous rabbit hole when layers of complexity are required. When complexity enters the mix, these tasks often get routed to the finance team. The problem is that finance experts are highly skilled in Excel. But the rest of the organisation / users are generally not. Intricate spreadsheets that are not automated and require manual updates and input from experts means that knowledge access and transfer throughout the business can also become a problem. This highlights the importance of asking “Should we do this in Excel?” instead of just “Can we do this in Excel?” 5. A Diagnostic Approach to Stadium TechWe don’t have a time machine to go back and stop the Excel overload, but diagnostic sessions come close. In fact, they’re a starting point for every Vindico project in the sport and stadia sector. Using the signature “Think Purple” method, the diagnostic phase delivers a clear understanding of processes, software, integration opportunities, pain points, and resource constraints. This helps paint a clear picture of what the “good” looks like, and how to align it with budgets and phased implementation.Find out more about the importance of a diagnostic here. 6. Automation, Integration, and BeyondOnce the diagnostic phase is complete, it’s possible to take that understanding of the “good” and add layers of automation to drive tasks, integration to ensure data is correct, live dashboards to show progress – with nudges and alerts – and simple snapshots of key processes. We’ve even built in training and e-learning directly into some projects. Some other recent projects include AI-driven plans, improved communication, and training platforms, and staffing management at the Principality Stadium.See how tech is fuelling stadium safety here. 7. The Future Although we first created tech and software platforms for teams and stadiums during the pandemic, we quickly realised that they weren’t just solving old problems brought on by COVID, but were also helping to rethink, solve, and game-change existing challenges within the sectors too. To date, we’re helping teams and venues across the UK spanning football, rugby, cricket, ice hockey, and athletics. And, as venues look to operate smarter and more efficiently, the demand for simple, adoptable, and easy-to-use tech is becoming even more in demand.  Want to join the other stadiums and teams who already “Think Purple”? Get in touch to see how we can help adopt the tech you need to optimise everything from everyday operations, stewarding and contract management, compliance, team culture, event day experiences,

Vindico Arena illuminates the Welsh capital to mark a new era for the city’s ice rink The arena – which is home to the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team – has lit up in purple for the first time to mark a new era for the iconic sporting venue.  Aerial images from our launch night show the arena light up the capital’s Bay area following an initial launch party, which saw the Vindico team, along with our VIP guests from across the UK gather to celebrate the new era for the arena.  The new era is a result of a six-figure, five-year deal that saw the Cardiff Bay ice rink renamed as Vindico Arena as of May 2023. Read all about it here.  In addition to the name change, the ice rink’s website and social media handles have also adopted the new Vindico Arena name and our signature purple branding.  Visitors, skaters, and ice hockey fans will also see the popular sporting venue’s new purple branding everywhere from the entrance foyer to the big screens, lounges, and bar area.  However, Cardiff Devils fans will be happy to know that on match nights Vindico Arena will light up in red as a nod to the team’s

Glamorgan Cricket adopts Vindico’s SWAPP platform to digitise operations and streamline efficiency at Sophia Gardens  Vindico has partnered with Glamorgan Cricket to help the prestigious Welsh first-class cricket club up their digital game.  Together, we’re set to revolutionise the team’s operations at the iconic Sophia Gardens through our SWAPP platform.  SWAPP is already the go-to platform for many of the UK’s arenas and sports teams, but this latest partnership is Vindico’s first collaboration with a first-class cricket club.  If you’re a cricket fan in Wales, you’re no stranger to Glamorgan Cricket. Since 1967, they’ve been drawing crowds to Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens. This iconic venue underwent a major facelift back in 2007-2008, boosting its capacity to 16,000. They’ve hosted some epic matches and tournaments, including the Ashes test match in 2009 and the Champions Trophy in 2013 and 2017. But Sophia Gardens is not just about cricket; it’s a thriving place for conferences, concerts, and even fireworks nights, too.  So why Vindico then? Glamorgan were on the hunt for a game-changing app-based system that would digitise their processes. They wanted to be able to manage everything from stewarding programmes to live event reporting and event and match day parking all in one easy place.  Glamorgan work closely with fellow Vindico partner, Principality Stadium, and they share many of the same match day staff, including stewards. So, after getting a sneak peek of SWAPP – and how it’s helping drive Principality Stadium’s digital transformation – they knew they wanted to bring it to Sophia Gardens.   Solving problems and boosting efficiency  Glamorgan is ready to embrace a more efficient way of doing things. With Vindico’s SWAPP platform, stewarding programs will be seamlessly coordinated, improving communication among staff members and contractors. Real-time updates and better situational awareness during matches and events will be a breeze with the simplified live event reporting, safety and compliance necessities will be taken care of, and those parking management hassles will be a thing of the past. By digitising match day – and everyday – processes, Glamorgan aims to make things smoother, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone. As George Mead, Operations Manager at Glamorgan Cricket puts it:  “We are looking to move away from the paper-based systems that we currently have in place. This will help us become far more efficient and will help improve our operations at the stadium on a daily basis.  “We are excited to be working with Vindico and look forward to developing the app together over the coming years.”  “As Vindico’s first cricket club collaboration, we can’t wait to see how SWAPP transforms Glamorgan Cricket’s operations.  “This partnership marks a major digital milestone for both Vindico and Glamorgan Cricket” adds Rhys Perkins, Head of Partnerships at Vindico.  “They’re not just embracing technology; they’re setting the pace for the cricket industry. With Vindico’s SWAPP platform, Glamorgan aims to elevate their operations, deliver unforgettable experiences to cricket fans, and establish Sophia Gardens as a true cricketing powerhouse – and we’re here to help them achieve just that.”  By ditching old-school paperwork and adopting SWAPP’s digital solutions, Glamorgan are poised to revolutionise their safety, processes, and operations at Sophia Gardens.  This move to adopt SWAPP showcases their commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the cricketing world and marks the start of an exciting new digital era

Here it is – your first look at the brand-new branding for Vindico Arena.  We know we promised that Vindico Arena won’t just mean a fancy sign on the side of the ice rink – but that doesn’t mean we can’t still have the fancy sign! The new Vindico Arena branding marks a significant milestone in the transformation of one of Cardiff’s most-loved venues – and home to the Cardiff Devils.  A symbol of progress, collaboration, and boundless possibilities, the sleek and dynamic design encapsulates Vindico commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation. “The new branding embodies the essence of progress, collaboration, cutting-edge solutions, and boundless possibilities,” says Rhys Perkins, Head of Partnerships at Vindico.   “It’s a visual representation of our commitment to growth, advancement, and the endless potential that lies ahead for the ice rink. The bold colours and modern design set the stage for an exciting future; one that helps optimise the arena experience for hockey fans, skaters, and visitors alike.” Click here to find out more about our vision for Vindico Arena.  The new arena branding is expected to roll out from late Summer 2023, and will remain in place for the duration of our initial

The top problems we’ve heard about Excel – from real businesses taking part in Vindico’s diagnostics sessions.  Excel has long been a go-to tool for data management and analysis in the workplace. But, despite its widespread use, it’s not always the ideal solution for a business – and it might even be holding you back. Complexity, fragility, limited accessibility, and a hindrance to growth and collaboration are just some of the problems with Excel we’ve heard from businesses during our diagnostic sessions. Here’s what businesses looking to gain a digital edge are saying.  And one simple fix… Tailored tech is the way forward for digital transformation. Often perceived as complicated and expensive, we created SWAPP (Smart Workplace Application) as a direct response to businesses looking for a simpler, better way to manage their business data, systems, and processes. Vindico’s Dev Team are behind some of today’s most innovative tailored tech. But innovative doesn’t mean complicated. Completely modular, our user-friendly approach to tailored tech is helping smart businesses to solve old problems that Excel simply can’t fix, prepare for the future, and create simpler, better, more accessible systems and processes. To find out more about our diagnostic sessions, SWAPP, and tailored tech solutions that can fix your Excel woes, click here to get in touch with one of our

Vindico Arena won’t just be a fancy sign on the side of the ice rink – it’s our new home and tech hub that will offer next-level experiences.  Back last month we announced a five-year deal with Ice Arena Wales – home of the Cardiff Devils – which will see the ice rink renamed as Vindico Arena from Summer 2023. But it’s more than just putting our name on it. For us at Vindico, this move signifies the creation of a new home, a thriving tech and innovation hub, and a next-level experience for visitors and Cardiff Devils fans alike.  We want Vindico Arena to become a symbol of progress, collaboration, and boundless possibilities.   A New Home for VindicoVindico Arena isn’t just our Cardiff headquarters; it’s a place where Vindico’s vision and values will come to life. We’re already beginning to invest in state-of-the-art facilities at our workspace to provide an inspiring environment for our team. With a vibe that mixes collaborative working and cutting-edge technology, we’re creating a hub where our talented team can unleash their full potential and drive tech and innovation. And it doesn’t stop here – we want Vindico Arena to embody the spirit of innovation that defines our company’s culture, too. Which brings us to…  A Thriving Tech and Innovation HubWe’re not just putting our name on Vindico Arena, we’re creating a catalyst for growth in the tech and innovation sector, too. At Vindico, we’re known for our cutting-edge solutions and forward-thinking mindset, and we aim to transform the arena into a vibrant ecosystem that fosters collaboration, creativity, and breakthrough advancements. We know the importance of community and collaboration, and we’re bringing together tech startups, industry leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs together under one roof. The arena hosts events that bring people together, from tech workshops and conferences to innovation summits and fundraisers. Our commitment to making a positive impact also extends beyond the walls of the arena. We’re all about establishing meaningful connections with the community and driving positive change. Speaking of which… A Next-Level Experience for Visitors and Devils FansWe’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: We’re not just a thriving tech an innovation business – we’re sports fans, too. Specifically, we’re massive Cardiff Devils fans. For this reason, we want to make sure all visitors and Devils fans get a next-level experience at Vindico Arena. We already provide the WiFi for the arena, but we’re taking it up a notch. Over the coming months, we’ll be implementing cutting-edge tech to help drive an optimised fan experience, while updating the signage and branding, too. From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be greeted with an atmosphere that’s unparalleled, whether you’re here for an event, brushing up on your skating, or attending an electrifying Devils match night. Vindico Arena is setting the stage for unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting impression.  For us, Vindico Arena represents the merging of technology, innovation, and community. It is a beacon of progress and a visual reminder of our commitment to pushing boundaries and creating exceptional tech and tech experiences. Beyond being a name on a building, Vindico Arena embodies a new era of possibility, where tech innovation flourishes, a sense of home is created, and unforgettable moments

Vindico’s SWAPP at Principality Stadium has been shortlisted in for Venue Technology at the 2023 TheStadiumBusiness Awards  TheStadiumBusiness Awards are the only awards to recognise a whole spectrum of achievements from across the global stadium industry.  And, as a company at the forefront of tech and innovation in the stadia sector, we couldn’t be happier to be recognised with our partner, Principality Stadium, in the Venue Technology category this year. We created SWAPP as a direct response to the pandemic, but today it’s optimising efficiency and safety for the stadia sector – and it’s changing the game for venues and teams.  SWAPP originally caught the attention of Principality Stadium and 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’s now been adopted by several teams, including Welsh Athletics, Scarlets Rugby, Cardiff Rugby, Sale Sharks, and the Elite Ice Hockey League. Today it helps venues including Principality Stadium, Sixways Stadium, Glamorgan Cricket, and Parc Y Scarlets to safely manage staff, teams, contractors, and visitors. It’s also been adopted by businesses including Andrew Scott and Transport for Wales. Click here to see how SWAPP is helping Principality Stadium to optimise the experience on match days. “Being shortlisted among global brands at this year’s TheStadiumBusiness Awards gives recognition to the amazing partnerships, projects, and client collaborations we’ve been part of,” says Vindico MD Jo Polson. “Vindico is all about tech for good. But we’re not just tech pros – we’re massive sports fans, too. So being able to support stadiums, arenas, venues, and teams by giving them the tools they need to help keep fans, staff, contractors, and media teams safe, while optimising processes, efficiency, and overall experience is a dream for us. And being recognised for this within the industry is even better.” Vindico couldn’t have been shortlisted without the help of Technical Ryan Griffiths and the incredible Dev Team who are constantly adding new features to keep SWAPP one smart step ahead for our stadia clients.  Recognition for SWAPP isn’t just for us at Vindico – it also helps us shine the light on our forward-thinking stadia clients who are embracing and implementing this tech to stay one safe, efficient step ahead.  TheStadiumBusiness Awards winners will be announced at a ceremony at this year’s annual TheStadiumBusiness Summit at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on 29 – 30 June, where Vindico MD Jo Polson is also a

Tech is the future of stadium safety – and Vindico is proud to be leading the way!  We have a long history of working with stadiums, event venues, and sporting arenas. But our relationships with stadia clients really ramped up during the pandemic, with our in-demand tailored tech platform playing a crucial role in bringing British sport back safely to our screens, and fans back into stadiums.  Our tailored tech platform, SWAPP (Smart Workplace Application), originally caught the attention of Principality Stadium and 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 several teams and stadiums, including Scarlets Rugby, Cardiff Rugby, Sale Sharks, and the Elite Ice Hockey League. Our tailored tech gives venues the simple tech they need to implement safety measures that keep staff, contractors, and visitors safe. And today it helps venues including Principality Stadium, Sixways Stadium, and Parc Y Scarlets to safely manage staff, teams, contractors, stewards, and visitors. It’s also been adopted by businesses including Andrew Scott and Transport for Wales. Click here to see the highlights of Vindico MD Jo Polson’s talk at the 2022 TheStadiumBusiness Summit. Stadium safety in one smart place  Our tailored tech platform brings all the necessary safety tools and protocols into on smart place.  It eliminates complicated, laborious safety and compliance tasks to give stadiums live information that supports management team with safety, staffing, and customer experience.  It also saves time and energy in organising and engaging with teams, contractors, and stewards – making for a simpler and better process.  A handy QR code scanner, contactless sign in / out access, valuable track and trace, and pre-registration features also make working with – and managing – stewards, contractors, and temporary staff easy and efficient.  It also monitors industry standards, workplace regulations, and industry accreditations to make sure that all members of staff and contractors are up-to-date and meet the current required guidelines. “What started as a product for a pandemic quickly became an essential tool for changing workforces in the stadia sector, and we’ve continuously updated features to stay one safety step ahead” says Vindico’s Head of Partnerships Rhys Perkins.  Features and updates for SWAPP include: Moreover, we purposely made our tailored tech easy to use, accessible to all levels, and with a focus on promoting digital knowledge transfer (which is more important now than ever before!).  SWAPP is now one of the most prominent safety platforms used in the UK sport and stadia sector. And with new updates and features constantly being added into the mix, we’re committed to keeping it one safe step ahead of the rest.  To find out more about SWAPP, and our tailored tech products for sports and stadia, click here to get

Head of Partnerships Rhys Perkins looks back at a year of developing tech relationships at Vindico It’s been a whole year since Rhys joined the Vindico team to head up our tech partnerships – and one year on, the relationships pro reflects on a whirlwind 12 months and a whole lot of purple.  Vindico: How did you end up joining the purple side?  Rhys: It started as all things do – with a good steak and a chat! I’ve known Jo for many years and have always met up for coffee and events and watched the growth, culture and fun that he was creating at Vindico. Then, just over a year ago, Jo called to invite me to come on board. After explaining the journey the business was on, I jumped with two feet into the new role of Head of Partnerships.  Vindico: Seems like a typical ‘Jo’ onboarding approach! What exactly does the Head of Partnerships role involve? Rhys: I lead Vindico’s overall engagement strategy for the business. This involves supporting both internal and external projects, liaising with our wonderful existing clients, finding and engaging with new businesses who haven’t heard about Vindico yet and don’t currently ‘Think Purple’, and starting conversations that help businesses to better understand tech – and to show them how it can simplify and optimise each unique business scenario. Vindico: Sounds like there’s plenty of variety. What do clients have in common?   Rhys: The clients we work with come from all sectors and industries but have a few things in common. They want to grow their business, they’re passionate about what they do, they’ve come to a point where they have too many ‘productivity’ apps and systems that don’t talk to each other, and they need to create a better way of working. Essentially, they want to make their working lives simpler and better but don’t know how. Vindico: What tech trends are you seeing / using to help businesses achieve simpler and better ways of working?  Rhys: One of the biggest emerging trends of 2023 is the rise of AI, and how it can be used by businesses to help support business growth. Part of my role involves showing clients that it’s not something to fear, but a tool that lets us to ask better questions to deliver better, data-driven outcomes.  And, speaking data, that’s another big trend. Data is something every business has, but so many aren’t using it effectively to drive business growth. It’s not about tons of data, it’s about meaningful data that businesses can understand and utilise to help drive better business performance. Vindico: What does a typical workday look like?  Rhys: A normal day starts with walking my dog by the river, and normally get covered in mud before I start. I also have three kids, including a 14-week-old baby, so I try to make sure I get them ready and to school on time, and I make my wife a coffee in bed every morning before my Vindico duties begin. My workday is really varied and involves a mix of meeting clients and prospects remotely and in-person, engage with our team to understand where we are with projects and timelines, consuming lots of coffee, and trying to get someone to give me tickets to the NFL! Vindico: When you’re not working, how do you unwind?  Rhys: Unwind? I have three kids!  But seriously, I love to cook and feed people, and I love watching rugby, the NFL (the packers are my team, and ice hockey (of course I support the Cardiff Devils).  Vindico: Lastly, why is purple your favourite colour?  Rhys: Purple is something that defines our business at Vindico and it’s what we’re recognised for wherever we go. I’m known as the tall purple guy, and at events people talk about “those purple guys”. It’s a total conversation starter and it leads to people talking with us and wanting to get to know us.  You can find out more about Vindico’s lovely clients and tech partnerships here. Haven’t already started Thinking Purple? Click here to get in touch