Following on from our place on Small Business Saturday’s Small Biz 100 list last year, we’re proud to be supporting again in 2022. Small Business Saturday is celebrating its 10th year – and we at Vindico couldn’t be prouder to support the campaign in 2022. Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success, and Vindico were honoured to make its Small Biz 100 list in the run up to the annual event in 2021. This year’s event promises to be its biggest and best one yet. And with a tour focus on sustainability and zero emissions, it couldn’t be more up our street. As Vindico MD, Jo Polson puts it: “As a company that innovates tech for good, sustainability plays into everything we do here at Vindico. So, this year’s tour theme hits home for us. “We’re so thankful to be able to play a part in helping our Small Business Saturday mentees adapt, innovate, and evolve for the better – and we’re excited to continue this work by once again supporting the campaign this year.” This year’s Small Business Saturday event takes place on

Vindico’s SWAPP platform is helping big names across sport and business to optimise safety, compliance, and wellbeing. Here’s how… SWAPP (which stands for Smart Workplace Application) is a platform Vindico originally created to meet the safety and compliance demands of Transport for Wales back in 2021. But what started as product for a public sector client quickly became an essential tool for changing workforces. Since launching, SWAPP’s been in such high demand that our dev team, led by Technical Director Ry, have been hard at work adding even more features to help the growing safety and compliance demands of businesses, stadiums, arenas, and sports teams. “We used the Covid pandemic as a chance to not just tackle new problems, but solve old ones, too,” says Vindico MD, Jo Polson. And one of the key problems SWAPP is solving is safety and compliance – especially as we prepare for Covid restrictions to be lifted. Here’s how: SWAPP collates an organisation’s up-to-date practices, processes, and policies into one user-friendly app Providing a streamlined approach, SWAPP gives optimum visibility for businesses, while also taking care of all the measures needed for optimum safety, compliance, and wellbeing It covers everything from inductions and snagging to incident reporting and accreditation checks. It also monitors every project and job on site – whether it’s a depot, an arena, or an office SWAPP’s key features include: Sign in/out (across all offices and sites, for staff, visitors, and contractors) Site dashboards (providing info on who is where, and key project information) Fire roll call (for each site) Staff directory (with bios, click-to-email function, and contact info) Inductions Notice board Reporting (of accidents, incidents, and snagging) Accreditation (and permit to work creation) Integrated document viewer (so no more searching through emails for the right attachments) Contract management Track and trace Snagging Live fire roll call Risk assessments “We’re continuously updated features to stay one step ahead – and to make workplaces safer and more efficient,” adds Jo. “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.” Fast-forward to today and SWAPP is now one of the most prominent safety apps used across the UK. Simple to use, and smart to run, SWAPP now provides a single portal for management teams to view essential live information, while optimising safety and compliance. Its seamless integration has seen brands including Walters Group, OOMPH!, Ministry of Furniture, and One Central Square adopt the platform in 2022 alone. To find out more about SWAPP – and how it can help your organisation streamline its approach to safety and compliance – drop us a

How Vindico’s SWAPP Platform is helping Transport for Wales maximise safety and compliance Transport for Wales came to us to help them comply with the changing regulations. They also wanted to make sure their workplace was as safe as possible. And we knew we could provide the solution. But let’s rewind for a second. Transport for Wales and Vindico have a relationship that goes way back. Vindico has been providing digital signage, WiFi, and live customer information for the Transport for Wales for the last five years. And this relationship has taught us a lot about how Transport for Wales works. It’s also given us insight into the challenges of controlling access to their depots throughout Wales – especially as they navigate changing Covid regulations. What we pitched wouldn’t just solve these problems for Transport for Wales. It would become a catalyst for brands across all sectors to achieve so much more. Enter SWAPP (Smart Workplace Application). Working closely with Transport for Wales for over nine months, we were able to collate all of the brand’s up-to-date practices, processes, and policies into one user-friendly app. Finally going live in August 2021, SWAPP is now used to streamline their approach, while providing optimum safety for everyone on site. The platform doesn’t just control access to each of Transport for Wales’ sites. It also runs their inductions, snagging, incident reporting, and monitors every project and job on site. SWAPP’s key features include: Sign in/out (across all offices and sites, for staff, visitors, and contractors) Site dashboards (providing info on who is where, and key project information) Fire roll call (for each site) Staff directory (with bios, click-to-email function, and contact info) Inductions Notice board Reporting (of accidents, incidents, and snagging) Accreditation (and permit to work creation) Integrated document viewer (so no more searching through emails for the right attachments)   Digitising the experience means the old sign-in book is gone for good. Live dashboards that offer a complete overview of each site have also replaced endless email chains that provided only a singular view of projects and incidents. SWAPP has also simplified the process for contractors and team members. A single portal allows them to upload all relevant safety certification and Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS) in advance. It also manages work requests and advanced screening – giving Transport for Wales ability to manage and assess contractors before they are permitted on site. “Vindico over-delivered,” says Kieran Hickman of Transport for Wales. “The scope kept changing and they continually added the requests to the system with smiles on their faces. SWAPP has totally transformed and improved contractor and visitor management for us at Transport for Wales – especially from a safety point of view in a very safety critical industry.” SWAPP has made the entire process simpler and better for Transport for Wales. It’s become their key contact system, and its innovative capabilities have satisfied unions and other departments along the way. Although this foundation is leading the way for smarter, safer workplaces, Vindico’s development team are continually updated and improving SWAPP’s features to keep it one step ahead. New features and modules soon to be added will range from asset tracking to rota management, so WATCH THIS SPACE! To find out how SWAPP can help your organisation streamline its approach while optimising safety and compliance, click here to get in

Vindico is pleased to announce our latest tech partnership with Oomph! Vindico’s latest tech partnership will see us collaborate with Oomph! to drive Oomph! On Demand and its related services. As the UK’s leading wellbeing business for older adults, Oomph! is on a mission to positively change the impact of ageing. They aim to do this through nationwide training, support, solutions, and days out. And as tech partner, Vindico will now be lending an innovative hand to help Oomph! do just that. The partnership will cover all aspects of tech related to Oomph!’s On Demand services. Led by Technical Director Ryan Griffiths, Vindico’s Purple Vinjas will be using their expertise to help Oomph! streamline the brand’s digital approach whilst also enhancing the customer experience. Speaking of the new tech partnership, Vindico MD, Jo Polson says: “Their wonderful offerings already bring massive improvement to the lives of those in care so the opportunity to be part of this evolution and create an even bigger impact makes all of us at Vindico delighted to be part of the future journey of Oomph!” Adding to this, Ben Allen, CEO and Founder, Oomph! Wellness says: “We are delighted to be working with Vindico to refine and develop our technology solutions for care teams. This exciting partnership will enable us to step up our offering and bring a whole new level of wellbeing to the sector.” Could your brand be enhancing the customer experience with better tech? Drop us a line here to find out how we can streamline, digitise, and elevate your brand experience with our bespoke tech

We at Vindico are reversing the trend, closing the gender gap in Wales, and celebrating the wonderful women in tech. We’re part of an industry that’s bound to an outdated stereotype of male coders. A kind of ‘boys club’ if you will. But it wasn’t always this way. Whereas some industries have closed the gender gap, tech is one field where women have actually lost ground. A recent Forbes article points out that in 1984, 37% of computer science graduates were women. By 2015, this had dropped to just 18%. In the UK, women have accounted for – give or take – just 16% of the tech workforce during the last decade. And this percentage is decreasing. What’s more, A PwC research report found that just 27% of female students in the UK would consider a career in tech, compared to 62% of their male peers. But we’re here to make a change. We’re actively crushing tech’s outdated stereotypes. And we’re proving that it’s no longer an all-male industry that’s solitary, technical, and uncreative. It’s a place for blue sky thinking. A place to innovate. A place for everyone. We’re committed to closing the tech gender gap in Wales. We’re proud to be paving the way for women in tech, and if you’re a developer who’d like to join us on the journey then we’d love to hear from you! You can drop us a line here, or email us at

Rhys Perkins will use his wealth of business development experience to head partnerships at Vindico. Vindico is growing rapidly, and our latest recruit will use his exceptional experience to build and nurture our wonderful client relationships. Rhys joins us following a successful career in the insurance industry. His previous roles include business development manager at Jelf, development leader at Marsh Commercial, and business development associate at UKGI Group. Rhys’s track record of building and engaging in long lasting relationships clients – as well as helping to build future-proof solutions for businesses – means he’s a perfect fit for Vindico. “I’m genuinely thrilled to be joining Vindico at this time,” says Rhys. “I’ve admired the company and culture ever since I met [Vindico MD] Jo four years ago. I’ve seen the team grow and thrive year on year, and I’m excited to see how I can help Vindico along the journey.” Rhys will now be using his skills to engage with new clients and sectors, while also building on our existing client relationships – with our #ThinkPurple ethos at the core. In case you haven’t heard yet, #ThinkPurple means asking better questions to deliver better outcomes, deliver better outcomes by asking better questions. And it’s more than a catchy slogan. It’s our ethos, our mission, it underpins everything we do. It’s what clients such as the Welsh Rugby Union, Oomph!, Penderyn Distillery, and Transport for Wales know and trust. But we digress… Rhys now joins our team of 22 of the finest thinkers and innovators that Wales has to offer. And Vindico MD Jo Polson couldn’t be happier. “I first met Rhys about four years ago – when he came to Vindico HQ to try and sell us insurance,” says Jo. “We ended up selling him the #ThinkPurple dream instead and have kept in touch ever since. Those conversations grew and with every coffee we were even more sure that he’d be the perfect fit. I’m delighted to be able to count Rhys among our ranks now as we build our team ready for the year ahead.” We at Vindico want to extend a huge welcome to Rhys, and we can’t wait to see how he’s going to add tons of #ThinkPurple attitude to his new

Want to know what it’s really like to get hands-on tech experience? Vindico intern, Rory Durrant, spills the beans on his tech placement. Tech is having a bit of a moment. As businesses and households alike all shift to a more digitised approach, there’s never been a better time to consider a career in tech. But what’s it really like to get stuck into the fast-paced world of an ever-changing industry? We sat down with our very own tech intern, Rory Durrant, to get the low-down on his experience so far. Vindico: How have you found your tech placement with us so far? Rory: The placement so far has been outstanding, I never expected to be able to contribute to so many different projects. Each one’s been completely different from the last, requiring its own set of skills. I’ve gained so much experience and learnt a ton from the amazing and insanely skilled team here at Vindico. Vindico: What did you expect from the tech placement? Rory: I wasn’t completely sure what to expect from the tech placement. I assumed I would be working on either a single project or lots of different versions of the same thing. Coming from development experience in the public sector, I assumed it would be very similar, leaning towards older techniques and battle-tested technologies. Vindico: So, did this match the experience? Rory: Not at all! I’ve never worked on so many different, interesting projects in such a short amount of time! Every single week has been something different, or something new and upcoming. Plus, the emphasis on fast and new technologies was a game-changer for me. It’s allowed me to gain experience that will future-proof my development skills, rather than stick to already established practices. Vindico: Best bit about the placement? Rory: It has to be the people. Jo has built such an amazing team with the best workplace atmosphere I’ve ever been a part of. Everyone is incredibly skilled at what they do and is willing to support and guide you – even if you’re a complete newbie like me. Vindico: How has the tech placement compared to any other jobs or experience you’ve had? Rory: It’s been a world of difference from previous development jobs I’ve had. From the pace of development and the use of faster, cutting-edge tech to the team and workplace ethic. So far it has been a blast to work and learn here at Vindico. Vindico: What would you say to anyone thinking about a year in industry with Vindico? Rory: If you get the chance to take on a tech placement with Vindico then I’d highly recommend it – especially if you want to build your skills in web development and server-side applications. Interested in taking on a tech placement at Vindico? We’re always on the hunt for tech talent to join our expanding team. Drop us a line here to find out more.

Vindico joins forces with Tech Wales Advocates to support the nation’s fellow tech leaders. We at Vindico are excited to announce that we’ve become Tech Wales Advocates. Tech Wales Advocates is a grassroots community of tech leaders who have joined forces to support the tech ecosystem in Wales. The non-profit supports founders and entrepreneurs in Wales and provides a platform that helps them connect with investors. So, it ticks all the boxes for Vindico. We at Vindico are champions for change. Change is a huge part of everything we do. From taking a unique #ThinkPurple approach to the projects we deliver to promoting greater equality and opportunities within the tech sector. We’re committed to using our position as Tech Wales Advocates to not just throw the spotlight on these issues, but to be a driving force for change. And we do this through leading by example and shouting about it as loud as we can. The future is bright for Welsh tech. Never have we seen so much innovation and tech talent coming out of Wales. We’re just not very good at telling the world about it. But why? Although the sector may be small in Wales, we at Vindico really believe that our size is a benefit to innovation. “Small wheels turn faster than big ones,” insists Vindico MD, Jo Polson. “They also have a greater ability to stop, pivot, and adapt to change than larger, more cumbersome competitors. “If we can use this fully to our advantage, I see no reason why Wales cannot be the next innovation powerhouse of the UK – and beyond – we just need to get better at shouting about it!” You can find out more about how we at Vindico are driving big change through our smart software and tech solutions by

Ministry of Furniture are digitising their approach to scaling up with the help of SWAPP Ministry of Furniture are experts in creating workplace and educational environments. And as we return to offices and classrooms after the COVID peak – they’re a brand that’s in demand. So much so thar they’re about to move to bigger space to increase their manufacturing capability – and that’s where Vindico and our SWAPP platform comes in. Ministry of Furniture’s new site houses cutting edge tech – from 3D models to augmented reality – and SWAPP will providing the foundation platform they need to access and adopt these latest innovations into their business. SWAPP will bring a new level of efficiency to Ministry of Furniture. It will allow the growing business to efficiently scale up, increase their product portfolio, and automate many manual processes. SWAPP will also help the brand speed up customer service and engagement. This project is a biggie for Vindico and our SWAPP platform. And it started the way all good projects do – with coffee and pastries! The Vindico team were instantly drawn to Ministry of Furniture. Aside from their excellent reputation, impeccable service, and customer care, it’s hard not to notice the big purple branding (talk about synergy!). Using our established SWAPP platform, Vindico will be creating bespoke modules for stock, customer CRM, quoting, and order building. Bringing together data from multiple suppliers, in multiple formats, is a constant challenge in this industry. To solve this, we’ll be creating a data profiling tool that will streamline the process and enable easy addition to the new Ministry of Furniture product database. This means that customers will get the quickest possible access to Ministry of Furniture’s new additions and services. The difference SWAPP will be making is huge. And we really mean huge. Ministry of Furniture has a team who are all working really hard – but time is always an issue. SWAPP’s automation will free the team from time-consuming manual tasks, so they so they can spend more time doing what they really want to be doing – looking after their customers. On top of this, SWAPP will give Ministry of Furniture live oversights and dashboards to each department – so the relevant key drivers are just a glance away. Click here to find out more about how SWAPP is helping teams and businesses of all sizes and structures to digitise and

Vindico has signed up for another season of platinum sponsorship with the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team. Sure, Vindico are tech and innovation experts and problem-solvers, but we’re also massive Cardiff Devils fans, too. In fact, we’re not just a proud sponsor of the Cardiff Devils, we love the team so much that you’ll find our Cardiff HQ at Ice Arena Wales. Speaking of the partnership with the Cardiff Devils, Vindico MD, Jo Polson, says “It was such an easy decision to continue our sponsorship of the Cardiff Devil’s. We’ve even gone one step further this season by becoming the Innovation Partner for Ice Arena Wales – which is a perfect fit for our company and ethos. “It obviously helps being a fan of the Devils as well, but it’s brilliant to have a different offering for clients and friends that isn’t just the traditional rugby and football. We actually have a staff rota in Vindico because the demand for our place in the Devils Corporate Lounge is so high!” You’ll mostly find The Vindico team vying for those coveted match night seats – in between solving all of your tech problems,