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

A new report from the British Lung Foundation (BLF) and Asthma UK says that about six million people aged over 65 in England are at high risk of health issues such as lung damage and asthma attacks. The culprit? Toxic air. The report finds that older people, those with lung disease, and the most vulnerable to the effects of pollution are often the most exposed to toxic air. Air quality is an area that we’re particularly passionate here at Vindico. It’s also the reason why we created our Think Air initiative. Led by our Head of R&D, Paul Lewis, Think Air is helping to provide a more accurate picture of  background air pollution levels. This, in turn, helps make local air pollution-reducing initiatives more achievable. “This latest report on toxic air is further evidence of the impacts of particulates on the health of more vulnerable people in society,” says Paul Lewis. “It reinforces the need to revise PM2.5 limit values and targets as soon as possible. It’s alarming when you see the figures for care homes, GP practices, and hospitals. The potential exposure of the elderly and patients to PM2.5 levels above the limits recommended by the WHO is also alarming. “I echo Professor Alistair Lewis’ comments. The PM2.5 that we breathe might often come from many miles away. This is one reason why we can’t 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.” And that’s exactly what we’re hoping to achieve with Think Air. It’s already on track to being the largest live Air Quality sensor network in Wales. We’ve also started to expand to counties across the border in England, too. Think Air is changing the way we measure, monitor, raise awareness of air quality. It’s also driving positive change, which, in the wake of this new report exposing the impact of toxic air on our health, it’s more essential than ever.   You can find out more about Think Air and our commitment to better

The Cardiff Blues and the Scarlets join the Welsh Rugby Union by using our SWAPP Lite app for their upcoming home games. This follows the WRU’s successful rollout of SWAPP Lite. It’s been used at the Autumn Internationals at Parc Y Scarlets, and at this year’s Six Nations home games. You can find out how the WRU are using SWAPP Lite this Six Nations here. But back to the story. 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, contractors and the media. And SWAPP Lite will be helping the Cardiff Blues and Scarlets do just that. The safety app is a bespoke version of the original SWAPP app we created for Transport for Wales. It features a handy QR code scanner, valuable track and trace, and pre-registration features. It also has the ability to monitor standards and accreditations. This lets organisations make sure that all members of staff and contractors are up-to-date and meet current required guidelines. As our MD Jo puts it: “When we were developing SWAPP Lite with Welsh rugby in mind, it was important for us to not just focus on the new problems the pandemic has brought us. We also wanted to fix some old problems, too. “We’re actively using these new challenges as a catalyst for positive change. We’re delivering something that will continue to add value, even once restrictions are lifted.” In true #ThinkPurple fashion, we’re always thinking ahead. Additional features and enhancements are already being added to SWAPP Lite. “We’ve recently added a fire register and have replaced the sign in/out book,” says Jo. “This provides the venue with simple contact management for staff and contractors, all while ensuring a safer working environment that’s fit for today’s challenges. “It creates a fantastic platform for further development, integration and utility. It’s also making the most of the changing state that we’ve all been forced to adopt. “When life gives us lemons, we make some pretty cool lemonade!” Want to turn lemons into lemonade? Or – in this instance – help your organisation adapt and navigate these changing times? Drop us a line to find out how SWAPP Lit can help you and your workplace operate smoothly and safely both during and after

Following a successful rollout at the Autumn Internationals, the Welsh Rugby Union are using our SWAPP Lite app to keep their teams and staff safe during this year’s Six Nations. SWAPP Lite (which stands for Safe Workplace APPlication) is a unique app. It’s been developed to meet the strict COVID-19 safety guidelines of both the WRU and the Welsh Government. How? Well, SWAPP Lite allows the WRU to track and trace at home games. The app also has an added permit module that allows teams, staff, broadcasters, and contractors to register in advance. This lets them confirm that they’re safe to attend each event. This is the second time the WRU will be using SWAPP Lite. It follows a successful performance during the Autumn Internationals at Parc Y scarlets. Read more about the initial rollout here. “With people travelling from all over the country to make the Six Nations happen, the Welsh Rugby Union’s focus is to deliver the best possible event with the safest possible working environment. And that’s why they came to us,”  says Vindico MD, Jo Polson. “It’s brilliant to continue our work with the WRU and build on what we delivered for the Autumn Internationals at Parc y Scarlets. “Even with games being played behind closed doors, there is still a huge responsibility to keep teams, staff, contractors, and broadcasters safe. “Bringing SWAPP Lite to the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Arms Park means we yet again get to help sport take place safely in Wales. “There is definitely more to come from our SWAPP Lite app in the coming months. We have created a really simple tool with huge scope that can just as easily be used to help our kids get back to school – something I know my Wife would like very much!” And the WRU aren’t the only sports organisation rolling out the SWAPP Lite app. Following the recent success of the app, both the Llanelli Scarlets and Cardiff Blues will adopt the SWAPP Lite app for their home games at Parc Y Scarlets and the Arms Park. But how did it come about? Good question. Swapp Lite is a bespoke version of our SWAPP app, which was originally created for Transport For Wales. The app is tailored to each unique scenario to provide a safe way to control access to venues and workplaces. Aside from a handy QR code scanner, valuable track and trace, and pre-registration features, the app also monitors standards and accreditations. This, in turn, makes sure that all members of staff are up-to-date and meet current required guidelines. Could your team, organisation or workplace benefit from SWAPP Lite? To find out more about SWAPP – and how it can help your business or event meet the latest Government or industry safety criteria – drop us a

A large UK study has linked air pollution to eye health – and a higher risk of irreversible sight loss. Yes, you read that right. The study shows that even small rises in pollution can increase the risk of irreversible sight loss from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We already know that poor air quality has a negative impact on almost every organ in the body. But this study is the first to dive into the impact of air pollution on eye health. As our head of R&D – and professor emeritus – Paul Lewis puts it: “In terms of its impact on health, air pollution is traditionally associated with respiratory and heart conditions. It’s also known to shorten the life of some people with these conditions. “But this new study shows that air pollution – especially fine particles like PM2.5 – can impact our health and wellbeing in ways perhaps we as scientists wouldn’t have believed a few years ago.” The air pollution problem is real. Both the World Health Organisation and the UK Government tout air pollution as the largest environmental health risk we face today. Air pollution causes as many as 24,000 premature deaths each year in the UK. Poor air quality is also linked to heart and lung disease, low birth weight, and children’s lung development. There’s also increasing evidence to suggest that poor air quality also contributes to mental health issues and overall wellbeing. “The impact is not just physical,” says Paul. “There is growing evidence pointing to the negative effects of air pollution on our mental wellbeing. “This highlights the importance of having real data available everywhere. But this can only be achieved by having more low-cost air quality monitors across the country.” And this is what we’re hoping to achieve with Think Air. Our very own air quality sensor network is a literal breath of fresh air. It’s already live across many parts of Wales. It’s also on track to being the largest live air sensor network in the country. As evidence continues to reveal the negative impacts of air pollution on our health and wellbeing, Think Air has never been so important. You can find out more about Think Air and our commitment to better air

We’re excited to be collaborating with the Llanelli college that has played an important role in Vindico’s evolution. Coleg Sir Gar is the place where almost half of the Vindico team gained their skills as students or apprentices (including our brilliant, blue-sky-thinking Technical Director Ryan Griffiths). It’s also shaped some of the finest thinkers and innovators in Wales. Vindico’s latest project is a collaboration with both Coleg Sir Gar and the Agriculture Research Centre for Wales. The task? To build a bespoke software platform that collects and analyses sensor data on a multi-site project. The software will measure everything from the weather and soil moisture to leaf wetness and everything in between. It will provide a simple visualisation of complicated data in the field (literally!). It will also prompt the correct actions to take for optimal results, as well as logging these activities. The environment is an area that we’re particularly passionate about here at Vindico. In fact, this project ties in perfectly with our existing clean air initiative – Think Air. Keep your eyes peeled for a full case study on this exciting Welsh eco project. Click here  to find out more about our clean air sensor network – and how it can help your environmental impact

Vindico is kicking off 2021 with an exciting new digital project for Penderyn Distillery. It’s not the first time Vindico have partnered with Penderyn Distillery. We first worked with the famed Welsh whisky makers in 2016 – back when their tour bookings system was as aged as their bourbon. But thanks to some #ThinkPurple attitude, we worked with the hugely talented whisky-makers to digitise their distillery tours and vouchers. To date, this new system has raised almost £1m in revenue. The dreaded bookings diary is also finally gone! In fact, it’s been such a hit that, since going live, the new site and booking system has now been translated into Welsh, French, German and Chinese. But fast-forward to today, and we couldn’t be happier to work with Penderyn again. This time around, they’re putting the Penderyn e-commerce site in our hands. With UX (user experience) at the forefront, we’ll be combining the existing standalone site with our current digital platform to deliver a single, intuitive shopping cart experience to all visitors. Watch this space for a full case study. Cheers

This week, the Welsh Government released their Government’s Clean Air (Wales) Bill. But what exactly does it mean for you, your business, and your CSR? Our head of R&D – and Professor Emeritus of Swansea University – Paul Lewis sums it up. In a nutshell, the Clean Air (Wales) Bill shows a clear commitment by the Welsh Government to reduce the harm caused by exposure to air pollution. There are clear benefits not just to people’s health but also the environment. The key points to take away are: New powers for local authorities to implement Clean Air Zones or Low Emission Zones Some control to tackle fine particle air pollution from domestic burning New guidance for inter-sectoral workforces to tackle air pollution, and to protect the health and wellbeing of employees, while simultaneously delivering benefits for decarbonisation As Paul puts it: “At Vindico, we’ve had extensive dialogue with companies who already recognise the need to better protect the health and wellbeing of their workforce. “The new guidance and clarity will help those discussions enormously by answering the ‘why’s’, the ‘what’s’ and the ‘how’s’. It will also allow us to better tailor monitoring solutions for our clients.” Clean air is cause that we’re passionate about here at Vindico. To find out more about our Think Air initiative – and how it can help your business –

When Tai Ceredigion and Mid-Wales Housing Association merged to become Barcud, they knew they needed to get creative. The housing association was undergoing a complete brand transformation. And that called for a new website design that would set them apart. That’s where we came in. “We were looking for a company with innovative ideas,” says Barcud’s  Communications Officer, Janice Thomas “We needed a company who took all the different platforms into account. One who had the capacity to fulfil a very tight deadline, and who approached the project with a positive ‘can do’ attitude to problem solving.” They had us at “problem solving”, but it was up to us to prove that we could deliver. “Jo blew us away during the interview,” says Janice. “We over-ran on what we thought was a very generous time slot! “But he gave us ideas and possibilities and made us look at the project in a different way.” On to the project. In true Purple Vinja style, our Lead Creative, Kieran, worked closely with Barcud to understand what they wanted to achieve. He also used in-depth analytics from both current websites. These provided the concrete evidence we needed to inform key decisions throughout the entire website design process. Or, as Janice puts it: “Websites can be frightening things for muggles, but he put us at ease! “Kieran came up trumps. He worked with us, took our ideas on board, and provided justified reasoning behind why some things could, and could not, work. “In effect, Kieran had to work with two different organisations as the merger had not been completed. This meant juggling different ideas and priorities. But he dealt with it all in a professional, calm and diplomatic manner – even at the 11th hour, on a Sunday night, with a launch looming within hours!” The result? A new organisation with a clear, easy to navigate, fresh-looking website that sets Barcud apart from all other housing associations. “It’s different to all other housing association websites”, says Janice. “We’ve been praised for how easy it is to navigate, and how clean and sharp it looks. It’s everything we set out to achieve and we’re very happy with the outcome.” Could your website be performing better? Drop us a line to see how our #ThinkPurple approach can help you look at your site in a different way – for maximum