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

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

Paul may be joining us to head up R&D full time from January 2021, but he’s not fully cutting ties with academia just yet. The former Director of the Centre for Health and Environmental Management Research & Innovation will continue to be a spokesperson for Swansea University on the subject of (no points for guessing here) Air Quality. Paul has been heavily involved in research an innovation at the university since he became a professor at both the Medical School and School of Management in 2015. By 2017 Paul was Director of the Centre for Health and Environmental Management Research & Innovation (CHEMRI), which carries out research into how air pollution impacts on health and wellbeing.  Sound familiar?  It should do. This is what led to us collaborating on Think Air  – which is heavily influenced by Paul’s scientific interests and expertise. Paul’s role as spokesperson means he’ll continue to lend his expertise on air quality to press and publications – so you can expect to see and hear him across media outlets when the subject of air quality pops up. As well as this spokesperson role, Paul will also continue to sit on a number of Welsh Government panels and committees – where his expertise is helping to shape objectives, awareness and policies related to air quality. But back at Vindico, you can catch Paul’s signature work from January 2021. Got a project that needs Paul’s professional input in 2021? Drop us a line to see how we can take transform your next idea, concept or product into

Paul will head up R&D at Vindico on a full-time basis from January. Bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise, Paul – who became a Professor at both the Medical School and School of Management at Swansea University in 2015 – will be helping us kick off the New Year in true Think Purple fashion. This new role expands on Paul’s existing work with us – which involved lending his expertise to develop Think Air. In case you haven’t already heard by now, Think Air  is on track to becoming the largest live air quality network in Wales – and you can find out more about that here . But back to Professor Paul… Think Air was hugely influenced by the Paul’s specialist interest in air pollution – and its impact on our health and wellbeing. In fact, Paul is a Geneticist by degree, and carried out his PhD at Swansea University (which was a mixture of research into evolutionary Genetics, cancer genetics and molecular modelling). After his PhD, Paul began a career in genetic toxicology, modelling how nasty chemicals in cigarette smoke actually cause cancer by attaching to our genes and damaging them. I was also a martial arts instructor in the university and interested in the importance of lung health, breathing techniques and the whole concept of ‘good air’ required for peak performance. As Paul puts it: “My entire career since has mainly focused on studying the air that we breathe through respiratory health diagnostics, data analytics and technology development. I went on to work in the University of Wales College of Medicine as well as Cardiff University before returning to Swansea as a Lecturer in the new Medical School in 2004, where I led the Respiratory Diagnostics Group. “In 2015, I became a Professor at both the Medical School and School of Management. In 2017, I became the Director of the Centre for Health and Environmental Management Research & Innovation (CHEMRI) where we carry out research into how air pollution impacts on health and wellbeing.  “I first met Jo about two and a half years ago at the university’s Centre for Research Innovation and was blown away by Vindico’s whole philosophy. I was heavily involved in innovation at the university and had already spun out a diagnostic company as well as an air pollution technology company with my son, Sam, so was looking to partner with external companies. “I met with Ryan as well, there was an obvious synergy with what we were all doing, and real potential to develop sensor technologies and networks. “They ended up sponsoring Sam as a PhD student, developing new environmental sensors and Think Air was born. Vindico has provided a huge commitment in taking Think Air forward towards commercial success and after many happy years in academia I’m jumping ship to help them deliver it! “I’ll be heading up R&D, so I’ll be well in my comfort zone. We’re heading for a busy year developing the environmental management arm within the company so that will be my main focus. “I’ll also be bringing health technology IP into the company, and we’ll be looking at ways to further develop new healthcare management systems. “Aside from the technology development, my real interest is building the AI, data analytics and modelling capabilities within the company to provide new services and products. “What I love about Vindico though is the whole Think Purple approach to developing ideas and being able to literally visualise the pipeline from concepts to solutions – it’s very different to the slow slog of innovation from academia! Best of all though I get to work in Parc Y Scarlets. My boyhood dream was to play for the Scarlets and now I can go and play there every day!” Speaking of Paul joining the team, Vindico MD Jo Polson added:  “We’ve worked with Paul for 2 years now and he’s been instrumental in the evolution of Think Air. “He’s brought in a level of expertise you almost can’t buy, and we are blessed to have him join our team officially and full time on January 1st, 2021. “It’s quite a coup! “But it’s not just in Air Quality, Paul brings an extra Secret Sauce of Statistical Analysis and R&D expertise to our Defence and visualisation work too. “He’s going to be a busy boy!” Keep your eyes peeled for some of Paul’s signature work from January 2021.   Got a project that needs Paul’s professional input? Drop us a line to see how we can take transform your next idea, concept or product into

Our partnership with K Sharp has come a long way since a chance meeting in Llanelli. We’ve collaborated on several high-profile projects, we’ve joined forces to carry out top secret work for the MoD, and now we’ve taken our (business) relationship to the next level by moving in together. But who exactly are K Sharp? And why are we so proud of our partnership? Here’s why they’re kind of a big deal. K Sharp is a Human Science Research and Human Factors consultancy founded by husband and wife team, Barry and Amanda Kirby. They’re all about understanding and optimising the relationship and interaction between people and technology. “We believe in bringing interesting people to work on fun projects,” says Barry. They’ve got experience in everything from Blue Sky Research (which explores what soldiers will look like in the future) through to the design of next-generation systems (including how can we control an armoured vehicle or a submarine), and also lend a cultural and behavioural understanding of cyber and social media, smart cities and wearable technologies. K Sharp works mostly in the defence industry, and their clients include Dstl, the MoD, BAE Systems, GD UK, and QinetiQ. Sound cool? It really is. Our first collaboration was the MoD’s UKDEf500 project. For Vindico, it’s been our first experience in the military domain, and for K Sharp it’s meant working with a similar mindset, but from dramatically different background. Our collaborations don’t end there. K Sharp continue to bring their expertise to a number of our projects. They’ve most recently lent their expertise to our SWAPP app – our very own safe workplace application that’s proven so successful that we recently rolled out a bespoke version on behalf of the WRU. So how exactly does Human Factors lend itself to design? Well, we’re all about our #ThinkPurple mantra here at Vindico. It means asking better questions to deliver the best outcomes, and Human Factors (HF) provides a vital human focus that helps us do just that. “It’s surprisingly easy to forget just who you’re designing your product or service for,” says Barry. “But HF methods allow you to step back, gain a common understanding of the problem space, and develop measurable requirements that keep the project focused on providing the best output for the end user.” And the benefits of HF don’t stop there. Focusing on what’s really needed leads to cheaper product development, less rework and, and most importantly, greater customer satisfaction. We continue to develop our partnership from our new joint home at Parc Y Scarlets , so expect to see even more collaborations led by HF methods over the coming months. But for now, we’ll be adopting those same tools to optimise our office space. You can find out more about K