North West Cancer Research is calling on local people to step up their sun safety routines and help reduce their chances of getting skin cancer as part of a new campaign.

The charity’s latest initiative, Think Again, urges people to wear sunscreen daily and to take other preventative steps, even when at home in the UK.

As a region, the North West’s skin cancer rates are 10% higher than the rest of the country, with Cumbria recording the highest numbers on average.

Now, North West Cancer Research, which is dedicated to tackling cancer rates and inequalities across the region, is determined to highlight the importance of protecting ourselves from sun damage and preventing skin cancer.

The Think Again campaign, which launched today, highlights the risks of exposing skin to the sun without protection and urges people of all ages to wear at least SPF 30 when out and about, especially as the weather warms up.

From today, the charity will be travelling across the North West handing out sunscreen samples and sharing advice and guidance on how to stay safe in the sun, starting with St Ann’s Square in Manchester city centre.

Among those supporting the charity’s latest campaign is 51-year-old Chris Maguire, who was diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer in January, after noticing a small lesion on his hairline.

He was quickly diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common form of skin cancer. 

Chris, from Lancashire, said: “My own cancer story started in 2022. I was in the shower and noticed a spot – or lesion – under my hairline on the top of my head. It was really innocuous and because it was covered by pretty thick hair for someone of my age, I didn’t think it could be anything nasty.

 “I’m the person who goes on holiday and sits in the shade with the factor 50 on. I’ve never been on a sunbed and I wear a cap when I play cricket. I went to the GP and she referred me to a specialist ‘just to be sure’ – and it’s lucky she did. As soon as he saw the 8mm x 8mm lesion he said it had all the hallmarks of a BCC and referred me for a punch biopsy.

“I play a lot of cricket and I’m really keen to raise awareness among cricketers, golfers and people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Enjoy the sun but do it safely.”

There are two types of skin cancer – melanoma and non-melanoma. Both types are more common in older people, although melanoma has a higher percentage of younger people being diagnosed.

Common symptoms include moles changing in shape or size or new ones appearing.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is usually associated with those who spend a lot of time in the sun and is most commonly recognised by a lump or discoloured patch of skin that doesn’t disappear and slowly progresses over months or years.

While non-melanoma skin cancer is highly treatable and less likely to spread, both forms should be taken seriously and symptoms acted upon if present, according to skin cancer specialist Sarah Allinson.

Sarah, who is a senior lecturer in cancer biology at Lancaster University, said: “It’s crucial that we take skin cancer – in all its forms – seriously.

“There are various signs and symptoms, such as changes in moles or new lesions appearing, but it’s important to know what’s normal for you. Even if something looks like it’s nothing, but it’s abnormal for you, go and get it checked.

“Understanding your risk factor is also important so, for example, a fair-skinned, freckly person will have a higher chance of developing skin cancer than someone with perhaps darker skin.

“However, this does not mean that darker skinned people are free from risk and it’s vital that everyone, regardless of their skin type, take the appropriate measures to protect themselves, both at home and when on holiday abroad.”

Overall, people living in the North West are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, with rates being generally higher than the rest of the country.

As part of its ongoing work, North West Cancer Research is dedicated to breaking the pattern in the region and bringing down cancer rates for future generations by funding life-saving research and education to tackle the cause, improve the care and find the cure for cancer.

CEO Alastair Richards, who underwent surgery to remove a non-melanoma cancer in 2021, said: “In my case, I initially looked at my mole and assumed it was fine and nothing to worry about. It wasn’t until my wife and the team at work mentioned it that I decided to take action.

“Luckily, mine was removed and hasn’t returned since, but it’s so important that we learn how to protect ourselves.

“As a nation, we have a tendency to think that, unless we’re lying on a sunny beach on holiday, then we don’t need to wear sunscreen. This could not be further from the truth and it’s worrying how many people still believe this myth and fail to protect their skin on a daily basis.

“In the North West, we have higher rates of skin cancer – this should absolutely not be the case and it needs to change.

“Our hope is that, by launching our campaign, we can in fact make people ‘think again’ and pick up a bottle of sunscreen before they head out. It’s such an easy thing to do, but something that could help prevent you developing skin cancer later in life.”

For more information on the campaign and how to support North West Cancer Research, visit www.nwcr.org

Every marketer understands the importance of marketing reporting. It is a way to demonstrate their work, prove its value, and focus on the marketing goals. Marketing reporting is all about gathering and analyzing marketing data to improve the performance of the marketing department. Even though all marketers do reporting, not everyone knows what to report on and how to do it fast and effectively. That is when online tools come in handy. SEO tools like NinjaReports.com can help marketers streamline their reporting processes, gather and analyze data effectively, and create customizable reports.

According to recent research, more than 75% of teams use marketing reporting for their campaigns. One of the main benefits of marketing reporting for business is that it shows the worth of your efforts. The reports include data about the revenue, goals, customers’ purchase behavior and preferences, and overall performance. All of this data proves that what the marketing team is doing is bringing in change and real results. It also helps streamline repetitive tasks by automating them, freeing time for marketers to concentrate on other tasks.

In addition, marketing reporting plays a pivotal role in deepening your understanding of customers and empathizing with their perspectives. By gaining valuable insights into their needs, preferences, and purchasing behaviors, the marketing team can develop a more profound comprehension of its target audience and tailor strategies to meet their expectations.

Furthermore, marketing reporting fosters alignment and effective collaboration between marketing and sales teams. For instance, reports can be utilized by the marketing team to identify any bottlenecks or challenges in the sales process, allowing them to address these issues and get sales efforts back on track.

Lastly, a marketing report empowers businesses to make more informed, data-driven decisions. By gathering relevant data and conducting a thorough analysis, marketers can rely on concrete facts and metrics to guide their decision-making processes, ensuring that their choices align with their overarching goals. Moreover, leveraging marketing reports helps mitigate the likelihood of errors and challenges during the implementation of marketing strategies, enabling smoother and more effective execution.

Introducing NinjaReports

To make the process of marketing reporting easier, marketers can use online tools like Ninja Reports. It is an SEO tool that can help businesses simplify their marketing reporting process and get insights from their data in an easy and intuitive way. NinjaReports includes features like a Backlink Checker, Keyword Rank Checker, Domain Authority Checker, and SEO Checker.

NinjaReports offers valuable capabilities for businesses to conduct a comprehensive analysis of their websites, collect crucial data, and transform it into actionable insights through customizable reports and real-time data visualization. With the customizable reporting feature, businesses have the flexibility to tailor their reports according to their specific requirements and focus on the metrics that matter most to them. This empowers marketers to highlight the key aspects of their website performance and marketing campaigns.

The real-time data visualization feature in NinjaReports plays a vital role in presenting the collected data in a concise and visually appealing manner. By converting the data into easy-to-understand graphs, dashboards, and charts, marketers gain a clear and intuitive view of the information. This visual representation allows for quick identification of patterns, trends, and correlations within the data. Armed with these insights, marketers can make informed decisions and refine their marketing strategies to maximize their effectiveness.

Using NinjaReports to Streamline Your Marketing Reporting

NinjaReports is an incredibly helpful tool to use for marketing reporting. Since marketing reporting is all about the numbers and results of your strategies, you can use NinjaReports to collect data about rankings, traffic value and potential, backlinks, and more.

For example, if you have launched a new marketing strategy recently and need to report on its results, NinjaReports will help you see what worked and what did not in a comprehensive and visual manner. By having all these metrics in one place, you can speed up the reporting process.

Furthermore, NinjaReport’s reporting feature can also save you time and effort because the tool generates backlink/keyword/technical SEO reports, and you can download them and have all the data in graphs and charts to present to the team. It is also possible to generate customizable reports and tailor them to your needs and goals.

Marketing is all about data, and marketing reporting helps organize this data in a way that helps measure progress and evaluate the success of campaigns. Thus, to ensure that marketing efforts are bringing in real value, it is essential to know how to create detailed reports. There is no need to collect the data manually anymore, as it can be done with online SEO tools like NinjaReports. With the help of its customizable reporting tool and real-time data visualization, businesses can streamline their processes, save time, and improve the efficiency of their marketing campaigns.

Creating marketing videos is a powerful way to engage your audience and attract new customers. However, to truly make an impact, you need to make your content accessible to a wider audience. This is where adding subtitles to a video comes into play.

Let’s provide an analogy here. When you’re creating video lessons, they need to be able to understand the material even if they can’t listen to the audio, don’t speak a particular language, or anything else. The same is true for marketing videos. Subtitles make it easier for your target audience to access and understand the content you are trying to share.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 7 effective methods on how to add subtitles to a video, along with step-by-step instructions for each method. Moreover, we will also provide essential tips to enhance your subtitling skills. So, let’s dive in!

3 Benefits of Adding Subtitles to a Video

1. Increased Accessibility: Subtitles provide an easy way for people with disabilities, like hearing impairments, to access and understand the content. They also make it easier for viewers to follow along with dialogue, even if they are unable to listen closely or stay in a noisy environment.
2. Improved Engagement: Adding subtitles is one of the easiest ways to make videos more engaging, as they allow viewers to quickly catch up on the content if they are multitasking or if their attention is distracted.
3. Wider Reach: Subtitled videos are more likely to be shared on social media and other platforms, as they are easy to consume by viewers from different parts of the world who may not understand the language used in the video.

7 Ways to Add Subtitles to a Marketing Video

1. Use Desktop Video Editing Software

If you are looking for an attractive subtitling solution, this is the way to go. The best video editors often have multiple features and customization options regarding subtitles. You can adjust colour settings, text formatting, and even create animation effects with most desktop options.

1. Install the software on your computer
2. Upload the video file into the editor
3. Search for ‘Titles’ or similar feature in the editor’s toolbar
4. Choose a title style
5. Create a new text layer or title for each subtitle
6. Type the text and adjust the timing to synchronize with the video
7. Change font size, colour, and position of the subtitles on the frame
8. Preview the video to check for accuracy

Pros: excellent option for professionals, allows full customization of subtitles.

Cons: time consuming and requires a paywall subscription or one-time purchase to use

2. Take Advantage of Online Tools

When paying for a desktop video editor comes with plenty of good things, not everyone can afford one. Fortunately, there are many online solutions for creating video captions. All you need is an internet connection and the video file. Most tools are free and have friendly user interfaces, making it easier for beginners to use them effectively.

1. Look for an online video subtitle editor
2. Upload the video file
3. Some online tools allow you to choose to add subtitles manually, select an .srt file, or generate them automatically
4. Adjust the settings according to your needs
5. Preview the video to check for accuracy
6. Export your video

Pros: quick and easy, often free

Cons: not suitable for intricate subtitling styles, limited features

3. Utilise Mobile Apps

If you’re always on the go, using a mobile subtitle adder may be the best choice for you. Some of them are free while others require a subscription. Most apps support multiple subtitle formats and allow users to add, edit, or automatically generate subtitles.

Download the app from either the App Store or Google Play Store.

1. Add your video from the library
2. Select the subtitle file or generate it
3. Choose the language
4. Edit, preview and save your video

Pros: quick and simple, suitable for mobile users and social media videos

Cons: not as versatile as other solutions, often require subscription.

4. Leverage Automatic Subtitle Generation

Automatic subtitle generators are computer algorithms that analyse a video’s audio and generate subtitles based on this information. While the subtitles may not be 100% accurate, they can accelerate the subtitling process significantly. You can always edit them manually afterward if necessary. They also support multiple languages and sometimes even allow you to extract subtitles apart from the video.

Look for an automatic subtitle generator online

1. Upload the video file or paste the URL
2. Let the algorithm generate subtitles
3. Check for accuracy and edit as needed
4. Export and share

Pros: automated process saves time, support for multiple languages

Cons: subtitles may not be accurate at times

5. Add Subtitles on YouTube

As most videos are now published on YouTube, the platform provides its own subtitling solution. All you need is to have an account with the platform to use this tool. You can add subtitles directly as you watch the video or upload a supported subtitle file format. The text is auto-synced with your video, so you don’t have to worry about timing.

1. Sign in to your YouTube account
2. Go to YouTube Studio and click on ‘Subtitles’ on the left
3. Select the video you want to add subtitles to
4. Choose ‘Add language’ and pick the language for your subtitles
5. Click on ‘Add’ button to finish
6. Review before publishing

Alternatively, YouTube provides a file upload option and automatic translation for multiple languages.

Pros: great for YouTubers, free

Cons: limited customization, you can’t extract subtitles from the video, subtitles can only be added to videos uploaded to YouTube.

6. Create with Facebook

Did you know that 85% of Facebook videos are watched without sound? And even when people do watch with sound, many of them still prefer to read subtitles. Captions are automatically generated for Facebook videos, but you can also add your own. The platform has its own tool specifically designed for video subtitling.

1. Select the uploaded video
2. Click on the three-dot-menu on the right side of the video and choose ‘Edit Video’
3. Go to ‘Captions’ and click the ‘Upload’ button (or ‘Write’ if you want to paste your own)
4. Upload the caption file (or write it)
5. Check and edit your captions
6. Save the changes by clicking the ‘Save’ button

Pros: add captions in real-time, subtitle customization, multiple language support

Cons: suitable for Facebook only, limited editing tools

7. Use Google Drive

You can play the video file directly in Google Drive and add subtitles to it. The platform supports .srt and .sub files, or you can add them manually. Google Drive also allows you to add multiple subtitles languages and even export them.

1. Go to drive.google.com
2. Right-click on the necessary video file
3. Select ‘Manage Caption Tracks’
4. In the appeared window choose ‘Add New Caption Tracks’
5. Select the language and click ‘Upload’
6. Edit the text as needed

Pros: easily accessible, no need to use any additional software

Cons: limited customization options, only works for videos stored in Google Drive

5 Tips to Add Subtitles to a Marketing Video

1. Make your own style

Don’t just add plain subtitles to your marketing video. Instead, use a bit of creativity to make the subtitles visually appealing and entertaining. There are many content creation tools available to help you craft and style the text in a unique way. Viewers will not only see the subtitles, but  also get an idea of what your brand is all about.

2. Use clear language

The language you use is as important as the visuals of your subtitles. Keep it short and clear to make sure viewers follow the story without getting lost in long, complicated words and sentences. Avoid jargon and industry-specific terms unless you explain them in the video.

3. Make it look natural

The video captions should flow with the video, not jump around or look choppy, and have smooth transitions. Avoid cutting words or phrases in half and make sure the timing matches the audio.

4. Check for grammar and spelling errors

Subtitles are meant to be easily readable. Therefore, it’s important to search for any grammar and spelling errors before adding them to your video. Double-check everything and make sure all the captions are accurate. This will help ensure that viewers have a smooth viewing experience without any confusion.

5. Pay attention to font size and colour

The font size and colour of your subtitles can make a big difference in how viewers perceive the message. Pick legible fonts that are neither too small nor too big. As for the colour, make sure it stands out against the background of the video. You can also use colour to emphasize important words or phrases.

Engage Your Audience with Clear Video Captions

There you have it! You now know how to add subtitles to a video using various methods. When done correctly, subtitles can have a huge impact on how viewers perceive your video content. They make it easier for people to engage with your brand and understand the message you are trying to convey. So, use this advice and create subtitles that will help your marketing videos stand out from the crowd.

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues have become increasingly important for companies to address as stakeholders continue to demand accountability for sustainable and socially responsible practices. Developing an effective ESG policy can help companies align their business strategy with these important considerations. In this post, we will provide guidance on how companies can develop an ESG policy that is aligned with their values and goals. As a leading design and fit-out company in Manchester with our own comprehensive ESG policy, we know what we’re talking about and are happy to share our expertise with you.

Understand Your Business Strategy and Values

The first step in developing an effective ESG policy is to understand your business strategy and values. This will help identify the ESG issues that are most relevant to your company and prioritise them accordingly. For example, a company that operates in the energy sector may prioritise reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while a company that produces consumer goods may prioritise responsible sourcing and supply chain management.

Unilever, a global consumer goods company headquartered in the UK, has set out an ambitious sustainability plan called the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan. The plan aims to reduce the company’s environmental footprint, increase the social impact of its products, and enhance its overall sustainability performance.

Engage Stakeholders

Engaging stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and investors, is critical in developing an effective ESG policy. This can help ensure that the policy reflects the interests and concerns of those who are most impacted by the company’s activities. Stakeholder engagement can also provide valuable feedback and insights into ESG issues that the company may not have previously considered.

Marks & Spencer, a UK-based retailer, has a stakeholder engagement program that allows customers, employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to provide feedback on the company’s sustainability practices. The company also engages with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to ensure that its policies align with best practices in the industry.

DENTON, a leading national office fit-out company, has engaged with stakeholders to develop its ESG policy. They have established an ESG Committee, which includes representatives from across the company and is responsible for driving the implementation of the policy. This committee engages with stakeholders on an ongoing basis to ensure that the policy remains aligned with the company’s values and goals and is responsive to changing stakeholder expectations.

Set Measurable Goals

Setting measurable goals is an important element of an effective ESG policy. This can help companies track their progress and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-sensitive (SMART). For example, a company may set a goal to reduce water usage by 25% over the next five years.

Bupa, a UK-based healthcare company, has set a goal to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% by 2020. The company has implemented a range of initiatives to achieve this goal, including energy efficiency measures, green IT practices, and employee engagement programs.

Implement Systems and Processes

Implementing systems and processes to support the ESG policy is critical to achieving the goals that have been set. This may include implementing sustainability initiatives, such as renewable energy projects or waste reduction programs. It may also include incorporating ESG considerations into decision-making processes, such as supply chain management or product development.

Tesco, a UK-based supermarket chain, has implemented a sustainable supply chain program that aims to reduce the environmental impact of its products. The program includes initiatives to improve product packaging, reduce waste, and promote sustainable sourcing practices.

Report on Progress

Reporting on progress is essential in demonstrating the company’s commitment to ESG and holding the company accountable for achieving its goals. Companies should develop a regular reporting process that provides transparency and accountability to stakeholders. This may include publishing an annual sustainability report or participating in external reporting initiatives, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

Aviva, a UK-based insurance company, publishes an annual sustainability report that provides information on the company’s sustainability performance and progress towards its goals. The report includes data on environmental impacts, social initiatives, and governance practices, as well as stakeholder feedback on the company’s performance.

Benefits of a comprehensive ESG policy

Developing a comprehensive ESG policy has numerous benefits for companies looking to align their business strategy with sustainability and social responsibility considerations. Firstly, it can help build trust and strengthen relationships with stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and investors. By engaging stakeholders in the policy development process, companies can ensure that their policies reflect the interests and concerns of those who are most impacted by their activities. This can also provide valuable feedback and insights into ESG issues that the company may not have previously considered.

Secondly, a well-defined ESG policy can help companies set measurable goals and track their progress towards achieving them. This can demonstrate the company’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility and provide a competitive advantage in attracting customers, investors, and talent. By implementing systems and processes to support the ESG policy, such as sustainability initiatives or incorporating ESG considerations into decision-making processes, companies can improve their sustainability performance and reduce their environmental and social impact.

Finally, reporting on progress towards achieving ESG goals is crucial in demonstrating the company’s commitment to ESG and holding it accountable for its actions. By publishing regular sustainability reports or participating in external reporting initiatives, companies can provide transparency and accountability to stakeholders and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable and socially responsible practices. Overall, a comprehensive ESG policy can help companies build a more sustainable and responsible business while improving their relationships with stakeholders and driving long-term value.

“A comprehensive ESG policy is becoming increasingly important as stakeholders demand greater transparency and accountability on environmental, social, and governance issues. Implementing our comprehensive ESG policy has helped us to reduce risks, enhance our reputation, and create long-term value for the company and its stakeholders. By aligning our business strategy with our sustainability and social responsibility considerations, we have strengthened our relationships with stakeholders and generated new revenue streams.”

Richard Douglas, Director at DENTON.

Serviced apartments have experienced unprecedented levels of growth in recent years. Recent studies have found that 52 per cent of all corporations claim that their use of these locations has dramatically increased since 2020. This is partially due to the sheer number of amenities that guests can enjoy. Let’s examine eight unique services specifically associated with these types of accommodations and the benefits of each.

Rooms with Character

The term “generic” should never apply to serviced apartments. On the contrary, guests will normally be provided with a range of themes to choose from. Whether referring to period properties or rooms with a contemporary flair, options abound.

24/7 Concierge Services

Quality luxury rental apartments in London will likewise provide guests with access to a professional concierge; regardless of the time of day or evening. This enables guests to ask questions, to request specific services or simply to feel as if they have arrived at their new (temporary) home.

Convenient Locations

Why choose a property located miles away from your intended destination. Some of the most reputable serviced apartments boast numerous locations; helping to take the guesswork out of any potential travel logistics.

Personalised Attention to Guest Requirements

Every guest matters. While many franchised properties embrace this mantra, relatively few actually deliver. Serviced apartments treat each and every client with the importance that they deserve. This helps to avoid any unexpected problems and perhaps more importantly, such an attitude reflects positively upon the establishment as a whole.

Additional On-Site Options

While quality apartments are impressive in and of themselves, what about other possibilities during your stay? From on-site restaurants to complimentary access toa nearby pool, travelling alone or with your family has never been more pleasurable.

Support for Business Travellers

The global business travel industry was worth in excess of $933 billion dollars in 2022. It therefore stands to reason that professionals are always on the lookout

for properties that can cater to their unique requirements. From secure wireless hotspots to rooms equipped for high-level meetings, the business of serviced apartments is indeed “business”.

Flexible Rental Agreements

Many clients who choose these types of properties are planning for a long-term stay (generally more than two weeks). Serviced apartments boast flexible booking options and rental agreements that can often be modified in accordance with one’s discrete budgetary requirements.

Complimentary and Reliable Housekeeping

Self-catering apartments will likewise ensure that cleanliness is never called into question. Daily housekeeping services guarantee that the rooms are always fresh and inviting; regardless of what time you may be arriving after a long day or an evening out on the town.

Still, please note that this article was not written with the intention of disparaging franchised properties or generic hotels in any way. It was nearly meant to highlight some of the many reasons why serviced apartments have become such attractive alternatives in these modern times. Whether you will be travelling for business or pleasure, luxury is moments away when choosing to partner with one of these amazing locations.