Siemens partners with Cyber Resilience Centre to help Greater Manchester businesses combat surge in COVID-19 related online crime

Digital

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06/05/2020

Siemens partners with Cyber Resilience Centre to help Greater Manchester businesses combat surge in COVID-19 related online crime

Siemens has teamed up with the Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC) for Greater Manchester to help businesses stay secure after surge in COVID-19 related online crime.

The CRC for Greater Manchester are offering a free three-month membership for any business in the region with up to 100 employees.

Membership includes tailored advice, regular news updates and useful tools to help businesses improve their cyber resilience during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The initiative has been launched after Action Fraud reported a 400% increase in COVID-19 related crimes and scams in March, coinciding with the beginning of lockdown.

Cybercriminals are looking to exploit vulnerabilities in businesses’ cyber security during this chaotic time as many companies have fewer members checking online systems and more employees working remotely.

The Cyber Resilience Centre for Greater Manchester is a not-for-profit venture between Greater Manchester Police and Manchester Digital, an independent trade organisation for the city region’s digital and tech businesses.

As a partner Siemens, which is headquartered in Manchester, is offering its extensive knowledge around cybersecurity and the industrial threat landscape. Siemens applies IEC 62443 the highest industry standards globally for industrial cyber security. It is also creator of the Charter of Trust at the 2018 Munich Security Conference which has multi-national corporations such as AES, Airbus, Allianz, Atos, Cisco, Daimler, IBM and Dell Technologies among many other companies as signatories.

Cyber-attacks on Industrial Control Systems (ICS), which help run Operational Technology (OT), can interrupt production, damage physical assets, and even result in injury or death to employees and public alike.

Siemens is offering specialist consultation for business leaders on how they handle the two-fold challenge of safety and security.

This starts with understanding the increased exposure to cyber risks with home-based work through less-reliable internet connections and honest mistakes made in unfamiliar workflows, and establishing which tasks pose unacceptable risks and which can be adapted for remote work. For example, many monitoring tasks can be done remotely and safely with the right procedures, while testing or servicing safety and backup systems remotely cannot.

Siemens has also offered advice on establishing appropriate defences for businesses to reduce the consequences of cyberattacks. This could involve reengineering or revamping the security architecture by introducing layers of defence such as firewalls or creating a protected secure zone.

Paul Hingley, Security Services Business Manager at Siemens, responsible for Industrial Cyber Security, said: “Siemens is happy to be supporting the business community through the Cyber Resilience Centre of Greater Manchester.
“The cyber threat landscape is evolving at a phenomenal pace and has been exacerbated by the impact on industry by COVID-19. It means the tools businesses need to defend against attacks and combat also need to evolve. While these circumstances are challenging and worrying, it does present an opportunity for businesses to reassess their cyber security strategy.”
Cybercrime is already estimated to cost the Greater Manchester economy a £860 million a year. Many businesses struggle financially to cope with the aftermath of breaches and attacks.
Detective Superintendent Neil Jones, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “’During this time of crisis, businesses of all sizes are falling victim to online crime. The Cyber Resilience Centre’s offer of support will help many become more resilient against cybercrime.’’

MUCH-LOVED MANCHESTER RESTAURANT DELIVERS HOT MEALS TO KEY WORKERS AT SALFORD ROYAL HOSPITAL

Sam Whitear

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06/05/2020

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MUCH-LOVED MANCHESTER RESTAURANT DELIVERS HOT MEALS TO KEY WORKERS AT SALFORD ROYAL HOSPITAL

STAFF at a popular Manchester restaurant which was forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic have still been busy in the kitchen preparing hot meals for frontline workers at Salford Royal Hospital.
Cosmo Manchester, in Deansgate, temporarily closed its doors to customers last month but the much-loved restaurant is making 50 hot meals a day for doctors and nurses in the critical care departments.
The restaurant’s chefs decided to return to the restaurant to show their support for NHS staff as they battle through extraordinary long shifts in exceptional situations.
Cosmo spokesman Kan Koo said: “We couldn’t sit back and do nothing when so many keyworkers are working around the clock to save lives.
“This is our contribution to the huge community effort occurring all over Manchester. Cosmo has always offered a discount to NHS staff and this is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for the work everyone at Salford Royal is doing.
“We hope it gives staff a little morale boost to know that we are thinking of them and that a hot hearty meal gives them the energy to face their shifts with renewed vigour.”
The family restaurant, which serves more than 150 dishes from around the world, is delivering a variety of tasty oriental and Indian dishes.
Dr Pete Turkington, Chief Officer and Medical Director at Salford Royal, said: “We continue to be overwhelmed by the outpouring of support by the local community and businesses who have been so generous with their donations for our staff during these incredibly challenging times.
“Our hard working staff have been incredibly grateful to Cosmo for donating such delicious meals for them to enjoy while they are on shift. A huge thank you to all at Cosmo.”

A fully-funded programme tailored to help digital, creative and tech companies stabilise, adapt and grow.

Training

Sam Whitear

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05/05/2020

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A fully-funded programme tailored to help digital, creative and tech companies stabilise, adapt and grow.

You need to adapt. We need to adapt. Let’s adapt together.

Running a digital, creative or tech business right now isn’t easy. With so much uncertainty around, its easy to be overwhelmed trying to figure out the next step. The market demands adaptation, and fast.

We’ve already adapted our services – why we help you adapt yours? Specifically designed and delivered by industry experts who’ve got the battle scars from previous tough times, Greater Connected gives you the time, skills and space you need to re-focus, and take practical steps to stabilise, adapt, and grow.

And best of all, right now, we’re delivering it all online.

To check if your business is eligible for this fully funded programme click here.

What do you get from the programme?

Virtual learning days

In two online learning days spread across five weeks, we’ll give you the tools you need to stabilise and adapt your business, so that you can move beyond survival to growth. Under our advisors tuition, you’ll gain clarity on your route forward.

Small group coaching

Through strategic online sessions with your own growth advisor, we’ll work with you on your bespoke journey. You’ll develop and implement a tailored plan that will allow your business to come out of these tough times fighting.

Ongoing community

As a Greater Connected alumnus, you’ll remain connected to a wide network of fellow leaders. That not only means continued invitations to events and skill-shares, but ongoing opportunities to partner and grow together. After all, community and collaboration is more important than ever right now.

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Creative Scale-up programme – Closing date 5th June 2020

Training

Sam Whitear

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05/05/2020

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Creative Scale-up programme – Closing date 5th June 2020

Apply now for cohort 3 programme

Creative Scale-Up is an exciting new initiative designed to empower creative businesses in the Greater Manchester region to realise their full growth potential and gain investment to take their business to the next level.

With a buzzing community of creative businesses, the Greater Manchester region boasts one of the country’s leading creative forces and contributes an estimated gross value added (GVA) revenue impact of £1.4bn to the UK economy from culture and creative industries.

The Creative Scale-Up Programme is fully funded by the Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) and has been created to further develop what is already a thriving industry, helping creative organisations based in the Greater Manchester region attract investment to grow their business sustainably. Creative Scale-Up is open to a variety of Greater Manchester region businesses operating in the creative industry, including but not limited to; gaming, ﬁlm, music, publishing, art and design.

Applications close for the next cohort on 5th June 2020:

To be eligible for the programme, businesses need to:

Be a Creative Industries business – such as: Advertising & Marketing; Architecture; Arts & Culture; Craft; Createch; Design; Fashion; Gaming; Music; Publishing; TV & Film
Be based in Greater Manchester
Have scaled by 10% in the last year (turnover or employees)
Have a minimum of 8 employees, up to 4 of whom can be regular freelance staff
Have not received more than €200,000 in government funded business support in the last 2 years

To view the contents of the programme please click the Apply now button

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AO PARTNERS WITH WHAT3WORDS FOR STREAMLINED DELIVERY

CSR

Sam Whitear

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01/05/2020

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AO PARTNERS WITH WHAT3WORDS FOR STREAMLINED DELIVERY

Online electricals retailer AO.com has partnered with the innovative location company what3words so that all customers across the UK can benefit from AO’s fantastic customer service and delivery proposition. AO customers will soon be able to provide a what3words address for their desired delivery place – be it the front door, side entrance or a safe place.

The partnership will shortly be rolled out nationwide, with all drivers having access to the app and all customers able to share their what3words address. Known for going above and beyond for customers, AO’s expert delivery crews will bring hassle-free delivery to even the most remote locations, with customers receiving orders faster and without the need to provide additional directions.

Close to 46 million people in the UK have an address that does not lead directly to the door of their home or business property, according to research conducted by what3words. Using a traditional street address for delivery will only take the driver to the precise front door for 30% of houses, with the majority directing people to an inexact point outside a building or on a road. The problem is even more pronounced in rural areas, with delivery drivers often left searching for the correct property.

what3words, which is also used by emergency services across the UK, has divided the world into a grid of 3m squares, and given each one a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. AO began piloting the technology earlier this year, asking customers to provide the keywords over six weeks in Leeds and Avonmouth, testing how the system made it easier for drivers to reach tricky locations. The location technology will make life easier for both customers and drivers by improving the efficiency of deliveries and further enhancing customer experience.

Dave Ashwell, MD of AO Logistics, said: “It can be difficult for our drivers to find certain addresses, due to duplicated road names, the UK’s many unnumbered houses and single postcodes covering extensive rural areas. Our new partnership with what3words means we can always deliver to exactly the right location and guarantee our customers the excellent AO experience, regardless of where they live.”

Chris Sheldrick, Co-Founder and CEO of what3words, said: “I grew up in a rural part of Hertfordshire, and constantly felt the frustrations of poor addressing. I’d have to flag down delivery drivers who drove past our house, and as we shared a postcode with our neighbours, spent my childhood running their parcels over to them. It’s great to see AO, who are often delivering large appliances and need incredibly accurate drop-off locations, roll out what3words.”

With a what3words address, AO deliveries can arrive in precisely the right place and on time. Using what3words will also reduce delivery times, meaning customers get their products quicker and drivers can save on mileage.

American Golf appoints Big Brand Ideas for online campaign during lockdown

Blog

Sam Whitear

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01/05/2020

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American Golf has launched a gaming platform to maintain brand prominence and engagement to keep people connected to their love of golf.

‘Home in One’, developed by Big Brand Ideas, builds on the successful American Golf Pressure Putt Challenge where participants have just 60 seconds to steady their hand and sink as may putts as possible. The distance to the hole grows after each putt.

Now, in a version created specifically for the Coronavirus lockdown, the ‘Home in One’ game enables golfers to play a 10ft version, compete in national/regional leagues, and build a league of their own for their club, friends or family.

A long list of golf pros and celebrities have already taken part in the Pressure Putt Challenge including Niall Horan, Jamie Carragher, AP McCoy and Dan Walker.

American Golf is now inviting others to join in, test their skill, or have a go at golf for the first time.

The campaign includes a how-to video showing how to make a ‘Home in One’ green, a digital leaderboard and a high impact launch film that will be seeded across multiple channels using social media, influencers, email and PR.

Conrad Edkins, Marketing Director for American Golf, said “With connected behaviours up, and people spending 40% more time than usual on their smart phones, we spotted an opportunity to bring golfers back together using our popular celebrity putting challenge, whilst giving an enjoyable practice ground for improving their game and inspiring new players too.

“Thanks to our friends at Titleist the challenge will offer spot rewards to all players each week, including top Ladies and Junior entrant, with a national ‘Home in One’ champion crowned at the end of the five weeks.”

Commenting, Jon Butler, MD for Big Brand Ideas said: “This activation sits at the heart of our business. We develop content solutions that drive deep brand engagement, created to achieve results across multiple channels. Our experience in the sporting arena and our interactive content capabilities have enabled us to act at speed to create the ‘Home in One’ platform and supporting video assets in less than two weeks.

“There’s a huge opportunity for brands to remain relevant during lockdown. With many large sporting events cancelled, interactive content is a great way to still own a part of that moment between brand and consumer. Evidence from past downturns shows that companies who have maintained activity have generated higher growth than those who went quiet.

“Whilst in lockdown, it’s clear that brands still have a role to play.”

The ‘Home in One’ challenge is live now and can be played via homeinone.americangolf.co.uk.

Brands can also access Big Brand Ideas’ latest research report ‘Navigating a new world, turning upheaval into opportunity’, here.

ZEAL is The Drum’s Most Recommended Agency

Sam Whitear

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01/05/2020

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ZEAL is The Drum’s Most Recommended Agency

The Drum has just announced the winners of its annual survey of Most Recommended marketing agencies and ZEAL has being judged as the very best in the UK.

The awards, driven 100% by independent ratings from clients and testimonials gathered by The Drum’s anonymous system, compares all type of UK marketing agencies on their core skill set and on the universal areas of agency delivery.

First of all ZEAL has once again been recognised as the The UK’s Most Recommended Agency for Promotional Marketing.

That news would ordinarily be good enough but this year the team have also been specifically named as:

Most Recommended Agency for Strategic Thinking
Most Recommended Agency for Client Service
Most Recommended Agency for Effectiveness

All of the above achieved in the 40-99 people agency size bracket.

As a result of these wins, ZEAL was also given the biggest news that it has been named as the winners of the Grand Prix for Most Recommended UK Marketing Agency (40-99 people.)

Co-founder of ZEAL Stewart Hilton was delighted to take the call earlier today:
‘With CV19 there’s no glitzy awards dinner this year but to get an early morning call from the Drum instead was just as special. The whole team work tirelessly to deliver on our mission to be the Most Recommended Agency in the World and this is another giant leap towards that goal. The work they have created this year for some of the world’s biggest brands has been highly EFFECTIVE and creatively stunning. It’s lovely that so many of our clients recognise this and take time out to say thank you and well done.’

Managing Director, Rachel Roberts, is proud of the progress the agency has made this year:
‘This is the first time that we’ve competed in the mid-sized agency category so we weren’t sure how tough the competition would be. The team have really focussed on strategic thinking and on measurable campaign effectiveness this year so it’s wonderful to see this reflected in our client ratings. The level of client service delivery the team provides is always second to none and comes from having an amazing group of superstars who have a real ZEAL for what they do. I couldn’t be happier for them to receive these awards.’

Co-founder, Robert White, is keen to recognise the role ZEAL’s clients play in this particular awards scheme:
‘At ZEAL we work with clients that have ZEAL. They care passionately about their brands, they treat us as real partners and we fight every battle side by side. We are also blessed that so many of them are prepared to take time out of their busy days to write a review or send us a testimonial. It’s feedback like this that drives passionate agencies forward and to be recognised in this way by the brilliant people we work with is truly humbling. Thank you to all of you’

In the absence of an official awards evening ZEAL will be holding their own virtual celebrations via ZOOM and then getting straight back to work delivering with excellence for clients from our own homes.

Prestozon Announces Premier White Label Partnership with Add People

Blog

Sam Whitear

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01/05/2020

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Prestozon Announces Premier White Label Partnership with Add People

Amazon Advertising partner and leading software platform Prestozon announce a new white label partnership with Add People, part of the Thrive Media Group, and one of the UK’s largest digital marketing agencies. This collaboration will extend support for Amazon Advertising services to leading ecommerce brands looking to efficiently invest and scale their presence on Amazon.
“It is with great enthusiasm that we embark on this partnership with Prestozon to provide Amazon PPC management and expertise to our ecommerce clients” said Peter Marshall, CMO of Thrive Media Group. “After a thorough review of Amazon Advertising find-a-partner directory, Prestozon was the clear choice as a strategic partner for Add People given their depth of expertise and focus on transparency which are core to all of our partnerships”.

Add People brings a depth of expertise and proficiency in providing digital marketing services for small to medium-sized businesses.

“We’re thrilled for Add People to join the Prestozon Agency Partner Network and to launch a white label of our Amazon PPC software to better meet the needs of their evolving and growing ecommerce client base” said Sanaz Limouee, CRO of Prestozon. “Add People’s particular strengths in digital marketing and servicing SME’s, as well as their reach in the UK and Europe, give us a great opportunity to introduce the platform to a wide variety of ecommerce brands looking for Amazon PPC managed services and support.”

Add People and Prestozon look forward to collaborating and combining the skills and software across the teams to help accelerate how brands launch, manage and help drive profitable growth across Amazon.

Walkden-based Manufacturer Launches Organic T-Shirts with 100% Profits Going to the NHS

Creative
CSR

Sam Whitear

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30/04/2020

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Walkden-based Manufacturer Launches Organic T-Shirts with 100% Profits Going to the NHS

Walkden-based t-shirt retailer, KPN Merchandise, has joined forces with artist Rebecca Osborne to produce a specially designed collection of t-shirts called #CapelessHeroes to help raise vital funds for the NHS.

The collection includes a range of designs depicting our modern day heroes – one being a special version honouring Captain Tom Moore, the 99-year-old war veteran that raised over £28 million for the NHS by walking 100 lengths of his garden.

The t-shirts are available from www.capelessheroes.co.uk and are priced at £13.50 for children’s t-shirts and £19 for adults, with 100 per cent of the profit going to the NHS. They are available in a wide range of sizes, starting from three years up to 14 for children, and XS to 5XL for adults.

Phil Fitton, managing director of KPN Merchandise said: “We’ve been so inspired by the frontline workers of the NHS that we really wanted to help raise funds to help the heroes at the NHS.

“We saw the incredible designs by Rebecca via her social accounts and instantly knew we wanted to work with her on our campaign and were lucky enough that she gave us permission to use her artworks.”

Rebecca Osborne, artist and designer of the #CapelessHeroes campaign added: “Every day the media is showing us all how key-workers are selflessly working around the clock to help people affected by Coronavirus – putting their own health at risk and in many cases – having to leave their family behind so not to increase their risk of catching this deadly virus.”

“I used my skills to show that so many of us think they are true real-life heroes. When Phil got in touch and told me the idea of turning my images into t-shirts to then raise money for the NHS, I thought it was a great idea and I hope we manage to raise loads of money to help the heroes who work within the NHS.”

The T-shirts are 100 per cent organic cotton (GOTS certified), PETA Certified, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and a certified by FAIR WEAR Foundation. Mailbags are made from sugarcane and are fully biodegradable. The inks used in for printing are ECO PASSPORT by OKEO-TEX® certified and CPSIA compliant. The innovative packaging uses less plastic thanks to the new replaceable pouches so there is less waste and less impact on the environment.

Phil added: “It’s incredible to think that we came up with the idea – sourced the creative – launched an e-commerce website and printed our first samples of t-shirts – all within seven days. Massive thanks to everyone that has helped make this happen – especially the team at Code + Create who worked tirelessly to develop and launch the website within the such a short amount of time.”

If other small charities, not for profits, schools, clubs/associations etc are struggling to stay afloat financially and would be interested in a similar partnership to raise funds then please get in touch with KPN Merchandise via email sales@kpnmerchandise.co.uk

Made Smarter manufacturers use emerging technologies to navigate COVID-19

Sam Whitear

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30/04/2020

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Made Smarter manufacturers use emerging technologies to navigate COVID-19

SME manufacturers supported by Made Smarter are using emerging technologies to navigate the impact on business from the coronavirus pandemic.

Businesses signed up to the North West pilot to support the Industry 4.0 revolution have adapted in a variety of ways, including switching production to make medical scrubs, ventilator parts and PPE to help the front-line fight against the disease.

Others from across the region have harnessed new capabilities to ramp up production to meet increasing demand and continue operating while staff self-isolate to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

While Made Smarter has shut its offices to do its bit to combat COVID-19, its team of expert business and technology advisers have continued to offer support and advice virtually.

Alain Dilworth, Made Smarter Programme Manager, said: “The COVID-19 outbreak has widespread repercussions for the economy, which will have most likely led to uncertainty in terms of the way businesses operate.

“It has been impressive how manufacturers have reacted and adapted to the different circumstances they find their businesses facing.

“Made Smarter has been able to continue offering help and advice over Skype and telephone.

“Our advice is fully funded, meaning you can understand the digital tools available to help boost processes and grow your enterprise without the financial barrier. On top of this, you can apply for up to 50% match-funding for technology implementation and access a digital technology intern to support you with the research, development and implementation of emerging technologies.”

Technology being put to good use

Fabricon Design uses advanced manufacturing methods to produce innovative plastics, aluminium and steel component designs for a range of sectors. It has responded to the UK’s need for vital equipment by making headbands for facial masks used by NHS staff and designed and manufactured a respiratory port for a hospital’s CPAP machine.

The business, based in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, is using a new 3D printer, adopted using Made Smarter support, which made the switch between materials quicker.

Mark Bushdyhan, Director of Fabricon Design, said: “We wanted to use our internal expertise and technology to help with the call for vital equipment. We already utilise 3D printers within our operations. They are incredibly effective at prototyping designs quickly. It’s fantastic that we have been able to utilise them to print headbands which will support the protection of NHS staff. We are also looking at other options such as using our injection moulding machines which can produce over 7,000 of these components a week.”

Textiles manufacturer Tibard, based in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, was forced to close their operations producing work wear and uniforms but reopened to start making PPE equipment and scrubs for hospitals.

With help from Made Smarter the business replaced its two-decade-old CAM cutting machine with a modern IoT-connected machine. It now has access to advanced features which minimise downtime and guarantee predictive maintenance which helps meet demand.

Ian Mitchell, Managing Director of Tibard, said: “Given the current impact on our customers, we have changed our production to focus on responding to the vital needs of the NHS and carers for protective clothing during these difficult times. It is rewarding to see our business responding to help to support our medical professionals and key workers whilst they are working tirelessly to support people across the UK.”

While many industries have been forced to pause their activity to play their part in helping the country defeat coronavirus, the government has acknowledged that it is important manufacturers maintain their operations to keep supply chains moving.

ATEC Engineering Solutions, a Salford-based business which designs, manufactures and repairs complex electronic and electro-mechanical equipment, is still running its production as a vital part of the defence supply chain.

Andrea Hough, Managing Director of ATEC and member of the Made Smarter National Commission and North West Pilot steering group, said: “I am so proud of my team at ATEC. They have responded to the current climate with dedication, energy and compassion. In addition to maintaining the smooth running of our existing operations, the team have adopted remote-working tools such as Zoom to enable social distancing. We have also utilised our 3D printers to produce protective visors for local care homes and care home trusts.”

Made Smarter has also produced an essential guide about how a manufacturing SME can try and maintain continuity and future-proof the business. The PDF can be downloaded fromhere.

A new Made Smarter LinkedIn forum for the manufacturing community to share their challenges and help solve problems with the support of peers, is also due to launch on May 4.

Creative Scale-Up is an exciting new initiative designed to empower creative businesses in the Greater Manchester region to realise their full growth potential and gain investment to take their business to the next level.

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