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Social Commerce and Social Shopping: Boosting Retail’s Recovery?

Claire James
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In today’s world, the average person spends 142 minutes each day on social media. With the emergence of social commerce, retailers have an opportunity to capitalize on this captive audience and recover from the pandemic with a resilient digital strategy. In the US alone, annual sales through social commerce are expected to soar from approximately $37 billion in 2021 to $56 billion by 2023. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at social commerce and social shopping, explore how retailers can leverage social media platforms, and identify what they can learn from the experiences of Chinese and Western retail giants.

Unlocking the Potential of Social Commerce

Drawing Inspiration from China

$56 billion might seem like a staggering figure, but it pales in comparison to the social commerce scene in China. Social commerce, social shopping, and social retail had already been dominant forces in China’s e-commerce market, generating an estimated $363 billion in 2021, even before the pandemic struck. The widespread adoption of social commerce in China played a significant role in shielding Chinese retailers and manufacturers from pandemic-related demand volatility, which severely affected their Western counterparts.

The Retailization of Social Media Platforms

TikTok

Tencent, along with Alibaba, is a major driver of social commerce in China. Given this, it is no surprise that TikTok, Tencent’s best-known product, has introduced new tools for businesses, influencers, and consumers to participate in social commerce worldwide. Live streams and shoppable links facilitate the purchase of advertised products with ease. Furthermore, the company is investing heavily in making social commerce a pillar of the platform.

Facebook and Instagram

While Tencent and TikTok may be more familiar now, other large social media platforms in the West have been significantly involved in social commerce for several years. Facebook, now known as Meta, for example, has one of the largest social commerce platforms in terms of users and revenue. However, unlike in China, it wasn’t big brands and influencers who started the Facebook social shopping craze. Rather, consultants for multi level marketing brands like Lululemon took inspiration from television network shopping and helped popularize the platform’s social shopping capabilities in countries like the US and UK.

Meta’s other social media platform, Instagram, was not far behind. Social commerce on Instagram has been instrumental in making influencer marketing a highly profitable profession. Tagging and selling products in posts, stories, and live streams have transformed what was once a hobby into an entire career for many. Instagram continuously enhances its platform with new features that make it simpler for brands and influencers to collaborate, not only for marketing activities but also as brand representatives who play a more significant role in selling products.

Pinterest

Pinterest has established itself as a uniquely lucrative platform, especially for high fashion and design. Pinterest users create dedicated boards for specific fashion, decor, and aesthetic ideas, which often heavily feature content from online store catalogs and fashion shows. Up to 93% of users pin content featuring items they intend to purchase, so it didn’t take long for the company to realize its natural potential for social retail and other forms of social commerce. Landing pages for products are easily tagged within pins and their descriptions, which find their way onto thousands of boards. Buyable (a.k.a. “Shoppable”) pins allow users to go from pin to purchase in just a few clicks, all without ever leaving the app. Pinterest has also recently launched live shopping events that are mostly targeted towards Gen Z, but older age groups would find their similarities to the QVC network uncanny.

Social Commerce, Social Shopping, and Social Retail: What’s the Difference?

As e-commerce continues to grow, social media platforms have become an integral part of the retail industry, especially after the pandemic. Social commerce, social shopping, and social retail are three terms that have emerged from this trend. Although they all involve buying and selling goods on social media platforms, each term focuses on a different aspect of the process.

Here is a breakdown of what each term means:

What is Social Commerce?

Social commerce is a subset of e-commerce that involves the use of social media networks for buying and selling products or services. It is a platform for individual sellers such as influencers, multi level marketers, and businesses to showcase their products and services to potential customers.

Social commerce provides a way for businesses to interact with their customers on a more personal level. They can engage with customers, promote their products, and even offer customer support through social media channels. Social commerce can be thought of as a way to create a social shopping experience.

What is Social Shopping?

Social shopping, on the other hand, is a type of e-commerce that focuses on the customer’s experience rather than the seller’s. It connects shoppers with other shoppers as they shop online. Customers can interact with each other, exchange product reviews and recommendations, and share discounts.

Social shopping involves using social media to create an interactive shopping experience. For instance, live shopping streams allow customers to participate in chat rooms while they shop. It is a form of social commerce that aims to build a community around a brand or product.

What is Social Retail?

Social retail is the use of social media to enhance the overall shopping experience. It’s about integrating social channels into the entire shopping journey to encourage more sales. Unlike social commerce and social shopping, social retail focuses on businesses rather than individual sellers. Social retail can take on many forms, such as shoppable Pinterest links, hashtag campaigns, and augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) technology. It involves building an online or brick-and-mortar store that is centered around social activity.

Social commerce, social shopping, and social retail are all terms that are associated with e-commerce activities on social media platforms. While their definitions may overlap, they each have their unique focus. As technology continues to evolve, so do these terms. Therefore, it’s essential to stay up to date on the latest trends to make the most of social media platforms for your business.

The Future of Social Commerce and Social Shopping

Social commerce and social shopping are both relatively new concepts, but their rise in popularity over the past year has been meteoric. It’s clear that retailers and brands must embrace these concepts if they want to stay competitive and relevant in the current digital landscape. And it’s not just limited to large corporations either, even small businesses and solo entrepreneurs can benefit from social commerce and social shopping by leveraging social media platforms to connect with their customers and sell their products.

“Initially, e-commerce focused on making everyday goods available online at low prices. However, the current phase of e-commerce is more captivating, as it caters to the demand for emotional products – the items that hold special significance and are treasured by people. That’s why social shoppers will be the locomotive of e-commerce in the next 5 years.” – CEO and founder of StreamZenn, Live commerce solution.

As technology continues to evolve, social commerce and social shopping will continue to evolve with it. We can expect to see even more innovative features and functionalities added to social media platforms to make the buying and selling experience even more seamless and convenient for customers.

The Benefits and Potential Drawbacks of Making Social Media a Pillar of Your Retail Strategy

Social media has rapidly become an essential marketing tool for retailers. With the advent of social shopping, brands can streamline the e-commerce customer journey while connecting with customers in an organic way. However, as with any marketing strategy, there are both benefits and drawbacks to social commerce.

The Benefits of Social Shopping

Streamlining the E-commerce Customer Journey

  • Social media channels for digital retail offer a one-stop-shop for customers and retailers alike. By providing helpful content such as reviews, advice, chatbots, and recommendations, social media creates a frictionless buying experience for customers. For brands, social commerce allows them to increase awareness amongst their target audience on a large scale, often bolstered by social proof, authority, and trust-building content through an already established global community. Even implementing a social media messenger chatbot can attract a massive amount of new customers.

Organic Connection with Customers

  • PPC advertising is losing its luster, and customers are becoming increasingly resistant to digital advertising. Social shopping is an effective way to meet the same needs as traditional ads for retailers while sparing consumers and platform users from brand-generated social media marketing. It is transparent about its intentions to sell, so brands must create genuinely interesting content for users. User-generated content and community posts provide an authentic online brand reputation, often for free, along with further support from influencer marketing.

Socialization Aspect of Shopping

  • Social shopping brings back the socialization aspect of shopping that is often lost in brick and mortar stores. People crave socialization in their day-to-day lives, and social commerce offers an opportunity for customers and brands to connect under one roof, albeit on a global scale. Social media users and micro-influencers interact in these environments similar to friends and feel like shoppers as they make a purchase – not mere consumers.

Cost-Effective

Social commerce combines marketing and e-commerce endeavors, making projects and resources less stretched out, less divided, and therefore more effective. This is especially true as PPC advertising continues to become more expensive, less data-centric, and less conglomerated onto a few select platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Potential Drawbacks of Social Shopping

Less Inherently Appealing to Male-Oriented Audiences

  • Men are less likely to buy a product without trying or seeing it in person. Therefore, men’s apparel and accessory brands may need to create a digital method to make up for this lack of touch and feel. Hyperactive digital environments like virtual and augmented reality will be especially promising as they develop in this regard. In the meanwhile, men’s fashion retailers may want to emphasize visual, material, and other descriptive elements within their marketing and creatives to help consumers adequately imagine these senses.

Not a Standard Framework

  • Social shopping initiatives can easily fall flat without a unique and creative touch. Unlike ads and other forms of marketing, consumers are not obligated to engage with social shopping activities as a way to access free content. They have to be genuinely interested in doing so. Capturing this genuine interest is not necessarily difficult, but it requires a business to have a keen understanding of its consumers and opt for new, fresh ideas rather than tried-and-true formats.

Impulsive Purchases

  • Finding an audience is easy, but retaining them is not. Socially-driven buying can be impulsive, resulting in no long-term changes in buying behavior. Therefore, retailers who integrate social shopping as a core component of their strategy also may need to prioritize customer loyalty initiatives long-term to bolster customer retention.

Less Control Over Social Discussion

  • Social e-commerce can be a fantastic tool to bring a business to a global audience, but proper etiquette is required to navigate this increased interaction between brands and users. Many retailers have negatively impacted their

Conclusion

Social commerce and social shopping are no longer just buzzwords – they are now integral parts of the retail landscape. With more and more people spending increasing amounts of time on social media, it’s clear that retailers must embrace these concepts if they want to stay competitive and relevant in today’s digital landscape.

The future of retail is clearly digital, and social commerce and social shopping are leading the way. By leveraging the power of social media, retailers can connect with their customers in new and exciting ways, ultimately leading to increased sales and growth. So, whether you’re a small business owner or a large corporation, it’s time to jump on the social commerce and social shopping bandwagon and take your business to the next level.

Benefits of Online Gaming Using Your Mobile Phone

Claire James
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Benefits of Online Gaming Using Your Mobile Phone

Betting has become an increasingly popular pastime in recent years, with millions of people around the world placing wagers on a wide range of sporting events, casino games, and other forms of gambling. One of the key reasons for this growth in popularity has been the rise of mobile betting, which allows users to place bets and track their results from the comfort of their own smartphones. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the benefits of betting using your mobile phone.

Convenience

The most obvious advantage of mobile betting is convenience. With a mobile betting app, you can place bets from anywhere and at any time. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, you can quickly and easily place bets on your favorite sporting events, casino games, or other forms of gambling. This means that you don’t have to waste time and money traveling to a physical location to place your bets. Instead, you can do it all from the palm of your hand.

Ease of Use

Another benefit of mobile betting is that it’s incredibly easy to use. Most mobile betting apps are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces and clear instructions. This means that even if you’re new to betting or gambling, you can quickly get the hang of using a mobile betting app. In addition, many mobile betting apps offer a range of features that make it easy to keep track of your bets, view your betting history, and manage your account.

Safety and Security

Mobile betting apps are also generally very safe and secure. Reputable betting companies invest heavily in security measures to ensure that your personal and financial information is protected. This means that you can feel confident that your information is safe when you use a mobile betting app. In addition, most mobile betting apps offer a range of payment options, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, so you can choose the option that works best for you.

Range of Betting Options

When you use a mobile betting app, you’ll have access to a wide range of betting options. Whether you’re interested in sports betting, casino games, or other forms of gambling, there are mobile betting apps that cater to your interests. In addition, many mobile betting apps offer live betting, which allows you to place bets while a game or event is in progress. This adds an extra layer of excitement to the betting experience and can increase your chances of winning.

Bonuses and Promotions

Finally, many mobile betting apps offer bonuses and promotions to their users. These can include free bets, deposit bonuses, and other rewards that can help you to increase your winnings or reduce your losses. By taking advantage of these bonuses and promotions, you can get more value out of your betting experience and increase your chances of coming out ahead.

In conclusion, mobile betting offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for anyone who enjoys betting or gambling. With its convenience, ease of use, safety, and security, range of betting options, and bonuses and promotions, mobile betting is a great way to enjoy the excitement of betting and potentially win big. If you haven’t tried mobile betting yet, it’s definitely worth giving it a shot.

Payment Systems in 2023: New Opportunities, and Fundamental Changes in the Industry

Claire James
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Payment Systems in 2023: New Opportunities, and Fundamental Changes in the Industry

Over the last ten years, the world of payment systems has changed and developed a lot. Furthermore, it is currently continuing to develop. As of today, such solutions as cashless payments are becoming increasingly important. They include bank cards, Internet banking, and fast payment systems.

According to a recent report by McKinsey & Company, the percentage of consumers using digital payment technologies sharply raised from 51% in 2021 to 62% in 2022. Interestingly, in-app purchases and peer-to-peer (P2P) payments have shown the highest growth rate. The overall growth of the instant payments sector is expected to continue at double-digit rates. In addition, it is expected to grow faster than the payment cards segment which has shown a growth rate of 10% over the past two years. Meanwhile, the open banking service continues to gain popularity, especially in Europe.

“Every single day, we can see that more and more companies switch to digital sales processes while developing the online market. In addition, eCommerce is no longer a new sales channel that B2B companies are experimenting with. It is becoming an integral part of their business,” says Edgars Lasmanis, founder and owner of Walletto UAB. Edgars Lasmanis has extensive experience in the e-commerce and payments industry, and set up his company with the primary aim of making online payments a more cost-effective proposition. Security, quality, and innovation are at the heart of Walletto’s mission.

While witnessing the increased interest from the market, the company pays special attention to the development of payment services. Walletto provides a wide range of services including divided accounts and dedicated IBAN accounts, as well as services allowing to accept payments by using Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and SEPA payments. They also plan to add SEPA Instant in the nearest future. “Our technological and financial solutions allow customers working in various fields to accept payments for goods and services from anywhere in the world by using various types of payments,” adds E. Lasmanis.

Interestingly, the study by McKinsey & Company shows that 65% of B2B companies sold goods and services exclusively online in 2022. Revenues from the global payment market are expected to continue to grow steadily over the next four years. They are driven by the modernization efforts in the industry and new opportunities that have led to fundamental changes in the trading sector, as well as in the behavior of both sellers and customers, not to mention new technologies.

It is worth noting that Walletto offers a high-end payment processing platform that is based on an individual approach to the eCommerce sector. As of today, the company pays the utmost attention to the security of the system, as well as offers PCI DSS certification, which guarantees the security of all transactions of the customers made by using their debit and credit cards issued by various banks as well as by Walletto.

The EYRA Group and Board of Cyber form an alliance to strengthen the cyber-security of companies in Switzerland

ABC Staff
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The EYRA Group and Board of Cyber form an alliance to strengthen the cyber-security of companies in Switzerland

The partnership agreement finalised between the EYRA Group and Board of Cyber provides Swiss companies with a continuous notation system for scoring cyber-performance.

The EYRA Group – specialists in managed services for cloud in both the private and public sectors, cyber-security and the protection of personal data – has come together with Board of Cyber, a French company specialising in cyber risk management so as to add the Security Rating® solution to the services it provides. This automated, fast, and non-intrusive SaaS solution will mean that its clients will be able to continuously evaluate the cyber-risks to their organisations and to that of their suppliers, and thereby improve their performance in terms of cyber-security.

The EYRA Group provides its clients with services covering computer management, consultancy, audit, training, and awareness, as well as the implementation and development of security technologies, and the services of an MSSP (managed security service provider). With Board of Cyber, the EYRA Group is therefore strengthening its “Cybersecurity Assessment Solutions” and its audit and awareness services. Its clients will be able to tackle all the major cyber issues: anticipation, prevention, protection, detection, reaction, and recovery (cyber resilience), and thereby to create an environment of trust.

A leader on the IT market in French-speaking Switzerland

The EYRA Group offers a complete range of IT services in five areas: IT transformation projects, Adaptive SwissCloud solutions, and cybersecurity covering an SOC (CyberSecurity Operations Centre), the supply of specialised resources and technology to produce the best hardware and software products. With over 10 years of commitment and experience through its subsidiaries, the EYRA Group employs about 100 staff spread over four sites in Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, and Neuchâtel. eyra-group.ch

“That a market leader such as the EYRA Group should choose Board of Cyber to strengthen its range of services for Swiss companies is a true mark of recognition. We share the same vision of service, providing solutions with immediate added value.” François-Charles Fachon, Channel Manager de Board of Cyber

“Board of Cyber’s Security Rating® is one of the first products on the market that make it possible for business leaders to get a very fast evaluation of the cyber-risks to their organisations and their supply chain security, and to monitor it over time. This solution is perfectly suited to the Swiss market for companies of all sizes and in all sectors that are looking for practical and cost-competitive tools.” Yves Froppier, Deputy CEO of the EYRA Group

Will Northern Ireland protocol boost business investment in UK?

ABC Staff
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Will Northern Ireland protocol boost business investment in UK?

The deal on the Northern Ireland protocol today will help “significantly revive” business investment into the UK from global investors, says the CEO and founder of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organisations.

The bullish observation from deVere Group chief executive Nigel Green comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled a Brexit deal with the EU on Monday that aims to overhaul Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit trading arrangements, brings a bitter dispute between the two sides to an end, restores devolved government in Belfast, and eases concerns from the US about the Northern Ireland situation.

The deVere CEO says: “Since the 2016 Brexit referendum, and the intense political wranglings it has caused, business investment into the UK from global investors has faltered.

“The possibility of an all-out trade war between the UK and the EU, plus the multifaceted political fallout, has triggered major uncertainty – which investors avoided due to the risks involved. Companies are never going to heavily invest where there are high levels of uncertainty. 

“This deal will help unleash business investment that has been held back by global investors.”

Brexit has been the direct cause of £29bn in business investment being lost and fuelled the slowdown in productivity, according to a Bank of England interest rate setter.

Jonathan Haskel noted the lack of business investment growth since the Brexit referendum was equivalent to 1.3% of UK gross domestic product (GDP).

“The deal announced on Monday settles the dispute that has been raging since 2021 when the UK left the EU single market and customs union through changes to the workings of the Northern Ireland protocol, which was part of the Brexit agreement signed by Boris Johnson back in 2019,” says Nigel Green.

“We expect this new development will help significantly revive business investment into the UK from global investors.”

The deVere Group CEO also notes that the British pound is likely to be given a much-needed bounce now a political agreement between the UK and the EU on the Northern Ireland protocol has been reached.

“We expect the pound will enjoy a bounce amid hopes for improved trading relations between the UK and the EU, which bolsters investor sentiment on Britain’s economic outlook.”

Since Brexit, the pound has been out of favour with FX traders, with the UK currency falling nearly 18% against a basket of currencies since the referendum. 

It has also been dragged down in recent months by fears over slowing economic growth and multi-decades high inflation.

“We could now be heading past peak pound pessimism.”

The deVere Group CEO concludes:

“Investors need certainty to invest. This deal on the Northern Ireland protocol helps bring that back.”

1 in 3 Brits have considered new jobs as a result of the Cost of Living crisis

Josh Haines
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1 in 3 Brits have considered new jobs as a result of the Cost of Living crisis

A new report from admin and temping recruitment specialists, Oriel Partners, has revealed the impact of the cost of living crisis on Britons. The survey of 1,000 UK residents found that 1 in 3 adults have considered changing their job to increase their salaries, with those aged 25-39 feeling the most pressure. 

According to the research, 76% of respondents have been impacted by the rising cost-of-living crisis. Of those affected, 27% are “very worried” about their financial stability and 52% have expressed “some concerns”. To cope with these worries, 58% are cutting back on gas and electricity use due to affordability concerns; 26% are using savings for bills; 15% are selling valuables or unneeded items to reduce expenditure; and 27% are considering changing jobs in order to improve their financial stability. 

Another study conducted by London storage company, Storage X, found that one in four UK-based adults have seen an increase in their monthly housing costs due to the Cost of Living crisis, with 12% of those living in London having been forced to consider moving home in response to rising costs.

Commenting on the findings, Oriel Partners Director Olivia Coughtrie said: “Our research shows just how much the cost-of-living crisis is affecting people’s lives – especially young people who are at an age where they should be building for their future rather than worrying about basic necessities. It’s clear that more must be done to address this issue and ensure everyone can access a secure job with good working conditions that pays enough for them to live comfortably without fear or worry.” 

The report also discovered that 9% of those aged 25-39 need to change jobs in order to improve their financial security and 35% of Londoners are considering a job change due to affordability issues. This is further proof that people all over the UK feel increasingly pressured by rising costs and wages not keeping up with inflation rates. 

Oriel Partners is committed to helping people find meaningful employment which provides sufficient income so they can live comfortably without worry or fear. Their team works hard every day to match employers with talented admin candidates who will thrive in their roles while being fairly compensated for their work.

Oriel Partners’ Top Tips On Landing A Higher Paying Role

Choose a Lucrative Industry

Choosing an industry that’s in high demand with good earning potential increases your chances of securing a high-paying job. Technology-related industries such as software development, data science, and cybersecurity are presently the most in-demand with a high earning potential. Research the career options that align with your interests and skills to guide your career choice. It’s also worthy of note to consider industries like healthcare, finance, and engineering that offer numerous high-paying positions.

Gain Professional Experience

Professional experience is a critical factor in career advancement. As you gain more experience, you’ll be considered for more senior positions, which often means higher salaries. This process can be achieved by starting at an entry-level job and progressing through the ranks. Also, joining professional organisations or community groups and volunteering with projects help advance your career.

Demonstrate Initiative To Current Employer

Your current employer provides you with the necessary experience and skills that can land you a high-paying job. To achieve this, it’s necessary to demonstrate initiative in your current role. Demonstrate your proficiency and willingness to take on additional responsibilities. This approach demonstrates your commitment to the organisation and highlights your potential value to future employers.

Develop Versatility and Skills

Employers seek individuals with a vast range of experience and skills. They need people that can bring different combinations of expertise to solve complex organisational challenges. By developing versatile and specialised skills, you differentiate yourself and become a valuable asset to your employer. Invest in online courses, join vocational schools or certification programs, attend related conferences and enhance your existing skills.

Become an Expert

Becoming an expert in a particular niche can open up opportunities in your career. As you focus on a specific area, you often gain a unique perspective and a deep understanding of your field. Share your expertise by writing research papers, blog posts, or by speaking at conferences. This approach demonstrates your proficiency, credibility, and can put you in greater demand among potential employers.

Develop Leadership Skills

Employers seek individuals with leadership skills to manage and lead projects to achieve results. Leadership skills include communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork. Volunteer with a project or take on leadership responsibilities at your current job to develop your leadership skills.

Aim High with Your Job Search

To secure a high-paying job, you need to apply for jobs that match your level of experience and desired salary. Avoid underselling yourself by only applying for entry-level jobs. Apply for jobs that offer a competitive salary and benefits package, even if it seems intimidating. A positive mindset and self-belief can help you achieve your career goals.

Research Prospective Employers

Before you apply for a job, it’s essential to research prospective employers. Check company websites, social media platforms, and third-party review sites for information about their culture, values, and financials. This pre-search often highlights red flags and discrepancies that can help you determine if the job is worth pursuing.

In conclusion, to get a high-paying job, you need a deliberate approach and a willingness to put in work. Choose a lucrative career path, gain professional experience, develop versatility, and leadership skills, become an expert in your field, aim high with your job search, and research prospective employers. By following these tips, you can take your career to the next level and secure a lucrative job role.

UK MENTAL WELLBEING HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TO DISRUPT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND EAP MARKET

ABC Staff
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UK MENTAL WELLBEING HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TO DISRUPT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND EAP MARKET

● UK based Thrive Mental Wellbeing has partnered with Vitality Works to launch Thrive Oceania – supporting workplace mental health in Australia and New Zealand.

● The joint venture will allow Vitality Works to extend its workplace health services with unparalleled mental health support services provided by Thrive.

● With one in five Australians suffering from at least one mental disorder in 2021, according to AIHW’s latest report, mental health support is vital now more than ever.

UK-based Thrive Mental Wellbeing is today announcing the formation of Thrive Oceania – a joint venture formed in partnership with Vitality Works, the workplace health services arm of the Sanitarium Group, which operates in Australia and New Zealand. According to the latest Australian Institute for Health and Welfare report on Mental Health, one in five (21%) Australians aged 16-85 had suffered from at least one mental disorder in 2021, indicating that there has never been a more important time for businesses to increase support for their employees.

Thrive Mental Wellbeing has grown to become globally recognised as a trusted workplace wellbeing solution specifically supporting mental health. With a mission to break the stigma in the UK and worldwide, Thrive Mental Wellbeing offers services to millions of employees to help deal with the challenges of declining mental health. By beginning the conversation in the workplace, Thrive Mental Wellbeing identifies those in need of support. This is achieved through smart tech, which screens users, applying the GAD/PHQ scales used by the NHS and internationally. This enables
engagement and recovery, but in addition offers increased awareness and improved communication around mental health, which will improve outcomes for its users and the wider community.

Vitality Works is well-respected in the workplace health, safety, and wellbeing market across Australia and New Zealand. With the increasingly rapid growth in demand for mental healthcare, the company knew it had to extend its employee wellbeing programme with professional, clinically supported mental health support and sought to find the ideal solution. Upon discovering Thrive Mental Wellbeing, Vitality Works was immediately taken with the services provided and the underlying app which facilitates them. It soon became apparent that there was a synergy between the two organisations, with both dedicated to improving the mental health landscape by focusing on outcomes.

Thrive Oceania offers Vitality Works customers and their employees all the benefits of Thrive Mental Wellbeing’s support services alongside existing Vitality Works workplace health, safety and wellbeing solutions. The establishment of the joint venture will also include the extension of Thrive Mental Wellbeing’s proactive Triage and Therapy Services to around-the-clock care – enabling support in other critical regions, including all time zones in North America.

Dr Andres Fonseca, Co-Founder of Thrive Mental Wellbeing, commented, “I am very excited about this joint venture with Vitality Works. Both organisations are focused on the things that I believe truly matter. We have strong human values at our core and are focused on providing evidence-based, clinically validated interventions that help prevent and treat mental health conditions. Thanks to our partnership, Vitality Works will be able to provide Thrive Mental Wellbeing’s high-quality mental health services to its customers, making them accessible in Australia and New Zealand. This is thanks to the deep relationship and positive collaboration achieved in a joint venture. I am looking forward to seeing first-hand the positive impact this will have on the people of Australia and New Zealand, now and into the future.”

Cathy McDonald, Executive General Manager of Vitality Works said of the joint venture: “We are delighted to welcome Thrive Mental Wellbeing to the Vitality Works family as part of our exclusive joint venture to bring the world’s best partner to revolutionise EAP in Australia and New Zealand. Trusted by over 1.6 million users with unparalleled impact and ROI, Thrive Mental Health will transform how individuals access psychologists and support services for the more than 50% of workers who experience mental health conditions in our region.”

Thrive Mental Wellbeing partners with businesses worldwide to provide employees with free at the point of access, unparalleled, evidence-based, and clinically validated mental health services. Supported by an intuitive app, companies have seen a significant improvement in mental wellbeing across their employee base. For case studies or more information about Thrive Mental Wellbeing, visit www.thrive.uk.com.

World first at MWC 2023: Greenerwave unveils the future brick of 5G network through its reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS)

ABC Staff
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World first at MWC 2023: Greenerwave unveils the future brick of 5G network through its reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS)

5G demos: Greenerwave stand 5B19 Demo of RIS using Anritsu professional equipment: Anritsu Stand 5D41

  • Antennas reconfigurable in real time
  • Ten-fold reduction in infrastructure costs
  • Compatible with 5G standard equipment
  • Energy efficient    

It’s a world first! At MWC 2023, Greenerwave, the deeptech startup specializing in shaping the electromagnetic waves, will provide a real-time demonstration of its reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) technology – a brick necessary for the deployment of 5G mmWave networks.

The demo, broadcast live on video, will use OpenAirInterface, the benchmark 5G platform adopted across the world, and an RIS operating at mmWave frequencies. Thanks to this setup, with its simplified hardware, energy efficiency, limited costs and mass market compatibility, Greenerwave is today combining all the ingredients for the large-scale deployment of 5G, even in the most congested environments. MWC, Barcelona, February 27 to March 2, 2023, stand 5B19.  

Greenerwave will also showcase its beamforming antenna solutions which achieve unmatched capital and operating costs for telecom operators, addressing conventional 5G network infrastructure, as well as new 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) utilization cases. The beamforming antennas and RIS technologies developed by Greenerwave are the cornerstones of 5G networks and beyond.               

Millimetric 5G and 6G, with very high bandwidth but limited range

At a time when demand for data speeds is exploding, 5G will soon rely on millimetric waves capable of offering far greater bandwidths. These waves (28GHz), and those expected to reach even higher frequencies in 6G, travel in a straight line and are completely blocked if they run into obstacles. In these circumstances, it is hard for them to reach devices not in the direct sightline of base stations. This creates severe connection problems for users located in interior and urban environments.  

Greenerwave: an intelligent, green and low-cost solution to facilitate the deployment of millimetric 5G

The first solution, both costly and energy intensive, would be to expand the network of base antennae and amplifiers. The second consists in reflecting and redirecting signals, but conventional reflectors can only do this in fixed directions.  

With its intelligent surface capable of controlling microwaves at will, Greenerwave revolutionizes telecommunications in dense areas. This jewel of the French Deeptech sector has developed passive transponders capable of directing waves to a specific device, such as an individual mobile equipment, while adapting in real time to its position with relatively simple electronics. In total, infrastructure costs are reduced ten-fold!  

How does it work?

Greenerwave designs metasurfaces comprising elements that shape electromagnetic waves. These metasurfaces consist in a group of centimetre-sized elements called pixels that operate as a collection of micromirrors. Each pixel can modify the sign of the reflected wave. Interactions between pixels and microwaves are managed by algorithms from the world of physics that direct waves after they are reflected on the surface. Passive and cheap, this technology aims to improve the use of electromagnetic waves to lower energy consumption and infrastructure costs.

A technology validated by major partnerships

In addition to the direct 5G demonstration on its stand, Greenerwave has also joined forces with Anritsu, a Japanese instrumentation company, to make a live presentation of its RIS capacities on the Japanese stand.

The French deeptech’s technology has already been validated by the first 5G demonstration of RIS by NTT and AGC in Japan last year and the first RIS network distributed at the 6G Summit in November 2022.

UK Energy Experts Take the Guesswork Out of Going Solar

ABC Staff
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UK Energy Experts Take the Guesswork Out of Going Solar

Solar and energy storage experts iJo Power are making the switch to solar easier for families and businesses throughout the UK. With energy prices fuelling the cost-of-living crisis, they’re developing smart solutions for those looking to lower their electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint. 
 
The Cornwall-based company uses industry research, testing, and analysis to help people get the most out of their solar setups. While the business is relatively new, Director Andrew Shaw has over 20 years in the industry and is regarded as one of the leading experts in solar and battery storage. He is on a mission to advance the energy industry.  
 
iJo Power designs solar and battery storage solutions, allowing power generated during daylight hours to be stored and used later. Customers use more of their own solar generated energy whilst drawing less from the grid, leading to savings of 75-80% on electricity bills. These savings can be increased further by making full use of battery capacity to charge during off-peak hours.
 
Despite the boom in the solar industry, many are still cautious due to a lack of understanding of the technology and the process. The energy experts at iJo Power recognise the difficulty this presents, and the hesitation experienced by many in making a significant financial investment. Removing the unknown by taking the time to explain the process as well as the pros and cons of different systems is a key focus for the iJo Power team, ensuring happy customers from initial quotation to final commissioning of a high performance system.  
 
The revamped website reflects the innovation and customer-centric approach that sets iJo Power apart from their competitors. In addition to invaluable content, including FAQs designed to educate those interested in solar and battery storage, the fast and efficient cost calculator gives domestic customers a better sense of the size of the initial investment as well as the expected long-term savings. The user-friendly calculator provides cost estimates based on current energy usage and roof size before generating a return on investment.  
 
iJo Power has streamlined the installation process, using its strong network of trusted and skilled installers to achieve the very best configuration for each client. Recognising that each customer’s energy usage is different, a flexible and technically sound approach is needed to ensure the very best performance. The fluidity of the operational infrastructure is backed by top manufacturers in the solar industry and agile supply chains.
 
Quality over quantity is fundamental at iJo Power – and by flexing their technical prowess and in-depth product knowledge, they’re helping people across the UK to achieve energy independence.

The watering hole, piggybacking, dumpster diving, and other social engineering attacks threatening employees

ABC Staff
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The watering hole, piggybacking, dumpster diving, and other social engineering attacks threatening employees

Cybersecurity expert shares 10 intricate social engineering techniques that can harm anyone and ways to prevent them from happening

Social engineering attacks use human nature to their advantage, preying on our trust, greed, fear, curiosity, and even our desire to help others. A study shows that 75% of respondents believe that social engineering and phishing attacks are the biggest danger to cybersecurity at their company. Cybersecurity threats are evolving, and while the incidence of traditional attacks may decrease, more sophisticated ones will prosper. Staying alert and being educated are the keys to staying safe.

Carlos Salas, an engineering manager at NordLayer, shares 10 social engineering techniques that hackers may use to target both individuals and organizations. According to Salas, “Social engineering is one of the easiest ways to get access to sensitive data, especially when employees haven’t been trained on how to recognize and combat it. Because every member of the organization is a potential target, with interactive and informative training, such attacks can be stopped.” Below, he shares his expertise on how to avoid any potential loss and examples of such attacks.

  1. Baiting

Baiting attacks use a false promise to rouse a victim’s greed or curiosity. Social engineers use bait to lure users into a trap that steals their personal information or infects their systems with malware. For example, infected USB memory sticks are left in parking lots or offices, tempting people to see what’s on them. Don’t ever try to check what is inside the unattended USB devices, and make sure to report it to the security team if you see them lying around.

  1. Pretexting

An attacker uses a made-up scenario (a pretext) to provoke an employee to disclose sensitive information, for example, login details to IT systems or personal information about other employees. It often requires researching the target prior to the attack to make the scenario plausible and to gain the trust of the victim. If that happens, the most important thing is to verify the identity, avoid sharing personal details and report the incident to the IT team.

  1. Watering hole

In a watering-hole attack, the attacker infects an existing website or creates a fake website that mimics an existing website often used by a certain group of people, for example, employees of a company. The goal is to infect a targeted user’s computer and gain access, for instance, to the network at the target’s workplace. To protect yourself, only access websites that have HTTPS in the URL code, update your software, and use malware-detection tools.

  1. Quid pro quo

Quid pro quo attacks rely on people’s sense of reciprocity. Attackers offer services, assistance, or other benefits in exchange for information. For example, someone pretending to be an IT expert might ask for your device’s login credentials in order to make that device run faster. In order to prevent information loss, verify the identity of IT technician, question methods and tools, and use anti-malware software.

  1. Scareware

Scareware is a form of malicious software, usually a pop-up that warns that your security software is out of date or that malicious software has been detected on your machine. It fools victims into visiting malicious websites or buying worthless antivirus software. Use an ad-blocker and reputable antivirus and avoid clicking on pop-ups. 

  1. Tailgating and piggybacking

Tailgating and piggybacking involve an attacker accessing a secure or restricted area. For instance, a person might tailgate an employee into the office, claiming to have lost their access card, pretending to be a repair technician, or holding coffee cups in both of their hands and asking for your help with the door.

  1. Vishing

Vishing, also known as “voice phishing,” is a practice of eliciting information or attempting to influence someone via the telephone. In 2021 alone, TrueCaller reports that Americans lost $29,800,000 to phone scams. Avoid responding to emails or social media messages that ask for your phone number. Remember that your colleagues will never call you at home asking you to transfer funds or any other sensitive information.

  1. Shoulder surfing

Shoulder surfing is the bad actor watching their unsuspecting victim while they’re entering passwords and other sensitive information. But this technique doesn’t have to be used at close range, literally looking over their shoulder. It could be employed by the hacker from a distance if they use binoculars or hidden cameras, for example. In order to eliminate the risk of being snooped on this way, make sure to use strong, single sign-on passwords, biometrics, and 2-factor authentication.

  1. Dumpster diving

Dumpster diving is when attackers go through your company’s trash looking for documents containing sensitive or confidential information. Always use a file shredder to prevent information leakage.

  1. Deep Fakes

Deepfakes (“deep learning” + “fake”) are synthetic media in which a person in an existing image, audio, or video is replaced with someone else’s likeness. It is possible to detect deep fakes. Make sure to check for shadows appearing on the face, notice if eyes are blinking and try to detect wrinkles. Beware of poor-quality phone call recordings and pay attention to how letters like f, s, v, and z are pronounced — software has trouble differentiating them from noise.

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