What your organisation can learn from data in sport

As much as debates may rage as to what is or is not a sport every time the Olympics takes place, one thing that is in increasingly little doubt is that even the most tenuously sporting activities are also becoming a science. The applicability and usefulness of a wide range of data parameters in sport is something to which prospective clients of panintelligence’s (http://www.panintelligence.com) business intelligence analytics should take notice.

Dashboard reporting software first came into being due to the growing volumes of data that businesses find themselves having to produce meaningful conclusions from, with sources seemingly ever-multiplying and emerging at an unprecedented rate. Data is permeating every aspect of public life, from supermarket loyalty cards to the world of sport. Its relevance in the latter in recent times is particularly demonstrated by the emergence of organisations like Opta using unique collection methodologies to produce highly detailed data on player performance. Meanwhile, sports like Formula One have always revolved around the skilful interpretation of the right data, including as a means of counteracting the strategies of competitors.

In Formula One, data has a real influence on outcomes, with mere milliseconds dictating whether a driver scores a pole position, or is consigned to the disadvantageous ‘dirty’ side of the grid at the start of a Grand Prix. Similarly, football fans know all too well the frustration of recent failures by referees to spot legitimate goals, leading to calls for the implementation of goal line technology that a long-technophobic FIFA is finding increasingly difficult to resist.

The sheer amount of analysis that continually happens in sport, covering such parameters as game statistics, leaderboards, games played, goals scored, metres run and even player heart rates, is not a new phenomenon. However, the methods that are used have certainly changed, as the amount of data being recorded and analysed has become ever greater. All of this holds real lessons for firms considering an investment in a business intelligence solution.

In short, it has never been more important for organisations inside and outside sport to have the right application to monitor, interpret and present data back to users in an easy to interpret fashion. With business intelligence software from panintelligence (http://www.panintelligence.com), firms can not only acquire relevant data, but also recognise patterns and leverage insights in real time, using the dashboard to continually refine their strategy and affirm industry competitiveness.

Editor’s Note: Panintelligence (http://www.panintelligence.com) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Be prepared for the spring fashion onslaught!

It’s such an exhausting thing to keep up to date with the latest developments on the international catwalks... and that’s if you have the time to do so at all. Given all of the anxiety prevailing in the UK right now about slightly more humdrum matters like jobs and money, your own engagement with fashion might extend to little more than the occasional magazine. It’s not the best way to ensure that you look great this spring – which is why you might consider consulting a London fashion stylist from Shikkuu Guides (http://www.shikkuuguides.com) for advice.

Even when consulting a fashion stylist, there is no guarantee that you’ll learn much about the latest fashions, let alone discover which ones actually suit you and how to make more informed buying decisions independently in the future. All too often, a style makeover looks so much better on paper than it ends up being in reality. Unfortunately, there are some ‘fashion advisors’ and ‘personal stylists’ out there who have already made all of your clothing choices for you, even before you say anything to them about your own preferences and requirements.

Increasingly, people like you are realising this. You might not have the time to read about the most outrageous up-to-the-minute fashions, but one thing that you do know is that a ‘one size fits all’ philosophy from your fashion stylist in London will simply not do. That’s why, the moment you call Shikkuu Guides about our personal shopping or styling services, we’ll provide you with a style consultation to establish what precisely you want to achieve. You can then choose which of our services is right for you, whether that’s our personal shopper services, personal style and image sessions, wardrobe reviews, colour consultations, or a combination.

Whichever service you request from us, we’ll be very thorough in our preparation for your appointment, and once you do meet up with your personal stylist in London, you’ll not only be styled, but also thoroughly educated on how you can look and feel great this spring. At every stage, the emphasis is on your requirements, not ours – whether you have requested assistance from a personal shopper in finding new seasonal wardrobe pieces, or you are learning how to dress cleverly for your figure during one of our complete personal style and image sessions. Or maybe you want to discuss and edit your existing wardrobe or be shown the clothing colours that best suit you?

We help both men and women to look simply stunning this spring, with independent services that represent great value for money. When you are considering fashion stylists in London this spring time, turn to those that actually work for you – our own, right here at Shikkuu Guides (http://www.shikkuuguides.com).

Editor’s Note: Shikkuu Guides (http://www.shikkuuguides.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Defra strikes back over Daily Mail ‘recycling con’ story

Those recycling old computers and other materials with Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com) may be interested to read of a publicity storm that has brewed over the supposed illegal export and sending to landfill of millions of tonnes of waste, as reported recently by the Daily Mail.

The claims have now been described as “myth” by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), in response to the newspaper’s front page headline on Saturday 6^th April, “Recycling: The Great Con Trick”. The ensuing article claimed that most of the recyclable waste being shipped to countries including India, China and Indonesia was disposed of in landfill after being rejected by reprocessors.

In news that may have alarmed many of those with an interest in services like computer, aluminium, cardboard or copper recycling, the newspaper added that it was ‘compulsory recycling schemes’ set up so that the Waste Framework Directive’s requirements could be met, rather than insufficient landfill space in the UK, that was to blame for the large amount that was disposed abroad.

However, Defra described the allegations as “untrue”, adding that “the vast majority of the millions of tonnes of waste that is legally exported for recycling is dealt with properly and recycled into other products.” In a statement on its website, it described the exporting of household waste from the UK for dumping as “absolutely illegal”, and said that the illegal export of improperly sorted materials was a prosecutable offence.

Defra added that the only materials that could be legally exported were “sorted materials such as metals, paper, card, glass or plastic that can be reused again”. It went on to state that it was presently working on updating the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations, which make clear the requirements for UK agencies’ enforcement of EU waste shipment regulations.

The statement continued:  “We are clamping down on people illegally exporting waste and giving enforcement agencies the necessary powers to combat illegal activity. Under international law, importing countries will also refuse entry to illegal shipments of waste.”

Adding that the materials recycling trade was a “global market”, the Department also indicated its wish for the growth of the UK’s recycling industry, which would present an “opportunity” to be grasped “with both hands” to the British economy’s benefit.

The Daily Mail’s allegations have also been refuted by those involved in services like aluminium recycling, who have stated that it would make little economic sense for a company to export waste abroad so that it could be buried in landfill.

With services ranging from WEEE disposal to cardboard recycling, here at Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com), we offer a comprehensive and efficient recycling service that is also fully compliant with the law at all times. We serve a wide range of businesses and organisations across the United Kingdom, and ensure that your waste items are safely, securely and lawfully disposed of and destroyed.

Editor’s Note: Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Fire Safety – A Brief History

At Triple Star Fire (http://www.triplestarfire.com/) we pride ourselves on supplying state-of-the-art fire safety equipment including the latest technology in fire alarm systems, all expertly installed and maintained by our industry leading engineers.

But fire safety wasn’t always cutting edge, in fact the early days of fire prevention and detection was, at best, rudimentary. Two hundred years ago fire alarms were very much do-it-yourself affairs. Communities sounded the alarm when a fire was spotted by blowing whistles, ringing church bells, shooting guns and just by shouting “fire”. You’d be hard pushed to call this a fire alarm system as such, it was more a natural human response to danger - that of panicking, shouting and making a noise! Somewhat effective but clearly a better, more systematic approach was needed.

The fire brigade in its earliest form was put together by a wealthy Roman family in 115BC - a team of 500 people that rushed to a fire at the first cry of alarm - but it wasn’t adopted in the UK until after the great fire of London, when insurance companies had private teams of fire fighters protecting their client’s homes. They would only tackle blazes at homes displaying the relevant mark to show they were paying the insurance company for fire protection. Fire fighting became wider spread in the 17^th century when the first fire engines appeared. As fire fighting was a commercial activity many people waited until the last minute to raise the alarm, to avoid paying the fee, leading to many fires raging out of control before a free fire brigade came into effect.

Having a fire brigade is one thing but detecting a fire and raising the alarm is quite another. With the advent of the telegraph came the possibility of communication and it was quickly adopted by communities to sound and send the alarm when a fire broke out. To report a fire in the neighbourhood a person would crank a handle on a fire alarm box that would send a message with the box´s number to a central headquarters who would relay the corresponding address of the box location to the fire brigade.

Detection devices came much later. The first electrical heat detector and smoke detector was patented in Birmingham in 1902 but the first “modern” smoke detector wasn’t operational until the 1930s. Until the mid 1960s, when solid state electronics made a cheap sensor possible, smoke detectors were the preserve of big businesses as they were the only people that could afford them.

So we’ve come a very long way over the years: not only have the technological advances made protecting your premises, your business and your staff possible, it has become affordable too. And to find the best value, highest quality fire alarm systems you need only contact us at Triple Star Fire (http://www.triplestarfire.com/) for access to the latest and best fire safety equipment, managed by the best engineers in the industry.

Editor’s Note: Triple Star Fire (http://www.triplestarfire.com/) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

An Apple a Day keeps the Office Supplies in the Bay

It never fails.  It's day's end on Friday, you are set to leave for the weekend, and you have one more document to print: Ctrl-P, Click "Ok" and....nothing.  You look at the printer and it blinks its red light, letting you know the toner cartridge needs to be replaced.  Sigh.  You go to the supply closet and sure enough, there's no backup toner.  If only you had your Apple a Day.

Welcome To Apple Office's New Online Store

We are delighted to offer new and improved services to our customers around the UK.  When you think Office Supplies Belfast, your next thought should be Apple Office. We not only offer next day delivery, but we ensure you always have enough back-up supplies on hand. If you are an ECO-conscious office, we offer ECO-conscious solutions. Visit our website daily for our Deal of the Day and save even more.

As an independent office supply company, we have the privilege of tailoring our services to each client's individual needs.

Ink & Toner Supplies Belfast

We offer ink and toner supplies Belfast for every make and model of printer, copier, and fax machine under the sun.  Have an old model that continues to perform? No worries. Apple Office carries supplies for all of your office's needs whether they are ultra-contemporary or budget conscious.  When you are ready to trade-in your old office technology, we will work with you to find new office technology that works within your financial needs.

Paper Supplies Belfast

From everyday printer paper and office envelopes, to high-end stationery and card stock, we excel at providing your business with paper supplies Belfast for every occasion.  If you don't see what you need on our website, contact our customer service representatives and we will make sure we can get it for you.

Office Furniture Belfast

It's important that your office furniture Belfast is attractive, comfortable, and ergonomically correct.  Apple Office can help you create a professional and comfortable office environment and have everything delivered for free by the next day. Whether you just need a new swivel chair, or are ready to overhaul your entire interior, we can take care of it all.

It's important that you work with an office supply company that understands your company's demands and always offers solutions.  Apple Office is a local and independent company that is ready to get to know you and your company's needs.  An Apple a Day makes sure your office runs glitch-free.

A closer look at Sunspel's 20th century journey

The 20th century was certainly one of drastic change for Sunspel (http://www.sunspel.com/us), much as it was in wider public life. It was a century that saw dramatic transformations in the lives of people across the world, encompassing politics, economics, culture, science, technology and medicine. Feminism demanded equal rights between men and women, while there was also a transition in common means of transportation from the horse to sophisticated automobiles and airplanes. And of course, luxury clothing also changed, almost beyond recognition.  

Sunspel was at the centre of such changes in quality clothing and associated attitudes. Few companies played such an instrumental role in the development and refinement of all manner of icon products like the boxer, T-shirt and polo shirt, made all the more impressive by the company's humble origins in mid-19th century Nottingham. Indeed, by the end of that century, the firm then known as Thomas Hill Ltd had already made a major impact in its creation of comfortable and durable underwear from the world's finest grade of cotton. It had even begun making some of the world's earliest T-shirts, ensuring that they were continually softer, lighter and more comfortable.

It was arguably the 20th century, however, as ownership of the company passed from 'Old Thom' to a succession of sons and grandsons, that saw the fledging Sunspel truly hit its stride. This was the century, after all, in which the Sunspel white T-shirt reached its ultimate point of iconic simplicity, with more recent designs having only subtly altered since the 1950s. John Hill, meanwhile, not only introduced the boxer short to Britain from America in 1947, but also took a lead in perfecting the modern design of boxer short. Double-turned and feldlocked seams eliminated rough or sharp edges, while the remaining excessive bagginess left over from the 1930s was also eradicated.

The 1950s also saw Sunspel begin to make classic polo shirts, as with the boxer short, again introducing this relaxed wardrobe staple to the British public. But the company also added its own touches to the basic polo shirt design for the American market, with a particular emphasis on simplicity and comfort. The result was a polo shirt effectively distilled to its core elements - short sleeves, a soft collar and three buttons - and shorn of the fussy extras favored by some other luxury clothing manufacturers of the period.

As the 20th century wore on, Sunspel (http://www.sunspel.com/us) developed its reputation for the highest standard of British craftsmanship. It made the most of emerging overseas markets in the years before World War II, and before too long, was even issuing undergarments to the RAF. Later in the century, its heritage clothing became a common sight in the world's finest boutiques and stores and many talented designers began to join in with collaborative projects, establishing foundations for the current, flourishing Sunspel of the early 21st century.

Editor’s Note: Sunspel US (http://www.sunspel.com/us) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Sunspel: making an impact in London

Sunspel (http://www.sunspel.com) may be a proud child of Nottingham, but it has never been content for its reach to be restricted to the industrial (and subsequently post-industrial) north of England. That much was evident in the earliest days of the company in the 1860s, when founder Thomas Hill began to import the world’s finest grade of cotton with the aim of producing durable and comfortable mens underwear for the whole of Britain – if not the world.

For decade after decade, Sunspel quality clothing has taken pride of place in the world’s most prestigious boutiques, and the situation is certainly no different in London, one of the undoubted international fashion capitals. One might initially imagine that the luxury basics of Sunspel, with their timeless and classy aesthetic, might be overwhelmed by the competition in such a thriving metropolis. Far from it: Londoners have long appreciated the company’s focus on the most wearable quality garments, including sought-after icon products like T-shirts and polo shirts as well as underwear.

Recent years have seen a particular spotlight shone on the English capital, with the 2012 Olympic Games showcasing all of the aspects of the city of which it can be proud. Even amid continuing economic worries, London has taken on a new vigour as athletes have pounded the Olympic Stadium’s iconic track. But some things never change, and one of those is the commitment of Sunspel to the finest range of designer menswear and womenswear, encompassing not only the above but also the likes of knitwear, sweats, trousers and sleepwear. In every instance, Sunspel’s heritage clothing is impeccably engineered. 

The modern Sunspel works with an assortment of top designers working and living in the capital, leading to events such as the recent celebration of fifty years of James Bond’s quintessential style at the Barbican, where the firm’s recreation of Sean Connery’s iconic pale blue shorts took pride of place. However, the Nottingham firm’s most obvious presence in London is surely in the form of its own stores. These include a Soho store that is a mere five minute’s walk from Oxford Street and Piccadilly, on Old Compton Street. It is a fascinating building in its own right, being the former home of the infamous Janus Bookstore that sold bespoke erotica.

The Soho premises is next door to a vintage liquor store and the original Patisserie Valerie, and features many elements of the original building, including a beautiful wooden floor of reclaimed Rhodesian teak. There are even elements from the Sunspel (http://www.sunspel.com) Nottingham factory, with one of the surfaces being based on the factory cutting table. The store also stocks the complete range of Sunspel British clothing. It is complemented by a new shop on Chilton Street in Marylebone. Finally, at the time of typing, another store in Shoreditch is temporarily closed for refurbishment. It does, however, have an entirely befitting alternative East London home in the meantime, in the lively surroundings of the Old Truman Brewery in Spitalfields.

Editor’s Note: Sunspel (http://www.sunspel.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

A closer look at the Gentlemen’s Tonic bodycare range

When the discerning modern man wishes to momentarily escape the stresses and rigours of the outside world, there is often only one place on his mind: Gentlemen’s Tonic (http://www.gentlemenstonic.com), formerly solely in the heart of Mayfair but now also in various other London and international locations. It is here where he will be able to find not only various treatments, but also some of the finest traditional male grooming products – including the best in branded bodycare.

Such male grooming gifts presently on sale bearing the Gentlemen’s Tonic brand include Gentle Body Wash for softening and conditioning the skin. This is the ultimate body wash for men, being rich and luxurious and featuring our incredible fragrance. It is a stress-relieving body wash that truly cleans and energises, maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance and being suitable for use in the shower or bath. It is made to a gentle formula that ensures suitability for all male skin types, with ingredients including menthol, ginger extract, vegetable glycerine, honey and wheat extracts and more.

Another essential part of a man’s skincare routine is our Daily Mens Foaming Cleanser, which is mild and features no foaming chemicals, providing only natural foaming action. Its gentle formula ensures the uplifting of excess oils and impurities. Key ingredients include alpine moss and quillaja, which are mild agents that help to enhance the cleaning process while also ensuring that the skin’s natural PH balance is maintained. Meanwhile, water chestnut prevents the skin from drying out, providing that vital extra boost of moisture. Also included is babassu oil, which produces a cooling effect on the skin and leaves it feeling luxurious and velvety, as well as an essential oil, bergamot oil, that helps to relieve tension.

Also available in the range is a Moisturising Hand Balm that moisturises and protects the hands, rapidly absorbing so that hands look nourished and healthy. Such great results are achieved by an intense and non-greasy formula, with key ingredients such as almond oil, manuka honey, sunflower oil, babassu oil and bergamot oil. Taken together, they ensure that the hand balm is truly anti-bacterial, provides an excellent moisture barrier and helps to protect, sooth and repair the skin. All you have to do – as can be done all year round – is thoroughly apply the balm to your hands, before rubbing gently to facilitate its quick absorption.

All of this does not even begin to describe our Aftershave Balm, which we offer for both dry to sensitive and normal skin, and that contains mineral rich ingredients and can also be used as a daily moisturiser. The range is completed by various shower products, including a Shower Gift Set in an elegant box and the GT and Mayfair Shower Collections that combine various luxury shower products while offering significant savings. They all help to make Gentlemen’s Tonic (http://www.gentlemenstonic.com) a first port of call for the shower and bodycare needs of many men across the world.

Editor’s Note: Gentlemen’s Tonic (http://www.gentlemenstonic.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Are you ready to take advantage of the 'Budget for businesses'?

If you run a business in the United Kingdom, then it's fair to say that one of the most important news stories to you in recent weeks will have been the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne unveiling his Budget. He certainly described it as a 'Budget for businesses', and sure enough, there was plenty for potential clients of Just-Clear's (http://www.just-clear.co.uk) office clearance services to saviour, from the fuel duty freeze and tax cut promises to incentives for hiring staff.

However, it's worth considering the business value of office clearance in London at this, of all times. With so many British firms finding it difficult to stay afloat even with Osborne's latest measures, more and more of them are considering how they can streamline operations, reduce costs and increase their competitiveness. Achieving all of these things at once might seem a tall order, but one of the best ways of doing this is, oddly enough, having a thorough office clear-out, which also ought to clear the minds of your workers.

Office businesses, much like the households that use our house clearance service, have a tendency to hoard stuff. Whether it's a flashy whiteboard or two that you just didn't need in the end, a load of excess stationery, an empty filing cabinet or even some sophisticated electronics equipment, there's always something lying around that is serving absolutely no use to your firm. So why not sell some of it, donate it or even recycle it?

There's only one problem with that plan for many businesses: a lack of time. When you have a very demanding core business to tend to, complete with clients that expect an answer to their queries within the hour, irrespective of the time of day, it's understandable if you haven't got round to your own office clearance. That's why so many British firms outsource such a task, much as they do for so many other services these days. Just-Clear clears offices for landlords, catering tenants, retail tenants, corporate and commercial tenants and so many other parties, both affordably and professionally.

You might have a large, bulky item to get rid of, or you may need to clear multiple workstations. Whatever you need to remove, Just-Clear can do it in a way that fully complies with necessary legislation. For each collection, a detailed 'Junk report' is provided. Certainly, this is relevant because many companies are also anxious these days to demonstrate a certain level of social responsibility to their prospective clients, so it can be nice to know precisely what, and how much, was reused, recycled and sent to landfill.

With a nice, thorough office clearance in London carried out, you'll probably find that you have a lot more space all of a sudden. Perhaps you can use that space for a few new employees, taking advantage of Osborne's 'tax off jobs'? Just-Clear (http://www.just-clear.co.uk) wishes your firm a highly profitable 2013.