There’s so much buzz around Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the moment but very little practical advice about how to create the claimed cost savings and also grow your business. Many companies want to “get started with AI” but don’t know how. Others have used AI but are struggling to see the benefits (other than drafting or summarising content). And many believe that it’s a complex and expensive technology.
Having worked in the area for many years, we can reassure you of two things; firstly, it is possible to create significant efficiencies and growth by using AI and secondly, the technologies have now become affordable for all businesses.
Here is our quick 4 stage overview of how we’ve seen many companies benefiting from AI.
“It’s more than ChatGPT and Co-Pilot”. We can help you identify opportunities presented by AI; insights into your customers, prospects and markets, automating common tasks, orchestrating processes more efficiently across teams, automated document processing, proactive CRM and so and much more.
“AI as a Strategic Business Tool”: Develop a comprehensive business plan to identify AI opportunities, roadmap services, address capability gaps, forecast measurable benefits, and foster enthusiasm and adoption among your team. We’ve successfully implemented this approach for numerous businesses.
“Quick wins lead to long-term transformation”. Most businesses will be transformed significantly by AI over the next few years; imagine the impact that email or the internet had when they first arrived … and then multiply that a few times! We recommend that your AI roadmap has some “quick wins” – to build enthusiasm and to demonstrate benefits – along with some longer-term, bigger projects. Our development teams have the skills and accelerators to deliver value in weeks (not months).
“Humans first”. It’s easy to forget with all this exciting new technology that the most important asset to any business is people. Equally, your customers must be front and centre to everything you do. So, while AI can be very impressive with huge datasets, we will always need our “human skills” of creativity, relationship-building, empathy and accountability. Further, we need our staff and partners to champion improvement, to actively contribute to success through AI and fully embrace change. In this important area, we offer services from training and education to change management.
If you’re thinking of using AI to grow your business, why not speak with us. Our experts have helped all sizes of business in many different sectors and can get you started on your AI journey in a practical way.
Investing is a classic example of an activity which everyone seems keen to give an opinion on. The problem is that they all have their own reasons for expressing the views that they do, and, almost invariably, there’s an element of self-interest involved.
So, for example, the guy in the pub who’s made a killing by investing, say, in Bitcoin or Nvidia shares and keeps saying you should do the same, may just be showing off. Or perhaps he’s waiting for the price to rise further before cashing in and therefore has a vested interest in talking the investment up.
Media outlets that tend to feature active funds rather than cheaper passive alternatives have their own motives too. Active investing makes for better stories — and, crucially, more clicks — than indexing. Also, advertising by active fund managers largely pays for journalists’ salaries.
But what if it’s a politician who’s suggesting you invest your money in a particular way? How much credibility should we give to what they say?
In recent months, both of the major parties have been keen to promote investing in British stocks. The Conservative government announced plans in the March budget for a new “UK ISA”, which would have an additional £5,000 allowance, on top of the existing £20,000 allowance across other types of ISAs. (1) The goal is to encourage individuals to invest in UK assets. Whether or not the idea ever comes to fruition, Labour politicians have been broadly supportive.
The former Pensions Minister Ros Altmann has even suggested that investors should be made to invest 25% of their retirement savings in UK companies. (2) By “neglecting” domestic equities, she says, investors have “pushed valuations to exceptionally cheap levels.” (3) Making people buy more British shares, she argues, would be a “win-win” for the country and for investors.
Whichever party these pronouncements come from; you should treat them with extreme caution. Remember, in particular, that politicians have their own interests and agendas.
Governments, for example, naturally want the UK economy to grow. They want to increase the amount of capital available to businesses and drive more interest in the UK stock market. Of course, most of us would like to see those things as well. But the most important consideration for investors isn’t what’s best for the UK economy or for London’s status as a global financial centre: it’s what’s best for them and their returns that really matters.
The overwhelming evidence is that investors should be globally diversified and avoid being too heavily exposed to their own domestic stock market.
Most UK investors are already exposed to the UK economy by virtue of working and owning property here. Having a large portion of your portfolio invested in UK stocks simply makes that risk more concentrated. Of course, you might feel bullish about the UK’s prospects, but nobody knows what the future holds or what challenges the country will face in the years ahead.
As well as reducing risk, being globally diversified also enhances returns. Inevitably there will be periods when the UK economy lags, and that’s when having broad international exposure pays off. Diversification also gives you access to investment opportunities in countries and sectors you wouldn’t have if you were too heavily invested in UK companies.
In short, global diversification helps to create a more balanced and potentially more resilient investment portfolio.
MPs enjoy generous pensions
There are two other important points you need to consider when weighing up suggestions from politicians about how to invest.
The first point is that Members of Parliament benefit from the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund (PCPF), which is one of the most generous pension schemes in operation. (4) For a start, as a defined-benefit scheme, the PCPF provides a predictable retirement income. Pensions are typically calculated based on the highest salary earned, rather than the career average, and they are generally indexed to protect against inflation. The scheme also includes benefits such as death in service and ill-health retirement provisions.
In other words, unless they enter Parliament with no provision at all for their retirement, most MPs don’t have to worry about their pension arrangements. That leaves them free to make pronouncements on how others should invest their retirement savings, safe in the knowledge that they themselves are likely to manage just fine.
Personal conflicts of interest
The other point to bear in mind is that MPs often have personal conflicts of interest. There are close links between the City of London and the two main parties, not least because of party political donations. Also, many MPs end up working in well-paid jobs in the City once they leave the House of Commons.
Why is this a problem? Well, what’s good for the City and the financial services industry in general is often bad for investors, and vice versa. All of us are human and prone to put our interests first, including politicians, so there’s another reason for investors to be sceptical when our elected representatives appear to promote a particular course of action.
One final thing: whenever someone suggests you should invest in a particular way, never assume that they’re doing the same with their own money. The investment bank Peel Hunt recently looked into the asset allocation of the PCPF and found that just 1.3% of its assets are invested in UK equities. (5)
As of March 31, 2023, only £10 million of its £782 million investments were in UK stocks, compared to £433 million in global equities. In 2017, the fund had £130 million in UK equities, representing 19% of its assets.
“It’s absolutely a case of double standards,” Charles Hall, head of research at Peel Hunt, told The Times. “They are not only selling down their UK equities, they are actually materially underweight the UK.”
What politicians are saying, in other words, is “Do as we say, and not as we do.”
The bottom line, then, is to be very careful where you look for advice or guidance. Want to know how to invest your money sensibly? Ask a financial planner, not a Member of Parliament.
How Clever Energy Midlands Ltd Can Assist Birmingham Professionals in Finding Reputable Solar Installers
In an era where sustainability and energy efficiency are paramount, Birmingham based businesses are increasingly turning to solar energy as a viable solution. However, the search for reputable solar installers can be daunting. This is where Clever Energy Midlands Ltd steps in, providing a comprehensive service to ensure businesses find the best possible partners for their solar energy needs. Not to worry if you are not from Birmingham our installers will cover the country to help install the best technologies to improve efficiency at your site.
Choosing a solar installer involves more than just comparing prices. Businesses must consider the quality of products, the expertise of the installers, and the reliability of the service. With numerous providers in the market, making an informed decision can be overwhelming.
1. Expertise and Experience Clever Energy Midlands Ltd brings extensive experience in the solar energy sector. Our understanding of the market enables us to identify and partner with the most reputable installers. We have a thorough vetting process, ensuring that the installers we recommend meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.
2. Tailored Solutions Every business has unique energy requirements. Whether it’s a small office or a large industrial facility, we take the time to understand your specific needs. Our tailored approach ensures that the solutions we provide align with your energy goals and budget, maximizing the return on your investment.
3. Comprehensive Network Over the last couple of years, we have built a robust network of trusted installers across Birmingham and the Midlands. This extensive network allows us to connect you with the right professionals for your project, ensuring timely and efficient installation.
4. Quality Assurance At Clever Energy Midlands Ltd, we prioritise quality. The installers we work with use state-of-the-art equipment and adhere to best practices in the industry. This commitment to quality ensures that your solar system is durable, efficient, and capable of meeting your energy needs for years to come.
5. Support and Guidance Transitioning to solar energy is a significant step, and we are here to support you throughout the process. From the initial consultation to the final installation and beyond, our team provides continuous support and guidance. We help you navigate the complexities of solar energy, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
6. Financial and Environmental Benefits By partnering with Clever Energy Midlands Ltd, businesses not only gain access to reliable solar installers but also benefit from our expertise in maximizing financial and environmental returns. We provide insights into available grants, incentives, and financing options, helping you make the most cost-effective decisions.
Get Started with Clever Energy Midlands Ltd If you are a Birmingham professional seeking to enhance your business’s energy efficiency and sustainability, look no further than Clever Energy Midlands Ltd. Our commitment to excellence, tailored solutions, and extensive network of reputable installers make us the ideal partner for your solar energy journey.
Contact Us Today Embark on your solar energy journey with confidence. Contact Clever Energy Midlands Ltd today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you find the perfect solar installation partner for your business. Let us assist you in making a sustainable and financially sound investment for your future.
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Clever Energy Midlands Ltd is dedicated to empowering Birmingham businesses with the tools and resources needed to thrive in a sustainable future. Join us in making a positive impact on your bottom line and the environment. Remember there is no hard sell from us you just get to choose from some of the best installers the Midlands has available.
A company’s diversity and openness are key factors in determining its strength. The concept of the “virtual team” has gained popularity as firms grow more accepting of developing technologies. Because of the cost savings, efficiency, and performance benefits of putting the finest people together, regardless of where they live, businesses have started to adapt to virtual teams. There are significant benefits to reducing corporate travel, having access to great talent globally, and using technology to link employees across time zones. However, firms should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the virtual workplace before going entirely remote.
The Pros: Virtual Team Advantages
When you shift to a remote working model, you can experience the following five benefits of virtual teams:Significant Cost Savings
With a conventional setup, your business would have to spend thousands of dollars every year on office space and upkeep.
However, you can significantly lower these by switching to a virtual team solution.
For instance, you no longer need to invest as much in:
Rent for large office spaces and utilities
Food and/or cafeteria expenses during working hours
Regular office cleaning services
Any property-related taxes (if applicable)
Global Workplace Analytics estimates that each half-time virtual team member can help firms save close to $11,000 annually.
With this extra money, you can concentrate on growing your firm because you won’t have to worry about maintaining a physical office.
Although there are some clear advantages for you as the employer, your team members can also save a lot of money. According to the aforementioned poll, remote workers might save anywhere from $600 to $6000 per year by reducing their own daily costs, like transportation.Better Employee Retention Rates
Employers don’t have to worry about moving expenses in a virtual workplace.
An existing employee won’t have to stop working for your organization if they have to relocate. As a result, businesses may keep valuable personnel instead of worrying about replacing them each time an individual relocates.
The research backs this up because organizations that permit remote working see a 25% decrease in employee turnover.
Additionally, the flexibility of virtual work can be a great selling factor for new hires.Reduced Carbon Footprint
29% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the US are attributed to transportation, according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
By converting to remote work, employers may immediately cut down on employee commuting time and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Your overhead costs are decreased by working from home. You use less electricity, water, and heating and cooling systems because employees aren’t in the workplace.
Each of these things helps the organization (and each of us) reduce our carbon footprint.
Why should you care about this?
The large majority of the present and incoming workforces are made up of Millennials and Gen-Z. The ESG (environmental, social, and governance) concerns of a firm are highly valued by this age.
Companies with strong employee satisfaction ratings also had noticeably higher ESG scores, according to Mercer.
Therefore, it’s critical to adopt a clear and practical approach in order to draw in the best talent.The Cons: Virtual Team Disadvantages
While there are many advantages to working with virtual teams, there are also some disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at the possible downsides of virtual teams and how to deal with them:Lower Levels of Team Collaboration
Because everyone completes their own tasks at their own pace within a virtual team, it might feel highly impersonal.
Getting everyone to work on a project together is difficult. Similarly, a temporal difference may impede members’ advancement if they are in dissimilar geographical areas.
Furthermore, electronic communication, particularly text, is susceptible to misunderstanding. Effective collaboration may be difficult as a result of the potential for misconceptions.
To promote virtual team communication, there are several video conferencing applications available. To make your online cooperation more transparent, you can also employ collaborative workspaces like Google Workspace tools.A Higher Tech Budget
All team members must have the most recent software, be comfortable using a variety of communication methods, and quickly learn new technologies in order for you to be able to manage your virtual team effectively.
It’s not realistic to anticipate that every employee—both current and new—will have access to all relevant software and resources. Therefore, you’ll probably need to give them.
Even while there is just one tool, the price might add up when you consider the numerous apps, tools, and linkages cross-functional teams require.
If your business is in its startup phase, you can choose to use the free versions of these services while waiting for your crew to expand.
You can also include a list of software and hardware requirements in your job description. By doing this, candidates who don’t fit these criteria will be immediately eliminated.Security Risks
Your trade secrets are more exposed when more people who can access them.
Despite the fact that the majority of businesses include data protection in their employment contracts, virus attacks are still a possibility.
Additionally, some workers might download business papers without taking the proper security measures. Here, all of your information is at risk even if one member of the virtual project team’s device is compromised.
The simplest solution is to put in place a strong BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. It can include instructions on what your IT team and staff members ought to do in the event of a data breach.
This will protect all of your information and those of your employees, and it will also teach them how to behave safely online.
We are delighted to announce that the upcoming B2B Growth Expo, set to take place on 25th July 2024 at the Ridgeway Centre in Milton Keynes, will be inaugurated by the distinguished Lord Mayor, Councillor Marie Bradburn. This exciting addition brings a significant mark of prestige to our event and highlights its importance within the business community.A Grand Opening with Councillor Marie Bradburn
Having the Lord Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Marie Bradburn, inaugurate the B2B Growth Expo is an incredible honor. Known for her dedication to community development and support for local businesses, Councillor Bradburn’s presence underscores the value of this expo for the business landscape in Milton Keynes. Her involvement promises to set an inspiring tone for the event, making it a must-attend for businesses looking to grow and innovate.What Awaits You at the B2B Growth Expo?
The B2B Growth Expo is designed to be a hub for business leaders, innovators, and industry experts to network, learn, and explore new opportunities. Here’s what you can expect from the event:
Unmatched Networking Opportunities: Meet and engage with key decision-makers, industry experts, and potential partners. The expo offers a unique platform to build valuable relationships that can propel your business forward.
Diverse Exhibitor Stands: Explore a wide array of products and services from businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re interested in the latest innovations from startups or the offerings of established enterprises, there’s something for everyone.
Insightful Workshops and Seminars: Attend sessions led by industry leaders and gain practical insights that you can apply directly to your business. These workshops are tailored to provide actionable knowledge and strategies.
Digital Expo Access: Enhance your reach with a complimentary stand in our upcoming digital expo, providing additional exposure to a broader audience.
Extensive Publicity: Benefit from a comprehensive publicity campaign that includes features on our website, showguide, social media platforms, and even studio interviews.
Why You Should Attend?
The B2B Growth Expo offers a unique opportunity to elevate your brand, expand your network, and drive growth for your business. With stand prices starting from just £400 (ex VAT), the event is accessible to businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a burgeoning startup or an established corporation, the expo provides a valuable platform to showcase your offerings and connect with industry leaders.Secure Your Spot Today : Click Here
Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to be part of an event that promises growth, innovation, and invaluable networking. To learn more about the expo and secure your spot, visit our website at www.b2bgrowthexpo.com. You can also check out our client testimonials and highlight videos from previous events to get a glimpse of what to expect.
Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to embark on a journey of growth and innovation with us!
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) for IT and non-IT professionals” course targets both IT professionals and Non-IT professionals. The objective of the course is to introduce the basic concepts of Artificial intelligence to provide an overview of the basic AI techniques with the help of innovations such as a case study and simple examples as well as web graphics to keep the audience interested in the subject. Material is also
included for more serious learners who may like to take it up further. The idea is also to remove the fear-factor among the general audience. Various artificial intelligence techniques such as knowledge representation, reasoning, and search strategy, rules, learning techniques, AI tools will be used to demonstrate the case study. Presented by Dr Zafar Alvi at the Virtual University of Pakistan.
Learning Outcomes
Learn the basic concepts and techniques of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
he irreversible reliance on digital technologies has elevated the importance to develop critical digital literacy skills around the world. Educators have an important role to play to engage with learners and push them to consider one’s interactions, behaviours, and consumption patterns online.
DLLE offers an essential course of personal and professional development for educators, learners and anyone interested in re-evaluating our current digital world. At the centre of this course is ‘netizenship’, coined by Michael Hauben to define the internet user as a positive contributor online. The course will consider how our digital world has reimagined conventional media, and will scrutinise the opportunities and challenges of online content creation and consumption whilst introducing strategies to guide our activity and improve our ‘netizenship’.
By the end of this course, participants will feel more empowered to share a fresh perspective on digital literacy to be shared with their personal and professional communities. The aim is for participants to become more active local champions of digital literacy for a better online world for all.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, participants are expected to be able to:
Outline key components making up our digital world;
Articulate what is meant by ‘digital literacy’ and ‘netizenship’;
Explain the opportunities and challenges we face online;
Demonstrate a critical understanding of our roles as creators and consumers online.
Instructor(s)
Dr Emma Pauncefort, Professor Jane-Frances Obiageli Agbu, Professor Shironica P…
Open Educational Resources (OERs) is defined as “teaching, learning and research materials in any medium, digital or otherwise, that reside in the public domain or have been released under an open license that permits no-cost-access, use, adaptation and redistribution by others with no or limited restrictions” (UNESCO 2012). Understanding the concept of OER and its integration in online learning is crucial in the face of the pandemic necessitating a paradigm shift in teaching and learning. This is a 4-week course designed for educational administrators and planners, teachers, trainers, researchers and individuals with interest on how to use Open Educational Resources for teaching and learning. The course aims at creating awareness on the importance and use of OERs in online learning as well as capacity building in this area
This course will be useful for educational administrators and planners, teachers, trainers, researchers and individuals with interest on how to use Open Educational Resources for teaching and learning.
Learning Outcomes
It is expected that by the end of this course, you will be able to:
The introductory-level Leading Change in Teaching and Learning for a Digital World (LCTL) massive open online course will provide frameworks and practical approaches to the leadership and change management required for implementing technology into teaching and learning. This free, 4-week MOOC provided by the Commonwealth of Learning in partnership with Athabasca University is open to administrators, teachers, and other educational professionals.
Watch the video below for more information on LCTL MOOC and to meet some members of our team, and be sure to download the brochure for further details and distribution through your personal and professional networks.
Leading Change in Teaching and Learning for a Digital World is a massive open online course for those interested in shaping, leading, and supporting innovative application of digital tools and technologies during teaching and learning. This course will engage you in the review, discussion, and application of leadership ideas that support new teaching and learning practices. These leadership approaches and teaching and learning practices are aligned with the digital transformation that is shaping our societies. Upon completion of this course, you will understand and have a plan to apply general leadership
approaches toward education change in digital, technology-enabled teaching and learning environments. This course provides you the opportunity to view, read, review, and discuss digital transformation in education and the leadership mindset and approaches that leads organisations in this direction. With a focus on post-Covid19 education needs, topics will cover digital education futures, technology-enabled teaching and learning, required organisation infrastructures, and how to develop the needed leadership actions.
Learning Outcomes
Meet online with teaching and learning leaders from all over the world who are also learning to improve their leadership techniques
Review what digital transformation means and what role there is for education
Evaluate potential change requirements for teaching and learning in and for digital environments
Demonstrate knowledge regarding several leadership theories appropriate for digital transformation in education
Identify and reflect upon personal leadership strategies and evaluate their potential for leading transformative change
Combine personal leadership knowledge with context specific needs to support a Leadership Activity Plan
Receive a certificate on completion of required activities
Syllabus
Week 1: Defining digital education
Introducing definitions of digital transformation and its role in education
Exploring the need for education change in individual contexts
Reviewing general leadership theories applicable to digital education
Week 2: Digital leadership for digital change in education
Creating organisational infrastructure for digital teaching and learning
Applying leadership theories for digital transformation
Evaluating individual leadership development needs Week3 Preparing for education futures
Identifying individual and preferred organisational goals for the digital future
Considering leadership strategies and competency development
Integrating global and local needs with digital teaching development activities
Week 4: Creating leadership development plans
Identifying and testing leadership assessment tools
Mapping needs of digital teaching development to leadership strategies
Documenting opportunities for action to support digital teaching and learning transformation in context
The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) and The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources (MAMR) in collaboration with Commonwealth of Learning (COL) have partnered to provide farmers with an online course on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). This self-study course addresses fruit and vegetable production and is designed to inform farmers on the basic environmental and operational conditions necessary for the production of safe and wholesome produce. Fruits and vegetables are an important component of our diet. Nutritionists and health professionals have clearly shown that diets low in fat and high in fiber, with at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables, protect us against many types of cancers and lessen the risk of heart disease. Now, more than ever,
consumers listen to these messages and have altered their food choices. In recent years, there has been an increase in food recalls due to biological, chemical and physical risks, particularly with leafy greens such as lettuce. This six-week course will help to mitigate against these risks and serve as a guide in the implementation of best management practices at all stages of the crop production and processing systems. Participants are required to commit 30 – 60 mins per week on completing the weekly presentations and assignments to successfully achieve the learning goals of this course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course you should be able to:
Discuss the importance of food safety and its relations to GAP
Define GAP standards and requirements
Understand the GAP structure, modules and key elements
Apply GAPs in fruit and vegetable production for improved food safety and quality
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