The world’s leading sustainability initiative for cotton, Better Cotton, whose members include international fashion and textile brands, has issued a stark warning to leaders during COP27: global leaders must not only strengthen their commitment but turn talk into action. They must ensure a just transition for everyone and prioritise climate justice for the world’s farmers and agricultural workforce.

Sustainability for cotton Better Cotton urges COP27 to support farmers

Better Cotton calls for greater collaboration across the fashion sector and its textile value chains to drive greater transparency, advocacy, and action to support smallholder farming communities around the globe. The sector’s key players, including alliances, trade associations, brands, retailers, and governments, must continue to advance the goals of the Paris Agreement to avoid catastrophic climate and environmental tipping points. Better Cotton believes that climate mitigation and adaptation as well as a just transition are only possible if there is sustained investment in regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming.

Leaders must strengthen and accelerate climate interventions that support the world’s smallholder agricultural producers before further catastrophic climate change events change the course of many peoples’ lives.

Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns linked to climate change are likely to make cotton more challenging to grow in many regions. Expected increases in temperatures and the difference in their seasonal patterns could lead to a decrease in the agricultural productivity of some crops. Lower yields will therefore impact the lives of already vulnerable communities.

The recent tragic floods in Pakistan illustrate how the cotton sector can be impacted overnight by extremes in weather patterns and affect the livelihoods of millions of people. According to McKinsey, the fashion sector must align with the 1.5-degree pathway over the next eight years and intensify its efforts to make agricultural practices more sustainable. If the textile industry does not address this, the 2030 emissions reduction targets will be missed.

Solutions already exist. Egyptian cotton farmers have been embracing and implementing the Better Cotton Standard as a tool to set metrics and establish more sustainable production practices in recent years. Since 2020, Better Cotton has been working closely with on-the-ground partners – the Cotton Research Institute and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

They help to ensure that Egyptian farmers gain access to the knowledge and tools they need to adopt more sustainable practices and improve their livelihoods. Some 2,000 smallholder cotton farmers in the Kafr El Sheikh and Damietta Governorates of Egypt participate in the Better Cotton programme.

As part of Better Cotton’s bold strategy designed to deliver substantial environmental, social and economic impact across the cotton industry by 2030, it launched its climate change mitigation target in 2021. The target was set to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of Better Cotton produced by 50% by 2030 (from a 2017 baseline). Four additional targets covering soil health, pesticide use, smallholder livelihoods and women’s empowerment are expected to be announced in early 2023 with impact indicators providing robust metrics for tracking and evaluating against the baseline.

Since its formation in 2009 Better Cotton has had a significant impact on the sustainability of the world’s cotton production. For example, on average Better Cotton production had a 19% lower GHG emissions intensity per tonne of lint than comparison production across China, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Turkey, a recent study analysing data from three seasons (2015-16 to 2017-18) showed.

Alan McClay, CEO, Better Cotton said

“We know that climate change poses a great risk to cotton farmers – with rising temperatures and more extreme weather events like floo...

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath TD joined Dell Technologies Ireland to officially open the newly redeveloped Customer Solution Centre at the company’s campus in Ovens, Co. Cork.

The centre provides unique ‘proof-of-concept’ testing for businesses and organisations worldwide to evaluate new technologies and solutions and ensure they unlock new business opportunities. As well as giving Dell’s customers the opportunity to test drive solutions with their datasets and workloads prior to deployment, offering the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience before going live, customers will be able to avail of hands-on demonstrations of how complex IT solutions can be implemented within an organisation and in tandem assess the solutions that best meet their business needs.

The state-of-the-art centre will also bring together deep-domain experts with business and IT leaders to showcase the latest in enterprise technology and explore business-critical topics such as cybersecurity, hybrid work and digital transformation.

One of 15 such centres globally, the €2M investment in the Customer Solution Centre in Cork further strengthens Ireland’s position as a strategic location for Dell globally. The company’s three campuses in Cherrywood, Cork and Limerick have made Ireland a global hub for Dell in Sales, Services, Centres of Excellence Solutions Development, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Operations, Engineering, IT and Finance.

“Dell Technologies has developed a strong presence here in Ireland over the past three decades, and over that time, it has consistently evolved its operations in Cork, Dublin and Limerick,” said Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath TD at the opening of the facility. “This new investment by Dell in Cork is very welcome news and strengthens the city’s location as a global digital hub. I wish all the team at Dell Ireland continued success as they help businesses and organisations to transform.”

“We’re delighted to open the newly redeveloped Customer Solution Centre at our Cork campus,” said Aongus Hegarty, President of International Markets, Dell Technologies. “In today’s data-driven world, there is a growing demand amongst businesses and organisations to explore new technologies and make sure they meet their business needs. Our Customer Solution Centre in Cork has been designed to address these needs and provide access to Dell’s expertise in areas ranging from cybersecurity to hybrid working.”

Mary Buckley, Interim CEO of IDA Ireland said: “Today’s announcement by Dell Technologies Ireland of a €2m investment in its newly redeveloped Customer Solution Centre in Cork is a terrific development. Dell has had operations in Ireland since 1990 and the plans announced today to grow operations so significantly is excellent news for the South-West region and indeed for the entire country. I wish Dell Technologies, every success with this expansion.”

SMEs must adopt digital and automation skills in order to not get left behind, with the manufacturing sector noticeably lower than average when it comes to digital competency. This is according to a new report by MentorsWork which was published recently by the Small Firms Association (SFA), supported by Skillnet Ireland.

The research found that younger businesses are lacking when it comes to awareness and adoption of emerging technologies and its impact on business performance. The survey revealed that older businesses as well as those with 50+ employees were most likely to understand the range of emerging technologies and their impact on business and customers.

SMEs in the food and drink sector were least likely to be aware of emerging technologies, with the ICT sector ranking itself 17% above average when it came to awareness and adoption. The manufacturing sector is noticeably lower than average when looking at overall digitalisation and automation competency.?

The research, which surveyed 615 business owners, asking them to self-assess digital and automation competencies, further found that when it comes to protecting customer’s data, preventing ransomware attacks and other cybersecurity breaches, younger businesses see themselves as being least competent, with competency levels in managing these challenges increasing in line with the maturity of the business.

According to the research, older businesses of 21+ years, and those that employ over 50 employees, are over 10 percent more competent than younger businesses. Organisations operating in manufacturing, retail and hospitality are the ‘least competent’ when it comes to understanding and protecting against tech threats.

As many sectors look to get back on track post–Covid, it is the retail and hospitality sector as well as the food and drink sector that are most interested in adopting digital tools to help add to their customers’ journey and experience.

The findings from the research come as MentorsWork, the nationwide business–support programme for SMEs, launches its new consultancy offering. This years’ MentorsWork programme will specifically address supporting SMEs to navigate the challenges within their current operating environments including operating cost increases, price inflation, recruitment and retention challenges, cybersecurity threats and overall corporate governance.

The new consultancy offering will allow participants who have completed the 12-week programme to apply for hands-on consultancy services which will focus particularly on addressing SMEs’ digital and sustainability needs. The MentorsWork 12-week programme and the new consultancy offering are both now open for applicants.

Commenting on the findings of MentorsWork’s latest report and the 2022 programme, Elizabeth Bowen, Acting Director of the Small Firms Association says: “This year’s programme was designed to support SMEs in navigating the various challenges that are most prevalent in today’s market, providing hands on, tailored guidance around issues such as managing cost inflation, addressing recruitment and retention pressures, and protecting businesses and their customers against cyber threats.

“As the results from our latest report reveals to us that younger businesses are lacking when it comes to awareness and adoption of emerging technologies, our programme for the year ahead aims to provide some much-needed relief to our SMEs around the country. With the support of our mentors and consultants, we want our Irish SMEs to feel supported at all stages of their business journey. No matter the age, size or sector of their business, we are here to help.”?

Rachael McFarlane, MentorsWork Programme Manager, said: “Our MentorsWork programme, looks to directly support SMEs at every stage of their growth journey. Our team works with businesses of every age and size to make sure they are set up for success and aware of their options. In turbulent times, it is important that we are not putting our b...

Ambitious female entrepreneurs who are determined to develop their businesses have just a few days left to apply for the latest cycle of Going for Growth, the award-winning business development programme. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 18th.

Going for Growth is a six-month, part-time programme, supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, which assists ambitious female entrepreneurs to achieve their growth aspirations.

This is the 15th cycle of Going for Growth which is seeking applications from female entrepreneurs – across all sectors – who are strongly focused on growth.

Up to 60 places will be available on Going for Growth. Anyone interested is encouraged to register on the website goingforgrowth.com and a link to the application form will be sent to them. There is no charge for those selected and the six-month initiative will begin in January 2023.

The programme brings together female entrepreneurs for monthly peer-to-peer roundtable discussions led by successful Lead Entrepreneurs with the aim of growing their business. The participation of Lead Entrepreneurs is completely voluntary and five of this year’s Lead Entrepreneurs are former Going for Growth participants themselves.

Those selected for the Going for Growth initiative join interactive round table sessions led by Lead Entrepreneurs. The Lead Entrepreneurs are successful businesswomen with personal experience of growing a business. These high-profile business leaders volunteer their time to encourage participants to set and achieve personalised goals and milestones to address the opportunities and challenges they face in driving growth in their businesses.

This year’s voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs include Anne Cusack, formerly Critical Healthcare; Chupi Sweetman-Durney, Chupi; Jeananne O’Brien, Artizan Food Co.; Leonora O’Brien, formerly Pharmapod; Louise Phelan, Phelan Energy Group; Monica Flood, formerly Olas IT; and Oonagh O’Hagan, Meaghers Pharmacy Group.

Ideally, businesses applying should be well established. In exceptional cases, businesses at an earlier stage will be considered if they are generating sales, and it is felt that the business is highly innovative, plans to have export customers and the entrepreneur has significant growth ambitions. If accepted, these participants are included in the ‘Starting Strong’ element of the programme.

Leo Clancy, CEO Enterprise Ireland, says:

“Increasing support for ambitious female entrepreneurship is a key national priority and Enterprise Ireland is proud to support Going for Growth. I believe our close partnership with Going for Growth provides excellent support to our incredible women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses and achieving global ambition. Strong peer groups, wonderful Lead Entrepreneurs, excellent formal learning opportunities and frameworks for business growth make this a ‘must consider’ for anyone seeking to accelerate her business.”

Olivia Lynch, Partner KPMG, says:

“KPMG is committed to encouraging domestic entrepreneurship and supporting female entrepreneurs in achieving their growth aspirations. As part of our commitment to diversity we are passionate about ensuring females have the supports they need to succeed. We are delighted to continue supporting Going for Growth; this is an exceptional programme for ambitious women looking to take their businesses to the next level. With the invaluable expertise and encouragement of the Lead Entrepreneurs, this programme engages participants with insights and experiences to succeed and connects them with their peers to boost entrepreneurship in Ireland.”

Going for Growth has been designed and is being implemented by Fitzsimons Consulting, specialists in areas related to entrepreneurship and growth.

Paula Fitzsimons, founder and managing director of Fitzsimons Consulting, says:

“Going for Growth has recognised from the outset that it is not just the numbers of men and women that are starting a business that is important. That is only...

This week, Pete gives some insight into the new Techstars Web3 accelerator and goes on a quick rant on FTX before he and Eoin riff on Block’s flywheel and their ambitions with Cash App, then they go through a hall-of-fame list of fintech and crypto apps from Rex Salisbury, and finally dive into NFTs and VR through an Apple lens with a dash of Reddit.

This episode of MoneyNeverSleeps is sponsored by SecuriCentrix. SecuriCentrix is a trusted cyber security company with offices in Dublin, Cape Town and London. SecuriCentrix provides expert advisory services, primarily in the finance and fintech industries, with tailored security solutions to fit your specific needs and regulatory challenges.

STORIES COVERED

Announcing the Techstars Web3 Accelerator (Techstars Newsroom, 7-Nov-22)

Sam Bankman-Fried’s Twitter Apology (Twitter, 10-Nov-22)

Block Says Goal of Cash App Is To Be Primary Bank (PYMNTS, 4-Nov-22)

Rex Salisbury on Consumer Fintech ARPUs (Twitter, h/t Simon Taylor, 2-Nov-22)

Apple cracks down on NFT functionality, social post boosts with App Store rules (TechCrunch, 25-Oct-22)

Web3 With a16z: Key Insights From Podcast With Chris Dixon, Sonal Chokshi & Punk6529 (Blockster, 9-Nov-22)

How Reddit defied Crypto Winter and created a $10 million market for customizable avatars—just don’t call them NFTs (Fortune, 3-Nov-22)

LINKS

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Check out our MoneyNeverSleeps website and get in touch via [email protected]

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New research commissioned by All human, the award-winning end-to-end digital growth agency, has revealed how social commerce is growing, the biggest consumer online shopping gripes and that consumers value transparency and clarity around online shopping.

Capturing the mood and behaviour of online shoppers, the research revealed that COVID hastened the shift of Irish consumers, with two-thirds of consumers (65%) currently making more online purchases than before the pandemic with 9 in 10 of those shoppers responding they expect to continue this behaviour.

Speaking on the All human Digital Pulse 2022 report, John Mitchell, Chief Executive of All human said, “To ensure retailers stay on top of the trends in the post-pandemic world, they must have an effective online business strategy in order to effectively sell their products online to their target audience. From the data we collected, a picture is emerging of a new paradigm where the shopping experience is transforming into a social and collaborative transaction.

“One where consumers look to their social channels, their friends, and family for information and inspiration. We are seeing a dramatic shift away from Google and traditional search engine behaviour. This should sound alarm bells for those brands not actively promoting themselves on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. While currently, these platforms attract a younger audience, these are the consumers who will dictate brand relevance in the coming years.”

The full All human Digital Pulse 2022 report can be found here and a summary of notable findings can be seen below.

A Frictionless Online Shopping Experience

According to survey results, the most important considerations when making a purchase are pricing (57%), return convenience (11%), next-day delivery guarantee (10%), and online customer care (8%). Digital consumers are looking for a convenient, seamless, personalised brand interaction.

From the data, business owners should be considering offering next-day delivery services or providing other incentives such as free delivery over a certain price and stating upfront an estimate of shipping times. The good news is that, overall, 63% of consumers are satisfied with the current level of customer service provided when purchasing online.

The majority of consumers (67%) are conducting online shopping via mobile phone. Merchants should be prioritising making their online stores mobile compatible or face losing sales. This is especially the case if a retailer’s target market is women, with over three-quarters of women (77%) using a mobile to shop.

The biggest frustrations with online shopping

Findings from the survey revealed the top five biggest online shopping frustrations for Irish consumers in order are

Pop-ups (33%)

Sites with unclear customer charges e.g. pricing, taxation or shipping (33%)

Unclear returns process (30%)

Vague Delivery/fulfilment timelines (27%)

Poor mobile experience (15%)

Another prominent gripe was no option to check out as a guest.

Today’s online shopper values choice when it comes to how they will pay. Brands that limit payment options face unhappy customers and cart abandonment. The top 3 methods of payment were: PayPal (30%), Debit Card (26%) and Revolut (16%).

Identifying the pain points is important for companies to understand customers and their sources of frustration so that they can adapt their processes to user preferences with as much clarity as possible. Making sure that eCommerce services meet the needs and desires of website visitors is an important step on the path toward a better user experience in online stores.

The online shopper is always right

Despite general satisfaction with the level of online customer service, there is ample opportunity for brands to examine how they are providing online shoppers with optimal assistance.

Thanks in huge part to Amazon and Netflix, we are all familiar with the concept of personalisation. 71% of respondents say they make addit...

Vodafone Ireland has announced that it is to provide SMEs with business support tools worth almost €900 to businesses or €900,000 in total. Available to new and existing business customers, these supports include six months free broadband with speeds of up to 2GB and six months free cybersecurity solutions.

In addition, SMEs can access relevant content on Vodafone’s Business knowledge centre, V-Hub – a free, comprehensive library of easy-to-follow, informative articles and advice for SMEs on digital marketing, cyber security and much more.

The initiative has been launched alongside a new global report from Vodafone titled ‘Fit for the Future’, which shows that many businesses in Ireland are struggling to cope with disruption and adapting to changing demands. According to the study, which surveyed 250 Irish businesses, over half of firms {52%} regard their performance for addressing top risks within their business as being ‘under-performing’ or ‘average’.

More than 30% of Irish firms highlighted high-speed broadband as the top technology that would enable their business plans. Cybersecurity was the third highest priority (out of 9) for businesses to improve their resilience and yet, only 28% of firms have a clear plan for cybersecurity and have implemented most of their planned actions.

Commenting on the launch, Managing Director of Vodafone Ireland Business, Sinead Bryan said: “We know that the current climate is putting a lot of pressure on the Irish business community, especially small and medium enterprises. We also know that technology adoption and digital transformation are crucial to their survival and will help them navigate challenging market forces and rising costs. High-speed connectivity and cyber resilience are vital elements to enable SMEs digitally, so

“I am delighted to launch a range of supports to help businesses during this difficult period. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment of keeping Ireland connected and we are working closely with our customers to offer solutions that will help as well as encouraging them to get in touch with us should they need additional support.”

Over the last 12 months, Vodafone Ireland also launched a range of other supports for SMEs including the Go and Grow Online initiative in collaboration with Enterprise Nation, Microsoft and Klarna which is a completely free digital upskilling programme for SMEs incorporating drop-in advice sessions, workshops and webinars.

A new webinar series focussing on how to minimise costs and the latest economic supports available to Irish businesses is also planned as part of this programme before the end of the year. Businesses also have the ability to trade in any of their old smartphones for cash back of up to €400 each. Vodafone then recycles and repurposes them, helping the planet in the process.

Beyond business customers, Vodafone also have a series of supports in place for consumers, such as the Vodafone Rewards programme that offers customers exclusive discounts, deals and freebies throughout the year to keep families enjoying everyday treats – including the Fantastic Days free cinema tickets. Every week customers can get up to four free tickets in any ODEON cinema nationwide through the MyVodafone app.

Additionally, Red Family plans provide the best value offering in the market for Irish families, as they can save a minimum of €240 a year. Customers can save up to €20 on every plan after the first two accounts and can get €5 sims for the 3rd -6th on their account and up to €200 discount off handsets, providing connectivity services for the whole family.

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Timothy Ferris from Kilkenny, who graduated last week from Munster Technological University with a BSc (Hons) in Instrument Engineering, developed and built a new automation system for a wastewater treatment unit as part of his final year project in MTU’s Department of Physical Sciences in conjunction with O’Dwyer Industrial Automation (Tipperary). The innovative system was acquired by OMC Technologies in Limerick where it is currently up and running in full commercial operation and making a positive impact on the environment.

Wastewater is produced when fresh water is used by homes and industries in a number of applications including leaching, flushing, or washing away waste. This wastewater contains various harmful chemicals which have been introduced to the freshwater during these uses. According to Timothy: “Water has been misused for decades, with wastewater ending up in rivers and waterways killing wildlife and fauna and contaminating the water used for human consumption.

The automation solution that I developed for the wastewater treatment unit for my final year project benefits both the client company and the environment by reducing chemical disposal costs and conserving the incoming water for recycling within the facility. Once treated, the industrial wastewater may be safely reused or released to a sanitary sewer or to a surface water in the environment.

It is great to see the unit up and running in OMC Technologies in Limerick and making a positive impact on the environment. I am grateful for the opportunity to carry out this project at O’Dwyer Industrial Automation and for the support received from the company and my supervisor. I was happy to apply the knowledge acquired during the studies at MTU to the practical project.

Timothy’ project supervisor, Dr Svetlana Slepneva, a lecturer in the Dept. of Physical Sciences MTU, said: This industry-led project was carried out at O’Dwyer Industrial Automation’s facility in Tipperary, high-level specialists in turnkey automation & control systems. The automation system was acquired by OMC Technologies in Limerick, which specialises in metalwork fabrication for biomedical, pharma, and other industry sectors.

The unit cleans water used in various manufacturing stages of metal processing and it is fantastic to see that, even at the beginning of their career, our student’s work has such a positive impact on the region’s economy and environment. Our department of Physical Sciences has a long and successful history of working closely with local, national and international companies and our graduates become sought-after specialists of whom we are very proud.

The project was a great opportunity for Tim to work in the business, gain hands-on experience in a commercial environment and be supervised by high-quality specialists of O’Dwyers Industrial Automation.

Sean O’Grady, Project Manager and R&D Lead at OMC, said:

Steel industry is an important economic sector in Ireland, but its operation entails substantial environmental impact. Wastewater treatment is a challenging technological issue, related to the environmental performance of industry. Businesses today are striving to meet high environmental and social standards and be more sustainable. One of the most difficult tasks is the complex analysis of technological processes and the search for tailor-made solutions.

This task is very demanding for high level professionals. The technology used previously involved less effective and costly method of transporting polluted waters to the plant’s central water treatment facilities. The new equipment will significantly improve the environmental performance. In particular, it will allow the use of the equipment where it is most needed – at the site of the discharge of the polluted water.

Timothy’s industrial supervisor, Brendan O’Dwyer, Head of O’Dwyer Industrial Automation, said:

Our company specialises in turnkey automation and control solutions, always considering sustainability and m...

Let’s face it: the last few years have been difficult for everyone. We’ve endured a pandemic. We’ve experienced the loneliness and isolation of lockdowns. We’ve faced empty store shelves and skyrocketing prices. We are confronted with the lingering threat of a global recession. Yes, our world today is fraught with anxiety and uncertainty. It’s little wonder, then, that the need for affordable, accessible, and high-quality mental healthcare is perhaps greater than it has ever been before.

Why Users Should Be Wary of Mental Health Apps

It’s also unsurprising that, now more than ever, people are looking to their smartphones, tablets, and PCs to secure the mental healthcare they need. Indeed, mental health apps have surged in popularity in recent years, but do they really live up to the hype? Unfortunately, in some cases, the answer is no. In fact, there are some important issues you should be aware of before you download that mental health app you’ve heard so much about. This article explores the reasons why existing and prospective users should be wary of mental health apps.

Factors Driving the Popularity of Mental Health Apps

It’s easy to understand why mental health apps have become so popular in recent years. They fulfil a critically important need. For far too many segments of the population, quality mental health care is simply out of reach. For instance, seniors, persons with disabilities, or people who are low income may lack mental health insurance coverage and may turn to apps as an affordable alternative.

This can be highly problematic, though, as few apps designed for the general public are capable of providing the kind of intensive, evidence-based care that many need, particularly when they are facing extreme financial hardship, chronic illness, or drug or alcohol dependency.

Privacy Concerns

When it comes to your medical care, there are few things more important than the issue of privacy. This issue is perhaps even more of a concern when it comes to your mental healthcare. After all, if you want to receive the best care, then you must have the freedom and security to be open and honest with your counselor. However, many mental health apps simply cannot offer the level of data security you would want for your medical records.

In fact, many mental health apps actually mine your data for commercial and research purposes. This means that your information may be sold to product development teams or retail enterprises. In other words, you are likely to have very little insight into how your data is collected and very little control over how it is used.

The Limitations of Mental Health Apps

Privacy concerns are not the only significant challenges associated with mental health apps. There is also the simple reality that apps are limited in their capacity to address the root causes of most users’ mental distress. For instance, if you are faced with a toxic work culture, even the most advanced technologies will not cure it. This is why it is incumbent on employers and employees alike not to rely on trendy technology to address more pernicious and pervasive issues.

Employees may need more than a subscription to a relaxation and meditation website to help them deal with workplace stressors. They may need employer-provided individual and even group counseling to rehabilitate both their work and personal lives.

Viable Alternatives

Although there can be important concerns in the use of mental health apps created for the general public, that does not mean that all virtual mental healthcare is ineffective, unsecured, or dangerous. In fact, online mental health counseling can be an ideal option for those who want a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional, in-person care. The key, however, is to do your homework and be discriminating in your choice of care providers. Ensure that you are working with a clinician who is licensed and accredited.

Consider, as well, the technology they provide and the data security prac...

Storm Technology, the market-leading digital solutions provider, has announced that it has future proofed how Trinity College Dublin staff communicate and access information internally in a digital transformation deal.

A world-leading university and Ireland’s highest ranked university, Trinity has approximately 3,500 staff members and serves a community of 20,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. To bring staff together on a communications platform and support the organisation’s strategic goals, Trinity partnered with Storm Technology to roll out a new staff intranet.

Leveraging SharePoint, which was already in use across the campus, a one-stop knowledge centre and communications hub was implemented by Storm Technology to address the requirements of university staff.

The solution ensures that staff have instant access to the resources they need on a day-to-day basis – including news, events, job listings, health and safety information, and learning and development resources.

It also helps the communications team to maximise the impact of their own content by measuring same, in terms of engagement and reach. The platform also automatically pulls content from social media channels and allows staff to interact with posts – while protecting employee privacy through the anonymisation of data.

Furthermore, the cross-organisational initiative streamlines internal communication processes within Trinity and enhances user experience by enabling two-way communication via a centralised and easy-to-use channel.

By streamlining communications, content and accessibility for staff, the intranet minimises the impact on Trinity’s internal IT resources. In fact, the system can be easily managed by the in-house communications team, reducing the need for ongoing third-party support and associated costs.

Mike Lillis, Chief Commercial Officer, Storm Technology, said: “By digitally transforming the way Trinity staff share, publish and access information, we are driving success for the organisation. This is both enhancing how they work today and will enable them to scale and maximise value for the future. In turn, this helps Trinity to deliver educational support to thousands of students and remain a leader in its field.”

Trinity’s Deputy Director, Public Affairs and Communications, Sally-Anne Fisher, said: “Our aim was to create a community for staff and modernise our methods of communication, moving from the dependence on internal emails to a hub where people can easily interact, collaborate, and innovate. By transforming the employee experience, we are improving not just their working lives but how we operate as an educational establishment.

“Our decision to partner with Storm was an easy decision, given their experience and expertise in intranet design and user experience. It has also been key to project success. We were impressed by the professionalism of the entire team – a team which looked beyond the technical implementation, providing us with tips and advice to support roll-out and system adoption, this was really appreciated and added to the overall positive experience.”

See more stories here.

More about Irish Tech News

Irish Tech News are Ireland’s No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland’s No.1 Tech Podcast too.

You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here:

If you’d like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at [email protected] now to discuss.

Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at [email protected] now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience.

You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.