News
Are Britain’s small firms ready for next-gen tech?
The UK leads the way in research and development of next-gen tech from 3D printing, and smart homes, to robotics and driverless cars. New research from AXA suggests, however, that the nation’s small firms are sceptical about the prospects of these technologies reaching their workplaces. While more than 40 per cent of small businesses don’t yet have a website, the study found that most of them do plan to move online in the next twelve months. If these plans are fulfilled, only seven per cent of UK businesses will remain offline by this time next year. Few are ready to plunge deeper into the digital revolution, however. Just one in five plan to migrate to the Cloud in the coming
years and only six per cent of business owners say they expect to adopt smart technologies. Driverless cars, which are set to hit UK roads as early as 2020, have an equally low resonance, as just eight per cent of business owners expect they will drive one. Businesses were also highly sceptical when it comes to 3D printing. While the first 3D printed house was unveiled in China recently, just two per cent of UK tradesmen expect to see it used here during their lifetimes. Eighty three per cent of business owners said that robots would never be able to work in their companies, even in decades to come.
AXA called in Professor Martin Smith, a leading academic in the field of robotics, to review responses from the most sceptical occupations – hairdressers and builders. The building trade was the least enthusiastic. The most common objections were that robots can’t drive, operate machinery safely, work in adverse weather or scale ladders. Professor Smith said: “Robots certainly won’t be replacing tradesmen any time soon. That’s because a building project, say an extension, requires a complex level of multi-tasking that no robot can currently achieve. They could make excellent assistants to tradesmen, however.” Hairdressers, meanwhile, overwhelmingly rejected the idea of robots, saying that they lack aesthetic judgement and couldn’t use sharp objects or chemicals safely on people. Prof Smith said: “Again, a robot could fulfil some tasks in a salon to a super-human level, but they would struggle to cope with the social side and unpredictable humans.” Darrell Sansom, Managing Director at AXA Business Insurance, said: “Our research shows that there is still some scepticism among business owners about these technologies reaching their salon, building firm or shop floor. “We’re convinced that they will: smart homes, artificial intelligence and driverless cars are developing rapidly, and are set to radically change British society.”
New advanced vehicle tracker gives fleets the edge Zenith Hygiene announce completion
A new “game-changing”, real-time telematics and vehicle tracking alert system has been launched by Viezu Technologies to help its fleet customers and vehicle owners gain even greater control and information about the use of their vehicles. ”
Adopting an equally unique and innovative approach, the low cost solution is available to fleets, vehicle owners and retail customers without any contractual obligations, on a pay-as- you-go basis. Available as either a wired or wireless system, Amber Connect provides fleet managers, vehicle owners, and for the first time, vehicle drivers with a host of data and alerts which can help modify driving behaviour, reduce running and administration costs and improve vehicle security. Paul Busby, CEO, Viezu Technologies, said: “Through the work we’ve carried out remapping thousands of fleet vehicles over the last eight years, it’s been clear that fleet managers and vehicle owners are looking for even greater control and information about how their vehicles are being used. “Amber Connect is a revolutionary system which meets these needs, allowing fleet managers, business owners and the driver themselves to have a smart connection with their vehicles, detect their whereabouts and protect against or eliminate unauthorised use, abuse and poor driving.”
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of acquisition of CCL Pentasol Zenith Hygiene Group, the UK’s largest integrated, independent manufacturer, supplier and distributor of cleaning and hygiene chemicals and products, has announced that it has completed the acquisition of CCL Pentasol (CCLP), a UKbased supplier of chemicals for the food, dairy, brewing, beverage and pharmaceutical industries for an undisclosed sum. CCL Pentasol, and its 51 employees will join the growing portfolio of brands within the Zenith Hygiene Group. The acquisition further strengthens Zenith Hygiene’s position with the Group now having in excess of 450 employees. The first part of the integration process will see CCL Pentasol’s Water Treatment division rebranded as Zenith Water Engineering. Water treatment, a new market for Zenith Hygiene, is expected to grow in importance for businesses in the future both in terms of overall hygiene and the delivery of safe, clean water to customers as water becomes even more of a precious commodity. Ringo Francis, Zenith Hygiene Group CEO, said: “This deal has allowed us to move into new sectors and we are very excitedto confirm the rebranding of
CCLP’s Water Treatment division to Zenith Water Engineering. “As a business, we thrive on innovation and efficiency; our customers are at the heart of our business model and I am confident they will welcome the delivery of a combined, wider array of services and products to meet our goal of providing them with a fully integrated offer.” Alex MacDonald, CCL Pentasol Managing Director, added: “I am looking forward to joining the Board of Zenith and working closely with Ringo and his team at driving a bigger, stronger, and better
positioned Group to provide innovative hygiene solutions.” The acquisition was funded through the company’s balance sheet following the new £13.9m funding package from Santander Corporate & Commercial secured in April. Martyn Dawson, Director, Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “We were delighted to be able to work with Zenith and its ambitious management team to continue to support the firm’s strategic growth.”
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