Latest news 
Ultrasonic Glove that allows blind people to sense their distance from objects wins award
A prototype of a glove that alerts blind people of the proximity of objects has won first prize in the inaugural Entrepreneurship and Business Competition run by Nottingham University Business School (NUBS)at The University of Nottingham NUBSand Engineers in Business Fellowship (EIBF)
The Government has announced today that superfast broadband is reaching more than 1 million across homes and businesses in the UK. In Hertfordshire thousands of homes and businesses can benefit from faster internet speeds, thanks to the Connected Counties programme.
New research suggests that currently only one in eight businesses utilise a blog as part of a wider sales and marketing strategy, whilst only 4% plan to implement one in the next 12 months.
5 Reasons to get on Google+ for your business
Google+ has been reported as being the next big thing by a number of people, but a lot of business managers still fail to understand how it would help their business and haven't the time or inclination to learn yet another new social network or marketing platform. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider Google+ as marketing, relationship management and networking tool
Professional firms warned to beware new Ransomware virus threat
Aintree-based business technology provider Stack Group is warning of a type of computer virus which has begun attacking professional firms in the last week.
Leavesdon based company Cloudamour Recognised as one of the Fastest Growing Cloud Service Providers in the UK, by Microsoft
Born in the Cloud on February 2012, Leavesdon based company Cloudamour has become one of the fastest growing Microsoft Cloud Partners in the UK, with an ambition to transform the view of office technology and educate SMEs about the benefits of the Cloud.
Ashgoal are an IT company providing support across Hertfordshire, who specialise in cloud computing, IT support, Telecoms and Sage Software.
For a limited time they are offering a free, no obligation discussion about how to save money by moving to the Ashgoal Cloud.
Local Radio Producer Launches iOS app in Time for Christmas
The award-winning Hitchin-based radio producer and engineer, Paul Arnold, was facing some tough times twelve months ago when he decided to throw his time, money and energy into creating a unique personalised musical greetings app. Paul brought his skills in audio production, music and interactive projects together to create AcoustiCards, an iPhone and iPad app that seamlessly mixes hundreds of options into its songs. Paul says: "Having an idea for an app, is in many ways, the modern equivalent of having an unfinished novel in a drawer somewhere. To see the smile on people's faces when they get to a line in the song that is perfect for them, that makes it all worthwhile.” The app has launched in time for Christmas, offering a quick, eco-friendly and unusual alternative to the traditional Christmas card, with 10p from every carol card sent donated to the UK charity Music As Therapy. The free AcoustiCards app is available on the Apple App Store now. More info at www.acousticards.com.
iPhone ushers in new era of mobile working
As Apple releases the latest version of its pioneering iPhone, the iPhone 5, on Friday, the business world can expect to benefit from its high-speed 4G capability.
This faster internet connection means that businesses will be able to rely more on the mobile phone as a business tool. The combination of the A6 processor with 4G will render the iPhone equally as fast as any broadband internet connection, making it possible to carry out the same tasks whether its user is at home or on the move.
Dan Wagner, CEO of mPowa, who relies on mobile broadband to deliver his service, said, “Its about time the UK progressed into the world of 4G. Our internet connection, be it on mobile or fixed location, has not been as fast as that of other international markets for quite some time now. It will dramatically enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of British companies in this ‘always on – always connected’ business landscape.”
Dan Wagner’s company mPowa is one of the most exciting products to benefit from mobile connectivity. mPowa is a company that has developed an innovative mobile payment device that connects to mobile phones and tablets. It allows the user to make and receive payments on their device easily and simply whilst mobile. It helps small businesses that are priced out of conventional card machines and benefits larger companies by mobilising their sales teams. This service will become even more advantageous with the introduction of 4G as companies will be able to make transactions on the move at high speeds.
Dan continued, “The iPhone 5 is a prime example of mobile devices evolving at an impressive rate that enables businesses to operate much more flexibly. Mobile phones are being used increasingly to accept payments, which will open up new avenues for businesses. In addition, mobile phone companies and software developers are creating apps that capitalise on faster connectivity, and tablets are becoming a more common fixture in business environments. We’re no longer being tied to our desks and with customers expecting a more responsive service, the tools we now have at our disposal will pave the way for better business.”
