Cardiff tech sales start-up firm Trigify.io boosted with £1m investment round
A Cardiff tech firm, which has developed an AI and data analytics platform to help clients target the best sales prospects, has been boosted by a £1m investment. The investment round into start-up Trigify.io was backed by River Capital and Haatch Ventures. By analysing signals across digital platforms, news feeds and job board, Trigify creates triggers for sales personnel to prospect more targeted leads. Founded by Max Mitcham and Hugo Millington-Drake last year, Trigify have so far concentrated on tech sales and consultancy but are targeting wider sectors as they onboard more data sets and digital signals. The founding team has been supported by chief technology officer Morgan Parry who has been instrumental in building out the SaaS (software as a service) platform. Read More:The latest equity investments in Wales Trigify’s chief executive Mr Mitcham said: “We are delighted to have River Capital on board to support Trigify’s journey. Since starting Trigify, it has been our mission to surround ourselves with people who can help make our journey a success. River Capital’s AI investment director, David Walters, said: “We were clear as soon as we met the team that they had built a platform that could transform the incredibly difficult outbound sales process using deep data sets and AI. Diligence by our market expert Martin Sutton kept coming back that the Trigify platform could help sales teams get to prospects quickly with a high propensity to buy. We also felt straight away that we were talking to a team who had a track record of success in the sales space. Max has had huge success across the UK and North America in vice president sales roles and has brought his sales AI vision to life creating a superb operations team around him. We are delighted to be investing in the team and platform and hope we can support Trigify through our AI, go to market and people networks.”
Zerolight narrows losses and outlines 'significant transformation'
Directors at Tyneside tech company Zerolight have outlined “significant transformation” to its operations in a year which saw it reduce its workforce and narrow losses. The Newcastle Quayside-based company works with a number of motor manufacturers with its 3D interactive technology, helping them to launch new cars as well as helping people to digitally customise their vehicles. Zerolight’s workload increased rapidly during the pandemic, allowing manufacturers to virtually keep their vehicle launches on track. New accounts published by Zerolight, covering the year to March 2024, show how the company secured new clients, while also tapping into new sectors away from its core automotive customers through one of its products. Read more: Tharsus sees turnover drop as Ocado deal ends Go here for more North East business news They also show employee numbers dropped from 111 to 73 during the year,however, as a result of the firm no longer needing to focus as much on manual work to go alongside its software. As the firm’s toolset has matured, services are now primarily done by manufacturers or their agencies – a move which means Zerolight has carried out significant cost reduction measures to right size the business for the future. Turnover dropped from £6.95m to £5.8m, while its operating loss narrowed from £5.5m to £2.4m. The overall loss for the year reduced from £4.5m to £1.6m. Within the report, CEO Darren Jobling said: “ZeroLight remains on track to return to significant growth and profitability, having vastly reduced its operating cost-base by 35%, and loss by 64%, over the year. ZeroLight welcomed five new leading automotive brands to its customer portfolio, while expanding opportunities and renewing agreements with existing clients. The company has secured a £1.5m investment to continue efforts to productise and scale its offering both within and outside of the automotive vertical. “This year, ZeroLight has again concentrated on developing its core markets, customers and scalable self-serve software products. This has resulted in the acquisition of five new leading automotive customers, as well as the expansion of opportunities and renewal of contracts with existing customers. “Its mission continues to increase the adoption of an innovative visualisation platform that empowers global brands to build high-performance digital marketing and sales experiences. Building on the progress of last year, the company has taken further significant steps to productise its offering, nurturing relationships with strategic partners, such as NVIDIA and Autodesk, to accelerate these efforts. “ZeroLight has undergone a significant transformation over the year. Testament to the company’s commitment to innovation, ZeroLight has focused its R&D expenditure, including a new £1.5m investment, on productisation; this has made it easier for brands’ internal teams to use ZeroLight’s market-leading tools themselves. This transition to a Software as a Service (SaaS) model has enabled ZeroLight to vastly reduce its cost base. “Given these proactive steps, ZeroLight is now well positioned to return to significant growth and profitability. As the automotive market undergoes its widespread digital transformation and new industries are engaged, the management of the business and its investors remain overwhelmingly optimistic that ZeroLight’s future remains highly positive.” The accounts also highlight how the company’s new cloud-streaming product OmniStream is now generating revenue. The product can be used by anyone who needs to stream a 3D application to a wider audience and the firm has received interest from a range of industries, including engineering, aviation, corporate training, games, and virtual events, as well as automotive. Mr Jobling said the company has signed customers in healthcare, infrastructure, architecture and medical sectors so far. Following publication of the accounts, Mr Jobling told BusinessLive: “FY24 marked the mid-point in our three-year productisation vision for ZeroLight, where we have taken our unique capabilities as a customer journey platform and created SaaS products that third party agencies can use globally. Work on these key products is now complete, and testament to this success is that this innovative toolset has been adopted by the world’s two largest car manufacturers, Volkswagen in Europe, and General Motors in the USA.
Haydale in Jersey trial for its underfloor heater technology
Technology company Haydale has announced a pilot trial deploying its innovative underfloor heaters within social housing in Jersey. The Ammanford-based company, which is listed on the Alternative Investment Market and a leader in advanced materials and nanotechnology innovation, is working with Jersey Energy Technologies (JET), a start-up company focused on providing energy efficiency solutions across the Channel Islands. Haydale’s underfloor heating system utilises its proprietary technology to unlock the high-level thermal conductivity properties of advanced material, graphene. Read More:Haydale's graphene tech capturing carbon Read More : Wrexham Lager in major Australia deal Data on its in-house prototype systems have shown up to 30% lower operating cost for their functionalised graphene ink underfloor heating compared to standard wired systems running off mains power. In test conditions the heaters, which can be uniformly and individually heated, have also shown improvements in flexibility, and durability – while reaching maximum temperatures quickly. This presents a potential commercial solution to meet the demand for improved energy efficiency, reducing heating costs for residents. The first real-world installation of Haydale’s product is planned to take place with JET later this year. The pilot trial will gather information over the winter period to support the efficacy and efficiency data already generated from Haydale’s in-house testing with results expected in the new year. Under the agreement, JET has agreed to pay for exclusive access to distribute the underfloor heating product within the Channel Islands on a commercial basis. If the trial is successful, it is envisaged that this environmentally friendly underfloor heating system will be rolled out in phases to selected homes and buildings. Keith Broadbent, chief executive of Haydale, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with JET on this project which demonstrates our ability to use our plasma functionalisation technology platform to develop our own IP protected products for commercialisation, and this collaboration is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability. “Our underfloor heating system not only provides superior comfort but also represents a potentially significant step forward in reducing environmental impact and energy costs. This innovative solution leverages advanced technology to provide consistent, comfortable warmth, looking to ensure that each home remains cozy throughout the year without the excessive energy consumption typically associated with traditional heating systems.”George Eves, Founder of JET, said: “The adoption of Haydale’s advanced underfloor heating technology aligns perfectly with our mission to provide high-quality, sustainable living solutions to the residents of the Channel Islands. We are excited to offer this cutting-edge heating solution and over time – we will look to roll the products out in the new build and retrofit projects underway with our development partner, improving the quality of life for our residents and setting a new standard for social housing.” In August Haydale announced a potential breakthrough in the rapidly evolving carbon capture technology sector.
Vodafone wants to give SMEs 'unbeatable' deal on Samsung's newest phones
Samsung's newest foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Galaxy Z Flip 6, are now on the market and could revolutionise productivity for small to medium-sized businesses in Vodafone's latest deal. According to Samsung, the Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 are sturdy devices designed to enhance productivity and durability, making them perfect for any business situation. The compact design of the Z Flip6 is ideal for those with limited space, while the Z Fold6, with its 7.6-inch main display, offers plenty of workspace for multitasking, viewing presentations, and conducting video calls. New for 2024, Samsung's Galaxy AI can assist in saving time at work, including the introduction of Live Translate. This feature enables two-way, real-time voice and text translations during phone calls, simplifying tasks such as booking reservations or communicating with international clients. Depending on your model these functions may differ. Check out the great deals on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 on Vodafone Business Or go compact with the Galaxy z Flip6 and boost your productivity for your business Galaxy AI includes an Interpreter feature that can instantly translate live conversations via a user-friendly split-screen view. This allows individuals standing opposite each other to read a text translation of what the other person is saying and since the launch this is available in 16 different languages. For those who are habitual note-takers, Note Assist offers AI-generated summaries, pre-formatted templates and cover pages to boost daily productivity. This feature can be applied to emails, presentations and more. In a rush? The Galaxy's AI-driven Browsing Assist can help you stay informed by providing concise summaries of news articles or web pages. Furthermore, these features come at no extra cost with the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 models, meaning there's no need to spend additional money when you purchase these devices, saving both your time and finances. Both the Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 come equipped with a 50MP professional camera, making them perfect for both work and leisure. Whether it's capturing a sunrise during your commute or taking a photo for your next marketing campaign, these devices have got you covered. When you're on the move, don't worry about the durability of the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6. The Z Fold6 features a sturdy aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus, along with IPX8 water resistance and dust resistance. To get to its IP48 rating the model was submerged in 1.5meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes, but we still wouldn't recommend using it by the pool or beach. On the other hand, the Z Flip6 boasts an enhanced hinge mechanism, IP48 water resistance, and dust resistance, ensuring longevity even in tough conditions. A top-tier phone needs a strong signal and a dependable carrier. Vodafone Business checks all those boxes and more, having been named the Best Network for Business at the Mobile News Awards 2024. Vodafone's offerings come with a 3-year Battery Refresh and Lifetime Warranty, ensuring durability and value for money. The telecom giant is also committed to supporting small businesses, providing free expert advice, tech support, and an array of tools and training, having already aided over a million small enterprises. You can read more in our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 review for the Daily Express, where we gave it four stars out of five as, while we named it "Samsung’s best foldable yet," we didn't feel that it did much to revolutionise the foldable phone market. Our tech experts also put the Galaxy Z Fold 6 through its paces, and while it did have many positive points, they ultimately felt it was too expensive.
Mirror publisher Reach on track as digital revenues boosted by Euros, election and Taylor Swift's UK tour
Mirror publisher Reach plc says it is on track for the year after seeing digital growth from events including the European Championships and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and the General Election. The media giant, which publishes titles including BusinessLive, the Manchester Evening News, Wales Online, the Daily Record and the Express, today issued results for the six months to 30 June 2024. Reach said revenue for the period fell 5.2% to £265m. Digital revenue of £60m was broadly in line with last year (HY23: £60.8m), and momentum improved across the period with growth of 6.7% in the second quarter. Print circulation revenue of £149.9m (HY23: £155.4m) and print advertising revenue of £32.7m (HY23: £37.0m) outperformed volume decline. Meanwhile the group said “early and effective action on costs has delivered targeted cost savings”, with total adjusted operating costs cut by 9.3% to £221.8m. That meant adjusted operating profit rose by 23.1%, and at an improved margin of 16.8%. Reach said it would “continue to deliver returns for shareholders with the interim dividend maintained at 2.88p.” The group’s Customer Value Strategy to bolster digital growth has helped push data-driven revenue growth up 9% to £27.2m. Those revenues now represent 45% of total digital revenues, up from 41% last year. It hailed its return to digital revenue growth, saying: “The performance over the second quarter has been bolstered by strong multi-platform content around key events, including the European Football Championships, UK general election and Taylor Swift Eras tour. As expected, yield continued to improve, driving growth across the digital estate.” Chief executive Jim Mullen said: "We are pleased to have delivered further operational progress this year, with our commercial and editorial teams making the most of the strong news agenda. “Our Customer Value Strategy continues to deliver long-term success, with an increasing share of data-driven digital revenue as well as digital growth returning in Q2. Alongside our expertise in managing our print product, we have traded our digital assets hard and delivered an operating margin improvement.
UK Government invests £32m in 98 AI projects to boost high-growth industries and public services
The UK government has unveiled plans to support 98 artificial intelligence (AI) projects across the nation with a £32m funding boost. This investment, aimed at accelerating 'high-growth' sectors, will aid over 200 businesses and research institutions. The funded projects cover a wide spectrum, from enhancing safety on construction sites to cutting down railway repair times and minimising emissions in supply chains. Among the beneficiaries are Nottingham-based Anteam, collaborating with the NHS to optimise prescription deliveries using AI algorithms. V-Lab has secured £165,006 to fine-tune its AI-powered construction training simulations, while Cambridge's Monumo has been awarded £750,152 to develop its 3D generative-AI tool for electric vehicle motors. Feryal Clark, Minister for Digital Government and AI, has hailed the funding initiative as "crucial" for the country. "AI will deliver real change for working people across the UK," she stated, "not only growing our economy but improving our public services." She further added, "That's why our support for initiatives like this will be so crucial," highlighting the potential of these projects to reduce train delays, introduce new methods of maintaining vital infrastructure, and enhance patient experiences by facilitating prescription deliveries, as reported by City AM. "We want technology to boost growth and deliver change right across the board, and I'm confident projects like these will help us realise that ambition," added Clark. Sue Daley, director of tech and innovation at techUK, commented that this fund, sourced from the UKRI Technology Mission Fund, promises "considerable return on investment for the UK economy and boost our competitiveness, while supporting those innovators that are putting AI into action." Nonetheless, the disclosure follows hot on the heels of last week's contentious cancellation of £1.3bn in tech and AI funding, which has been decried as "idiotic" and a possible trigger for a tech talent exodus to the US. Amongst the scrapped projects was an allocated £800m for a supercomputer at Edinburgh University and £500m for AI research resources both projects cut less than a year after being announced. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) justified its stance, pointing to "difficult and necessary spending decisions across all departments in the face of billions of pounds of unfunded commitments", while the Conservatives have highlighted DSIT's underspend over the past fiscal year. This unfolds at a juncture when bolstering tech investment is deemed crucial, particularly for the government aiming to position itself as the champion for growth and business. "For the UK to become an AI superpower, it needs large-scale funding, backed by a strong policy foundation and governmental support," Tom Whicher, CEO and founder of video consultation platform DrDoctor, remarked on the government's latest investment initiative. The UK's thriving tech sector is experiencing a deceleration in growth, with fresh figures indicating a significant slowdown. The number of newly incorporated tech firms in the UK dropped by 11% in the second quarter of this year, representing the first substantial decrease since early 2022, as reported by RSM UK, a firm specialising in audit, tax, and consulting services. Ami Daniel, CEO and co-founder of the UK-listed maritime AI company Windward, believes that startups downstream from entities like Nvidia represent an ideal target for investment, and the new funds could be "transformational" for these companies. However, Daniel also noted that "while today's news is a step in the right direction, it is only a drop in the ocean." Another tech entrepreneur, Anil Malhotra, co-founder of UK digital payments enterprise Bango, suggested that the government should focus its funding efforts on addressing the intricate social and legal challenges posed by AI, which often trail behind technological advancements. He stated: "It would be preferable for the UK to have a legal framework that enables AI to benefit society and maximises competition [and] minimises monopolisation of AI provision."