PR Agency Blog

ramsac a finalist for Toast of Surrey business award

2012-01-23T11:07:00.000Z

Hopes for ‘Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year’ category win

ramsac, a leading IT solutions consultancy has reached the final stages of the Toast of Surrey Awards 2012, in the category of ‘Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year’. With a record number of entries for 2012, the annual awards celebrate the success of local businesses and recognise their contribution to the economy, community and prosperity of Surrey. As the winner of last year’s ‘Company of the Year’ award, ramsac this year wanted to highlight its commitment to and the benefits from, running a dedicated in-house apprenticeship scheme which nurtures upcoming IT talent and offers an excellent alternative to further education.

Back to University

2012-01-13T16:01:00.003Z

Yesterday, I was lucky to be invited back to my old stomping ground at Southampton Solent University to take part in a Meet the Alumni session, with current students studying on the Public Relations and Communications BA course. The session’s aim was to introduce to the students the kind of work they can do once the course has been completed and the pros and cons of working in an in-house, or agency situation.

The session was a real eye opener; it showed me just how far the course itself had developed since I graduated in 2009 and how the university and lecturers are working hard preparing students for the world of work. Units such as negotiation and live client campaigns are featured and concentrated on more heavily to allow students to explore what will be expected of them.

The experience of meeting the students and explaining to them what it is like working as a PRO was really valuable, it makes you realise how much practising PR changes your perception of the job and how PR skills are extremely transferrable. After explaining how PR can be used for pretty much anything from a person, a company or a product I tackled the main concern that the students had, which was in-house or agency. Now this is a long serving question and can only really be answered by trying it out for yourself, but I gave the pros and cons as follows:

In-house:
• Focussed on one company
• Know the subject inside out
• Work in a small communications team/often alone
• Typically 9-5 hours
• Long term campaigns
• Slightly better pay
• Reporting is often frequent

Agency:
• Varied work with several clients
• A knowledge of many topics and enhance the ability to learn quickly the information you need
• Work with other PR professionals and can draw on their knowledge and experience
• May be required to work longer hours if a deadline is approaching
• Short term campaigns
• Stable pay often bonuses
• Your client is not sitting next to you so you can prepare and schedule meetings to ensure you are not distracted or unprepared

Explaining to them that whatever path is chosen they still get to use the same PR skill set hadn’t seemed to occur to them, but I was extraordinarily impressed with the amount of experience in the workplace they were trying to obtain to boost their CVs. There will definitely be some brilliant PROs graduating this year!

ramsac teaches schools how to balance IT services costs

2012-01-09T16:56:00.001Z

IT expert demonstrates how to improve services and save costs at BETT 2012, Olympia 11th-14th January 2012, stand K2

ramsac, a leading IT solutions consultancy, will be demonstrating its ‘menu’ of education IT support services at BETT 2012 (the largest education technology exhibition in the world), which is being held at Olympia in London, from 11th to 14th January 2012. Appearing on Stand K2, ramsac will show how schools can stretch their budgets and make the most of their resources.

UKTI Looking for Technology Product Video ahead of Olympic Games

2011-11-03T13:15:00.005Z

Do you have video of your technology that the UKTI can use to play at overseas events at British Embassies and High Commissions to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games next year?

UKTI is producing a film to showcase a number of UK companies active in the sports industry, prior to 2012 Olympics. If you have video footage of your technology and wish to be considered please contact Martin Kemp at the NanoKTN ASAP at: martin.kemp@nanoktn.com

At the NanoKTN's Nano4Sport event on 21 September, Neil Semple from UKTI referred to the UKTI Innovation Showcase film that they plan to produce by March 2012 to play at overseas events at British Embassies and High Commissions to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games.

UKTI have now been asked by the producers of the showcase to provide film footage of UK capability and products that has to meet the following criteria:
1. Is it a genuinely innovation product, service, process or technology that is accepted by markets, governments and society and does it generally signify a substantial positive change?
2. What is the human face of the story? Has the innovation changed lives? One of the key aims of the showcase is to reflect how British innovations have changed the lives of people not only in the UK but around the world.
3. Will there be restrictions in accessing footage?
4. How likely is it that there will be good quality footage available to illustrate the innovation in question?

The proposed duration of the Innovation Showcase is 6-7 minutes inclusive of an introduction and a conclusion. Therefore, each sector will have approximately 30 seconds of screen time, albeit this duration is multiplied by a total of six individual video screens. They will use specifically composed music to help develop pace and emotion throughout the six to seven minutes duration.

If this opportunity is of interest, please contact Martin Kemp at the NanoKTN.

TDSi expands in Nigeria with partner Rapid Vigil Security Company Limited

2011-10-31T11:49:00.000Z

Poole UK, 31th October 2011 – TDSi, a global leader in access control systems for all sizes of businesses and organisations, today announces Rapid Vigil Security Company Limited of Nigeria has become a partner. The partnership gives TDSi a greater sales reach in the West African market, whilst giving Rapid Vigil Security Company Limited full access to the company’s high quality products and top-tier support services.

Solent’s Collaborate2Innovate 2011 Now Sold Out

2011-10-26T12:17:00.002+01:00

Event to build Profitable Partnerships for Organisations in Solent Region

The organisers of Collaborate2Innovate (C2I) 2011 have now closed the event registration after over 500 people registered for this year’s C2I event on Tuesday 1st November 2011, in response to overwhelming interest from local businesses wanting to attend the Solent region’s major collaboration and innovation event.

For further information on C2I please visit www.collaborate2innovate2011.co.uk or contact C2I's press office on c2ipr@mccint.com

TDSi launches new version of MICROgarde access control product software

2011-10-25T15:32:00.003+01:00

MICROgarde Version 2.31 software makes installation easier with controller detection and additional language support

Poole, 25^th October 2011 – TDSi, a global leader in access control systems for all sizes of businesses and organisations has launched an updated version (Version 2.31) of its MICROgarde entry-level networkable access control product software. The new version makes installation of the system even easier.

dhc Launches iConnekt XL Software For Improved Integration Between Access Dimensions and Microsoft Excel

2011-10-19T16:38:00.002+01:00

Accountancy and finance teams to benefit from faster and more in-depth reporting

dhc, a provider of integrated software solutions, today announces the launch of iConnekt XL. The tool has been developed by dhc to significantly improve the integration between Microsoft Excel and the financial software, Access Dimensions. Using iConnekt XL, accountancy and finance teams benefit from more control and better quality analysis, reporting and presentation of financial information. In addition the tool provides enhanced financial planning, budgeting and forecasting capabilities.

For further information on dhc and dhc's new iConnekt XL software please contact dhc's press office on dhcpr@mccint.com.

TDSi Appoints IP Video Surveillance Specialist, Customer Care Advisor and Pre-Sales Support to Global UK Head Office

2011-09-29T17:32:00.000+01:00

Poole, 28^th September 2011 – TDSi, a global leader in access control systems for all sizes of businesses and organisations has recruited three new members to its UK team. Rob Clark joins as Business Development Manager for the company’s VUgarde IP video surveillance solution, Francesca Wilkey is appointed to the role of Customer Care Advisor, supporting TDSi’s partners, resellers and end-users, and Gregg Little has joined in the role of Pre-sales Support.

Multitone Launches i–Page Mobile Messaging and Fault Monitoring System

2011-09-26T12:31:00.002+01:00

New Communication System For SMEs Improves Efficiency and Effectiveness of Staff Co-ordination and Incident Response

Multitone Electronics Plc, specialists in wireless communication, today launches i-Page, a cost effective and versatile messaging system. It enables small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to instantly, discreetly and securely communicate with staff via pagers, from any networked PC on their premises. i–Page can also be integrated with business equipment to provide a fault monitoring system, that upon detection automatically alerts staff to take appropriate action.

For further information on the i-Page and Multitone, please contact Multitone's press office on sarah.murray@mccint.com.

Information Security Solutions Europe 2011 to Focus on Trusting The Cloud, Mobile Security and e-Identity Management

2011-09-26T11:08:00.004+01:00

22nd and 23rd November 2011, Clarion Congress Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic

EEMA, the European association for e-identity and security today announces that ISSE 2011 (Information Security Solutions Europe) will take place in Prague on 22nd and 23rd November 2011. Owned by EEMA, ISSE 2011 is the only independent, interdisciplinary IT security conference and exhibition in Europe. The 13th annual ISSE will be hosted this year by the Czech Chamber of Commerce and Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic and is supported by the European Commission, ENISA and TeleTrust.

For further information on ISSE 2011 and to register for the conference as a member of the media please contact ISSE's press office on issepr@mccint.com

Variety is the spice of the PR life

2011-09-09T17:19:00.000+01:00

The first week at our new office has been a hugely enjoyable and productive one. We have had the pleasure of meeting many new people, who are working on some very exciting ventures, and the team here at MCC International have already begun seeking out the best places for lunch. What’s more we have found the cheapest petrol station for miles around!

However, every once in a while it is great to get away from the desk, so yesterday a couple of the team met with another company on the Southampton Science Park, whilst I was excited to be heading out to The London Stock Exchange, a great venue for an event, that is somewhat overshadowed the neighbouring, St Paul’s Cathedral. The seminar was being hosted by NICE Systems and co-branded by the excellent security website Info4Security and was titled ‘From the front door to the trading floor’, focusing on the hot topic of security and financial crime.

Today I was back in the office and as always Friday has a habit of being one busiest days of the week. But, powering up my laptop this morning and being greeted by a clients face on the front page of one of their top tier publications was a fantastic way to start things off. This morning was spent working on a few articles that will be going online and in print in the next few weeks, then just after lunch (a sandwich at the desk rather than lavish long lunches people think us PR’s have every day) another client decided to dropp by to say hello and provided a welcome break from the screen. As the afternoon pushes on we are busy arranging media attendance for a big event that will take place in London later this month, as well as hosting a Pan European PR call.

It is weeks such as this that make me realise how lucky I am to be working in PR.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Graham

A new home for MCC International

2011-09-05T17:29:00.000+01:00

This is the first blog posting from the exciting new home of MCC International at the Southampton Science Park, a 45-acre development on the historic Chilworth Estate. As well as being a nature conservation area, the park is home to more than 60 leading-edge technology companies including University spin-outs and international household names in pharmaceuticals, software design, satellite broadcasting and mobile telecommunications. We are looking forward to sharing our 24 years experience in science and technology PR with many of them.

To get in contact with the team, you can now reach us at our new address:

MCC International

Southampton Science Park,
2 Venture Road,
Chilworth,
Southampton,
Hampshire SO16 7NP

We also have a new telephone number: 02380 111 977.

MCC International is just an hour from London and a mile from the M3, so we are easy to find and all of the team is looking forward to welcoming many of you to our new office in the coming weeks and months.

Graham Thatcher

NanoKTN and JEMI UK to Host Seminar at NANO Live UK

2011-09-05T11:20:00.002+01:00

NanoKTN and JEMI UK to Host Seminar at NANO Live UK
Identifying Key Advances in MEMS & NANO Processes, 27th September 2011, Birmingham NEC

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK’s primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a seminar session at NANO Live 2011, in partnership with JEMI UK. The session will feature top speakers showcasing the latest advances in MEMS & NANO processes for Electronics, Industrial & Biomed Applications.

NANO Live UK 2011, hosted at the Birmingham NEC from 27 – 29 September will focus on the exciting and emerging area of nanotechnology, which promises ‘more for less’. It offers ways to create smaller, cheaper, lighter and faster devices that can do more, more intelligently and, use less raw materials and consume less energy. It is the next step from micro manufacturing and as it becomes commercially viable, NANO Live will showcase this cutting edge technology. The three-day event will offer a unique opportunity to showcase and share the ideas, knowledge and contacts that will drive the full commercial potential of this exciting and ground-breaking technology sector.

NanoKTN and IoN Confirm Success of UK Nanotechnology Mission to America

2011-08-22T11:00:00.003+01:00

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK’s primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, and the Institute of Nanotechnology (IoN), a professional membership organisation for the nanotechnology industry, are pleased to announce the success of the 2010 International NanoMicroClub (INMC) NanoMission to America. The mission, supported by Technology Strategy Board funding, was established to support UK nanotechnology SMEs in international business development.

The US is the largest market for biopharma, both in terms of the number of companies that the UK could partner with but also with regards to market size. In 2008 alone, the US has spent $2.3trillion on healthcare. To ensure the UK took advantage of the business potential in the US, the INMC organised a mission in September 2010, to BioPharm America™ and to visit various companies in Boston.

The UK mission team comprised BHR Group, Point-2-Point Genomics, Nanomerics, Conformetrix and EuropaRx. During the mission, they met with a number of organisations from Boston and the surrounding area, leading to five NDAs being signed. Despite business development being a long process, a number of potential opportunities for business and funding are already being explored, and the feedback from the mission delegates has been very positive.

NanoKTN to Look at Impact of Nanomaterials on Man and the Environment

2011-08-15T10:37:00.000+01:00

14th September, 2011 – Begbroke Science Park, Yarnton, Oxford

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK’s primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, is pleased to announce an event to review the possible effects of nanomaterials on man and the environment. The one-day seminar will examine the complex issues surrounding recent advances in the measurement and characterisation of nanomaterials throughout the whole product cycle.

By hosting this event, the NanoKTN aims to bring experts in standards, occupational health, toxicity and ecotoxicity, together with equipment producers and providers of analytical facilities. Networking sessions will provide a forum where experts can discuss the advances and issues in this field, meet and explore business and research opportunities with others, and evaluate testing methods and manufacturing processes. There will also be an opportunity for delegates to see first-hand the capabilities of new technologies in the nanoscale world through a stimulating and exciting exhibition.

Cutting costs in IT Security is a bad policy

2011-08-09T16:20:00.000+01:00

By Robert May, Managing Director of ramsac (www.ramsac.com)

Business IT security is a perennially favourite topic of discussion. From SMEs to multi-national corporations (and even in government circles), the security of IT systems is much discussed and yet there is a feeling that maybe it is not always given the consideration it deserves. At a recent conference, CompTIA CEO Todd Thibodeaux suggested that it would be sensible to allocate 10% of a company’s IT budget to providing security, and yet the evidence suggests that in reality this is often not the case. For example, a Gartner survey recently found that the industry average spend on IT security is only about five percent. Perhaps even more startling is a report by the Ponemon Institute, Cenzic and Barracuda Networks which found that 88% of companies surveyed indicate they spend more on coffee than they do on securing Web applications!

NanoKTN and IoN secure £100K for UK Nanotechnology SMEs at recent Japanese Mission

2011-08-08T12:08:00.001+01:00

NanoKTN Helps UK Nanotechnology SME Grow To Industry Leader

2011-08-02T10:52:00.001+01:00

The NanoKTN is pleased to announce that on-going support from its staff and events has helped a UK SME to secure business leads and forge relationships with key collaborative partners. As a result, scientific engineering company Plarion has grown to become a leading manufacturer in its field.

When UK-based Plasmon went into administration in 2008, a team of engineers with years of experience in the field established Plarion, which recently announced the development of its Discipher diagnostic solution. The low-cost, walkaway system is based on a DVD drive and DVD discs with microfluidic channels for rapid biochemical analysis. The on-board reagent storage and sample preparation, along with automated analysis software, offers significant time advantage through minimal user interaction, allowing a large number of tests to be done at the same time.

Plarion’s Systems Development Manager Jackie Cole has been directly involved with the NanoKTN since the company’s launch in 2009, attending events as an exhibitor, delegate and presenter. Actively engaging as a member of the NanoKTN has provided Plarion with vital intelligence about R&D facilities and services available in the UK, as well as providing opportunities to identify possible collaborative partners with specific expertise.

Two steps forward and a quick look back

2011-07-29T11:36:00.000+01:00

It has been a busy week of looking forward here at MCC International with a big new client win that we cannot wait to start working with bright and early on Monday morning and securing a regular monthly column for one of our clients in their key publication. In other news, we have been busy putting together a very exciting new business proposal for a really interesting technology, so all fingers are tightly crossed for the go ahead soon.

On Tuesday, Agency Director, Graham Thatcher, attended his first (well first official!) CIPR committee meeting in Southampton and was delighted to hear that the Wessex region certainly has a thriving PR community. The CIPR is putting on a lot of events between now and the end of the year that will be ‘must attends’ for PR professional is the area.

Whilst some of us have been looking forward, others have been taking a peek in to MCC’s past, recalling our launch of Segway in to the UK market way back in 2005. In fact, they have been dusting off the two-wheeled transporter that many visitors to Winchester House have admired in our reception, with Simon modelling it for our Twitter profile, take a look at: www.twitter.com/mcc_int.

NanoKTN Awards Additional EPSRC Studentships for Innovative Research Projects

2011-07-25T10:56:00.001+01:00

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK’s primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, is pleased to announce that after initially awarding three EPSRC studentships in May 2011, it has allocated an additional three Awards to exceptional projects at the Universities of Birmingham, Oxford and Sheffield. The research projects will focus on polymer based dye-sensitized solar cells, additives to improve the adhesion and performance of inks, and anti-microbial agents in nano-hydroxyapatite coatings for titanium implants.

The NanoKTN had an exceptionally high number of applications this year, all of which were of a very high standard. The NanoKTN therefore highlighted these projects to the EPSRC for consideration and funds became available recently which enabled the NanoKTN to award 3 additional studentships.

The Future of PR

2011-07-20T18:43:00.002+01:00

On Monday afternoon I had the privilege of taking part in The Future of PR debate, hosted by Bournemouth University (an institution with a well deserved reputation for churning out high calibre PR graduates), as part of an ongoing CIPR initiative.

For the seven of us sat around the table - a mix of senior in-house, agency and academia - it was like being back in the classroom.

Fuelled with a lot of coffee, as every PR person I know tends to be, we enthusiastically took part in a two-and-a-half-hour scenario planning exercise, where we considered what PR practise would likely look like in the year 2020, along with our hopes and fears.

Of course, placing a group of PR people in a room together and asking them for their opinion it never going to be difficult to get a debate raging and sure enough we were soon tackling issues of diversity, career progression, respect, evaluation, use of research and the broader public perception of our profession as a whole and the need for positive role models and advocates of good PR.

Undoubtedly, one of the most hotly contested topics was whether PR will still be known as PR in the next 10 years. Some could envisage it becoming absorbed under a broader integrated marketing communications banner, driven in part by the calls for new and emerging digital channels to be ‘owned’ by the PR function. Meanwhile, others could see a clear split emerging between those delivering high-level strategy becoming branded as Management Consultants, and the more tactical end adopting the moniker of Publicist.

One area of unanimous agreement was the fact that whatever it is called the need for PR is here to stay. There are many great PR practitioners doing a lot of great work and it is the responsibility of those of us who have chosen this as our career path, whether in-house, agency or those educating the next cohort of PR undergraduates, to continually promote best practise and extol the benefits of our profession.

Author: Graham Thatcher

The Nanotechnology Mini-Innovation and Growth Team (Mini-IGT) Announces Skills Report

2011-07-19T09:51:00.000+01:00

The Nanotechnology Mini-Innovation and Growth Team (Mini-IGT) is pleased to announce the availability of a report following the ‘UK Manufacturing needs nanotechnology – Closing the Skills Gap’ event that was held on the 11th May 2011. The Nanotechnology Mini-IGT Secretariat prepared the report and sent it to Rt Hon David Willetts MP.

The report provides supporting information and detailed proposals based on the evidence from an industry survey and conclusions from the event. The report also summarises the issues, recommendations and the responsible departments for ensuring appropriate skills are available in support of the growth of the UK’s manufacturing industries.

The survey and event identified a number of key issues articulated in this report including recommendations on how to tackle the current gap in the provision of appropriate skills and the responsible departments for ensuring these skills are available.

ramsac adds Apple support to its suite of IT services

2011-07-18T11:27:00.001+01:00

IT specialist offers all-round, multi-platform support for business technology needs

Leading IT solutions consultancy ramsac has launched a dedicated Apple business unit and been accredited by the Apple Consultants Network. Combined with nearly 20 years’ of providing PC support, and as a Microsoft Gold Partner and Citrix Silver Partner, ramsac now offers clients full business IT support and expertise across the major IT platforms to provide a comprehensive package of support from one supplier.

NanoKTN Support Leads To First KTP Between University of Surrey and Plasma Quest

2011-07-14T10:08:00.002+01:00

The NanoKTN is pleased to announce the success of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Surrey and one of its members Plasma Quest. The twenty-four month project which finished in March 2011 has enabled the UK SME to increase profitability, improve capabilities and develop its products to an even higher standard.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are designed to help UK businesses improve productivity through the use of expertise and technology found at academic bases, helping to deliver significant increased profitability for the companies involved. There are currently over 1,000 national partnerships in place throughout the UK, helping UK businesses improve operations and ultimately increase sales.

NanoKTN Announces Second BlueSkyNano Award Scheme to Assist Product Development in Advanced Materials

2011-07-07T11:38:00.001+01:00

The NanoKTN is pleased to announce a partnership with ANSIN in launching its second BlueSkyNano awards scheme. ANSIN is an advanced materials research and development centre set up as a collaboration between Queen’s University Belfast and Seagate Technology based in Northern Ireland who manufacture 2 million read-write heads per day and provided the £9M starting resource.

BlueSkyNano was established by the NanoKTN in 2010 to fund feasibility studies aimed at new product development or product enhancement, and the awards aim to encourage interaction between industry and academia. Focused primarily on innovation in nanomaterials, it covers application areas in ICT, sensors, environment and energy, medicine and high value manufacturing, and aims to establish a recognisable brand for UK industry.

ramsac recruits its latest IT apprentice

2011-07-07T10:54:00.001+01:00

Innovative scheme gives young IT professional a front line position at Surrey IT solutions consultancy

Leading IT solutions consultancy ramsac today announces that it has recruited Josh MacKinnon to the position of First Line Support Consultant, following his successful completion of its innovative IT apprenticeship scheme. During his apprenticeship the company provided dedicated training, funding and support to help him achieve industry-recognised professional qualifications. He is now based full-time at ramsac’s head office in Godalming, Surrey.

Photo:

http://www.mccint.com/extranet/ramsac_Josh_MacKinnon.jpg

Caption: Josh (sitting) with Support Manager Jonathan Dobsonat ramsac's office.

TDSi tempts new business through scrappage scheme

2011-07-06T11:16:00.002+01:00

Access Control specialist offers incentive to upgrade to the latest EXSeries in exchange for old hardware

Poole, 6th July 2011 – TDSi, a global leader in access control systems for all sizes of businesses and organisations has announced the launch of its EXchange scrappage scheme. The EXchange scheme is designed to make upgrading from its S-Series controllers to its new EXSeries controllers easier and more cost effective.

NanoKTN’s NanoRegen Focus Group to Champion Successes in Tissue Engineering

2011-06-27T10:25:00.003+01:00

‘Celebration of Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine: Success Stories and Collaborations’ - 7th July 2011, University of Leeds

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK’s primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, is pleased to announce the date of its next NanoRegen focus group, hosted in collaboration with regeNer8 and the Chemistry Innovation and HealthTech and Medicines KTN. The event will look at the advances in nano-structured materials and scaffolds for use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and will provide a platform for delegates to learn about funding opportunities.

NanoKTN Announces Success of UK Nanotechnology Mission to Russia

2011-06-23T15:38:00.002+01:00

Surrey economy is rightsizing to stay profitable

2011-06-22T16:24:00.001+01:00

Survey results suggest local businesses are leading the economic recovery

A survey of Surrey businesses and the local economy, commissioned by leading IT solutions consultancy ramsac and its partners chartered accountants PKF and law firm Hart Brown, has given a fascinating insight into the performance of the county’s businesses. In the survey of the top 250 companies in Surrey, the results show a 9.3% fall in the number of average sales, but an impressive 57% rise in pre-tax profits - suggesting businesses are concentrating on streamlining their performance.

TDSi launches new improved Channel Partner Programme

2011-06-22T10:10:00.001+01:00

Improved benefits include greater flexibility, strong margins, direct access to specialist technical support and a new web portal

Poole, 22nd June 2011 – TDSi, a global leader in access control systems for all sizes of businesses and organisations has launched its new worldwide Channel Partner Programme, which offers partners even greater assistance in achieving strong margins and fully capitalise on the growing market for access control and integrated security systems. Highlights of the new programme include special project-pricing, qualified sales leads and high quality technical and sales training, which are designed to help installation partners and their customers fully benefit from TDSi’s market-leading technology and customer service.

Join our club...

2011-06-08T17:03:00.000+01:00

MCC International is on the hunt for PR talent

Whether you are currently in-house, agency, freelance, or a journalist looking to defect to the 'dark side', if you have a passion for communication and are thinking it is time for a fresh challenge then we want to hear from you.

From our office in Kings Worthy (just outside of Winchester) our dynamic team are responsible for managing the domestic and international media profiles for innovative and exciting new ventures, government bodies and large public and private organisations around the world. Many of our clients are household names and market leader in their respective fields.

Ideally, you will have upwards of 12 months experience working in a B2B and/or B2C environment with a focus on technology. So if you can demonstrate a skill for delivering engaging and faultless copy, a flair for building relationships with the online, print and broadcast media then we would like to hear from you.

To learn more about the current opportunities at MCC International, get in touch on Tel: 01962 888 100 or Email: graham.thatcher@mccint.com.

dhc Improves Equine Passport Application Process With Microsoft Dynamics CRM

2011-06-06T14:45:00.003+01:00

‘Single View’ Of Equine Records Gives Defra Approved Pet ID Equine Efficiency And Productivity Gains

dhc, a business software integration and financial management specialist, today announces that it has helped the equine passport division of Pet Works, to achieve efficiency and productivity gains through the introduction of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. The software provides the Defra approved Pet ID Equine team with ‘single view’ access to its equine files, making the search and retrieval of an equine’s history far more streamlined.

For further information on dhc and Microsoft Dynamics CRM or comment from Managing Director, Matt Garman please contact dhc's press office on dhcpr@mccint.com.

NanoKTN Announces Details of Nanotechnology Workshops to be held at S2K 2011 – Europe’s Leading Semiconductor Conference

2011-05-31T10:27:00.002+01:00

Nanotechnology Workshops: Nanotechnology Advances for Plastic Electronics and Micro and Nanofabrication of Sensors and Devices by Open Access Facilities 21st June University of Surrey, Guildford

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK’s primary knowledge-based networks for Micro- and Nanotechnologies, is pleased to announce details of its Nanotechnology workshops to be held at this year’s S2K conference, Europe’s leading conference for the Semiconductor, Nanotechnology and MEMS industry. The theme of this year’s event will be on the future manufacturing processes that will enable the next generation of electronics.

For further information on NanoKTN and the S2K Conference please contact NanoKTN's press office on nanopr@mccint.com.

Capscan To Help Marketers Eliminate Wasted Mailings at the Data Marketing Show

2011-05-26T10:59:00.002+01:00

Stand E122, 29th and 30th June, The Grand Hall, Olympia, London

Capscan, a leading provider of international address management solutions and data quality services, today announces that it will showcase two new products to help marketers eliminate unnecessary wasted mailing and improve the success of their domestic and international direct marketing campaigns at the Data Marketing Show. On stand E122, between Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th June 2011 at Olympia, London, the company will introduce the latest versions of Capscan Integrity and Matchcode for Microsoft Dynamics™ CRM.

For further information on Capscan and its products please contact Capscan's press office on capscanpr@mccint.com

The benefits of the left brain knowing what the right brain is doing

2011-05-25T11:36:00.000+01:00

In latest issue of Whatify magazine, Graham Thatcher, Agency Director at MCC International considers the merits of the left brainer collaborating with the right brainer.

MCC International is a busy technology PR agency where we need the right balance of creativity tempered with structure and purpose. Our job is to understand what our clients need to achieve and then find creative ways to make it happen. I know my value to the team and I don’t need a Myers-Briggs personality profile to tell me that I am without doubt an ideas person, a ‘right brainer’. I rely on my highly organised and methodical ‘left brainer’ colleagues to work with me to make sure that these ideas are formulated into a results-driven plan and executed on time and budget.

There are some organisations that are highly adept at putting together teams that embrace ‘all of the talents’ (to borrow the phrase of the former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown), such as those in the creative industries such as advertising, journalism, marketing, web design, PR and broadcasting. They are skilled at understanding the value of creativity and how, with right skills in place, it can be commercialised with great success.

In essence, collaboration and innovation is about recognising the true value of an idea and the left and right brainers then working closely together to realise its full potential. But for this to succeed, there needs to be education on both sides. For example, behind every successful chef you will find an astute restaurateur.

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting an artist who was painting from the back of her car on a pier in Cornwall. She told me that she could spend weeks, even months, engrossed in a single piece and gave little thought to keeping the local galleries supplied with her work. She relied on the commercially minded galleries to chase her for her latest works, or the odd opportunist such as myself to take an interest to provide her with an income. Conversely, I know many hugely talented people who are left brained in the office but right brained at home, but are either wary of taking the plunge and commercialising their creativity, or are totally oblivious to their true potential.

Realising the potential of creativity in its many forms represents a real opportunity for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, but the left brainers need to take the initiative. A prime example of a hotbed of potential is in many of our colleges and universities that are overflowing with right-brains, not just in the ‘traditional’ media and arts faculties but in fields as diverse as engineering, catering, architecture, IT and all of the sciences. The ideas and innovations are there in the classrooms ready and waiting to be commercialised, if only the right brainers can be alerted to the fact that there is a vast pool of untapped potential, and the left brainers can be educated that there is real money, success and acclaim to be realised from their creativity.

In truth the concept really isn’t new. As a nation we have a proud heritage in manufacturing the products that we invent. Through nurturing and collaboration we can transform good ideas into intellectual property that will have huge impact on the future success of UK plc and with the current state of the economy making sure the left brain knows what the right brain is doing and visa versa has never been more important.

ramsac announces 20% growth in annual financial results

2011-05-23T11:33:00.002+01:00

IT specialist gains 28 new outsourcing contracts and recruits new members of staff

ramsac, a leading IT solutions consultancy has announced an outstanding 20% increase in turnover, along with 28 new outsourcing contracts, in its 2010/2011 financial year results. As a result of the company’s enviable on-going growth, the Toast of Surrey award winner also announced it has recently recruited two new Support Consultants, James Neville-Towle and Dean Wilder, to provide technical support as part of the remote helpdesk team, supporting a wide range of clients.

NanoKTN Leads First UK NanoMedicine Mission to Switzerland 2011

2011-05-23T10:46:00.002+01:00

UK companies to visit Swiss centres of excellence to research potential for collaboration

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK’s primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, is pleased to announce that in partnership with the HealthTech and Medicines KTN, FCO Science & Innovation Network and the Swiss Embassy London, will today be taking a mission of the UK's leading companies and academics applying nanotechnology to healthcare, to visit the centres of research excellence in Geneva/Lausanne, Basel and Zurich in Switzerland.

Capscan Launches New Matchcode for Microsoft Dynamics™ CRM 2011

2011-05-23T10:16:00.002+01:00

Complete Real-Time Address Look-Up, Capture and Validation Available for Seamless Integration with Market-Leading CRM system

Capscan, a leading provider of international address management solutions and data quality services, today announced the availability of Matchcode for Microsoft Dynamics™ CRM 2011. The new software plug-in enables users of the market-leading customer relationship management platform, to ensure that their domestic and international contact databases are populated with accurate and validated address information.

For further information on Matchcode for Microsoft Dynamics™ CRM 2011 and Capscan, please contact Capscan's press office on capscanpr@mccint.com.

NANOKTN ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ITS 2011 EPSRC COLLABORATIVE STUDENTSHIPS

2011-05-19T09:53:00.003+01:00

Research Proposals from University of Bath and Manchester’s Metropolitan University Confirmed as Winners

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK’s primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, is pleased to announce that its allocation of this year’s EPSRC CASE Awards has been awarded to the University of Bath, collaborating with Pilkington Group Ltd, and Manchester’s Metropolitan University, collaborating with United Utilities, which encourages and enables collaboration of Universities with UK based companies. These projects will look at the development of photocatalytic coatings for self-cleaning and architectural glazing applications, and smart nanomaterials for the detection of natural (and) synthetic pollutants.

For further information please contact NanoKTN's press office on nanopr@mccint.com

EEMA To Host The European E-identity Management Conference

2011-05-11T15:28:00.002+01:00

Wednesday 8th & Thursday 9th June 2011, in Tallinn, Estonia

EEMA, the European association for e-identity and security today announces details of the European e-Identity (e-ID) Management Conference, which takes place on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th June 2011 in Tallinn, Estonia. This year the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications is hosting the 24th annual EEMA conference, which provides a forum for business, public sector and government organisations involved in policy, security, systems and processes surrounding e-ID management and technology.

The key themes that will be addressed during EEMA’s European e-Identity (e-ID) Management Conference 2011 will be how e-ID can work within and between governments, tackling mobile e-ID, identity in the Cloud, federated identity, securing, managing and regulating identity and standardisation.

For further information on EEMA and the conference, please contact EEMA's press office on eemapr@mccint.com

Too Parochial? Tech PR and the Vicar of Dibley

2011-05-11T11:28:00.002+01:00

Thinking about audiences is a huge part of our work in tech PR. Yes, we do the big, ‘all guns blazing’ flavour of consumer PR (and very successfully - you’ll have seen our work), but it’s sometimes sobering, when planning B2B campaigns, to realise that the people we’re targeting might number only a few dozen. The flip side is that we know very quickly if your campaign is working from feedback at trade shows, from journalists, clients and the movers and shakers online.

So, just occasionally, it’s nice for the broader value of technology communications to be vindicated. Last night, turning up to my first village Parish Church Council (PCC) meeting, I walked into a lively and well informed pre-meeting debate on the relevant merits of Outlook versus open source alternatives. Now, I don’t think anyone would be offended (I did say I’d write a blog on it) by my noting that the average attendee would likely have retired well before the dotcom revolution: nor by my characterising my Oxfordshire village as ‘Vicar of Dibley’ country. Neither, I think, would the – somewhat senior – Rector himself mind my recalling his surprise at discovering a passionate 87 year old open source advocate in the village.

Now, whatever our thoughts on the present direction of consumerised open source, its spread and popular relevance is humbling (kudos, Mr Bridgwater…). It’s also a wake-up call to marketers everywhere not to be blinkered by the stereotypes and perversely narrow audiences we invoke in marketing plans. And, just maybe, it shows us a little bit of the broader value of what we do as communicators.

Multitone, the inventor of the first paging system celebrates its 80th birthday today

2011-05-09T15:56:00.003+01:00

Multitone Electronics Plc, specialists in defined group wireless communication, celebrates its 80th birthday today. As experts in this field Multitone is dominant in providing resilient messaging systems to hospitals and the Emergency Services in the UK and delivers sophisticated messaging systems to a myriad of customers around the globe.
Founded by Joseph Poliakoff on 9 May 1931 the company was originally known for its work on developing the hearing aid for the hard of hearing, the most prestigious customer being Winston Churchill. Joseph Poliakoff and his son Alexander were continual innovators and are acknowledged as the pioneers of the pager, which became known as “the bleeper”.

Proskills Enhances Microsoft Dynamics CRM with Integrated Data Quality Tool From Capscan

2011-05-09T15:46:00.004+01:00

UK Sector Skills Council Chooses Matchcode for Microsoft Dynamics CRM
For Efficient Address Capture and Validation

Capscan, a leading provider of international address management solutions and data integrity services, today announces that it has integrated its purpose built address validation tool with Proskills UK, the sector skills council for the process and manufacturing sector, new Microsoft Dynamics CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. Using Matchcode for Microsoft Dynamics CRM ensures that Proskills has only accurate, up-to-date and enhanced address information added to its CRM database.

For further information about Capscan and Matchcode please contact Capscan's press office on capscanpr@mccint.com

dhc Reduces Time The Royal Army Medical Corps Spends On Managing Financial Accounts By 80%

2011-05-09T15:37:00.002+01:00

Access Dimensions Provides Not-For-Profit Organisation With A Single View of Finances

dhc, a business software integration and financial management specialist, today announced that the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) are spending 80% less time on managing accounts, following the implementation of the accounting and financial management suite, Access Dimensions, at its regimental headquarters in Camberley.

For further information on dhc or Access Dimensions please contact dhc's press office on dhcpr@mccint.com

ramsac operates CryoLife Europa’s IT

2011-05-03T15:27:00.001+01:00

Network support ensures supply of life-saving surgery products

ramsac, a leading IT solutions consultancy has announced it is providing a full IT outsourcing service to CryoLife Europa, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CryoLife, Inc. a leading pioneer in the development of implantable biological devices, surgical adhesives, haemostatic agents and biomaterials for use in cardiac, vascular and general surgery.

NanoKTN Helps to Boost Commercial Growth of UK Nanotechnology Company Mantis Deposition

2011-05-03T14:17:00.002+01:00

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK’s primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, is pleased to announce the success of one of its members, Mantis Deposition. Technical Director, Dr Alistair Kean, believes support from the NanoKTN has had a significant impact on the commercial success of the business.
Mantis Deposition is a speciality instrumentation company, developing high-quality components and systems for the thin-film coating community. The company’s products are used worldwide in a variety of academic and research applications, with the range of deposition products including component sources (nanoparticle sources, atom sources, ion sources, sputter sources and e-beam evaporators) and flexibly configured deposition systems based on its own UHV deposition components.

New Version of Capscan Integrity Combats the Cost of Customer Data Decay

2011-04-26T15:12:00.002+01:00

Online data cleansing, suppression and enhancement tool offers the largest range of datasets to date

Capscan, a leading provider of international address management solutions and data integrity services, today launches a major version of Capscan Integrity, its online data cleansing, suppression and enhancement tool. Capscan Integrity ensures that organisations’ customer databases are populated with high quality, valid and enhanced data; delivering significant cuts to mailing costs, a higher return on marketing activity and improving customer service.

NanoEntrepreneurs Focus Group to Address Issues Facing the Commercialisation of Emerging Nanotechnologies

2011-04-19T09:55:00.002+01:00

11th May 2011, The Hauser Forum, Cambridge

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Networking (NanoKTN), one of the UK's primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, has announced the date of its fourth NanoEntrepreneurs workshop, aimed at supporting the development of nanotechnology. The event, organised in partnership with the FP7 NanoCom Project, will visit Cambridge, one of the most innovative regions in the world, to stimulate interactions between the nanotechnology community and sources of investment to further ecnomic success in the UK nanotechnology market.

Exalead and Basis Technology Partnership Extends Capabilities of Exalead Information Access Platform to Asian and Middle Eastern Languages

2011-04-18T17:31:00.000+01:00

Advanced linguistic analysis for Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other languages improves search accuracy for Exalead CloudView EL (Extended Language) customers

Exalead, a subsidiary of Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), and Basis Technology today announced a partnership that integrates Basis Technology’s Rosette® linguistics platform into the newly released Exalead CloudView EL (Extended Language). By licensing the Rosette technology – for languages including linguistically complex Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Persian, and Urdu – CloudView EL will offer enhanced search capabilities and greater accuracy to corporate users in Asia and the Middle East.

TDSi to unveil new Facial Recognition access control reader at IFSEC 2011

2011-04-18T17:26:00.002+01:00

Visit Stand E30, Hall 4 for a demonstration of the benefits of using a highly secure, easy to use integrated access solution

Poole, 18^th April 2011 – TDSi, a global leader in access control systems for all sizes of businesses and organisations will be demonstrating its new facial recognition reader at IFSEC 2011. On Stand E30, in Hall 4 of the NEC Birmingham, between 16^th and 19^th May, TDSi will also be showcasing the EXgarde access and integrated security systems management software, VUgarde IP digital video surveillance solution, MICROgarde networkable controller product and SOLOgarde stand-alone access control system.

Ipswitch File Transfer Wishes FTP Happy 40th Birthday

2011-04-18T17:22:00.004+01:00

Simple protocol is foundation of data exchange and B2B integration technologies

From a simple protocol to copy files over a TCP-based network, the core element of FTP (File Transfer Protocol) technology has become a sophisticated, integrated model that provides control, visibility, compliance and security in a variety of environments, including the cloud. It is a far cry from when Abhay Bushan, a student at MIT, wrote the original specification for FTP (published as RFC 114) 40 years ago on 16th April 1971.

“From the huge ILLIAC IV supercomputer to the small handheld smartphones that we use today, it is incredible to think how far computing and technology has evolved in the past 40 years,” said Frank Kenney, Vice President of Global Strategy, Ipswitch File Transfer. “FTP has gone through a similar and drastic evolution, from a basic way of easily moving information, to the foundations for the majority of data transfer and application integration technologies that we all rely on so heavily today.”

NanoKTN Announces EADS Innovation Works and the European Space Agency as Keynotes for HiPerNano 2011

2011-04-12T12:20:00.002+01:00

10 May 2011 - The Royal Academy of Engineering, London

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK's primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, is pleased to announce details for it annual HiPerNano 2011 conference: 'Nanotechnology for Extreme Environments' to be held on 10th May at The Royal Academy of Engineering in London. This one-day conference and exhibition is the NanoKTN's highly successful annual showcase of new developments in nanomaterial, alongside industry end-user presentations on the challenges to be addressed within the performance engineering industries.

MCC International vs. My In-House Experience

2011-04-07T16:47:00.000+01:00

By Louise Carter, third year PR & Communications student at Southampton Solent University

Having only ever worked with in-house PR teams, I could only base my view of agencies on horror stories told by fellow students where they would sit in a busy office with no one talking to them except for when they wanted the tea made. However, when I met some of the MCC International team at a CIPR “Meet The Professionals” event my preconceptions of PR agencies suddenly changed - for the better.

After a chat with Kelly I was invited to spend a few days in their office in Winchester to get some work experience. When the day came I was slightly apprehensive of what I might be asked to do and worried that my tea making skills wouldn’t be up to scratch! But it turns out I had no need to worry. I spent the first part of the morning shadowing Sarah who was writing up reports from a client meeting. I eagerly watched, took notes and asked questions as this is something I have to do for one of my University assignments. The rest of the three days I was kept busy with updating clippings books, creating a media database, proof reading and one of my biggest tests, learning to use the binding machine!

The reason I like in-house is because I prefer to work in small teams where you can build strong relationships and work closely with a client/brand so that you can start a campaign from scratch and see it through to fruition, but having worked at MCC International, I have realised that you can still have all this in an agency. So as a final year PR and Communications student I will now be widening my job hunting to agencies too.