IN THIS ISSUE 04 Agenda Two thirds of UK workers ‘struggling’ 08 App Update New apps for business and leisure 13 The Business Café Penny Power OBE launches a café for business people 14 office* show The UK’s largest event for PAs returns to Olympia 15 Editor’s Choice Awards 17 Collaboration The evolution of the huddle room 18 Innovations The month’s best new products and services 20 Predictions 2018 What technologies will have the greatest impact on the workplace in 2018?We ask the experts 24 Video conferencing Adam Feakins of Videonations on the latest developments in video conferencing 28 The Month in Numbers The world of work in numbers Editor: James Goulding 0780 308 7228 ·
[email protected] Advertising Director: EthanWhite 01732 759725 ·
[email protected] Publishing Director: Neil Trim 01732 759725 ·
[email protected] Group Sales Manager: Martin Jenner-Hall 07824 552116 ·
[email protected] Social Media Manager: John Peters 07711 204011 ·
[email protected] Art Director: Nick Pledge 07767 615983 ·
[email protected] Editorial Assistant: Tayla Ansell 01962 843434 ·
[email protected] Advertising Executive: James Trim 01732 759725 ·
[email protected] Business Info is a controlled circulation magazine. Applications for free copies will be considered upon receipt of a completed and signed reader info card or online form. Business Info is available on subscription @ £40 p.a. to UK companies or residents and @ £75 p.a. for non-UK subscribers. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. No part of Business Info magazine can be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher. © Copyright 2017 Kingswood Media Ltd. ISSN 1464-8814 Design: Sandtiger Media – www.sandtiger.co.uk FOR THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS VISIT: WWW.BUSINESSINFOMAG.UK “ ” Whenever a new year begins, reflection on what has been and what’s to come is inevitable. This issue is a prime example, as it includes our annual Editor’s Choice Awards supplement, in which we highlight a selection of the products that really caught our attention in 2017.We also look ahead to 2018, sharing the thoughts of a panel of experts on what will be the next big thing in workplace technology (page 20). A common theme in their predictions is the increasing use of video for collaboration. On page 24, Adam Feakins of Videonations explains how accessible video conferencing technology has become for businesses of all sizes, pointing out that it has never been easier or more affordable for businesses to integrate video to improve collaboration in the office and on-the-go. On page 17, Lifesize’s Michael Helmbrecht explains how greater ease of use and a lower total cost of ownership have caused video conferencing to move out of the boardroom and into smaller, more informal huddle rooms – an essential component of the modern workplace. Video conferencing technology is great for staying connected with colleagues in diverse locations. But human contact is just as important. Arguably, nothing beats meeting up in person, and on page 13 we hear how Penny Power OBE is promoting this message by developing a business-only café where business owners can learn new skills and socialise with fellow entrepreneurs. James Goulding , Editor ,
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[email protected] Download our free ‘All-IP’ benefits guide: Recommended reading for upgrading your phone system. www.swyx.com/All-IP ARE YOU TAKING ADVANTAGE OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION? www.binfo.co.uk 07 Editor’sChoiceAwards TheColorPainter E-64s,a new addition to the renowned ColorPainter familyofprofessional printers,opens up new revenue- streams forprintbusinesses and sets new standards in high-quality, large- formatprinting for signage,graphics and interiordecorationbusinesses. Highperformance The 64-inchColorPainter E-64s,based on the same technology as the successful M-64s and theH3-104s,provides premium performance,high levels of precision and ease-of-use,while fully supporting entry- level,environmentally-friendly printing. Competitively priced, it gives commercial print businesses an affordable entry to wide-format printing. Like otherOKI premium printers, the ColorPainter E-64s uses high viscosity SX inks that deliver exceptional colour density and detail,with readable fonts as small as 2 points.Because SX ink is odourless, there is no need for an extraction system. The printer can handle awide range ofmedia,with impressive results achieved whether printing on back- or front-lit materials, technical textiles,wallpaper, canvas,hard PVC,banner, vinyl andmany other types ofmedia.Suitable both for high-quality indoor and extra-durable outdoor applications, theColorPainter E-64s opens up a range of commercial possibilities. Smart technology Innovative technologies borrowed from higher-endmodels ensures optimal results, includingDynamicDot Printing (DDP), which uses different drop sizes to provide superior image quality,and Smart Pass4 (SP4) technology,which reduces overspray and eliminates pass-to-pass banding. SmartNozzleMapping3 (SNM3) technology improves reliability by identifying and replacing clogged nozzles without impacting print speed or quality, while the Safe Scanning System extends the lifetime of the printhead and constantly checksmedia forwrinkles. Other useful features include automatic printer adjustments using optical colour sensors;anAir Flow Systemwith a built-in heater to dry ink fast;andCPManager Software,which allows users tomonitor and operate the printer from a PC.For printing indoors,where electro-static materials are often used,an optional ionizer supports outstanding print output. TheColorPainter E-64s ismanufactured to the highest standards and comes with a 2-yearwarranty on hardware and printheads,without nozzle shot or production restrictio ns. www.oki.com/uk Thefinerdetails ColorPainter E-64S Editor’sChoice: PrintITReseller LikeotherOKIpremiumprinters, theColorPainter E-64s uses high viscosity SX inks thatdeliver exceptional colourdensity and detail,with readable fonts as small as 2points.Because SX ink isodourless, there is no need for an extraction system. Whatwe liked: • easy touse • cost-effective • superior imagequality •handles awide rangeofmedia • intelligent features EDITOR’S CHOICE 2018 AWARDS SPECIAL KingswoodMediaOffice and ITAwardWinners EDITOR’SCHOICEAWARD 7