The Exeter Daily - # business

South West web design agency wins an international Netty award for Innovative Sustainable Design

Abigail Kelly — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:45:22 +0000

morphsites, a leading web development and design agency, based in the South West of England, is delighted to announce the receipt of the prestigious Netty award for their outstanding sustainable design in collaboration with e-car lease, a pioneer in electric vehicle (EV) leasing. This recognition underscores morphsites' commitment to innovation, user experience, and sustainability.

Revolutionising the EV Leasing Landscape

e-car lease, a front-runner in promoting EV adoption, has set a benchmark for user experience in the EV leasing industry. The collaboration with morphsites resulted in an innovative and industry-leading website design that not only provides essential information about electric vehicles but also offers user-friendly tools to guide customers through the complex world of EVs to ensure they make the right choice.

Key Achievements:

Strategic Brand Transformation: morphsites' design for e-car lease embraced a contemporary aesthetic with a sustainability focus, distinguishing their website within the industry.

Customer-Centric Approach: The website's user-friendly tools, including the Electric Vehicle Guide and Electric Vehicle Certificate, demonstrate e-car lease's dedication to customer education.

Striking Growth: Since the 2021 website update, e-car lease has experienced significant growth, with improved Google rankings and increased website traffic.

Client Testimonial:

"Moving our car leasing business from combustion to pure electric vehicle sales meant that we needed to work with a company who had the acumen, intelligence, and capabilities in all aspects of digital services. The morphsites team completely understood, and supported, our aim to become the UK’s leading electric car lease company." - Mike King, Director, e-car lease.

Pete Fairburn, Commercial Director at morphsites, stated: “We have been thrilled to work with e-car lease in building an industry leading EV purchasing experience. EVs are a completely new product and represent a compliance minefield if not correctly explained to end users. Education has been key. We’ve been able to apply our decades of experience in vehicle leasing and integration of new real-world EV data into an informative, understandable User Experience that provides both e-car lease and their customers with the assurance they have made the right choice. Having our work recognised by this award, particularly in a sustainable design category, has been the icing on the cake and a testament to the hardworking and talented team at morphsites.”

Recognition and Awards:

e-car lease won the 2023 UK’s Leading EV Leasing Broker at the Broker News Awards.

Innovative Solutions:

Electric Vehicle Guide: This easy-to-use guide simplifies complex information about EVs, including real-world range, charging, and maintenance, to instill confidence in prospective EV adopters.

Electric Vehicle Certificate (EVC): The EVC certification provides a comprehensive view of EVs, covering range, weather impact, charging times, efficiency, battery details, and model-specific costs.

morphsites' Creative Approach:

The collaboration between morphsites and e-car lease embodies a creative approach that seamlessly blends innovation and practicality to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). morphsites' unique design, educational tools, and innovative solutions have played a pivotal role in e-car lease's transformation into an award-winning leader in the UK's electric car leasing industry.

About morphsites:

morphsites is a leading web development and design agency that specialises in creating innovative and user-centric digital solutions. With a focus on sustainability and cutting-edge design, morphsites collaborates with clients to transform their online presence and achieve digital excellence. Visit https://morphsites.com/ for more information.

Launch of Changemaker Programme to Challenge Outdoor Inequality

Hatch Enterprise — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 11:14:26 +0000

Five leading outdoor brands, alongside national charity Hatch Enterprise, are calling for UK changemakers working to make the outdoors a more diverse, accessible and equitable space for all, to apply for their Changemaker Programme, which returns for its second year this October.

The programme offers skills support and development and mentoring to people of colour who are at the start of their journey and looking for advice and guidance on how to set up, launch and grow their social enterprise, business or organisation.

Jade Baker, Co-Head of Programmes at Hatch Enterprise who will deliver the support programmes says, “What’s become abundantly clear in the past few years is how spending time outdoors in places such as Devon is so important for our mental and physical wellbeing.

“Right now, places like Exmoor, Dartmoor and Woolacombe are full of cyclists, hikers and surfers making the most of the summer months. But for a lot of people of colour from the UK, getting out in nature is not as easy and necessarily welcoming as it should be.

“Whether that’s being made to feel like they simply don’t belong in the outdoors, hostility and discrimination from others, or simply lacking the confidence or networks to try something new, these are barriers that the changemakers we’re looking for on the programme can help to challenge.”

The issue of making the outdoors somewhere that could be accessed by all continues to be a challenge. A study by Natural England found that nearly six in ten (58.4%) white people had visited the natural environment at least once a week over a 12 month period compared to four in ten people who were not white over the same period. According to the 2021 census for England and Wales, there were about 9.5 million people who identified themselves as Black, Asian or minority ethnic or as having multiple ethnicities.

The Opening Up the Outdoors Changemaker Programme is an initiative formed by outdoor brands and experts, allies and changemakers with a shared passion and love of the outdoors who are committed to creating momentum for the progression of continued inclusion within outdoor spaces.

Last year’s successful pilot of the OUTO Changemaker Programme supported eight founders and changemakers working across the diverse outdoors space. These included founders like Yvette Curtis whose Waves Wahines is on a mission is to provide girls with affordable and supportive access to surfing in Croyde, Haroon Mota of Muslim Hikers, a grassroots initiative created to help empower Muslim communities to get outdoors more, and Marlon Patrice, founder of We Go Outside Too, who supports intergenerational Black community members to take part in walking and holistic workshops.

The second Changemaker Programme starts in October 2023 and aims to support fifteen changemakers across the UK in their initiatives to further break these barriers to the outdoors down, and get more people from ethnically diverse communities participating in outdoor activity.

Over three months, the changemakers will take part in a bespoke development programme, accessing mentoring and masterclasses to grow the impact, sustainability, and reach of their community group or business. They’ll then be able to apply for development grants of £1000 to invest directly into their organisation.

The programme will be delivered by Hatch Enterprise, an award-winning enterprise support charity that over the past decade has supported more than 7,800 founders from underrepresented backgrounds to launch or grow their businesses and organisations in the UK.

The Changemaker Programme is now open for applications until 24th September 2023, with more information available on the Hatch Enterprise website: https://hatchenterprise.org/our-programmes/outo-programme/

Situ Extended Stay Serviced Accommodation Specialists appoint Paul Lynch as their new Product & Development Director

jo.redman — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 13:06:03 +0000

Exeter based Situ is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Lynch as their Product and Development Director. Lynch, with a 20-year track record of managing tech development and information security at a range of organisations including Sky and most recently ITV where he was their Group Chief Information and Security Officer (CISO) and Group Technology Director. Lynch will be pivotal in moving Situ forward to realise their ambitious product development roadmap.

Lynch will report into Situ’s Founder and MD, Phil Stapleton, working alongside recently appointed Commercial Director, Rebecca Gonzaga (previously at SIRVA BGRS Worldwide). His years of expertise in modernising, streamlining and adapting platforms and systems to drive efficiencies and save money – but ultimately to deliver positive outcomes for customers – will be integral in helping Situ realise its future growth plans.

Stapleton says, “it’s been a long search to find just the right person to join the Situ team and help us take the business forward. Paul is the perfect fit with his customer centric approach to using technology to resolve problems and make everyday transactions effortless. He is going to be a game changer not just for Situ and our clients and partners – but the wider serviced accommodation sector as well.”

Situ has already established itself as somewhat of a leader in the serviced accommodation sector when it comes to building accessible tech platforms and systems that smooth and ease the sourcing and booking process. Lynch will now pick up the mantle for the further development and enhancement of these cloud-based proprietary systems – taking them to another level of “humanisation” with the aim of making them as easy and intuitive to use as globally familiar applications such as WhatsApp.

Gonzaga is very much looking forward to working alongside Paul, “we are super excited Paul chose to join our business. Paul brings a wealth of experience in leading substantial teams and technology enhancements, innovation and projects. His experience in media is invaluable on how to take technology and make it interesting and accessible to all. With the focus now on new AI technology and how our industry can respond to on-demand services, Paul’s calm and level-headed approach is a breath of tantalising air.”

Already making a difference within his first weeks in the role, Lynch says, “I'm delighted to be joining the team at Situ who have been driving exceptional outcomes for our partners and clients. The combination of a positive culture, great product and laser focus on service and innovation are the perfect ingredients for the next stage of growth.”

A Premium Whisky Blind Tasting Event

Azu Spirits — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 10:45:40 +0000

Local spirits tasting specialist, Azu Spirits, are hosting their first blind tasting event at Exeter Golf and Country Club on Thursday 26th January at Wear Park Restaurant. Following a range of successful guided tasting events in Devon, Azu Spirits are now offering their signature blind tasting experience at this exclusive event, which will explore a diverse collection of premium single malt Scotch whisky.

Blind tasting presents an entertaining way to scrutinise these superior single malts and focus on their distinct differences before discovering the fascinating stories behind each brand.

The events will feature six numbered sharing bottles including Oban 14, Bowmore 15 Darkest, Glendronach 15 Revival, Glengoyne 18, Lagavulin 8 and Glen Moray 10 Chardonnay Cask. Azu Spirits will present and guide the tasting experience, revealing the brand by a luxury wax-sealed ‘reveal’ envelope. Guests will use exclusive Glencairn nosing glasses with water pipettes to enjoy the full tasting experience and challenge their tastebuds.

Ellie from Azu Spirits said, “Centred around sharing, our social blind tasting experiences create a space where fellow whisky lovers can gather together and delve deep into the fascinating flavours, history and production of single malt Scotch whisky. So close to Burns Night, it’s a perfect place to raise a drink to Scotland’s national Bard and Azu will provide a small collection of his poetry.”

Tickets are £25 per person and include the six premium single malts and nibbles.

Thursday 26th January – 7pm for 7.30pm

Head to https://exetergcc.co.uk/events/whisky-tasting-with-azu-spirits/ to book.

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Event Date

Thursday, January 26, 2023 - 7:00pm

Venue

The Exeter Golf & Country Club

South West businesses urged to go waterless from World Environment Day

charleyabsolutepr — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 13:50:35 +0000

Smarti Environmental, the UK's leading waterless urinal provider, is urging businesses in the South West to play their part in the battle against needless carbon emissions following Stockholm+50 (02-03 June), and World Environment Day (05 June).

50 years on from the first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, the United Nations is warning that the climate is heating up too quickly for people and nature to adapt. To keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, annual greenhouse gas emissions must be halved by 2030. The UN is encouraging truly transformative options that are available, affordable and attractive for people to make better daily decisions.

Smarti Environmental, which enables existing flushing urinals to go waterless in just a day, is encouraging organisations to urgently review their use of flushing urinals in the ongoing climate crisis.

Its research shows that there are currently around 3.5 million water-supplied urinals in the UK, emitting 105kg of CO2, and wasting 100,000 litres of clean water per urinal, per year, which takes a huge amount of energy to be processed. If installed on every flushing urinal in the UK, the carbon savings gained by installing Smarti Environmental’s new retro-fit, waterless urinal Vortex triple seal valve (TSV) would be equivalent to taking 100,000 diesel cars off the road, and saving 217 billion litres of water from being treated unnecessarily each year.

Unlike any other waterless urinal solution, the Vortex TSV uses an eco-friendly bio-block enzyme ring and integrated bio-tablet tablet that breaks down uric acid and bio film proteins during use, lubricating sewerage pipes to prevent blocked pipes, and making urine PH neutral; a world first. This means less energy is required in sewerage treatment processing, further reducing the environmental impact of waterless urinals versus flushing alternatives. The Vortex triple seal technology also prevents and locks away all bad odours from drains, providing a better user experience.

To encourage the move to flushless urinals following Stockholm+50, and World Environment Day, Smarti Environmental is offering large organisations with 100 or more urinals within their group, a free washroom trial for 3-months, including free installation of its retro-fit waterless Vortex triple seal valves. Smaller businesses can also benefit from savings of more than 50% compared to the cost of running conventional flushing urinals.

Kimberley Hill, New Business Development Manager at Smarti Environmental, commented: “This World Environment Day, businesses have the opportunity to play a part in reducing needless water waste and carbon emissions by switching to waterless urinals. When you consider that waterless urinals cut CO2 and water waste at the same time as slashing urinal running costs by more than half – saving up to £1,200 on every three urinals in use – it’s a change that makes complete business and environmental sense.”

Kimberly Hill added: “As an accredited Carbon Neutral Business, we’re doing all we can to make a positive difference to the environment, and that includes the use of environment-friendly enzyme technology. This ends the need for harsh cleaning materials, and avoids pollutants from entering the waste-water system, further enhancing the environmental benefits of waterless urinals. For organisations looking to a Net Zero future, we provide part of the solution to achieving this, helping businesses save the planet, one pee at a time."

Smarti Environmental’s waterless urinals are used both by private and public sector organisations including the NHS. In addition to cutting costs, water use and emissions, its retro-fit, waterless one-way multi-valve technology stops the spread of viruses through the absence of airborne aerosol germs created by flushing urinals. Made from fully recyclable materials, they fit 98% of standard urinals with no need to change urinal bowls.

Used in conjunction with Smarti’s eco-friendly, odour-eating and bacteria/virus busting SteriKleen surface spray, urinal cleaning is reduced to once every 24 hours, consisting of a wipe, spray and walk away process that leaves urinals clean and fresh. This makes switching to waterless urinals simple and easy, enabling businesses to Build Back Better and Greener. Smarti Environmental also replaces blocked or partially blocked pipework resulting from the chemical reaction between water and urine, when installing its waterless valves to existing urinal bowls.

Mears strengthens position in South-West with Exeter Repairs and Maintenance bid

archana.nair — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 10:22:50 +0000

Mears is pleased to announce that from 01 December 2020, we have been appointed to be Exeter City Council’s partner to deliver the new Integrated Asset Management contract which supersedes the current repairs response and void refurbishment contract.

This will build on the strong relationship we have established over the last 10 years which saw us repair over 6000 properties. As this builds on a fantastic grounding between Mears and the council we are confident that we can get straight down to work to deliver and support the Exeter communities where we are lucky to work.

The contract award firmly cements Mears’ place in the South-West following on from our recent appointment to build, maintain and manage Cornwall Council’s extra care provision and our recent contract win with Aster in Dorset and Somerset.

Mears has a set of firm guidelines to work to as we recover from the pandemic (which can be viewed here) – we assure all residents that everything we do is designed to keep them safe, and to carefully carry out works in line with Government guidance and procedures agreed with our clients.

Colin Middlemass, Chief Operating Officer said:

“The Mears team are delighted to extend our excellent relationship with Exeter City Council and comes at a time when Mears has strengthened our position across the South West. We are committed to providing a great service to residents.

"The pandemic means that we start this contract in a challenging environment, but we are confident that, as a result of the risk assessments we have in place to protect anyone who may be vulnerable, and by continuing to work together, we will ensure that repairs are carried out safely, and in line with all relevant guidance.

"I know the team are looking forward to getting down to work on the new contract and starting a fantastic partnership for the future.”

https://www.mearsgroup.co.uk/partners-in-safety