Author: Sam Allcock

Sam Allcock

Sam Allcock is a vastly experienced digital marketer with industry leading expertise in several sectors of online marketing. He is the managing director of North West based online marketing agency Custard and has a wealth of experience in online PR, database marketing, SEO, social strategy, branded content, e-commerce, lead generation and site development. He's also a serial entrepreneur who has set up multiple successful businesses.

Wildix, a global leader in Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), has introduced its latest innovation, x-bees, an AI-powered communication platform designed to improve smartworking, streamline workflows, and boost collaboration across teams. The platform integrates voice, video, messaging, and conferencing into one interface, with a standout feature being its deep Salesforce integration. This development sets a new benchmark in sales-driven communication, allowing businesses to work more effectively both internally and with clients. The x-bees platform revolutionises sales processes through its Salesforce Opportunity feature, enabling users to manage leads, contacts, and notes without switching between applications. By embedding key Salesforce functionalities…

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Bank of America has announced the expansion of its Virtual Payables capabilities across the EMEA region with the launch of Virtual Payables Direct, a new payment solution designed to give businesses more flexibility in managing their financial transactions. The solution enables buyers to make business-to-business (B2B) payments through direct bank transfers, providing the benefits of extended payment terms while allowing suppliers to receive funds promptly. The launch comes amid significant growth in the global B2B payments market, which is forecast to exceed US$2.4 trillion by 2031. Bank of America’s new product is set to meet the growing demand for more…

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FlowFest 2024, the premier online conference focused on business orchestration and process automation, will take place on 15 October 2024, offering a platform for industry experts and thought leaders to discuss the latest advancements in automation technology. Organised by Flowable, a leading provider of process automation solutions, this free annual event will begin at 15:00 CET (09:00 EST) and will provide valuable insights across three key areas: Tech, Innovation, and Business. The conference promises to offer a comprehensive look at emerging trends in the world of automation, with this year’s agenda packed with sessions covering artificial intelligence (AI), automation strategies,…

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A sharp rise in incidents of deepfake fraud has been reported by global businesses, according to a new survey. The study, commissioned by Regula, a leading developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions, shows that half of the businesses surveyed worldwide have faced deepfake scams in the past two years. The “Deepfake Trends 2024” report highlights a significant rise in both audio and video deepfake fraud. While incidents of audio deepfakes have increased by 12% since 2022, video deepfakes have surged by 20%. In 2022, 29% of businesses in countries such as Australia, France, and the US reported encountering…

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The Legal Operations Exchange is set to return to the Hilton Syon Park, London, for its third annual event on 4-5 December. The exclusive, invitation-only gathering will bring together over 60 legal operations leaders and general counsels from major corporations, offering two days of collaboration, networking, and discussions aimed at transforming in-house legal departments. With a focus on leveraging data analytics and the growing role of generative AI, the event arrives at a crucial time for the legal industry. As in-house legal teams face increasing pressure to modernise their operations, the event will provide valuable insights into new technologies and…

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Torfaen has been named the best area to start a business in the UK, according to new data. The study, conducted by IT service software company InvGate, analysed figures from the Office for National Statistics to determine the regions with the highest growth in new business establishments between 2022 and 2023. The Welsh borough of Torfaen topped the list, with an impressive 11.74% increase in new businesses over the period. The number of registered companies in the area rose from 2,215 in 2022 to 2,475 in 2023, marking the establishment of 260 new firms. Of these, 215 were in the…

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A recent survey by M-Cube, a provider of in-store digital entertainment, has revealed that 86% of retail leaders consider a robust in-store omnichannel strategy crucial for success. The study, which surveyed 250 retail leaders across the UK, sheds light on the growing importance of integrating online and offline retail experiences. The findings indicate that nearly 70% of businesses have witnessed an increase in sales or revenue since adopting omnichannel strategies. This underscores the potential benefits of harmonising digital and physical retail environments. Furthermore, the survey found that 76% of respondents believe that omnichannel retailing will be key to success over…

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A new innovative platform, OpenElevator, is making waves in the corporate world by addressing a persistent challenge: employee turnover. Founded by Minal Joshi Jaeckli, a prominent figure in the business landscape, OpenElevator is touted as the world’s first platform designed to provide a permanent solution to employee retention issues. Utilising a proprietary algorithm, OpenElevator identifies employees at high risk of quitting and offers tailored strategies to enhance their engagement and commitment to the company. Minal Joshi Jaeckli, the founder, highlighted the platform’s effectiveness, stating, “We quickly identify employees who are at high risk of quitting and provide targeted solutions to…

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Sukhpal Ahluwalia, a prominent London-based entrepreneur, has been named Business Person of the Year at the prestigious Asian Achievers Awards. The event, now in its 22nd year, took place at London’s Hilton Park Lane and celebrates the achievements of South Asians across various sectors, including business, politics, and civil society. The award, sponsored by Andaria, honours Ahluwalia’s significant contributions to the UK’s business landscape, having built some of the country’s largest companies, including Euro Car Parts, Dominus, and GSF Car Parts. Ahluwalia’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1978 when he founded Euro Car Parts from a single store. Under his leadership,…

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A new survey has revealed that reputation management is the top concern for UK businesses, with many placing it above other major issues such as falling profits, high inflation, and rising energy costs. The nationwide study, commissioned by Speakers Corner, gathered responses from 500 business owners and directors, all of whom held at least 20% equity in companies with more than 100 employees. Surprisingly, more than half of those surveyed admitted that reputational damage was their greatest worry. They ranked it as a bigger concern than potential economic downturns, high staff turnover, or the impact of the cost of living…

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