Friday Focus: Creating a VLE to Support your Staff

This week's Friday Focus explored how to create a VLE to support and develop your staff, it also gave great insights into how VLE and adult learning work, so if you missed it, take a look below. The notes for this session are available here.


Paul gave some great insights into how and why we should use a VLE system, but here are some bonus tips to help you even further!
1) Think multimedia
A key issue you may find with a VLE is engagement from those using the courses, so use multimedia options like sound and video to help keep those training involved.
2) Testing
Get someone else to test out your modules. A third party is always a great insight to make sure your message is being delivered. Try find someone who has minimal knowledge on the chosen subject, then this will give a good impression of how those using the product will find it.
3) Consider your Audience
Keep your audience in mind when writing the content, make sure examples or references you make are relevant and understandable to those using your service.

This may be less tips than usual but Paul gave so many insights in the actual stream that we don't want to repeat things! Next week we will be doing a summary stream of questions so far, a great opportunity if you have any questions!

Friday Focus: Getting Started with Video Editing

This Friday we looked at Getting Started with Video Editing, our notes for the session are available here and the session is included below.

Here are our additional tips to consider when you start editing videos.
1. Storyboard
Some people just like to get stuck straight in and make it work, but if you've made a storyboard at first, you have a plan of where you are going which will make your life easier wen trying to piece together your clips.
2. The Right Tools
Linking back to storyboarding, if you know what you want from your video make sure you have the right tool to edit. If you know you need to create a video with text then make sure your editing software does text! This will save you time later, rather than end up putting your files through multiple software and wasting time exporting over and over again!
3. Know Your Limits
Video editing is a skill that will take time to grow! You also need to consider your computer limits, a basic computer isn't going to handle multiple 4K video files with multiple layers! Just start simple and grow from there. For most businesses a simple video with text and transition will be all you need!
4. Understand Exporting
This can seem complicated but having a basic understanding of your exporting options will help you in the long run. A video file for YouTube need's to be different to one you'd use on a TV. Luckily there are great explanations online if you want to know what settings you'd need for your purpose.
5. Experiment
So slight contradiction of the first point but have a play and an experiment! Video editing is a skill and takes time and practise to perfect. If you don't explore your software and try different techniques you'll never learn more! So experiment as you never know what you'll find.

Next week we will be looking at supporting staff with a VLE system! Something we help a lot of businesses sort so excited to share some knowledge with you. See you next week.

Friday Focus: Getting Started With Podcasting

This week on Friday Focus we took a look at some basics to get you and your business started on podcasting. It's a great way to add another layer to your online branding, and can be fun and easy to do! The notes for this  stream are available here and below is the catch up for the stream.

Feeling inspired to get stuck in, well then, here are some tips and advice for starting a podcast.
1. Know Your Topic.
Your podcast should be on something you are knowledgeable on and also enjoy. Those listening will be able to hear it in if you're not and that won't build the audience's trust and they probably won't return.
2. Get The Appropriate Gear.
To be clear, we are not suggesting go out and spend £100s on microphones and mixing desks, but have the right equipment for you. We looked at Anchor during the stream, maybe you want to invest in a better microphone to improve sound quality that the one you have in your phone. Sound quality and ease is important, therefore having the appropriate equipment is key. Maybe down the line you will want to invest in more advanced, expensive products but for now, just ensure you have appropriate, decent basic equipment.
3. Plan Your Format.
Your format needs to run between every podcast, think of it as another type of branding. Your listeners will expect to here A,B and C every week. Even the podcasts that seem like just a casual chat will have some form of planning behind them.
4. Consistency.
Similar to plan your format, but consistency is important particularly with time. Though there's no rule to how long a podcast should be, try keep your podcasts a similar length. If I know the episodes are normally 30 minutes long, then I can listen to that on my 35 minute commute. You suddenly post an episode 45 minutes then suddenly I don't have time to listen to the whole thing. This can cause annoyance to your listeners.
5. Have Fun.
If you are having it'll come across to your viewers. This is your podcast so have fun talking about a topic you're passionate about this could be anything from sports to sandwiches. Those listening what to hear about the topic so make sure you are passionate! There's no point doing a podcast based on what you think people want to hear on a topic, deliver the message you want people to hear. Have fun with whatever your subject is!

So these are some extra tips for your podcasting journey, do you think you'll get started after our stream? Let us know so we can listen in!

Next week's stream on the 29th will be Getting Started With Video Editting, another really great tool for your business to adapt. See you next week!

Friday Focus: Digitally Collaborating on Documents with Google Drive

Another Friday which means another Friday Focus. This week we were looking at ways to work collaboratively with your team whilst working remotely. A really valuable and practical tool to use both now and once we return to normal. Stream is below and if you would like the notes, here they are.



Now you're up to date, here's our 5 top tips for using Google Drive:

1. Google Drive has the capabilities of converting text from PDFs and images straight into a document file, so useful and time saving compared to retyping it all!
2. You can save time bu turning on email notifications when someone had edited a document. No more checking just in case someone has done some work.
3. If there are multiple people using a document at once, you can use the built in chat feature to discuss options. This is great for simple queries like does this make sense or what do you think of this font choice?
4. Google Drive allows for colour coding items, so to use our project as an example we could colour code each business we support for quick and easy access to each businesses files.
5. Take advantage of ownership levels. Sometimes a document doesn't need editing, just a second opinion. There are 4 levels of ownership on Google Drive: Owners, Editors, Commenters or Viewers. You can invite colleagues and give them as much editing abilities as you like.

So those are our 5 tips for Google Drive. Next week we will be focusing on digital communication. Definitely not one to be missed!

Tools for Boosting Your Productivity Whilst Working From Home

With all going on in the world at present, we thought it was high time we highlighted some great tools and platforms to use when working remote. To some businesses this a new idea for their own business, where others this is a day to day occurrence already! Whatever your circumstance, we wanted to highlight some platforms we think could assist your working remotely journey. 

Zoom

Zoom is a video conferencing app which is a perfect solution for holding meetings for your team from your own home. Available web and app based, as well as both Windows and Mac friendly so there is no excuse to not be able to join in! The basics of Zoom are free, and for most SMEs they will be more than enough! The main limit you will face is the 40 minute limit to group meetings, so keep the agenda concise, or if you are feeling like investing in Zoom for your business the next value package is £11.99 a month which grants you a limit of a 24 hour meeting! However the free package does come with plenty of exciting and useful features, including web conferencing, Chrome plugins and scheduling. You'll be wondering why you didn't meet virtually, sooner!

Google Hangouts

Although not a purposefully designed workplace app. it could definitely be utilised by your team for simple catch ups and meetings. The app is free, but video calls are maxed at 10 people, but could be a great tool for a SME, especially if you already utilise the other productive boosting Google tools, why not have everything in one place! You can even schedule meetings, direct, into your Google Calendar.

Trello

Beloved by some already, Trello is a great way to keep yourself on track or keep a team focussed with a board between you all. Trello is the equivalent of todo post it note stuck to your monitor, just virtual and less trips to the bin. Create a board based on your project, break it down to a to do list, colour code items and tick them off as you can go. You could have a board as an individual or add members of the team and make a group board, and see everyone tick their work off and make sure everyone is staying on track. Trello also allows use of Power-Ups, such as Expiration Reminders. It also can be compatible with file storage like Google Drive and Dropbox, making it an invaluable tool when working remotely.

Slack

Slack is a great multi purpose tool, and for those working as an individual or a minimal team then the free plan could be a great fit for you. The paid plans (starting at £5.25 a month) would be a better fit for a larger team due to the limits in access, but Slack has so many features that makes that investment worthwhile. Slack can be utilised in multiple ways, including message boards, file storage and video calling. Even on the free plan, you can integrate up to 10 other apps (unlimited on paid plans), including Google Drive and Office 365. Slack, for some, has become a one stop shop to streamline team work with messaging, filesharing and tools like a workflow building, it could be the perfect fit your business. 

Google Drive

Google Drive is a great choice for your cloud based storage, making your files accessible anywhere and everywhere, but Google Drive has the added bonus that multiple people can access and edit a document at once, allowing for collaboration on work even when not in the same room. This works across Windows, Macs and even mobile devices! The free version comes with 15GB of storage, though paid options are available. There is also the G Suite plans, which can incorporate multiple of the helpful tools from Google so could be a route for you if it suits.

Asana

Asana another project and task manager but attempting to create an office environment when working remotely on their platform. The free package allows you to create tasks, work boards, assign work and due dates of up to 15 people in your team. However the premium packages (starting at £9.49) allow for some really helpful tools, such as dependency of tasks, automated rules and even build a portfolio from the work done on Asana. If you are managing a team it has some interesting capabilities like Workload Tracking to make sure certain people aren't overloaded with tasks or others are keeping on top of their work. In addition to the team chat, Asana has Task Comments, so if someone needs clarification on something or just a quick question, you ask on the task rather than in the group chat. Similar to how you could just ask the person a question across the office if in person. Asana also has app compatibility so can work alongside a multitude of platforms to get the most out of working remotely.

Serene

With Serene you set your time table and set what you can and cannot do during those times. Too tempted by Facebook? Then set it to be blocked during a work session so even if you give in to procrastination, it is quickly stopped! Setting "Work Sessions" allows you to set yourself a task, a length between 20-60 minutes and everything you have blocked is unusable until the session has completed. This then allows you short breaks between tasks, to supposedly aid productivity. It is currently only available for Macs but Windows compatibility is coming soon.

Daywise

An app to stop work! When working remotely, the lines between work life balance can become blurred so apps like Daywise are so important. Daywise allows you to control when you receive notifications for certain apps, so out of hours you won't be tempted to check every time you are notified a new work email has come through. This can be even used to stop clients from calling out of work hours! It is currently only available on Android.

Second Life
If you are really looking to get experimental with your options to work remote, why not look at virtual reality! Second Life allows you to build a virtual space (could be your office or could be the zoo, that's the fun!) and allows users to join as their own virtual person, then host your business meetings in the space. Unless you are willing to buy space it will be public so you may have some meeting crashers, but buying "Private Property" is an option if you're really committed to utilising Second Life! We are not saying VR is the work remote choice for all, but unless you try, can you rule it out?

Every business has different need and only you will know what will work for your businesses and optimise productivity! Some of these may not work for you and there are so many other great tools to try and test out there. There are so many potential platforms for you, most you wouldn't have even thought of!  We do hope that this gives you a good starting point when delving into the world of working remotely. If you have any recommendations, or any tips or tricks for working remotely, please let us know below!

Useful Business Information Covid-19

As a project supporting businesses, it is crucial we pay attention to the developing situations facing businesses and currently a large concern for businesses in COVID-19. We thought it would be useful to provide some links from official sources to gain information. As this is an ever developing situation, we recommend businesses check for updates on a regular basis on .GOV.UK but here are some useful links below:

Update (24/03/2020): New guidance in regards to the lock down in the UK

Further Information:

• Marches Growth Hub advice and guidance
• Information from Shropshire Council
• Information from Telford Council

• Guidance for businesses 
• Information on grants for the self employed
• Information for the public
• Guidance as an employee
• Staying at home guidance
• NHS advice
• Travel advice

As previously said, this is a developing and ongoing situation so stay up to date and stay safe!

DING #3 - Alex Whittles "The Evolution of Machine Learning"

12th February saw the third Digital Innovation Networking Group at University Centre Shrewsbury. Despite some logistical issues due to flooding and poor weather, we still had a great turn out but most excitingly we had Alex Whittles from Purple Frog do an excellent talk on Machine Learning. Incorporating into Darwin Week, the talk focussed on The Evolution of Machine Learning. If you couldn't make it and want to listen to the talk then look no further:


If you are interested in the next DING event, DING#4 will be happening June 10th, get your tickets here.

Let's Do Business In....

Did you know that the Growth Hub, Shropshire and the University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) are on tour across Shropshire?  Why not come along to one of the libraries near you and have a chat about your business – no matter what stage you’re at.

Want to find out about funding opportunities, training courses and which projects may be able to support you?  There will also be representatives there from the Digital Solutions project, CREST project and Building Skills & Growth Capacity Project – all located at UCS.

After talking to businesses, it became very clear that you wanted more access to this type of information and you wanted access to everything in one place.  We listened, and that is what we’ve done!  With the continued support from Shropshire Libraries and especially, their Library Development Manager, Mirka Duxberry, they have given us access to their libraries so we can come out to you as opposed to you having to travel to us!  Outreach is a priority.

We wanted to give you an overview of what will be on offer so if you’re available, please do pop along, have an informal chat with some tea and cake and find out more about what kind of Business Support is out there.

Marches Growth Hub, Shropshire

The Marches Growth Hub is the gateway for business support provision in Shropshire.  It acts as a “one stop shop” for all businesses, offering access to all types of business support; for start-ups, early stage and growth.

Whether you are a start-up or growing business, we are here to help you navigate the business support maze, signposting to relevant advice, information, and access to finance – to find the package of support that is right for your business.

Are you ready to start talking business over coffee and cake?  Come and meet Emma Chapman / Anna Sadler on tour with the Marches Growth Hub.  “We will be offering face to face advice on business grants, loans and support available for Shropshire businesses regardless of size or sector, from pre-start to established businesses.”

Have you signed up to register for our e-newsletters? www.shropshire.gov.uk/subscribe

Digital Solutions Project

The Let’s Do Business events being held at Shropshire Libraries have been a great success to not only promote our Digital Solutions project but more importantly, for supporting local businesses.

Business Development Managers, Nikki Ayton and Sarah Bennett said, “We can support businesses to innovate using digital technology within their business processes or to develop new products and services.  Although we can offer support to every sector, there is a particular emphasis on digital health. We are also promoting our “Digital Innovation Networking Group” (DING) event held at the University Centre on 12^th February.

The libraries are a great venue to meet local businesses looking for funded support (which is free to the business) and we are very excited about the opportunity of working more closely with them to provide access to our ERDF funded Digital Solutions project.  Eligible businesses based in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin can benefit from these collaborations.  We’re looking forward to the next one!”

Here are a few extracts from some of our feedback:

• Not only have I been incredibly grateful for your support but I have been evangelical about your team when dealing with other businesses across Shropshire as I believe that you and your team are a valuable resource and could help many other businesses.  Thank you for everything you have done.
•  A Business Development Manager with empathy, enthusiasm and a deep understanding for my needs as client.
• Client service is second to none!
• Highly recommendable!
• Invaluable support during the various stages of my digital business support.  Quick and energetic responses combined with profound knowledge and expertise in all things digital has made me feel at ease on making an apparent business critical decisions

CREST

The Centre for Research into Environmental Science and Technology (CREST@UCS) is a £1.2M European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project offering support to SMEs and start-ups. This is done by addressing their productivity challenges and looking at ways to increase their competitivity. Our multi-disciplinary team of experts works closely with SMEs to design, develop and bring new products and services to market; develop processes to save time and/or money; understand markets (e.g. market research, introduction to buyers and suppliers, exploring new markets) and develop successful business models.

What we Offer:

• Business innovation support, including developing ideas for market readiness and developing new products/services that benefit the environment and reduce waste
• Support with funding applications
• Speciality laboratory research, focusing on water, soil and anaerobic digestion
• Mapping, remote sensing and geospatial analysis
• Waste and resource assessments
• Support for companies wanting to reduce their environmental impac

Building Skills & Growth Capacity Project

University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) has received £235,000 in funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) and £156,000 in matching funds from the University of Chester to help Shropshire SMEs train and upskill their employees

The Project has been funded through European Social Fund (ESF) as a Priority 2.2 project improving the labour market relevance of education and training systems until September 2020.  The project will focus on supporting the growth of SMEs and Micro businesses in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin through ensuring that they can identify and access the skills development options that align with and unlock their growth.

The project will offer flexible support options that can react to business need, acknowledging that SMEs and micro businesses require different solutions, and that smaller businesses need support to understand complexities and changes within the skills environment.

The project will focus on delivering an in-depth training needs analysis to SME’s to identify skills requirement for both now and in the future. This could be in the form of short bespoke courses,  Higher level apprenticeships or HE student placements, If lower level skills and apprenticeships are identified the University will act as a brokerage service to other colleges and training providers.

The next Let's Do Business In... is happening on the 5th December at Ellesmere Library.

Twitter To Ban All Politicial Ads

Twitter, in a interesting move, have announced that they will be banning all political based adverts from the site. This is coming shortly after Facebook have come under fire for saying they would not block political ads despite the potential of ads declaring false information.

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter, tweeted “We’ve made the decision to stop all political advertising on Twitter globally. We believe political message reach should be earned, not bought.”. This will come into effect on the 22^nd November, globally banning ads of a political nature. This will mean Twitter will not feature ads for the UK snap Election.

We’ve made the decision to stop all political advertising on Twitter globally. We believe political message reach should be earned, not bought. Why? A few reasons…🧵

— jack 🌍🌏🌎 (@jack) October 30, 2019

Dorsey went on to explain there reasons behind for it in a chain of tweets, saying that the organic spread of a political message should not be compromised by money. The current technological climate allows for misleading and even fake information to be spread and, although, Twitter already has rules and restrictions in place for their ads, they have perceived they still need to take stronger actions.

This comes shortly after Facebook came under criticism for allowing ads to be published without third party fact checking, allowing misleading and ungrounded political targeted ads to run. Mark Zuckerberg defended this by saying his company would prefer to "err on the side of greater expression" as without advertising on social media platforms it could aid to the favouring of certain politicians who are heavily covered in other forms of media. Facebook have already been criticised for allowing the Re-Elect Trump 2020 campaign to run a video with an unproven conspiracy theory surrounding Joe Biden and his son.

Dorsey evidently believes this stance isn’t enough, tweeting “For instance, it’s not credible for us to say “We’re working hard to stop people from gaming our systems to spread misleading info, buuut if someone pays us to target and force people to see their political ad… well… they can say whatever they want!“. Complete with wink face, many believe this is a intentional dig at Facebook.

For instance, it‘s not credible for us to say: “We’re working hard to stop people from gaming our systems to spread misleading info, buuut if someone pays us to target and force people to see their political ad…well...they can say whatever they want! 😉”

— jack 🌍🌏🌎 (@jack) October 30, 2019

This announcement seems to have had a widely positive reaction, including Hilary Clinton tweeting “This is the right thing to do for democracy in America and all over the world. What say you, Facebook?”. Following the announcement, #BanFacebookAds was trending on Twitter. Twitter seems to be attempting to pave the way for a fairer and equal battle for politics, BBC Political Editor Laura Kuenssburg stated “ lot of political content is produced in the hope it gets shared for free, rather than being ever paid for.”. However, some are viewing it as an attack on freedom of expression and unfair to censor politicians and the ads they chose to run. 

What do you think? Is Twitter correct in their attempt to make a level playing field or should Facebook stick with their current stance. With Twitter having a smaller number of active users, September reporting a 126 million users for Twitter versus 1.92 billion on Facebook, will it even make a difference? Which ever view you take, it will be interesting to see how this will change the representation of the UK snap Election who’s social media campaigns are just getting under way.

Introduction

Welcome to the blog for Digital Solutions, based at University Centre Shrewsbury. A little about us? We are an ERDF funding project, providing digital innovation and support to B2B SMEs located in the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin area. Utilising our own expertise, reaching out to the wider university and being supported by Marches Local Enterprise Partnership's Growth Plans, we support SMEs in their digital development.

So what can you expect from this blog? Here we want to be a blog for all the project supports, ranging from technology news, insights and tips for businesses as well as overviews of some of the companies we have assisted and how. If you are looking for how we can help you or just interested in technology developments then this is the right place to be!