Corporate Vision- Issue 9 2024 CorporateVision The future of better business Chilean Wine with a Pioneering Spirit In Chile, one winery stands head and shoulders above the rest for the unrivalled tours and experiences that it provides to wine lovers and fans of the brand everywhere. Recognised as offering the Best Winery Tour Experience 2024 - Chile, Montes Wines has been a staple of the region’s winemaking scene since releasing its first Montes Alpha wine back in 1988. Since that day, the company has operated atop the belief that Chile has all of the untapped potential to become a benchmark producer of quality wines and has spent the last 35 years setting the example for fellow wineries across the country to follow.
AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Welcome to the September issue of Corporate Vision magazine. As the world of business continues to evolve, so too does technology and the things it can be used for, with it being very useful in improving business efficiency and performance. AI and data analytics have seen significant advancement over the years, allowing businesses to collect relevant data to boost their offering and plan for the future. Businesses can leverage AI solutions to gain customer insights and implement personalisation for marketing purposes, not to mention automating processes and boosting productivity. Meanwhile, data-driven strategy can be utilised when it comes to internal culture and staff wellbeing, too. AI and SaaS behavioural analytic tools can help organisations gain a deeper understanding of their culture, without any of the bias and limitation that could come with traditional engagement surveys. This means a business’ actions can be more directed towards not only improving employee wellbeing but also driving business performance. With all this in mind, we look to our award-winning businesses, which we are celebrating for their great innovation and dedication. We showcase exceptional enterprises hailing from industries such as recruitment, emergency response plastic pollution solutions, omnichannel advertising, hair replacement, luxury travel tours, investment software, cybersecurity awareness, open-banking payment software, B2B interactive marketing, and many more. I hope you enjoy reading this issue and I wish you a prosperous month ahead. I look forward to welcoming you back again soon for our October issue. Rebecca Scotland- Editor Website: www.corporatevision-news.com Editors Letter
Contents 4. News 6. Montes Wines: Chilean Wine with a Pioneering Spirit 8. Jobs Expo: Creating Lifelong Career Connections 9. Ocean Legacy: Making an Impact on Ocean Plastic 10. Locala: Local Insights, Global Advertising 11. Captova Technologies Inc: The World’s Fastest IDP Engine 12. Shiji Deutschland GmbH: Reimagining the Digital Guest Experience 14. Reykjavik Outventure: Best Family-Owned Travel Agency 2024 – Iceland 15. Zūm Rails: Where Instant Payments, Open Banking & Banking as a Service Collide 16. KEO Marketing Inc: Masterful Marketing that Boosts Businesses 17. MetaCompliance: Cyber Security Training to Drive Real Behaviour Change 18. Kalos LLP: The Best of Both Worlds 20. JAS Building Services: Best Family-Run Home Renovation Company 2024 – South West England 21. Surmount: Reimagining Investment Tradition 22. Diva Maker Prosthetics: Making Divas, One Prosthetic at a Time
Corporate Visiopn Gen Z look to boost their careers through business travel, as half of UK businesses plan to increase travel spend in next 12 months Gen Z employees view business travel as a way of boosting their careers and are seeking out more opportunities to take trips, according to new research from American Express. American Express surveyed both UK business travellers and decision makers in companies of all sizes. The research found that almost three-fifths (59%) of the youngest generation in the workforce say they will be travelling more for work in the next 12 months. This is the most of any generation surveyed - with respondents believing these opportunities are significant to their careers by increasing their attractiveness to prospective employers (81%) and enhancing opportunities for promotion at their current firm (83%). The research revealed that Gen Z are some of the most committed business travellers. Out of all generations surveyed, they are the most likely to strongly agree that they combine business and leisure into a single trip to maximise their productivity and, and as a result, to take fewer flights (44%). They are also the most likely generation to strongly agree that they can effectively prioritise their workload during business trips (54%). Almost three-quarters (74%) of Gen Z employees also say they typically work longer hours when on business trips, more so than any other generation – estimating 4.6 extra hours on average per working day compared to a normal day in the office, according to the research. At the same time, younger generations are more likely to consider sustainability in their business travel trips compared to other age groups; almost half (48%) of Gen Z say they are actively working with their employer on this. Steps taken include greater use of public transport (67%), choosing to stay at accommodation with environmental credentials (43%), or staying at destinations for longer to accommodate more meetings (52%). Businesses plan to increase travel spend over the next 12 months UK businesses are prioritising travel as they seek to boost sales, build new relationships and drive international growth, with over four-fifths (85%) looking to increase or maintain business travel spend over the next year. This is an increase from previous research by Amex in 20221, which showed 42% of UK businesses were planning more travel for employees. This year’s results indicate firms continue to see the value in these trips – including strengthening relationships with clients (40%) or helping them develop a better understanding of local markets (28%). Three-quarters of businesses in the 2024 research say business travel is crucial to their organisation’s growth ambition, while about one third (32%) prioritise business travel as a way of giving employees an opportunity to develop professionally. Lee Sullivan, Vice President at American Express, said: “Our research reveals businesses continue to see the value in travel as a way of driving growth and boosting employee engagement, and plan to invest more in this area. Our focus is on supporting firms of all sizes as their strategies evolve – through our Business and Corporate Cards that make travel more rewarding and expense management more seamless. “It’s also interesting that younger employees see travel as critical for their career development. Gen Z are leading the way in reshaping how businesses approach travel, with a renewed focus on maximising the entire experience.”
News Remote Chance: Two thirds of UK companies no longer allow fully-remote working • 64% of companies will no longer advertise future roles as fully-remote • 42% of employers will ‘wait’ for the right applicant who is willing to commute to office regularly • 23% of UK firms have increased number of office-days in the past 12-months • Fifth of leaders would not be against linking pay and promotions to workplace attendance • Recruitment boss warns employers not to ‘jump on bandwagon’ with a full-return to office Over two thirds (64%) of professional services firms in the UK have stated that as of 2024, new job adverts will not feature the option of being ‘fully-remote.’ The decision, according to business leaders, is to encourage professionals to come back into the office – with close to half of hiring managers (42%) stating that they are ‘willing to wait’ for the right applicant who is able to commute into the office. The findings - from a survey by global talent solutions business Robert Walters, of 500 professional services companies in the UK - come amidst an all-time low in the number of fully-remote job adverts posted in the UK. According to data from LinkedIn, the share of remote positions posted on the job site has plummeted in the last 12 months. In the U.K., remote job postings have dipped more than 13% since February last year - higher than in Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Gerrit Bouckaert – CEO of Robert Walters – comments: “Looking back to the jobs market a few years ago and employers were desperate for talent as they tried to navigate the postpandemic bounce back. Companies were forced to meet applicants’ demands – which included accommodating remote work. “Fast forward to 2024, and the power dynamic has shifted back in favor of employers – who have introduced a range of changes including true flexibility in hours, hybrid working, office refurbs, enhanced digital infrastructure, as well as endless soft perks such as free lunches. “With that, employers want some give and take – and it seems the ‘take’ is fully remote working.” Return to Office or a Rushed Decision? According to the survey from Robert Walters, almost a quarter of professional services (23%) firms have stated that they have increased the number of compulsory days in the office in the past 12 months – by at least one additional day. A further fifth (19%) admit that ‘conversations are ‘on-going’ on whether they will increase in-office time to 4-5 days. Such a move will mimic the likes of Boots – who have requested administrative staff back into the office for five days a week from this month, and Santander who announced earlier this week that they intend to formalized a minimum 3-day a week office attendance. Gerrit adds: “What has been interesting to observe is the U-turn from big firms – such as Meta - who have typically led the way on workplace trends including being early adopters of remote working. “Given it is too early to tell whether this method will result in increased productivity - other organizations should be mindful of jumping on the ‘bandwagon’ of a full return-to-office, without considering the impact this will have to your ability to attract and retain employees.” Pressure Builds on Management Robert Walters analysts note the prominence of a ‘top-down approach’ to return-to-office - where managers are being asked to do more days in the office compared to their team. Recently, Barclays bank in London announced that it would follow its US-counterparts and push for a 5-day return to office – with a number of VPs reportedly being told to come back to the workplace full-time from 1 Jun this year to help set a precedent. IBM informed their managers that they must be at the office, or meeting a client, for a minimum of three days a week. If not, they could leave the company. Gerrit adds: “Whilst I am a complete advocate for management leading from the front, a ‘one size fits all approach’ to working practices does not lend itself well to diversity or inclusion. “For example, with hybrid (or remote) working, managers who are working parents or carers get to reap the benefits of increased time with family whilst continuing to do their job effectively. Forcing them back into the office could be a significant disruption to their family life – both personally and financially if you consider childcare.”
Corporate Vision not only the best in the country, but that can also more than hold their own on the world’s stage. A big part of this, and the thing that makes Montes Wines’ produce almost entirely unique, is that pumps were not installed in this winery, so that the company could remain true to its guiding principle of minimal ‘handling’. Gravity is instead left to do the trick, or, more accurately, gravity with a little help from some of the most cuttingedge technology that the field of winemaking has at its disposal today. The natural inertia that is achieved thanks to this cutting-edge equipment gives the grapes first-class treatment, and the delicate wine that is achieved as a result speaks volumes about the success of this approach. Further aiding the company in its wine production are the principles of the ancient Chinese practice of feng shui, which have been incorporated into the very being of the winery to ensure a harmonious connection with the outside world. Nurturing such a strong link with the great outdoors is made much easier given the magnificent surroundings which encompass this state-of-the-art winery, with the ultra-modern facilities discussed above contrasted by the simple elegance of the Divisadero Hill vineyards that they lie at the centre of, giving visitors a panoramic view of nature in all its glory. The nature-complementary elements of the feng shui principles that can be felt across this winery are water and wood, seen in the wooden path built over a small lagoon near the building’s entrance; the sun and the moon, the powers of which can be experienced thanks to a skylight with a lilyshaped fountain directly underneath it that represents both of these light sources; and metal, which is reflected through the retro Ford trucks that are parked at the winery warehouse’s main entrance, representing both maturity and experience. All of these sights and more can be witnessed as a part of the ‘Montes Experience’ which encapsulates a tour of this mystical vineyard, an exclusive look inside its spellbinding winery, as well as access to the renowned on-site Fuegos de Apalta restaurant. Along with the signature cuisine of the chef, Francis Mallman, patrons of this establishment can enjoy some of Montes’ finest wines, all sourced from different harvest years. The Evolution Tour and Dream Menu experience then takes things a step further, with seven dishes and seven wines on offer. Having covered Montes’ Apalta winery and vineyard, as well as its tours and experiences, it is worth noting that the company has yet another vineyard to its name. Aurelio explains, “some six years ago, we embarked on a new and challenging venture – establishing a vineyard in one of the Chilean Wine with a Pioneering Spirit In Chile, one winery stands head and shoulders above the rest for the unrivalled tours and experiences that it provides to wine lovers and fans of the brand everywhere. Recognised as offering the Best Winery Tour Experience 2024 - Chile, Montes Wines has been a staple of the region’s winemaking scene since releasing its first Montes Alpha wine back in 1988. Since that day, the company has operated atop the belief that Chile has all of the untapped potential to become a benchmark producer of quality wines and has spent the last 35 years setting the example for fellow wineries across the country to follow. As the most pioneering premium wine manufacturer in Chile, Montes Wines’ focus rests on three primary areas: quality, excellence, and driving a positive impact in this space. Headed up by Aurelio Montes, one of the original four partners whose involvement shaped this brand into this success story that it is today, Aurelio continues to lead the winemaking area of this ever-evolving business in the present, doing so with the same innate passion for his craft that first led him to this venture back in the 1980s. Commenting on the lasting success of his innovative wine label, Aurelio tells us, “being a premium brand and offering high-end products means more than just delivering luxury. A company renowned for striking the balance between social, environmental, and economic performance, it is for this reason that, in an industry where the focus is on mass production, Montes Wines is celebrated for a dedication to quality and consistency. “We believe that these two pillars are non-negotiable for delivering exceptional wines”, says Aurelio. This meticulous blend of unwavering consistency and a unique quality over quantity approach is what has allowed Montes Wines to maintain its frontrunner position for several decades, even in a landscape where wine consumption has been decreasing globally and low-cost wines have seen a significant uptick in sales. The pioneering excellence that has become synonymous with the Montes brand in recent memory can be traced back to the story of its mystical Apalta winery, situated in the country’s remarkable Colchagua Valley. Boasting a staggering capacity of 2.3 million litres, when this winery was first opened in late 2004, it allowed the brand to demonstrably increase the production quality of its most acclaimed red wines, such as the aforementioned Montes Alpha, the icon wines Montes Alpha M, Montes Folly, Purple Angel, Taita, and Muse. Perhaps the standout feature of this industry-leading winery is the Montes Barrel Room, a grand space lined with 800 barrels made of French oak. Set out in a semicircle formation akin to a traditional theatre, this romanthic room is a sight to behold. These brand-new oak barrels house within them Montes’ finest wines, and here they are left to mature in a peaceful musical environment that reflects centuries of traditional winemaking at its finest. This is not to say, however, that the rest of this facility lacks the modernity necessary to distinguish itself in this setting. Even now, almost 20 years on from the day that it first opened its doors, this winery is still the most modern in Chile – at least in terms of technology and equipment – and gives the team working there the capability to make wines that are
Isssue 9 2024 | 7 Contact Details Contact: Aurelio Montes Company: Montes Wines Web Address: https://monteswines.com/ most southerly and rural regions of the country, Mechuque in Chiloé, in Chilean Patagonia.” This project is impressive for a number of reasons, first and foremost being that it was the first vineyard to be set up in an area defined by its adverse climate. Diving deeper into this project, Aurelio tells us, “after planting vineyards here in 2018, we have successfully harvested several grape varieties and are almost ready to launch our first and unique wine from grapes grown in this region. Whilst we still face challenges, such as optimising the ripening processes, we are excited about the future of this project.” Ultimately, this is just one example of the desire to lead and innovate that exists within this Chilean wine company’s DNA. It is primarily for this reason that, even more than three decades on from the release of its first wine, Montes Wines remains one of Chile’s premier wine manufacturers, a trailblazer in the industry that leverages its respected reputation and track record of quality delivery to tread exciting new ground. From pioneering new wines to implementing a watering system that saves more than 840 million litres of water per year, Aurelio puts it best when he says that everything that this business does, it does with the future in mind. “Look out for Montes’s next steps”, he says in closing, and if the past threeand-a-half decades and counting are anything to go by, this means that great things are still to come from a brand that tore up the rulebook concerning Chilean wine and rewrote it to be better than was ever thought possible.
Corporate Vision Creating Lifelong Career Connections As any jobseeker will tell you, there are many nuances to the process that make it a fascinating – albeit tricky – realm to navigate. In such instances, one may feel compelled to turn to an agency for assistance, but Jobs Expo promises to go one step further to connect jobseekers with their ideal employers. Running Ireland’s leading job and recruitment fairs, Jobs Expo leverages a vividly distinct approach that prioritises focus and results in equal measure. Recently recognised by Corporate Vision as the Best Job & Recruitment Fair Company 2024 – ROI, this mindful company demonstrates a finesse for navigating the recruitment landscape, and we look forward to exploring this quality in more depth below. Specifically designing job and recruitment fairs to put Ireland’s skilled jobseekers in direct contact with regional and international employers alike, Jobs Expo is an insightful organisation whose priority lies with securing results for every party involved in the recruitment process. Suited to professionals with niche skills and ideal for employers with intricate requirements, these fairs essentially eliminate the middle man – now, connections can be formed in a focused environment that has been carefully developed by job experts who understand the immense value of direct communication. Taking place twice-yearly, Jobs Expo encourages those across Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick to broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in an environment built solely around them. Since its inception in 2012, Jobs Expo has consistently demonstrated a flair for hosting job fairs and exhibitions that truly resonate with jobseekers across the region. Having already touched the lives of more than 80,000 jobseekers – be it through its Career Clinics, its professional-presented seminars, or its engaging events – the organisation has had a tangible impact that certainly redefines how one may view attending a career fair. Where most general job fairs struggle to present a highly focused environment, Jobs Expo has spent its years ensuring that each of its exhibitions capture the necessary level of concentration to excel the cultivation of meaningful connections. Primarily, Jobs Expo concerns itself with the needs of the Irish job market, and it’s this very attentiveness that has made it an essential event for both jobseekers and employers alike. Combined with the facilitation of workshops and seminars that focus on how to seamlessly navigate many complex avenues – such as interviews, career development, and industry trends – this outstanding recruitment fair organiser pulls out all the stops to provide people with the tools they need to succeed. Regardless of whether you’re interested in the tech and engineering industries, or are more compelled to begin your career in healthcare or hospitality, Jobs Expo is pleased to cater to the diverse spectrum that is Ireland’s jobseeker landscape. From boasting a strong regional presence to presenting attendees with an abundance of high-quality networking opportunities, Jobs Expo is a showstopping coordinator whose passion for seeing others succeed drives every decision it makes. As a result, it’s fostered a success story that Corporate Vision is delighted to have had the chance to explore in more detail. The job seeking market hasn’t been a particularly straightforward one to navigate in recent years, and it’s comforting to know that there are those who are still devoted to getting the right people to the right places. As such, we believe that Jobs Expo truly is the only entity worthy of the title of Best Job & Recruitment Fair Company 2024 – ROI. As we look to the future, we can expect to see more of Jobs Expo’s outstanding career and recruitment fairs as they continue to elevate the potential of jobseekers and employers alike. If readers are interested in attending one of Jobs Expo’s renowned fairs – particularly its Galway careers fair on 28th September 2024 or its Dublin exhibition on 19th October 2024 - you can find out more information here. We eagerly anticipate Jobs Expo’s further growth as it oversees the remainder of its 2024 career and recruitment fairs. Contact: Kevin Branigan Company: Jobs Expo Web Address: https://www.jobsexpo.ie/
Issue 9 2024 | 9 Through a series of innovative technologies and educational and skills training, Ocean Legacy is turning plastic pollution into products with tangible value whilst simultaneously providing communities with the tools that they need to protect their local environments. All of this can be seen in the organisation’s EPIC (education, policy, infrastructure, and clean-up) programme, which is a robust emergency management system underpinned by an integrated approach that has been specifically designed to tackle the plastic pollution problem holistically. From long-term plastic collection initiatives to a series of preventative policies, Ocean Legacy is further distinguished in this setting as a result of its leveraging of the first and largest PPERF (plastic pollution emergency response facility) in North America. Whilst many organisations may focus solely on either cleanups or advocacy, Ocean Legacy’s multilayered method sees the creation of an encompassing and cohesive strategy that drives demonstrable results. The organisation’s internal culture is too anchored to these aims, and as Ocean Legacy’s Executive Director, Chloe Dubois, explains, “our culture is a reflection of the deep connection that our cofounders [of which Chloe is one] have had with the water and natural environment throughout their lives.” She continues, “this deeply ingrained culture has been a critical factor in our success, as it motivates and unites our team and collaborators in the pursuit of a common goal: to restore and protect our aquatic ecosystems for present and future generations.” Over the past 12 months or so, this objective has brought with it a number of challenges for Ocean Legacy, primarily stemming from the commercialisation of the recycled ocean plastic pellets that the organisation’s PPERF creates, resulting in a marine circular economy structure. Elaborating on this further, Chloe tells us, “this involves developing effective infrastructure capable of manufacturing ocean plastics into high-quality materials, creating a closed-loop system where plastics are continuously repurposed rather than discarded.” Despite the endless benefits of purchasing these recycled plastics, the difficulties lie in stressing this to the customer, who, on the surface, sees no reason to purchase these over problem subsided virgin plastics. Beyond this, the plastics that the team at Ocean Legacy source from the ocean have almost always been degraded by UV exposure, making them weaker due to the breaking down of their bonds. This is where the PPERF comes in, with its equipment proving instrumental in the organisation being able to offer robust, quality plastics at reasonable prices. Following the innovation and sustainability embodied by both Ocean Legay’s team and its PPERF, it has recently undertaken a number of key projects which showcase its unwavering commitment to coastal waste management. From this range, the Ocean Legacy Analysis Laboratory and the Nylon Extrusion Line are perhaps the most impressive. Beginning with the former, this state-of-the-art lab offers eight testing services spanning everything from melt flow to moisture testing, ensuring these plastics are consistently excellent. As for The true consequences of plastic pollution on the world’s aquatic ecosystems and wildlife is devastating. This is why Ocean Legacy, a Canadian non-profit organisation operating out of British Columbia, has been developing and implementing a series of emergency response solutions to this problem since 2013. Recognised as the Best Emergency Response Plastic Pollution Solutions Provider 2024 - Canada, Ocean Legacy’s ultimate aim is to put an end to plastic pollution for good. Making an Impact on Ocean Plastic the latter, nylon has proven a particularly complicated material to repurpose, and since it is often used to make fishing nets and ropes, it is found in abundance during the organisation’s plastic pollution removal and ocean clean-ups. Thanks to this line however, nylon can now easily be converted into the organisation’s gamechanging ocean plastic pellets. Be it the organisation’s EPIC Academy that focuses on delivering comprehensive training and educational resources, or the PPERF that takes plastics at the end of their lifecycles and transforms them so that they do not fall into the trap of becoming plastic pollution, Ocean Legacy is continuing to innovate and adapt, remaining at the cutting edge of ecological restoration in aquatic environments so as to ensure its methodologies are both effective and scalable. In closing, Chloe states, “humans are the only species on this planet to create ‘garbage’. The recirculation of the resources that we extract must become one of the founding principles of how humans move into the future if our species is to survive.” With its Westcoast operation set to be fully deployed over the next few years, as well as its expansion plans on Canada’s East Coast realised, Ocean Legacy remains a trailblazer in marine plastic recycling innovation, making it more than deserving of this acclaim. Contact: Chloe Dubois Company: Ocean Legacy Web Address: https://oceanlegacy.ca/
Corporate Vision Since 2012, Locala has been serving as a truly global marketing solution, empowering global partner brands such as Audi, HP, and McDonald’s according to the pillars of planning, activating, and learning. Across the company’s unique three-stage process which allows brands to stop the guesswork, engage with consumers, and maximise both ROI and outcomes, Locala will help brands to precisely pinpoint their consumers, reach valuable audiences across digital channels, and holistically understand the impact their marketing budget has on performance. Over the past 12 years, Locala has continued to evolve and expand, and has partnered with leading brands across more than 40 countries worldwide. Just as global as the operation itself is the company’s team, which is today comprised of nearly 200 employees dotted across the world map. Founded and headquartered in France, which happens to be the birthplace of GDPR, Locala also boasts offices in other European nations – Belgium, Italy, and the UK – as well as in the United States, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and Dubai. Returning to that important point about France being the original home of GDPR, in the words of Locala’s Marketing Director – EMEA, Benjamin Soubeille, “Locala’s entire platform is built around GDPR law, which ensures we can effectively reach consumers whilst protecting their essential rights to privacy.” This is a big part of Locala’s overall client commitment, and so too is its dedication to nurturing a sustainable business, a feat it achieves by adhering to its core values of caring, inventing, and succeeding. As the provider of France’s premier omnichannel advertising platform, Locala is a company with a track record of successfully implementing invaluable insights and leading AI to help professional marketers plan, activate, and measure the success of their campaigns. By turning complex consumer data into actionable audience insights, this team is pioneering advanced media strategies that deliver smarter outcomes. Named as the Most Innovative Omnichannel Advertising Platform 2024 - France, we explore how partnering with Locala results in more informed marketing strategies. Local Insights, Global Advertising “At Locala, CSR is a major stake”, explains Benjamin. The company’s policies in this area are encompassing and wide-ranging, spanning everything from ensuring diversity is at the forefront of the workplace to measuring its carbon footprint and implementing projects to offset the impacts of its energy consumption. “We are committed to meeting the UN global compact sustainability goals for socially and ethically conscious business growth”, Benjamin tells us. Far from the only way that Locala is seeking to grow, one of the most notable ways that the company is securing its future is through the recent innovation that is Locala’s Insights AI. Solidifying the company’s frontrunner status, this project sees the team integrate AI into their existing offerings, both answering one of the industry’s biggest problems and further empowering partner brands at the same time. This alone makes Locala worthy of this title for its innovation, representing its recognition that AI in this industry is more than just a trend. For Benjamin, “AI is a fundamental shift that’s reshaping how we understand and engage with audiences.” Explaining this further, Benjamin elaborates, “traditional methods of media planning often involve resource-intensive research or manual analysis of disparate data sources, which can be time-consuming and prone to error. AI, however, has the potential to streamline this process by quickly analysing large datasets to uncover patterns and insights.” Thus, thanks to Insights AI, complicated questions can be answered with the touch of a button. Having been designed for the media and advertising industry specifically, Locala’s Insights AI is constantly learning so as to be as accurate, detailed, and reliable as possible. Its ability to tailor its offerings effectively to the unique needs of clients also distinguishes it from more general AI solutions, which are unable to offer up the same level of relevance and precision that this platform does at every turn. A partnership with company Databricks has been key in this project’s success, as Locala used the company’s Llama 3.1 models in order to bring this endeavour to life. With its ability to solve the pain points of this industry thanks to its pioneering and forward-thinking solutions, the introduction of Insights AI into Locala’s portfolio will surely be looked back on as a milestone for both the company and the wider sector alike. The future of this space is set to be all about how well AI can be utilised to afford industry professionals with personalised and data-driven experiences at scale, and as a pioneer in this very area, Locala, thanks to its location-based advertising platform, is setting the standard. Contact: Benjamin Soubeille Company: Locala Web Address: www.asklocala.com
Small Business Awards 2023 | 11 Issue 9 2024 | 11 Recognising this, Corporate Vision is pleased to highlight Captova Technologies as one of the Top 10 Leaders in Tech 2024. Its ability to seamlessly blend IDP solutions with artificial intelligence sets it apart from various companies throughout the landscape, and it’s this very attribute that allows it to retain its close relationship with varying secret agencies and businesses across the region. As the realm of technology continues to expand, we eagerly await the growth of Captova and its outstanding IDP services. Contact: Mohamed Talib Company: Captova Technologies Inc Web Address: https://www.captova.com/ Favoured by experts due to its ability to accurately capture data from PDF documents at speeds close to 80 pages a second, Captova is a captivating IDP company that has proudly taken the necessary steps to stand out in its field. Seeking to elevate the protection of secret and business documents – ones that not even Captova itself can see – the business presents clients with access to a combination of Captova IDP and Captova ETL. Specialising in managing both structured, semi-structured, and unstructured documents and files, the company has opened an avenue down which entities who prioritise their protection can confidently venture in order to secure secret and business artifacts alike. Committed to providing solutions that align with its values of privacy, accuracy, speed, and security, Captova has certainly earned its position as a dependable partner in document and data processing. Between its 95% accuracy – complete with real-time error detection – and its security matching that of a client’s on-premises environment, the company has found itself recognised by various experts throughout the field as a truly distinct entity. As previously mentioned, Captova is widely known as the first IDP company to capture data at such impressive levels of speed and accuracy. Consequently, this enables even large enterprises to invest in the high-volume, high-speed IDP solutions Captova offers. As a trailblazer in the IDP sector, Captova is never short of ideas to leverage in order to improve the capabilities of its clients. This particularly manifests through the integration of Captova GPT – a generative AI solution that grants secret agencies and businesses the tools to obtain essential intelligence insights in their respective branches. Extrapolated from the data provided by Captova IDP and Captova ETL, this information empowers clients to receive critical insights in completely off-grid environments. In this instance, Captova has pushed the boundaries of AI’s emerging capabilities, ultimately crafting something that is certain to grow alongside the medium’s development. In the IDP industry, the outcry for solutions that value privacy, accuracy, speed, and security has grown ever louder in recent years. Many have opted to pivot toward the use of strictly AI systems, leaving those still interested in authentic IDP services having to work harder than ever before to acquire them. Captova, however, presents a clear path forward – by connecting with it, experts can align themselves with a company that understands the unavoidability of leveraging AI, but is committed to integrating each new advancement into its robust IDP solutions. Unique in this nature, Captova has become a distinct entity whose presence is certainly essential in today’s industry. Across the landscape of Intelligent Document Processing (IDP), there has been a rapid increase in companies seeking out solutions that are specifically developed with security and efficiency in mind. Be it through the integration of emerging AI technologies or the culmination of an organisation’s impressive set of skills, secret agencies and businesses require the assistance and input of an entity that truly understands their requirements. Captova Technologies, under the leadership of its CEO Mohamed Talib and his wife Shahlo Talib, is one such entity – a company striving to deliver outstanding IDP solutions to various clients in need. In its pursuit, Captova has become a paragon of advancement, and Corporate Vision is eager to explore how its standardsetting solutions have earned it a position among the Top 10 Leaders in Tech 2024. The World’s Fastest IDP Engine
Corporate Vision Reimagining the Digital Guest Experience The digital world has presented us with an agreeable amount of opportunities in recent years. As a result of frequent evolutions, it is capable of so much more, and there are many who are eager to explore the extent of these exciting new advancements. One such entity is Shiji Group – a company renowned for its fully integrated and modular technology solutions specifically designed to elevate property management, payment, point-of-sale, and reputation management systems across the globe. Inventive, innovative, and deeply inspired by the industry’s need for outstanding PMS products, Shiji Group has created a conduit for precise property management, earning it a position as one of Corporate Vision’s Top 10 Leaders in Tech 2024. Striving to assist clients in their pursuit of offering more thorough and dedicated services to their guests, Shiji Group is a technologically adept company whose fully integrated network of hospitality systems has elevated the experiences of an assortment of users. Primarily centered around amplifying security, ensuring ease-ofuse, and promoting modern connectivity, the organisation provides essential systems that allow its customers to focus on what they do best – serving their guests to the best of their ability. Shiji Group accomplishes this through its fully integrated and modular technology solutions. Suited to the intricate needs of the hospitality sector, its PMS – otherwise known as the Shiji Enterprise Platform – enables users to leverage a global single guest profile that provides a plethora of benefits. Combining a microservice architecture with seamless API-Everything integrations, the platform boasts a scalability and flexibility that allows it to effortlessly intertwine with high-end luxury hotels’ systems to further empower their processes. With its clientele including high-end luxury hotels such as The Peninsula and Langham, Shiji Group’s meticulously designed PMS unlocks the potential for them to offer hyperpersonalised guest experiences, while maintaining an unbeatable level of operational efficiency. In this vein, Shiji Group has become something of a pioneer within the industry. As a result of its ongoing innovation, it has managed to remain a leader of technological evolution, with each new insight inspiring a wealth of solutions and system enhancements. For example, the company’s very first API-first infrastructure possesses thousands of API endpoints, enabling the facilitation of seamless integration across third parties and custom applications. As such, hotels across the world have been able to benefit from a highly versatile, event-driven architecture – one that not only excels in accessibility, but also in its effective initiation of dozens of simultaneous microservices. Partnered with a firm focus on data privacy and security, hotels will be hard pressed to find a more capable infrastructure. As many will express, recent times have called for heightened data security measures, and Shiji Group is no stranger to this industrywide shift. It recognised that managing cross-border compliance
Issue 9 2024 | 13 had to work in harmony with cloud-based systems to allow hotels to handle sensitive guest information without fear of a security breach, and it’s in this particular avenue that Shiji Group’s systems truly shine. It addresses these very issues through its enterprise-grade security – an element that’s directly built into its cloud-based PMS to ensure no user need fret about guest data being compromised in any attempted cyber-attacks. Additionally, Shiji Group’s dedicated security team is available 24/7, guaranteeing an extra layer of protection that will certainly not go amiss. However, to truly understand just how exemplary Shiji Group’s technologies are, we must look beyond the general structure of the company’s PMS. Though distinguished by its outstanding features and modules – consisting of sales and catering capabilities and a housekeeping module – it’s what lies beneath that distinguishes it from other Property Management Systems on the market. Under the bonnet, the platform has been designed using advanced technology that adopts a dynamic, security-driven, and user-friendly approach. As Shiji Group puts it – “Just as iOS is the cornerstone of the iPhone’s success, our platform is the key ingredient that transforms the PMS into a next-generation solution.” Regarded by many leading hotels as the best hotel management software currently available, Shiji Group’s PMS breathes new life into the world of technological management. Empowered by its desire to become a global leader in hospitality technology, the company spends each day working toward a better tomorrow – a future in which hotels can flawlessly navigate their services, without having to struggle with inefficient systems and overly complex processes. Shiji Group makes the experience as exciting as it is secure, making for the best hotel PMS a client could ask for. Eager to expand its reach across Europe and North America in the coming years, Shiji Group is a true role model when it comes to building a high-quality, security-centric PMS. Specifically, it hopes to onboard the appreciation of luxury and boutique hotels who, for far too long, have been in dire need of a management system upgrade. Looking to do so through the application of even more innovative and inspiring ideas, Corporate Vision is certain that Shiji Group will soon become a name known across the globe for its valiant PMS efforts. It’s for this very reason that it has been ranked among the Top 10 Leaders in Tech 2024, and we eagerly anticipate its continued growth. To close, we believe it’s only fitting to share some words provided by Kevin King - Shiji Group’s CEO – himself – “Looking, listening, and learning is - and has been - the key to our success. When we set out to create the best PMS ever, we first looked. We acquired several PMS solutions, and we realized that there just wasn’t an option that could scale with the modern tech requirements. We listened to customers, to global chain needs, to regional and international groups, and we learned that what they expected out of a PMS wasn’t being built. This is when we started to build our R&D centre to create the most advanced hotel technology platform and PMS.” Shiji Group’s story is one of growth and passion, and we look forward to seeing where these qualities lead it in the years to come. Contact: Franca Bertram Company: Shiji Group Web Address: https://www.shijigroup.com/
Corporate Vision Best Family-Owned Travel Agency 2024 – Iceland When on vacation, a guided tour is a brilliant way see the sights and get a taste for the culture, all under the expert eye of a guide with local knowledge. Free from the stresses of planning your itinerary, you can relax as you learn about the local customs, etiquette, and traditions and even gain access to exclusive experiences. Reykjavik Outventure is a family-owned operator dedicated to delivering high quality experiences to tourists. As the company is named in the Family Business Awards 2024, we speak with its Owner and Director of Operations, Johann Gudni Johannson. The capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik is a blend of modernist architecture, vibrant arts, and ancient history. The city has much to see and do, from dining at world-class eateries or wandering the halls of modern museums to taking a top in one of the many outdoor geothermal pools. Joining a guided tour around any feature of this marvellous city is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture. Who better to guide you around the spectacular sights than the knowledgeable Reykjavik Outventure? The company is a fully licensed tour operator and travel company dedicated to adding a personal touch to its services. Reykjavik Outventure offers private and small group tours that display the very best of Iceland. The tour service is allencompassing, covering a broad range of experiences including the Golden Circle, South Coast, Blue Lagoon, glaciers, whale watching, hiking, and Super Jeep Tours. Most popular is Reykjavik Outventure’s Northern Lights Tours, rated the number-one Northern Lights tour in Iceland on TripAdvisor. Reykjavik Outventure hosts its Northern Lights tour every day at a range of prices, from 20.000kr to 190.000kr. At its core, Reykjavik Outventure prioritises the customer experience and its continual pursuit for perfection. It does this by assessing and enhancing its offerings to ensure that clients are receiving the best possible tours from their guides. The company recognises that true success in this industry comes from the quality of its services and team. “Too many companies focus on having luxury vehicles and looking fancy online,” says Johann. “But when it comes to service, there is a lack of quality. When you have an exceptional guide, the vehicle is almost a secondary matter because the clients are enjoying the experience.” To maintain this commitment, Reykjavik Outventure ensures that its tour guides are knowledgeable and personable in their client interactions. Clients can spend over ten hours on certain tours with their guides, and so building a genuine connection is a must. Reykjavik Outventure stives to create seamless, meaningful experiences for its clients with each tour it delivers. Reykjavik Outventure’s top-tier tours are delivered by a brilliant team of resolute individuals all working together to reach their common goal of client satisfaction. Johann tells us that the internal culture of Reykjavik Outventure is that of passion and an incredibly strong work ethic. “Talent doesn’t win the game; work ethic wins the game,” he says. “The staff has fantastic work ethic! They are ready to give it all for the company to succeed. It is very hard to find employees that are do dedicated, and it has not been an easy journey. But then, nothing extraordinary comes easy.” The company has amassed more than 1,000 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor that detail the brilliant locations, knowledgeable guides, and excellent services offered by Reykjavik Outventure. “We had an incredible tour guide,” reports Will. “She always made sure everyone was comfortable. We got to stay at the locations for the perfect amount of time, with no rush. It was a great way to experience Iceland for the first time and have so many questions answered. I would highly recommend.” “If you are looking for a spectacular tour off the well-beaten path, this was a fabulous trip and an unforgettable hike!” says Erika. “Our guides were prompt, prepared, and experienced but also – and importantly, to us – friendly and fun to talk with; you cannot go wrong with this outfit!” Moving forward, Johann tells us that Reykjavik Outventure will striving for excellence The company has always led by example and hopes that its endeavours will improve the quality of the entire industry. With its mind on advancing and enhancing its operations, Reykjavik Outventure is facing another year of tremendous success. “We are constantly looking for new ways to improve,” Johann tells us. “We are always improving and getting better. The focus should not be on getting bigger; the focus should be on getting better. When you are great at what you do, others will notice.” Contact: Johann Gudni Johannsson Company: Reykjavik Outventure Web Address: https://reykjavikout.is/
Issue 9 2024 | 15 In Canada’s digital financial landscape, most fintech companies are battling against the traditional banking system. This has led to intense competition and limited innovation. But Zūm Rails is changing the game, positioning itself not as a competitor, but as an enabler, pushing banks to adapt or risk falling behind. As fintech continues to evolve, Zūm Rails is seizing the moment, tapping into a vast market that craves innovative financial solutions. At the heart of Zūm Rails’ success is its powerful all-in-one payment platform, designed to simplify the payment process. From seamless onboarding to advanced financial data collection, risk evaluation, and automation, Zūm Rails delivers a native experience that solves real problems for businesses. The platform goes beyond basic transactions, helping clients streamline payments and leverage cutting-edge data to make their operations faster, simpler, and more secure. “What sets Zūm Rails apart is its position as the only true all-in-one payments solution, delivering a faster, safer, and more seamless way to move money—making transactions feel effortless for the user. It’s payments reimagined for the modern world.” Despite being a smaller team, Zūm Rails has fostered a culture that fuels creativity and innovation. Each team member is handpicked for their talent and problem-solving mindset, bringing unique perspectives that contribute to the company’s success. With a fully remote setup, Zūm Rails is focused on delivering results rather than clocking hours, creating a dynamic environment where innovation thrives. Of course, the road hasn’t been without challenges. As Zūm Rails developed new products and integrated them into a cohesive offering, the team faced obstacles along the way. Co-founder Marc Milewski notes, “Our goal has always been to merge open banking with instant payments into a single product, but tying that into the broader banking-as-a-service ecosystem is no easy task.” To stay ahead in this rapidly evolving industry, Zūm Rails is committed to being proactive, not reactive. This forward-thinking mindset led to a strategic partnership with Fiserv, a global leader in financial services. Together, they created a next-generation payment platform that combines a range of services into one easyto-use solution. Payments have long been viewed as mere transactions, separate from the customer experience. But Zūm Rails, Canada’s leading payment solutions provider, is changing the narrative. Recently named Best Open-Banking Payment Software Development Company 2024, Zūm Rails is revolutionizing the industry by tackling the root causes of payment challenges. Their all-in-one platform enhances every stage of the payment journey, empowering businesses and customers alike with seamless, efficient solutions. Where Instant Payments, Open Banking & Banking as a Service Collide “We’ve obtained full authorization as a comprehensive payment facilitator,” says Marc. “This includes everything from card acceptance to real-time payment processing and distribution services. By integrating these features with bank data aggregation, Zūm Rails offers a complete solution for both traditional and modern payment methods, fund disbursements, and advanced KYC and credit scoring capabilities.” While many companies in this space compete solely on price, Zūm Rails operates on a higher level, focusing on being a solutions-first provider that adds true value to its clients. In a market of over 15,000 payment solution companies across North America, only a few can match what Zūm Rails offers. That’s why Marc and the Zūm Rails team are on a mission to educate the market on the future of payments. Looking to shape the future of Canada’s economy, Zūm Rails is already making waves in the U.S. market, and international expansion is on the horizon. As they continue to lead the charge in payment innovation, we celebrate Zūm Rails for delivering Canada’s best payment processing software and eagerly anticipate what’s next as they redefine the future of payments worldwide. Contact: Miles Schwartz Company: Zūm Rails Web Address: https://zumrails.com/
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