BUSINESS NEWS news
Software a step forward
With worldwide sales of media tablets rising rapidly, a Cwmbran-based software developer is set to launch a new publishing platform, designed to transform the way people read magazines on screen. Abannan, which has been set up by a team drawn from
print and publishing backgrounds, believes its software solution will not only make reading publications on tablets as natural as the paper equivalent, but will open the door to making video and other dynamic content a routine reader experience. Massive growth is expected over the coming years in the
number of people who consume news and other editorial content via tablet. A total of 18 million media tablets were sold in 2010
and predicted worldwide sales of 65 million iPads alone in 2011. Abannan has developed a package designed to optimise
the online reading experience well beyond the simple PDF page turner. It will mean easier navigation using intelligent indexing,
will create opportunities for dynamic content and video functionality, and offera higher quality, slicker experience, designed specifically for a tablet’s faster processor and high resolution screen. The software will also offer advertisers the opportunity
for precise targeting, with the technology driving specific advertisements towards specific publication subscribers. This means that Abannan will drive wholly new and incremental revenue back to their publishing clients. The software is scheduled to be released in September,
but the Abannan team, have been giving previews to key publishing industry figures across the country. Colin Bennett, managing director at Abannan, said:
“iPads and other tablets offer an excellent platform for readers to get an enhanced experience from their favourite publications, as well as allowing advertisers to reach a targeted audience using Abannan’s unique solution.
Acorn supports Welsh rugby players into work
Rugby players retiring from the game in Wales will have the support of leading recruitment and training specialists Acorn to help find them new careers. The Welsh Rugby Players’ Association,
which represents more than 200 professionals playing regional rugby in Wales, has teamed up with Acorn to exclusively help them plan for life after they hang up their boots. The preparation of players for their
future careers outside rugby is considered to be one of the key aims of the WRPA Player Development Programme. The Association’s Player Development
Manager, Zoe Eaton, works with players from the four professional rugby regions in Wales to determine their career interests, educational and vocational needs, identify work experience opportunities while they are still playing, and help with the transition from rugby into the world of work. To help ensure that as many former
Welsh rugby pros find work once they stop playing, the WRPA has now enlisted the expert help of Acorn in providing additional training support, careers advice and the matching of players to
potential job opportunities. The association aims to get Acorn
involved at an early stage, before players give up the game, assisting with exploration of careers, matching players to industries and, in some cases, even finding temporary or part-time employment or experience to build a player’s CV alongside their rugby careers, and later helping to secure full-time work once they retire from the sport. Zoe said: “Rugby players leave their
sport in possession of valuable skills learned and honed on the rugby field that are easily transferable into the world of work.”
Xavier Rush, Dan Langford, of Acorn, Neil Maclean-Smith, Zoe Eaton
Newport campaigns shortlisted for Canmol Awards
The Chartered Institute of Marketing has announced its shortlist ahead of this year’s Canmol: Wales Marketing Awards, which takes place in Cardiff in October. The 15-strong shortlist features innovative
campaigns from a number of private companies and SMEs across Wales, including Staedtler (UK) Ltd, DS Smith Recycling, Catnic, Cross Foxes, Royvon Dog Boarding & Training Kennels, Capell Cottages,
AutosOnShow.TV and Capital FM.
While campaigns from South Wales Police, 4 THEbusiness QUARTER
Winner of an Ipad (left) with sales director of Abannan, David Salmon
National Assembly for Wales, Bridgend College, BBC Cymru Wales and Visit Wales represent the public sector. FBA Group’s entry on behalf of Ceredigion
County Council and Four Communications’ on behalf of Newport City Council and Newport Unlimited were also shortlisted for the Awards, which are judged by 13 marketing and business experts under the chairmanship of Dr Jonathan Deacon, Newport Business School and chair of the Wales Board of the Institute. Five final winners, as well as an individual
awards for a new marketer and outstanding contribution to the marketing industry will be announced at the awards ceremony. Jonathan Deacon said: “It’s encouraging
to see so many SMEs shortlisted this year, demonstrating that it is possible to produce a successful marketing campaign on a tight budget when the campaign is innovative and creative.”
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