Companies could save 27% in workspace costs while also saving their employees up to 40% in transportation costs if they implement a hybrid working strategy – NoCo and OfficePal research

 

NoCo unveils new online platform that enables employers to provide closer-to-home workspaces for their employees

 

Companies could save 27% in workspace costs while also saving their employees up to 40% in transportation costs if they implement a hybrid working strategy, according to a new case study carried out by NoCo, Ireland’s largest hybrid workspace network.

 

The case study examined how a typical city centre-based company of 139 employees, located in a prime Dublin office location, could create a more cost-efficient workplace model in response to the recent changes to the ways of working created by Covid.

 

Conducted by Office Pal, a financial outsourcing provider, on behalf of NoCo, the case study shows that by implementing a hybrid working model with a 60/40 split of time between working in the office and remote working in a hub close to the employees’ home, the business secured:

 

  • 40% reduction in city centre sq. ft requirement
  • 50% savings per employee realised when city centre leased office space is replaced by suburban flexible office space
  • 90% less time commitment required when comparing flexible workspace terms vs traditional leasing terms
  • Flexible workspace 25% more cost efficient versus supplying employee with a city centre car space
  • 260 hours less time spent commuting to the office for employees

 

An overall net saving of 27% in workspace costs can be seen in the case study where a city centre-based company reduces their city centre footprint, implements a hybrid working policy and operates a hub and spoke real estate model.

 

The hybrid working approach would also see a significant impact on a company’s and their employees’ carbon emissions with a potential 670kg reduction possible should they reduce the time spent commuting into the city by 2.5 hours daily through remote working.

 

The case study not only highlights the overall potential savings that can be made but also the increased flexibility that a company can secure by reducing their reliance on city centre leased space and supplementing this with a network of suburban based flexible workspaces, with a 90% reduction in the time commitment required in flexible workspace in comparison to a traditional lease.

 

In previous research carried out by NoCo and Trinity College, the switch to a remote workspace was shown to be a welcome change by employees to solely working from home, with 65% of respondents stating they had an inadequate home office space. Only 5% said they had a dedicated office space at home, while 77% stated privacy as a major issue when working from home.

 

To further facilitate employers making the switch to hybrid working, NoCo has launched a new online platform that enables employers to discover, subscribe and manage a network of closer to home workspaces for their employees. NoCo’s network now consists of over 350 locations nationwide through a number of strategic partnerships, while expansion into the UK is ongoing with 100 locations surrounding London now available.

 

Brian Moran, co-founder of NoCo, said: The workplace of the future is evolving, for most employers this has always been a significant cost and we wanted to explore what the implications of the recent changes in work practices were for a company’s bottom line this by asking the team in OfficePal to carry out this case study. The results show that as the workspace becomes more fluid and flexible, so too can the costs associated with it.”

 

John Donnelly, CEO of Office Pal, said: “We were delighted to carry out this case study on behalf of NoCo. We can see that a combination of remote and hybrid working, along with the implementation of a hub and spoke real estate model shows significant potential for driving cost efficiencies throughout the business. While the study primarily focuses on the upfront costs associated with the workplace, it certainly highlights the potential for more savings to be made in other areas of the business through this model.”

 

Notes to Editor:

 

For more information on NoCo visit  www.nocoworkspace.com or check out NoCo on LinkedIn.

Calling ALL remote hubs, enterprise centres and co-working spaces in Cork…… 30 November is the deadline to register for preparatory programme for hubs that plan to introduce new Quality Standard accreditation in 2022

  • A global first, the new Quality Standard comes into play in 2022 for 350+ co-working locations nationwide

 

  • Entitled ‘QHubs’, new accreditation is designed to raise overall quality, environmental and innovation performance of remote working locations nationwide

 

23 November, 2021

 

Tuesday, 30 November is the deadline for enterprise centres, co-working locations and flexible working spaces across Cork city and county to sign up for a preparatory programme that will support them with their sign-up to the new national Quality Standard accreditation in 2022.

 

The first of its kind in the world, the new Quality Standard will provide an accredited standard for the 350+ enterprise hub, co-working and remote working locations nationwide that play a pivotal role in supporting start-ups, SMEs, multinationals and remote workers across the public and private sectors.

 

All remote working hubs are encouraged to register for this important preparatory programme, delivered via Skillnet Ireland and the Small Firms Association, which will build on the existing knowledge and skillset of managers and staff to secure the QHubs status in 2022. The programme will be delivered through the ‘Lens of the Quality Framework’, reflecting key elements of the new Quality Standard, including:

 

  1. Hub ‘Classification’ Status
    1. Each hub will be classified based on their strategic purpose, size, capacity and occupancy as well as services and facilities available.

 

This ranges from Level 1, which is a local community hub that provides good quality and affordable workspaces, shared services and networking opportunities, to Level 4, which offers more regional, national and international collaborations, shared learning and peer to peer opportunities, and market access for client companies that want to scale globally.

 

    1. A dedicated mentor will work with each hub to identify their desired ambitions and goals i.e., how to add value to their facility for client companies via improved services, products, experiences and upgrading business model and processes used.

 

This offers an opportunity for locations to move up through the ranking system from Level 1 to 4, if that is their desired ambition. Each hub will work towards their targets and ambitions, and will have access to the support required to achieve this.

 

 

  1. Training and Development Opportunities
    1. Each hub will have access to a range of services and supports including networking, mentoring, training and learning programmes, independent advice and guidance, thought leadership and insights, best in class research, funding information and a host of Continuous Professional Development opportunities.

 

    1. As members range from dedicated community enterprise centres in rural towns and villages throughout Ireland to larger hybrid working spaces in urban locations nationwide, this offers further opportunities to share and collaborate on the latest news, policy developments, emerging trends and global best practice.

 

 

  1. International Collaborations
    1. Locations registered for the Quality Standard will also benefit from a range of international alliances and connections with leading European and international organisations and programmes. This will offer access to a host of best-in-class global practices via strategically aligned organisations.

 

  1. Annual Progress Update
    1. All hubs will be measured and their progress benchmarked annually. To facilitate this, a range of KPI’s will be set in a variety of important areas such as:

 

  • Quality, Environmental and Innovation performance
  • Community & Network
  • Customer Experience
  • Digitisation
  • Job Creation

 

This benchmark system will give client companies looking to work or partner with a local hub or enterprise centre an indication of how good a fit that particular hub is for their business and whether it meets their individual needs and requirements.

 

Community Enterprise Association Ireland (CEAI) National Hub Network Manager, Siobhán Finn said:We strongly encourage all hubs, enterprise centres and co-working locations around the country to register for this preparatory programme by Tuesday November 30th. This educational programme is key for all Hub managers to ensure they are ready and able to achieve the QHubs accreditation in 2022. It’s also an opportunity for Hubs to understand the benefits the QHubs standard could bring to their centre.

 

Both Skillnet Ireland and the Small Firms Association were critical in the development of the preparatory programme and we at the Community Enterprise Association Ireland are very thankful for all their hard work. We’re looking forward to working with and supporting all participants of the programme on the QHubs Accreditation and how it will help them become even more ambitious, creative and collaborative in the future.”

 

  • How to Register: Any centre or hub interested in participating, should email CEAI National Hub Network Manager, Siobhán Finn on [email protected]

 

  • Deadline: Closing date is Tuesday 30th November

 

 

About the Community Enterprise Association Ireland:

Established over 20 years ago, the Community Enterprise Association Ireland, previously known as the National Association for Community Enterprise Centres (NACEC), is the country’s leading membership network of enterprise hubs, co-working locations and flexible working spaces. Government funded and supported by Enterprise Ireland, the organisation works to drive real innovation and entrepreneurship across local communities and regions.

 

The Community Enterprise Association Ireland achieves this by continually working to raise the overall quality, environmental and innovative performance of the sector, ensuring the national hub network continues to support the realisation of a sustainable and balanced regional development model for Ireland. As an established and respected voice of the sector, the organisation also confidently represents local enterprise centres / hubs at government level so that all new strategies, policies and funding programmes take the needs and ambition of each community into account.

 

The CEAI’s 2022-2025 strategy will be unveiled early next year and this is rooted in an extensive, independently-led consultative process which engaged with member and non-member centres and hubs; local, regional and national government; state agencies and the private sector. The strategy is aligned with Enterprise2025 as well as the government’s strategic priorities, policies and plans.

 

For more information visit communityenterprise.ie or follow CEAI on Twitter @CEAIreland and LinkedIn Community Enterprise Association Ireland

 

 

 

 

Cadbury, Coca-Cola and An Post sign up as main sponsors of Christmas FM for 2021

Christmas FM aims to raise over €250,000 for Barnardos to Give the Gift of Childhood this Christmas for over 5,000 children living in poverty

Christmas FM, the popular radio station that is seen by many as the official soundtrack to the festive season, is delighted to announce that Cadbury, Coca-Cola and An Post have signed up for yet another year as Premier FM Sponsors of the radio station.

Christmas FM will be celebrating its 14th year on air this year when it launches on FM in November and since it began broadcasting, has raised over €2.7 million for a range of charities.

This year, Christmas FM will return to the FM airwaves on Sunday 28th November 2021 with the aim of raising over €250,000 for charity partner Barnardos to provide targeted and intensive support for over 5,000 children most in need – providing nutritious food, support with education, and therapeutic services with their trained support teams. Barnardos is a trauma informed organisation working directly with about 18,000 children and their families every year across its 45 projects.

 

As the running of the radio station is funded by sponsorship this ensures that all on-air fundraising and donations will go directly to Barnardos.

Garvan Rigby, co-founder of Christmas FM, said: 

“We’re really delighted to bring Christmas FM back on-air for our 14th year with a big helping hand from our premier FM sponsors – Cadbury, Coca-Cola and An Post. We would also like to thank askpaul.ie who have kindly donated the studio space this year. It’s a significant achievement to have reached this milestone and we want to thank each and every one of our listeners who have supported us and in turn, supported each of our chosen charities.”

“This would not be possible without our brilliant sponsors Cadbury, Coca-Cola and An Post who have come on board again this year as the 2021 Premier FM sponsors and askpaul.ie who have kindly donated the studio space this year. We’re excited to get back on FM and begin our fundraising, so we can help our charity partner Barnardos to Give the Gift of Childhood to over 5,000 children this Christmas. We would like to thank each of our sponsors once more this year for their invaluable support.”

Aisling Wilde, Frontline Activation Country Lead, Coca-Cola Ireland said:

“Christmas is about bringing people together and spending quality time with friends and family. This year, Coca-Cola will be spreading real Christmas magic across the island of Ireland, and we’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with Christmas FM to help us to do just that. We will be announcing our exciting Christmas plans soon, follow #HolidaysAreComing to learn more”.

 

Richard Miley, Marketing Communications Lead of An Post Mails & Parcels says:

“An Post is committed to empowering connections for people of all generations across the world this Christmas, so that they can stay connected and send love at home and abroad. Christmas FM is a vital part of Christmas in Ireland, as we replay old memories and make new ones. We’re delighted to work with the hardworking Christmas FM team again this year and to make life a little brighter for everyone while supporting Barnardos.” 

 

Spokesperson and Cadbury Brand Manager, Maighréad Lynch said:

“We are so excited to be sponsoring Christmas FM and our charity partner Barnardos this year. There is no greater time of year to celebrate the people of Ireland’s generous instinct and raise much needed funds for Barnardos, to help their vital work. Christmas is the season for generosity, and we are delighted to work Christmas FM to help bring people some festive magic and cheer while supporting a worthy cause.’’

Christmas FM will be broadcasting from the offices of askpaul.ie who have kindly donated the studio space this year.  Tune in on Sunday 28th November from 12pm to hear a host of familiar radio voices who will be volunteering their time to bring you round-the-clock Christmas tunes and festive updates, as well as sharing their special Christmas memories and favourite holiday experiences. The station will be broadcasting live on FM, on smart speakers, the Christmas FM app and online at www.christmasfm.com.

 

Find out all the ways to listen at https://christmasfm.com/listenin/

 

You can follow the station on social at

@christmasfm

 

Christmas FM – Bringing You the Magic of Christmas

 

 

 

Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland releases latest Complaints Bulletin

  • 4 advertisements were found to be in breach of the ASAI Code on grounds related to a range of issues including Misleading / Substantiation, Recognisability and Pricing.

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland’s (ASAI) independent Complaints Committee has released its latest Complaints Bulletin, which contains 9 case reports on complaints recently investigated by the organisation.

3 of the 9 advertisements were found to have been in full breach of the ASAI Code. 1 of the 9 advertisements was found to have been partly in breach. The 4 advertisements were found to be in breach of the ASAI Code on grounds related to Misleading / Substantiation, Recognisability and Pricing.

The advertisements complained of related to Radio, Online (Influencer’s social media account), Social Media (Advertiser’s own page), Internet (company own website), Online (3rd party website), and Television. The ASAI Complaints Committee chose not to uphold five consumer complaints.

The Complaints Committee is a completely independent arm of the ASAI and is responsible for considering and adjudicating on complaints submitted by the public, by an organisation, by a Government Department, or any other person or body. The Committee is made up of a range of experts from the advertising, media, education, consumer, and marketing sectors. See further details here – http://www.asai.ie/about-us/complaints-committee

Commenting on the latest ASAI rulings, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the ASAI, stated:

“The latest complaints bulletin from the ASAI illustrates our ability to handle complaints across a variety of platforms, and demonstrates how we ensure that ads in Ireland stick to the advertising rules. The main role of advertising self-regulatory organisations (SROs), such as the ASAI, is to ensure that ads and other marketing communications are legal, truthful, decent, and honest, prepared with a sense of social responsibility to the consumer and society and with proper respect for the principles of fair competition.”

“The ASAI is committed to protecting society in relation to advertising across all mediums. Self-regulatory ad standards provide an additional layer of consumer protection which complements legislative controls and offers an easily accessible means of resolving disputes.”

“The ASAI provides a free and confidential copy advice service to the advertising industry to help them create responsible ads. If an advertiser, agency, or medium has any concerns about a marketing communications’ compliance with the ASAI’s Code, they can contact us and avail of the free and confidential copy advice service.”

Brian O’Gorman, Independent Chairperson of the Complaints Committee of the ASAI, says:

“Over the past few years, the Complaints Committee, comprised of independent and industry members, has dealt with a broad range of complaints. The Complaints Committee has also spent considerable time highlighting awareness, through its adjudications, to advertising best practice within the advertising industry, ensuring all relevant parties are equipped with the knowledge and resources to correctly identify commercial marketing content across their platforms.”

Below is a list of advertisements that have been found to be in breach of the ASAI Code:

Company/OrganisationComplaint CategoryFurther Details
  Tridike Limited (trading as Gifted from Ireland)  Misleading / Substantiation  The complainant considered that the advertising was misleading as it was stating that the products available to buy were Irish made when many of them were not.   Complaint Upheld.   In breach of Sections 4.1 and 4.4 of the Code.   Link: https://www.asai.ie/complaint/retail-8/  
  Pretty Little Thing    Recognisability / Misleading  The complainant considered the influencer to be posting new outfits on her stories and page with discounts and links without declaring whether these were advertisements, whether she was paid, or being in a partnership with the brand. They noted that after some time, these posts were edited to include Paid Partnership or #ad.   Complaint Upheld.   In breach of Sections 3.31, 3.32, 4.1, and 4.4.   Link: https://www.asai.ie/complaint/clothing-footwear-9/
  Vavavoom    Recognisability / Misleading  The complainant considered the influencer to be posting new outfits on her stories and page with discounts and links without declaring whether these were advertisements, whether she was paid, or being in a partnership with the brand. They noted that after some time, these posts were edited to include Paid Partnership or #ad.   Complaint Upheld.   In breach of Sections 3.31, 3.32, 4.1, and 4.4.   Link: https://www.asai.ie/complaint/clothing-footwear-10/  
  Electrifying Ventures LTD  Misleading / Substantiation / Pricing  Issue 1:   The complainant considered that the advertisement was misleading as it had stated that a mains lead was included which the complainant considered was stating that it was included in the purchase price of the charger, however, when they clicked “add to basket” a pop-up box showed a higher price than that advertised.   Issue 2:   The complainant considered that the use of a pre-selected drop-down menu for the mains lead could induce a consumer to spend more than they expected to.   Issue 3:   The complainant noted that the advertisement had stated that ‘Next Day Delivery’ was included, however, at the checkout stage of their purchase, they were presented with three delivery options, an express option that appeared to be on offer, a standard 2–5-day delivery option and a named courier express Europe option, with the cost of the first two options provided, while the courier express Europe option did not include the cost. The complainant noted that when they initially viewed the website to place an order, the delivery option preselected for that order was the express option on offer which was the cheapest option. When they viewed the website some days later, the same option was pre-selected, however, it was no longer the cheapest delivery option. The complainant therefore objected to the use of a pre-selected delivery option that they considered could be a more expensive option to consumers as the price appeared to vary.   Issue 4:   The complainant considered that the advertising was misleading as they did not consider that it was clear that the products being advertised were generic products. The complainant considered that the headline of the advertisement had led them to believe that the charger was a [named brand] branded charger.   Complaint Upheld In Part on Issues 1, 2, and 4.   In breach of Sections 4.1, 4.4, 4.22, and 4.24 of the Code.   Link: https://www.asai.ie/complaint/computers-computer-accessories-2/  

The following advertisements were investigated and the ASAI Complaints Committee found that they did not breach the Code on the grounds raised in the complaints.

  Fitbit  Misleading / Substantiation / Promotions  The complainant considered the marketing description for the product to be misleading as there was no warning that not all mobile phones were compatible with the product.   Complaint Not Upheld.   Link: https://www.asai.ie/complaint/leisure-28/  
  Sherry Fitzgerald Galway  Misleading / Substantiation  The complainant considered estate agents have been using photo stretching software in the advertising of rental properties and now few are actually genuine. They said the software was used exclusively to manipulate the photographs to make rooms appear more spacious to the customer using their site or a third party’s site. They said this amounted to intentional false representation of the product to make it appear better than it actually was.   Complaint Not Upheld.   Link: https://www.asai.ie/complaint/property-accommodation-agencies/
  Ladbrokes  Principles / Gambling  Issue 1:   A complainant considered that the advertisement was both harmful and misleading to viewers as to the likely outcome of gambling on football matches, and in turn, was encouraging further gambling without any consideration of the negative outcomes of gambling.   Issue 2:   A complainant considered that the advertisement promoted the ‘highs’ associated with gambling which they considered could trigger anyone struggling with a gambling problem and was glamorising the thrills of gambling.   Complaints Not Upheld.   Link: https://www.asai.ie/complaint/leisure-gambling-2/  
  Toyota Ireland  Misleading / Substantiation  Issue 1:   The complainant considered that the claim to be “ahead of your time” was misleading as they believed that the advertisers were behind other car manufacturers in electric cars.   Issue 2:   The complainant considered that the claim to have ‘double the patents on battery technology than the next car manufacturer’ was misleading as the advertisers would need to prove that they had twice of patents than a named electric car producer or any other motoring manufacturer.   Complaints Not Upheld.   Link: https://www.asai.ie/complaint/motoring-41/
  Volkswagen  Misleading / Substantiation / Environmental  Issue 1:   The complainant said that the purchase of petrol and diesel cars, even if they were more efficient than older models, could not be considered to be ‘climate action’.   The complainant said that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has stated explicitly that the world must dramatically cut fossil fuel use, including oil, by 2030, if there was to be any hope of keeping global temperature rise to 1.5C. In this context, the complainant considered that encouraging the purchase of fossil fuel cars, which could remain on Irish roads for another 10-15 years could not be considered climate action as it would lock Irish car users into carbon-intensive infrastructure, which would continue to emit emissions for years to come.     Issue 2:   The complainant said that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operated an electric vehicle grant scheme which supported genuine climate action in the form of encouraging the purchase of hybrid cards (i.e., cars that use fossil fuels but also use electricity) or fully electric cars.   The use of the word ‘grant’ in the advertisement, specifically implied that the Volkswagen promotion was a government-backed scheme when this was not the case.   Complaints Not Upheld.   Link: https://www.asai.ie/complaint/motoring-42/  

The ASAI conducts ongoing monitoring of advertising across all media and since 2007, has examined over 27,000 advertisements, with an overall compliance rate of 98 percent. The ASAI Monitoring Service monitors compliance with the Complaints Committee’s adjudications.

Media are reminded that advertisements found to be in breach of the Code cannot be accepted for publication.

www.asai.ie

Follow The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland on LinkedIn and Twitter @THE_ASAI

Almost half (46%) of those renting in Ireland are aged 35-54 despite the stereotype that the younger generation are majority renting group – new Core Living and Housing Report

  • Nearly a third (30%) of mortgage owners do not want to stay in their current property
  • Majority of renters like their area, but just 56% are satisfied with the home they live in

According to the new Living and Housing report from Core, Ireland’s largest marketing communications company, 46% of those surveyed who are renting in Ireland are 35–54-year-olds and 55% are couples with and without children, despite the common assumption that renters are young single adults.

The research shows that the average age of a renter has been increasing, as the lack of housing to purchase keeps a growing generation renting, whether they want to or not. Only 23% of mortgage-holders are aged under 34 years old, while 66% of homeowners are aged over 55 years old.

The report reveals that location trumps living space across all households in Ireland currently with 76% of people satisfied with the area they live in. It is evident from the report there is dissatisfaction with the quality of living spaces in comparison, as nearly a third (30%) of mortgage owners have revealed they don’t want to stay in their current property long term and just 56% of renters are satisfied with their home itself.

The report shows that the Irish public now place a lot more value and importance on community, its amenities and surrounding areas in comparison to pre Covid.

  • 1 in 3 adults feel that the upkeep of public parks, the sense of community and the cleanliness of their town have changed for the better in the last 2 years
  • 64% of renters and 82% of home owners feel safe in their community
  • 65% of renters would recommend their area, less than half (45%) of renters like their home

Speaking about these research findings, Core’s Marketing Director, Finian Murphy said:

“The modern-day profile of renters needs to be recognised as not only young people starting out, but in fact many renters are now young families at that key household formation stage of life. It is important to recognise that the traditional family first home is becoming less of a realisation for many. The opportunity to decorate, customise or invest in a home as a family grows may not be possible when renting. This will have a significant impact on many categories who market their brands to young couples and families starting out.

30% of current mortgage owners told us they would not like to stay in their home for the long-term, which will of course drive up demand for those looking to move from maybe their first home to a large space. This tends to be driven by the current home not “suiting my needs” rather than being unhappy with the community or area they live in. In fact, during COVID-19, there has been a growth in appreciation for local parks, public space and community spirit so of those who plan to move, they possibly only which to go around the corner.”

To learn more about Core, please visit onecore.ie or @core_irl on Twitter.

To register to receive the full report, please visit onecore.ie/intel

Affidea to provide 20,000+ additional MRI scans per year thanks to multi-million-euro investment in two new state of the art MRI machines

  • 12 new roles to be created across clinical and non-clinical positions as part of new investment
  • Strategic move accelerates Affidea’s ambition to become one of the leading healthcare providers on the island of Ireland

Affidea, Ireland’s leading independent provider of diagnostic imaging and outpatient services, has announced that it will be providing up to 20,000 additional MRI scans per year following a multimillion euro investment in two new MRI machines at its Tallaght operation.

The significant investment will also create 12 new positions across clinical and non-clinical roles in Affidea’s Tallaght clinic which operates seven days per week to meet patient needs. Once installed, the Tallaght clinic will boast three MRI machines dedicated exclusively to outpatient imaging. The company already employs more than 300 professionals across Ireland and provides medical services to over 200,000 patients in Ireland annually.

Today’s news confirms Affidea’s continued commitment to invest significantly in its Irish infrastructure to facilitate improved and rapid access to quality patient centric healthcare catering to both the public and private markets.

The two new MRI machines will be operational in the first quarter of 2022 and will add to Affidea’s already significant suite of diagnostics available at its three ExpressCare Clinics in Dublin and Cork as well as it’s ten diagnostic centres and managed hospital services across the country. This offers patients unrivalled access to advanced diagnostic imaging which has previously been an issue in Irish healthcare.

The 10 Affidea diagnostic centres are located in Dublin – Dundrum, Northwood, Meath Primary Care and a new flagship clinic in Tallaght – Waterford, Kilkenny, Naas, Letterkenny, Northern MRI in Belfast and Cork city, with ultrasound services in Mallow Primary Care Centre.

Meanwhile, Affidea’s ExpressCare Clinics treat minor injuries and illnesses that don’t require a hospital visit. Offering fast turnaround times without an appointment, the clinics treat fractures and sprains, lacerations requiring stitches, sports and DIY injuries, minor burns and scalds, eye and ear injuries, insect and animal bites, infections and rashes. Children over the age of one are also treated, eliminating the need for a stressful visit to a hospital A&E department with an injured child.

Affidea Ireland, which was established here in 2007, is part of the European Group, Affidea, which has 308 advanced diagnostic imaging, outpatient and cancer care centres across 16 countries. Focused on providing high quality affordable care, the company, performs over 14 million examinations annually.

Barry DownesCEO of Affidea Ireland, says: “Timely access to appropriate diagnostic imaging is now a fundamental part of modern healthcare delivery. This year, we have seen the tremendous success of the GP Direct Access program where GPs now have access to imaging in a primary care environment.  The impact of this program cannot be underestimated – by granting GPs direct access to imaging, there is an immediate reduction on the requirement for hospital OPD appointments and subsequent requests for imaging in hospitals.

Our own studies have shown this direct access to imaging has resulted in a significant reduction in hospital referrals This is the essence of Slaintecare – delivery of appropriate care in the community relieving pressure on the acute sector and empowering General Practice.”

For more details, check out www.affidea.ie or

follow @AffideaIreland on Twitter and Facebook

Librarians and library book club members nationwide called on to nominate their favourite Irish author in new ‘Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year’ category at the An Post Irish Book Awards

  • New category is designed to acknowledge an Irish author whose work has contributed significantly to the reader experience and enjoyment of Irish books during 2021
  • Bookstation, Ireland’s best value chain of book and stationery shops, also announced as new sponsor of ‘Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year’ category

The ‘Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year’ is today being unveiled as a new category for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2021, the annual highlight of the Irish literary calendar that celebrates and promotes the very best of Irish writing talent.

The ‘Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year’ category is designed to acknowledge an Irish author whose work has contributed significantly to the reader experience and enjoyment of Irish books during 2021. Nominations are uniquely open to librarians and library book club members nationwide to acknowledge their dedication, passion, and commitment to the literary community in Ireland.

To cast their vote, librarians and library book club members will be invited by The Library Association of Ireland to visit: www.anpostirishbookawards.ie and nominate their favourite Irish author. With over 400 libraries, including public libraries, academic libraries, school libraries and special libraries, and almost 200 library book clubs across Ireland, nominations are expected to be in their thousands.

Nominations for the ‘Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year’ will close on Saturday 18 September and a shortlist consisting of six finalists will be revealed on Thursday 21 October. The overall winner will be announced at the An Post Irish Book Awards on Tuesday 23 November 2021.

Each year, the An Post Irish Book Awards bring together a vast community who are passionate about books – readers, authors, booksellers, publishers, and librarians – to recognise the very best of new and established Irish writing talent and 2021 will be no different. The ‘Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year’ will now be added to the wide range of other categories including Novel of the Year, Children’s (Junior and Senior), Cookery, Crime Fiction, Popular Fiction, Nonfiction, Lifestyle, Sports, Short Story, Poetry, Teen and Young Adult and Irish Language. It is the second new category to be added to this year’s awards, alongside the recently announced ‘An Post Bookshop of the Year.”

Cathal McCauley, President of the Library Association of Ireland, said:Libraries and reading have been an important part of Ireland’s response to COVID-19 and reading has never been so important for many people who were subject to various restrictions. Many libraries saw demand grow by more than 300% during the past year. Reading and books allow us to learn, travel, and live wherever we are. In recognition of this, the Library Association of Ireland is delighted to sponsor this new award that acknowledges the enormous contribution Irish authors have made to the reader experience and enjoyment of Irish books during 2021 as nominated by librarians and library book club members.”

The Library Association of Ireland is the professional body representing libraries and librarianship in Ireland. The objectives of the association are to promote and develop high standards of librarianship and of library and information services in Ireland, and to secure greater co-operation between libraries.

Also revealed today, Bookstation, Ireland’s best value chain of book and station shops, is the new sponsor of the ‘Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year’ category which broadly covers a range of non-fiction titles.

Alan Johnston, Marketing Director of Bookstation, says: ‘We are very proud to be sponsoring the Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year award for the next three years. Every year the An Post Irish Book Awards reward and celebrate both exceptional writing and publishing in this country. As an Irish book chain, we are delighted that our passion for bookselling will now be reflected on this national stage as sponsors of a new award for books that enhance the lives of Irish people.’

The shortlist for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2021 will be announced on Thursday 21 October, while the winners will be announced on Tuesday 23 November.A television programme will be broadcast on RTÉ One television on Wednesday 8December and will culminate in one of the 2021 winning titles being announced as the ‘An Post Irish Book of the Year 2021’.

An Post is also continuing with their hugely successful #ReadersWanted campaign, celebrating the value and joy of reading and encouraging everyone to pick up more books, more often. Simply search for the hashtag online to get involved.

www.anpostirishbookawards.ie

Facebook: @AnPostIBAS

Instagram: @anpost_irishbookawards

Twitter: @AnPostIBAS

For a range of reading recommendations, check out www.anpost.com/readerswanted

79% of Irish people tune into live radio everyday compared to 25% who stream music and 5% who listen to podcasts daily – new JNLR ‘Radio and the Irish Audio Market’ report

  • 3.17m listeners tune in to radio for a total of 13.1 million hours each weekday.
  • Almost seven in ten 15–24-year-olds listen to live radio every weekday and 7% listen to podcasts
  • Smart phone ownership has risen from 82% in 2018 to 86% this year making it easier to access audio anytime and anywhere
  • Ownership of voice activated audio devices, such as Alexa, has almost trebled over past three years

The JNLR’s ‘Radio and the Irish Audio Market” report, compiled by Ipsos/MRBI shows radio is in a healthy position in 2021 with 3,171,000 listeners tuning in on a daily basis.  Despite the proliferation of media content, platforms and devices, the research shows that Irish radio has maintained its significant impact on Irish audiences over the years – listeners tune into radio for a total of 13.1 million hours daily – on average each listener is listening for 4 hours and 16 minutes each weekday and for more than three hoursamong the 15-24 year old audience.

Irish listeners  love live radio  with 92% saying they listen weekly, far exceeding the weekly audience figures for on-demand online audio (53%). This on-demand online figure includes podcasting – 17% say they listen to podcasts each week increasing to 30% among the younger 15-24 year old group.

The figures also indicate that rather than supplanting live radio, over time music streaming services are replacing our personal music archives such as downloads, CD’s or vinyl.  Weekly listenership to these archives is down from 38% in 2018 to 22% in 2021 while the proportion  listening to streaming music services, such as Spotify, has risen by a similar level, from 22% to 37% over the same period.

At home is by far the most popular place to listen to audio content, with 75% of Adults 15+  listening in this location daily. 34% of people listen in the car every day, while 9% listen in a work or school/college environment and 8% while out walking/running or cycling.  In terms of devices used, to listen to audio, 72% use a radio or music player on a typical day. 

Widespread ownership of smart phones, now at 86% amongst the Irish public, facilitates access to audio anytime and anywhere, while ownership of voice activated technology devices such as Alexa or Google Home has almost trebled since 2018, growing from 11% to 30%. Ownership of these voice activated devices is significantly higher among younger age groups (48% among 15–24-year-olds.)

Other key statistics from the report:

  • 92% listen to live radio on a weekly basis.
  • 36% of people listen to music weekly via YouTube
  • Live radio has an estimated share of 78.8% of time spent listening to all audio on a daily basis and 53.2% share among 15-24 year olds.
  • Among this younger 15-24 year old audience, music streaming (Spotify, Apple Music etc..) has a time spent share of 25.2% and You Tube music has 14.2% share

The next detailed JNLR listenership report will be published at the beginning of December 2021.

Scott Williams, Chair of the JNLR Committee, said:

“Irish people love radio, as the JNLR data consistently shows. 92% of Irish adults listen to radio each week. Access to audio has never been easier with growing consumption on digital devices. The Irish audio market is dynamic and sophisticated and Irish radio remains the most significant audio provider in the country notwithstanding the rise in popularity of streaming and podcasting.”

The JNLR Committee members are:

  • Scott Williams, Wireless (Chairman)
  • Barry Dooley, AAI
  • Andrew Robinson, BAI
  • Helen O’Rourke, IAPI
  • Katie Boylan, IRS+
  • Gavin Deans, Media Central
  • Diarmuid O Leary, Red FM
  • Gareth Ivory, RTE
  • Dan Healy, RTE
  • Chris Doyle, Bauer Media
  • Brian McCarthy, Urban Media