Webdoctor.ie reveals a 50% increase in demand for GP video consultation service in 2022

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As the demand for telehealth services continues to rise, Webdoctor.ie announce their most requested treatments of 2022 included the Contraceptive Pill and Patch, Hair Loss and Erectile Dysfunction

 

  • The Contraceptive Pill and Patch was the most requested treatment in Webdoctor.ie last year, accounting for over 30% of treatments
  • New ‘Period Delay’ treatment grew exponentially by over 200% in 2022
  • 80% of males seeking treatment for Erectile Dysfunction were aged 35+
  • 90% of patients using weight management services were women, with 70% between the ages of 25-34

 

Webdoctor.ie Ireland’s award-winning online GP service, announced the demand for their video consultation service doubled in 2022 after a particularly strong last quarter with a total revenue increase of over 40% year-on-year.

 

The Contraceptive Pill and Patch, Hair Loss and Erectile Dysfunction were the most requested treatments of 2022 by Webdoctor.ie patients, while the organisation’s new treatment for Period Delay was also in high demand, achieving a growth increase of over 200%.

 

The Irish owned health technology platform also revealed that the most requested treatments for female patients in 2022 were for the Contraceptive Pill and Patch, Period Delay and Cystitis (also known as a Urinary Tract Infection) while the most requested treatments for male patients were for Hair Loss, Erectile Dysfunction and interestingly, Asthma.

 

The most common treatments for female Webdoctor.ie patients last year include:

 

Contraceptive Pill and Patch

Of those who had a contraceptive pill or patch related consultation, 79% were aged 18-35, with the majority being Dublin based. There was an 18% increase in the percentage of women between the ages of 35-44 availing of this treatment in 2022 in comparison to 2021.

 

Period Delay

Period Delay, a new treatment provided by Webdoctor.ie, saw a 200%+ increase in usage throughout 2022. 69% of those being prescribed the treatment are Leinster based, with a majority (74%) between the ages of 25-44.

 

Cystitis (Urinary Tract Infection)

2022 saw a rise in patients seeking treatment for Cystitis. This treatment was in demand by females of all ages:

  • 22% of those availing of treatment aged 18-24
  • 43% were aged 25-34
  • 21% were aged 35-44
  • 14% were aged 45+

 

Weight Management

The majority (90%) of those who sought advice and treatment from Webdoctor.ie’s weight management clinic were female. Webdoctor.ie has recently added this service which is only suitable for patients that are diagnosed as medically obese. This treatment was availed of by patients across the country, with 38% based in Dublin, almost one third (32%) based across the rest of Leinster and 18% being Munster based.

 

The most common treatments for male Webdoctor.ie patients last year include:

 

Hair Loss

Treatment for Hair Loss was availed of by male Webdoctor.ie patients only, with almost a quarter (72%) of those aged between 25-44. Since 2020, hair loss treatment has accounted for over 10% of Webdoctor.ie’s revenue, making it the third most popular service provided by the telehealth provider.

 

Erectile Dysfunction

Similarly to 2021, the statistics revealed that treatment for Erectile Dysfunction remains as one of the top treatments for male Webdoctor.ie patients in 2022, with half of those aged 45 and over and a further 30% aged between 45-54. These statistics show that despite any apparent stigma or embarrassment associated with sexual health concerns, patients are comfortable using an online GP for a consultation about Erectile Dysfunction.

 

Asthma

Asthma related consultations were common across all age demographics, however, those aged 25-44 account for 69% of these.

 

Commenting on these findings, David Crimmins, CEO of Webdoctor.ie says:

“It’s clear from the increase in demand for our video consultation services at Webdoctor.ie last year that the future of telehealth is strong and the need for our services looks like it will continue to grow – particularly as a support to brick and mortar clinics as online healthcare providers can really help ease the pressure on in person GPs during busy periods.

The statistics also show that patients are comfortable using online GP services now for all kinds of health and medical issues, which is great to see. We always want to ensure we’re meeting the needs of our patients which is why we’ve introduced a range of new services over the last year such as our Weight Management Clinic and new treatment for Period Delay, with more launching in the coming months”.

 

Webdoctor.ie, part of Medihive, is an Irish-based health technology platform founded by healthcare and IT professionals who have conducted over 250,000 consultations since the business was founded in 2014. The organisation helps Irish consumers who want to access medical assistance at a time that suits them by providing a user-friendly digital service that saves time & money, unlike traditional bricks ‘n’ mortar doctors who are often inaccessible and costly. With 40+ Irish Medical Council registered doctors on its team, patients can avail of same or next-day appointments on Webdoctor.ie. The company recently received an official CE mark, making them one of the only certified telehealth providers in Ireland able to market their products and services in the EU. The company was also featured in the most recent Deloitte Fast 50 Technology Awards.

 

For more information or to avail of their service – visit www.webdoctor.ie – or follow Webdoctor.ie on Instagram @webdoctor.ie , LinkedIn WebDoctor.ie , or Twitter @WebDoctor.i.e.

 

Artificial Intelligence tools to be implemented by Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland to proactively identify social media posts by influencers and breaches of the advertising code

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Move announced as new research by ASAI shows inauthenticity, photoshopping and too many paid ads are most ‘annoying’ influencer traits

 

  • Only one in 10 people have trust in what influencers post on social media

 

  • Over half of Irish consumers (56%) trust brand advertisements more than social posts by influencers

 

  • 67% consider edited images the most ‘annoying’ feature, while over 60% are ‘annoyed’ by the inauthenticity of influencers

 

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) that evaluates activity by social media influencers and assesses if they are disclosing content correctly or not is to be implemented by the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI), the independent, self-regulatory body committed to promoting the highest standards of marketing communications in Ireland.

 

The announcement comes as the organisation unveils new research that reveals that a lack of authenticity, edited photos, too many paid ads and influencers misrepresenting real life are the top traits that cause annoyance amongst Irish consumers.

 

The survey was conducted as part of the ASAI’s ongoing commitment to understand consumer issues and concerns regarding influencer marketing, so the organisation can continue to proactively provide guidance in this area and increase the monitoring of those who consistently breach the advertising code. The survey results are based on the views of 1,000 participants across a broad demographic, interviewed online and representative of the adult population.

 

Nearly 7 in 10 (67%) are familiar with the practice of influencer marketing, with awareness being highest (75%) amongst those age 35 and under. A majority (71%) believe that when an influencer posts an ad, they are being paid by the brand to post positive content, which is slightly down from 80% in 2021.

 

While the research found that 84% of consumers use social media apps frequently and almost 40% of those use it for tips or inspiration, consumer confidence in what they’re seeing online is still extremely low, with just one in 10 consumers having trust in influencers’ posts, while over 62% believe that influencers post too much sponsored content. Echoing similar results to the recent Social Media Influencer Report released by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in December, this research reveals that there is a severe lack of trust between influencers and consumers.

 

Some of the top traits people find most ‘annoying’ from influencers according to the ASAI research include edited photos (67%) and influencers who do not come across as authentic (63%). Almost 60% of Irish consumers (56%) trust brand advertisements more than social posts by influencers. As was the case in 2021 according to the ASAI’s first Influencer Marketing Survey, over half (51%) of people in Ireland say they are concerned by the lack of transparency in influencer marketing.

 

The research also provides insight into people’s understanding of the use of hashtags and labelling in online advertising. Over half of consumers (55%) were able to reference various hashtags or phrases used to identify influencer advertising content – down 11% since last year. Among the most frequently recognised were #sponsored (61%), #ad (55%) and #paidpartnership (46%). However, 59% of people confirmed they didn’t recognise #sp and 54% didn’t recognise the hashtag #iworkwith. 71% of people were aware that when an influencer posts an affiliate link that they are being paid by the brand being linked.

 

While the majority of people might find these results surprising, the ASAI has found that some of the statistics in fact correspond with what the organisation has discovered already as part of their ongoing work in the area of Influencer Marketing. For example, the ASAI has strict guidelines around the disclosure of influencer content, having introduced revised guidance on the ‘Recognisability of Marketing Communications’ in 2021. This guidance note covered commercial content created on behalf of brands as well as commercial content created by influencers for their own products and services. However, the results of this research indicate that there is a need for additional guidance for both consumers and influencers, particularly around labelling, correct ways to disclose and to re-enforce the importance of influencers adhering to the Advertising Code.

 

The ASAI are working with the CCPC on updated guidance to ensure there is increased clarity in relation to responsibilities and requirements from influencers when advertising on social media.

 

Commenting on the research, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the ASAI, said:

“As we can see from this research over half those surveyed remain bothered by both the lack of transparency in influencer marketing and not being able to distinguish content from advertising, which echoes similar results to the Social Media Influencer Report released by the CCPC last December.  Both the ASAI research and the CCPC report show that there is a need for more transparency from influencers with regard to labelling their sponsored content clearly and correctly, as well as more guidance and education for both consumers and influencers alike in this space. To help with this we are planning to continue implementing the use of AI tools and working with the CCPC to develop further guidance.”

 

Kevin O’Brien, Member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said:

 

“The CCPC welcomes the ASAI’s on-going work on consumers’ understanding of how influencers and brands operate on social media platforms. Similar to our own research, published late last year, the ASAI’s research reinforces that platforms and brands must take greater responsibility for educating and informing their users and consumers, and must support influencers  in clearly and consistently labelling paid content so that consumers are not misled. We look forward to working with the ASAI in developing guidance which will assist influencers, brands and consumers in this regard.”

 

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland is committed, in the public interest, to promoting the highest standards of marketing communications that is advertising, promotional marketing, and direct marketing. The objective is to ensure that all commercial marketing communications are ‘legal, decent, honest and truthful’.

Media are required to abide by the Code and not to publish an advertisement or conduct a promotion which contravenes Code rules. The Code covers commercial marketing communications and sales promotions in all media in Ireland including digital (online banners, websites, and social platforms), print, outdoor, radio, TV, leaflets/brochures, and direct marketing

 

Methodology:

The research was carried out by Amárach Research. Fieldwork took place from 16th – 24th November 2022 with a sample of 1,000 participants.

 

Further information on advertising self-regulation, the ASAI, and the operation

of the system is available at www.asai.ie

 

Follow the ASAI on Twitter @THE_ASAI

Civic Theatre introduces ‘PL-AI’, the experimental stage-show where an artificial intelligence-generated script for an original play is instantly created from audience prompts, and staged ‘impromptu’ by Actors

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  • Audience chooses the plays’ genre, theme, setting, characters and plot points, which are fed into a generative language AI model to create a script that is then performed live by the cast of seasoned actors

 

  • Ground-breaking work takes place at Tallaght’s Civic Theatre on Thursday 9th March

 

‘PL-AI’, a ground-breaking experiment in storytelling at the intersection of Theatre and Artificial Intelligence, will take to the stage on Thursday March 9th at the Civic Theatre, Tallaght.

 

‘PL-AI’ puts the audience in control of a Play’s narrative. Created by Irish playwright Niall Austin, this innovative immersive experience allows the audience to suggest the plays’ genre and key plot points through a moderator. These prompts are then fed into ChatGPT, an Artificial Intelligence system, which instantly generates a script that will appear on screens throughout the theatre. Talented actors will then use their skills and instincts to bring the audiences’ creation to life, performing the script on stage. The show, in turn, offers the audience a deeper understanding of the traditional process of play development and story-telling.

 

This captivating experience has never before been seen in Ireland, and enables theatre lovers to control the development of their own play, in turn, giving the audience an insight into the process of play writing and the future of artificial intelligence in theatre.

 

At the heart of AI-generated theatre scripts is a technology called natural language processing (NLP), which allows computers to understand and generate human language. By training deep neural networks on vast amounts of text data, researchers can create AI systems that can produce coherent and meaningful text. In the case of theatre scripts, AI models are trained on large corpora of existing plays, allowing them to learn the patterns and structures of dramatic writing.

 

Artificial intelligence can create original and compelling plays that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling, while throwing down the gauntlet on whether we humans can overcome our fear or suspicion of AI to create art together.

 

Niall Austin, the show’s creator, says

“PL-AI is an opportunity for the audience to immerse themselves in the creative process of theatre. By putting the audience in control of the play development, we’re allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of how story-arcs are formed and how a play evolves over time. With the help of AI we can create a performance that’s both unique and educational. By allowing the audience to take control of the creative process, we’re hoping to create a truly immersive and unpredictable theatre experience that will also offer a deeper understanding of the traditional process of play development.

 

The use of AI to write theatre scripts offers exciting possibilities for the future of storytelling and creativity. AI-generated scripts could be used to explore new genres and forms of theatre, such as interactive plays that respond to audience feedback in real-time or immersive performances that blend virtual and physical spaces. AI-generated scripts also have the power to create more diverse and inclusive stories by incorporating perspectives and voices that are traditionally underrepresented in theatre. We’re excited to see how audiences will react to PL-AI and the overall experience of immersive theatre.

 

Donal Shiels, Artistic Director at the Civic, says:

This is a unique hybrid of research and performance, lifting the veil on the creation and performance of theatre, exposed both the limitations and the potential of a machine’s imagination, while throwing down the gauntlet on whether we humans can overcome our fear or suspicion of AI to create art together.

 

PL-AI takes place in The Civic Theatre Tallaght on Thursday 9th March, tickets are available for free on a strictly limited basis here  https://www.civictheatre.ie/whats-on/pl-ai/

63% of people in Ireland say they are content with life or thriving – Core Health 2023

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  • Over half (56%) are moderating their alcohol consumption this year

 

  • 74% say talking to friends is the top tool for managing their well-being

 

  • 71% plan to consider the environmental impact when buying food

 

With almost three in four people feeling healthy this year and 63% of people content with life currently, it’s clear that the intention to maintain healthy habits has prevailed since last year, according to the latest Health Report from Core Research, part of Ireland’s largest marketing communications agency.

The research looked at three key components of the nation’s health including physical health, diet and nutrition and mental health and well-being to assess the importance of a wholistic and balanced approach to managing our health. Some of the key results across these areas according to the report include:

 

Physical Health

Over half (53%) of those surveyed are exercising regularly while monitoring their diet. Since the first Core Health Report in 2016 there has been a 25% increase in people who exercise regularly, but don’t monitor their diet. This can be considered a positive cultural change as people turn to focusing more on their mental well-being and enjoying food, and less on calorie-counting.

 

The most popular form of fitness in 2023 is walking, with 90% saying they have done so for fitness. While in previous reports, running has been in the top three types of exercise, there has been a 29% decline in the number of women saying they run to keep fit. The drop in this solo activity, which is also reflected in cycling, can indicate to the lack of safety some women feel when exercising outdoors.

 

Diet and Nutrition

According to the report, one third (33%) of people are planning to reduce their meat consumption this year for a combination of ethical, environmental and personal health reasons. 48% of people say they are already conscious of buying products with excessive packaging, with a further 23% saying they will be more aware in 2023. Of those reducing their meat intake, 18–24-year-olds and 45-54-year-olds are the most likely, with over one third (36%) of these cohorts already doing so and a further 14% intending to try this year.

 

56% of people are planning to cut down on their alcohol intake this year. Those aged 55 years and over are among the most likely to moderate their alcohol consumption (63%), while 40% of those aged 18-24 are also conscious their alcohol usage. Considering this age group are at risk of binge-drinking, this is a positive result.

 

Mental Health and Well Being

As a nation, the majority (84%) are mindful and aware of their mental health and consider it a key component of their overall well-being. While almost two thirds (63%) say they are content with life or thriving, stress continues to play a big part in our everyday lives with 29% saying they feel stressed this year.

Among the top key tools for managing well-being are:

  • Talking to friends (74%)
  • Getting outdoors (70%)
  • Eating well (66%)
  • Good sleep (57%)

The research revealed that there is a connection between the ability to express emotions and having more focus on personal well-being. Those aged between 18-34 tend to struggle the most when it comes to expressing emotions, and therefore rank the lowest in mental well-being. Unsurprisingly, this cohort also have the highest average screen times of 8 hours 43 minutes.

 

Commenting on these findings, Finian Murphy, Marketing Director, Core says:

“It’s evident from the Core Health Report 2023 that people across Ireland continue to maintain a proactive attitude towards their health both physically, mentally and emotionally in 2023. While people are still experiencing levels of stress, we are learning to manage this better by acknowledging our emotions and engaging in key personal well-being tools to manage this.

 

The intent to make positive and conscious choices when it comes to food and alcohol consumption is present, as well as awareness regarding the environmental impact of certain consumer habits. It’s encouraging to see people across Ireland continuing to prioritise their personal health in 2023 by embracing a wholistic approach.”

 

To read the full report, visit: https://www.onecore.ie/intel/health-23

 

Coface and Bibby Financial Services unveil a new collaboration offering Irish SMEs access to secure funding solutions while also safeguarding them from potential bad debts and lost revenue

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Bibby Financial Services, a leading provider of financial support and funding solutions to Irish SMEs, and Coface, a global leader in trade credit insurance, have joined forces in a new collaboration to help SMEs in Ireland access securely structured funding solutions while also ensuring they are protected against potential lost revenue.

 

The aim of the alliance is to highlight the benefits of secure funding solutions which can support the cashflow needs of a business, while also ensuring the necessary credit insurance policy is in place to protect a business from bad debts.

 

The collaboration will involve Bibby Financial Services, which is part of an international network that operates in more than 40 locations across Europe and Asia, offering their Invoice Finance product suite to customers to facilitate cashflow and investment activities. Invoice Finance offers businesses access to cashflow outstanding from their unpaid invoices, helping them to access income they have already earned but not yet received. As a result, businesses can use their own funds to improve day to day or seasonal cashflow fluctuations or finance bigger growth plans.

 

In tandem, Coface, which works with 100,000 clients in 100 countries, will provide the necessary credit insurance policy to protect your business from unpaid debts, late payments, political risk, pre-shipment risks and other losses arising from non-payment for goods or services.

 

Coface utilises its business intelligence database to offer policyholders reliable information on their commercial partners and protects them against non-payment risks. Coface provides valuable credit assessments and business information on over 100 million companies worldwide. With instant commercial scores, real-time analysis, and supply chain alerts, an SME can assess the financial health of customers and focus on the most profitable, minimise risk, protect supply chains and identify new opportunities. Coface also provides a helpful early warning system about changes in the risk status of customers so you can avoid foreseeable losses. Credit insurance is suitable for any company that provides credit to another company, locally or internationally.

 

Welcoming the announcement, Mark O’Rourke, Managing Director, Bibby Financial Services, said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with Coface for this ground breaking service as we understand the importance of working with key partners that understand and support our ability to make financing as accessible, flexible and affordable as possible. As we face into a year of uncertainty due to a range of macro-economic and geo-political factors, this new collaboration between Bibby Financial Services Ireland and Coface will offer SME’s as well as their financial advisors and investors peace of mind that should the worst happen – whether through a customer’s insolvency or protracted default – their bottom line is protected, their cashflow is maintained and their future is safeguarded, whether they trade domestically or internationally.”

 

Speaking about the announcement, Kevin Behan, Head of Commercial with Coface Ireland, said: “We’re excited about this collaboration with Bibby Financial Services because we feel it provides businesses in Ireland with everything they need to gain access to funding for growth and protection against cash flow issues. Our economists are predicting growth to slow down in 2023 due to the rising prices experienced last year. For businesses looking to grow or having issues with receivables, invoice finance offers an excellent source of funding. But coupled with credit insurance, you are not only protected against non-payment, you can also access better rates of funding and in some cases credit insurance is a requirement already.”

 

19 food facilities and businesses across Ireland awarded prestigious ‘Food Safety Assurance Accreditation’ highlighting their commitment to excellence in food safety culture

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  • Accreditation scheme, run by Food Safety Professionals Association, demonstrates to the wider public and authorities that excellent standards are in place giving rise to confidence in safeguarding public health

 

  • 19 recipients of the voluntary independent audited certification scheme are drawn from broad spectrum of food businesses and facilities across  Healthcare, Catering service provision, Food Manufacturers & Wholesalers, Childcare and Education

 

19 food facilities and businesses in Ireland across many sectors have been awarded the prestigious Food Safety Assurance Accreditation, meaning that the premises has undergone rigorous independent auditing against Irish Food Safety Standards, underpinned by legislation, and achieved excellence in hygiene.

 

The scheme is managed by the Food Safety Professionals Association, an organisation working to maintain and improve standards of food safety advice, training and education opportunities in the Irish food industry.

 

The 19 facilities who have achieved the Food Safety Assurance Accreditation can now proudly display their accreditation to the public and their customers, letting them know they can have full confidence in their food safety and hygiene protocols.

 

Accreditation certificates will be officially awarded to the following 19 recipients at a ceremony in Airfield Estate in Dundrum, Dublin on 22 February 2023* (More details on each recipient are contained in Editors Notes below):

 

 

  • Carambola Kidz, Limerick
  • Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street – Catering & Household Department, Dublin
  • Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street – Special Feeds Unit, Dublin
  • Clontarf Hospital (The Incorporated Orthopaedic Hospital of Ireland) – Catering Department, Dublin
  • Galanta Foods Ltd., Dublin
  • Kelly Bros Meats Ltd, Clondalkin, Dublin
  • Mora Foods Ltd and The Innovative Dough Company by Mora Foods Ltd, Dublin (2 companies)
  • MTU Cork – Department of Tourism and Hospitality, Co. Cork
  • National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin
  • National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin
  • O’Donnell’s Bakery, Lahey, Co. Donegal
  • Rotunda Hospital, Dublin
  • South Tipperary Health Service Catering Department, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
  • St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown and Raheny, Dublin (2 sites)
  • St James Hospital, Dublin
  • The Q Café at St Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin and St Edmundsbury’s in Lucan (2 sites)

 

Lorraine Oman, Chair of the Food Safety Professionals Association, says:

 

“Ireland is renowned globally for top quality food products, and ensuring that food safety and hygiene standards are of the highest calibre across all sectors is at the very heart of what our organisation does. Our Food Safety Assurance Accreditation scheme, which is voluntary for businesses, is an extremely important initiative as it demonstrates that a business is working consistently to adhere to the highest possible statutory and regulatory standards.

 

Through team work and commitment, the 2023 recipients have worked diligently to ensure they met the requirements necessary to achieve this accreditation. They deserve huge congratulations for achieving this accolade. With more and more customers and suppliers now seeking assurance that a food business is accredited when it comes to food safety and hygiene, we are encouraging all businesses in the food sector to engage in this initiative.”

 

In addition to the Food Safety Assurance Accreditation scheme, the Food Safety Professionals Association also hosts a range of educational training courses for those working in industry. The organisation operates a QQI registered training centre offering a range of food safety and hygiene programmes that meet Food Safety Authority of Ireland requirements and lead to QQI awards at levels four to six on the National Framework of Qualifications for designing and implementing food safety management systems and conducting food standards audits.

 

The organisation offers a forum and network opportunities for food safety and hygiene professionals working across the country.

 

Established in 2007, the Food Safety Professionals Association is a quality assured organisation and holds ‘ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System’, an accreditation internationally recognised as the world’s leading quality management standard.

 

For more details about the Food Safety Professionals Association, visit www.fspa.ie

Twitter: @fspaie

LinkedIn: @Food Safety Professionals Association Ireland (FSPA)

Facebook: @FSPA The Food Safety Professionals Association

 

80% of Irish businesses – equivalent of 216,000 companies – have NO back-up system in place in case of connectivity system failure – new research from Magnet+

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Research is revealed as Magnet+ unveils new service ‘Magnet Duo’, Ireland’s first fully guaranteed internet connection, providing customers with two lines to ensure high speed broadband connectivity at all times

 

  • Lack of back-up systems leaves thousands of Irish businesses wide open to substantial losses from a business continuity, revenue and reputational perspective

 

  • Magnet+ calls for a new minimum industry standard that requires telcos to provide two lines of broadband to guarantee 24/7 connectivity

 

80% of businesses around Ireland are failing to acknowledge the criticality of connectivity by not having an appropriate back-up system in place according to new research released today by Magnet+, Ireland’s largest independent connectivity network.

 

With 270,000 SMES in Ireland currently, (269,708 according to the latest figures from Statista) , the research, which was conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes (B&A) on behalf of Magnet+, indicates that approx. 216,000 businesses are leaving their systems vulnerable to significant loss in the case of a connectivity malfunction or system failure. In response to these startling results, Magnet+ has developed a new service, Magnet Duo, the first of its kind in Ireland guaranteeing internet connection at all times.

 

Magnet Duo provides customers with two individual active links – instead of one, which is the current standard – powered by Fortinet technology to ensure a secure, seamless and optimised user experience. Each link operates independently which means if one link is interrupted for whatever reason, traffic automatically switches to the other until the first is operating again. Each link is also connected to a different data centre meaning again, if one connection is interrupted, traffic is automatically routed via the other centre. The use of this Fortinet technology is a key element of the Magnet Duo service and its ability to fully guarantee your server won’t ever lose broadband connection which is a guarantee no other provider in Ireland currently offers.

 

To further demonstrate the meaning of these results and the risk Irish businesses are taking by not engaging in the proper connectivity back-up, Magnet+ has calculated that an average business in the IT sector could lose up to €20,000 per working day due to connectivity failure and having no back-up in place. Recent CSO figures show that the IT sector has an average hourly labour cost of €48.39 meaning an IT related business with a team of 50 could lose productivity worth €2,419.50 per hour – working out at almost €20,000 per average working day (€18,146.25). Similarly, businesses outside of the IT sector with a team of 50 could also be impacted financially if they are without the appropriate connectivity back-up according to these CSO figures, for example:

 

  • Financial, Insurance and Real Estate – potential loss of €17,145 per day
  • Arts, Entertainment and Recreation – potential loss of almost €8,550 per day
  • Accommodation and Food Services – potential loss at almost €5,520 per day

 

These figures don’t include the revenue loss for a transactional online operation, as well as the knock-on impact of reputational damage.

 

John Delves, Managing Director of Magnet+, is calling for the immediate implementation of a new industry standard that requires all telecommunications companies to provide two lines of broadband at all times to guarantee 24/7 connectivity:

 

“If you don’t have connectivity, you can’t operate as a business – it’s as simple as that. That’s why I’m totally shocked by the figure that 80% of businesses don’t have a back-up system in place. Every day we’re seeing the real-life impact that connectivity failure has on businesses and it’s these failures and the alarming results of our research that led us to develop our new service Magnet Duo, Ireland’s first fully guaranteed internet connection. This means whatever happens – burst pipes, freak weather or broken cables – two lines will keep you connected and working. Guaranteed. It’s a direct, dedicated line to the internet – think of it like a private jet, exclusively owned by your business. So, if your power supply stays on, we guarantee your Magnet Duo connection will too – and you’ll keep working and trading smoothly and seamlessly.

 

At this stage, you would assume that businesses understand the criticality of connectivity to their business but the figures from our research show that they really don’t. I’d urge every business to do a trial – cut off their connectivity for just five minutes and assess the chaos that unfolds. That should be enough to encourage any business to review their connectivity options and ensure they are protected in the event of an outage

 

Paul Donegan, Country Manager with Fortinet said:

 

“Fortinet are delighted to work with Magnet+ on delivery of their intelligent networking and connectivity service Magnet Duo to Irish customers. With connectivity and technology being the key focus point of the engagement Magnet+ have designed a solution powered by Fortinet technology that provides two links routed to individual data centres connecting to the internet at all times in the most reliable way to guarantee 24/7 internet connection. By leveraging the FortiGate platform they can offer their customers a guaranteed connection alongside the assurance that customers can avail of world leading firewall features and other capabilities including IPS, application control, anti-virus, antimalware and web filtering all in a single consolidated platform.”

 

The research from Magnet+ also revealed the most common issues businesses have with their telecommunications provider as well as the key services that businesses are most interested in receiving. The biggest problem for the majority of businesses (35%) is being left on hold when trying to contact them, while one in five (23%) report the biggest issue with their telecommunications provider is not being able to physically get through to them.

 

Subsequently, the top two services businesses require from their provider include wanting their calls to always be answered by a person in real life (74%) as opposed to a bot and to always be able to get through via the phone (70%) when contacting their provider. The reoccurring theme from these results relays the message that no matter how far technology advances in the telecommunications sector, the human element is still the top priority for customers.

 

Other common issues evident from the research include:

 

  • Broadband being unstable or down is the biggest issue for 30% of businesses
  • Having to get the same problem resolved multiple times is the main issue for almost one third of Irish businesses (27%)
  • Not knowing when a problem will be resolved (27%) or who is in charge of the problem (25%) are main issues for a significant number of Irish businesses
  • Almost 20% of Irish businesses say not being updated on the current status of an issue via phone is the biggest problem they have with their provider

 

Other services businesses are interested in from their connectivity provider include:

 

  • Over half of businesses (56%) place significant importance on being able to have a live chat (i.e., instant messaging) with their provider
  • Almost 40% of businesses value being able to track the status of current issues live
  • Over one quarter (26%) would like a dedicated portal to review their account

 

Surprisingly, just 17% of businesses are interested in the ability to have a video chat with provider.

 

Commenting on these results, John Delves said:

 

“At Magnet+, we commit to putting a human touch on every aspect of our business and our customers journey, with a key focus on ‘People Powered Connectivity’. This means guaranteeing that when a customer contacts the company, they will be speaking to a real person and not a ‘bot’. The results from our research highlight the importance of the human element when it comes to customer service which is crucial to know as we manoeuvre through an increasingly more digitised world of work.”

The research is unveiled as part of an ambitious growth plan for Magnet+ to expand, transform and improve its offering to customers. With customers at the core of everything Magnet+ does, no other provider in Ireland is more capable, qualified or trusted to operate and protect any business connectivity network in the country.

 

Methodology:

The research was carried out by Behaviour and Attitudes (B&A). Fieldwork was conducted in Q4 2022 with a sample of 400 participants.

 

For more information and regular updates, check out www.magnetplus.ie  or follow us on Twitter @MagnetPlus

23 licensed premises sold in Dublin during 2022 with transactions valued at €51.5m as publicans re-emerge as main purchasers – new report from Lisney

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  • 2022 Dublin Licenced Premises Property market characterised by return to more ‘normalised trading’

 

  • Publican purchasers re-emerged as the forerunners of the 2022 market as private equity purchasers reduced from 37% of volume in 2021 to 4% of volume in 2022

 

  • 11 Dublin licensed premises remained for sale at the end of 2022, with more to launch in Q1 2023

 

  • Off-market sales accounted for over 70% of market value

 

€51.5 million was spent on 23 transactions in the Dublin licenced premises market in 2022 with publicans re-emerging as the main purchaser’s, according to a new report today from Lisney (incorporating Morrissey’s), Ireland’s largest independently-owned multi-disciplinary property advisory company.

 

Transactional activity witnessed throughout the year was more in line with the 10-year average following the exceptional peak witnessed in 2021 (30 transactions with a combined value of €124m) off the back of the emergence of private equity acquisitions. Acquisitions returned to being driven by the traditional base of publican purchasers, reflecting their confidence in the outlook for the trade.

 

The rise in gas and oil prices exasperated energy costs while the market continued to suffer from labour shortages that were rooted in the large volume of non-domestic staff returning home in recent years and since failing to return.

 

Overall, the 2022 Dublin Licensed Premises Property market was characterised by a return to more normalised trading witnessing a consistent operator-led appetite to acquire.

 

The full report can be read here: https://lisney.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Lisney-Morrisseys-Licensed-Premises-Review-2022-and-Outlook-2023.pdf

 

DEMAND

The most significant change in the 2022 Dublin market was the reduction in activity of Private Equity (PE) purchasers. Having been extremely active in 2021 and accounting for 37% of volume and 73% of value, PE only factored in one Dublin transaction in 2022.

 

Notably, Publican purchasers re-emerged as the forerunners of the 2022 market accounting for 48% of volume and 37% of value. This compares to 37% of volume and 15% of value in 2021 and is illustrative of increased operator confidence in the sector.

 

The Investor category also had a significant uplift with percentage of volume increasing from 10% to 39% and percentage of value rising from 5% to 36% in 2022.

 

Demand for good city premises remained strong and was illustrated through the recent sales of O’Donoghue’s Suffolk Street, Nancy Hand’s Parkgate Street and The Flowing Tide Middle Abbey Street, all acquired by established publican purchasers.

 

ACTIVITY

Activity in the Dublin market remained stable with 23 transactions recorded equating to 3% of the total market realising a combined value of excess €51.48m.

 

When compared to 2021, activity was down, however, it is important to note that 2021 was an exceptionally strong year which witnessed 30 transactions returning a combined value of excess €124m. Also notable within 2021 was the relatively high proportion of high value sales including premises such as The Brazen Head in Dublin 8, The TP Smith Group and The Camden on Camden Street which accommodated for a large percentage of both volume and value.

 

Off-market activity has increased steadily in recent years accounting for 57% of total sales completed in 2022, a notable increase from 37% in 2021. In terms of market value, off-market sales accounted for 40% of total market value in 2021 rising to 71% in 2022.

 

Overall, the licensed premises industry has remained resilient and 2022 witnessed the reopening of a number of pubs post refurbishment and rebranding that had previously remained closed. Moving into 2023, the initial months are expected to remain consistent in terms of assets being made available for sale.

 

BUSINESS CHALLENGES

According to Lisney, challenges of 2022 in the licences premises sector included staffing, rising utility costs and the reversal of the temporary VAT reduction. The disruption of the previous two years has significantly reduced availability of staff to bars and restaurants. Staff shortages have had an inflationary impact on labour costs, which is expected to continue in the short term.

 

The temporary reduction of VAT from 13.5% to 9% on electricity and gas from the 1st May 2022 to the 31st January 2023 has been a welcome measure, however, many businesses remain concerned in respect of the long-term impact of these rising charges on profitability and viability.

 

LICENCE VALUES

Licence values remained stable throughout 2022. Values realised at the close of 2021 had risen from a low of €42,500 in Q1 to €55,000 by year end. Pricing remained relatively flat at an average of €55,000 per licence for the first three quarters of 2022 rising to €60,000 by year end.

 

Demand remained stable throughout the year with purchasing appetite principally driven by the off-licence sector of the market, which has continued to remain the dominant stimulus of activity.

 

Lisney predicts that future supply of licences is most likely to emerge from premises located within lesser populated locations where the business would attract limited appeal due to the model being non-viable with little opportunity to sustain any meaningful level of trade. In these circumstances Lisney envisages deliverability of licenses to the market with the vendors ultimately retaining and possibly re-purposing the property for other uses.

 

PROVINCIAL MARKET

2022 remained another quiet year for activity within the provincial market with limited transactions occurring in the cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Kilkenny.

 

Notable transactions were the former Electric and Halo premises on Abbeygate Street Galway at €4.5m, O’Gorman’s of Portlaoise at €1.0m and Bridgewater Sallins at €900,000.

 

Demand for leasing remained strong, however, was restricted on the most part to well populated urban districts and established satellite / commuter towns.

 

Activity outside of the regional cities within the provincial rural market remained depressed and was again characterised by closures of non-viable businesses within sparsely populated rural areas. Lisney predicts that this sector of the provincial market will continue to struggle with limited appetite expressed from outside of the local indigenous community.

 

The Licensed and Leisure Team at Lisney comment that the outlook for 2023 is strong:

“We are predicting that there will be good market engagement in the opening months of 2023, while the longer term outlook for the year is also positive with many well established urban and suburban business models reporting a return to past volumes of trade, and in certain instances, businesses exceeding the levels of trade they enjoyed in 2019.

Private Equity will feature again in 2023, however, activity from this sector of the market will depend upon the ability to secure the top tier prime assets that meet with their criteria. Lisney expects Private Equity investors to turn their attention to regional cities as the volume of prime Dublin premises that could be purchased has diminished following the strong activity witnessed in 2021.”

 

For more details about Lisney, visit www.lisney.com

You can also follow Lisney on Twitter: LisneyIreland and Linked In: Lisney Ireland

 

€3.2 million raised by Christmas FM for charity since it first hit the airwaves 15 years ago

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In 2022, Christmas FM raised almost €300,000 for Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and Community Foundation Ireland through

‘The Magic of Christmas’ fundraising initiative

 

Christmas FM, the much-loved festive music station that switches Christmas on across Ireland every year, is delighted to announce that it raised €294,706 in 2022 for children’s charities Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and Community Foundation Ireland under it’s new ‘Magic of Christmas’ initiative.

 

This figure will go a significant way towards Christmas FM’s aim to raise over €1,000,000 over a three-year period for the Magic of Christmas initiative to help 5,000 vulnerable children in our communities affected by traumatic life events such as poverty, abuse, neglect and bereavement, and to supporting children whose lives are affected by serious childhood illness.

 

The 2022 figure brings the total amount raised by the radio station to almost €3.2 million since it began broadcasting 15 years ago. Christmas FM is run each year by a core management team, assisted by many volunteers who donate their time.

 

Paul Shepherd, Co-Founder of Christmas FM, says: “We are delighted to have raised €294,706 for The Magic of Christmas initiative. We couldn’t have done it without our loyal listeners who tuned in and generously donated throughout the festive season. We would like to thank The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland for granting us the license to broadcast festive music across Ireland, and our premier FM sponsors for 2022 – Cadbury, Coca-Cola, and An Post. We would also like to thank The Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley who kindly donated the studio this year. As always, we are so grateful to all the team and volunteers who help make Christmas FM so magical each year.”

 

Commenting on the total amount raised, the charity partners jointly said: “We would like to thank The Magic of Christmas for working with our charities as official charity partners. We are overwhelmed by the incredible support for The Magic of Christmas initiative which helps over 5,000 vulnerable children in our communities across Ireland. We can’t thank the Christmas FM team and listeners enough for raising an incredible €294,706 which will really make a significant difference. Thanks to you, we can really transform the lives of vulnerable and seriously ill children and Give the Gift of Childhood to those who need it most.”

 

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) grants Christmas FM a 30-day temporary sound broadcasting license, which enables the station to broadcast on a range of frequencies throughout the country.

 

Chief Executive of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Celene Craig said: “The power of radio to bring people together has once again shone through in the wonderful fundraising achievement of Christmas FM during the 2022 festive season. On behalf of the BAI, I would like to congratulate the station team and listeners for another great fundraising drive.”

 

This year, Christmas FM was generously sponsored by the premier FM sponsors Cadbury, Coca-Cola and An Post. Christmas FM was also broadcast live from The Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley.

 

Follow the station on social at:

@christmasfm

Christmas FM – Bringing You the Magic of Christmas

3.8% increase in value of property outside of Dublin expected over next 12 months by estate agents – The Sunday Times ‘Nationwide Property Price Guide’

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  • House prices in Kerry, Louth and North Co. Tipperary could rise by as much as 10%, while prices in Longford are expected to increase by 7.5%

 

  • Prices in east Co. Cork, Laois and South Tipperary expected to remain static after significant growth last year 

 

  • Mohill and Ballinamore in Leitrim and Strokestown and Castlerea in Roscommon among most affordable areas for three bed semi-detached houses

 

  • Greystones in Wicklow, Model Farm Road and Ballinlough in Cork City named as three most expensive areas for a three bed semi nationwide 

 

  • Affluent families seeking more space and holiday homes in desirable coastal areas driving up prices

 

  • Lack of supply described as ‘chronic’ 

 

 

 

House prices nationwide are set to rise even further this year, with estate agents predicting an average rise of 3.8% over the next 12 months, according to the 2023 Sunday Times Property Price Guide, a dedicated 32-page supplement which will be published free with The Sunday Times this Sunday, 22 January.

 

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, The Sunday Times Property Price Guide is the authoritative guide to the Irish property market, featuring interviews with a number of Ireland’s estate agents who outline their predictions for the year. It also includes a detailed analysis of Dublin property prices.

 

Growth in Louth and Kerry could vary significantly, with estate agents predicting anywhere between 0 and10% growth, putting this variance down to the quality of properties and proximity to towns and amenities.

 

Estate agents across Ireland are predicting the following price increases in residential property values:

 

  1. North Co Tipperary – 5% – 10%
  2. Kerry – 0% – 10%
  3. Louth – 0% – 10%
  4. Longford – 7.5%
  5. Leitrim – 5.5%
  6. Carlow – 5%
  7. Cavan – 5%
  8. Clare – 5%
  9. Cork City South – 5%
  10. North Co Cork – 5%
  11. Donegal – 5%
  12. Galway – 5%
  13. Limerick City – 5%
  14. Limerick County – 5%
  15. Mayo – 5%
  16. Monaghan – 5%
  17. Offaly – 5%
  18. Wexford – 5%
  19. South Co Wicklow – 5%
  20. Galway City – 3% – 5%
  21. Kilkenny – 3% – 5%
  22. Meath – 3% – 5%
  23. Waterford – 4%
  24. Roscommon – 3%
  25. Kildare – 0-5%
  26. North Co Wicklow – 2% – 3%
  27. West Co Cork – 2%
  28. Sligo town – 2%
  29. Co Sligo – 2%
  30. Cork City – 0% – 3%
  31. Cork City North – 0% – 3%
  32. Westmeath – 0% – 2%
  33. East Co Cork – 0%
  34. Laois – 0%
  35. South Co Tipperary – 0%

 

Low supply is an issue throughout the country, with all estate agents stating that there simply aren’t enough new homes schemes coming down the tracks to alleviate the issue. An estate agent in east Co. Cork reported that “bidding wars became the norm” in 2022.

 

Scenic coastal regions are seeing high demand for detached properties and three-bedroom homes from remote workers relocating and affluent buyers from cities and abroad splurging on holiday homes. In Lahinch, a residential site overlooking the golf course sold at auction for €531,000.

 

First time buyers and families trading up are competing for new and second hand three bedroom semis, in close proximity to industry, amenities and schools, driving up prices. Buyers are reluctant to take on older and colder homes because of the spike in renovation costs, though the vacant property refurbishment grant should see more derelict cottages come to market in 2023.

 

The critical lack of stock shall persist, particularly in rural areas where building new homes schemes doesn’t make financial sense for developers, particularly in rural parts of Donegal Leitrim and West Cork.

 

The Sunday Times Property Price Guide 2022 reveals that the top five most affordable areas for three-bed semi-detached houses are:

 

  1. Mohill, Co Leitrim (€130,000)
  2. Ballinamore, Co Leitrim (€140,000)
  3. Strokestown, Co Roscommon (€145,000)
  4. Castlerea, Co Roscommon  (€145,000)
  5. Leitrim village and Boyle, Co Roscommon (€150,000)

 

The top five most expensive areas for three-bed semi-detached houses are:

 

  1. Greystones, North Co Wicklow (€600,000)
  2. Ballinlough, Cork City (€480,000)
  3. Model Farm Road, Cork City (€470,000)
  4. Blackrock, Cork City South (€450,000)
  5. Naas,Co Kildare (€440,000)

 

Róisín Healy, Deputy Features Editor of Sunday Times Ireland, says: “Estate agents are reporting that family homes of good quality are being snapped up in desirable locations around the country, with lots of viewings and bidding wars. The lack of supply on the horizon is a massive concern and after high growth in 2022, prices will continue to grow, particularly in areas close to schools and amenities.”

 

 

For full details, pick up a copy of The Sunday Times this weekend or online at thesundaytimes.ie/propertyprices

 

 

For more information visit thesundaytimes.ie/propertyprices

or follow The Sunday Times Ireland on Twitter @ST__Ireland, Instagram @sundaytimesireland, Facebook @thesundaytimesIE and LinkedIn @The Sunday Times Ireland