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Veri Wins Google’s Adopt A Startup Programme

Posted on 15/11/2017 - 9:26 am by
Ann Marie McSorely CEO Veri at Google Adopt a Startup Programmme

 

Veri Wins Google’s Adopt A Startup Programme

13th November 2017

We won!!!! We won the Google Adopt a Startup Programme 2017What an achievement. To say we are delighted is an understatement. In a cohort of impressive competitors we excelled and it’s really a fantastic boost for our young company.

“We put a lot of time into getting the most out of Google’s Adopt A Startup programme and this win validates the team’s hard work. In our business we help digitise compliance for companies across various sectors including the health and construction. We are absolutely delighted to be named overall winner of Google’s Adopt A Startup programme and would like to thank the team and our mentors for all the help they gave us throughout the programme”.

30 start-ups competed for a place in the final, and in the end, eight were chosen to present a seven minute pitch focusing on the results they had achieved through taking part in the Adopt A Startup Programme.   Google had the difficult decision of picking the winner from a superb line up of companies.

Speaking at the final, Colin Goulding,  Director, Global Customer Care said, ”  Veri joins a stellar alumni of past winners including Food Cloud, Jobbio, Logograb; Arklu and Beats Medical, all of whom have gone on to achieve scale and growth in the intervening years.

“It wasn’t an easy decision for the judges, given the richness of talent and the achievements of our finalists over the past 12 weeks.  All our Adopt a Startup companies have shown real promise throughout the programme and I expect we’ll be hearing a lot more from them over the coming years”.

What winning Google Adopt a Startup Means

The Adopt a Startup Programme forms part of Google’s commitment to supporting the Startup community in Ireland.  Over 100 companies have participated in the programme since its inception and many have gone on to raise significant capital funding and greatly increase their employee numbers.

Other supports provided by Google to Ireland’s StartUp community include mentoring events such as Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur, hosting community events with partners like Startup Weekend and Enterprise Ireland and its partnership with Dogpatch Labs. Irish Startups can also avail of work spaces from Google for Entrepreneurs programmes in Dublin, London and the US.

We will receive €10,000 in AdWords credit and will become eligible for the Google Cloud Platform for Startups which comes with $100,000 Google Cloud Credits.

 

Betting on change at the Websummit

Posted on 10/11/2017 - 12:13 pm by

A VERI good 48 hours in Lisbon

An opportunity to attend “The largest tech conference in the world” arose last week for us as Founders at VERI. Outside of our planned budget, cheap flights meant a round trip of Faro, Lisbon, Amsterdam and Dublin in 48 hours. But, as a business based on education, digitization and innovation, the only decision was who would go?
A crazy month for us as our CTO Shane had a new baby girl, we graduated from early stage to closing funding round as a High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) company with EI and were adopted by Google in Ireland as a finalist for their Adopt a Start-Up Programme with €120,000 to play for, we flipped a coin and a few days later I joined the other 60,000 followers of disruption to Lisbon.

These are my takeaways on skills-based training and digitalisation change management from our first Web Summit.
Skills based training: Robots abounded at the web summit, with Sophia the Robot taking a talk on centre stage. Her creator Ben Goertzel, Hanson Robotics said that
“Artificial intelligence will free humans from work. We will be able to move on to a more meaningful existence”
However, it is being voted for and agreed that “Skilled workers will be less affected by increasing AI & tech”

Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said that every time there has been a big shift in technology, go back to cars or airplanes, people thought the industries were going to die, people were going to be out of work. What happened is it shifted, and it actually augmented and allowed, even more, jobs, more opportunity, more commerce and so AI is going to do the same thing. The opportunity for skilled workers will increase rather than decrease according to the Krzanich.
Digitalisation: Change “Innovation is not only in Technology, innovation is a mindset”
Since we launched 12 months ago I have met with decision makers in private, public and voluntary groups. Those with an innovation mindset take the risk of doing things differently and coming on board with us at Veri, but the risk is negated by potential of doing things better. This was really well illustrated at the recent QQI digitalisation agenda conference,  where progress and disruption was received really well by the 400 Plus Education professionals in the room.
Des Trainer Co-founder of Intercom encouraged young companies to work with other young companies as decision making in larger less agile environments slows everything down so much that they never catch up to capture the real benefit of the new technological advances in their sector.
Blended Learning: Hanging out at the Google Augmented Reality stand with their dozens of coaches supporting bigdata #education via #google Expeditions, a quote from a speaker resonated with me
“we need to learn how to learn what we do today we won’t do tomorrow”
Google didn’t put 30 screens on their stand to give technologist e-learning content or access to their Google Expeditions. The coach was the chosen medium for learning. Whether a leaner is a construction site labourer, or a healthcare worker, or an apprentice on the job, the resources for learning have changed radically. Blended learning is the ideal, with information transfer fine for e-leaning but the need for skills based training always there and will be increased as the value of their crafts increases.

At the opening Stephen Hawking, the famed physicist, said that the said technology could be “the worst event in the history of our civilization.” But he also said it could be our biggest opportunity.
In summary the Web Summit illustrated that Digitisation doesn’t mean there are less skilled workers, it means they are able to focus and we’re able to work smarter … we’re able to serve more of mankind with the skills that we have. Veri’s software helps trainers to track and review training performance from their mobile phone – making the use of paper forms redundant, reducing administration time by up to 30% and allowing users to get insights of the quality process via analytics of the outputs of their training.

We at Veri have this as our aim, to assist the improvement of quality and outcomes from skills based training while reducing the costs and ensuring compliance for more information visit Veri.ie

Pricing Change

Posted on 25/08/2017 - 11:59 am by

As you may know, we are increasing the cost of Veri going forward from September 1st, this is to support our continued growth and expansion.

But don’t worry, if you have not yet renewed your licence or you think you have left it a little bit late to sign up, fear not, fees are remaining the same until September 1st.

If you wish to avail of our original pricing please call our Sales Team on 01-9060968 to discuss your options.

Click here to view our special offer.

Digitalisation is changing how we work and learn.

Posted on 26/07/2017 - 11:17 am by

QQI have organised a Conference which will bring together a panel of experts to discuss and explore the implications of the digital economy and society for the demand, development and recognition of Skills and Qualifications.

Details:           Tuesday, October 24th
Organiser:    QQI (Quality and Qualification Ireland)
Venue:            Radisson Blu Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 2

Veri Nice Place to Work

Posted on 13/07/2017 - 12:55 pm by

We really have had a Sunny South East this summer. And there are loads of reasons why working an hour from the pale makes a lot of sense for our Company.

BBQ Buzz

We are looking forward to taking part in the business picnic that will take place this summer on Wednesday 19. July 2017 at 5.45 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. in the beautiful Arboreturn, Home and Garden Heaven, Leighlinbridge and Co. Carlow.
The pace of this networking environment is much slower than that of the start-up scene in Dublin. But great relationships and friendships with other business owners has been the outcome of these type of events for us. A huge benefit, the ability to pick up the phone to gain knowledge from more experienced companies.

Cat Laugh’s veterans at the business Picnic

This article was drafted by our intern from Austria Larissa Forster and whether it’s senior people in our company or part timers, the quality of life is really great. Festivals are the name of the game in Kilkenny and even though we are not in big smoke, the area is always buzzing for our staff.
Anton Savage and Karl Spain are regulars for the Cat’s Laugh and are headlining the Business Picnic this year. Savage has worked with Cabinet Ministers, the CEO’s and Chairmen of some of Ireland’s largest PLC’s. Stand-up comedian Karl Spain will ensure it is a wonderful evening in the country.
Broadband is improving so we are working virtually with our clients more and more.
The Picnic is featuring panellist Samantha Kelly, a leading social media strategist. Furthermore she owns and operates Tweeting Goddess and she offers effective social media strategies to businesses and entrepreneurs.
So looking out this morning at a sunny campus at our Innovation Centre office at Kieran’s College, after my 7 minute commute to work. What is not to like about setting up in the Sunny South East?

SaaS in Kilkenny, building a formula for success

Posted on 14/06/2017 - 2:45 pm by
Tech Thursday kilkenny veri red lemonade

There are a growing number of Saas companies in Kilkenny, from startups to established businesses with a global outlook. Learn from industry experts as they share their insights and experiences about digital transformation, design and the future of business in Kilkenny.
Join us as we explore the current status of Kilkenny in this industry, but with a twist!
Imagine if Kilkenny City were a SaaS company, how would we answer these four fundamental questions for success in SaaS?
USERS: How do we attract the best people?
USEFUL: What benefits, unique features and existing integrations can be designed to make the company a success?
PAY: SaaS attracts a high-calibre workforce, how can this support a strong existing service sector?
RETAIN: How can we keep this culture alive and growing?
SCHEDULE:
Introduction to SaaS in Kilkenny and the strong role design plays.
John Cleere Red Lemonade Creative
7 minute introductions by four Kilkenny SaaS companies telling the story of why they are based in Kilkenny.

Panel talk with CoreHR, Profile 90, Premo and Veri.
Followed by drinks and chats in the bar.
This event is FREE but spaces are limited.
Bridie’s Bar & General Store, 72 John Street Lower, Kilkenny.
7.15pm, Thursday 22nd June 2017.

HSA Update- Occupational First Aid/Health and Safety Authority (HSA) transition to PHECC

Posted on 12/06/2017 - 2:08 pm by
hsa veri

From the 1st September 2017, the HSA will only recognise the PHECC First Aid Response Education and Training Standard (FAR) as meeting the needs of occupational first aid (OFA) in all workplaces.
Ensure you make the transition from OFA to FAR before the deadline. Occupational First Aid/Health and Safety Authority (HSA) transition to Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) First Aid Response Education and Training Standard.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) are continuing the transition process from the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Occupational First Aid (OFA) learner training standard to PHECC’s First Aid Response (FAR), as the recognised standard meeting the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007).
The main actions and information points are as follows:

  1. As and from 1 September 2017, the HSA will only recognise the PHECC First Aid Response Education and Training Standard (FAR) as meeting the needs of occupational first aid (OFA) in all workplaces.
  2. Any QQI OFA 5N1207 learner certificate issued up to 31 August 2017 will be recognised by the HSA for the full 2 year duration of the certificate.
    Any refresher certificate issued by a recognised training provider issued to 31st August 2017 will also be recognised by the HSA for the full 2 year duration of the certificate.
  3. HSA is communicating to its OFA instructors, who have not already done so, should apply to a PHECC Recognised Institution (RI), approved to provide the FAR instructor course, to have their qualification/s assessed with a view to becoming FAR certified.

The FAR Standard (page 19) provides for the Recognition of Prior Learning, this facilitates the transition of OFA instructors to FAR.
OFA training organisations seeking to become PHECC Recognised Institutions (RI) for delivering the FAR (inclusive of CFR) and FAR instructors courses are encouraged to apply to PHECC. Refer to PHECC application information to become a recognised institution.
OFA training providers (both organisations and individuals) will be kept informed of developments by email from the HSA and announcements on our respective websites www.hsa.ie and www.phecit.ie.

Changes to recognition of QQI Occupational First Aid Award

Posted on 12/06/2017 - 1:59 pm by
FIRST-AID

Providers offering QQI Level Occupational First Aid (OFA) are advised that, from 1 September 2017, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) will no longer recognise the component (Award Code 5N1207) as meeting the requirements for occupational first aid in all workplaces. This change has arisen from the HSA’s decision to recognise the Prehospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) First Aid Response Education and Training standard (FAR)
Further details can be found here.

Listening to our Clients

Posted on 16/05/2017 - 2:47 pm by

So the next stage in the journey is to ensure that we understand our customers pain points. So we created a survey to ensure we are identifying the needs of training providers in the last number of weeks!
Its just so important to me throughout every design and delivery stage that Veri really hits the core of the pain points for our customers.
I kicked of a “Team Veri Think Tank” with the guys in the office just to see did our system functionalities match the needs of our present and future clients. Fueled by coffee and doughnuts, we agreed and produced a set questions that we felt hit the mark.
So the team (including me) hit the phones and surveyed over 30 accredited centers were asked to participate in a telephone survey to help Veri Integrated training ensure their software fulfilled the needs around our customer’s major pain points in Quality Assurance and Training Administration.
The Statistics below (at high level) illustrate the responses around time and priority issues:

  • Course Preparation and Planning
  • Course Delivery
  • Course Evaluation

And we got the answer…… Quality Assurance flew off the charts as the number 1 crucial factor to our providers.
You can see the key results here!
A clear emergence illustrated 7 in 10 providers chose evaluation and quality assurance as their single most crucial factor in tracking their learner’s progressions.

  • Data control and consistency is of extreme importance.
  • Large delays from in-house duplication in preparation for QQI compliance.
  • The evaluation process needs to be eased.
  • Reoccurring need for centralized learner records.

Have you heard of GDPR?

Posted on 16/05/2017 - 2:17 pm by
euro veri

Do you know what GDPR is? Do you know how it will affect your business?
Can you afford not to take action?
Ask yourself the following questions…
1. Do your core business operations involve the regular and systematic monitoring of data subjects on a large scale?
Data subjects are individuals who are identified or identifiable from data. For the purposes of this check data refers to information which directly or indirectly identifies individuals. It includes, but is not limited to, payment details, customer records, healthcare information.

2. Do you have a data protection policy which guides your employees in how to keep personal data secure?

3. Are your company laptops encrypted?

4. Do you store personal data in the cloud?
This could include customer data in salesforce.com, on Dropbox etc.

5. Do you encrypt personal data sent by email?

6. Do you have personal data on removable media e.g. USB devices, CDs, DVD, etc.?
If you have answered ‘No’ to three or more of these questions you need to re-evaluate your current Data Protection Policy
Concerns and losses of personal information and sensitive data can lead to regulatory fines and significant risk to an organisation’s reputation.
By implementing good practices and conforming to the associated requirements training organisations can be compliant.
There is the large amount of data held by training organisations, the number of people who need to access this as part of their job and the number of forms, reports, systems and databases where data is held.
Veri ensures this data is encrypted and only accessible by those that need to use the information.
Furthermore, it informs both tutors and learners about their rights and responsibilities around their data and that they work with.
For more information on how Veri can help wiith your Data Security click here.
For more information on GDPR click here.