One of my favourite Northern Irish tech companies has just scored a world first. Those web and mobile application wizards at Lisburn based GCD Technologies have only went and helped ICM Books Direct become the first Christian bookstore worldwide to launch an iPhone app!
This week I had the pleasure reacquainting myself with Ruby’s Diner on Linenhall St, a place I hadn’t eaten in since way back in 2002 when I worked just up the street. The decor has changed a bit since its greasy spoon look back then when it was frequented mostly by motorbike couriers. The banter remains the same thankfully.
As financial pressures continue to bite, and with many more students and graduates chasing after work experience, employers have found themselves in a strong position with regards to offering unpaid work placements. Many degree courses expect their students to have completed some element of industrial placement enable them to proceed to final year. In the current environment demand for placements outstrip supply. Are the universities missing a trick?
While Northern Ireland currently has one very strong angel investor network in Halo does this lack of competition actually hinder our startups chances of securing funding quickly, if at all, rather than help them?
With the Digital Circle (DC) elections now done and dusted I felt it was timely to jot down my thoughts about encouraging creativity as its is broadly linked. Further stimulus arrived on Monday by way of a tweet from one of the newly elected members of the steering group. While this post isn’t aimed specifically at the work of that fine institution, there are parallels to some of the ideas raised. DC is involved in the business of supporting digital creativity in all forms after all. I am drawing shamelessly from the work of Teresa M. Amabile as well as on my own experiences from various roles.