ibcs Software Blog

James Chaffer Presenting at the UKSPA February Members' Meeting

2012-02-03T10:49:00.000Z

Reception at The Exchange, Colworth Science Park

The Exchange, Colworth Science Park
07/02/2012 - 08/02/2012

The February 2012 UKSPA event is hosted by Unilever and Goodman and will take place at The Exchange, Colworth Science Park.

The UKSPA event will include:

Study tour of the campus and The Exchange - (Please note: this tour is now fully booked)
Conference plenary sessions
Choices from four parallel sessions
Network reception and buffet dinner

The theme of the conference is 'Collaborate to Compete', and plenary sessions will cover open innovation and collaborating for shared success. There will also be a selection of Parallel Sessions to ensure that a diverse range of topics are covered at the event, including a presentation on commercial conferencing space and the tools you can use - Introducing UKSPA CLARITY, by James Chaffer from the ibcs/UKSPA CLARITY team.

For more information and full programme please visit the UKSPA website.

We hope to see you there!

Introducing UKSPA Clarity – Powered by ibcs

2012-01-27T14:30:00.000Z

Introducing UKSPA Clarity – Powered by ibcs.
A Clear Vision from UKSPA.

We are pleased to announce the launch of UKSPA CLARITY – The exciting software product, developed with theUK Science Park Association's (UKSPA) .

UKSPA’s extensive knowledge, gained over the past three decades through the provision of support and guidance to innovation environments, has helped to deliver efficient, trusted and profitable business locations for pioneering and high tech companies. Combining this knowledge with our established and highly successful Science Park management system ibcs, UKSPA CLARITY will deliver to the UKSPA Membership base, a powerful solution for the efficient management of leases and licences, conferencing, enquiries, surveys, reporting, billing, facilities and much more.

ibcs was launched in 1999, and has a successful track-record of managing serviced offices. Since 2005 the focus of the system has moved to Science Parks, Technology Parks and Innovation-Led Incubators, and it is now deployed in over 45 sites within these sectors across the UK. The experience and feedback from our current ibcs users provides a clear indication that UKSPA CLARITY will become a powerful tool to simplify management functions, improve efficiency and streamline communications, whilst continuing to evolve to meet the changing needs of the Membership.

Speaking at the recent UKSPA CLARITY launch, Product Manager James Chaffer said, “I have been working closely with UKSPA members for over 5 years now, providing software solutions to improve their operational efficiency. To see this hard work result in the launch of UKSPA CLARITY - Powered by ibcs, is very exciting for me personally, for the Association and, most importantly, for the members.”

Based on the original foundations of ibcs, UKSPA CLARITY will provide a modular solution for all size of operation, enabling flexibility and customisation as individual requirements develop.

UKSPA CEO Paul Wright commented, “UKSPA members will also benefit from the inclusion of additional modules focusing specifically on key areas for the industry, showing further our commitment to improving the efficient management of Science Parks, Technology Parks and Innovation-Led Incubators.”

We will be working hard with UKSPA over the coming months to ensure that the delivery of UKSPA CLARITY, alongside other new UKSPA initiatives such as the UKSPA Aspire Quality Assurance Programme, will provide members with the tools required to continue delivering first class innovation locations, providing the best possible environment for the high tech companies that are contributing to future economic growth.

Further details will be coming soon to the website www.ukspa-clarity.com but for information now, please email info@ukspa-clarity.com or call us on +44 (0)1246 459 446.

UKSPA to advise on the development of Chinese Science Parks

2012-01-19T09:34:00.000Z

UKSPA to advise on the development of Chinese Science Parks

The UK Science Park Association (UKSPA) has been asked to share its expertise with science parks in China to provide training to local science park managers, strengthen relationships between the two countries and help UK companies fully exploit commercial opportunities in China.

Several years ago, UKSPA had a strong relationship with many Chinese science parks and delivered a training and development programme for the country's science park managers over a number of years. At the time it also helped to establish a Chinese Association of University-based Science Parks.

Over recent years, as China's economy has boomed, Chinese science parks have grown rapidly in both number and size and UKSPA has been asked to become involved in the next phase of their development. As part of this knowledge share, UKSPA has been invited to take a delegation of members to Shanghai in February in order to kick start the successful relationship again.

Paul Wright, UKSPA CEO, said: "Our brief is for UKSPA to provide a programme of practical sessions for around 50 science parks, and we are particularly pleased that UKSPA Aspire and UKSPA Clarity, our quality and software programmes, have attracted significant attention from our Chinese colleagues."

The first delegation comprises UKSPA Honorary Chairman Malcolm Parry and CEO Paul Wright; Toby Reid, BioCity Nottingham; John Latham, CEO, Coventry University Enterprises; and UKSPA Director James Chaffer, who have been asked to cover techniques for efficient science park management, technology transfer techniques, and approaches for multimedia and biomedical park development.

Malcolm Parry said: "This is good news for the Association as we are recognised as world leaders in science park development, and have been asked to investigate ways for tenants on UK-based parks to benefit from the enormous market China has to offer."

Commenting on his invitation, James sounded positive about the forthcoming trip: “I am very excited to have been invited to Shanghai by the British Council, as part of a delegation from UKSPA. I am looking forward to exploring collaborative opportunities with Chinese University Science Parks, arising from our experiences in developing and supporting efficient management systems on UK Science Parks.”

James has also already attended the UK Trade & Investment Mandarin Language and Culture training day in Loughbourough last week, and has stated that he will be practicing his new language skills on his kids before the trip!
For more information please contact UKSPA.

We look forward to hearing all about it on their return.

Happy New Year From The ibcs Team

2012-01-03T09:23:00.002Z

Happy New Year from the ibcs Team

A New Year is the start of a new era, the best time to complete the remaining tasks of the previous year and to start new things from the beginning. We welcome 2012 with new dreams, new visions, new resolutions, new commitments and a new way of thinking…

Happy New Year to all our ibcs users, contacts and prospective clients, we hope you enjoy 2012 and that it is a successful year for you all!

Christmas Wishes From the ibcs Software Team

2011-12-19T09:55:00.002Z

Merry Christmas from all of us at ibcs Software

2011 has seen many new and renewed relationships for us as a company. We have been busy continually developing ibcs and improving our tailored support to better serve you, our valued clients.

We thank you for your business during 2011 and we look forward to working closely with you in 2012.

Christmas Opening Hours 2011...

We will continue to offer ibcs support over the Christmas holidays with the minor adjustment of reduced hours on 28th, 29th and 30th December of 9am-5pm, and excluding the Christmas and New Years Bank Holidays.

If you do have any support issues over the Christmas period then please contact the helpdesk as normal.

Have a very Happy Christmas and we wish you a Prosperous New Year!

The ibcs Team

Tel: +44 (0)1246 459 459
Helpdesk: 0845 345 46 01

Email Us | Visit Our Website | Follow us on Twitter

IASP 2012 Conference in Tallinn

2011-12-14T10:49:00.000Z

Tallinn Science Park TEHNOPOL

Tallinn Science Park TEHNOPOL would like to remind you that the 29th IASP World Conference will be held next year in Tallinn, Estonia on the 17th – 20th of June 2012 and that they are looking forward to welcoming you!

As the conference preparations are successfully proceeding, the IASP World Conference 2012 registration is open. Please visit the Conference website www.iasp2012tln.com to submit your registration form and get the best out of the special early bird rates.

You can find more information on the Conference website or by contacting the organising team by sending an e-mail to iasp@tehnopol.ee.

EBN Tools Exchange Forum for Innovation Based Incubators and BICs

2011-11-28T11:58:00.001Z

Our stand at the EBN Incubation/Innovation Tools Exchange Forum 2011 - Berlin (Germany)

Business Incubation Centres (BICs) are constantly seeking to optimize the quality of their services and to be equipped with the right set of tools. Therefore this week the EBN have organised a two-day Tools Exchange Forum, where the time for multilateral and bilateral interactions between tools designers and tools potential users is to be maximized.

The Tools Exchange Forum is taking place in Berlin at Adlershof Science & Technology Park, and is being welcomed by the WISTA-MANAGEMENT team. The space is being laid-out enabling constant interaction among participants, around an exhibition area, where tools designers such as ourselves, have the possibility to make demos and discuss in private with interested potential users.

James and Ian from our ibcs sales team are attending both days, so if you happen to find yourself in Berlin this week, please pop over and say hello! We hope it will be a very busy and worthwhile trip.

Collect Payments by Direct Debit Using the ibcs Direct Debit Module

2011-11-25T11:46:00.001Z

Collect Payments by Direct Debit Using the ibcs Direct Debit Module

Collecting by Direct Debit is the simplest and most convenient way to manage payments, both for you and your clients, the automated process saves everyone valuable time. You can select the date of payments, giving you greater control over your finances and helping to minimise time-consuming reconciliation and payment allocation tasks.

Our automated ibcs Direct Debit module provides a simple and effective way of collecting your customer Direct Debit payments with a few mouse clicks, ensuring that your process is efficient, manageable and cost-effective.

With the ibcs Direct Debit Module you can:-

Set-up customer Direct Debits.
Collect payments for fixed rental and variable service invoices.
Manage Direct Debit and Direct Credits.
Automate setup of Direct Debit Instructions using AUDISS.
Set-up flexible Direct Debit collection frequency.
Produce ‘BACS Standard 18 Format’ payment files.
Reduce administration, allowing staff to concentrate on your core business.
Have monies transferred quickly and reliably into your specified bank account.

The ibcs Direct Debit module also integrates with 3rd party applications for Direct Debit collections, so contact us today to discuss your requirements in full. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can start to reap the benefits.

bca Annual Industry Awards Gala Dinner 2011

2011-11-24T11:19:00.001Z

bca Annual Industry Gala Awards Dinner 2011

Once again the bca Annual Industry Awards Gala Dinner, in London, is nearly upon us.

This year James and Ian from the ibcs team and Jon Dabbs, one of our company Directors, will be heading down to entertain guests Jo Willet from Oxford Innovation, Peter Allen and Oliver Oswin from STL and David Hall, Victoria Garside, Monica Obrebska and Alan Wilson from Forsyth Business Centres.

Not only is this the 'Business Centre industry event of the year', but it’s the perfect place to socialise in a fantastic atmosphere, so we're all looking forward to a spot of networking and some free champagne!

The black tie dinner will also see the presentation of the industry’s most prestigious awards for Business Centres, Managed Workspaces, Trade Suppliers and Broker Representatives of 2011. So we hope to see more of you there and thanks again to any of you, our lovely clients, who may have kindly nominated us for as bca Trade Supplier 2011. Fingers crossed!

Need to Import Data into Sage 50 Accounts 2012?

2011-11-21T16:54:00.001Z

Import sales transactions directly from ibcs into Sage 50 Accounts 2012

Those of you who are contemplating a Sage 50 upgrade will be pleased to know that our ibcs Sage Importer, which imports sales transactions directly from ibcs into Sage 50, is now available for the latest release of Sage 50 Accounts 2012.

As members of the Sage Developers’ Programme, we have been successfully developing this import tool for a number of years now, and we understand both the technical and business requirements for Sage 50 Accounts integration. With our latest ibcs Sage Importer tool, you can transfer your sales transactions directly from ibcs into Sage 50 Accounts 2012 in just a few mouse clicks.

If you are upgrading to the latest version of Sage 50 Accounts, and already use our Sage Importer, then please contact us to arrange the installation of the 2012 importer upgrade at the same time.

Alternatively, if you would like to import transactions directly from ibcs to Sage 50 Accounts but do not currently have this option, then please get in touch and we can arrange to install the relevant Sage Importer for you, to save you time and effort.

IASP Measuring & Improving the Performance of Science Parks

2011-11-10T14:43:00.000Z

ibcs Attend the IASP European Division Workshop, Berlin - November 9th - 11th 2011

WISTA-MANAGEMENT GMBH the developers and operators of Berlin Adlershof Science and Technology Park (pictured above) are hosting this week's IASP (International Association of Science Parks) European Division Workshop in Berlin.

The aim of the workshop is to present existing methods and performance indicators for the benchmarking of Science Parks and their impact on the regional economy. During the event, attendees will also have the chance to discuss and exchange ideas in working groups.

In order for us to further tailor our ibcs solution in this area, James Chaffer from the ibcs team, is in attendance at the Berlin workshop this week, to help us to better understand the statistical and survey requirements of the Science Park sector.

For more information please visit the IASP or the Berlin Aldershof websites.

BIN@Sheffield 2011 - Business & Innovation Network, Sheffield, UK

2011-10-17T10:24:00.000+01:00

BIN@Sheffield 2011 - Business & Innovation Network, Sheffield, UK

Join The University of Sheffield on the 02/11/2011 - 04/11/201 for the 2nd international event bringing together businesses, researchers, investors, science parks and incubators to share good practice in innovation and develop opportunities for collaboration.

BIN@Sheffield2011 is the second in a series of FREE annual, international events designed to stimulate discussion, promote the sharing of best practice and support collaboration across disciplines in science and between research and industry. It is an international brokerage event aligning science and innovation with real global challenges.

The event is focused around moderated and themed workshops (Think Tanks) bringing together industry, academia and the public sector to explore key economic or societal challenges in an open and supportive environment. The Thinks Tanks are fertile and effective environments helping to identify synergies and opportunities that can support collaboration and the translation of research into value.

The ibcs Software team will be exhibiting at the event and there will be ample opportunity to network with fellow delegates. Refreshments and lunch will also be served.

To view the full event programme and to register please visit: www.bin2011.net.

James Chaffer - New UKSPA Board Member

2011-10-12T11:00:00.000+01:00

Paul Wright, UKSPA CEO (Left) and James Chaffer, ibcs Technical Consultant (Right)
at UKSPA Members Meeting, BSPA, October 6th 2011.

James Chaffer, ibcs Technical SalesConsultant, has been elected to the Board of the United Kingdom Science Park Association (UKSPA) following the Association's AGM, held recently atBirmingham Science Park Aston (BSPA).

James, who has overseen the developmentof ibcs since joining ra Information Systems more than 15 years ago,and has been working closely with UKSPA and its members for a number of years,is delighted to take up the position as Business Affiliate Director which has aparticular remit of representing the views of Business members of UKSPA.

"Having developed ibcs as asoftware solution specifically designed for science parks and innovation environments, I think I am ideally placed to provide advice and technical inputon how new technology can be embraced by the Association as well as the widermembership," says James. "In addition, I intend to provide a clearchannel of communication between the Business Affiliate membership of the Associationand its Board, and to bring other affiliates into closer working relationshipswith the Association."

The election of James to the Boardcoincided with an additional announcement to UKSPA members, introducing anexciting partnership which was agreed between UKSPA and ibcs, which will resultin the UKSPA brand becoming more visible on the world stage, endorsing avariety of software tools for managing and analysing the performance of scienceparks and other innovation environments.

Paul Wright, CEO of UKSPA said "Iam delighted not only to have James' enthusiasm and commercial expertise atfuture Board meetings, but also that for the first time in our history, theAssociation will have a branded product that has the potential to support thedevelopment of science and technology parks, incubators and innovation centresacross the world".

ra Information Systems, Supporting SUFC

2011-09-27T11:44:00.000+01:00

Early next month we will become the associate match ball sponsors of the Blades vs. Charlton Athletic FC match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. As a result we are looking forward to treating 10 representatives and clients of ra, by inviting them to the game.

Our guests will be greeted at Sheffield United Football Club by an ex-Blade legend and welcomed with a champagne reception. They will then be treated to a tour of the dressing rooms, followed by commemorative photographs that will be taken on the pitch.

Our guests will lunch in the Platinum Suite before taking their seats in the directors’ box to watch the game. After the match the group will be involved in the selection of the sponsor’s man of the match award and will be presented with the signed and mounted match ball.

Rob Dabbs, ra Information Systems, Managing Director commented: “We are looking forward to the match and are sure it will be enjoyed by all. It’s a chance for us to let our hair down, to treat some of our valued staff and clients and to enjoy some time out of our busy schedules. Our expectations are high that SUFC can claim their place back in the Championship, they've made a great start to the season and we are happy to be supporting them in their quest.”

Further information can be found at SUFC and the ra-is website. Alternatively please contact us on 0845 365 10 71.

ibcs Sponsoring Pre-Dinner Drinks @ UKSPA October Members' Meeting

2011-09-23T15:29:00.000+01:00

UKSPA Octobers Members' Meeting, Birmingham Science Park Aston

Birmingham Science Park Aston will host the next UKSPA event, Making Connections in the Digital Age, on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th October. The event will look at the broad theme of Making Connections for science parks and other innovation environments, tenants and clients, and with other national and international stakeholders.

After the meet join your colleagues at our ibcs reception for pre-dinner drinks at the Bank Restaurant, 4 Brindley Place, Birmingham.

For more information or to register please see www.ukspa.co.uk.

ibcs Software Team Developments

2011-09-22T13:53:00.000+01:00

New Staff Members Join the ibcs Software Team

We are pleased to report that after 2 pretty lean years, the last 12 months have been among the best years that we have had as a company.

The plan is to now re-invest in areas in need of re-enforcements, and to take all our products to the 'next level'. As a result an experienced IT support engineer, Daniel White, has now been added to the ibcs helpdesk team, and future 'high-flyer' Paul VonGyer has joined the ibcs development team.

We hope that they will become valuable assets to the company and that you will all get the chance to develop fantastic working relationships with them both.

bca 'Trade Supplier' nomination request...

2011-09-07T11:02:00.000+01:00

bca Annual Industry Gala Awards Dinner

Once again the bca Annual Industry Gala Awards Dinner is nearly upon us, and as you might recall, we at ra Information Systems were delighted to be voted bca Trade Supplier of the Year 2005 and also runners up in 2007, for the quality of support received by our ibcs software clients.

This was particularly pleasing for us as the nominations came from you, our users, and the results were judged not only by quantity but also by the quality of the positive comments that were made.

We would, of course, very much like to win this prestigious award for a second time and would therefore appreciate it if you could take a few minutes now, to nominate us once again.

The nominations procedure for 2011...

If you choose to have your say this year and would like to nominate us, then please click here to download the nomination form with completion instructions. Nominations must be received by the bca no later than 5.30pm on Wednesday the 28th September 2011.

Please note that all centre managers are entitled to vote so please forward this on to your colleagues if you think that they may also like to nominate .

If you haven’t had a good experience of ibcs, then we certainly want to hear about it. We kindly ask that you send us an email telling us what has happened so that we can learn from it and improve our service going forward.

Either way, we thank you for your input and your support is very much appreciated!

Empty Property Rates: BCA Petition

2011-08-25T12:10:00.003+01:00

Empty Property Rates Tax, bca Petition

The Business Centre Association (bca) has launched an urgent campaign against the unfair Empty Property Rates (EPR) tax, which is inhibiting economic growth and putting jobs at risk.

According to the bca, flexible space operators have been put under considerable financial pressure since April 2011, when the Government dramatically lowered the Empty Property Rates threshold from £18,000 to £2,600.

Having fast access to flexible space is essential for the survival of start-ups and SMEs, but the current EPR tax is stifling innovation and causing the sector to stagnate. If this situation continues there will be no additional supply of flexible workspace at a time when it is most needed to aid the UK’s fragile economic recovery.

Jennifer Brooke – bca Executive Director states "We must act fast if we are to achieve changes before the next Budget. We need at least 100,000 signatures to ensure that a debate can be tabled in the House of Commons. Forward it to your colleagues, flexible space providers, clients, suppliers, small businesses and anyone who cares about the vitality of the British economy".

To sign the petition please click the following link: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/318

How Twitter is used by Science & Technology Parks

2011-08-10T13:19:00.002+01:00

How Twitter is used by Science & Technology Parks

One of the information navigation tools available for Science and Technology Parks (STPs) is the microblogging tool Twitter, which allows STP professionals to tap into the stream of conversations on any topic imaginable.

Waltraut Ritter, Knowledge Economy and Innovation researcher based in Hong Kong, (@kdialogues on Twitter) has recently analysed how STPs are using Twitter to navigate the online information space. In her paper she details the use of Twitter by STPs worldwide, with stats and great examples of what can be conveyed in 140 characters. She pays particular attention to how users conversed during the recent International Association of Science and Technology Parks (IASP), World Conference 2011.

Her analysis takes a look at what STPs are tweeting, focusing on businesses such as the UK Science Park Association (@UKSPA) and Manchester Science Park @McrSciParks. She even quotes our very own James Chaffer: @jchaffer/@ibcs - "Interesting piece on diff between business incubators & accelerators ... http://bit.ly/mmV6LE #IASP2011"

She takes a closer look at how STPs know if they are getting it right, how an STP defines its profile, what it tweets, who it tweets for, who is tweeting, who it chooses to follow etc, all issues that need to be discussed as part of the communication and knowledge management strategy.

She discusses what language an STP should use for its tweets and how Twitter can help to create a community among Science Park professionals. For example during the IASP conference, active delegates used the hash tag #IASP2011 to share insights and comments about the event, creating a kind of insider circle of people 'in the know'.

To summarize her analysis she states "Only a few pioneers among the IASP members are using the tool and other social media creatively as part of their communication strategy. The low adoption in organizations that see themselves at the core of regional, national and global innovation systems is striking at first glance.

STPs are just beginning to discover the power of digital information and communication spaces in knowledge-based economies where a single tweet can lead to a new breakthrough idea and tangible business deals."

To read the full analysis please click here.

We would like to thank Waltraut for including us in her study.

ibcs Software @CollaboJam #cjam - Creating Opportunities Together

2011-07-18T13:04:00.000+01:00

CollaboJam is a call for aspiring and seasoned collaborators to come together and share expertise

A very interesting time was had at CollaboJam, the inaugural Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) collaboration event for the CDI sector, held at the Workstation in Sheffield last Wednesday.

After a number of inspiring initial case studies on making space and providing platforms for collaboration, both in the public and private sector, there were a variety of workshops available, including one on “Customer-driven Iterative Software Development” presented by our very own James Chaffer. His presentation looked at our ethos of working with clients to meet everyone’s needs, with a spotlight on the ibcs developments for RiDO and Oxford Innovation in particular, and how this has resulted in ibcs being market-leader in the Business Incubation and Innovation sector.

This approach was discussed with interest by the workshop participants, and a number of key requirements for successful collaboration were identified, including committed, innovative clients, clear boundaries and defined channels of communication.

Nobody was really sure what to expect from the event, but the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with all the delegates buzzing with new ideas and projects, and the networking opportunities in the bar afterwards were invaluable.

Here’s to the next CollaboJam event!

For more information or to register your interest in the CDI sector group, please visit collabojam.net.

ibcs Invited to 4th NatWest Series ODI - England v Sri Lanka

2011-07-11T10:05:00.002+01:00

4th NatWest Series ODI - England v Sri Lanka 2011

Ian Underdown, our ibcs Business Development Executive, received the full VIP treatment as a guest of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club on Wednesday 6th July. The occasion was the fourth one-day international at Trent Bridge between England and Sri Lanka.

Fortunately Ian's wife (due on 9th July) didn't give birth during the game and so he was able to network whilst enjoying the cricket, company, excellent food and English victory, by 10 wickets!

Thank you to all at Notts CCC for their excellent hospitality. It was a very memorable day.

Your Centre Featured on Our ibcs Website?

2011-06-24T12:20:00.002+01:00

Get a Picture of Your Centre Featured Here on the ibcs Website...

Next week we are going to be changing the ibcs 'overview tab' image on our website homepage and as a result are offering your centre the chance to feature on it...

If interested please send us a high resolution photograph of either the exterior or interior of your centre or Science Park, and we'll pick one to use!

You can email your pictures to info@ibcs-software.com and visit www.ibcs-software.com to see where it will go.

For more information please contact us.

ibcs @ May's UKSPA Members Meeting...

2011-05-31T14:56:00.002+01:00

Dr Malcolm Parry, Chairman of UKSPA and Director Surrey Research Park.

On the 18th and 19th May, ibcs co-sponsored the latest United Kingdom Science Park Association (UKSPA) Members’ meeting at the University of Nottingham Innovation Park (UNIP).

The event was held in the very eye-catching Sir Colin Campbell Building.

We had an enjoyable time catching up with many existing clients, touching base with current and new contacts and check out our great brand positioning!.. Thank you kindly UKSPA! ;)

Hope to see you all at the next UKSPA event.

Manage Your Data, Reports & Stats with ibcs

2011-05-17T12:00:00.001+01:00

ibcs Software - Data, Reports and Statistics

Regular reporting ensures that your centre is maximising its return on space. You may wish to accurately report on your office and meeting rooms, calculate the total and percentage occupancy, monitor average rates being achieved or forecasting for a longer term view.

But what methods are best and how do you manage such reporting without duplicating your data?

By introducing a software solution such as ibcs into your Innovation or Incubation Centre, Business Centre, Science Park or Conferencing Facility, you not only get a system that helps to manage all of your day-to-day business processes, but one that helps you to build business reports concerning your office and meeting room occupancy.

ibcs not only documents your client and tenant data but records your business statistics such as business advice, job creation, financial growth, and business survival. ibcs monitors success rates, performance and data required for funding bids and can also outline information related to credit control, keeping you on track of your tenants and clients at all times.

For all your reporting needs, ibcs includes industry standard reports but is also flexible enough to accommodate any of your additional reporting needs, meaning that you don't need to duplicate your data to create reports elsewhere.

For more information please visit the full ibcs website or contact us for a demonstration.

Evaluating the Performance of Science Parks

2011-04-27T11:51:00.002+01:00

IASP's 28th World Conference on Science & Technology Parks - June 19 - 22, Copenhagen

Evaluating the performance of Science/Technology Parks is crucial for the present and future of our STP industry. Policy and decision makers need strong arguments to continue allocating resources to Parks.

At the upcoming International Association of Science Parks (IASP) World Conference in June, author Justyna Dabrowska (UK – Poland) will present a highly interesting paper about this key topic, summarising the conclusions of an IASP European Division seminar held in Manchester a few months ago. The paper, which has been highly scored by the paper reviewers, will propose a matrix of key performance indicators for measuring the performance of Science/Technology Parks.

The IASP is preparing an “STP performance assessment methodology” based on the findings and lessons of the Manchester seminar, which is also analysed in Ms. Dabrowska’s paper.

In addition, our ibcs software team will be exhibiting at the IASP conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, specifically detailing how the system can assist you with evaluating the performance of your Science Park.

With its inbuilt reporting suite, ibcs can easily record your business statistics such as business advice, job creation, financial growth and business survival. It also monitors success rates and other data required for funding bids meaning you don't need to duplicate your data to create reports elsewhere.

We will also be keeping you posted on all the content highlights from IASP 2011. To register to attend please visit the IASP registration website here and general information about the event can be found at www.iasp2011cph.com.

Look forward to seeing you June 19th - 22nd, 2011 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

ibcs Bank Holiday Closures

2011-04-20T15:51:00.002+01:00

Bank Holiday Closures Spring 2011

Due to the upcoming bank holidays and royal wedding, the ibcs helpdesk will be unavailable on Friday 22nd and Monday the 25th April. We will also be closed on Friday the 29th of April and Monday the 2nd May.

Full ibcs helpdesk support will be available as normal between Tuesday 26th April and Thursday 28th April, with normal operating hours, and opening times will resume to normal from Tuesday the 3rd May.

We hope the weather stays fine and that you all enjoy some well earned time off!

ibcs Software Questionnaire Module & Surveys

2011-04-15T11:11:00.002+01:00

ibcs Software Questionnaire & Survey Module

Did you know that creating, completing and analysing client surveys using ibcs is now a reality, thanks to our industry-specific ibcs Questionnaire Module.

The ibcs Questionnaire Module allows you to quickly and easily create complex questionnaires, to capture custom client data through a user-friendly questionnaire wizard.

Advanced analysis and reporting options then allow for the analysis of the data, providing a mechanism for capturing statistical incubation information for funding bodies, client satisfaction feedback, exit feedback, service usage or monitoring of client progress. In fact, the ibcs Questionnaire Module caters for any type of information that you need to capture and analyse.

This industry-focused questionnaire tool integrates perfectly with ibcs, designed for any multi-occupant serviced environment, offering a single package for all your management needs.

To learn more please contact us today and book your free demonstration or visit www.ibcs-software.com.

ibcs Software Visitis Abu Dahbi and Dubai

2011-04-08T12:49:00.002+01:00

The Yas Hotel in Abu Dhabi with breathtaking colour changing roof and Yas Marina Circuit below.

Ian Underdown our ibcs Business Development Executive, has recently returned from Abu Dhabi and Dubai following his ibcs, DNCC and UKTI networking function.

Here is his collection of footage from his trip...

He spent some valuable time with our existing clients from the area, met with some promising potential contacts and visited some of the region's most amazing buildings.

Staying in the Yas Hotel in Abu Dhabi situated half on land, half on water, above the Yas Marina Circuit; Ian certainly got an opportunity to see some interesting architectural ideas!

For more information on ibcs please visit our full website or contact us.

6 Social Media Tips for Your Business Centre - bca Blog Posting

2011-04-01T12:07:00.001+01:00

6 Tips for Your Social Media Strategy - Taken from (The Business Centre Association) bca Blog.

According to the bca, social networking is now an area of marketing that is hard to ignore, people are talking about you and your competitors every day. If you don’t engage your customers, your competitors will.

Ian Hughes from LHM Media recently spoke at the bca regionals about how Social Media is changing the way we do business.

The bca asked Ian for his top tips for managing campaigns effectively and his comments can be seen below.

Have a Plan:
There are now 1000’s of Social Media sites to explore, however choosing the right ones for your business is the way to go. It is vital that your online strategy is well planned, especially if you start a dialogue with someone or a large network, it requires participation and a quick response.

Contribute:
Successful social media marketing campaigns involve as much listening as contribution. Your followers need to see a real identity, understanding and added value before they give you something in return.

Be Transparent:
Having a commercial message for your network is the way forward, but it is just as important that you offer added value not attempting to make obvious sales directly or people will switch off.

Create Anticipation:Use the opportunity of developing a community to build anticipation about your new products and services, your network will appreciate involvement in your new products and become loyal to your offering.

Decentralise Content:
Your online audience are hungry for information; a great way to use Social Media networks is to use what you already have. Use your research, articles, adverts, promotions and submit them through your social networks, not just your official site and blog.

Track Success:
There are many ways to measure the success of your social media platform, but Google Analytics is a recommended way to understand the effectiveness of your efforts. Giving you a complete insight in to how people are engaging with your online strategy.

Blog posting taken from http://www.bca.uk.com/blog/?p=65.

New Member to the ibcs Helpdesk Team

2011-03-31T14:55:00.004+01:00

New ibcs Support Engineer at ra Information Systems

We've been holding interviews recently here at the ra office and we're pleased to say that Qasim Shah has now been appointed to begin a Graduate Internship working as a Support Engineer on our ibcs Helpdesk.

Qasim will begin work in the ra office on Monday 4th April and during his first week will be given a series of induction processes in order for him to become familiar with who all our existing ibcs clients are and how we support them.

We hope that he will become a useful asset to the ibcs support team and that he will get a chance to speak to you all soon.

For more information please contact the helpdesk on 0845 345 46 01.

Guest Blogger Toni Harrison on: "The Big Society... in Your Centre!"

2011-03-17T16:10:00.001Z

Above: ibcs Software Clients Barnsley DMC - Part of Oxford Innovation Ltd.

So, at its core, the Big Society is all about people coming together for the greater good: collaborating to make something better than it was before. Your centre should have been a shining example of the Big Society in action since it opened!

For more than a decade, I’ve watched the development of incubators, science parks and business centres and what has struck me are the successful ones are always the noisiest ones. Conversations going on in corridors, over coffee, in reception, even in the loo! Its when those conversations turn into collaborations that make the difference.

As centre managers, you take care of the physical space: offices, labs, communal places (cafés, meeting rooms and conferencing space). You also take care of your clients – either intensively supporting their growth and development or by signposting to trusted sources of expertise.

But how do you do that in a coordinated way, without being overly burdensome? It used to involve often sporadic, and sometimes haphazard, face to face networking. The luck of the draw was having made a contact in time for when you needed it. Or knowing someone who knew someone.

Times have evolved – thankfully! Now, there are numerous smart networking, collaboration tools available, creating the right environment for collaboration. One that is realising results in a short amount of time is the Leeds Innovation Network (LIN) - a platform for academics from the University of Leeds to identify and collaborate with industry leaders, SMEs and entrepreneurs to support their innovations.

With more than 300 members all actively looking to collaborate and network, LIN has already resulted in 1 big deal being signed, with more in the pipeline. LIN brings together people with common interests all wanting to improve something: an innovation, a business or just their bottom line. Brian McCaul, who is leading the development of LIN, will be speaking at UKBI’s 12^th conference on how to maximise the commercial impact of research through tools such as LIN. ibcs will also be there to learn more.

More and more, your clients will be plugged into platforms like LIN, so why don’t you. If you’re visible and active in these networks, you can support your existing clients, as well as attracting new ones. Plus, you’ll be helping to foster a bigger Big Society in your centre – one that is based on collaboration and networking!

Blog posting courtesy of Toni Harrion a Freelance Marketing Specialist from the Incubation Industry.

For more information please email toni.harrison@gmx.co.uk

Empty Property Rates Relief for Business Incubation

2011-03-15T11:24:00.001Z

Empty Property Rates Relief for Business Incubation

According to the UKBI (UK Business Incubation), the issue of empty property rates relief is of major concern to many members and it has been suggested that, for some, this may well "close them down".

The UKBI's CEO Peter Harman had a meeting with BIS (Department for Business Innovation and Skills) on 8 February and this will be raised as a key issue. You may also wish to register your own concerns here (http://bit.ly/eZEOHj) in advance of the Budget on 23 March...

The UKBI's international conference on 24 March (see http://www.ukbi.co.uk/conference.aspx) will be the ideal opportunity to disucss the consequences of the 2011 'Growth' Budget.

Blog posting taken from http://www.ukbi.co.uk/latest-news/news.aspx?newsItemId=81.

ibcs Software Now Associate Members of the IASP (International Association of Science Parks)

2011-03-14T16:23:00.002Z

ibcs Software - Associate Members of The International Association of Science Parks

The IASP executive board have approved our membership application, so we are pleased to announce that we are now full IASP Associate Members!

We hope that this acceptance will strengthen our positioning supplying software solutions to Sceince Park operators across the Globe.

For more information on how ibcs can assist with the management of any Science Park please visit the full ibcs Software website.

ibcs Exhibiting @ BI 12: UKBI’s 12th International Conference

2011-03-09T14:29:00.002Z

Come and See The ibcs Software Team at BI 12

BI 12: UKBI’s 12th International Conference will take place from 23rd - 24th March 2011, at the Hilton Deansgate in Manchester. Supported by Marks and Clerk, the University of Manchester Incubator Company and Harrison Goddard Foote, this year’s conference promises to be the biggest most successful to date.

The event will take place over two days and will offer plenty of opportunities to learn and network with colleagues from across the globe.

We will be exhibiting at BI 12, and will be introducing our new Business Development Executive, Ian Underdown to the UKBI community. We'll also be showcasing the latest developments to the ibcs System and will be running a competition guiving away some great goodies on the day.

Here's what Noel Kennedy our former Business Development Manager had to say about last years event...

“Attending the UKBI annual conference has given us a great opportunity to meet and network with people from around the globe. You see an openness amongst UKBI members to share knowledge and information, helping the cause, which allows us as a business to focus and develop our product to assist even more. It’s also a great time to catch up with existing clients in a relaxed networking environment and to help meet potential new ones!”

Please come and check out the ibcs Software stand during the event, we look forward to seeing you there, and if you've yet to book your place, hurry by clicking here now!!

5 Technology Tips to Help Any Business Centre, Science Park or Incubation Centre to Be More Successful!

2011-03-04T10:58:00.007Z

Technology Tips to Help Any Business Centre, Science Park or Incubation Centre

1) Find an IT Company with Lots of Knowledge About the Serviced Office Industry - (Someone Like Us!)

You need a provider you can rely on, one that understand the role that IT plays in your business and to your clients. At ra we have heaps of experience in dealing with the specific requirements of serviced office and managed workspace environments, gained through our implementation of ibcs into hundreds of centres, worldwide and from providing IT solutions to many of those companies.

2) Install an Industry Specific Software Solution for All Your Management Needs.

An investment in something like ibcs is not just about software; it's about improving the service that you can offer to your customers. ibcs has been designed to assist with the full operational activities of your business. Covering everything from office management, visitor security, conferencing, rooms and events, to enquiries and financial management, task management, FM, surveys, data, reports and statistics, ibcs offers a seamless flow of information, increases productivity and gives you more time to provide a first class service to your clients.

3) Reduce Costs and Improve Network Efficiency.

A well designed computer network can streamline your working practices so that less IT support is required and costs can be cut through sharing peripherals such as printers, scanners, fax machines and Internet access. Through our industry experience we already understand the issues involved in deploying a complex mix of hardware and application software into your type of business so discuss your network plans with us and we can give the right advice.

4) Look at Implementing Hosted Services Across Your Network.

Did you know that ibcs is already available as a web hosted solution called ibcs Online. This gives you access to the application and your data from anywhere in the world?

With cloud computing you can get the benefits of an enormous IT infrastructure without having to implement it directly. As your needs grow, you can add additional service, without having to pay for additional hardware. At ra we have extensive experience in providing an array of businesses like yours with cloud computing solutions, encompassing external servers, online backup solutions and storage. (If hosted services aren’t right for you though, have no fear as we can still offer traditional IT.)

5) Look at your Existing Suppliers & Contractors.

In some cases it can actually work out cheaper to break your existing broadband or telephone contracts and pay them off early to take out new contracts. At the very least, you should be aware of when your contracts expire and make sure that you are always getting the best deals. Start talking to providers early, looking for products that integrate with additional solutions to help save money and always give notice to quit, so that you don’t get automatically get rolled into a new contract unintentionally.

With the right software systems, network advice and IT assistance you can ensure that your centre can be more successful throughout 2011.

For more information visit the ibcs website or contact us.

Lots of Networking for ibcs Software

2011-02-07T12:12:00.004Z

Harwell Oxford

James and Ian from the ibcs team will be attending the UKSPA February Conference: Investing in the Development of the UK's Innovation Infrastructure at Harwell in Oxford, on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

We also hope to see some of you at the bca Regional Meetings this week.

Ian our Business Development Executive will be attending the Manchester Meeting at Bruntwood Serviced Space on Tuesday and Viky Pearson our Marketing Executive will be representing the team at Regus in Birmingham on Thursday.

Coming up in March we'll be exhibiting at the UKBI's 12th Annual International Conference taking place the 23-24th at the Hilton Deansgate in Manchester. We hope to see you there!!

If you'd like more info on the ibcs software system or to arrange a free onsite demonstration, please make sure you come and say hi!

Funny toddler tries to pronounce ibcs Software

2011-01-28T11:56:00.003Z

We know that 'ibcs' is difficult to pronounce, so we'd like to say a special thank you to toddler Elsey, aged (nearly) 2, for her amazing efforts in this clip....

Luckily for us ibcs is much easier to use, than it is to say! :)

ibcs is the Leading Software System for Incubation, Business Centres, Conference and Science Park Operators.

For more information please visit www.ibcs-software.com.

Science Parks Will Pave the Way for a Brighter Economic Future

2011-01-21T14:28:00.001Z

Science Parks will pave the way for a brighter economic future. Malcolm Parry - Surrey Research Park.

We’ve been exploring the web today looking for industry news and have stumbled across this post on the UKSPA website by Malcolm Parry, Director of The Surrey Research Park.

Follow them on twitter... @UKSPA @SurreyRP.

With substantial cuts in public sector funding already beginning to bite, UK science parks will have an important role to play in reviving the nation's economy.

Despite announcing 81 billion pounds worth of cuts in public spending at the CBI's recent annual conference, David Cameron also promised a 'relentless focus on growth'. Mr Cameron believes that this strategy will provide a good opportunity for new start-ups to flourish, and for innovation to drive growth and create jobs.

To achieve these goals, however, the Government will need to consider how to transform the latest advances in technology into viable commercial offerings. This has been a strong theme with both The Surrey Research Park and the UK Science Park Association (UKSPA) for many years, and something which remains a key priority for both organisations.

As such, the Government cannot simply withdraw from a process that is so fundamental to economic development: Britain needs companies, it needs entrepreneurs, and in order to get them working together effectively, the Government needs to oil the wheels with some funding. The idea of simply leaving this process to the marketplace would be a big mistake, and would make Britain one of only a few countries in the world to abrogate national government responsibility to the private sector alone.

For his part, Mr Cameron has accepted that we need to back the big businesses of tomorrow by opening up access to finance, creating an attractive environment for venture capital funding, getting banks to lend to small businesses again, and to encourage government spending with more small and medium-sized firms. To underline his commitment to this vision, he recently announced that the Government will be investing £200 million in technology and innovation centres over the next four years in order to stimulate research and growth.

Clearly, this is very positive news, as the way forward for the economy cannot be in low-end manufacturing, since activities like these can be delivered by more cost-effective markets elsewhere, such as China and Eastern Europe. Instead, the future of the British economy will rely on the high-end, value-added science, technology and research projects that are currently underway at science parks across the UK. As such, it is more important than ever that our 'rising stars' in these areas are being provided with the first-rate facilities, expert guidance and financial support that they need, so that they are well equipped to secure our future growth and prosperity.

The benefits of using ibcs Software to manage your Business Centre, Science Park or Incubator?

2011-01-19T10:44:00.002Z

ibcs... Successful Centre Management Software.

An investment in ibcs is not just about software and technology; it's about improving the service that you can give to your customers and the success of your centre.

Below are a few reasons as to how implementing ibcs can help to improve the management of your Business Centre, Incubator, Innovation Centre, Conferencing Facility or Science Park.

ibcs Streamlines Your Organisation
ibcs allows all users to quickly access relevant information. With one centralised solution, ibcs eliminates duplication of effort, assisting you in dealing professionally with your clients.

ibcs is Easy To Use
With its straight forward layout, ibcs takes you logically through your tasks in a familiar and simple way.

ibcs Automates Invoicing & Credit Control
At the click of a button, ibcs automatically generates your service and rental invoices, saving you valuable time and resources.

ibcs Helps Manage Your Client Relationships
ibcs tracks your prospects from initial enquiry through to conversion, giving you total control over all aspects of the sales cycle. ibcs also manages the continual interaction with your clients, making sure you have the most up-to-date client information at hand.

ibcs is Fully Supported by Our Dedicated Helpdesk
Our friendly and experienced helpdesk staff are always available to offer you advice and to provide assistance.

For more information please visit the full ibcs website or contact us.

We Want Your Business Centre, Incubator, Innovation Centre, Science Park or Serviced Office Space Industry News!

2011-01-18T14:33:00.001Z

We want your industry news!

As part of our plan to make ibcs more accessible, we launched this blog back in November. It's a place for us to share exciting ibcs news and developments, photos and more, but also where we can publish industry and client developments, as they occur.

We'd love to publish your business stories or information so please keep in touch and forward anything on to us, throughout the year.

ibcs Software - Digital Signage Solutions

2011-01-13T12:03:00.002Z

ibcs Integrated Business Signage Solutions

Our latest range of digital signage solutions are revolutionising businesses, offering visitors and clients clear and concise information about your buildings space.

Fully integrated with ibcs, the screens can automatically display room schedules, times, topics and meeting hosts or your tenants details in real-time, as well as advertising any other service you may choose, in a fully customised and branded display format.

By integrating ibcs and digital signage into a Business Centre, Science Park, Innovation or Incubation Centre, customers can see when the next meeting will start and can wrap up meetings on time and eliminate conflicts. The reporting function captures occupancy patterns to help with planning and the use of the ibcs booking system allows staff to grab or allocate a room easily for an impromptu meeting.

The screens add to any building's modern, professional image, and are updated automatically with the latest office, conferencing and meeting room occupancy details, saving not only valuable time but also the financial and environmental costs associated with creating traditional office and meeting room signage.

For more information about this great technology please visit www.ibcs-software.com/Digital_Signage/ or contact us.

Our ibcs Software New Years Resolutions

2011-01-04T14:13:00.005Z

From the ibcs Team

The beginning of a new year is always a good time to reflect on business progress and to plan how you want your business to develop. So this year we will be taking some tips from Susan Ward at About.com Guide

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for Business Success

1) Learn how to delegate and do more of it.
Determine your personal return on investment, and decide to let someone else do some of the tasks for a change.

2) Promote the business regularly and consistently.
Make a New Year's resolution to take the time to create a marketing plan and follow it through.

3) Make business planning a weekly event.
Set aside time to plan, review, adjust, and look forward. Not only will this help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on track, but you'll feel more focused and relaxed.

4) Learn something new.
Learning something new will add to your skills and add a new dimension of interest to your life. You may meet new and interesting people, who may become customers, colleagues, or friends.

5) Join a new business organisation or networking group.
Whether it's a group specifically designed for networking or an organisation dedicated to a particular type of business, making the effort to be a part of a group will, spark new ideas and revitalise you and your business.

6) Give something back to your community.
Find a cause that matters to you, and give what you can. Serve on a committee, be a mentor, volunteer, or make regular donations.

7) Put time for you on your calendar.
Schedule time for you, it is important to take the time to recharge and refresh yourself; a healthy work-life balance demands time out. If you won't invest in yourself, who will?

8) Set realistic goals.
Make a New Year's resolution to set goals that are achievable, rather than unrealistic pipe dreams that are so far out of reach they only lead to frustration.

9) Don't make do; get new.
If there's a piece of equipment that's interfering with your success or something that you lack, stop putting off getting what you need. The irritation of making do just isn't worth it.

10) Drop what's not working for you and move on.
Not all sales methods, suppliers or contractors are going to be ideally suited to your business. If a technique, product or a business relationship isn't working, stop using it. Move on. Something better will turn up.

The above have served some inspiration to the ibcs Team so we are going to try and stick to our new business resolutions throughout 2011.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas from the ibcs Software Team!

2010-12-22T09:44:00.010Z

Christmas wishes from the ibcs Team

Viky Pearson our Marketing Exec who is responsible for this blog, will be off over Christmas so this will be our last posting of 2010!!

In summary we'd like to say that this year has seen many new and renewed relationships for us as a company. We have been busy developing the ibcs software system and refining our tailored IT support to better serve you, our valued clients.

We thank you for your business during 2010 and we look forward to working closely with you in 2011.

Christmas Opening Hours 2010...

We will continue to offer helpdesk support over the Christmas holidays with the minor adjustment of reduced hours on 29th, 30th and 31st December of 9am-5pm, and excluding the Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day Bank Holidays.

If you do have any support issues over the Christmas period then please contact the helpdesk as normal.

Have a very Happy Christmas and we wish you a Prosperous New Year!

ibcs Software Christmas Newsletter

2010-12-20T12:01:00.002Z

For those of you that may have missed it, here's a link to our ibcs Xmas Newsletter...

http://www.ibcs-software.com/emails/ibcsNewsletterDec2010.htm

Merry Christmas!

Branded ibcs Software Mugs

2010-12-20T11:39:00.002Z

Branded ibcs Software Mugs :)

Yay! Today we've finally taken delivery of our new branded ibcs software mugs, thanks to Steel City Marketing in Sheffield. We've gone for a simplistic etched design on a black marrow mug, hoping to compliment our branding.

We will be gifting mugs to existing clients and new clients when members of the team make on-site visits but if you'd like to get your hands on one sooner, please let us know and we will arrange to send you one through the post.

@ibcs, We're Social ;)

2010-12-14T15:21:00.002Z

Our ibcs Social Media business cards.

We've recently created some cool ibcs Social Media business cards, to help you know which out of the gazillion different social media sites that we are actually using.

Have you considered separate cards for your Social Media profiles, to help keep your standard business cards uncluttered?

ibcs Software and Marketing

2010-12-10T16:06:00.001Z

Strategic Marketing Master Class

Viky our marketing executive attended a fantastic strategic marketing workshop run by Fiona Hudson-Kelly in Sheffield yesterday.

We already had big plans for 2011 to take the product to international markets and to use social media more effectively but now as a result of the course we will be re-considering our ibcs marketing strategy further.

We are looking forward to making some substantial changes to our marketing plan, initially better optimising the ibcs website to make our message clearer. We also hope to integrate some useful tools into the site too such as industry elements, live chat and an interactive calendar. We 'd love to know your thoughts on what would make the website more useful to you, so please post your comments below.

Happy 3rd Global Incubation Day from the ibcs Software Team!

2010-12-08T11:43:00.004Z

Happy 3rd Global Business Incubation Day!

Our industry colleagues over at UKBI explain that "Global Business Incubation Day was launched in 2008 as the first worldwide celebration of what Business Incubation has achieved.

More than 2000 business incubators opened their doors in more than 60 countries and here in the UK, the UKBI hosted a reception at Number 11 Downing Street, the home of the Chancellor of Exchequer".

Today (8th December 2010) we see the third global celebration of the impact and success of business incubation. With the UKBI planning to double the number of participants, planned industry events for the day include: open days, conferences, client expos, parties, political briefing sessions, workshops, web conferences, videos and networking. (Original source: UKBI Website - Global Business Incubation Day.)

In honor of Global Business Incubation Day today, all of us in the ibcs team will be focusing our efforts on our own worldwide clients and looking at our potential global opportunities.

We have recently had international talks with businesses in Chile, Saudi and Canada, so today we will be taking positive steps to begin building further on these relationships.

Back in the Summer we secured new business in Kuwait, strengthening the global positioning of ibcs and its availability to all Incubation Centres around the globe. Appropriately our Technical Sales Consultant, James Chaffer is in Hinkley this morning learning 'Business Arabic for Beginners' ready for his trip to Kuwait in the New Year.

Today as we aim to communicate better with our overseas prospects and customers, he will be learning more about Arabic culture and the basic language that will enable him to meet and greet customers correctly, along with developing his understanding of meeting vocabulary and etiquette, telephone vocabulary and techniques, numbers and the days of the week, and refreshments and eating out.

We hope you enjoy the celebrations, whatever you are up to today! Also if you have anything spectacular going on then we'd really like to know so please leave us a comment below, give us a ring on 0845 365 10 71 or email us. We'd happily publish your news.

Again happy Global Business Incubation Day!

New ibcs Visitor Management Software Module, Now Available...

2010-12-07T11:55:00.002Z

New ibcs Visitor Management Module.

The ibcs team are dedicated to the continual development of the system, working to ensure that our product meets the demands of your industry. As a result we have recently launched a new ibcs module designed specifically for the task of managing your visitor access and on-site security.

The new Visitor Management Module simplifies your visitor reception process, easing front of house workload and enhancing security with direct and up-to-date information about each person.

The new module will bring additional benefit to your work processes, helping you to mange your guests quickly and securely, assigning access levels reducing problems for your security managers and enabling you to produce visitor reports by visit, host, company, date etc.

The module gives the added benefit of knowing who is on your site and where they have been allocated at any time, increasing your site security and enabling you to produce an evacuation list of visitors in an emergency, at the touch of a button.

The module integrates perfectly with the full ibcs system providing a better solution for all your centre management needs.

For more information please contact us on 0845 365 10 71 or email us now.

Back to business...

2010-12-06T15:18:00.001Z

Snowy Office Signage.

Thankfully today most of the ra staff have made it back into the office. It's amazing what can be achieved remotely. Pretty much all areas of the business continued working last week, despite the 3ft of snow!

Support has been un-disrupted throughout this period and even our accounts team had a connection from home, so were busy doing invoices. The ibcs sales team managed to complete a successful online demo and our marketing department have been busy sending ibcs VAT change notifications, prepping for the Christmas newsletter and keeping our social media profiles up-to date!

We hope that all of you are back to business today and that the downfall of so much snow has not caused too much chaos.

Snow still causing problems but it's business as usual!

2010-12-02T09:42:00.001Z

Snow still causing difficulties!

Again this morning we have found that more than half the ra workforce are still stranded at home. Our trusted old Freelander has been busy working hard ferrying staff to and from the office but as pretty as it looks, over 2 ft of snow is causing major problems on the roads and playing havoc with public transport across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

We've unfortunately had to cancel attending a networking event this morning in Chesterfield, along with a meeting in Coventry and an on-site visit down in London but we will get to you as soon as possible.

The good news though, is that yet again the support desk is undisrupted with remote support available, and amazingly yesterday both Ian and Lloyd made it in to the office, all be it on foot. We thank them for braving the elements and helping us to keep business running as normal and we are still on hand to ensure that your systems are supported as always!

If you need assistance please contact us as usual, as despite our lack of physical attendance we are still all available.

We hope the weather is not disrupting your business too badly and please continue to be safe!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2010-12-01T10:00:00.002Z

The snow covered ra offices this morning!

Today unfortunately most of the ibcs team are still stranded at home (probably making snow angels!) but support is still available with as much remote assistance on helpdesk calls as possible.

If we have demonstrations, installations or on-site training booked with you later in the week we will try to get to you and if that fails we will be in touch to rearrange if necessary.

We hope you are all safe and warm and enjoying the snow safely!

Is the BIG FREEZE costing your business BIG BUCKS??

2010-11-30T10:26:00.003Z

Is the BIG FREEZE costing you BIG BUCKS?

Last year the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) estimated that the bad weather, widespread commuter disruption and school closures, cost the UK business economy at least £600 million a day! Don't let it effect you like this again.

Only around 10 percent of businesses are completing continuity plans due to the financial pressures of the recession, but evident from today, last year wasn't the first and won’t be the last time that productivity is impacted due to the weather. Unions and management groups are urging firms to better prepare to ensure that they can maintain a competitive advantage in any situation.

One of our directors Jon Dabbs, offers his advice on how other businesses need to avoid disruption by planning in advance, making a difference to maintaining services and productivity in adverse weather conditions.

He states “At ra we believe that it is important to put in place contingency plans for these types of occasions and as such disruption can be avoided. We can help other businesses to look at their existing computing models and the low-cost yet effective technologies available to them”.

The FSB have also estimated that about 10 percent of the UK’s 30 million workforce were unable to get to work during the snow fall in Jan 2010. Noel Kennedy, our Business Development Manager, states “Employees make businesses grow and losing key staff because of the weather can be very damaging, particularly in the current economic climate”.

“With a home broadband connection and by having remote networking facilities a business can easily continue its operations and avoid lost revenue... crucial in any economic environment”.

Our continuity solutions employ advanced technology and focus on reducing exposure risks and improving recovery cycle. A key element to this is helping business to manage areas such as flexible working, disaster recovery and backup solutions as part of their business processes.

Jon Dabbs, Director States “Thanks to modern technology and the widespread use of flexible working practices, many employers could gear up to allow staff to work remotely or from home."

Contact us now for more information on how to implement changes that could keep your business working regardless of the snow!

ibcs... A tux, a top hat and a sword??

2010-11-22T15:47:00.003Z

Our Business Development Executive, a Tux, Top Hat and a Sword?!

Looks like James and Ian had a great time down in London at the bca Dinner Awards on Friday... They scrub up well but we are still trying to work out how the lads ended up playing with swords and top hats... I guess boys will be boys! :)

Forgetting the sword, It was great for us to spend some time mixing with the business centre community, we thoroughly enjoyed catching up with a few old faces and networking with many new. We were disapointed to not win an award this year but this only spurs us on to working harder for you!

We hope you enjoyed the celebrations as much as we did, we look forward to the forthcoming business year and mingling with you all as much as possible!

ibcs Team off to bca Gala Awards Dinner!

2010-11-19T15:42:00.005Z

bca Gala Awards Dinner 2011

Once again the bca Annual Industry Gala Awards Dinner is nearly upon us, and as some of you might recall, we were delighted to be voted bca Trade Supplier of the Year 2005 and also runners up in 2007, for the quality of support received by our ibcs clients.

James and Ian from the team, are heading down to this years event in London Village tonight. The black tie dinner will see the presentation of the industry’s most prestigious awards for Business Centres, Managed Workspaces, Trade Suppliers and Broker Representatives of 2010.

Not only is this the 'Business Centre industry event of the year', but it’s the perfect place to socialise in a fantastic atmosphere, so we've packaged James and Ian off for a spot of networking and some free champagne! ;)

We hope to see some of you there and thanks again to any of our lovely clients who may have kindly nominated us for as Trade Supplier 2010. Fingers crossed!

FREE ibcs branded KitKats... Yum!!

2010-11-12T16:27:00.003Z

ibcs Branded KitKats :)

We're currently offering free ibcs branded KitKats in exchange for a 'like on facebook' - yes we know this is bribery but we also hope that you will benefit from our future industry related posts!

We aim to support anyone related to the service office industry so we’d love for you to spend some time finding out more about our comprehensive software system ibcs.

Noël Kennedy, an experienced and happy chappy from our sales team would be happy to speak to you further so please give us a call for an informal chat - he doesn’t bite! - Tel: 0845 365 10 71.

If you simply wish to find out more for yourself then please visit our website or even talk to some of your industry peers.

ibcs Science Park Focus Group - 12th Nov 2010

2010-11-10T08:35:00.054Z

ra Information Systems - Head Office, Chesterfield

This coming Friday we are hosting another of our successful ibcs Focus Groups. The session will take place at our premises at The Bridge Business Park in Chesterfield between the hours of 10am and 4pm.

ESSENTIAL TOOLS ENHANCED AND EXTENDED

The day will begin with welcome refreshments and networking and will then move to focus on how ibcs can assist you with your Science Park. We will be looking at the approaching release of ibcs Version 2.0 and how this will influence areas such as your Contact Management and CRM, along with many other functions.

EXCITING NEW MODULES

We will also be introducing exciting new modules that will benefit the running of your Science Park, such as the ibcs Visitor Security Module and ibcs Survey Module for collecting statistics - a hot topic for the UKSPA member base right now.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Our focus groups provide the perfect opportunity to come and explore new ideas and to help define the future path of the ibcs system. We hope that by the end of the session you will feel that you have been given full opportunity to discuss important issues directly with the ibcs team and your industry colleagues, and that you will take away some new ideas on how to get the most from your investment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Our Focus Groups are free to attend with lunch and refreshments included. Free parking is also available at the front of the building.

We have a few spots left so for more information or if you wish to be allocated a place to attend, please call us now on 0845 365 10 71 or email us at info@ibcs-software.com.

ibcs VAT Change Notification - January 2011

2010-11-09T10:45:00.008Z

The standard rate of VAT is currently set at 17.5% but will be increased to 20% on the 4th January 2011.

As before, the functionality to accommodate VAT changes is already in place within ibcs.

We will shortly be connecting to your system to ensure that this critical amendment is carried out smoothly, allowing you to continue to keep your accounts in perfect order.

We don't believe that our clients should have to pay for this type of change, so unlike some other software providers, this amendment is totally FREE OF CHARGE making the entire process as painless as possible for you.

For more information or if you have any questions please contact us... Tel: 0845 365 10 71 or Helpdesk: 0845 345 46 01.

On Facebook? You can “like” ibcs there too!

2010-11-05T15:32:00.011Z

ibcs Software on facebook

Spread the ibcs love by liking us on Facebook or even by hitting the share buttons at the bottom of these individual posts!

Following the 'ibcs Team Blog' is just one way to get the latest ibcs feeds but we're also sharing exciting news, photos, videos, and more on our Facebook page. Check it out and like our Facebook page here, which will then conveniently show our posts in your Facebook news feed every time we offer something new.

Don't forget you can follow us on Twitter too. On Twitter you can @ us, or maybe even send us a direct message.

We look forward to social networking with you all soon!!

New ibcs Business Development Executive

2010-11-05T14:35:00.006Z

Flint Lockwood AKA Ian Underdown... ra Information Systems New Business Development Executive

This week we welcome Ian Unerdown to our ibcs Team! Initially Ian will be testing the latest version of ibcs, something which has become critical in order for us to get the new version out and to give the development team time to concentrate on a new look system.

Ian’s wider remit will also be to win new business, not just in new ibcs sales but also identifying and developing new business opportunities for ra as a company, fulfilling his new role as Business Development Executive.

We look forward to helping Ian settle into his new role and hope his new position will help us to make the most of our opportunities.

ibcs Hits the Nokia Ovi Store with a News and Events Feed App

2010-11-03T15:22:00.004Z

ibcs Nokia Mobile Phone Application

The way that our clients and prospects use technology has changed significantly in recent years and people consume content across a variety of different platforms. With this in mind we have launched a new mobile phone application for ibcs.

The ibcs app provides a great way to receive ibcs and industry related news, images and other engaging content about the software straight to your Nokia device.

The application features all the latest ibcs news as it happens, including developments, events and articles from the ibcs news archive, and links effortlessly through to our full ibcs Software website for more information.

The use of modern technology provides a new channel for us to stay in touch with the people that count; it is also another way to create new ideas and benefits to the serviced workspace industry.

Available by clicking here the new ibcs app is free for use with any Nokia Device.