England Veterans World Cup Winning Captain, Jamie Clarke joins the skignz team

skignz are delighted to announce the latest member of the management team is Jamie Clarke.

Jamie's background is in Social Care Management, he has worked within the NHS, for the English FA and more recently as a consultant for a range of Health Authorities and Charitable Organisations across the UK.

He specialises in delivering Service Implementation, Co-Production Models of Delivery Design and a Service Improvements expert. 

Jamie actually started his career in the Armed Forces serving with the 7 RHA (Royal Artillery) in Northern Ireland & Operation Desert Storm (1st Gulf War 1990). 

He was then 'bought out' of the Army in 1992 to play professional football for St Johnstone in Scotland and then Darlington in England.

Jamie has continued playing semi-pro football into his early forties for many northeast non-league clubs, however his greatest footballing achievement was when he captained the England team to win the Veterans 2014 World Cup in Thailand.

Jamie on skignz: "I was really excited when I first spoke to Si about the concept of skignz and how it works.
 


It just seemed to me that putting the world's information in front of people, wherever they are in the world was incredible. skignz is something that can be used for a multitude of different tasks, placing key information in front of the user on a local level.
  


Using Augmented Reality and Geolocation technology to put information in front of your eyes is something that can only be a good thing!"

Si Brown (skignz, Co-founder & CMO) said: "I've known Jamie for many many years, mainly through football, although he was always playing for the opposition, until the last few years where we have both played (In the loosest sense of the word) on the same veterans team.

On a professional note, we have crossed paths a number of times, when I was involved with a Mental Health Charity and he was working in both the NHS and The FA with vulnerable adults and children with serious Mental Health conditions. He's a great guy, frighteningly enthusiastic and seemed to get skignz 'at hello'. 

Since then he's brought more energy to the team and has already focussed on a number of potential ways in which skignz can be used. Not only in his past career sectors, but also identifying new ways in which other sectors can present their current data and information in a more meaningful and visual way.

His role as Head of DV (Data Visualisation) Partnerships has been developed to play to his strengths and enable skignz to have a strategic thinker purely focussed on this key area of our business growth".

Jamie on Joining skignz: "I can't explain how excited I am to be joining the skignz team.  Si, Gary and the team have made me feel really welcome and it's so clear that we are all working for a common goal.

I've worked all over the UK delivering and implementing high quality services and products to people who need them. Joining skignz was the easiest decision I've had to make. 

The vision and enthusiasm of everyone at skignz is infectious, and this is where I want to be, hopefully helping to ensure success at every level of the business"

If you would like to find out how your company/organisation could benefit from using the skignz technology platform to enhance its data. 

Please contact Jamie on +44 (0) 845 058 0519 or in the first instance email him at info@skignz.com

  

Improving our UX, Design & Functionality

As some of you will see when either using the skignz App or looking at the website - change is afoot.

We are currently refining, refreshing and updating all areas of our UX, design, layout through to whole new structure to the functionality within the App.

Key areas that have already being addressed are 

• Intro Screens
• Camera View Icons
• Help Sections
• Menus
• Icon Rotations - Portrait to Landscape
• Profiles Layouts
• Increased functionality such as 'Face Down Map View' & 'Friend Maps'.

We are also looking at other key areas within the App, sounding activity and a programme of constant evolution. 

The last 12 months have seen us focus predominantly on the backend development of skignz making the skignz platform stable, improve accessibility, speed, caching, hosting, security etc…

Now we have focussed on the front end/UX design and overall user experience. A lot of this work we knew was required but also we have acted upon a lot of feedback from various quarters to help us further refine skignz, make it more accessible and easier to use. 

We really appreciate people testing and taking time out to feed back to us and hope that they continue to do so and even more people will join in. 

Our early adopters are helping us deliver a ‘skignz’ they want to regularly use, is helpful and useful to them rather than a ‘skignz’ we think will do the same.

Not much difference in the words but the impact and results are worlds apart.

We continue to develop the skignz platform with changes and updates coming on a weekly/monthly basis, so you should see further change in the coming months. 

We always welcome feedback so please feel free to let us know about your experiences by emailing us at discover@skignz.com

As-well as the changes to the look and feel of skignz we are also increasing the functionality. 

Last month we launched the in app ‘capture’ allowing users to ‘capture their skignz activity’ and either save to their device or share with others/post to social media platforms.

The key one for July is around adding the map functionality and showing where things are on the map when the phone is held facing the ground (so flat) this changes from the usual skignz camera view to the new map view.

In the coming months, we will be enhancing the ‘share & social’ aspect of skignz making it easier for you to connect with friends and share each others locations and access each others ‘skignz’ one that they have not made public.

As always we will keep you updated on future releases, updates and any additional functionality we have added.

If you haven’t already please take a look at the new skignz website www.skignz.com and if you have not either downloaded the app or taken a look for a while please do so. 

We would be very interested to get you feedback if you have 2 mins to email us at discover@skignz.com

FUSION HIVE: skignz secures new offices

skignz are delighted to say that we will be relocating our HQ & UK offices to Fusion Hive.

We anticipate moving in in early August 2015 and look forward to welcoming our clients, partners and friends. 

Due to the recent investment and expansion of skignz, we required not only more room but we were looking for somewhere that would provide us with an environment to thrive in. 

Other tech & digitally focussed companies will also be in the same building and we looking forward to creating a relaxing, yet productive environment for us all to benefit from.

skignz has secured the top floor (left of the core) as shown in the top picture, providing us with a large open plan office space and high speed internet connection.

Also fantastic views across the the River Tees, Teesdale, Durham University & Stockton Riverside College.

If you would like to know more about Fusion Hive then please take a look here - http://www.fusionhive.co.uk

If you would like to know more about skignz then please visit us on www.skignz.com/discover or check out all the usual social media channels by typing skignz in them.

Help Si & Richard talk about skignz... Please vote for skignz in Pitch to Rich...

skignz: Overall WINNERS of 'pitch@ignite 2015'

skignz are delighted to announce that we were confirmed Overall WINNERS of 'pitch@ignite 2015', celebrating the latest UK most disruptive Tech start-ups.

skignz was one of a shortlisted five companies who were given the opportunity to pitch their 'disruptive tech' in front of a very salubrious audience and esteemed Judges from KTN, Rugby World Cup 2015 and UK Capital.

The event was 'live streamed' on to twitter through Meercat, with plenty of audience & judges questions, prior to the final deliberations and skignz being announced as the eventual WINNERS!.

If you are a brand or individual and want to engage skignz, please download the FREE skignz APP on either IOS or Android or visit www.skignz.com/discover

skignz Enters the Pitch to Rich Competitions - Please Vote for us

skignz: Trigger points and Your health

As part of a new feature in our Blog & Monthly Newsletter, We are speaking to other companies and asking some to provide us with an interesting feature each month.

This month we are looking at how our own health affects our working performance and WellBlocks offered to provide us with an interesting outline of the trigger points in your body. As most people who working in emerging technologies, we spend a lot of time, sat at a Desk, sat in a Car, Train or even a plane. or a combination of them all All day, Everyday.

This got us thinking here at skignz about those little niggles, aches and pains. recently our Co-Founder & CMO Si Brown was talking to Dr Caroline Keddie, the creator of Wellblocks and thought her invention was the ideal topic to kick off our monthly guest blog feature.

It’s not just skignz talking about Trigger Points in the air

Trigger points are tiny knots that build up in muscles overtime causing pain and all sorts of troubles. From migraine headaches to achy necks and sore knees. 

They are exacerbated by repetitive actions, overuse and bad posture. 

Slowly tightening and shortening muscles until imbalances occur and joints, tendons and nerves are pulled off kilter.

The smallest part of a muscle's contraction that can be seen under a microscope are Sarcomeres. 

The contraction of muscles occur when Actin & Myosin protein molecules are attracted to each other when stimulated neurologically. Trigger points occur when the Actin & Myosin fail to uncouple. The muscle fibres then accumulate into a tight knot. When this happens blood circulation through the fibres is suppressed and inhibits the fuel required for the Actin & Myosin to release exacerbating the problem further.

Trigger points can be active or latent. 

Active 'Trigger Points' cause spontaneous pain, with or without motion, and latent trigger points may only be obvious on touching. 

It is believed that our muscles slowly build up many latent 'Trigger Points' overtime and Travell and Simon, the main writers on 'Trigger Points', believe that it is this build up of latent knots in the muscles that leads to much of the stiffness and joint pain characterised by old age.

There is no operation or drug that can reduce or eliminate these 'Trigger Points'. The key is to use a treatment that increases the circulation of blood at that sarcomere bundle, or knot, therefore allowing the Actin and Myosin to separate and the fibres to run freely again. 

Massage therapists use thumbs, knuckles and elbows. Sometimes it simply takes a little on off pressure to release these points as the blood comes running back through the muscle fibres.

Not everyone can afford the time or money for massage and, actually, Trigger Points prefer a little massage and often e.g. 3-6 times a day for a minute. 

So thats why Wellblocks was created, for this very purpose. 

You would not believe the difference they can make if you simply use them on the go, or at your desk, a few times a day. By not giving the muscles the chance to build up knots you will stay pain free.

A Few Problems brought about by Trigger Points

Pictures courtesy of massagenerd.com

Headaches and stiff sore neck

Trigger points in the Trapezium, Levator Scapulae and Sternocleidomastoid can cause migraines and neck ache. 

Common for computer users and desk jobs.

The Secret Damagers

Sore thumbs from texting & using Apps:

Use Wellblocks at your desk to release muscles

Sore knees and Hips:

Trigger points in the Tensor Fascia latae (TFL), and the quadricep muscle, Vastas Lateralis,  and glutes can cause tightness that pulls the knee, or hip, off kilter. Wellblocks are much better than foam rollers for loosening Trigger points.

Runners Knees: Dump the rollers

Sore shoulders    

The main culprits Trigger Points in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. 

Again these can be released using Wellblocks against a wall or chair.

The good news is 'Trigger Points' can be your friend as with very little pressure the circulation can improve, the knots release and your muscle become long again.

Problems can be relieved within days or a couple of weeks for more long term chronic problems. 

Then maintenance is the key. Wellblocks allow you to maintain at your desk. 

They come with a free instructional App with simple, quick programs for all sports and lifestyles. From Golf to Cycling. Dentist to desk worker.

The first production run of Wellblocks has now started and they should be available in the next ten weeks. 

For pre orders please sign up at wellblocks.com

Follow Wellblocks on twitter and LinkedIn  for up to date information.

Also watch this mini film here

For further information on skignz please visit www.skignz.com or check us out on all the usual social media channels.

skignz: Aprils Fool... Gotcha again!

This year the skignz team stepped up there Aprils Fool joke from last Years Multi Million Pound deal with NASA....

This Years Aprils fool was titled: 

NEWSFLASH: Facebook Confirm $30B bid for skignz...

With a short description under the main image in the Email NewsFlash, we directed the reader to click here for more... and when they did, they were greeted by this little fellow...

Again our 'NewsFlash' seemed to create much interest with the more than 3 times as many opens and click throughs as our 'Monthly NewsLetter'.

this resulted in over 100 people being stung by our 'April Fools joke for 2015'.

Thanks for all of you who took part and for seeing the funny side. However we must say that quite lot of those who we did 'fool' were good sports, but a lot of you actually wished that it was true and it wasn't 1st April. You do! We can assure you that we did too lol.

rest assured that if/when that does become the headline, please check the date first, but we have done this once...

so next time who knows... it could be true ;-)

As always if you want to see what else we are up to at skignz, what we are involving ourselves in and sharing on Social Media then please find us on the usual channels or take a look at our website www.skignz.com 

NEWSFLASH: Facebook Confirm $30B bid for skignz

skignz: Investment Secured

skignz are delighted to confirm that they we confirmed investment into the company in order to expedite our growth.

We have been working with Northstar Ventures, over the last few months to agree a package of investment that will allow skignz to increase its team, relocate to new premises and increase our activity with a range of clients who we are looking at considerably larger projects with.

skignz is now embarking on a recruitment drive to secure a number of key members for their growing team, as well as investing significantly in its User Journey, UX Design, New Website, API and Agency Support Platform.

The investment was welcomed by Co-Founder & CMO Si Brown said: 

"With this influx of investment it allows us to establish a firm foundation for growth, secure the Patents and rights to the skignz technology platform. Working with Northstar Ventures has also allowed us to measure our progress to date and establish firm goals for the Short, Medium and Long Term futures..."

skignz have been supported and advised by the Particular team and would like to thank them for their continued help and support, Awesome guys who have been invaluable not only through this process but over the last few years.

Further announcements on skignz growth will be made in due course.

If you would like to follow skignz's progress then please see our website at www.skignz.com, read this blog, even sign up for our regular Newsletter. Also we are on most Social Media platforms.

if you are looking for investment at varying stages of your business growth then check out Northstar Ventures at www.northstarventures.co.uk

If you are a Start-up or small tech Company and are looking for proper support in both Business and legal advice then check our Particular at www.particularlegal.com they have offices in both Newcastle and London, UK.

skignz: Pitch@Palace 3.0

skignz won through to this years final of pitch@palace where we were given the opportunity to present to a very esteemed audience of 500+ dignitaries 

This marvellous opportunity came about when the fantastic Ken Valliday at Tech2brand and AdTech_London nominated skignz for Pitch@Palace 3.0 (P@P)

skignz was shortlisted from the original 150 applicants to attend a bootcamp of 42 tech companies presenting for the opportunity to Pitch@Palace.

BOOT CAMP:

                    

     

The bootcamp was held at WAYRA, Telefonica's Accelerator based in Fitzrovia London on Thursday 12th March 2015.

The environment that WAYRA is providing to help start up companies is an awesome eclectic space where people can come together, work privately but also have a central London address that showcases them in the best light.

Boot Camp Video: - https://youtu.be/8rRhPbybCuI

Each of the 45 teams were given 3 mins to pitch with only 1 slide on the screen behind them to support their presentation. With mentors on hand and various presentations from previous winners such as Squirrel and Industry leaders like Jess Butcher, CMO & Co-Founder of Blippar through to engaging exercises with Nottingham University's Business School.

skignz 1 min Video: - https://youtu.be/RckBPpK1it0

The day and we suppose the whole opportunity of P@P is not complete without HRH The Duke of York, who spoke very candidly on why he created P@P? 

What he wanted it to achieve and that the key was not in winning (which we all now is the aim of all competitions); but the key was getting the opportunity to present your brand and what you do to a very high level audience at St James Palace on Monday 23rd March 2015.

With the pitching companies split up into groups for Arts & Design, AdTech (skignz's category), EdTech, EntTech and Retail Tech. Each group was assigned a range of mentors who they could talk to prior to the actual pitching after lunch.

All of the participants, mentors and other guests were given the opportunity to vote and feedback on each of the pitches.

All this prior to the judges lead by HRH deliberating on who they felt was the top 14/15 companies to proceed to the final of P@P.

When the results were read out (in no particular order) skignz was No.13 of the 14 names read out that had been successful.

skignz was through to the Palace!

THE FINAL:

This was held at the very beautiful and regal St James Palace, London on Monday 23rd March 2015.

        

The format was the same with the 14 companies only allowed 3 mins and one slide for their pitch. There was a number of wonderful prizes on offer for the overall winner and two runners up.

In addition a 'Peoples Choice' award ran right up till 5pm on the day of the final and all 45 boot camp companies were included in this, with votes being requested through social media.

As you can imagine the surroundings were very impressive, the whole ceremonial and regal feel was everywhere, bit 


We are sure a lot of people who pitched and attended felt the value of the whole event came from the People 'in the room'. 

HRH has clearly has one of the most amazing 'roleadex of contacts' in the business world.

With these type of connections, even making a couple of introductions is incredible for any business but to put on an event, showcasing a range of companies is beyond comprehension to 'probably' all of the companies who entered.

With an audience that included, Princes's & Sheiks from Saudi Arabia & The Emirates, to some of the most senior people in Facebook and Vodafone; right through to a range of VC's and Tech Investors. 

The opportunities to network were second to none and provided all who attended the platform to be able to speak to people who you could spend a lifetime trying to get in front of and they are coming up to to you and asking more about what you do. 

A very humbling and rewarding experience certainly for us.

skignz was delighted to meet a lot of people and especially some of the other companies who were pitching alongside us. 

It was especially awesome to meet Jessica & Lara (Immerse Learning - www.immerselearning.com), Sean & Leona (PlotBox - www.plotbox.io) and Georgina (truRating - www.trurating.com).

As well as all the wonderful people we met, skignz also had our Deb McGargle (Particular - www.particularlegal.com) who leads our awesome legal team. 

Deb in her 'particular' style worked the room and provided skignz with a range of additional people we can speak to through her networking prowess! 
Thanks again Deb xx

The worthy winners of Pitch@Palace 3.0 were

 - Jukebox - Overall Winner
 - Grabble - Runner Up
 - OpenDesk - Runner Up
 - Team Turquoise - Peoples Choice Award

So although skignz did not win, the benefits of the exposure of skignz not to the audience in the room, the other contestants but also over social media and beyond is immeasurable.

skignz are delighted to say that we have already engaged with a range of the the companies who pitched alongside us to see if we can work with them as well as a range of VC's, Investors and Global Brands. 

We will update you on our progress as and when it happens...

Finally we would just like to the thank HRH The Duke of York and his wonderful team for everything they have done surrounding this event, at the event and boot camp. 

Also HRH, for missing his daughter Princess Eugene's birthday although the audience did surprise her with a cool video link up over Face Time.

We really hope going forward we can provide them with success stories born out of this event. if not then we can at least acknowledge the part they have played in skignz progress and we do hope will continue to stay engaged with us as we seek global domination with skignz.


If you would like to know more about Pitch@Palace then please visit their website: www.picthatpalace.com

As always if you wish to find out more about skignz, then please either visit our website www.skignz.com or check us out on our various social media channels.

skignz presents at ValleyWood

Earlier this month skignz was given the opportunity to present to a range of brands from across the world at ValleyWood in London, UK

ValleyWood is a 3 day event bringing together the various clients and partners of SMG (Starcom MediaVest Group). Staged in London at The Trampery, Old Street, Shoreditch.


Valleywood 2015 was held between 18th-20th March 2015. 

Speakers from brands such as SKY, Acxiom, Starcom Mediavest, Cineworld, Facebook, LinkedIn, Freemantle Media, Universal Pictures, YouTube, Novartis, Yahoo, Bauer Media and a range of other brands... including skignz! Yea!

Many other global brands were present in the audience picking up tips, ideas and knowledge from the awesome array of speakers.

skignz provided a presentation based around our technology platform and how it can help brands, regardless of their chosen audiences. 

We demonstrated that regardless of their sector, skignz can enhance who they communicate with customers in a way that's fresh new and innovative.

              


The fully customisable skignz Technology Platform allows brands from any level of Car Maker, through to Cosmetics Companies, across to Airlines and Soft Drink companies.

There was a lively discussion afterwards in the Q&A session with many brands asking for more specific examples of the flexibility skignz provides, the Eco-Credentials, Multi Lingual options and the global & brand scalability benefits.

A few brands asked how skignz could be used in marketing and communication campaigns either as a marketing channel or as a whole campaign centred around the skignz tech. Yet one or two brands were looking into how skignz could help them deliver services in a whole new way.

Further conversations after our presentations suggested that one or two of the global brands present saw the skignz technology itself becoming a fundamental offering in their current repertoire of options for their customers. 

One key thing for them was being able to access digital content in an innovative way that is both mobile and scalable yet can be integrated at many different levels of their brand, product and/or service.

All in all and exciting day with no less than 5 follow u meetings with brands about specific projects.

We would like to thank SMG for the opportunity and look forward to working with more of their brands on some really interesting briefs.

For more information on Valleywood 2015 take a look at the event website http://valleywood2015.com/web/

As always for more information on skignz please check out our website www.skignz.com , register for our newsletter, keep visting this blog and like, tweet etc... on our varying Social Media channels.