Latest Blog Entry

• Embrace the magic of social collaboration inside the workplace:
  Post added - November 25, 2011
• Bright new campaign:
  Post added - November 4, 2011
• BPL-Global.com – Another week, another go-live!:
  Post added - September 12, 2011

Tag Cloud

Alliotts awards bp BPL brighter business charity clients collaboration community events fuzzies fuzzy IBM insurance jive Live Lotus LotusConnections LotusLive mindjet mindmanager mind mapping News Podio productivity projects Ricky Elder Socconx social social networking Sponsorhip uca volunteer warm websites workshops

Embrace the magic of social collaboration inside the workplace:

The story so far…

Once upon a time, some social ‘tools’ came along.  Friends Re-united and MySpace in the early days – Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn later on.  Businesses said “they don’t belong in the workplace” (they might have been right at the time).  Some went as far as to ban them, via HR and IT policy.

Then a while later, (some) businesses realised that they could use these channels to communicate with the outside world.  They said “ooh, I see.  We kind of get this now” (some more than others).

And so it was, that they hurried and scurried to focus their efforts to cultivate all manner of likes, follows and connections.

Meanwhile, inside the walls of these busy workplaces lay dormant a source of untapped riches. Companies were blissfully overlooking the opportunity to embrace the magic of social tools inside the workplace.

They had not realised that they could use this magic to inspire their people to willingly do many of the chores to which they had previously been resistant.

The workforce had never been willing to be tracked or otherwise observed by ‘management’.

Yet in these new-fangled social networks, they would voluntarily ‘check-in’ wherever they went!

The workforce had always been reluctant to communicate project progress on a regular basis.

Yet via these peculiar social tools they would insist on sharing regular status updates.  Most peculiar.

The workforce had previously struggled to articulate problems, challenges and triumphs.

Yet many of them had at least dreamed of blogging, of their own volition, in the outside world.

The workforce had been profoundly attached to email and working in silos.

Yet socially, had grown strangely comfortable with messaging transparently on one another’s walls – keeping everyone in the loop.

The workforce had tried to forget the countless and devisive ‘employee of the month’ schemes of the past.

Yet they were openly supporting the ‘gamification’ of everything outside the workplace; scoring points, earning badges, winning bragging rights.

The company intranet is no longer read-only.

It’s no longer just about the canteen menu.

It’s about bringing the magic of social collaboration into the workplace.

If you’re ready to work some magic, let’s talk about platforms, purpose and people.

For more information, please call us on 01483 424 993 and ask for Adrian, or email us at productivity@oval.uk.com

Bright new campaign:

We’ve launched a new campaign to raise awareness of our Productivity Solutions.

The ‘brighter’ campaign encourages companies to find a vibrant, engaging and smart way of working – a ‘brighter way of working’ – with our help.

We help companies to get their work done, using software-enabled solutions including collaboration platforms such as IBM Connections, LotusLive or Podio and we also provide ‘thinking tools’ such as MindManager 2012.

A brighter way of working

We help you to truly understand how to use these solutions to differentiate, innovate and get ahead.  We understand that great tools or platforms are not enough.  Companies need purpose and user engagement to make it work.

Contact us to discuss how the new breed of collaboration and productivity tools can help you to find a brighter way of working.  Call 01483 424 993 and ask for Adrian.

BPL-Global.com – Another week, another go-live!:

One of our long-term clients, BPL Global, asked us to design and develop a new website for them.  They wanted something conservative enough to remain in-keeping with sector norms, but with vibrant doses of colour to hint at their lively ethos.

We created a range of mock-ups and worked closely with them to arrive at a design that sits comfortably with their brand values.  The site is powered by WordPress, offering them full control over content management through a tried and tested browser interface.

BPL are the leading international independent insurance broker for emerging market risk.

Oval solution nominated for BP award:

An Oval Business Solution nominated for prestigious BP Helios Award

Having worked on many software development and consultancy projects for BP, we’ve always derived a great sense of satisfaction from our work – particularly in the business results it helps BP to achieve.  It feels extra special, however, to be mentioned for our contribution to the Global Product Stewardship team that has handled BP’s REACH legislation compliance process.

The Helios Awards are internal to BP and attract entries from teams all over the world.  On this occasion, we understand there to be over 1,000 entries.

The system we built for the GPS team continues to enable them to gather, organise and analyse complex data for submission to the European Chemical Agency.  This in turn will contribute to BP’s ongoing reputation and license to operate in Europe.

Whatever the outcome regarding the Helios Awards, it’s a great endorsement for all involved and we’re pleased to have been part of the team.

- AG

Racing website now live!:

Ricky Elder Racing website now live at www.rickyelderracing.co.uk

As proud sponsors of Ricky Elder Racing, we are now delighted to say that the team’s new website is now live.

Our brief for the project was “simple, effective and striking” – and that’s exactly what we’ve delivered.  Feedback from Ricky and the team has been amazing and we hope fans of the leather-clad high-octane motorsport star will agree.

Go-on, take a look at the site: http://rickyelderracing.co.uk/