Intelligent CXO Issue 34 | Page 9

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Lack of government incentives stifling UK business connectivity expansion

new study has found the business appetite for high-capacity

A connectivity is set to support the next surge of digital investment . Forty-two percent of UK businesses regard moving to higher capacity connectivity in the next two years as key to growth plans – rating it either ‘ integral ’ or ‘ greatly important ’ to their future success .

As well as showing an appetite for greater connectivity , the report insights point to shortcomings in government incentives for highcapacity network expansion , stifling the ability of AltNets to serve
UK business growth . When business leaders were asked if their business had felt a notable impact from the government ’ s Project Gigabit roll-out , just 52.5 % said yes .
The UK Business Gigabit Connectivity Report – conducted by business ethernet backhaul providers , Neos Networks – gathered insights from business leaders and decision-makers at 160 UK companies . The study sought to gauge the business appetite for connectivity investment to support growth and identify the role AltNets could play .
For those that have invested over the last 24 months , nearly one in eight businesses ( 11.2 %) stated that investing in connectivity had a direct impact on business profitability . Plus , 98.3 % of businesses said they saw indirect impacts such as productivity , staff retention or client collaboration .
Some of the top reasons businesses are prioritising higher capacity connectivity are increased computer power ( 22.4 %), operational development meaning more data and higher capacity requirements ( 21.2 %) and greater device usage for each employee ( 11.6 %). One in 10 UK businesses are actively looking to increase their connectivity to better integrate AI into their processes .

Magnati and Lagardere Travel Retail partner to implement next-generation payment experience

Magnati , a leading payments solutions provider in the Middle

East region , has partnered with Lagardere Travel Retail , a global leader in the travel retail industry with a strong presence in duty free and food and beverages in the UAE . Magnati will provide card acceptance services to Lagardere ’ s network in the UAE , encompassing over 200 acceptance points across Abu Dhabi International Airport and Dubai International ( DXB ). payment company in the MENA region , Magnati is thrilled to collaborate with Lagardere Travel Retail , to enable a seamless payment ecosystem . Magnati is changing the payments landscape by partnering with businesses to provide them the best-inclass payment technologies for a superior customer experience . Solutions offered to Lagardere enables increased efficiency and ease of doing transactions for its patrons .”
The cash tills at Lagardere Travel Retail outlets are directly integrated with Magnati ’ s cutting-edge cashless payment solution , which adheres to strict global security standards providing customers with a seamless , integrated and secure payment experience . The system accepts a diverse range of domestic and international cards and offers a Dynamic Currency Conversion option where customers can easily make payments in their home currencies using their cards , providing smooth and convenient transactions to Lagardere Travel Retail ’ s international clientele . The company has recently expanded its local operations with the addition of 18 outlets in the new Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport .
Salim Mahmood Awan , MD & Head of Business Development , Institutional Payment Solutions , Magnati , said : “ As a leading
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