Keen cyclists Paul and Rob tackle 100-mile bike challenge for charity

Financial advisers Paul Roberts and Rob Silk are getting on their bikes for charity this weekend.

The duo, who work for Strategic Solutions Financial Planners in Bournemouth, are taking part in the New Forest 100 Sportive on Saturday.

Both are keen cyclists but have never taken part in any cycle related races or challenges involving such a distance before – 100 miles.

Rob, pictured left, said: “By setting ourselves this challenge I hope we can raise awareness and vital funding towards Ward 11 at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

“The treatment and support they give at such a difficult time for patients and families is absolutely amazing.

“Cancer has affected so many people close to me and I have seen first-hand that it’s the fantastic work of wards and centres such as this that make a world of difference.”

Paul’s Dad was treated at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital during his battle with leukaemia in 2015 but, sadly, lost his fight.

Ever since Paul, pictured right, has wanted to give something back to help support the fantastic work of hospital staff and, especially, Ward 11 which treats cancer patients.

To donate, please click on Paul and Rob’s Just Giving page here.

Alternatively take a look at the Bournemouth Hospital Charity website here

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JPL Telecom becomes a Staples’ staple in the UK and Europe

Major office supplier Staples is the latest big name to list products designed and engineered by JPL Telecom in Sturminster Newton.

Its innovative headset and webcam range are now available to customers from its stores and online presence in the UK and Europe.

Staples Europe has also signed a partnership agreement with JPL Telecom to resell the JPL headset product line including its webcam, known as the JPL Vision+.

Staples Netherlands has added JPL to its Staples Advantage portal which is being extended into Poland, Nordics, Germany, and Portugal.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the massive global shift towards home working and home learning led to a huge spike in demand for USB headsets.

It proved challenging for Staples because major headset vendors experienced large order backlogs.

Ross Barker, Technology Category Manager at Staples, said: “Demand exceeded supply and as we needed to explore alternative solutions we contacted our Nimans’ Account Manager, Rory Heard.

“Nimans is the largest next-day delivery distributor of telecoms and data equipment.

“Rory suggested JPL Telecom, which had recently adapted one of its popular headsets with a USB connection.

“After an initial trial, we were happy to present the headsets to our customers.

“The feedback has been excellent and JPL Telecom has kept supply routes open during the past difficult months, which has led to the brand being named one of our ‘reliable and trusted vendors’.”

James Clarke, CEO, JPL Telecom, pictured right, said: “We are delighted to welcome Staples as a Strategic Partner in association with Nimans and we are gearing up our efforts in Europe for further growth and brand awareness.

“Staples Europe are ambitious to offer solutions for their customers and we delighted to be part of the Staples solutions portfolio.”

Pete Wilson, Sales Manager at JPL Telecom, added: “Audio, vision and voice solutions are at the heart of our range.

“Therefore, to have an office supply giant such as Staples actively selling our products is fantastic and a great achievement to all involved.”

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Promotion for Daniel at BOFA International

BOFA International, a global leader in portable fume and dust extraction systems, has promoted Daniel Kench to the new position of Systems Director.

Daniel, pictured left, has a background in lean working and continuous improvement, with more than a decade’s experience implementing business support systems, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

For the last three years, he has worked at BOFA as Systems & Process Manager, ensuring the company’s systems support the business’ growth strategy.

BOFA has enjoyed strong growth in recent years and the company’s systems have had to grow with it.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the company’s cloud-based ERP system has enabled BOFA staff to work flexibly without any disruption to business.

An important part of Daniel’s role is to ensure that BOFA systems support expansion into new territories and integrate with international partners.

His expertise was also important during the acquisition of BOFA by Donaldson in 2018.

Daniel is married and lives in Bournemouth.