
Business

Google has recently extended its AI-driven search overviews to six additional countries: the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, and Brazil. Initially launched in the United States, this feature uses advanced artificial intelligence to offer users concise summaries of search results, aiming to streamline the process of finding relevant information, particularly for complex queries....
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What You Need to Know About the Phone Line Switch Off: Transitioning to Digital Technology
As technology continues to advance, so too do our methods of communication. One of the most significant changes on the horizon for landline phone users in the UK is the transition from traditional copper networks to advanced digital technology. At O’Brien Media, we recognise the impact this shift can have on both businesses and individuals. In this blog post, we will explore what you need to...
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Why Small Businesses Need Their Own Website Beyond Social Media
In today’s digital world, the online presence of a small business is more crucial than ever. While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are essential for engaging with customers and promoting your business, they should not be the sole focus of your digital strategy. A dedicated website remains a vital asset for any small business, offering benefits that social media alone cannot...
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Why O’Brien Media is Proud to be a Living Wage Employer
At O'Brien Media, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. Our commitment to social responsibility and fair treatment is reflected in our decision to become a Living Wage employer. The Living Wage is a voluntary commitment to pay our staff a wage that meets the real cost of living, and we are proud to uphold this standard. Here’s why this commitment matters to us and why it should...
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Microsoft IT Outage – O’Brien Media Services Unaffected
In the wake of the global IT outage linked to Microsoft and CrowdStrike, businesses and services across the UK have experienced significant disruptions. The issues, which began early on July 19th, 2024, and resulted in Sky News being unable to broadcast on TV and livetreams, have also impacted major airlines, banks, and public services including the NHS, causing widespread delays and operational...
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Labour’s Election Victory: What It Means for Swindon’s Small Businesses
The recent general election has resulted in a significant shift in the UK’s political landscape, with the Labour Party achieving a landslide victory. This change has particularly affected Swindon, where long-standing Conservative MPs Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland have been replaced by Labour’s Will Stone and Heidi Alexander. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Swindon,...
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Understanding the Trend of Rising in Hosting Prices: Our Responsible Approach for Small Businesses
In recent weeks, many website hosting companies, including well-known names like Bluehost, have been compelled to increase their prices. This shift can largely be attributed to the escalating costs of energy and hardware. As global energy prices soar and the demand for more advanced hardware intensifies, hosting providers are left with little choice but to pass some of these costs onto their...
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Stay Cool and Efficient: Office Tips for Surviving the UK Heatwave
With the UK experiencing scorching heatwaves, it's essential to adapt your office environment to stay cool, efficient, and comfortable. Here are some practical tips to ensure your workspace remains a haven of productivity, even during the hottest days. 1. Turn Off Non-Essential Electronics During peak heat, every bit of energy saved counts. Non-essential electronics such as printers, scanners,...
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Unsubscribing vs. Reporting as Spam: Understanding the Difference and its Impact on Small Businesses
Our inboxes are constantly flooded with emails. From promotional offers to newsletters, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Consequently, many email users are familiar with the options to "unsubscribe" or "report as spam." However, these actions have significantly different implications, especially for small businesses trying to grow their customer base and reputation. In this post, we'll delve into...
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Google Sites Shutdown: Why Your Business Needs a Website Now More Than Ever
Google has brought the era of Google Sites to a close, signalling a shift that leaves many businesses without an online home. As these sites turn off in March 2024, with redirects only operational until 10 June 2024, the message is clear: the need for a dedicated, robust website for your business has never been more urgent.
This is where O'Brien Media steps in, offering an essential lifeline for...
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