Motorcycle Live 2018
We are HUGE Motorcycle fans. So we headed to Motorcycle Live at the NEC in Birmingham to support CCM Motorcycles and to see the latest offerings for 2019.
CCM Motorcycles had a Spitfire on their stand and offered guests a cockpit tour, there were test rides, apparel and so much more. It was true motorcycle heaven.
All the major manufacturers were present and we were able to talk to their engineers and network with other industry professionals such as software designers for modern motorcycle canbus systems. Below are just a few of the photo we took during our visit.
CCM Motorcycles had a Spitfire on their stand and offered guests a cockpit tour, there were test rides, apparel and so much more. It was true motorcycle heaven.
All the major manufacturers were present and we were able to talk to their engineers and network with other industry professionals such as software designers for modern motorcycle canbus systems. Below are just a few of the photo we took during our visit.
GDPR the right way - November 2018
GDPR is the pain of every business owner. You think you have gotten it right with the help of experts to then find out you have great big gaps, to which if persecuted could cost tens of thousands of pounds in fines. So we enlisted the help of Sam Alford from PPP Management who came to our premises and built a comprehensive GDPR system with documentation. With easy to update sections, processes and walk-through's future modifications will be a no-fuss event.
You can contact Sam via her website www.pppmanagement.co.uk
You can contact Sam via her website www.pppmanagement.co.uk
Premises 'Hardware' Security Upgrades - November 2018
While we are good with software it seemed the only thing I had forgotten was the good old smash-and-grab. We have multiple Bio-metric cameras with night vision, Heat and Movement sensors but when it came to ram raids there was not anything more we would do in-house. So we met with Windows of Distinction in Teignmouth who came over and offered us a raft of security enhancements, from toughened triple laminated anti-smash glass to enhanced UPVC locks, extra window locks, steel re-enforced internal security doors plus bollards for the main workshop door. So should a van or lorry come into violent contact with the door there are 4 huge 2m deep heavy duty bollards waiting to mangle any approaching vehicle.
When the day of install came, I was so pleased with the professional nature of their staff. They found previous bodges, worn out parts and replaced and repaired without making extra jobs out of the faults they found. They sent in 2 vans and a team of 4 who transformed our business 'hardware' security.
I would confidently recommend Windows of Distinction to any home or business owner that wants to improve their real-word security.
When the day of install came, I was so pleased with the professional nature of their staff. They found previous bodges, worn out parts and replaced and repaired without making extra jobs out of the faults they found. They sent in 2 vans and a team of 4 who transformed our business 'hardware' security.
I would confidently recommend Windows of Distinction to any home or business owner that wants to improve their real-word security.
Providing World Class I.T. to Motorcycle Racing Teams - October 2018
We are big fans of motorcycles here at We Love Technology. So bringing technology to motorcycle racing teams was a logical progression. We support many independent and professional teams in the UK.
Our role starts as simply as constructing websites, setting up social media, we also setup team computers so they can collaborate wherever in the world the team members are based, right through to being on-site at race days to ensure the race teams and their guests have access to timings and telemetry from their racing motorcycles.
Photo left is a small indy team called Team Rat Pack who race in the No Limits Endurance Racing Series We met Team Rat Pack when they had just formed their team and worked with them at each race event. They went from 20th overall in the standings to position 6 in the overall standings within 4 races. They also won the 8 Hour endurance race for a solo team (only using one motorcycle, where other teams used multiple motorcycles throughout the 8 hours).
Team Rat Pack is a brand new team in 2018 and using Technology coupled with some serious track skills they are on track to be a force to be reckoned with in the 2019 season of racing.
When an independent team uses world class technology to optimise their strategy and communications, other team principals quickly took notice and now we work for many different teams throughout motorcycle racing series in the UK. But were are always big fans of the underdog, working for a WSB team is a great honour but the new small teams that have a huge battle ahead of them, that is the real front-line o racing and the real tech of technology.
Let us take the stress out of your technology by setting your team up from scratch with communications, collaboration and security technology.
Our role starts as simply as constructing websites, setting up social media, we also setup team computers so they can collaborate wherever in the world the team members are based, right through to being on-site at race days to ensure the race teams and their guests have access to timings and telemetry from their racing motorcycles.
Photo left is a small indy team called Team Rat Pack who race in the No Limits Endurance Racing Series We met Team Rat Pack when they had just formed their team and worked with them at each race event. They went from 20th overall in the standings to position 6 in the overall standings within 4 races. They also won the 8 Hour endurance race for a solo team (only using one motorcycle, where other teams used multiple motorcycles throughout the 8 hours).
Team Rat Pack is a brand new team in 2018 and using Technology coupled with some serious track skills they are on track to be a force to be reckoned with in the 2019 season of racing.
When an independent team uses world class technology to optimise their strategy and communications, other team principals quickly took notice and now we work for many different teams throughout motorcycle racing series in the UK. But were are always big fans of the underdog, working for a WSB team is a great honour but the new small teams that have a huge battle ahead of them, that is the real front-line o racing and the real tech of technology.
Let us take the stress out of your technology by setting your team up from scratch with communications, collaboration and security technology.
iMac 27" SSD Upgrade - September 2018
Opening a modern iMac is a dangerous job. The computers are bonded together (glued). So opening one needs an element of finesse and attention to detail. I am proud that I use quality tools from iFixit and Snap-On. Inside of this immaculately presented iMac I found a lot of dust, so rather then fit the drive and get paid. I took the time to fully dissemble the iMac, clean the boards with iso and wipe out the aluminium Uni-body. I dont use 1mm 3M tape, I use custom cut tape that is an exact fit. I have opened enough Mac's to know everything is about taking your time and using exact fit parts.
The end result was an iMac running a Samsung 500Gb SSD with WIndows 10 and OSX duel boot.
This upgrade saved the owner from buying a new iMac, the performance even when video editing is night and day compared to its old 1Tb fusion drive.
This is not a fun job, a whole lot can go wrong and I am forever being brought iMacs that have been butchered by a well meaning friend or a heavy handed tech. I so love it when the end result is a repair and another iMac saved from going to the rubbish tip. I like my clients to have as long a life span as possible with their computers.
The end result was an iMac running a Samsung 500Gb SSD with WIndows 10 and OSX duel boot.
This upgrade saved the owner from buying a new iMac, the performance even when video editing is night and day compared to its old 1Tb fusion drive.
This is not a fun job, a whole lot can go wrong and I am forever being brought iMacs that have been butchered by a well meaning friend or a heavy handed tech. I so love it when the end result is a repair and another iMac saved from going to the rubbish tip. I like my clients to have as long a life span as possible with their computers.
Ocean BMW Torbay Bike Shack - July 2018
BMW are investing in Torbay with the build of a new Mini BMW Cars and Motorrad Dealership on the old Torquay Road. The best bit for me is a three storey Motorrad Centre!
For the moment Ocean BMW have a small Motorrad "Torbay Bike Shack" selling new and used BMW Motorcycle and other brands. They are happy to consider any brand in P/X. All Used ‘Other Brand’ Motorcycles come with a 1 year parts and labour warranty and all used BMW Motorcycles come with a 2 year Warranty (just like a new motorcycle).
You can find them along the old Torquay Road HERE
Ocean Motorrad Bike Shack
Coventry Farm Industrial Estate
Newton Road
Torquay
TQ2 7HX
Telephone: 01803 873 746
Mon-Fri 08.30 - 18.00
Sat 09.00 - 17.00
Sunday Closed
Web: www.oceanbmwbikes.co.uk
Email: motorrad.torbay@oceanbmw.com
For the moment Ocean BMW have a small Motorrad "Torbay Bike Shack" selling new and used BMW Motorcycle and other brands. They are happy to consider any brand in P/X. All Used ‘Other Brand’ Motorcycles come with a 1 year parts and labour warranty and all used BMW Motorcycles come with a 2 year Warranty (just like a new motorcycle).
You can find them along the old Torquay Road HERE
Ocean Motorrad Bike Shack
Coventry Farm Industrial Estate
Newton Road
Torquay
TQ2 7HX
Telephone: 01803 873 746
Mon-Fri 08.30 - 18.00
Sat 09.00 - 17.00
Sunday Closed
Web: www.oceanbmwbikes.co.uk
Email: motorrad.torbay@oceanbmw.com
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July 15th Supporting the Devon Air Ambulance Ride-out
We are BIG fans of the work the Devon Air Ambulance does to assist injured motorcycle riders.
So to help them raise funds they organise a ride-out once a year. It is an event that see's thousands of motorcycle riders attend.
Its a worthy event and if you ride a motorcycle do give thought to attending
More Info: HERE
So to help them raise funds they organise a ride-out once a year. It is an event that see's thousands of motorcycle riders attend.
Its a worthy event and if you ride a motorcycle do give thought to attending
More Info: HERE
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July 2018 - I am no fan of Heights
The mobile phone signal at our office is awful. Its one of the things I regret not checking more thoroughly before moving in.
There are only so many phone calls and emails you can send to O2 before loosing your mind in frustration.
So today I got up on the roof and installed a 2G mobile repeater. This takes the weak mobile signal passing over the top of the office, amplifies it, cleans up the signal and re-broadcasts it.
I wont say this kind of technology is cheap but missing phone calls was costing money in itself.
So up I climbed, Its got to be 60+ft and I am designed to be land based not up with the birds. So health and safety, then begin the climb.
The equipment installed and cables tidied, I then setup the repeater in the workshop.
For the first 10 minutes nothing much happened, the repeater calibrated itself, then calibrated some more.
We went from 1 bar with no-service and dropped calls to 5 bars and crystal clear call quality in a matter of minutes.
Whats also important to me is we are friendly to our neighbours so I opened the repeater to their mobile phones too.
This is something I should have done all along.
Lets hope that I do not have to climb up onto the roof again for a very long time...
There are only so many phone calls and emails you can send to O2 before loosing your mind in frustration.
So today I got up on the roof and installed a 2G mobile repeater. This takes the weak mobile signal passing over the top of the office, amplifies it, cleans up the signal and re-broadcasts it.
I wont say this kind of technology is cheap but missing phone calls was costing money in itself.
So up I climbed, Its got to be 60+ft and I am designed to be land based not up with the birds. So health and safety, then begin the climb.
The equipment installed and cables tidied, I then setup the repeater in the workshop.
For the first 10 minutes nothing much happened, the repeater calibrated itself, then calibrated some more.
We went from 1 bar with no-service and dropped calls to 5 bars and crystal clear call quality in a matter of minutes.
Whats also important to me is we are friendly to our neighbours so I opened the repeater to their mobile phones too.
This is something I should have done all along.
Lets hope that I do not have to climb up onto the roof again for a very long time...
July 2018 - Dark Web Sessions
Dark Web Sessions are coming soon to welovetechnology.co.uk - You have heard about the dark web on the news, radio and social media. I want to show you around the dark web in a controlled and safe environment. My aim is to explain to you what the dark web really is, who built it and how it is structured. During the session I will be accessing the Dark Web LIVE so you can see it for yourself. These sessions are not to make you to use the dark web, they are designed to educate and inform. There is nothing to be scared about, and there will not be any pornography shown (you can get that without the dark web). But your'e about to get a crash course in Computer/Tablet/Phone Security and a few LIVE examples of computer/tablet/phone hacking. Dark Web sessions start in July 2018, they are evening sessions that last one hour.
June 2018 - To Tip or not to Tip?
We may not be digging up roads or building sky scrapers in I.T compared to other careers but we do work long hours on complex issues for our clients. We tried an experiment recently. On the front counter we put a tip jar. We picked three jobs each week at random and told the customer just to put what they thought "the job was worth" in the tip jar.
Its an experiment that can back-fire easily. A friends business tried the same experiment earlier this year. They put a tip jar on the front desk and picked random customers, again telling them to put into the jar what they thought the job was worth. One customer was going to be invoiced £168, in the tip jar they put £19 (Outch!). A week later they selected another customer and again offered for the customer to place a tip in the jar instead of getting an invoice. The job was going to charge out at £90 and the tip was just £20. Showing that their customer did not value the business or the effort they put into their repairs. - A costly experiment but it taught the business owner that their customers either didn't understand the value of a repairs or they were not valued as a business. It made my friend begin to detest his customers. I argued that maybe they didn't understand how difficult some repairs can be, after all its not Lego, you don't just pop a piece off and pop a new piece on. Weeks after they way he talks about his customers changed, over drinks or a meal he would mention putting £20 on their bill because he thought they looked at him wrong.
So when it came to me doing the same experiment, I was worried. My head told me I was just wasting money and have staff and rent to pay on the premises so not to take a change on loosing any revenue. My heart wanted to know if I was valued or not. I delayed doing this experiment for a good two months as every time I was about to go through with a tip jar, I stopped before I could pick it up and move it to the front counter, Thoughts raced through my mind of doing a repair and getting pennies in return.
Two months I wrestled with this experiment. I wanted to do it, I didn't want to do it. Then randomly one Thursday I placed the tip jar on the counter and said to myself the next person to walk through the door gets the choice. leave a tip of pay an invoice. Before I could take the jar away a gentleman walks through the door with an MacBook requiring a new hard drive, darn it. These jobs cost a fair big of money in parts and while replacing the drive I told myself the experiment isn't going to be used on this job. There was no way I was handing a new hard drive and my labour to a stranger in the hope of getting a £20 note popped into the jar.
I was in the workshop when the customer returned and as I walked up to the counter ready to whip out the card machine.
and thats exactly what I did. I took out the card machine, placed it on the counter. I talked the client through the repair. I showed the gentleman his macbook working and that I had copied across his files, photos on to the new drive, I then handed him the old hard drive, picked up the card machine and placed it in front of the gentleman. I then flipped it to tip mode. I said to the gentleman just pay us what you think the job was worth in the form of a tip. He thanked me and typed onto the keypad £400 - I saw the amount come up on the screen on my terminal and had to stop the gentleman right away. I was so humbled by this gesture. I couldn't take the £400 from him and explained the experiment while hastily preparing an invoice for a lot less money,
Over subsequent weeks of testing the tip method with a tip jar and Tip mode on the terminal every single time the client input or paid more that I was expecting. It was a humbling experience and one that made me aware that I had created a business that is respected by its clients, new and existing.
I don't know what else to say but if I ever need a boost, I think back to running this experiment.
Its an experiment that can back-fire easily. A friends business tried the same experiment earlier this year. They put a tip jar on the front desk and picked random customers, again telling them to put into the jar what they thought the job was worth. One customer was going to be invoiced £168, in the tip jar they put £19 (Outch!). A week later they selected another customer and again offered for the customer to place a tip in the jar instead of getting an invoice. The job was going to charge out at £90 and the tip was just £20. Showing that their customer did not value the business or the effort they put into their repairs. - A costly experiment but it taught the business owner that their customers either didn't understand the value of a repairs or they were not valued as a business. It made my friend begin to detest his customers. I argued that maybe they didn't understand how difficult some repairs can be, after all its not Lego, you don't just pop a piece off and pop a new piece on. Weeks after they way he talks about his customers changed, over drinks or a meal he would mention putting £20 on their bill because he thought they looked at him wrong.
So when it came to me doing the same experiment, I was worried. My head told me I was just wasting money and have staff and rent to pay on the premises so not to take a change on loosing any revenue. My heart wanted to know if I was valued or not. I delayed doing this experiment for a good two months as every time I was about to go through with a tip jar, I stopped before I could pick it up and move it to the front counter, Thoughts raced through my mind of doing a repair and getting pennies in return.
Two months I wrestled with this experiment. I wanted to do it, I didn't want to do it. Then randomly one Thursday I placed the tip jar on the counter and said to myself the next person to walk through the door gets the choice. leave a tip of pay an invoice. Before I could take the jar away a gentleman walks through the door with an MacBook requiring a new hard drive, darn it. These jobs cost a fair big of money in parts and while replacing the drive I told myself the experiment isn't going to be used on this job. There was no way I was handing a new hard drive and my labour to a stranger in the hope of getting a £20 note popped into the jar.
I was in the workshop when the customer returned and as I walked up to the counter ready to whip out the card machine.
and thats exactly what I did. I took out the card machine, placed it on the counter. I talked the client through the repair. I showed the gentleman his macbook working and that I had copied across his files, photos on to the new drive, I then handed him the old hard drive, picked up the card machine and placed it in front of the gentleman. I then flipped it to tip mode. I said to the gentleman just pay us what you think the job was worth in the form of a tip. He thanked me and typed onto the keypad £400 - I saw the amount come up on the screen on my terminal and had to stop the gentleman right away. I was so humbled by this gesture. I couldn't take the £400 from him and explained the experiment while hastily preparing an invoice for a lot less money,
Over subsequent weeks of testing the tip method with a tip jar and Tip mode on the terminal every single time the client input or paid more that I was expecting. It was a humbling experience and one that made me aware that I had created a business that is respected by its clients, new and existing.
I don't know what else to say but if I ever need a boost, I think back to running this experiment.
