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V1CE have set the trend for business cards for 2020 and beyond
Traditionally a double-sided piece of card measuring on average 3.5 x 2 inches, the humble business card has been used for decades to share basic contact information between business men and women. Why would a lifestyle magazine be interested in business cards? Because the business card of tomorrow is here.
Once reserved for high earners and high net-worth individuals, traditional business cards date back centuries. The format has relatively stayed the same over time but UK based V1CE has introduced a contactless business card that is going to set the trend for business cards going forward.
The business card for the future
Say goodbye to carrying multiple cards for a start. You probably will only need one V1CE business card but you will end up wanting more. The V1CE business cards work using integrated NFC technology, which enables the safe transmission of selected contact details & social profiles to any other smartphone without the need to install an app.
Picture any scenario where you may be meeting someone for the first time and want to share your details with them. Simply tab your card on their handset and within seconds, you have shared all the standard information that is on a traditional business card and more.
V1CE business cards are ideal for entrepreneurs, startup businesses, and socially active individuals. First impressions count and being able to share your contact details effortlessly into someone’s phone, eliminating the need of a potential client or partner having to physically store your card or worse, input your details manually is priceless.
The business card becomes a social card
Many of our readers are entrepreneurs and understand the power of branding. The great thing about V1CE business cards is you have the ability to brand the card itself and the information each tap generates. Via an online portal, you can see all your scans and manage your profile.
If personalisation is your thing, V1CE Business Cards can be personalised across most of the range. There are essentially four different types of cards to choose from. The entry card is the V1CE One Card that starts at around £25.00. The next card in the range is the V1CE Transparent One Card and this is currently priced at around £35.00. The Walnut Bamboo ECO One Card is our favourite card in the range.
Being eco-friendly and with the big push to reduce our impact on the environment, we have ditched printed business cards and decided to go all hi-tech with the Walnut Bamboo ECO One Card.
What can you share with a V1CE business card?
Essentially, you can share all the standard contact details on a traditional business card and much more. From social media usernames and handles to professional networks like LinkedIn, the V1CE business card allows you to add, edit, and remove as much or as little information as you want to share.
How much does a V1CE business card cost?
The entry card is the V1CE One Card is currently price at £25.00. The next card in the range is the V1CE Transparent One Card and this is also priced at £25.00. The Walnut Bamboo ECO One Card is £39.99. There are more cards and accessories in the range which you can view at v1ce.co.uk.
Prepare for a magical New Year’s Eve at Tewinbury’s exquisite Tythe Barn, where rustic charm meets understated luxury. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mimram Valley in Hertfordshire, this exclusive celebration promises an evening of indulgence, joy, and unforgettable memories.
The Perfect Celebration
The festivities begin with a sparkling Champagne reception, accompanied by an array of exquisite canapés. Guests will then be treated to a carefully curated four-course meal, perfectly paired with fine wine to tantalise the taste buds. The evening continues with live entertainment, providing the ideal soundtrack to dance your way into 2025 with loved ones.
As the clock approaches midnight, toast to the New Year in the enchanting ambience of Tythe Barn, a space renowned for its blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. With its exposed wooden beams and festive decor, this venue offers an intimate yet vibrant setting for a truly memorable night.
About Tewinbury
Tewinbury is not just a venue; it is an experience. Located in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, this 700-acre estate provides a tranquil escape just a short journey from the hustle and bustle of London. Only 30 minutes by train from King’s Cross, Tewinbury feels a world away with its idyllic surroundings and refined country charm.
The estate is renowned for its farm-to-table dining, luxury lodges, and bespoke experiences, making it a sought-after destination for both celebrations and retreats. Tythe Barn itself is a jewel in Tewinbury’s crown, offering a beautiful setting steeped in history and brimming with character.
Whether you are a local or travelling in from further afield, Tewinbury provides the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories this New Year’s Eve.
Event Details
- Date: 31st December 2024
- Venue: Tythe Barn, Tewinbury, Hertford Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0JB
- Tickets: £165 per person (includes Champagne reception, canapés, four-course meal, wine, and entertainment)
- Time: Evening
Make Your Booking
Tickets are limited for this exclusive event, so secure your place early to avoid disappointment. Book online at tewinbury.co.uk/event/new-years-eve-at-tythe-barn or contact the team directly at 01438 717793 or reservations@tewinbury.co.uk.
The Nordic countries are celebrated for their breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, making them a must-visit destination. Whether you’re seeking the northern lights in Norway, exploring the historic sites of Denmark, or immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Sweden, selecting the right accommodation can significantly enhance your trip. Scandic Hotels, the largest hotel operator in the Nordics, offers a variety of options that combine prime locations with exceptional experiences. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top five Scandic Hotels to consider for your Nordic adventure and introduce you to Scandic’s revamped loyalty programme, designed to offer even more value and personalised experiences.
1. Scandic Grand Central, Stockholm, Sweden
Location: Heart of Stockholm
Scandic Grand Central is ideally located in the heart of Stockholm, making it perfect for exploring the city. Situated just steps from Stockholm Central Station, this hotel offers easy access to the city’s main attractions, including the historic Gamla Stan, the bustling shopping district of Drottninggatan, and the stunning Royal Palace. Everything you need for a memorable stay in Stockholm is within walking distance.
Experience: Historic Charm Meets Modern Comfort
Housed in a historic building dating back to 1885, Scandic Grand Central artfully blends classic architecture with modern amenities. The hotel boasts stylish rooms with a mix of contemporary and vintage decor, a vibrant restaurant serving Swedish and international cuisine, and a cosy bar perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Its central location and unique ambience make it a top choice for travellers seeking both convenience and character.
2. Scandic Vulkan, Oslo, Norway
Location: Trendy Grünerløkka District
Located in Oslo’s trendy Grünerløkka district, Scandic Vulkan offers a chic and vibrant stay. This area is known for its eclectic mix of cafes, boutiques, and street art, providing a unique urban experience. The hotel is also close to the Akerselva River, ideal for scenic walks and exploring the city’s green spaces.
Experience: Urban Chic with a Focus on Sustainability
Scandic Vulkan is a modern hotel that places a strong emphasis on sustainability. The hotel’s design is sleek and contemporary, with eco-friendly practices integrated into its operations. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, or relax in the hotel’s bar with views of the vibrant neighbourhood. For those who appreciate modern design and sustainability, Scandic Vulkan is an excellent choice.
3. Scandic Copenhagen, Denmark
Location: Central Copenhagen
Situated in the heart of Denmark’s capital, Scandic Copenhagen offers easy access to the city’s top attractions, including Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and the iconic Little Mermaid statue. The hotel is also close to the city’s main shopping streets and a variety of restaurants and cafes, making it a convenient choice for both leisure and business travellers.
Experience: Spacious Comfort with Stunning Views
Scandic Copenhagen features spacious rooms with panoramic views of the city skyline or nearby lakes. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a fitness centre, a restaurant serving delicious Danish cuisine, and meeting facilities for business travellers. Its central location and comfortable accommodations make Scandic Copenhagen a favourite among visitors to the city.
4. Scandic Ishavshotel, Tromsø, Norway
Location: Gateway to the Arctic
Scandic Ishavshotel is located in Tromsø, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Arctic.” This hotel offers unmatched access to Arctic adventures, including northern lights tours, whale watching, and dog sledding. Its waterfront location provides stunning views of the harbour and surrounding mountains, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts.
Experience: Cosy Luxury in the Arctic
The hotel offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with cosy rooms that provide a perfect retreat after a day of Arctic exploration. Guests can enjoy a meal at the hotel’s restaurant, which features locally sourced Arctic ingredients, or relax with a drink in the bar while taking in the breathtaking views. Scandic Ishavshotel combines luxury and adventure, making it a top choice for those seeking an unforgettable Arctic experience.
5. Scandic Paasi, Helsinki, Finland
Location: Cultural Hub of Helsinki
Scandic Paasi is located in the lively Hakaniemi district, a cultural hub of Helsinki. The hotel is within walking distance of the city’s major attractions, including the Helsinki Cathedral, the National Museum of Finland, and the bustling Market Square. The nearby metro station also provides easy access to the rest of the city.
Experience: Unique Design with a Creative Flair
Scandic Paasi stands out for its unique design, inspired by the history and culture of Helsinki. Each room is individually decorated, offering a creative and artistic atmosphere. The hotel features a cosy lounge, a vibrant restaurant, and a well-equipped gym. Its distinctive design and central location make Scandic Paasi a favourite for travellers looking for a unique and memorable stay in Helsinki.
Scandic’s New Loyalty Programme: More Rewards, More Value
Today, Scandic has unveiled its new loyalty programme, which aims to strengthen the company’s commercial offering, boost member loyalty, and create more relevant experiences for guests. The existing programme, Scandic Friends, has been completely revamped to provide more beneficial, personalised, and digital experiences.
Scandic Friends, the largest loyalty programme in the Nordic hotel industry with 3 million members, has been redesigned with the goal of doubling its membership by 2030. In 2023, Scandic Friends accounted for about 38 percent of the total room nights sold, and the new programme is expected to further increase member bookings and overall revenue.
The new Scandic Friends features an expanded structure, growing from five to seven membership levels. Each level includes carefully selected benefits that cater to the diverse needs of guests, whether they stay frequently or less often. The programme has improved member and level-specific offerings, making it easier to earn and use points, access various benefits, and enhance their stay with add-on services like upgrades or pre-ordered refreshments.
According to Jens Mathiesen, President & CEO at Scandic Hotels Group, “Loyal and returning guests are central for us at Scandic. They drive our growth and create a strong and stable community around our brands. We now have a solid platform that will improve the member experience and have laid the foundation to continue developing the programme and add new exciting partnerships. This will enable us to continue building long-term relationships with stronger incentives to choose Scandic for future hotel stays.”
The development of the new programme involved in-depth interviews with existing and potential members, as well as extensive research within the travel industry and beyond. Built on these insights and Scandic’s customer data, the new programme aims to provide a more tailored and personalised membership experience, increasing member interaction and engagement over time.
Thérèse Cedercreutz, Chief Commercial Officer at Scandic Hotels Group, added, “Creating a guest-focused loyalty programme designed to make the most of every member interaction has been the fundamental focus during the entire development process. We have put a lot of emphasis on digital investments to enable and create an ecosystem we can develop over time. This is just the beginning, and I’m convinced that our members will appreciate the new features and offerings that we’ll gradually be adding.”
The new Scandic Friends programme will take effect on 27 August 2024. In the coming days, existing members will be gradually transitioned into the new programme. This launch marks the beginning of the next generation of loyalty programmes, with more personalised benefits and offerings to be added in the future.
Membership Levels in the New Scandic Friends:
- New Friend – 0 points
- Good Friend – 5,000 points
- Close Friend – 10,000 points
- Dear Friend – 25,000 points
- Loyal Friend – 100,000 points
- True Friend – 250,000 points
- Best Friend – 400,000 points or 100 nights
Choosing the right hotel is crucial to making the most of your Nordic adventure. Each of the Scandic Hotels featured in this post offers a unique combination of location, comfort, and experience, ensuring a memorable stay. And with Scandic’s newly enhanced loyalty programme, there’s never been a better time to explore the Nordics. Book your stay today and enjoy the best that Scandinavia has to offer with Scandic Hotels.
Henley-based, WH Brakspear & Sons, is delighted to announce that it is currently purchasing the freehold interest in The George Public House, a beautiful, 16th century, Grade II listed inn located in centre of the idyllic Bedfordshire village of Maulden.
The George was taken over by Maulden villagers, Julian and Emma Smith, in 2011. The couple bought and completely refurbished the then derelict pub whilst sensitively renovating its many original architectural features using local contractors, Kingshall Estates UK Ltd.
Departing owner, Emma Smith says,” The pub was a wreck when we bought it, but we replaced everything from the plumbing, electrics and the layout, built a new carpark and created a two-bed flat for a tenant. We then commissioned talented Birmingham-based, pub interior designers, Spencer Swinden, to create contemporary and cosy spaces to drink, eat and stay to a high spec.”
Now a thriving community hub, The George has a light and airy public bar, restaurant with 120 covers, a private function room seating 18-24 and seven, boutique-style, en-suite guest rooms housed in cottage style accommodation overlooking its landscaped beer garden with an attractive dining terrace, and currently has planning permission to build five additional bedrooms.
Tom Davies, Brakspear CEO commented, “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of The George at Maulden. It will be a fantastic addition to our estate. We don’t have many pubs in Bedfordshire, so we are really excited to be there, especially with the proposed Universal Studios development so close by.”
Having run the pub since 2016, Julian and Emma are leaving the pub in really good shape. “It’s been an amazing journey, particularly as we had no previous experience in hospitality when we started out.” says Emma. “We’ve absolutely loved every minute of our time at The George, but Julian and I are now ready to move on to our next adventure, which we’re currently deciding on. “The tenants will just be able to just jump straight in and run it with a wonderful, enthusiastic team of 40 staff ready to support them,” says Emma Smith.
“Our vision is to retain The George as a community hub whilst also offering a wonderful place to relax, stay and dine if visiting from further afield,” says Brakspear’s Business Development director, Gerard Winder. “Brakspear is now looking for a new tenant with experience of the area and who can fit in to a local pub with a loyal following and a strong background in food and beverage to be able to operate a quality informal operation on a tenancy agreement”.
The George lies eight miles south of Bedford and 13 miles from Luton. The market town of Ampthill is 2 miles away. Surrounded by the ancient Maulden Wood and halfway along the Greensand Ridge Walk, the area is a popular tourist destination with Centre Parcs, Woburn Safari Park, Woburn Abbey Deer Park and Woburn Golf Club close by. The proposed Universal Studios site is three miles away. The nearest train station is Flitwick with direct mainline services to London St Pancras.
The George Inn, 6 George St, Maulden, Bedford MK45 2DF, https://www.thegeorgemaulden.com
