OSX 2018 is an exciting new event combining conferences, meetings, technology and music.

These days, with so many events and conferences clogging up our calendars, delegates are increasingly having to ask themselves “Why should I attend this particular event?” and the C-Suite decision makers among us want to know: “Why should we sponsor this specific conference over the next one?”

Well, with OSX 2018 we’re making such questions easier to answer.

We can all see first-hand how technology is transforming every industry around us, hyper-connecting its workforce's and facilitating the creation of virtual networks and alliances that are imagining the new future. Indeed, history has proven that significant breakthroughs can be achieved from the emergent properties of the most unexpected - and unlikely - sources.

Today, the most forward-thinking companies have already recognised this and are presently managing intricate ecosystems of collaborators that are highly complex and interdependent, bridging markets and communities that are both global and local, segmented and complementary.

The path to innovation is increasingly dependent on the fusion of a vast range of skills, beliefs and disciplines, and the most creative solutions are the result of the most extreme collisions of ideas as well as the ability to break down barriers between silos.

That's where you’ll find OSX 2018.

We passionately believe that convergence is the new catalyst for starting conversations naturally among different types of people from diverse organisations in order to drive organic networking, build engagement, create opportunities for collaboration - and innovate. And that's why we're reshaping business event programming.

OSX 2018 is breaking new ground between the BPO and IT industries, bringing together thought leaders from these industries to explore commonalities in creative problem-solving in today’s era of global connectivity. By calling to action the most inspiring minds possible in business, outsourcing, IT, media and the arts and gathering them together in one of London’s most creative venues and collaborative spaces we are seeking to create a series of spontaneous collisions between people, ideas, and organisations in unprecedented ways.

That's why you'll find that access to our exhibitions and networking lounges over the 2-day event is entirely free. Its why we suggest you hold your team meeting’s there, arrange 1-1’s, wander around in groups and absorb the dichotomy of services and technology being showcased by the established and the start-ups, then soak up the atmosphere in our after-show bar and listen to live music as you network and form collaborative relationships with new partners. Its why we're running competitions to give away free tickets and exhibitions spaces, and its why we're building showcase platforms in the heart of the exhibition area to allow businesses of all types the opportunity to have their voice heard, irrespective of their size or scale.

We're already seeing a growing excitement from our current participants around the way we’re pairing together speakers, experiences and content that may have previously been considered entirely dichotomous. Our multidisciplinary programming will drive both personal and professional growth for those who attend, as well as ignite new ideas and thinking.

We would love to see you there.

Connect. Collaborate. Innovate

To be part of this innovative new event, please contact Kevin Lloyd - klloyd@westrade.co.uk

Get ready for a memorable OSX 2018 on 17-18 October in London!

With almost 10 months still to go, OSX is already shaping up to be the premier destination for thousands of Business Services, IT and Outsourcing professionals from around the world who want to come together, connect, collaborate and create the new future.

More than simply a series of global events, OSX is fast becoming a ‘movement’, designed for professionals by like-minded professionals who are equally passionate about both the industry and in changing the way the we do business with each other. The inaugural OSX London celebrates the convergence of both Business Process Services and IT Services with first-class exhibitions, meeting and networking opportunities - all to a stomping musical backdrop provided by some fantastic bands!

Why OSX matters
Globalisation and digitalisation has made the world a smaller place. As we adapt to our ever-changing environment, we must open ourselves to new cultures and experiences, embracing diversity and inclusion as well as flexibility. It is in this convergence where the lines between traditional boundaries become blurred that collaboration, discovery and innovation occur. OSX seeks to bring together such people from different, but converging, industries and disciplines, creating an environment that allows them to make new and meaningful connections, forge powerful new business relationships and drive creativity and innovation through collaboration.

We’re already working hard to bring you a compelling and interactive 2 days of deep learning, innovation showcases, exhibitions, music, networking and Mixer receptions.

With successful case studies provided by outsourcing and IT giants, buzz-worthy insights and predictions from industry thought leaders, fresh new exhibition showcases and product launches, OSX has been designed to not only promote enterprise growth but also drive creative and professional growth for the individuals who attend.

In October, immerse yourself in a festival of discovery, learning, innovation, superior expert opinion, new contacts, great food and drink - and a number of seriously great music groups.

Sign Up
We’re gearing up for some pretty exciting programming announcements in the coming weeks, so be sure to register your interest and don't miss out. Sign up now to receive our Backstage Pass allowing you access to the latest news, updates and guest blogs from the great and the good, all of whom will gather at the ExCel London on 17-18 October.

Take Part
Share your industry experience, assert your thought leadership, showcase your best service propositions or launch your latest products at OSX. Contact us to explore how we can help you reach new audiences and maximise your participation - before, during and after the event! Email - klloyd@westrade.co.uk

In The Current Climate, The Role of CIO is Deeply Challenging

In many boardrooms across the UK, and indeed globally, the CIO is playing an increasingly larger role in determining - and assuming accountability for - the strategic direction for the businesses they represent. Whilst many CIOs will welcome being at the centre of attention, the role is becoming an increasingly complex and challenging one.

In 2017 we witnessed some of the largest cyberattacks ever, including multiple high-profile data breaches. Going into 2018 these security risks still prevail and despite many diverse industries working hard to protect business data from security vulnerabilities, it remains a significant threat to business continuity. Hyper-connectivity via the Internet of Things (IoT) also adds a further layer of complexity as well as a wave of brand new security threats; with more and more universal protocols for IoT communication (like NEST Weave) coming into the mainstream, enterprise security will surely continue to be number one priority for CIOs.

Digital Transformation is omnipresent and no industry vertical is escaping it; the fact that it’s already a key strategy to achieve competitive advantage and market differentiation using information and technology puts the CIO firmly in the driving seat in many organisations. However, it’s also a poisoned chalice as digital transformation is not just about technology, but also wholesale cultural realignment right through front-back office - which is not a key strength of many CIOs!

Arguably, the single biggest issue standing in the way of CIOs achieving their objectives continues to be the War on Talent. With technology advancing exponentially and chronic widespread underinvestment and lack of appropriate sponsorship in future skills, the skills gap is notably widening and businesses are increasingly having more trouble finding IT professionals equipped with the skills they require.

In addition, employees’ attitudes toward their jobs have changed significantly over the past decade, meaning that even if you do have the talent in place, holding on to them is an additional challenge! One prominent HR report in recent months cited that roughly one-third of new hires quit their jobs after about six months. And this doesn't stop at Management level either; about a third of leaders at companies with more than 100 employees are estimated to be currently looking for their next gig, according to BambooHR.

Employees these days are inspired by pursuing projects that promise a journey of discovery, self-growth, industry recognition and of course appropriate remuneration. This also includes contracts that provide the opportunity for sabbaticals, and flexible and home-working. For CIOs, this means creating and nurturing a 24-hr, multi-location environment that provides employees with an opportunity to learn, grow and excel - at the same time as getting the job done, within ever-tightening budget and time constraints!

Over the past few years, the IT function has pivoted away from being simply a business cost that effectively kept the lights on, to becoming a business driver; modern IT departments now actively drive the business technology in their organisation and the CIO has thus become something of an innovation driver.

Yes, IT is no longer a silo providing Helpdesk support to the organisation, it is a fundamental building block of the modern customers’ digital journey and will continue to be an increasingly critical part of every organisation, where the CIO is now expected to be an Enabler of the organisation’s overall business objectives, a Digital Customer Champion and Cultural Change-Maker!

We will be taking a closer look at these issues, and examining the tools and tactics to help CIOs overcome them, as part of our conference programming for OSX 2018, which is taking place at the London ExCel on 17-18 October 2018, with input provided by experts and thought leaders from across various diverse industry verticals.

If you would like to contribute, exhibit or attend this innovative industry event, then contact klloyd@westrade.co.uk for further details.

A major war on talent is set to break out in 2018 as the impact Brexit, advancements in technology, a shift in working patterns and general government underinvestment in future skills all converge to create a significant shortage of talent across the UK.

The outlook is so bleak that tackling skills shortages remains at the top of the HR industry’s agenda with 67% of corporate HR Leaders acknowledging the war on talent as their most pressing issue, according to a survey published earlier in the year by Eversheds Sutherland and market research company Winmark.

In a separate study published by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), it’s been claimed that almost a quarter of 2015 reported vacancies (209,000) were caused by the widening skills crisis, compared to just 91,000 ‘skills shortage vacancies’ a few years earlier.

What’s more, the financial cost of failure to address the lack of skills in the UK workforce is estimated to be in the region of £90bn a year, leaving workers £1,176 a year worse off on average, according research by the Local Government Association (LGA). On current trends, the LGA estimates that by 2024 there will be more than 4 million too few high skilled people to meet demand for high skilled jobs; and more than 6 million too many low skilled. A total of 9 million people already lack basic literacy and numeracy skills, according to their report. 

If this proves to be true, swathes of people face a future where they have skills mismatched for jobs, risking them being in low paid, insecure work. Limits on EU migration after Brexit will most likely exacerbate these skills challenges; a well-researched paper published by Deloitte earlier this year revealed that more than a million foreign workers could be preparing to ditch Britain, adding to fears that the country is facing a Brexit brain drain. The Deloitte poll found that 36 per cent of non-British workers in the UK are thinking about leaving by 2022, with 26 per cent planning to move even sooner, by 2020. Deloitte say that this figure represents 1.2 million jobs out of 3.4 million migrant workers in Britain, underscoring the severe jobs crisis facing the country as it continues the excruciating process of extracting itself from the European Union.

Having the best talent in place goes a long way to determining how resilient organisations are in the face of market changes, economic instability and the omnipresent need to innovate. Securing such talent on an ongoing basis, therefore, remains a key priority for businesses and issues like Brexit and protectionism in general, the emergence of future skills requirements and remote working and anywhere or anytime delivery, all make this a fundamental risk to businesses hoping to thrive - even survive - over the next ten years.

We will be examining this critical issue as part of our conference programming for OSX 2018, taking place at the London ExCel in October 2018, with experts and thought leaders from across various diverse industry verticals providing their views and opinions on the scale of the crisis and, hopefully, what we need to do to mitigate it.

If you would like to contribute, exhibit or attend this innovative industry event, then contact klloyd@westrade.co.uk for further details.

Temporary staff numbers declined at the fastest rate this March since January 2016, with permanent employees suffering a similar drop, a survey from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation found, meaning employers are increasingly competing for a dwindling pool of talent.

By now there can’t be many professionals left in the developed world who haven't been impacted by disruption at some level.

New and innovative technologies, pervasive smart devices, the tsunami that is service delivery automation in all its guises, and operating models bent by emerging methodologies like Agile and Design Thinking are now omnipresent in our society.

In the worlds of outsourcing and information technology, our businesses are either being transformed, digitised, automated, migrated to the Cloud, buried under a heap of Big Data or liberated by the Internet of Things. The convergence of these great domains has created a whole new ecosystem, bringing with it opportunity and challenge in equal measure. Indeed, whilst a great many of us are becoming adept at riding the waves of disruption, a greater number are faced with the clear and present danger of being completely overwhelmed.

From middle management all the way up to Board Level, industry professionals will need to acquire an inherent understanding of the practicalities of Robotics and AI, The Future of Work, BREXIT, GDPR, Cyberthreat, Talent and Leadership capability, Virtual and Mixed Reality, Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and The Platform Economy on their people, their processes and their value propositions.

OSX 2018 aims to meet these challenges head-on and at the same time properly define this unique and evolving ecosystem.

Through multiple parallel sessions, OSX provides a wide variety of content that allows attendees to come together and explore whats next in outsourcing and technology. Discover the latest trends, tools, techniques and roadmaps from a wide range of focus areas and subject matter, via keynotes and breakouts, workshops, labs and surgeries.

Take advantage of our Social Lounges; gathering places where you can share or learn from new experiences, connect with new collaborators, host 1-1’s or meet-ups and substantially expand your network.

Our Exhibition Arena enhances and complements the conference programming with endless opportunities to enhance your knowledge or discover new possibilities, hosted by a diverse range of innovative and forward-thinking organisations that operate across these converging industries. You will even see a mix of start-ups and established vendors take to the Discovery Stage to pitch their services or launch new products.

Then relax with a friend or colleague, prospect or client and soak up the unique atmosphere from our curated pool of talented artists at our OSX Music post-event drinks reception.

OSX 2018 is an event that will quickly become synonymous with the hottest industry trends and emerging technologies impacting the global sourcing industry. Don't delay; connect and collaborate with us, and play your part in creating the new future.