Learning Solutions Conference Florida 2014
GuyKat was represented at this year's 'Learning Solutions' event in Orlando, USA, by our Managing Director Guy McEvoy. The conference and trade show is one of the eLearning guild's showcase annual events. Attendees are primarily learning professionals from the US but they were complimented by a small contingent from the more leading edge organisations globally including GuyKat.
Many diverse topics were covered. One of the big learnings for Guy was the increasing shift in focus to video as a medium for eLearning. GuyKat intend to be at the forefront of this trend both through our Docebo LMS offering - which allows you serve video to your learners at no extra cost -and also in the bespoke material we create for clients. The real step change that is just over the horizon will be a shift to 'interactive video'. We are excited about supporting clients through their first projects utilising this technology.
Guy said; "It's good to come to these conferences. You learn new things, you affirm your strategic direction is correct, and you get to see what you're peers are up to at the 'Solution Fest' show-and-tell. Learning technology doesn't remain static. Our company has to keep up with the latest developments and this conference has been a great way to do that."
Record Year for GuyKat
GuyKat Solutions today filed it's 2013 accounts with Companies House. Turnover increased by 31% marking a record year. This is the third consecutive year of double digit growth in sales.
Managing Director Guy McEvoy said; "It's been another good year. Trading was difficult in Q1 and Q2 but a storming second half has allowed us to take on more people, more office space, and crucially more top grade clients. We've a clear vision to become the learning technology partner of choice for top tier organisations. We know we can only deliver that with innovative content, rapid production cycles, great LMS capability and first rate client service. That's where we'll continue to focus. "
Docebo 6.2 Released
Today sees the official release of Docebo v6.2. You can read the full details from the Milan team here. This latest release retains the brilliant look and feel that came with the launch of Version 6 from November but adds some great new enterprise quality features:
What's New?
- A new, easier path to upgrading to the Enterprise version of the product.
- The ability to add more classroom and blended learning functionality through our brand new ILT Classroom App.
- A new assignment feature (for smoothly uploading coursework or assignments for review by an instructor)
- An all new instructor widget to add to your course
With a refresh of the pricing options there's never been a better time to get onboard with Docebo. GuyKat are Docebo's partners in the UK & Ireland. If you want to know anything about the product or want a free trial then please get in touch. In the meantime here's our quick video about why we love Docebo...
http://youtu.be/ZwS4s6pSGwM
GuyKat holiday office hours
It is nearly the end of a very memorable 2013 for the GuyKat team and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone we have worked with over the year!
So before we disappear, the office is closed from 4pm on Friday 20th December and will reopen at 9am on Monday 6th January. If you need to contact us during this time, please email info@guykat.com or leave a voice mail on the regular office number. These will be monitored during the break and followed up if urgent.
From the entire team, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
....See you in 2014!
Now developing in Captivate 7
After a lengthy trial, GuyKat Solutions has fully migrated our primary development platform from Adobe Captivate 6 to Captivate 7. The new technology introduces new short-cuts to our development process bringing quicker production with no loss of quality. The platform also increases our capability to output content to HTML5. GuyKat's Adam Garratt said: "Captivate 7 is simply better. We work faster and can do more cool stuff. Moving was a no-brainer"
We will continue provide client support for all legacy projects created in earlier versions.
If you are interested in working with us please contact us directly and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.
GuyKat Expands Office Space
GuyKat Solutions this week expanded their office space in the Faraday Wharf building of Birmingham Innovation Campus.
Guy McEvoy, the MD, said: "Since our last two hires we reached a point were there was literally not room for everyone to have a desk. When the unit next door became available it made sense to grab it. It keeps the team close together and has avoided us having to undergo a complex move. More than doubling our office space is an important milestone in our growth mission. Next year we may look to moving to fully amalgamated premises but for now I'm really happy with arrangements and looking forward to welcoming our clients"
GuyKat has been based at the Innovation Campus (previously known as Birmingham Science Park) since the company was founded in 2009. This is their second internal 'move' at Faraday Wharf during that time. There are no changes to contact or postal details.
DevLearn 2013
One of the premier events in the eLearning professional's calendar is the annual DevLearn conference in Las Vegas. This conference brings together the thought leaders, major vendors, and solution providers in our industry. Over the week you gain invaluable insight to the latest research, technology advances and industry trends. We pride ourselves on ensuring that we are always represented at this event. This year we sent Hannah Quinton. This is her account of the week:
Adobe Evangelist, Allen Partridge, speaking at the Adobe eLearning Summit
"This was my first year attending the eLearning Guild conference, DevLearn, (plus, only my second time in Las Vegas) and what a week! It was great to see first-hand how technology is changing online learning and training solutions. For me, some of the most valuable sessions were during the Abode Learning Summit day. Such as, an insightful session on 'The Power of Drag-and-Drop' by renowned Adobe Evangelist Dr. Pooja Jaisingh and a fantastic closing Q&A panel hosted by Adobe experts. My other highlight was the busy DevLearn Expo that saw hundreds of L&D departments engaging with interesting conversations about new products and tools to create powerful eLearning. Thanks to everyone who made me feel so welcomed and I hope to see DevLearn again soon!"
We will continue to invest in ensuring that our team are up to date with the very latest industry insights and always insist that were value can be added they are applied in our client work immediately. We'll be back in Vegas next year.
GuyKat MD Looks to Growth
GuyKat Solutions MD, Guy McEvoy, has graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program at Aston Business School. Guy said “The program was incredibly helpful. It gave me the headspace to properly plan the next five years' growth. On the back of that planning we've already now agreed contracts with two of our key target clients and we've begun another phase of recruitment. It was also a thrill to work with the other business leaders in my cohort, it opened my eyes to just how much talent there is in the West Midlands. I'm grateful to both Goldman Sachs and Aston Business School for providing this opportunity.”
Find out more about the program by clicking here
New Docebo Release
This week Docebo launched the latest release of their intuitive Learning Management System!
There has been a major overhaul of the user interface which we're very excited about. We'll cover off some of the new features in the coming weeks, but for now, if you want a two week free trial, you can activate this direct from the Docebo website HERE.
Seeking an Aston University Graduate/Student for a Paid Summer Internship
This position has now been filled
eLearning & Marketing Internship
Hours of work; 26 hours per week across 4 days.
Pay rate of £7 per hour. From LATE MAY 2013. (or sooner, can be arranged around finals)
Do you have an interest in any of the following?
- Sales & Marketing?
- Digital Media and IT?
- Business Communication?
- Creative Media/Design?
If so then this internship could be the one for you!
We are a well-established and innovative provider of eLearning and communication solutions who are experiencing growth in our business. We are looking for an enthusiastic Aston University graduate or final year student with excellent communication skills and a passion for technology (though not necessarily a technology graduate) who is able to provide support in one or more of the above areas.
As the successful applicant you would be provided with an internship which may encompass some or all of the aspects listed above depending on your own interests. This will provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience to assist with developing your career. This internship will provide a real insight into working as part of small team of entrepreneurs with a valuable exposure to the business environment.
Attitude, enthusiasm and work ethic are more important than previous experience for this role.
Essential Skills
Excellent communication skills are essential. To be considered for the internship you must be either a final year student of Aston University, or have graduated from there.
Additional Company Information
The company is based near Aston University and so is ideally located with easy links to public transport. There is also parking available on site.
The offices are based in a modern business centre with excellent facilities available.
The recruitment for this post is being managed through Graduate Advantage. Closing date for applications 3rd May - THIS IS NOW CLOSED.
Aston University is participating in the Santander Intern Programme, connecting talented graduates with some of the UKs fastest growing, most exciting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Santander is part-funding 3 month internships for final year students and recent graduates. If you would like to kick-start your career and build valuable experience fast, this is a great way to do it.
Please note that internships advertised for the Santander Internships Programme are only available to recent graduates or final years students of Aston University.