London’s digital creative sector is built on innovative start-up ventures finding a niche market and growing into successful Canadian and global players. Companies in London continue to use technology to stay ahead of the curve. We spoke to tech journalist and industry analyst Carmi Levy about examples of how London-based organizations are using the latest trends in technology to build business.
Company: Voices.com
Trend: Cloud computing
Cloud computing gives companies the “no-lock-in” advantage associated with huge investments into tech infrastructures. Cloud eliminates the need to build and maintain big data centres and gives companies the ability to make swift tech updates as business conditions continue to evolve. London’s Voices.com, Levy says, is an example of how to leverage technology to propel business. Established in 2004, Voices.com connects businesses with professional voice talent from around the world.
“What Voices.com has done is build a business which could not have existed without the cloud,” Levy says. “It has built a template that is a B2B driver and one that has increased connectivity.”
In 2014, Voices.com expanded operations with their debut into the international market by offering services in the Latin American market. It shows the scalability of their model.
“They continue to apply the model globally. Voices.com has built an efficient engine of talent connectivity and now they are adapting it to new markets. This could be London’s competitive advantage,” Levy says.
Company: Autodata Solutions
Trend: Apps
A shift towards mobile has changed the way users consume information, making mobile apps the new websites. “Apps are a great way to connect with your customers,” Levy says. London’s Autodata Solutions has been leading the way when it comes to building user and business friendly apps. Virtually every car buyer in the past five years has experienced data-related technology solutions provided by Autodata. The company, founded in 1990, has been providing solutions to increase automotive sales, and works with all major auto companies in North America including Chrysler, Ford, GM and Toyota.
“Autodata has exploited a niche that no one else saw and has become dominant as a result,” Levy says. “Apps created by Autodata give the industry a leg up in starting an intelligent conversation with customers long before they enter the showroom.”
Company: Big Blue Bubble and Big Viking Games
Trend: Gaming
Levy calls London “a gaming powerhouse” in the mobile space. He says the rise of smartphones and app stores has made access to games more fluid and changed the way the industry engages with gamers. A shining example of London’s leadership in the space is Big Blue Bubble. The company is leading the charge in the field of “casual gaming” — the fastest growing submarket in the game development industry. Big Blue Bubble is not just riding the wave, Levy says. They’re driving it with popular multiplatform games including My Singing Monsters and the Burn the Rope series.
Another example of London’s talented game developers is Big Viking Games. Only in operation for about three years, BVG was recognized as one of the best places to work in Canada earlier this year. Recently, the company, which specializes in free-to-play social and mobile games, announced it had officially acquired the popular social media game YoVille from Zynga and rebranded it as YoWorld.
“The trend within the London game development sector strikes a chord with the global industry,” Levy says. “We can indeed play in the big leagues.”
Company: ATMOS Marketing
Trend: E-commerce
The business landscape is rapidly changing and technology is shaping electronic commerce. E-commerce platforms are now making it possible for small businesses to afford low cost solutions. An emerging phenomenon in the e-commerce field is Bitcoin, an online currency that can be traded between users without any minted currency changing hands. ATMOS Marketing, a digital marketing agency in London, recently became the first business in London to accept the crypto-currency.
“It shows the company is not waiting for others to see how businesses could operate in the future,” Levy says. “This flies in the face of London’s sometimes-conservative reputation.”
