WELCOME TO THIS WEEK’S EDITION OF SALIENCE
This week we make sense of the Wirecard scandal, outline the evolution of healthtech and get an expert’s view on Covid-19. We also explore how ocean plastics can be reclaimed to make furniture, and share an exciting London project designed to capture the community spirit.
Let us know about your thoughts on this week’s news by emailing rmorganevans@sapiencecomms.co.uk.
Wirecard’s missing millions
So, what exactly is the Wirecard scandal? Owing to its rapid growth, the payments processing firm was once considered a darling among analysts and investors. However, Wirecard has since been attracting attention for the wrong reasons – not least the €1.9 billion that has gone missing. With Softbank set to lose hundreds of millions and the former CEO Markus Braun held on €5 million bail, it’s an opportune moment to look back at the timeline of key events leading to where we are now.
The future of healthtech
Evolution is a phenomenon experienced in not only nature but in business. For example, in retail, survival of the fittest started to accelerate after the 2008 crash, with the current pandemic now also have a massive impact. Now is also a pivotal moment for healthcare, with the latest thinking being that those companies with a clinical-grade offering, that can be cash-flow positive from day one and are contracted with tech companies, are the ones best positioned to survive. Read more here.
An expert’s view on overcoming Covid-19
Making sense of this pandemic is no easy task. While we are seeing some governments try and fail to respond effectively to Covid-19, question marks still remain over the possibility of secondary waves, vaccines and our future sense of ‘normality’. Cue Larry Brilliant, a rather fitting name for the world’s leading epidemiologist, who explains in simple terms the impact of the pandemic, and what we may expect to see on the other side. Read his thoughts here.
Reduce, reuse, reclaim…the future of furniture
Tragically, thousands of tonnes of plastic waste are currently washing up on beaches. While single use plastic is gradually being reduced across the world, the ocean remains littered with man-made products that are toxic. However, some innovators are working to resolve this by turning reclaimed ocean plastic into functional furniture. Collecting used fishing nets, ropes and other materials found in the sea, designers are creating resilient furniture that can survive the elements and save marine life at the same time.
And finally… a splash of colour comes to London
In the midst of the current situation, we are reminded of the value of community with Camille Walala’s latest project. Crowdfunded and supported by the Mayor of London, Leyton High Road will feature a multicoloured mural made up of recycled paint that absorbs carbon emissions – all to raise spirits and spread positivity in the local community. Due for completion in August, Londoners can still vote for their favourite colour scheme. Read about the project here.
