World of Books
targets mileage,
time and cost
savings with
software
La French Tech welcomes
talent amid Brexit with
simplified visa
W
orld of Books, reportedly the UK’s
largest used book retailer, is using
Paragon’s routing software to support its
rapidly expanding business while minimising
the operational impact it has on the
environment. As a result of adopting the
solution at the end of 2018, the company
has already experienced dramatic efficiency
improvements, saving more than 27,000
transport miles year-on-year during January
while collecting an average of 480 tonnes of
books each week.
“As part of our plan to achieve a 30%
reduction in our carbon footprint by 2020,
we selected Paragon’s routing software to
help reduce the mileage and time spent by
drivers collecting books from 4,300 charity
shops spread across the UK,” explained
Steven Murray, Head of Stock and Logistics
at World of Books.
“The initial results have been extremely
positive – representing an average reduction
of 13 miles for each tonne of product
collected – and we anticipate greater
improvements as it becomes embedded
within our operational processes.”
World of Books operates a core fleet of 70
vans and drivers covering up to 80 routes
each week, which is then supplemented
with short-term rentals and agency drivers
during peak periods. The company typically
experiences spikes in demand over bank
holidays and school holidays, with the fleet
increasing in size by as much as 50%.
As part of its pledge to travel one million
less collection miles by 2020, World of Books
is looking to extend its depot network with
the addition of more local collection hubs to
reduce mileage further.
During the evaluation phase, World of
Books was able to use Fastnet, Paragon’s
distribution network modelling software
module, to validate the shortlist of options
and ensure any future investment will
maximise time, mileage and cost savings.
www.intelligentcio.com
The French tech
sector plans
innovation scheme
for start-ups
A
decree creating the French Tech
Visa for Employees officially came
into effect on March 1, 2019. From now
on, all start-ups who qualify for this visa
scheme can hire anyone they want,
from anywhere in the world through this
special fast-tracked process.
The French tech ecosystem is experiencing
massive growth. More start-ups are raising
larger sums of money at an accelerated
pace. To keep this momentum going,
French start-ups will have to hire thousands
of employees over the coming years to
innovate and flourish.
With the race for talent getting even
more competitive, the likes of Google,
Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft
– in France and elsewhere – are raising
salaries, making it even harder for start-
ups to compete.
In order to help start-ups attract the
brightest talent, barriers and bureaucracy
have to be broken down. By collaborating
with the French Directorate for Companies,
the Ministry of Economic Affairs (DGE) and
the Ministry of Interior Affairs, La French
Tech has spearheaded one of the most
‘open’ start-up employee visas in Europe.
Kat Borlongan, Director of La French
Tech, commented: “It has never
been a more exciting time to work in
technology in France. From FinTech,
to AI, to data privacy to wellness tech,
we are leading the agenda globally.
Today’s simplification of the visa scheme
demonstrates our strong belief that our
booming tech sector can only continue
to thrive if we attract the brightest and
best talent from all over the world. All are
welcome here to work in a flourishing and
innovative global community.”
INTELLIGENTCIO
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