Archives October 2023

The University of Lincoln conducts Panel Talk on Future-ready Graduates

The University of Lincoln

19th October 2023 University of Lincoln hosted a panel discussion, titled “Creating Employable Graduates: A Sector Panel Talk on Developing Graduates for the Future” that invited leading figures from across the education field and academia. The one-of-a-kind panel event took place at the British Council’s headquarters in New Delhi, India. This event aimed at the important discussion of graduate employability in the contemporary world.

Drawing on key themes from the fourth edition of the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, the event delved into a number of emerging trends and topics ranging from AI and digitization in the workplace to the importance of developing a global mindset. The event was graced by the presence of representatives from industry, and the higher education sector in India.

Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor, University of Lincoln added “University of Lincoln has strong relationships with many industries. Providing the example of health services, he added that University of Lincoln has a number of allied health courses working together with National Health Services (NHS) to produce and provide graduates, adding to not just Lincolnshire, but the entirety of the UK. A notable number of Pharmacists were created with the introduction of several new courses. With the help of this, the University of Lincoln is successfully creating 60-70 Pharmacists each year.”

Deeksha Teri, who is an alumna of University of Lincoln and a senior sub-editor at the Indian Express highlighted the importance of hands-on experience and enhancing life skills holds more importance than acquiring a degree in today’s day and age. It further led to the discussion with Jamie Arrowsmith of UUKi adding that Critical thinking and the ability to do independent research are also very important for certain job roles.

The panelists unanimously agreed on the fact that adaptability and skill development are the keys to excelling in the rapidly changing landscape of employment. The discussion highlighted the importance of higher education institutions having industrial liaisons to promote the absorption of students for internships, periodic soft skills development, and, building alumni networks.

One of the statements that stayed with the audience was of the Panelist Kapil Dua, CEO and Co-founder of Sannams4 group, “AI will not replace managers, it will replace managers that do not use AI”. The employment rates in India along with the several government initiatives to promote employment and entrepreneurial initiatives in India like Skill India and Make In India were also discussed as commendable initiatives.

The session concluded by analyzing that apart from AI, health sciences, other sectors such as global logistics, creative industries, and fintech are also some of the upcoming domains and India as a country is growing and Indian students are moving in the right direction in the global perspective to attain the right skills and become more employable.

Step into festive glamour with Bata’s latest Celebration Collection

glamour with Bata’s

Mumbai, 19th October 2023: Announcing the second leg of their ‘Every Walk Is A Rampwalk’ campaign, Bata India has launched its latest Celebration Collection for the much-awaited festive season. The collection features premium, occasion wear footwear designs ranging from embellished heels & mojaris from Bata Red Label, sleek formals and casual loafers from Hush Puppies, open sandals from Bata Comfit to complement ethnic wear for the festivities, all with the promise of comfort. The collection hits the stores & Bata.com at the right time as people step out to shop & celebrate more crediting to the onset of festivities.

The campaign film features popular social media influencers – adventurer Vishakha Fulsunge (@ridergirlvishakha), extreme athlete Aakash Malhotra (@wanderwithsky), digital creator Jahnavi Dasetty (@mahathalli) & actor Raghavendra Mahat (@mahatofficial). Each with their own unique personality and style, can be seen making a style statement at various festive occasions, turning each step into a runway moment.

Speaking on the campaign, Mr. Badri Beriwal, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer said, “Following the successful launch of our new City Casual Collection, we are back with a carefully crafted range of footwear to add on to the charm of the festive season and elevate the spirit of celebration for our customers. With two back-to-back collection launches, we are amplifying our efforts to provide our customers with a diverse range of global fashion and premium designs in footwear through our expansive retail network.”

“This season, we have amplified our marketing investments, especially in TV and digital channels. We have strategically invested in the greatest cricketing event – ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup as an Associate Sponsor on Cricket Live to reach out to our valued customers. We are excited to be the partners in celebration for our cherished customers through our elevated & premium footwear styles.,” he added.

Bata’s Celebration Collection arrives just in time to empower you with confidence and elevate your festive fashion. Whether it’s the spirited festivities of Navratri, the sparkling grandeur of Diwali, the elegance of weddings, the magic of Christmas or the fresh start of the New Year, this collection offers the perfect footwear for every celebratory moment. To explore the latest Celebration Collection, visit your nearest Bata store or check out Bata’s official website Bata.com/in.

State Level Youth Exchange Program Kicks Off

 Program Kicks Off

New Delhi,19th October 2023 The State Level Youth Exchange Program in Meghalaya has commenced with over 650 young talents from all 12 districts gathered to engage in a week of cultural interaction, idea exchange, learning, and talent showcase. The program scheduled from 16th-20th October 2023 is supported and organised by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs Government of Meghalaya. It promises to be a memorable and enriching experience for the youth participants.

Smti. R. Kurbah, IAS and Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills graced the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest, which was held at the Convocation Hall, NEHU Campus, Mawkynroh, Shillong. The Chief Guest expressed her enthusiasm for the remarkable potential the state’s youth possess. She encouraged the young participants to be open minded and make the most of this unique opportunity to learn from each other, celebrate their diverse cultures, and develop their life skills for all round development. Also present is Shri P.B War Nongbri Asst. Director Sports & Youth Affairs, Smti. A. Swer former State Secretary Bharat Scout & Guides, Shri Atul J. Nikam, State Director NYK, Shri F. Rumnong State NSS Officer, District Sports Officers and Shri G.E Lyngdoh, Ex DSO.

The State Level Youth Exchange Program is designed to foster an environment of unity and camaraderie among the youth from various backgrounds and regions within Meghalaya. This week-long event will provide them with a platform to connect, share their experiences, and exhibit their incredible talents.

Participants will engage in a wide array of activities such as Folk Song and Folk Dance Competitions, Guitar & Flute Competition, Debate and Extempore Speech, One Act Play: Theme “Mission Life”, Talent Hunt, and Adventure Activities.

The program aims to promote cross-cultural awareness and collaboration among the youth, enabling them to gain valuable life experiences and connections that will help them in their personal and professional growth. Winners and outstanding performers will get a chance to represent the state at future upcoming Youth Exchange Programs at the National and International Level.

The program is set to run until the 20th of October 2023, which will feature an award ceremony for the various competitions and promises to be a grand celebration of Meghalaya’s diverse and dynamic youth with Shri Shakliar Warjri, Honorable Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs Govt. of Meghalaya scheduled to attend the closing function as the chief guest.

Office spaces – in the current scenario, is purchasing a better option than renting

Kolkata, 19th October, 2023: Following the experience during the Covid pandemic, Bengal witnessed a steady demand of owning office spaces. The indecision over owning one’s office space is no longer a debatable subject. One of the emerging trends being witnessed is that many corporate and family-based business houses are opting to buy their own office space. Global Commercial Real Estate Services The office report – ‘West Bengal: Leading the Eastern Growth Story’ of CBRE, one of the leading real estate consultancy firms has mentioned that Kolkata recorded the highest demand for buying office space which has hit an all-time high in recent times.

The report also suggested that Kolkata will witness office space leasing of about 1-1.2 million square feet (msf) by the end of the financial year 2023 with a supply of about 0.9-1.1 msf.

However, the decision to own or rent office space needs to be aligned with a company’s unique goals, resources, and vision for the future. Each option comes with its set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should reflect a detailed assessment of financial capacity, growth plans, location stability needs, and tax considerations.

“Owning office space can provide long-term stability and potential financial rewards, while for others, renting offers flexibility and lower initial costs. In many cases, businesses may find that a combination of both, starting with renting and transitioning to ownership as they grow, is the most practical approach,” B P Singh Roy, COO – Sales & Marketing of Keventer Realty said.

Highlights of owning an office property include:

  • Owning allows to build equity in the property, and it can be considered an investment
  • The office space owner will have more control over the property and also can customize space in accordance with their own need
  • With the increase in land price, owning office space is an extremely potent investment
  • If the business is not heading in the right direction, one can always rent out the place and have some stable earnings

However, the decision should be based on one’s long-term business goals, financial situation, and how the costs and benefits align with specific business needs. It’s, advisable to consult with a financial advisor or real estate expert to make an informed decision.

Influencer Marketing as a Service: Shiprocket launches Shiprocket Amplify powered by One Impression

 Shiprocket Amplify

New Delhi, 19th October 2023: Shiprocket, India’s leading eCommerce enablement platform, has announced the launch of their new offering, Shiprocket Amplify, in partnership with One Impression, a leading Influencer Marketing platform. The partnership marks a significant shift in the eCommerce landscape, enabling merchants of all sizes to market their products on social media at par with larger brands and thereby democratising opportunities to scale for businesses of all sizes.

The rapid growth of digital commerce in India has created a need for innovative solutions and insights to empower eCommerce businesses and MSMEs. With over 70 crore Indians using social media platforms on a regular basis, and approx. $ 16 billion spent on influencer marketing globally in 2022 with RoAS as high as 8X, influencer marketing presents a lucrative opportunity for brands to connect with their audiences on a larger scale. Despite the massive impact that influencers can have, access to quality creators continues to be a huge challenge. Additionally, with over 3 million influencers currently active in India, small businesses generally lack the knowledge and expertise to select the right creators and engage them at the right price point. Moreover, the challenges in content creation and lack of legal knowledge about standard legal contracts and content rights make it almost impossible for SMBs to partake in the Influencer Marketing phenomenon.

Shiprocket Amplify aims to solve this by providing SMBs with a seamless and integrated Influencer Marketing as a Service (IMAAS) tool. It will infuse a brand’s core messaging into influencer-generated content, creating authentic and story-driven narratives that extend beyond individual campaigns. With plans starting at just 5000 rupees, SMBs can now generate world class content to fuel growth with the benefits of influencer marketing including cost effectiveness, higher conversions and improved brand trust.

Speaking about the partnership, Saahil Goel, Co-founder and CEO of Shiprocket, said, “We are thrilled to partner with One Impression to enable a seamless influencer marketing experience for our merchants. With the rise of social commerce in India, influencer marketing solutions are poised to provide a significant advantage to merchants by allowing them to drive higher ROIs across social media platforms. This partnership will enable us to further our mission of empowering business growth at every level, being a partner in growth to our merchants.”

Discussing the partnership, Apaksh Gupta, Founder and CEO of One Impression, stated, “We truly believe that Influencer Marketing as a tool has immense potential and is quickly becoming indispensable for businesses of all shapes and sizes. This partnership will enable all SMBs to unlock their true growth potential by collaborating with world class content creators and further our own mission of helping brands scale in today’s digital ecosystem. We are thrilled to partner with Shiprocket and launch this first of its kind IMaaS (Influencer Marketing as a Service) product for their merchants.”

Shiprocket Amplify further simplifies influencer marketing for merchants eliminating the need to navigate the complexities of influencer marketing agencies. The comprehensive solution offers multiple integrated functionalities and grants access to best-in-class social analytics, enabling real-time performance monitoring across all campaigns from a single dashboard. The platform facilitates influencer marketing for businesses within the Shiprocket ecosystem by seamlessly integrating it into the Shiprocket platform and app.

Affle Releases GenAI-Powered Multilingual Keyword Tool for Newton, its iOS App Growth Platform

19th October 2023 – Affle (India) Ltd., today announced that it has released a new product tool for powering multilingual keyword recommendations on its performance-focused Apple Search Ads (ASA) management platform, Newton. The new GenAI tool allows advertisers to reach and engage vernacular audiences who are searching for apps on the iOS App Store in their native languages. Advertisers working with Newton to scale their iOS user acquisition will now be able to access more highly relevant keywords for their app in a specific country and chosen language to acquire vernacular users who don’t always search in the English language.

Incorporating an AI-driven multilingual keyword strategy helps advertisers to expand new user base for their iOS apps and gain a competitive edge by maximizing the share of voice among the target audience, particularly users who are in regions with diverse speakers such as APAC, EMEA, and LATAM. Newton’s multilingual keyword recommendation currently supports 20 languages such as Hindi, Arabic, Turkish, Bahasa, Japanese, and Spanish across 61 countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Canada, and Mexico.

Commenting on the launch, Viraj Sinh, Co-Founder & Managing Partner (International) at Affle’s MAAS Platform and Head for Newton, said, “The new-age digital mobile users are spread across the globe and many come from non-English speaking countries. These users navigate and interact with apps in their native languages. It makes mastering keyword search for app discovery and installs crucial for marketers to expand their user base, particularly in regions with people who speak diverse languages. With Newton, we have envisioned a more AI and data-driven future for ASA. The GenAI-powered multilingual keyword recommendations tool empowers advertisers to automate, grow and scale their ASA campaigns by accelerating keyword research and accessing hundreds of relevant, native words for their app instantly, going beyond the manual processes.”

Several marquee clients across industry categories like eCommerce & Retail, FinTech, Banking & Insurance, Gaming, and FoodTech have already found success with Newton’s capabilities for their marketing growth efforts.

“Newton’s multilingual keyword-based strategies, intelligent competition insights, and precise keyword recommendations, coupled with a comprehensive view of metrics, empowered us to attain our critical conversion objectives for the campaign while keeping it cost efficient. We are delighted to work with a partner like Newton to help us reach more premium customers,” said Sneha Chaudhary, Assistant Manager, eCommerce, retail, digital & omnichannel, Landmark Group.

Speaking on using Newton for their marketing growth, Urmesh Chandra, Head- Digital Marketing, PolicyBazaar.com said, “Newton has helped us to reach high-quality users by optimizing Apple Search Ads campaigns, driving higher leads post app downloads. The keyword recommendation tool and smart optimization rules on core keywords have helped us grow our customer base, maintain our overall CPA and be more efficient.”

On Newton, iOS app advertisers can run and optimize their Apple Search Ads campaigns for better bottom-of-the-funnel campaign goals, such as app installs, user activation, and product purchases. The multilingual keyword recommendation tool is inline with Affle’s vision and endeavor to drive significant value for its customers in the iOS ecosystem.

Gen-Z explore old world delicacies

New Delhi, October 18th, 2023: Social entrepreneur and Modern School student, Eakam Sayal, held a food walk exploring the cultural richness and diversity of the heart of Delhi, in collaboration with Mansi @ThisFoodieRecommends, a veteran curator of heritage site visits and food tours. Through his campaign, Grub-aMaze, Sayal works with micro and small food vendors in and around Delhi to support their businesses with services like advertising, marketing, branding and product promotions through CSR partnerships.

The Grub-aMaze Food Walk aims to increase footfall for these micro and small food vendors. As a young entrepreneur, Sayal hopes that curating such guided tours for his Gen-Z peers will put these food vendors in the social media spotlight and create a new target audience for them. Following the trail of culinary explorations, here is your map of 8 must-try foods.

Social entrepreneur - Eakam Sayal

Eakam Sayal

In the Mughal era, Chandni Chowk became a busy trade centre where the European, African, Persian, Turk, Mongol and Asian merchants, and mercenaries visited, leaving behind traces of their culture. These traces are evident in the lifestyle, the commodities and especially, the food.

Kuliya ki Chaat at Hira Lal Chat Corner

A seasonal fruit and vegetable spread, of which, some are scooped in the middle creating containers or “kulle”, that is filled with other fresh-cut produce, seasoned with lemon juice and spices

Fruit Sandwich at Jain Coffee House

A mango centre in soft slices of bread highlights freshly baked bread brought by the English and the Japanese’s unique fruit sandwiches.

Mutton Biryani at DilPasand Biryani Point

From Persia to the plate, it comes with slow-cooked meat options, with its long grain basmati rice cooked in the meat’s own fat.

Shammi Kebabs at Bhaijaan Kebabs

First prepared for a Nawab who lost his teeth, the soft melt-in-the-mouth meat patty is spiced with cumin, coriander, ginger and black peppercorns.

Butter Chicken at Aslam’s

From a pop-up meat store 3 decades ago, to now a 3 story building, their “butter chicken” features a skillfully grilled tandoori chicken marinated with a secret spice rub, served in a butter sauce.

Shahi Tukda at Cool Point

The Mughal way of using leftover bread is now used to create this famous deep friend sweet treat topped with nuts, spices and saffron.

Shahi Sheermal at Haji Nadeem

Milk, sugar, ghee and saffron are infused into the toasted flatbread eaten as is or with variations with toppings of dried fruits and nuts.

Kulpe/Chuski on the go

A summer cooler using the Japanese way of shaving ice and drizzling syrup is widely available at every corner.

Influencer Marketing Report 2023 Launched

Influencer Marketing Report 2023 Launched Chennai, 18th October 2023. The Influencer Marketing Report 2023, one of the definitive reports on the Influencer Industry was released today. Influencer.in, one of the fastest growing influencer platforms in the country and an initiative by Social Beat is releasing this Industry report for the third year running. The Influencer marketing report presents a comprehensive look at the industry providing insights on Influencer Marketing and its trends. The report for 2023 was compiled basis over 500 + survey responses by Indian content creators, and over 50 marketers in the June to August period of this year. The report offers actionable insights for brands intending to include influencer-marketing in their marketing mix.

One key revelation included the increasing popularity of Short-Form Videos with over 92% Influencers preferring generating content using this medium with You Tube Shorts emerging as the preferred platform for content creation. This reflects broader social media trends towards quick, visually engaging content.

Over 77% of respondents said that Influencer marketing is a ‘must-have’ component of their digital marketing strategy. Instagram remains supreme as the most popular platform for Influencer marketing with You Tube shorts emerging as the preferred format of content in this platform.

Brand spends on Influencer marketing remains low with most apportioning only 5-10% of their marketing budgets to this medium

Highlights:

  • 61% of brands prefer to work with micro creators over celebrities as they are often seen as being more authentic and relatable to their followers, which can make them more effective at driving engagement and sales.
  • While macro-influencers and mega-influencers are also popular, they tend to be more expensive to work with. If you want to reach a large audience quickly they’re a good option, but may not be as effective at driving engagement as micro- and mid-tier influencers.
  • Short-Form videos and Authenticity drive Influencer Marketing in 2023. The survey revealed 92% of Influencers preferred content using short-form videos, a huge shift in influencer activations. You Tube emerged as the preferred platform for more than 51% Influencers
  • Short-Form Video content like Reels and YouTube Shorts the most popular format among Influencers
  • 80% of Influencers prefer long-term brand relationships.

Suneil Chawla, co-founder Social Beat and Influencer.in, said, “Our findings in the Influencer Marketing Report 2023 emphasize the significance of long-term relationships between influencers and brands. Building rapport and familiarity over multiple campaigns is a priority for 80% of influencers and is beneficial for brands. What is exciting is that Brands now have the opportunity of addressing specific audiences using niche influencers to reach them more effectively and, in a cost, effective manner.”

Arushi Gupta, Business Head, Influencer.in, said, “The Influencer Marketing Report 2023 provides insights on the evolving landscape of influencer marketing. It showcases the growing preference among brands for authentic connections with their target audiences through micro creators. As well as the graduation in sophistication with influencers using AI and other tools. Over 50% of creators use AI for content creation while around 33% use it for engagement and writing. Brands now have the opportunity to engage with select influencers as long-term brand partners to provide more specific content.”

Challenges

  • 57.8% of the influencers surveyed feel that the most commonly cited challenge is that the budgets do not align with demands or expectations.
  • 51% pf male influencers said brands were too focused on short-term goals and metrics rather than thinking long-term.
  • Many also mentioned tight delivery timelines imposed by brands as an issue as this constrains creativity and quality.

Influencers are now actively seeking tools, including ideas and content creation using AI, to enhance their performance. Nearly half, at 48%, are in search of workflow optimization dashboards, while a substantial 46% are actively seeking tools to keep them well-informed about emerging trends. While 50% are using AI tools to generate content ideas.

Choosing the Right Size Home – A 2023 Perspective

Akash Pharande

– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

It’s festive season time again, and many Indians are seriously considering taking the plunge this time. But even after factoring in the pros and cons, there is one aspect of the home ownership journey that can cause confusion – namely, how big a home should you buy?

Of course, you’ve read the news and know that most Indian homebuyers are going in for bigger apartments now. One of the main reasons is that it makes more financial sense to go in for a ‘forever’ home right away instead of beginning with ‘starter’ homes and getting into the gradual upgrade cycle.

Each upgrade involves a new home loan, and the way home loans are structured, you are mostly paying the interest component for the initial EMI years. Add to that the hassle of fresh home loan applications and paying stamp duty on every upgrade, doing the whole thing only once is a very sensible option.

the right home

But choosing the right home size is not just about budget constraints; it’s about optimizing space for a comfortable life. How can you decide on what size of home works best for your family? Also, is this quest for bigger homes a purely Indian phenomenon, or is it worldwide?

Home Size Preferences – The Indian vs. Global Scene

In 2023, based on data from leading real estate consultants, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments dominate India’s urban housing market, constituting almost 65% of the demand. However, this contrasts rather sharply with the global scenario. Single-bedroom and studio apartments are gaining more traction in Western countries and also the densely populated cities in the East.

One might wonder why. The Indian homebuyer’s preferences stem from traditional joint family systems, the relatively newer preference for forever homes rather than starter homes, and the equally new need for home office space after the recent pandemic.

Though the trend of nuclear families is on the rise in India, even such families often look for an extra bedroom for guests or, potentially, aging parents. This is a cultural phenomenon which may be rather unique to India.

In the US, similar to what we are witnessing in India, there is also an increased preference for larger homes in suburban or rural areas post-COVID. In the UK, the trend was similar and was further encouraged by a stamp duty holiday in 2020. And somewhat similar to India, the UK witnessed a migration from urban areas to suburbs or countryside.

On the other hand, many of the major European and North American markets also saw a gradual shift towards minimalism and an emphasis on environmental sustainability. In India, this trend is primarily restricted to very expensive cities where functional smaller homes are becoming popular again.

But in overall industry terms, the highest demand in India is currently for bigger homes. So, what will you choose?

 

the right home2

Do You Need a Bigger Home?

Glistening brochures and glamorous show-flats emphasizing spaciousness and luxury are definitely enticing. And apart form all the practical reason mentioned above, so is the social value of owning a bigger home. When it comes to deciding the right size of your home, consider your family’s current and future requirements. Also, reflect on whether a smaller but well-designed flat would meet your needs equally well. Often, smart designs matter as much as square footage.

Key Factors to Determine Your Ideal Home Size

Family Size and Dynamics: If you have a young family, planning for future needs (like an extra bedroom for another child or a play/study area) makes sense. If you’re nearing retirement, a smaller, low-maintenance home might be more appealing.

Lifestyle Preferences: If you entertain guests frequently, a larger living area or an extra guest room is useful. If you work from home, even in hybrid mode for a couple of days in the week, a separate work room becomes essential.

Financial Preparedness: Remember, bigger homes don’t just cost more initially; they also have higher maintenance costs.

Size Requirements at a Glance

– 2-bedroom flats are popular among young couples and small families. They strike a balance between affordability and adequate space.
– 3-bedroom homes cater to medium to large families, or those anticipating future expansion of their families.
– 4-bedroom homes and above cater to affluent buyers, large families, or those who prioritize luxury and space. However, the demand is relatively lower.

In metros like Mumbai, there’s actually an emerging trend for compact homes – smartly designed spaces that make the most of every inch. They’re economical and are a fit for the fast-paced metropolitan lifestyle. Also, prices in Mumbai are prohibitive when compared to neighbouring Pune or other cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. In these cities, buying a bigger home within a reasonable budget is feasible and desirable.

In Conclusion

Buying a home is a decision of a lifetime. Market trends provide insight but your individual needs must be given the most importance while deciding on the right size of home for your family. Let your unique requirements be the guiding light, so that you finally buy a home where your heart feels at peace and your family finds space to thrive.

About the Author:

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in West Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in West Pune.

PwC India and Workiva announce strategic alliance to help Indian enterprises build trust and resilience by automating risk and compliance functions

Mumbai, Tuesday, 18th October 2023 – PwC India today announced a strategic partnership with Workiva (NYSE:WK), a leading cloud platform for assured integrated reporting to meet increasing demands in India for accurate and transparent disclosures and Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC).

Enhancing customer experience is at the heart of this alliance. Combining PwC India’s subject matter knowledge and experience in reporting as well as GRC with Workiva’s fit-for-purpose solution, can help Indian enterprises enhance stakeholder confidence through greater consistency, accuracy, timeliness and ownership over their reports and operations covering financials, ESG, audit, risk, controls, policy and other local regulatory compliances. This will be achieved by connecting people, processes, and data within Workiva’s unified SaaS platform for reduced risk, increased control, enhanced collaboration, and ultimately giving time back to the teams for more rewarding work.

Sivarama Krishnan, Partner & Leader – Risk Consulting, PwC India said, “A strong GRC strategy can be a strategic asset that drives business performance. By embedding management mechanisms that proactively identify, measure, prioritise and manage risk, leaders can gain valuable insights they need to make informed decisions. Workiva’s technology solutions will complement our full range of integrated control, compliance and certification capabilities across all sectors.”

Erik Saito, SVP & General Manager, EMEA & APAC of Workiva said, “Our strong partnership with PwC goes a long way. Our expanded alliance with PwC India brings great synergy into the India market as we help organisations navigate reporting challenges and implement best practices for an optimised and sustainable result. Technology can help financial reporting, ESG and GRC teams work together more efficiently to produce assured integrated reports on the timelines that stakeholders are demanding. Rather than choosing software that addresses only financial reporting, ESG or GRC, Workiva is a platform that all three teams can use. Through PwC India, we bring this integrated ecosystem to life.”

Speaking on the partnership, Vivek Belgavi, Partner & Leader – Alliances & Ecosystems, PwC India said, “Workiva is a great addition to PwC India’s expanding alliance ecosystem to help empower businesses in their decision making process by delivering complete control over data across outputs with a visibility into the entire GRC process, from early risk identification to final reports.”