Why Digital Accessibility is Good Business (and the Right Thing to Do)

Why Digital Accessibility is Good Business (and the Right Thing to Do)

What if improving your website could help more people, improve your Google rankings and grow your business?  In this episode of the IT Naturally Podcast, Julie Bishop speaks with Denise Pane, CEO and Founder of Access Design Studio, about why digital accessibility should be a priority for every organisation.  Together they explore why accessible websites aren’t simply about compliance—they’re about creating better experiences for everyone.  They discuss:  * Why around one in four people experience some form of disability.  * The common misconceptions around digital accessibility.  * How accessible websites improve usability for every visitor.  * The commercial benefits, including stronger SEO, increased customer loyalty and reaching wider audiences.  * Why accessibility should be considered from the start of every website project.  * Practical first steps for organisations wanting to improve their digital accessibility.  * How technology can be a force for good by removing barriers and creating more inclusive experiences.  Whether you’re responsible for your organisation’s website, marketing, digital transformation or customer experience, this conversation offers practical insights into building technology that works better for everyone.  Useful links  * Connect with Denise on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisepane/]  * Access Design Studio Website [https://accessdesignstudio.com/] About the IT Naturally Podcast  Hosted by Julie Bishop, CEO of IT Naturally, the IT Naturally Podcast explores how technology can be a force for good. Each episode features conversations with experts, innovators and purpose-driven leaders using technology to make a positive impact.      Visit the IT Naturally website [https://www.itnaturally.com/] Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/itnaturally/] Connect with Julie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop/]

Why Cambridgeshire is One of the UK’s Most Exciting Places to Do Business | With Charlotte Horobin

What makes Cambridgeshire a magnet for innovation, investment and ambitious businesses?  In this episode of The IT Naturally Podcast, Julie Bishop sits down with Charlotte Horobin, CEO of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, to explore why the region is one of the most exciting places in the UK to do business.  From world-leading science and technology in Cambridge to manufacturing excellence in Peterborough, Charlotte shares her perspective on the opportunities driving growth across the county, as well as the challenges businesses face in today’s economic climate.  The conversation also looks at skills shortages, the importance of connecting education with employers, the impact of AI on the workplace and why strong local supply chains and infrastructure will be critical to the region’s future success.  Along the way, Charlotte reveals her own unconventional career journey - from Air Cadets and biomedical science to leading one of the country’s oldest Chambers of Commerce.  In this episode:  * Charlotte’s journey to becoming CEO of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce  * What makes Cambridgeshire such a unique place to do business  * The biggest challenges currently facing local businesses  * Skills shortages and preparing the workforce of the future  * Why literacy, numeracy and critical thinking matter in an AI-powered world  * How businesses are adopting AI and the opportunities it presents  * Major infrastructure projects shaping the future of the region  * Why collaboration between business, education and government is essential for long-term growth  About Charlotte Horobin  Charlotte Horobin is Chief Executive of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, representing businesses across the region and championing economic growth, skills development and business collaboration. She works closely with employers, educators and policymakers to help create the conditions for businesses to thrive.  Useful links  * Connect with Charlotte on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-horobin-493a4265/]  * Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cambridgeshire-chamber-of-commerce] * Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce Website [https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The IT Naturally Podcast and leave a review to help more business leaders discover the show.  Visit the IT Naturally website [https://www.itnaturally.com/] Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/itnaturally/] Connect with Julie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop/]

Why Hospitality Still Needs People in an AI World

What happens when hospitality gets technology right?  In this episode of the IT Naturally Podcast, Julie Bishop is joined by Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA, to explore how hotels and hospitality businesses are balancing technology, people and guest experience in 2026.  From AI and automation to sustainability, cyber security and changing guest expectations, Jane shares what hospitality leaders are really talking about right now and why the best technology should free employees to focus on people, not replace them.  The conversation covers:  * Why hospitality is under huge cost pressure in 2026  * How AI and automation are changing hotel operations  * Why guest choice matters more than ever  * The role of culture in delivering exceptional hospitality  * Sustainability challenges for hotels and hospitality businesses  * What hospitality still gets wrong about technology  * Why cyber security and guest trust are critical  * The rise of experiential hospitality and local community connections  Plus, Jane shares brilliant real-world examples from across the hospitality sector, including how some hotels are creating happier teams, better guest experiences and more sustainable operations.  Find out more about HOSPA and connect with Jane via the links below.  Connect with Jane on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/janependlebury/] Follow HOSPA on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/hospa/] HOSPA website [https://www.hospa.org/] Visit the IT Naturally website [https://www.itnaturally.com/] Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/itnaturally/] Connect with Julie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop/]

AI, Authenticity & B Corp: Why Being Human Still Wins in Marketing

AI is everywhere, but it hasn’t replaced what really makes businesses stand out.  In this B Corp month episode, Julie Bishop is joined by fellow B Corp Leader Dave Hoch, CEO of Colibrily Crew, to explore why authenticity, transparency, and human connection are more important than ever in marketing.  From building a B Corp to navigating the rise of AI, Dave shares how purpose-driven businesses can grow without losing what makes them different.  They discuss:  * Why AI should be a tool, not a substitute for your voice  * How B Corp thinking shapes better businesses (not just better marketing)  * Why authenticity is becoming a competitive advantage  * The role of transparency in building trust  * How to tell stories that connect with people  If you’re trying to grow your business without sounding like everyone else, this episode is for you.  Connect with Dave Hoch on LinkedIn. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hoch/] Connect with Julie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop]   Follow The Colibrily Crew on LinkedIn  [https://www.linkedin.com/company/colibirly-llc/] The Colibrily Crew website [https://colibrily.com/] Visit the IT Naturally website [https://www.itnaturally.com/] Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/itnaturally/] Connect with Julie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop/]

Using Technology to Prevent Crisis, Not Just Respond to It

In this International Women’s Day special, Julie Bishop speaks with Sarah Flambard, founder of the charity We Are Here, about how technology can help people find support before they reach crisis.  Sarah and her volunteer team are developing a simple but powerful digital tool - an offline-accessible map designed to help people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, quickly locate nearby support services without needing mobile data, an account, or personal information.  Their mission is simple but transformative: turn visibility into prevention because in many cases, support already exists but people just can’t find it early enough.  This conversation also reflects this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain.” Sarah and the entire We Are Here team are volunteers, bringing together expertise from law, data, technology and marketing to create something that can genuinely change outcomes for people facing homelessness.  Julie and Sarah discuss:  * Why homelessness is often invisible until it becomes a crisis  * How simple, accessible technology can help people find support sooner  * Designing digital tools that work in stressful, low-connectivity situations  * How volunteer-powered innovation can create real social impact  * Why prevention is often more powerful than building new services  A powerful conversation about technology, compassion and the impact of people coming together to create change.  If you’d like to support the work of We Are Here, you can contact Sarah on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-flambard-a22255112] or by email sarah.flambard@weareheremap.com [sarah.flambard@weareheremap.com]  You can also connect with Julie, Host & CEO IT Naturally on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop/].  Visit the IT Naturally website [https://www.itnaturally.com/] Follow IT Naturally on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/itnaturally/] Connect with Julie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepbishop/]