Category: Marketing

  • How to Choose the Best Insurance Provider for Commercial Vehicles?

    How to Choose the Best Insurance Provider for Commercial Vehicles?

    Choosing the right insurance provider for your commercial vehicles is essential for protecting your business operations. With numerous insurers offering varied plans, it’s important to compare beyond just premiums.

    From claim settlement records to custom coverage options, the right partner can make all the difference in long-term value and peace of mind. Here’s how to choose a provider that aligns with your needs and keeps your business moving.

    8 Steps to Choose the Right Commercial Vehicle Insurer    

    Businesses that rely on transportation, working with a fleet of delivery vans or a single goods carrier, choosing the right insurance provider is more than just a checkbox. It’s a strategic decision that impacts financial stability, risk management, and business continuity.

    From small fleet operators to large-scale logistics providers, selecting the right partner for your truck insurance or commercial vehicle insurance ensures you’re not left stranded when unexpected situations arise.

    1. Assess Your Business and Vehicle Coverage Needs

    Before comparing providers, it’s essential to understand what kind of protection your business vehicles require.

    Start With the Basics

    ●  List the types of vehicles you operate, such as light commercial vehicles, trucks, vans, etc.  
    ●  Assess how often these vehicles are used and the distances they cover.  
    ●  Identify specific risks, such as theft, long-distance travel, and transporting hazardous materials.

    Once you know your operational landscape, you can look for truck insurance plans that meet your usage patterns and risk exposure. For instance, vehicles operating in remote or high-theft areas may need enhanced theft protection or personal accident cover for drivers.

    2. Check the Provider’s Industry Reputation

    Choosing a trusted name can save you from claim rejections and poor service when it matters most.

    What to Research:

    ●  Claim Settlement Ratio: Indicates how likely the insurer is to honour your claims.  
    ●  Years in Business: More experience often means more refined processes.  
    ●  Client Testimonials: Look for feedback from logistics companies or fleet owners.

    An insurance company with a consistent track record in commercial vehicle insurance is likely to offer more reliable support and customised offerings for your line of work.

    3. Compare Policy Types and Inclusions

    Truck insurance policies are not all the same. What one insurer includes as a standard feature, another might offer as an add-on.

    Coverage Types to Consider:

    ●  Third-Party Liability: Legally required, but limited in coverage.  
    ●  Comprehensive Plans: Cover damage to your own vehicle in addition to third-party liability.  
    ●  Specialised Cover: May include towing, roadside assistance, and legal liability for employees or goods.

    Before committing, ask for a policy wordings document and carefully go through exclusions, deductibles, and terms.

    4. Evaluate Claim Settlement Ratio and Process

    When disaster strikes, the last thing you want is a lengthy claims process.

    Questions to Ask:

    ●  What’s the average turnaround time for claims?  
    ●  Is the process digital or paper-heavy?  
    ●  Are there 24/7 claim support services?

    A provider offering digital claim filing, mobile app access, and quick approvals is a plus, especially for businesses with tight delivery timelines.

    For truck insurance, time is quite literally money. Downtime due to unresolved claims can delay shipments, affect client relationships, and cost you significantly.

    5. Look for Customisable Add-Ons and Riders

    Every business is unique. Your vehicles might be carrying perishable goods, crossing state lines, or operating in extreme conditions. This is where customisation matters.

    Valuable Add-Ons Include:

    ●  Zero Depreciation Cover: Reimburses the full cost of replaced parts without depreciation.  
    ●  Engine Protection: Crucial for trucks operating in flood-prone areas.  
    ●  Roadside Assistance: Immediate help in case of a breakdown.  
    ●  Consumables Cover: Covers costs of oil, nuts, bolts and similar items during repair.

    If you’re evaluating truck insurance for heavy-duty vehicles, confirm whether the policy allows for such riders and how they affect premium costs.

    6. Review Premium Costs Versus Benefits

    Lower premiums may be attractive, but they often come at the cost of limited coverage.

    How to Strike the Right Balance:

    ●  Shortlist providers offering the most relevant coverage for your business.  
    ●  Evaluate if slightly higher premiums offer significantly better support or broader coverage.  
    ●  Use online comparison tools to estimate premiums for similar coverage structures.

    Think of commercial vehicle insurance not as an expense, but as an investment. A slightly higher upfront premium may save you lakhs in the event of an accident or theft.

    7. Consider Customer Support and Service Quality

    Your interaction with the insurance provider shouldn’t end just because you’ve purchased the policy. Post-sale service plays a big role in the overall experience.

    Evaluate Their Support Channels:

    ●  Do they offer round-the-clock helplines?  
    ●  Is support available in your regional language?  
    ●  Do they provide dedicated relationship managers for fleet accounts?

    Truck insurance claims often require coordination with service centres and RTOs. A responsive support team can easily make the process smoother and faster.

    8. Verify Network Garages and Digital Access

    A wide network of partner garages ensures that no matter where your vehicle breaks down, help is never too far away.

    What to Check:

    ●  The number of cashless garages near your major delivery zones  
    ●  If they handle repairs for commercial trucks and large vehicles  
    ●  If the insurer offers real-time tracking for claim approvals

    Digital convenience also matters. Look for insurers who allow you to:

    ●  Download e-policy documents  
    ●  File and track claims through apps  
    ●  Renew truck insurance online in minutes

    A wide network and smooth digital interface aren’t just nice to have; they’re critical for time-sensitive operations in logistics and transport businesses.

    Choosing the right provider for commercial vehicle insurance isn’t just about comparing premiums. It’s about finding a partner that understands the complexity of your business, offers flexible coverage, and helps minimise disruption when something goes wrong.

    If you’re seeking truck insurance for a single vehicle or an entire fleet, prioritise claim efficiency, customisation, and service quality. With the right provider, your business stays protected, not just on paper, but also on the road.  
     

  • Nothing plugs into Kef for next-gen sound as UK tech and audio titans join forces

    Nothing plugs into Kef for next-gen sound as UK tech and audio titans join forces

    MUMBAI: Nothing and Kef are turning up the volume on British tech collaboration. The consumer tech upstart and the high-fidelity audio pioneer announced a long-term partnership to co-develop products that blend cutting-edge acoustics with bold industrial design.

    The alliance signals Nothing’s deepening foray into premium audio, tapping into Kef’s 60-year legacy of acoustic precision. Several co-created products are already underway and expected to launch later this year, as the brands promise to reshape everyday listening through form and function.

    “Kef is one of the most respected names in audio, and we’re proud to partner with them as we take the next step in expanding Nothing’s audio journey”, said Nothing head of smart products marketing Andrew Freshwater. “By combining Kef’s decades of expertise with our design-led approach to technology, we’re laying the groundwork for a new standard in everyday listening.”

    Kef president & head of global marketing Grace Lo echoed the sentiment, “This partnership allows us to bring our acoustic heritage into a fresh context – working with a brand that shares our dedication to innovation, quality, and design. Together, we’re setting out to redefine what premium audio can look and feel like for the next generation”.

    For Nothing, the move expands its audio range beyond earbuds and headphones, while Kef gains a platform to reach younger, design-conscious consumers in new categories. The partnership bridges generations of audio thinking and brings high-end sound into more portable, personal formats.

    Further product announcements are expected in the coming months, hinting at a strategic roadmap to disrupt the premium audio space from both ends—aesthetics and engineering.

  • Oliva Clinics extends digital brief to Team Pumpkin to boost its skin-deep storytelling online

    Oliva Clinics extends digital brief to Team Pumpkin to boost its skin-deep storytelling online

    MUMBAI: Oliva Clinics is dialling up its digital game—this time, with a little help from Team Pumpkin. On 13 May 2025, the dermatology brand extended its social mandate to the integrated marketing agency, entrusting it with the task of amplifying Oliva’s clinical credibility through crisp digital storytelling.

    Founded in 2009, Oliva has grown from a single clinic in Hyderabad to 32 locations across nine cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Kochi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Vizag. With over 115 dermatologists on board, the brand offers science-based treatments ranging from acne and pigmentation solutions to advanced skin ageing procedures and body contouring services.

    As part of the collaboration, Team Pumpkin will craft content strategies and drive engagement across Oliva’s social channels. The campaign will lean into aspirational storytelling while staying grounded in the brand’s clinical rigour and patient-centric ethos.

    Team Pumpkin co-founder Swati Nathani said, “We’re excited to work closely with the Oliva team and help communicate the brand’s core values of trust, credibility, and transformation through impactful storytelling and engaging content”.

    The agency’s Bangalore office will oversee execution, working under Oliva’s brand guidelines to ensure consistency across creative and strategic outputs.

    With India’s aesthetic dermatology market growing rapidly, the collaboration marks a timely play for brand visibility in a digitally-driven skincare landscape. Oliva’s latest move positions it to lead both offline with clinics—and online with content.

     

  • Noto scoops up Bandra buzz with launch of Meltshop, its first-ever dessert flagship outlet

    Noto scoops up Bandra buzz with launch of Meltshop, its first-ever dessert flagship outlet

    MUMBAI: Mumbai’s dessert scene just got a serious sugar rush. Noto Ice Creams & Desserts opened the doors to its first-ever physical scoop shop—Meltshop by Noto—in Bandra. Known for pioneering guilt-free indulgence in the digital delivery world, the brand has now gone brick-and-mortar, and it’s not holding back on flavour.

    Positioned as more than just an ice cream parlour, Meltshop introduces the Notoverse—a dessert destination designed to blend comfort with creativity. At its core is a cheeky, joy-filled menu featuring 15 artisanal scoop flavours, a signature softy, and six single-serve sundae creations crafted for dessert maximalists and minimalists alike.

    Among the must-tries: Trip to Thailand—a combo of mango swirl ice cream, sticky rice and popping boba—and Coffee Biscoff with a sneaky cocoa finish. Other highlights include fruity favourites, Matcha Raspberry and Pistachio. For loyalists, Noto’s packaged ice cream range remains available on-site, bridging the brand’s online roots with its new offline identity.

    “With Meltshop by Noto, we didn’t just want to create a place to eat ice cream, but we wanted to build a joyful escape”, said Noto co-founder Varun Sheth. “A space where our community can enjoy both the healthy and indulgent sides of Noto in their most fun and feel-good form. We see you—bad day, good day, or just a boring old Monday, we’re here with the scoop.”

    Visually, Meltshop doubles as a dopamine hit. The store is painted in bold hues, fitted with playful touches and corners seemingly designed for Instagram. But behind the photogenic flair lies serious scoop intent. Whether you’re in for a casual fix or a full-blown dessert spree, Meltshop serves it up with what the brand calls “Big Scoop Energy”—high on flavour, low on guilt.

    For Mumbai’s dessert crowd, Noto’s Meltshop is not just a new place to eat—it’s a feel-good mood with a sprinkle of indulgent rebellion.

  • Raj Cooling builds world’s largest air cooler, bags Guinness record with 16-foot ‘Roxxcool’

    Raj Cooling builds world’s largest air cooler, bags Guinness record with 16-foot ‘Roxxcool’

    MUMBAI: Rajkot just got a little cooler—literally. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd., the Gujarat-based manufacturer backed by The Great Khali, has claimed a Guinness World Record for creating the world’s largest air cooler. Towering at 16 feet, the industrial behemoth named Roxxcool made its official entry into the record books during a celebration held on 30 April 2025 at Krishna Park Resort in Rajkot.

    The feat is more than just mechanical muscle. Roxxcool is powered by BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) technology and consumes only two units of electricity per two hours of operation, making it a low-impact solution for sprawling event spaces, tent setups, and factories.

    Its stats are as massive as its frame: a 60-inch axial fan spinning at 400 RPM, powered by a 720W single-phase motor, all encased in dimensions of 305 x 244 x 487.5 cm. Add to that a 2,500-litre water tank, and you’ve got a cooling giant built to endure.

    “Roxxcool, the world’s largest air cooler, is built for high-performance industrial cooling. Setting this world record is not just a milestone for our company, as it’s a moment of pride for the entire nation”, said Raj Cooling Systems chairman & MD Kalpesh Ramoliya. “The achievement also reflects our team’s relentless quest for excellence and commitment to leading the way in cooling technology innovation and serving with pride the ‘Make in India’ initiative”.

    This isn’t the firm’s first moment in the spotlight. Raj Cooling Systems had earlier received recognition from the Golden Book of World Records, strengthening its stature as a serious global player in the industrial cooling segment.

    With its record-breaking launch, Raj Cooling has not only redefined industrial cooling standards but also underscored India’s growing engineering prowess under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

  • Thunderplus clocks Rs 10 crore in year one, powers up for Rs 100 crore target by 2026

    Thunderplus clocks Rs 10 crore in year one, powers up for Rs 100 crore target by 2026

    MUMBAI: Thunderplus has charged through its debut year with a bang. The electric vehicle charging infrastructure company has surpassed the Rs 10 crore revenue mark within just 12 months of operations, as it gears up to chase a tenfold growth target of Rs 100 crore by FY26.

    The milestone places Thunderplus among India’s fastest-scaling clean mobility players. Operational in 16 states and 40 cities, the company has deployed over 800 EV chargers and 140 charging hubs, boasting a combined installed capacity of 12 MWh. Daily energy output already exceeds 7 MWh, with each charger averaging three hours of daily use.

    “Reaching Rs 10 crore in our first year is more than just a milestone; it’s a strong signal that India is ready for the EV revolution. We’re not just charging vehicles; we’re powering a cleaner, smarter future. As a next phase we are coming with a new campaign ODOT which we will reveal soon”, said Thunderplus CEO Rajeev YSR.

    The company has pioneered India-first charging models like #HarGharThunder, a 3.3 kW home EV charger, and #ChaiPeCharge hubs catering to two- and three-wheelers. It has also deployed ethanol- and methanol-powered charging units totalling 4 MWh capacity and unveiled 240 kW load-sharing stations for high-demand sites.

    Thunderplus’ franchise network model—with entry points as low as Rs 6 lakh—is enabling small businesses and entrepreneurs to plug into the EV movement, democratising access to clean energy infrastructure.

    Strong partnerships with Tata Motors, Mahindra, Uber, Turno, Flixbus, NMDC, and Delta have boosted Thunderplus’ rapid rollout and integration with India’s grid and mobility ecosystem.

    From Delhi and Bengaluru to emerging hotspots like Ayodhya and Vijayawada, Thunderplus is lighting up India’s charging map with reliability and reach. The company now aims to expand to all 750+ districts and 100 cities nationwide.

    Its ultimate goal? To make EV charging as universal as street lights—and just as dependable.

  • Borderplus pledges Rs 10 crore in scholarships to send Indian nurses global

    Borderplus pledges Rs 10 crore in scholarships to send Indian nurses global

    MUMBAI: On International Nurses Day, Borderplus took a bold step towards reimagining the global healthcare talent pipeline—from India to the world. The workforce mobility platform committed Rs 10 crore in scholarships over the next two years to support Indian nurses aiming for international careers. It also opened its first regional training & support center in Kochi, adding muscle to its mission.

    The Kochi centre currently supports 120 candidates and aims to scale up to more than 500. Operated via a local franchise partner, the facility offers in-person exam prep, counselling, and end-to-end documentation guidance. It will also provide digital access to nurses across Kerala and neighbouring states.

    “The global healthcare sector faces a significant nursing shortage, presenting a unique opportunity for India’s vast pool of skilled and dedicated nurses. At Borderplus, our mission is to empower these professionals by providing structured, ethical, and transparent pathways to international careers. This scholarship initiative is a powerful testament to our commitment to supporting Indian nurses in realising their global aspirations, ensuring they are equipped to make meaningful and valued contributions to healthcare systems worldwide”, said Borderplus co-founders Mayank Kumar and Ayush Mathur.

    The scholarships target key challenges nurses face—high exam fees, confusing documentation, and a gap in final-stage training. Borderplus aims to knock down these barriers by offering financial aid and strategic mentorship to deserving candidates. Nurses will be chosen through a rigorous selection process, including interviews and alignment checks with long-term career goals.

    India, with its rich nursing pool, stands to benefit economically too. As nurses migrate abroad and contribute to healthcare systems globally, they also boost the remittance economy back home. Borderplus positions this programme not only as a talent bridge, but as a long-term investment in India’s global healthcare footprint.

  • Funskool rolls out sizzling summer lineup ranging from Rs 249 to Rs 2,749 to keep kids creating, crafting and conquering

    Funskool rolls out sizzling summer lineup ranging from Rs 249 to Rs 2,749 to keep kids creating, crafting and conquering

    MUMBAI: Summer holidays just got a serious upgrade—Funskool India has launched a fresh collection of toys and games designed to turn living rooms into labs of creativity. On 12 May 2025, the country’s homegrown toy giant dropped a lineup that caters to everyone from toddlers to teens, covering roleplay, puzzles, crafts and action.

    This year’s release features a rich mix of new titles under in-house brands like Giggles, Handycrafts, Play & Learn, and Fundough. Highlights include Fundough Mega Cake Factory, Fundough Breakfast Set, Scotland Yard Deluxe, Scotland Yard Junior, Triominos, Sequence for Kids, Dobble Kids, Cube Conquer, and Rummikub Joy.

    For younger children, Giggles delivers sensory-rich options like Wooden Wonderland Playgym, Unicorn Xylophone, Bee Blossom Stacker, and Wobbles Train Express. Animal Squeakers—available in sets of two and four—round out the toddler range.

    Crafty minds can dive into Canvas Art Fantasy, Peppa Pig Scrapbook kits and finger-painting inspired by the Animal Kingdom under the Handycrafts label. Puzzle lovers are in for a challenge too, with additions like the Fairy 4-in-1 Puzzle (120 pieces), Panda Puzzle (300 pieces), and the detailed Colosseum Puzzle (1,000 pieces)—all built with durable, interlocking cardboard.

    And for superhero fans? The Batmobile makes its entrance, ready to drive up playtime action.

    “At Funskool, our passion lies in creating safe, high-quality toys that spark imagination and learning. Our focus on innovation ensures that every new launch brings fresh excitement to playtime while supporting a child’s growth and development,” said Funskool India CEO K. A. Shabir.

    The new range is now available across retail outlets, with prices spanning Rs 249 to Rs 2,749.

     

  • Xley sets $100 million ARR target by 2027, eyes influencer dominance in three continents

    Xley sets $100 million ARR target by 2027, eyes influencer dominance in three continents

    MUMBAI: With algorithms in one hand and ambition in the other, Xley has mapped out a plan to redefine influencer marketing globally. The AI- and ML-driven creator marketplace under Mad Group has announced its intent to hit a $100 million annual recurring revenue (ARR) mark by 2027, while building the largest influencer network across India, MENA, and Australia.

    Xley is designed to be the backstage manager to a growing cast of 200 million creators across Youtube, Instagram, Tiktok, and more. Its creator-first model aims to streamline brand collaborations with small and medium businesses, putting them on par with Fortune 500 players through access to real-time data, automation, and emotional intelligence-driven campaign tools.

    “What Tally is for accountants, we aspire to make Xley for marketers. Our mission is to empower small and medium businesses to market with the sophistication and reach of Fortune 500 companies. We are a creator-first company, and we always will be. With access to a network of over 200 million creators across platforms like Youtube, Instagram, and Tiktok, our platform levels the playing field. We’re also embedding Emotional Intelligence (EI) into our AI systems, enabling brands to craft campaigns that not only perform but genuinely connect with people,” said Xley founder & CEO Gautam Madhavan.

    The platform features Advanced Audience Insights, Extensive Creator Discovery Tools, and end-to-end campaign management. Xley claims it can reduce manual operations by up to 80 per cent, supporting campaigns in more than 54 languages and 10,000 cities across 150 countries.

    With its expansion blueprint laid out, Xley is now preparing for its next funding round to supercharge global growth and deepen its tech arsenal. Positioned alongside Mad Influence and Creators United under Mad Group, Xley is shaping up to be a powerhouse in the creator economy—one data-driven campaign at a time.

  • Cityflo launches Urban Glide to electrify India’s Rs 1 lakh crore bus sector under new transit model

    Cityflo launches Urban Glide to electrify India’s Rs 1 lakh crore bus sector under new transit model

    MUMBAI: India’s creaky public bus system is getting a long-overdue upgrade—and this time, it’s private players taking the wheel. Cityflo’s parent company, Komorebi Tech Solutions, has launched a joint venture with Globus Trans Solutions LLP to operate electric buses under the state-run transit system. The JV, Urban Glide, hit the road on 12 May 2025, promising to shake up the Rs 1,00,000 crore public mobility opportunity.

    Urban Glide plans to deploy 500 electric buses in its first year. The project brings together former Best honcho Victor Nagaonkar and public transport veteran Sunil Solanki—names long associated with operational scale and on-ground execution across India’s biggest transit networks.

    India’s urban transit network is undergoing a seismic shift under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, which allows private operators to run state-owned electric buses while states control routes and fares. It’s a playbook borrowed from global models in Singapore and the UK, where companies like Comfortdelgro and Stagecoach run high-frequency, reliable services within public-private partnerships.

    “We believe this will be one of urban India’s most consequential infrastructure transitions. The opportunity is not just operational but generational”, said Cityflo CEO Jerin Venad. “India is going to move over 200 million people a day on zero-emission, clean, well-run buses. Urban Glide is our commitment to building at the scale and standard that this moment demands.”

    The new model solves several pain points—funding gaps, outdated fleets, inconsistent commuter experience—by opening the doors to private innovation and investment. And with over 200,000 electric buses being inducted across India under the GCC framework, players like Urban Glide are positioning themselves for scale.

    Urban Glide will kickstart operations with 150 buses across Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with national expansion on the cards as more GCC contracts roll out. Its approach focuses on asset lifecycle control, professionalised driver operations, data-driven route optimisation, and embedded safety systems.

    “We have seen this move in other sectors: regulation opens, capital flows in, and the incumbents are those who can build at scale. Public transport is now getting its Jio moment”, added Venad.

    The ecosystem is further bolstered by long-term contracts, fare collection handled by the state, operating subsidies on EVs, and a Payment Security Mechanism already in motion—mitigating risk for serious operators.

    Still, Venad acknowledges that the sector demands players with muscle—those ready to manage fleets of over 1,000 buses and commit to long-term, safety-first operations. With deep operational roots and capital alignment, Urban Glide appears ready to lead from the front.