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Long term solution offered to recruitment crisis
Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been told that they can hire EU workers if they are struggling to recruit in the short-term but that the long-term answer is training and apprenticeships.
Members of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce joined their counterparts in Northamptonshire for an online meeting with Dame Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire.
The former Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said firms could make use of a Skilled Worker visa for EU citizens to plug the gap.
She said: “Recruitment is a key issue as the economy recovers from the pandemic and I understand that there are many businesses out there in a range of sectors which can’t get the people they need to grow.
“Many EU citizens returned home to be with their families when the pandemic hit and haven’t come back to the UK and that has left a shortage of skilled people in some sectors.
“There is the opportunity to bring people into the UK from the EU on specialist visas to help companies grow but the long-term answer is training and development here in the UK.
“We have many more people unemployed across the country than we did at the start of the pandemic and this is the ideal time to be bringing through our own through training and apprenticeships.
“We want to see more of our young people getting into the world of work through apprenticeships and, also, through the Government’s Kickstart scheme, and it is important for businesses to have greater ties with their local schools.”
The MP also told companies that the energy crisis was not one of security but one of cost, while a shortage of some products was a supply chain issue. Both, she said, would be short-term problems.
When asked about a rise in National Insurance, Dame Leadsom said: “I am someone who is in favour of low tax and I completely understand that not all businesses agree with the NI rise but taxes have to be balanced with being fiscally sound.
“One of the reasons we have been able to support the economy in such a big way over the past 18 months is because we have had such a strong fiscal policy over the past decade.”
Sean Rose, head of policy at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We were extremely grateful to Dame Andrea Leadsom for addressing questions from businesses from across Coventry, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire in a direct and honest way.
“Firms across the region got the chance to raise the issues that are holding back growth and, as a Chamber, we are proud to help give companies their voice into decision-makers in this way.”
Region to benefit from Autumn budget
Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire want the region to benefit from a major announcement in the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce hosted a range of businesses at an event, sponsored by Prime Accountants Group, to watch Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget at the Telegraph Hotel.
The budget was given a cautious welcome as the Chancellor announced he was using the statement to invest in future growth and also support firms still suffering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
That included a 50 per cent discount on business rates for those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector; a freeze on fuel duty, £3.8bn investment in skills and further support for Research & Development.
Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the region would look to benefit from a £1.4bn Global Britain Investment Fund which has money set aside for vehicle electrification.
She said: “It was a very upbeat budget delivery considering the 18 months businesses and individuals have faced.
“The devil is always in the detail with the budget statement because there are always lots of big numbers mentioned but takes some time to understand exactly what it means for firms and the region.
“The Global Britain Investment Fund is something we believe could be positive for Coventry and Warwickshire and our hopes for bringing a Gigafactory to the region. This area has the potential to be at the forefront of vehicle electrification.”
Louise added: “There was a good acknowledgement of inflation but this was more with a focus on the role of the Bank of England, rather than any Government fiscal measures. There were predictions of four per cent inflation, but businesses in the room see this as potentially being higher.
“We welcome scale-up visas if they help businesses attract and bring-in critical skills and talent that cannot, otherwise, be home grown. Recruitment issues remain a major headache and drag on growth.
“Businesses hit hardest by Covid will welcome the 50 per cent discount on business rates and the business rates improvement relief will incentives businesses to make improvements to properties.
“We welcome strong and further investment in skills and it is important that we see strong alignment between employer needs and skills supply.
“There was also positive news around the fuel duty rise being cancelled which is a boost for business and the self-employed at a time when costs are rising.
“On that note, we support the principle of increasing the living wage and understand the need to increase the incomes of our lowest paid. However, business costs are rising across the board and will contribute further to rising inflation.
“As UK City of Culture, welcome additional for the sector as we have seen what a difference it can make in our cities and towns.
“On the whole, businesses will wait to see what details emerge as they look to recover from the most difficult period any of us have faced.”
Claire Lea, of Prime Accountants Group, said: “There were numerous references to investment relief on green measures and also investment in infrastructure and innovation, all of which Coventry and Warwickshire is known for so we will be hoping our area can benefit when the follow-on detail emerges from Government.”
Business leaders assemble at the Telegraph Hotel to respond to the Budget
ARLI & University of Birmingham join the World in tackling Climate Change
In 2021, colleagues from across the University of Birmingham community were invited to write articles about topics relevant to the COP26 climate change summit.
The University of Birmingham asked staff and students to contribute articles on issues relating to climate change. We are delighted to announce publication of this work. Entitled Addressing the climate challenge, the report is the work of nearly 100 contributors spread across five continents – all led by academics from the University of Birmingham.
A 2020 report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimated that the building sector accounts for a staggering 38% of world-wide energy-related CO2 emissions and that the construction industry is responsible for nearly 30% of this figure. The report also highlights the increasing levels of emissions from the sector with 2019 reaching an all-time high of almost 10 GigaTonnes of equivalent CO2. The construction industry is, under pressure from UK government to change practices and meet net zero by 2050.
Research being undertaken under the University of Birmingham’s ARLI programme (Alternative Raw materials with Low Impact) is already investigating how the sector can better use its waste streams. More interestingly, waste and by-product streams from the non-construction industries are also being evaluated.
Find out more https://blog.bham.ac.uk/publicaffairs/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2021/09/Addressing-the-climate-challenge-comp.pdf
As part of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s #FixingTheFuture campaign, ARLI Technical Officer, Dr. Zubera Iqbal recognised for her work on recycling car batteries.
Sustainable solution to Recycle Electric Vehicle Batteries
Fixing the future focuses on influential individuals solving global issues through chemistry, #MakingADifference. The work Dr. Iqual and other research fellows do have a series impact on the global issues affecting future generations such as climate change, pollution, energy crises and more.
“Electric vehicles are part of the solution to cutting CO2 . In 2035, all new vehicles in the UK will be electric. My work helps towards supplying the materials needed to power electric vehicles. They contain lots of different precious raw materials which are in limited supply and are mined abroad which can sometimes be difficult to source – my research focuses on giving the UK a source of lithium from recycled materials. Right now, only about 5% of batteries are recycled.
By investigating recycling and reuse of lithium-ion batteries from electric cars, I hope to provide a sustainable process to power greener, low-carbon transport.
Dr. Iqual has since joined the ARLI (Alternative Raw materials with Low Impact) Project where she uses her research and skills to help local SMEs with sustainable solutions. ARLI is an ERDF funded research and development business support programme ran by the University of Birmingham.
TruTac, part of the Microlise Group, is backing a push by transport authorities to highlight drivers’ and companies’ responsibilities around commercial vehicle load security this month.
National Highways, the DVSA and the Office of Traffic Commissioners are aiming to raise awareness about load security throughout October, alongside a campaign by multiple police forces targeting commercial vehicles and their cargo. Transport software and compliance specialist TruTac is adding its voice to this important safety initiative. The company believes that, in most cases, properly trained professional drivers can easily ensure that
TruTac backs nationwide load security and transport safety push
their vehicles’ loads, among other elements, are fully secure by performing straightforward checks before they begin a day’s work.
The TruChecks app allows drivers to conduct daily walk around vehicle inspections on their smartphones and immediately identify and report any issues. It covers all areas that the DVSA requires drivers to address, along with type-specific and configurable checklists for different vehicle models and trailers.
By using TruChecks, drivers can easily flag up inadequately secured loads or defective tyres and generate an instant audit trail with time stamps; they are also able to photograph any issues and send pictures to their office or depot. Instantaneous communication means transport managers are immediately made aware of problems and can therefore minimise vehicle downtime.
TruTac’s Director of Commercial Operations and Marketing, Jemma James, is confident about the part the app can play: “Despite the majority of transport operators following strict safety and compliance procedures, there are still far too many incidents, which could easily have been prevented by applying some simple checks and procedures during driver walk around inspections.
“TruChecks not only helps drivers to improve safety, but it is also a useful tool to keep on top of minor defects and helps to reduce downtime and maintain compliance.”
According to National Highways, there were 8,675 obstructions between January and August on the Midlands road network alone, many of which were due to unsecured loads and defective tyres. It pointed out that a number of people were killed by a load or partial load being shed from a moving vehicle last year. Though less severe, such incidents also create serious congestion, which has a direct logistical and cost impact on transport companies.
As part of its drive to raise awareness, the authority is reminding both drivers and transport companies of their legal obligations to ensure cargo is thoroughly secure in accordance with The Road Traffic Act 1988, The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 and, for operators, The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Operators can find out more about the requirements for load security on the government’s vehicle operator guidance page. Free load security guidance is also available from the DVSA, while the HSE offers free workplace transport guidance and resources to help operators assess risks.
To learn more about TruTac products email sales@trutac.co.uk
#EventProfs Invited to Charlecote Pheasant Hotel’s Premier Agent Event
Event professionals and booking agents are being offered an exclusive opportunity to explore the conference and meeting facilities at the newly reopened The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel in Warwickshire, including a first viewing of a new five-acre outdoor event site complete with luxury tipi structures.
Taking place on Thursday, November 18, 2021, and organised in partnership with Famtastic Rocks, this will be the first agent event hosted at the hotel since it came under new ownership of Vine Hotels in August 2020.
Visitors will be given the opportunity to explore a temporary event space from 10.30am, featuring four giant interconnecting tipis, and the Hotel’s indoor event facilities which will be fully dressed to illustrate how conferences could take shape within each of the spaces. Lunch from noon to 2pm and entertainment will be included.
Agents wishing to attend this free event, visit https://www.famtastic.rocks/famtastic-rockslunch and click the RSVP button under the list of events.
General manager, Alice Davies said: “We are already lucky enough to have first class facilities inside the Hotel, suitable for events of all sizes as well as excellent transport links to the surrounding areas. On top of this we now have a huge, five-acre outdoor space with breath-taking views of the Warwickshire countryside, that, until now, has not been used to its full potential. We’re sure the setting will speak for itself on the day.”
Paula Kelsey from Cloud 9 Event Management who runs Famtastic Rocks added: “The setting at The Charlecote Pheasant is truly spectacular and I know the event professionals in attendance won’t fail to be impressed with the tipis. We will also give agents the opportunity to network with ten exclusive event suppliers and find out more about the venue options within Vine Hotels.
“I’m really excited about the vision that Vine Hotels has for The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel and I’m looking forward to sharing that with the representatives from the forefront of the event industry. It’s going to be a fantastic day.”
Rob Smith from Katachiefs, a Midlands-based company that specialises in luxury tipis for corporate and private events, is creating the new tipi structures and explains: “Whether you want to create a traditional rustic atmosphere or are seeking a bold, contemporary feel, tipis are an ideal outdoor structure to use. Flexible options for events are also key right now, which is why tipis are proving so popular. They are inter-linkable; meaning we can cater for small events with a standalone tipi or link several together for larger event. And that option of scaling up or down the space is hugely important to buyers.”
The Charlecote Pheasant is situated in the pretty Warwickshire village of Charlecote, close to Stratford-Upon-Avon, just four miles from the M40 and 18 miles from Birmingham Airport. The Hotel was originally Benham’s Farm, dating back to the 16th century, and is a venue that exudes charm with its original beams, character furnishings and exposed brickwork.
The Charlecote Pheasant launches new outdoor space to event and meeting agents
Celebrations were the order of the day as The Myton Hospices scooped the title of Third Sector Organisation of the Year at the Coventry Live Business Awards.
Myton’s entry focused on our response to the pandemic, both in terms of patient services and fundraising. Despite being up against some fantastic competition for the title, Myton was awarded the honour. The annual awards celebrate excellence across a broad range of categories and recognise the region’s finest businesses and organisations.
This year they were particularly looking for organisations that “looked the pandemic in the eye and used it as an opportunity to thrive and grow.”
A delighted Ruth Freeman, CEO for The Myton Hospices, welcomed the award.
She said: "We were up against some stiff competition, and it is testament to every single Myton employee, volunteer and supporter that we have received this accolade and it is fantastic to be recognised for our success in the face of adversity.
“I am very proud, and you should be too, well done and thank you all!"
To find out how you could make a difference and support Myton please visit www.mytonhospice.org
Pure Ideas Podcast Episode #2 – Trade Marks
Did you know that Trade Marks aren’t just for your inspired logos and taglines? They can also be patterns, colours, shapes and even sounds. This can be very useful in the effort to protect your brand.
What you need to know about Trade Marks
Do you have a brilliant new logo for your goods or services that you would like to Trade Mark but are unsure of the process of obtaining it? Learn from our expert team what Trade Marks are and the process of protecting your Ideas and Innovations. In this podcast Pure Ideas explains what the specifications are that you as an applicant must meet and where Pure Ideas can help.
In the podcast Pure Ideas pay attention to renewing your application. Your trademark lasts forever as long as you renew it every 10 years. Depending on the country of your filing your Trade Mark must be in use, or it could be vulnerable to non-use cancellation. In the UK this is after 5 years, in the US it’s 3 years.
Listen to the Pure Ideas Podcast Episode #2 – Trade Marks now by clicking here: https://pure-ideas.co.uk/resources/
Sponsored Column
Preventing a mental health pandemic
I would urge all of us to take heed of the mental health narrative currently popular in the media.
As a survivor of burnout, my eyes and ears are tuned to the frequency with which we are warned, post pandemic, about its prevalence particularly in schools and the workplace. Thankfully, lock down inadvertently created a slow rising tide of action in the business community regarding mental health awareness and I would encourage business leaders to use the post pandemic dialogue as a catalyst for embedding sound mental health strategies in the workplace. We must ensure we do not pay lip service to the problem in a similar fashion to politicians and unwittingly follow the climate crisis approach. We will need more meaningful creativity than dress down Fridays and Whack-a-mole Mondays. 1st June 2019 11pm saw the arrival of my burnout (most survivors can pinpoint time and place). A tsunami washed me away, mentally, emotionally and physically. Like most, I had ignored my symptoms for decades, until my wife’s forceful coaxing as the family couldn’t tolerate my behaviours anymore.
Unaware of my impending unravelling, I opened my mouth to defend and an immeasurable emotional torrent hammered me from nowhere. I fell off the face of the earth for the first 3 months and mostly slept (coma fashion) as walking a few paces, standing upright, generally functioning, were all bone achingly exhausting. Sights, sounds, inter-acting, were all overwhelming.
After 3 months, I returned to work (previous employer and 3 months too early) as full pay ended and it took a good 9-12 months before I was able to contribute again meaningfully. Personally, my family would say, they’re still awaiting a complete return.
Not sure who I was during this phase, but with the support of my family, counsellor, dogs, nature, friends and colleagues, I slowly started to re-emerge and 2 1/2yrs on, thankfully, I have not returned to my old normal self and have embraced a version of me that continues to thrive.
We owe it to ourselves and each other to have meaningful conversations and encourage meaningful actions to prevent the need for sticking plaster solutions. The impact from both a business and, much more importantly, a personal perspective is too important to ignore. It is the responsibility of all to change the narrative of celebrating long hours and overwork at the expense of personal time and instead strategically plan in an impactful, reflective manner to reduce pressure points and celebrate a visible, well-practiced wellbeing culture. Seeking professional help is not failure – I’ve accepted my continuing essential counselling sessions as an MOT or regular service.
DNA makes us all wonderfully unique and our individual life experiences mean our chemical and emotional responses to events will be different, along with our coping and healing strategies. Each business will require flexibility in their approach to mental health and, with compassion for ourselves and others, now is the perfect time for positive action.
If anyone would like to find out more or share experiences, please do get in touch mark.withington@dafferns.com. Dafferns Chartered Accountants
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