Boost productivity - go part-time, says report

Part-time working can boost GDP, says report

Investment in part-time working can unlock a major boost to national productivity, says a new report.

Research into the flexible furlough scheme by Cranfield University’s School of Management is calling on the government and employers to invest in an expansion of parttime working.

Experts want to see a pilot scheme to capitalise on the experiences of flexible furlough, under which organisations could bring back staff on a part-time basis, and to encourage openness among employers to part-time working.

The research was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, as part of its rapid response to Covid-19. It found that the UK has a pool of newfound expertise in part-time working due to the success of the flexible furlough scheme. With around a fifth of working age people classed as economically inactive -such as those with caring responsibilities, people with disabilities and older workers - this knowledge could be used to bring them back into the workforce.

The Part-time Working After the Pandemic report, looked at the experience of firms that used the flexible furlough option as the country exited lockdown. It found a growing demand for parttime jobs as well as increased awareness of part-time work and knowledge in how to offer it effectively. Around one in four full-time workers said they would prefer to work part-time, driven in part by the cost of living crisis as people look for extra jobs to boost their income.

But the Cranfield research also found that, postpandemic, employers believe people want to work fewer hours to achieve a better work life balance. Lead author Clare Kelliher, Professor of Work and Organisation at Cranfield University said: “Flexible furlough was a unique experiment in part-time working and it was one that many employers and employees learned a lot from as they put it into practice. It is vital that we do not lose that knowledge or willingness to innovate in the workplace. Employers should now be looking to build on what they learned to attract and retain talent.”

The world of work is going through unprecedented change with the move to hybrid working and events like the great resignation, she added. “Part-time work offers a route for employers and employees to successfully navigate upheaval and thrive into the future.

“The government rightly wants to see the economy grow. Investigating part-time working and encouraging its widespread use where appropriate could bring many millions of people currently excluded from work back into the workforce and boost the economy at a time when it is desperately needed.”

Fellow report author Dr Charlotte Gascoigne said the research confirmed the need for a formal, funded pilot scheme, which would allow employers to assess the costs and benefits of part-time working. “Too many people are currently excluded from the workforce and the whole country suffers due to missing out on the talents of those with caring responsibilities, the experience and expertise of older workers and the skills of people with disabilities and long-term health conditions,” Dr Gascoigne added.

“Part time working offers an effective route back into work for many people and a real path to growth for the government and the economy more widely.”

Jo Swinson, a former government Business Minister and now Visiting Professor at Cranfield University, said: “Workplace practice and culture is rapidly changing in the wake of the pandemic experience. Onesize-fits-all working patterns no longer make sense - offering part time working is one of the important ways employers can attract and retain talented staff. This insightful research should be read closely by everyone interested in the future of work. I urge employers and government to act on its recommendations to embrace the economic benefits that part time working can bring.” n Its work supporting small businesses and student entrepreneurs has earned Cranfield University accreditation by the Small Business Charter organisation.

The university joins 63 other UK business schools that hold the award. Assessors praised Cranfield’s role in the local business infrastructure and its dedicated entrepreneurial support, particularly its Business Growth Programme and Ready for Scale. They also noted Cranfield’s close links with businesses, partners and networks.

Professor David Oglethorpe, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and dean of Cranfield School of Management said: “To have this recognised by the Small Business Charter is a real achievement for everyone at the School of Management.”

Professor Clare Kelliher

THE RESEARCH ALSO FOUND

n 40% of those who had used the flexible furlough scheme said line managers are now better at managing part time working effectively and are more open to part-time working; n Many employers see part-time working as something women, particularly mothers, are likely to ask for but there is little evidence to support the assumption that demand for parttime is low in male-dominated workforces; n Many employers are more concerned with hybrid working and increasing work from home than engaging with the issues around hours; n Labour shortages are driving openness to part-time working among employers.

Guests enjoy networking and fundraising at Kirkby Diamond’s Luton Lunch Club meeting

Lunch club tucks into boosting charity coffers

Join a Mexican wave of generosity as business people tuck in to tacos and burritos at an event which raised funds for two key charities.

Hosted by commercial property consultants Kirkby Diamond, the Luton Lunch Club hosted property professionals from Luton and the surrounding area for an afternoon of networking and Mexican street food.

The event raised money for Luton Food Bank and Muscular Dystrophy UK. Organisers delivered 20 large shopping bags of food donations and £250 to Luton Food Bank, while Muscular Dystrophy UK received a total £1,800.

Adam Smylie, head of valuation at Kirkby Diamond, said: “It is a testament to the local business community that we were able to attract so many property professionals to attend our event. Local businesses and our valued clients have dug deep this year, with the donation being one of the largest amounts we have ever received. The cost of living crisis is affecting many residents of Luton and thanks to the hard work of Kirkby Diamond’s staff and our generous clients, the food bank will be able to continue to help those in need.”

Muscular Dystrophy UK carries out research into the disease, which causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. There is no cure but medication and therapy can help manage symptoms and its progress.

Eamon Kennedy, head of commercial agency and head of the Luton office, said: “It is a fantastic effort from Kirkby Diamond’s clients to donate such a generous amount. The charity is close to our hearts and is one that is often neglected for charitable funding compared to other national charities.”

Kirkby Diamond is planning more Luton Lunch Club events this year.

NEW JOB?TIME FOR A

24 & 25 MARCH 2023

MAIN SPONSOR

MEET THE UK’S BEST EMPLOYERS INCLUDING

SPONSORS

Advertisement Feature Published on behalf of Capital Space, operator of Milton Keynes Business Centre

‘It has worked out perfectly... and they do amazing cakes’

“It’s just such a lovely community,” says Emma Gilead. “It was a decision we had to make as we grew but it’s the perfect place.”

Emma pictured is events and fundraising manager at the bereavement charity Harry’s Rainbow, which moved into office provider Capital Space’s Milton Keynes Business Centre at Linford Wood last year.

“It was a move we had to make,” Emma says. “We were meeting people who wanted our help in coffee shops and places that are not suitable for conversations about grief and bereavement.”

Now, in its new office at Milton Keynes Business Centre, Harry’s Rainbow staff can talk openly to visitors in the private Rainbow Room. It has been a welcome and natural development for the charity, founded by Odette and Lee Mould after the death of their five-yearold son Harry in 2009.

Griefstricken themselves, they could find no bereavement support for Harry’s twin sister Jessica. “We know how difficult it can be to help and support your children through their pain, grief and loss at the same time as trying to deal with your own,” says Odette. “Therefore we aim to support the children affected by the death of a very significant family member, such as a parent or sibling.”

Harry’s Rainbow was founded in 2011. The charity’s website and social networking pages are a source of information and advice for young people aged up to 25 and the staff provide a range of bereavement support services including regular support groups, activities and trips, and individual tailored support.

The need for Harry’s Rainbow has grown, with last year its busiest yet – a 56 per cent increase in registrations as the charity helped 144 children. “A lot of that is down to the work we have done raising awareness of what we do,” says Emma.

Harry’s Rainbow relies totally on fundraising to finance its work, needing £250,000 each year to continue operating. Support comes from a variety of regular sources including some of the largest employers in the Milton Keynes business community; Rightmove, Ingram Micro, Marshall Amplification, Energie Fitness, Opus Restructuring, law firm Freeths and medical recruitment company SpecialistMed, a neighbour at Milton Keynes Business Centre. Harry’s Rainbow was a beneficiary of the annual Wishing Well campaign at centre:mk in the run-up to

Christmas.

Its work takes its toll on Harry’s Rainbow’s staff too. The charity organises monthly sessions for its staff with Milton Keynes-based mental health charity Arthur Ellis, which gives Emma and colleagues the opportunity to talk about their feelings and their work. “It’s quite an emotional job,” she admits.

But being in a wider business community at Milton Keynes Business Centre is a bonus and a support in its own way. Neighbours drop by for a chat to find out how they are doing and about Harry’s Rainbow’s latest initiatives and the charity invites Milton Keynes Business Centre tenants to take part in its fundraising campaigns, including its annual Rainbow Week.

“Moving here was the best decision we could have made,” says Emma. “It has worked out perfectly and we have the Woodside Café on site too. They do amazing cakes.”

Milton Keynes Business Centre

www.harrysrainbow.co.uk

MP backs grant to improve lorry parks

Haulage companies are being urged to take advantage of government funding to help them to improve facilities at lorry parks for their drivers.

The Department for Transport unveiled an HGV Parking and Driver Welfare Match-Funding Grant Scheme last month aimed at improving conditions in lorry parks across England.

Now Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart is calling on businesses that use haulage companies to transport their products around the UK and abroad to apply for a share of the fund to improve their facilities for drivers.

“While it is no secret that Milton Keynes is an ideal location to have a logistics hub, I know that the facilities and parking in the city for HGV drivers are not as good as they could be,” he said.

Mr Stewart, inset, has visited various logistics businesses, including John Lewis and Amazon at Magna Park near Kingston, to hear at first hand the issues that HGV drivers face on a regular basis.

“I am also fully aware that there are other distribution centres that would like to see better facilities and parking in Milton Keynes for their drivers,” Mr Stewart said. “That is why I really welcome this funding opportunity from the Department for Transport to improve conditions in lorry parks and I hope that distribution and logistics businesses in Milton Keynes will apply to take up this opportunity.”

More than £32.5 million is available and the government is expecting that around 100 sites in England will be able to receive funding to improve services and facilities for HGV drivers.

Tech firm launches partnership with data specialist

Fintech software specialist Solifi, whose UK headquarters are in Milton Keynes, has announced its newest technology partnership with business data company Codat to make it easier for asset-based lending firms to make credit decisions. It takes consented business data from small and medium-sized business banking, accounting, and commerce platforms to integrate into operational systems.

“Automating this process and connecting disparate systems retrieves insights in real time to help ABL customers make faster and more informed decisions,” said Solifi chief product officer Bill Noel.

Solifi’s UK office is at Linford Wood.

Advertising Feature

MoneyGram Haas F1 team confirmed as the MK Job Show main sponsor

The MK Job Show is proud to announce that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team will be the main sponsor of our upcoming event taking place on March 24-25 at centre:mk.

This sponsorship enhances our event the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is one of just ten teams competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

Established by American industrialist Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team debuted in 2016, scoring points in its firstever Grand Prix, before going on to finish fifth in the Constructors’ Championship in 2018. Last season the team scored its maiden F1 pole position, with Kevin Magnussen heading the field in qualifying at the Brazilian Grand Prix. 2023 is our tenth year of organising the MK Job Show and we are extremely excited to have such an acclaimed organisation headline the MK Job Show. It highlights our commitment to providing quality opportunities for employers and jobseekers throughout the region.

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team will lead the line-up of more than 80 employers, including zone sponsors BP Pulse, British Transport Police, Counter Terrorism Policing, Lockheed Martin, MBA Consultants, Metropolitan Police, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Trust, Network Rail & University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is the only American team on the F1 grid but their workforce is truly global. They have more than 200 employees split across three sites in the USA, UK and Italy. Their Banbury factory is based in the heart of the UK’s Motorsport Valley, where several teams and suppliers are located, all within a short drive to Silverstone Circuit, home to the British Grand Prix.

The Banbury site houses many of MoneyGram Haas F1’s operations functions, including logistics, electrical engineering, vehicle science, control systems, vehicle performance and programme management, as well as othe race team support and communications department. They have dedicated support services ensuring constant communication and collaboration between sites, including accounting, administration, human resources, IT and purchasing.

MK Job Show visitors can fast-track their job search to a new career in Formula 1 by meeting with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team in person. Visitors can learn more about the squad and the amazing opportunities they have to join their team... and Haas F1 is keen to learn more about them.

Over the years thousands of people have secured a new job after attending the MK Job Show. So we encourage anyone looking for a new start to attend. n Register free at MKJobShow.co.uk

Expanded facility blazes upcycling trail

World-first manufacturing plant creates 300 new jobs

More than 1,000 vehicles a year are to be converted from diesel power to electric at the newly completed upcycling facility for Lunaz Applied Technologies at Silverstone.

The facility, the first of its kind in the world, is now fully operational and occupies a total 200,000 sq ft - almost four times its original size when it opened in 2018. The business has also created 300 new jobs.

The expansion means LAT can significantly increase production of its upcycled electric vehicles, with capacity to produce 1,100 vehicles per year.

Upcycling involves taking conventional diesel-powered refuse trucks and other commercial vehicles and converting them to fully electric power when they reach the end of their normal working lives. UEVs are proved to be cleaner, cheaper and better equipped than all-new equivalents, saving money for taxpayers and helping local authorities to achieve their net-zero goals, Lunaz says.

The additional space allows LAT to bring the majority of the upcycling in-house, giving it total quality control throughout the production process.

Lunaz’s founder and chief executive David Lorenz said: “The expansion of the Lunaz Silverstone campus is a clear demonstration of our commitment to breaking the replace-with-new cycle. Lunaz now has the largest manufacturing footprint of any company within the Silverstone Technology Cluster.”

LAT is developing new technology to further improve the efficiency and costeffectiveness of the upcycling process. The company has already completely designed its own battery packs, fully assembled, tested and fitted on site at Silverstone. It has also developed a unique electric power take-off to drive the rear bin-lifting apparatus for its upcycled refuse trucks.

“Our new and fully operational facilities, which gives us four times as much space as we had before, enables us to continue scaling up production of our UEVs, meet the demands of more fleet operators and government bodies who want to benefit from our technology,” Mr Lorenz said.

“We will continue to grow this critical sector through the research and development of our proprietary EV technologies, too. Above all, it is a huge vote of confidence in our own technology and upcycling model and in Silverstone as a location.”

Research shows upcycling also carries over more than 80 per cent of the originally embedded carbon from the initial vehicle production process when compared to buying new. LAT works with partner facilities such as Millbrook Proving Ground near Ampthill in Bedfordshire to conduct its R&D to the same standards as original equipment manufacturers.

Above: Lunaz founder and chief executive David Lorenz Left: Lunaz’s newly expanded facility at Silverstone where the diesel-powered refuse trucks and other commercial vehicles are being upcycled

Project set to improve town gateway

Work is set to start on the gateway Midland Road scheme, one part of the £22.6 million Bedford Town Deal secured last year.

Among the Town Investment Plan schemes proposed by the Town Deal Board is the regeneration of Midland Road, from Greyfriars to Ashburnham Road, and the train station. As part of the scheme, shopfronts and buildings will be enhanced in this important entrance to the town.

The improvements are modelled on the High Street schemes carried out by Bedford Borough Council, which will contribute more than £1.4 million towards the work. The project is a “once in a generation opportunity” to invest in Midland Road, the council says.

Samantha Laycock, chair of the Bedford Town Deal Board, said: “Midland Road is the primary gateway from Bedford train station into the town centre and this investment will help regenerate a key area of our great town.”

The council is speaking with Midland Road property owners to engage them in the scheme. The plan includes improvements to shopfronts and to the public realm.