Business News
‘Pawternity’: At the centre of the debate
Wanted: Business leaders to inspire new pioneers
M
eet Deefa, a bundle of fun and joy owned by Kayleigh Brown from Wilson Browne Solicitors’ Leicester office. Why are we leading with a picture of a pet you may ask? There is renewed debate regarding whether companies should offer leave for new pet owners, referred to as ‘Pawternity’: it is just like maternity or paternity leave but for a new pet. Pet adoption rose during the pandemic and a reported 3.2 million pets were bought during lockdown. In the UK, it is estimated that 12 million (44 per cent) of households have pets, equalling about 51 million pets. The benefits of having a pet have been long touted. The traditional ‘nuclear family’ of mum, dad and children is no longer applicable in many instances and such a set-up is not for everyone. For many people, their pets are their family. As a response to the pandemic, most organisations have introduced homeworking and hybrid working policies and/or revisited their flexible working policies. With many organisations having retention or recruitment difficulties, other offerings are being considered - ‘pawternity’ being one. Proposals include allowing an employee one or two weeks’ paid leave when adopting a new pet so they have time to bond with and acclimatise them to their new home. Some schemes may also allow the employee to bring
Cluster seeks mentors to guide growing companies
their pet into the office. One obvious question is the definition of ‘pet’ in this context, which is likely to apply to canines only. However, the options are limitless and can be designed to suit the business. Christmas is seen as a time when pets are often bought as presents so it may be that more organisations look to offer Pawternity in 2022. To find out more about Pawternity schemes or simply reviewing your current ‘family friendly’ policies, contact the employment team at Wilson Browne Solicitors. Oh, and in case you were wondering about the name Deefa…it is derived from “D for dog”.
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n This article is written by Hazel Taylor, a paralegal in the employment t e a m a t Wi l s o n Browne Solicitors in Northampton.
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programme of advisory boards set up to work with fast-growing companies that are members of the Silverstone Technology Cluster is looking for senior business leaders to join them. Businesses have been registering for their own free Be the Business advisory board ahead of the latest deadline last month. Places are filling up fast with companies keen to tap into the experience of senior businesspeople. STC chief executive Pim van Baarsen said: “The first round of Advisory Boards have already proven highly beneficial for those businesses taking part, helping them to tackle challenges as they look to pursue their growth ambitions.” He urged business leaders willing to offer their experience
in an advisory role to make contact. “Those who have done this to date have reported just how rewarding it has been and how they have learned some things themselves from fellow board members and the SMEs they are supporting.” Tobias Knichel, managing director of cluster member PUNCH Flybrid which specialises in hybrid flywheel technology, joined the likes of BAE Systems and Lloyds Banking as a volunteer board member. “It is so interesting to think about the challenges these young businesses are facing and how you might adapt your own collective experience to help them,” he said. “I think it is a brilliant initiative.” Advisory boards are part of a wider business growth programme hosted by the STC in partnership
with government-backed organisation Be the Business. Vehicle engineering agency Collins Ltd sought the help of an advisory board. Cofounder Jenner Collins said: “We can now deal with problems in different ways. Without their input, we might not have seen new ways of approaching business problems.” Carbon composites manufacturer Silverstone Composites has also turned to an advisory board for help. Managing director Marcus Trofimov said: “I felt empowered by the fact that these highly experienced, knowledgeable people had not just taken time out of their busy lives to give me advice and support but they actually validated what I was doing.” To find out more visit: www.silverstone-park.com
Business Times
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January 2022
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