CONNECTING BUSINESSES ACROSS THE UK
Nostalgia Marketing : The effectiveness of relating your company to the past
Anna
www.paramountmedia.co.uk
Mar / Apr 2023 Issue 11
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Creating a committed workforce: Six ways to boost employee motivation
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Mineral Wars : How your business can prepare to deal with the battery crisis
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Issue 11 Paramount Media
Page 5 How small shops and businesses are good for ocal commuities. Page 7 Struggle for resturants as cost of energy accounts for a third of your resturant bill. Page 9 Nostalgia Marketing: The effectiveness of relating your company to the past. Page 10 Mineral wars: How your business can prepare to deal with the battery crisis. Page 13 The most in demand healthcare jobs in the UK Page 15 Revealed: The ares ain England and Wales that have the most speeding offences Page 16 Brand Loyalty : The 2023 trends to increase brand loyalty
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Page 18 How can businesses tackle the skills shortages within the construction industry. Page 20 Creating a comitted workforce: Six ways to increase employee motivation Page 22 Money remains UK number one taboo as millions struggle with cost of living crisis Page 28 Tackling the tech gender gap early on Page 30 The future of crime fighting: Innovative Technology to protect your business Page 32 3 ways businesses can boost employee engagement with Video Technology
Welcome
Contents
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Small businesses and local shops are vital for the community. Not only are they recognisable places which promote regional work and talent, but they also help local economies throughout the year. Whether stocking greeting cards from card suppliers or offering essential items, small businesses with brick-and-mortar shops are valuable in representing creativity in their respective communities. Here, we will explore the impact that small businesses have on their local economies. Drive local economy Small businesses actually make up around 99% of all businesses operating in the United Kingdom. Therefore, they are not only great for bring a sense of local pride to communities, but also act as driving factors in local economies, with small businesses with 10 or more employees making an average turnover of £2.8 million. From brick-and-mortar shops to local produce markets, small businesses provide a central point for local trade. In fact, markets attract tourists through their promise of unique products and bargains. Small businesses thrive in these environments due to their diversity. Markets can offer everything from fresh produce and stationery to local artwork, greeting cards, and confectionary – and it is this variety which attracts customers. Tourism is important for local economies as it encourages new visitors, as well as having an established base of frequent locals. Employment As of 2022, small businesses made up 61% of UK private sector employment, with 16.4 million employees. By owning a small business and hiring 10 or more people, you can uplift employment rates within your area. This can also provide training opportunities and work experience for young staff to prepare them for working life ahead. By providing employment opportunities within the local area, you can help the economy further. Local employment can lead to more renters and homeowners within the area, which, in turn, can create more business for other shops and eateries. Support art and creation Small businesses encourage a range of innovative and creative products. By focusing on local produce and artists, many small businesses are able to promote their local area and their peers. This can be seen through the range of products, from fresh produce from local farmers to creative pieces from artists and more as they spur each other on. This can give a shop, business, and the local area, a community feel by making it a creative and collaborative area. Honouring local artists and creatives not only highlights amazing talent within the area, but can also strengthen loyalty between small businesses and their regular customers. Social change Small businesses have the ability to promote change within the immediate area. Companies are aiming to become carbon neutral more and more. For example, Brighton Gin uses bottles which are made up of 85% recycled glass, and it is companies such as these which can encourage change within their local areas. Arranging events and providing safe spaces within communities is another way businesses can encourage local change. Small businesses might be well known for their charity work within communities, whether supporting the LGBT movement or providing for food banks. Small businesses also have the power to decide their company standpoint on local issues and make real-time changes to their environment. And if you work alongside other local businesses, such as stocking your produce from local farmers, you can help reduce the environmental impact of importing and transporting while helping your neighbours.
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How small shops and businesses are good for local communities
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Vehicle Leasing Specialists www.v4b.co.uk 0800 096 6488
STRUGGLE FOR RESTAURANTS AS COST OF ENERGY ACCOUNTS FOR A THIRD OF YOUR RESTAURANT BILL
Approximately a third (33%) of a diner’s restaurant bill goes towards paying the total cost of energy - according to new research from Uswitch for Business, the comparison service.[1] The survey of decision makers at restaurants across the UK highlights a growing concern among UK restaurants as they struggle to keep pace with rising bills. Almost one in three (30%) said that their restaurant is operating at a lower capacity than this time last year[5], with an average capacity of 60%.[6] Unsurprisingly energy bills topped the long list of concerns (63%), followed by rent costs (30%), retaining customers (27%) and product inflation (26%).[7] In response to rising energy bills, restaurants are being proactive in making changes, with some cutting down the menu (16%), reducing portion sizes (13%) and introducing dishes to the menu which require less energy to create (14%).[2] Perhaps following the success of Veganuary, one in 10 (10%) say that they are moving the menu away from meat dishes to more cost effective ingredients.[2] Despite efforts to reduce consumption, restaurants are still facing challenges to keep their energy costs under control. One in five (20%) restaurants have had to raise prices to keep up with rising bills.[8] And if costs continue to rise, restaurateurs said they risk not being able to pay bills on time (21%), potentially need to downsize (19%) or make staff redundant (18%).[4]Over seven in 10 (71%) said they expect costs to continue to rise this year.[9] Worryingly, more than one in ten (11%) of those surveyed admit they don’t know what type of business energy contract they are on, which means they could be at risk of overpaying. Restaurants on a deemed rate could be spending anywhere from 30 to 50% more than negotiated rates. The data also reveals almost one in three restaurants are training all staff in energy efficiency measures (31%) and are restricting the use of air conditioning and heating (31%).[2] Unsurprisingly, three in 10 (30%) restaurants are only running a dishwasher when it’s full and almost one in four (22%) have resorted to closing the business during quieter times of the week.[2] Jack Arthur, energy expert at Uswitch for Business comments: “The UK restaurant industry is facing significant challenges as a result of rising energy costs combined with rising inflation. “Rates of restaurant insolvency have increased since COVID-19 and price rises from Brexit are pushing firms to a worrying edge. “Restaurants who are struggling with their energy bills should be aware of their contract end date and review the terms of any new deal before signing. If they have concerns that they aren’t getting the right level of discount or support, they should speak with their supplier and shop around where possible. “In the meantime, it is sensible to explore measures available to make their operations more energy efficient to mitigate against price rises and high costs as much as possible.”
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Marketing is at its most effective when a brand can make an emotional connection with its audience – and what better way than to connect through the memories of our childhoods. From the slushy machine at the cinema to retro music and our favourite childhood sweets, we all love talking about the past – and brands have found a way to do this effectively. Here, with the help of Peter Campbell of Snowshock, a UK based slushy machine business, we’ll explore what nostalgia marketing why it works so well, and how you can start implementing it into your marketing strategy. What is nostalgia marketing? Nostalgia triggers emotional responses to familiar sounds, sights, and smells from our childhoods. It reminds us of a simpler, less stressful time. Whether it is school discos or our favourite cartoons, our long-forgotten favourites can be brought back to us. Marketing in this way bring back themes and styles from people’s childhoods to provoke an emotional reaction. Companies such as McDonalds, Coca Cola, and Nintendo have all used nostalgia marketing within their strategies to great effect. Whether it be reminders of a moment in history linked to a certain TV show or childhood food, these cultural memories trigger the emotions of your customers by reminding them of a past, whether lived or not. How to implement nostalgia marketing into your strategy Audience and era When attempting nostalgia marketing, you will want to find the right audience for you. Whether your audience is mostly Gen Z, millennials, or older, you will want to appeal to their childhood memories. As this will differ between generations, it is important to note down the age range of your clientele. However, a safe bet for bringing nostalgia into your marketing is to target the 1990s, with the popular slogan “Only ‘90s kids would understand”. This time hints at comfort shows such as Friends and the Rugrats, as well as foods such as fish fingers and eggs and soldiers. And for some, anything “retro” is a go. Gen Z jump in on the ‘90s trends, even though they didn’t experience the decade. They bring back ‘90s fashion and music idols. And with TV shows such as Stranger Things resurging the love for cassette players, music and the ‘80s, nostalgia and finding a history is an effective tool for grabbing an audience. Use fonts, colours, and themes to your advantage While you might not want to reference specific pop culture from the era, as this might be copyrighted, you can approach nostalgic marketing through colour, fonts, and themes. Think bold black outlines, jagged shapes, and bright, contrasting colours. The ‘90s were bright and bold with colours which contrasted, inspired heavily by comic books and pop art. Using these colours and contrasts within your own marketing material can bring about this feeling of nostalgia for a past before the millennium. Company history can help And why not bring in your own story as nostalgic- where did your company start, why, and how far has it come? Other brands have used this to their advantage by exploring their past and bringing back old logos, such as Coca Cola and more. This dive into the past of your company can be advantageous for your brand authenticity – letting your customers know the true business, your purpose, and the journey your company has been on so far. Gen Z and millennial customers prefer brands who share their values, and by exploring the story of your company customers can identify closer with your brand. Nostalgia works by reminding us of ourselves at a different time and letting us reflect on this past – or even for many in generation Z, it tells them of how the world, and their parents, were before this moment. Being able to relate your company to this past can draw on the emotions of your customers and it is these emotions which makes the marketing so effective.
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Nostalgia Marketing: The Effectiveness of Relating Your Company to the Past
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The advent of battery-powered technology has been one of the defining manufacturing developments of our time, empowering global smart phone interconnectivity and spearheading the electric vehicle (EV) revolution of the future. Clearly, there is no silver bullet to the climate change crisis, yet the custom battery pack has effectively offered the prospect of a future without fossil fuel dependence. A surge in lithium-ion battery production for instance, means electric cars are now commercially viable for the first time in history. The US plans to hold 50% of the EV market share by 2030. However, whilst businesses are finally making bold assertions to electrify their processes, we are now facing a battery crisis. Where has this come from and how will businesses cope? The Battery Shortage A scarcity of raw materials and soaring prices for essential minerals such as lithium and cobalt have contributed to a supply crunch. Bloomberg’s New Energy Outlook report, for example, predicted that demand for lithium-ion batteries will rise to as much as 5.9 terawatt-hours a year leading to 2030. How does this work? The priciest component in each battery is the cathode, the electrode from which a conventional current leaves an electrical device. This is composed of valuable metals such as nickel, lithium, cobalt and manganese. In January 2022, nickel prices spiked as much as 4.4% to $22,745 a tonne on the commodities market – a decade-long high. How can companies best prepare to deal with a shortage in batteries? With reserves for rare materials dwindling, anxiety is inevitable for battery-powered businesses. Alex Stapleton, Sales Director at custom battery pack manufacturer, Alexander Battery Technologies, advises: “The battery shortage situation is unlikely to be resolved any time soon. The best thing businesses can do is create a long-term plan for the entire product supply chain. Affordable alternatives to the ubiquitous lithium-ion battery will become available as big companies pour billions into research and development.” Three of the battery markets biggest players – LG, Samsung, and SK Innovation – for instance are all actively expanding battery production capacities. LG New Energy Solutions alone will invest approximately $13.17 billion into the development of advanced battery materials. Lithium-ion Alternatives? The race is on to solve the looming raw material crisis. One solution is to find other mineral-based alternatives more abundant in supply. Often touted is the much-vaunted graphene battery, an allotrope of carbon, which has high thermal and electrical conductive properties. Whilst research may be in its infancy, graphene provides a potential source of portable electric power. Another next-generation energy storage system could be the calcium battery. Calcium is the fifth-most abundant metal on earth, which is promising for supply chain problems whilst it’s also naturally safe and non-toxic. Questions have arisen however, over its conductive properties with scientists struggling to channel electricity through a workable electrolyte. Recent research from Germany’s Helmholtz Institute has proven positive, with better electrolyte activation than in previous calcium-based battery trials. This new class of electrolytes could pave the way from the laboratory to the marketplace, so businesses should be ready. As science begins to mature, these new batteries could provide more sustainable alternatives to the prevailing lithium-ion. Forward-thinking businesses will look to stockpile when possible. How can companies best utilise the batteries they already have? Many of us will be all too familiar with the iPhone battery that fades gradually over time as charging cycles increase. Like those who choose to recycle iPhone batteries to help the environment, businesses can also recycle batteries to combat supply chain costs and the raw material crisis. Inevitably, the battery recycling industry will experience a boom. Batteries are replaced in electric vehicles after approximately eight years at which point they still have around 70–80% of their charging capacity. These are still far too valuable to be discarded and must be given a second life. This can provide a stopgap for businesses until new technology becomes available.
Alex Stapleton, Sales Director at Alexander Battery Technologies
Mineral Wars: How Your Business Can Prepare to Deal with the Battery Crisis?
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Company News, Features or Recruitment opportunities you want to share?
Unquestionably, it has been a challenging couple of years for the healthcare industry as the country faced the largest public health crisis in living memory. In response, the industry has swelled. During the last 12 months for instance, new analysis shows that recruitment appears high on the agenda with a 37% increase in the number of people hired by the sector in 2022. Recruitment software company Occupop has crunched the numbers from key job application channels such as Indeed, Careers Page and LinkedIn, and has also found a 36% increase in the number of job applications in the industry. The healthcare sector has assumed high priority in the public’s job-hunting collective consciousness. But what are the most in-demand healthcare jobs in the UK and what do these entail? We explore the subject further. Healthcare Assistants With an impressive 59% of applicants, healthcare assistant roles made up the bulk of job searches. Healthcare assistants (HCAs) are often an entry-level health job which doesn’t require a degree in a specific field. Despite this, HCA roles offer candidates the chance to acquire some good patient-facing experience and can work in a variety of healthcare settings from A&E to outpatients and maternity wards. Healthcare Administrator Not all healthcare applicants however will work in medical roles. For instance, 14% of jobseekers sought admin jobs. Again, in most cases, no formal qualifications are needed, although excellent communication and organisation skills will be preferred. Healthcare admins can work across hospitals, clinics, general practices and trust headquarters and will support medical colleagues by arranging appointments, creating patient documents and updating records. Nursing and Midwifery Nursing and midwifery roles also witnessed a spike with a 7% increase and offer candidates a life-changing, rewarding career. This rise could be explained with a nationwide drive by government to recruit more nurses with tens of thousands of vacancies across the country in recent years. Nursing offers a range of roles and responsibilities with areas of work spanning clinical, critical care, mental health and midwifery to name but a few. Social Care Worker 1.54 million people are currently employed by the social care sector and this is expected to rise with a 7% increase in demand. As more older people live longer, the need for care increases which can explain the rise, in addition to younger disabled people living longer than ever before. Social care workers provide practical and emotional support to a wide range of people and can assist with tasks to enhance their quality of life. Allied Health Professionals Allied Health professionals also made a demonstrable rise with a 5% increase. Allied Health is a broad term used to describe a range of medical professionals who are not doctors or nurses but still perform specialist tasks. Often these can be in distinct areas who work alongside multi-disciplinary doctors. Professions can include roles such as chiropractors, dietitians, osteopaths, pharmacists and radiographers. Elsewhere in the survey, the month with the most applications was revealed to be July, demonstrating a summertime spike in job-hunting, while March was the month with the most hires as firms look to increase their headcount ahead of the new financial year. Jobs search engine Indeed proved the most lucrative source of hires attracting 40% of applicants while Careers Page received 29%, LinkedIn 11% and Facebook 7%. One thing that is for certain, health is wealth for UK job seekers.
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REVEALED: The areas in England and Wales that have the most speeding offences... is yours on the list?
Lincolnshire is the police force area in England and Wales with the highest number of speeding offences per capita, according to research from International Drivers Association. The study analysed the latest police force data from 2010 to 2020 on speeding offences for each region in England and Wales to establish where the speediest drivers commit their offences. The data found that Lincolnshire has the highest number of speeding offences with 5.43 per 1,000 each year. Over the years examined, on average, there were 4,164 offences committed each year in Lincolnshire, although in 2020 there was a decade high 6,734 drivers caught breaking the speed limit. South Wales ranked second with 5.23 offences per 1,000 residents, and a total of 7,030 offences across a population of 1.34 million. The year with the highest number of offences recorded was in 2018, with 8,894, which was more than three times higher than 2010 when only 2,603 drivers were charged with speeding in the region. In third place is North Yorkshire, with an average of 3,774 speed limit offences per year from a population of 831,600, at an average of 4.54 speeding offences per 1,000. North Wales ranks fourth with 4.34 speeding offences per 1,000 residents. This comes as a result of 3,054 average speeding offences in the area per year across a population of 703,400. Dyfed-Powys in Wales rounds out the top five, with an average of 4.33 speeding offences being made per 1,000 residents. At the other end of the scale, Durham has the fewest speeding offences committed on average each year, with just 0.95 per 1,000 people. The North East county also has the fewest total number of people being charged with speeding offences with just 609 on average each year. Derbyshire has the second lowest number of speeding transgressions committed by drivers, at 1.24, with an annual average of 1,318 offences from a population of 1,064,000. Wiltshire drivers receive an average of 921 speeding tickets each year, which equates to 1.27 offences per 1,000, the third lowest on the list. Despite London having the greatest number of speeding offences overall at 13.973, the city has the sixth lowest rate (1.55/1,000) due to the greater number of drivers who live in the capital. Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson from International Drivers Association said: “This study offers a fascinating insight into the locations where drivers are more likely to put their foot down on the pedal and where more accidents may occur as a result. It will be interesting to see if these rankings change in the coming years as more schemes are implemented across the country to lower speeding limits in an effort to crack down on speeding violations.”
Lincolnshire has the highest number of speeding offences in England and Wales each year, with 5.43 offences per 1,000 residents South Wales and North Yorkshire rank second and third respectively Durham has the fewest annual speeding offences per 1,000 residents at just 0.95 An average of 159,662 speeding offences are made each year across England and Wales.
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The 2023 Trends to Help Increase Brand Loyalty
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Loyal customerscan be a godsend for a business.They are the ones who make the biggest purchases and are sure to return and generate more business for the company. Brands whotakea strategic approach to maintaining and increasing brand loyalty are winning in 2023. And as the retail game is gettingmore fierceamid inflation and economic uncertainty, brands need to adapt to thechanginglandscapeandadopt better strategies to keep their customers loyal. We explore the latest trends this year that will help you improve your brand loyalty and make the difference between thriving and surviving. Real-time data offers personalised experiences Personalisation is not a new trend in theindustry. Businesses have been mastering the art of personalisation in recent years, but in 2023, they’re taking a new and upgraded approachwith real-time data feeding into it. The key to personalisation isbeing relevant with your consumers.In 2023, the game has changed. Alongside making customers feel special and understoodby providing them with the goods they want, offering connected experiences is a must.In a recent global survey of 5,000 consumersbySalesforce companyMulesoft, 60% of respondents say that they expect companies to respondstraight awaywith the most recent information when transferring across departments. Todo that,businessesmust leverage real-time data. It offers a pathway to gaining rich and actionable insights that can help them deliver personalised and connected customer experiences. “Companies that want to increase customer loyalty must leverage real-time, intelligent, and automated technology solutions that support seamless connected experiences and personalised journeys,”saidMuleSoft global field chief technology officer Matt McLarty. Data privacyand security According to the same survey,76% of consumersbelievethat companies that provide data security willbolstertheir loyalty. Forbes Magazine describes data as “the most valuable non-human asset a company possesses”. As both companies and customers are realising the value of data, the efforts to protect it are also growing.In fact, the Battery 2022 Cloud Software Spending Survey shows that 62% of respondents expect their security budget to increase byup to10% in 2023. Thelegislative force in thedigital and data spaceisacceleratingis also accelerating this year, meaning that privacy and security regulationsare gettingstricter.As such, businesses shouldestablishrigorousprivacy and security standardsadhering to their governing body. This will provide customers with the control over data they’re seeking, thus increasing their trust and brand loyalty. The value of transparency and authenticity While elevated language and the habit ofsugar-coatinginformationtosell might have been an accepted practice in the past; today, customers are valuing a different approach – transparency and authenticity in brands. From visible and accessible customer reviews of all sorts, to multiple ways to contact your support team, to detailed information about your products and supply chain, there are many ways you can show up as a transparent brand. The more transparent businesses are about their data, the more trust they can build in their customers, resulting in their willingness to share more datathatfuelsgreater brand insights andimprovements. The face of your company Takinga holistic approach to your branding is what will differentiate you from your competitors in 2023 and secure yourloyal clients. Consumers are loyal to your brand as a whole, and the way you convey it is critical. What contributes to your brand’s personality is its visual appearance, your tone of voice, and your employees – the face of your brand. Acing your branding is easy, and there are a number of digital tools to help you pick your colour palette and typeface. Once you’ve established your key customer base, you can easily determine how you want to speak to your customers and position yourself on your social media through the words you use. But what about your employees? Businesses often undermine the importance of their employees and their power to elevate a brand’s image and loyalty. If you have a physical store, pay close attention to your employees’ dress code – this is the first thing customers will see. For most businesses, black is a standard colour that looks professional and when paired with mid-heel sandals for women or men’s smart shoes, will boost your brand’s image. Research shows that peoplewere almost twice as likely toapproacha formally dressed employeethana casuallydressed one. The reason is that theyviewed formally dressed employees as having more expertise thanthose who were informally dressed. Nevertheless, that’s not a constant across businesses, as some might prefer to dress their employees in a uniform with their branding and logo, while others might opt for a more vibrant and diverse attire, especially those in the creative industries. Before deciding on your company’s dress code, consider carefully how exactly you want to position your brand. Mapping a seamlesscustomer journey As 52% of the respondents in theMulesoftsurvey are expecting better experiences from their favourite brands,companies need to put a strong emphasis on improving the customer journey. From the search intent to the checkout process, consumers are now demanding a seamless experience.What this meansforbusinessesis that theyneed to discovernew touch points and solutions tocreate a seamless customer journey map, focusing on personalised ads, improved UX design, rich productmedia, optimised content, and a painless checkout process. 2023 presents businesses with many opportunities to increase their brand loyalty. By chiming in on the latest trends, they can position their brand as trustworthy, therefore gaining customer recognition and loyalty and increasing their revenue and retention.
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Recent statistics show that three quarters of UK businesses are impacted by skills shortages. The effects of this has been decimating for the UK economy, costing businesses a reported £6.3 billion per year in temporary staff and training. Construction is one of the most heavily impacted sectors with a hefty 85% of managers saying that they’re struggling to find suitable candidates to fill roles. The reasons for this are manifold and are particularly problematic during current housebuilding demand. Some researchers cite an ageing workforce, tighter Brexit immigration laws, and even prevailing cultural stereotypes of the industry. What’s clear is that the technology-led construction industry today is very different to that of yesteryear. With some insights from Jonathan Beadle, Commercial Manager at Van Ninja, we explore the reasons for these gaping skills shortages and explore what businesses can do to tackle this. Why is There a Skills Shortage? A skills shortage can have repercussions for businesses, meaning that companies don’t complete work on time or within budget. Unfortunately, this can result in lower productivity and widespread delays around the country. Skills shortages would appear to be due to a combination of factors: An Ageing Workforce One common explanation is that the industry grapples with an ageing workforce. According to the CIPD, there are more than 1.2 million workers over the age of 65. This figure is growing and will continue to do so as UK people of pension age outweigh those under 16 for the first time. As workers age, they’ll likely become more susceptible to health conditions and physical injury and may not be able to perform tasks as efficiently as their younger selves which increases the likelihood of absenteeism which is often associated with the industry. This is increasingly apposite in a country with an ageing population and ever-increasing state pension age. Despite the proliferation of apprenticeships, young people today aren’t drawn to the same manual trades as their forebearers with many choosing degree or college courses ahead of traditional tradesperson roles. Presently, 22% of the construction workforce is over 50 with 15% of workers in their sixties. Such a schism leaves essential skills gaps in the workforce as crucial knowledge will be lost when older employees retire and the volume of younger workers needed to replace is not readily available. Rejuvenating the Public Image Perceived cultural stereotypes may play a part in the slow uptake amongst young people. For instance,the idea that construction is a typically male-dominated ‘bloke’s bloke’ arena which is out of touch with modern sensibilities. For instance, a survey from 2019 found that 72% of female construction workers had been subject to some form of gender discrimination while 41% reported receiving inappropriate comments from male colleagues. Construction bosses can make sites more female-friendly by taking tangible steps to promote fair representation of women in construction by championing successful women role models, tackle gender discrimination through stricter harassment policies, and update hygiene and toilet facilities to accommodate women. As well as this problematic public image, construction also has a reputation for technological Luddism which is again out of sync with those who are introduced to technology pretty much from birth. Rejuvenating this wider reputation could be key to addressing this. Savvy, forward-thinking businesses will have digitised their processes from advanced job reporting to van leasing. This creates a web of design and technology roles which may appeal more to younger, tech-literate professionals than images of cold construction sites and muddy boots. Closing this perception gap could ultimately help to close the skills gap in turn. Does Brexit Have an Effect? In short, yes. The cessation of EU freedom-of-movement laws has made it increasingly difficult for foreign workers to attain visas. Prior to Brexit, around 40% of all construction workers in the UK came from other EU countries, now a total of 70 points is required under the current points-based system. Bureaucracy has also become complicated for employers as they may have to provide proof of a genuine vacancy. How Can Businesses Tackle This? The future of the construction industry is hotly debated but one thing for certain is that businesses and government needs to act fast – the sector is worth £61 billion to the UK economy. One solution could be to make the industry more desirable to younger candidates. Businesses should take the chance to educate potential employees about the wealth of opportunities available through modernising construction techniques. Apprenticeships are also a great way to deliver this, providing reliable employment into trade from school. Post Brexit, a revision of the points-based immigration system should take into account the particular needs of key sectors such as construction and housebuilding. Currently, the rights of skilled workers are prioritised, however, this could be relaxed to include other essential unskilled workers such as drivers. Finally, businesses should advertise the fiscal benefits of working within such a sector. Construction remains one of the highest-paying industries in the UK with an average salary of £36,977 and enormous opportunities for progression. This should be a chief concern for young people amidst current cost-of-living anxieties.
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Credit to source: Jonathan Beadle Van Ninja.
Jonathan Beadle Commercial Manager at UK van leasing company,Van Ninja.
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Keeping employees motivated can be tricky for leaders and managers, especially when there are challenging times. Motivated employees are more productive as well as happier, so it is an essential thing for businesses to consider. Now, remote or hybrid working has become the norm in many businesses, and it is vital to ensure you are offering remote employees just as much support and help as office-based staff. Motivated staff leads to a more productive and enthusiastic working environment for everyone. It helps create a more committed and passionate workforce and results in a more energetic atmosphere – in short, it makes a workplace a better place. Ensuring employees feel motivated and fulfilled at all times will have many business benefits, including a lower staff turnover rate, a higher quality of work and generally better staff performance -resulting in better company performance and a more profitable business. Here, with some insights fromDominic Fitch, Head of Creative Change at executive coaching specialist, Impact International,we exploresome different ways to motivate staff. Provide Praise and Offer Regular Feedback to Employees It is no secret that employees like hearing when they are doing well, and as a manager, it is important to give feedback to your staff. Being told they are doing a good job is morale boosting for staff, making them feel valued and appreciated by the organisation. Remote working should be no barrier to praising an employee for a job well done. Regular catch-ups, either in person or virtually if remote working is permanent, are a good way for a manager to check in with staff members, offer praise and constructive feedback and generally see how they are doing on a personal level. A quick Teams message, a video call or an email circulated are all easy, low-cost options that make an employee feel good about themselves. Feedback of all types is essential, however, as helping an employee improve and learn from any mistakes or setbacks can also improve their motivation. Ensure a Work-Life Balance This is something critical and must be in place if you want a truly motivated, passionate, and dedicated workforce. No matter how much an individual loves their job, it is vital to ensure that they are getting enough of a balance between working and having time away from the job. There are a few ways managers can help with the work-life balance of staff, and they are simpler than you may think. Simply encouraging people to take breaks away from their computers, desks, or whatever it is they may do more than a good start. The work-life balance for remote workers can seem trickier to implement. Often, the difference between ‘work’ and ‘home’ is the closing of a laptop or the hanging up of a phone. Try and encourage these staff members to take walks, get fresh air at lunch break, and if possible, to set aside an area of the home for working that is away from the areas where they mainly chill out and relax. Inversely, managers should consider offering flexible working and remote working to office-based staff if this is something that will work for the business. Even just a couple of days of this can help balance work and life – cutting down on commuting time, saving money on travel, and just allowing the person to spend more time at home. Provide Opportunities for Career Progression An employee that can see a clear route to progressing their career within an organisation is likely to be a motivated employee. Like offering regular feedback, this is something managers can implement into their management style. Looking at options such as recruiting for senior positions from within the company is noticed by staff and gives them something to aim for moving forwards. Ensure Clear Communication with Employees Communication in many aspects of business is critical, and this is no different when it comes to motivating a workforce. Regularly informing your workforce of any updates or changes to the business is vital, and it is important to let staff know how about overall performance. Ultimately, they are coming to work each day to make the company a success so they should be kept up to date with happenings in the wider business and any external issues. This creates a more invested workforce who can see the overall picture and see how they play a part as a member of one big team. Make Roles Purposeful and Assign Meaningful Tasks An employee wants to really feel part of an organisation and that they are really playing a vital role in the success of a business. Employers should, where possible, ensure that tasks are interesting and engaging. This, coupled with feedback and regular communication, can help staff members feel connected to the company and that they are making a valuable contribution to the overall business success. This can boost morale around the work place make everyone feel like one big team and that they have something to strive towards. Also relating to this, is the issue of job roles. Naturally, different people in the organisation carry out different roles – but everyone’s overall role is the same, to contribute to the overall success of the business. Ensure this is clear to the employee so that they know how their role, regardless of the pay grade level, is contributing to the wider business. As mentioned, regular company updates, business-wide meetings and team days to update everyone of company plans and performance can also help with this and ultimately create a happier and more passionate workforce. Offer Employee Incentives and Bonuses An employee incentive programme is something that will directly reward employees for their accomplishments. It is a good way to keep employees focused on achieving goals and gives them something to strive for, whether it be a financial reward or otherwise. Bonuses, team days out, vouchers and extra time off are all great ways to keep people engaged and motivated, particularly in more challenging times. Motivating employees is something we have seen can be achieved by taking some simple steps and focusing on your staff. Incentivising and rewarding staff go a long way to making them feel appreciated within the organisation. Benefits are also felt by the business, with staff less likely to leave, feeling part of the company and as if they are working towards an overall goal. Staff retention reduces costs, as well as potential downtime with staff numbers being down, and having a motivated, invested workforce generally will benefit a company in the long term.
Creating a Committed Workforce: Six Ways to Boost Employee Motivation
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Credit to source: Impact International
Dominic Fitch - Head of Creative Change at Impact International
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A new survey by financial platform Unbiased .co.uk has revealed that Brits don’t like talking about money and are reluctant to seek help when it comes to debt worries New research from Unbiased shows that 67% of Brits lie to their partners about the extent of their credit card and store card debts with almost 50% admitting that they can’t talk about money worries with family members. The survey highlights the following: Only 27% of Brits are debt free 49% are not comfortable talking to family members about their money worries Only 20% would talk to a bank about their money concerns 55% are not comfortable confiding in their partner when it comes to money 14% say talking about money is embarrassing 21% believe their money issues are nobody else’s business Almost a third of Brits (29%) are unaware of the direct debits, standing orders, subscription fees etc that leave their bank accounts each month Unbiased is a financial services platform that has helped more than 10 million people make confident financial decisions and urges Brits to be more open about money. Nihal Pekbeken, Chief Commercial Officer at Unbiased, has the following advice for those struggling with the cost of living crisis: “Our survey shows that UK residents are reluctant to talk about money and with the current squeeze on everyone’s finances, it is more important than ever for us to learn to open up. “Sweeping money worries under the carpet and not understanding your finances will only store up problems for the future. If you take action now and speak to a trusted adviser, it is possible to avoid further debt. Even small savings can make a big difference over time.” Unbiased recently entered into a two-year partnership with Samaritans to help reduce the negative impact of money worries on the nation’s mental health. Samaritans are accessible at all times,, for everyone in need. A spokesperson for the Samaritans says: “We are delighted to be working alongside Unbiased to help people cope with money worries. Our report Dying from Inequality shows that financial inequality, unmanageable debt and poverty can all increase suicide risk.”
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Even though there is a significant need for computer programmers in the UK— recent research found that a new tech job is being advertised every two minutes in the UK, yet only 26% of the country's tech workforce is made up of women(1). There is no doubt that more has to be done to address the gender gap in the sector and entice more women to choose a field with prosperous chances in the UK. The path to getting more women into tech, in the view of Justin Nihiser, CEO of Code Ninjas, the kids' coding specialists, begins early on. Similar issues with gender equity have been seen in other industries, such as care workers. According to a recent study, caring personnel are 88% female compared to just 12% male (2). Although preconceptions of some industries are being justifiably questioned, as a society we have grown accustomed to the notion that some professions are more male or female. It is debatable if certain genders or individuals from particular backgrounds are better suited for certain occupations, but there are some industries that are missing out on the potential benefits that a varied workforce can make collectively. Although it is crucial to ensure that our industry is as diverse as possible, we must also recognise that women contribute significantly more to a business’ success than simply assisting in achieving its Diversity and Inclusion targets. A British Computer Society survey discovered that young women outperform their male counterparts once they decide to pursue computer science (3). Without discounting the contributions that male programmers make to the field, it is apparent that the sector is losing out on a wealth of talent by refusing to confront its negative stereotypes of women. Positive perceptions about the industry must be established right away for this to be successful. It is evident that gender disparities start early; recent research found that young girls report less enthusiasm and self-efficacy in technology compared to boys (4). However, the same study discovered that there was no significant gender gap in girls' interest in technology compared to boys' interest when provided positive programming experiences reported. While the study indicates how strong early-life STEM preconceptions are, it also shows malleability. Teachers, parents, and legislators can help girls have positive STEM experiences by creating academic pathways that can lead to more interest in computer science. The greater the range of children we can excite about coding now, the greater the diversity of thinking and problem-solving we will see in the next generation of STEM leaders – bringing new and surprising solutions to the problems we face in the future. We have made public pledges to create an egalitarian society, promised to pay women on par with their male counterparts, and committed resources to the advancement of women's careers. And yet, in spite of all of this, gender inequality remains pervasive. Is gender bias ingrained in us? And will there ever be gender parity in technology? As it stands, girls are missing out on both the professional and personal advantages that learning about STEM fields at a young age will present to them. Leaders at Code Ninjas believe that a solid foundation and early use of technology will pave the way for the future in order to address this gender equality disparity. Though diversity encompasses much more than just gender, at Code Ninjas, the emphasis is on developing analytical and problem-solving skills that will serve both boys and girls now and in the future. 1 CodinGame 2 Tech Nation: Diversity and Inclusion in UK Tech 3 Nursing and Midwifery Council 4 British Computer Society 5 Journal of Experimental Child Psychology: Programming experience promotes higher STEM motivation among first-grade girls
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Tackling the tech gender gap early on
Justin Nihiser CEO, Code Ninjas
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Supporting your business isn’t only developing good strategies and executing them, it also includes ensuring the safety of your assets. By the end of the 2021 financial year,38% of wholesale and retail properties in the UK experienced a crime. This was equivalent to over 150,000 properties, with the majority being due to theft (29%), assaults (11%), and burglary (10%). Making sure your products and monetary gains are accounted for and protected is a priority, whether this is implementing security measures for the day or overnight. Here, we will explore innovative technology that can assist in crime prevention measures and ensure your business is safe from theft. Security tags Technology plays a significant role in the ways businesses protect themselves against crime. Electronic article security tags are used widely in retail to assist in anti-theft measures. After installing an EAS system, businesses claim a 60-80% reduction in theft. Yet, despite their already apparent protection benefits, innovations in EAS technology are still occurring. New benefit-denial tags have been developed, which, when tampered with or removed, spill staining ink across the stolen item. This ruins the product and deters thieves from stealing as they would have to remove the tags themselves, putting the product at risk and rendering the crime useless. Centralised system units As with the development of technology, we also see an increase in integrated systems and centralisation models. Whereas before, technology was disconnected and worked independently of one another, it can now be connected to work more efficiently. This will sync all systems from the surveillance cameras and safes storage systems to alarms. If surveillance is triggered, then safety measures can be automatically enhanced through these systems and coding rather than relying on human input. Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence is having a significant impact on many industry sectors, security being one of them. AI can be used as a safety measure in many ways. Retailers might use this technology for facial recognition. Particularly for purchases which legally require ID, AI can alert assistants for ID verification. Facial recognition could also be used for repeat offenders who target regular spots. It can also recognise employees to provide added security to staff areas which might require authorisation to access. This can also improve the safety of the workplace as dangerous work areas can be monitored easier, noting the amount of time an employee might spend in an area, and alerting a manager if the AI detects danger, such as an employee getting locked in storage. Artificial intelligence can also reduce inventory shrinkage. This can often happen through employee thefts, which account for 22% of retail shrinkage within the UK. AI can detect common anxious behaviours and routine inaccuracies to determine whether an employee is likely, or has, stolen. The correct authorities can be warned either before or during the event. Wi-Fi Assistance Wi-Fi, although not often considered a security measure, can assist in multiple ways. Wi-Fi waves can be used to detect movement and misplacement within a property. Unlike CCTV, Wi-Fi waves can offer uninterrupted views of an area, not affected by walls, lighting and other external factors. This is known as Wi-Fi sensing. Businesses could use this as a means of monitoring storage throughout the day, increasing security without the need for an alarm system which might be tripped or need deactivating if the area is being used. Wi-Fi can also be used to increase security with remote tuning. Increased security doesn’t just come from implementing innovative technology but maintaining the upkeep of these security measures so that they are performing their best. EAS can sometimes have issues, but Wi-Fi can be used to operate remote services. Systems can be diagnosed and operated from afar, reducing the need for a technician to visit the store. Security is crucial for any business, and this is especially so in retail. With approximately 274,999 shoplifting reports being made each year within England and Wales, it is important that you find innovative ways to protect your assets. Recent technology can assist in the fight against crime, whether from the general public or your employees.
The Future of Crime Fighting: Innovative Technology to Protect Your Business
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Credit to Source : Vitec
with Video Technology
can boost Employee Engagement
3 Ways Businesses
Technology has revolutionized the way we work. From large-scale changes to applications that improve our productivity, we can do more than ever – and faster too. As well as improving customer experience and employee efficiency, we’re also seeing solutions that boost employee experience come into play. After all, employees who are supported in their role and have a good experience at work will be more loyal. Here,with some insights from Vitec, we delve into the latest digital solutions that are improving the employee experience. 1.Delivering seamless video experiences Video has become an essential tool for employees. Videos have a place in the modern business world, whether you deliver training or inductions via recorded videos, share important business updates, allow employees to carry out research for their job, or you work in an industry that relies on live news streams. This is especially true in the age of remote events and working. The increased need for multicast enterprise video streaming has seen businesses struggle to balance network performance with demand. Delivering streamed video to multiple endpoints once needed dedicated servers. Many were previously required to choose between prioritizing IT infrastructure resources and video performance. But now, this no longer needs to be a choice. Solutions like Vitec’s Multicast-to-the-Edge offer a solution to these problems, allowing multicast videos to be delivered to multiple users without compromising network or infrastructure quality. Not only does this allow employees to engage with videos on their devices, but important live video streams can be cast to multiple shared devices. 2.Improving performance reviews Formalized performance reviews and progression plans are key to employees’ career development. Many organizations take a scattered approach to this, which doesn’t benefit the company or its people. Technology allows us to manage this process in a more organized and efficient way. Performance reviews can be more structured and a solution like BambooHR allows for guided personal and managerial assessments. They also allow you to track employees’ training and progress towards their goals, which can be documented. These solutions not only allow you to track employee progress since your last review but also to look forward, which is essential for successful performance reviews. 98% of employees want regular feedback from their managers, while businesses that provide this see a 14.9% lower employee turnover rate. These solutions allow you to record both ad-hoc and formal feedback to create a rounded picture of an employee’s performance. 3.Replicating mobile experiences in the office As consumer technology evolves, business technology should follow. Smartphones are now a staple in our everyday lives, and we can carry out so many personal functions on them. Shouldn’t the same apply to business functions? Apps like Hummingbird are designed to be used in the workplace and beyond, and they bring everyday business tasks into a format most of us are comfortable using. These apps allow employees working in a hybrid office and home environment to remotely book their days at the office, book rooms, and if your business utilizes hot-desking, reserve a workspace. They can also request services such as tech support, cleaning, and catering, and even schedule mail and food deliveries when they’re in the office. What’s more, these apps integrate with other apps that offer services such as ride-sharing. Giving your employees the option to request these additional services blends their home and work life together in just the right way. Technology has made our lives easier and has vastly improved experiences at work for many of us. Whether we’re able to stream crucial content to our own devices or multiple endpoints in a workplace or use our mobiles to manage our workdays, technology continues to offer a helping hand.
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