Responding to government confirmation of a 14-day quarantine for all air passengers and further detail on exemptions for those arriving in the UK, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:
“Business communities in the UK and around the world remain concerned by the Government’s decision to impose a blanket quarantine on international arrivals.
“The safe re-establishment of connections to key markets and trade partners must now be a top priority for the Government. ‘Air bridges’ must be put in place swiftly for the sake of the many industries and livelihoods that depend on the UK’s connectivity across the world. Any review process should consult widely with affected business communities all across the UK.
“Co-ordinated checks at departure and arrival airports, together with other internationally-agreed safety measures, would alleviate the need for a blanket quarantine affecting arrivals from every country around the world.”
I wrote recently about the importance of negotiation as a management process, and indeed skill. If there’s another skill that today’s business leaders need to employ it’s the simple, but essential, art of listening.
I know you’ll forgive me if I set that against the, dangerously close to over used, phrase of ‘in today’s current climate’. It has to be said, because it’s true.
Let’s look at this from two view points. Firstly, that ‘current climate’ embraces (sorry – here come some more well used phrases) Brexit, the skills shortage and the volatile political environment. To do business in amongst all of that means you need as much knowledge as it’s possible to assimilate. How do you acquire that knowledge? Yep – you’re with me – you listen.
And you listen by engaging with your customers. What you hear will allow you to shape your strategy and plan your future. The very act of listening of course means there has to be a conversation; and that means ensuring that you open two way communication.
And you have to spread your net wider. The views of customers are vital, but so too are those of non – or potential – clients.
One of the biggest advantages of listening is that you’ll be able to address not only what you know but also, vitally, what you don’t already know. New knowledge is crucial.
Now let’s come at it from a second angle. And this is good news. We’ve never been better equipped to listen. The digital tools available to today’s managers and leaders make it more possible than ever to engage, communicate with and learn from our existing and future customers. We can target more precisely, talk more frequently and listen more attentively now than we ever could, even if we’d sent out a thousand researchers with clip boards every week.
Listen; to acquire the data on what people want. And then build strong, meaningful and relevant relationships.
So, then comes the litmus test. Do I ‘practise what I preach?’ To date my commercial career would prove that I can answer yes. Right now, five weeks or so into my role as CEO of the Chamber, I’m happy to say yes again. We’re stepping up engagement with members, so that we can listen to them more. What we’re hearing is being channelled into the strategy for the future. We’re enhancing our two way communications – with members and non members alike. That’s already flagging up some things we didn’t know, as well as confirming some we did.
It’s not entirely, or exclusively, about online or digital communication. Face to face interaction will never be totally replaced as the core of commerce. What it is about is opening all the channels to ensure that you listen, and hear, what people want. In that aforementioned current climate they’re driven to change their minds more often – and you need to keep up with that like never before.
I guess all that’s left for me to say at the moment is – thanks for listening.
The Department for Education and the Education and Skills Funding Agency has created a webinar briefing presentation deck for Chambers, explaining the new employer incentives for Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Kickstarter.
If you would like to host a local webinar briefing for your members, please contact Nichola Akers at the National Apprenticeship Service.
Responding to today’s announcements of £200m for a new Trader Support Service the BCC’s Director of Trade Facilitation Liam Smyth said:
“Whilst the funding announcement for the Trader Support Service is welcome, we need to remember that the GB/NI Border model impacts businesses on both sides of the Irish Sea.
“Customs controls that are implemented through electronic means are still controls. For businesses to remain compliant they will have to upskill staff, implement new processes and invest scarce resources to be ready for the end of the transition period which is less than five months away.
“Until we know the outcome of the UK/EU negotiations, many questions will remain unanswered for businesses in the United Kingdom, and in particular in Northern Ireland where both the EU and UK customs rules will be applied, depending on the final destination of the goods.”
Commenting on the ONS labour market figures for August 2020, published today, BCC Head of Economics Suren Thiru said:
“While the headline data continues to lag behind the reality on the ground, the decline in the number of employees on payrolls and hours worked is further evidence of the damage being done to the UK labour market by the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The furlough scheme has been successful in preserving millions of jobs. However, with firms continuing to face a perfect storm of increased costs, reduced demand, and diminished cash reserves, unemployment is likely to surge as the government support schemes wind down, unless action is taken.
“A significant spike in job losses would be a major drag on any recovery, stifling consumer spending and reducing the productive capacity of the UK economy.
“To help businesses recruit and retain staff, more needs to be done to reduce the overall cost of employment and prevent substantial redundancies. This could include significant expansion of the Employment Allowance and a cut in employer National Insurance Contributions.”
Comprehensive employee workplace investigations are an effective risk management tool and are potentially critical to any defense by an employer in the event of potentially litigious proceedings. They are also important to ensure that possible transgressions are dealt with early and effective procedures are followed to limit liability and exposure.
1. Is the investigation essential?
In the case of low risk situations, it is often better to resolve matters informally without a formal investigation. Equally, don’t make the mistake of side-stepping the investigation process where the outcome of the incident(s) seems so obvious that further enquiries are not necessary. The employer may have a credible explanation or mitigating circumstances which might avoid the requirement for a full formal process.
2. Get the planning right
Certainly, any investigation process will be more efficient if there is a plan in place. It is imperative to consider the content of any allegations and to ensure that the process is fair and transparent. Any short-term action should be considered and discussed before the investigation commences.
3. Establishing the facts
The investigator should organise interviews, and gather and record any supporting evidence relevant to the proceedings. The seriousness of the events will determine the level of investigation required – however it should not be used as a tool to justify a pre-determined outcome. The investigator must be unbiased and should pursue appropriate lines of enquiry to determine the conclusion and make appropriate recommendations.
4. Producing the report
Following completion of the fact-finding processes, the investigator should assess the detail provided and make reliable, measured conclusions.
The report should be concise and objective. Please remember that any documents created during such a situation may be subject to disclosure in any legal proceedings in the future.
5. Next steps
If it is concluded that formal action is necessary with the possibility of disciplinary sanctions a separate disciplinary meeting will be required. Company disciplinary procedures must be followed.
After the investigation has concluded, it is good practice to follow up with the complainant in the case of grievance investigations to let them know that their allegations were taken seriously and considered.
If you have any questions regarding this issue, don’t hesitate to contact our Chamber Support Services: 01455 852037
Commenting on GDP figures for Q2 2020 published today by the ONS, British Chambers of Commerce Head of Economics Suren Thiru said:
“The UK suffered an historic contraction in economic activity in the second quarter as the coronavirus closed large parts of the economy. The dominant services sector suffered particularly badly in the quarter, with consumer-focused firms hit hardest by the pandemic.
“While there was a pick-up in activity through the quarter from the historically weak April outturn, this is more likely to reflect the release of pent-up demand as the economy gradually opened, rather than an indication of a sustained revival.
“With restrictions steadily easing, the second quarter is likely to prove to be the low point for the UK economy. However, the prospect of a swift ‘V-shaped’ recovery remains remote as the recent gains in output may fade over the coming months as the economic damage caused by the pandemic increasingly weighs on activity, particularly as the government support measures wind down.
“Against this backdrop, bold action is needed to immediately inject confidence back into the UK economy. This should include supporting businesses to retain staff through a cut in employer national insurance contributions and targeted support to help businesses placed under local lockdowns.”
Commenting on the government’s announcement that people on low incomes in Coronavirus hotspots in England will be able to claim up to £182 if they have to self-isolate, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:
“We’ve called for additional income support for those required to self-isolate for some time. Businesses will want this trial to be expanded quickly across England and throughout the UK, increasing the rate of pay if necessary, to ensure compliance with the requirement to self-isolate and in turn reduce the spread of the virus.
“Ministers must also act to support the many businesses that, through no fault of their own, have been force to close or seen substantial loss of income due to localised lockdowns or restrictions.”
Responding to the announcement that firms in England forced to close due to local Coronavirus restrictions will be able to claim grants of up to £1,500 every three weeks, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:
“Businesses forced to close through no fault of their own will welcome any new grant support, but for most this will not be enough to offset the resulting cash crunch.
“With new local restrictions becoming more frequent, a comprehensive package of support will be needed for affected firms. More than half of Chamber members see local lockdowns as a major barrier to maintaining day-to-day operations and more than 1 in 3 have three months or less worth of cash in reserve.
“Ministers should increase the amount on offer to ensure businesses and jobs are protected, and extend coverage to more firms that are hard-hit but not forced to close.”
The first British Business Centre in Malaysia (BBCiM) is now open for business dedicated to British companies seeking to establish a physical presence in Malaysia.
The BBCiM is a newly developed facility managed by the BMCC which offers incubation services and 24 hours secure access to co-working space for British companies seeking to launch physical operations in Malaysia. The business centre has fully furnished private offices, open desk units rented out on an hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis. Virtual office services are also available for UK companies who require a registered address in Malaysia.
The BBCiM is located on the same floor as the BMCC Executive Office at Wisma Selangor Dredging along Jalan Ampang, strategically across from the world famous Petronas Twin Towers in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
Tenants of the business centre will be granted membership privileges of the BMCC business community with unique access to Chamber business support services, preferential introductions and networking opportunities. For more info, visit www.bmcc.org.my or email to [email protected]
Commenting on the government’s updated Border Operating Model, published yesterday, BCC Director of Trade Facilitation Liam Smyth said:
“Today’s announcement of a revised Border Operating Model provides some more of the detail that was missing from the version published less than 12 weeks ago. Duty deferment accounts and postponed VAT accounting will both help firms’ cashflow as we enter a period of huge change at our borders.
“However, as highlighted in our recent unanswered questions document, businesses still have many areas where they urgently need more certainty, such as how the border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain will operate, clear guidance on rules of origin, which will only be done by ramping up government engagement with business.
“With just over 80 days until the end of the transition period, the businesses that produce the £300bn of UK exports to the EU are desperate for news of a comprehensive free trade agreement that will provide jobs and future prosperity across the United Kingdom.”
Commenting on the Chancellor’s announcement of further support for businesses and jobs as Coronavirus restrictions increase, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:
“This is a very significant improvement in the support available to businesses struggling with the impact of increasing restrictions across the UK.
“Chambers have been campaigning for greater support for businesses experiencing big falls in demand as a result of new restrictions, and a number of the steps announced today, including the lowering of employer contributions and the number of hours worked needed to qualify for the scheme, respond directly to our calls.
“Backdated grants for hospitality firms in tier two and enhanced grants for the self-employed will go some way to alleviating pressure on many of those who have been particularly vulnerable to the economic impact of the pandemic.
“Chambers have called for support to be truly commensurate with the restrictions imposed on businesses as part of our five tests for Coronavirus measures. The true test of these reforms will be whether they help businesses on the ground get through the difficult months ahead. Chambers of Commerce will continue to work with the Treasury to ensure that support is responsive and preserves businesses and livelihoods.”
Also commenting on Rishi Sunak’s announcement today, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“Whilst Norfolk remains in the lowest Tier – Medium Risk and therefore does not currently qualify, we do welcome the availability of additional support, should Norfolk’s risk increase and further restrictions. We are particularly pleased that our hospitality and leisure sector and the self-employed have also been given more support.”