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MOVIE MAGIC
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
SME SOS
We reveal how much film and TV industry generates for city – p4
See who were the winners in our Apprenticeship Awards – p10&11
What new rules on shared parental leave mean for you – p8&9
bristolpost.co.uk
www.
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MAY 2015
THE BIG INTERVIEW
GET A MENTOR TO GET AHEAD Bristol will grow faster if we support one another, says Startup Loans director – p6&7
A greener Bristol is a greater west. EPB-E01-S3
#GreaterWest
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Innovation
Device will help to guard against disease ● A BRISTOL company has created a device to protect the public from Legionnaires’ disease. Cubik Innovation works with organisations of all sizes, from independent inventors to well-known multi-million pound companies, to design and manufacture hardware and software for consumer electronics and industrial systems. The firm worked with a local inventor to engineer Leocycle, a small electronic device that can be attached to pipes underneath sinks and water basins to detect the risk of Legionnaires’. It is expected to be used in hospitals, hotels, offices and other public buildings. This project was brought to Cubik as an idea in 2014 and was developed in its labs before being field tested over a period of months. It is one of more than 50 projects the firm has delivered by working with inventors, entrepreneurs and established corporations such as Wessex Water and the National Composites Centre. Cubik Innovation has made major strides since setting up in a single office at the Bristol and Bath Science Park three years ago, growing from a team of three people to nearly 20 employees. Managing director Paul Mullen (pictured) said: “The Leocycle device is just one of a significant range and variety of projects we’re working on, which help organisations to operate better and more securely.”
Start-ups
Support service bid for funding
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● FUNDING for a start-up support service which has helped create nearly 350 companies runs out next month. Outset Bristol helped created 345 new businesses since it launched four and half years ago and 395 jobs. An independent evaluation of the non-profit service by leading impact assessment specialists, NEF Consulting, estimated Outset delivered at least £3.36 of value for every £1 invested. The organisation is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Bristol City Council, which ends in June 30. It is applying for new funding but won’t know the outcome until later in the year, meaning at best there will be a gap in the service. Lee Hughes, director of enterprise for Outset’s parent company YTKO Group, said: “We are determined to secure new funding for Outset Bristol when the next round of European tenders is released, in order to maintain the incredible momentum our service has garnered over the last four and a half years. “We’re confident about the impact we have, and can continue to deliver to Bristol, and we’ll be doing everything we can to be back at full speed later in the year.”
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Property
● Adam Leach, estates manager, property and facilities at Hermes Parcelnet Ltd and Pete Davies, senior development manager at St Modwen, mark the start of work at Access 18 in Avonmouth
Industrial space Property expert warns of shortage across region Oh}pu \ovtwzvu
Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
A
PROPERTY expert is warning of a shortage of good industrial space in the region, and says there is little sign of things improving. Philip Cranstone, associate director at DTZ Bristol, said: “The shortage of grade A space has meant that in recent years occupiers have either had to take an older grade B building in order to satisfy their property requirement, or alternatively a built-to-suit option with its longer lead-in time, as evidenced by
some of the main parcels operators like TNT, Hermes, and DPD Geopost in Swindon, Bristol, Bridgwater and Exeter. “Whilst there is a very small amount of speculative construction of around 30,000 and 40,000 sq ft buildings in Gloucester and Avonmouth, there is little evidence of other speculative development of any great scale yet in the South West. “There is now a very real shortage of stock across all size ranges, and speculative development is unlikely to fill the void quickly enough. “An increase in grade A supply that would be generated by an accelerated speculative programme would mean that occupiers would once again have the option to take a
better building with its operational and sustainability benefits.” Work has started, however, on one of those so-called build-to-suit projects, a new warehouse for parcel distribution firm Hermes Parcelnet. Regeneration specialist St Modwen has started work on site at its Access 18 development, off junction 18 of the M5 in Avonmouth. The work will be finished early in 2016. Senior development manager Pete Davies said: “Situated just off junction 18 of the M5, Access 18 is perfectly placed for firms looking to expand their operations across the South West. “In addition to the Hermes deal, we have been granted planning consent to build a further 107,000 sq ft of
warehouse and industrial space at the site for purchase or rent by interested parties. “Work on the first speculative unit of 37,000 sq ft has also started and this will be ready for an occupier to move in through the first quarter of 2016.” Adam Leach, estates manager, property and facilities at Hermes Parcelnet, said: “Access 18 provides us with the ideal location for the new facility. “Hermes Parcelnet Ltd operates parcel distribution sites nationally and expansion into a site with such excellent transport links will enable us to take advantage of new market opportunities across the South West.”
Financial services
Record assets as pension preparations pay off NEW freedoms on how people use their pension pots boosted Bristol-based investment supermarket Hargreaves Lansdown. The FTSE 100 company released a trading update for January to May this year, reporting record levels of assets it is now managing – up 22 per cent on the same period last year to £55.3 billion. An extra £2.75 billion of investments came onto the Harbourside company’s books in that period, while it also kept customers happy, with a 93.4 per cent client retention rate. Chief executive, Ian Gorham, pictured, said he was pleased with the record amounts of assets coming in
over an important period that covers the start of the financial year in April. That month also saw the new pension freedoms introduced, which mean people who are retiring no longer have to buy an annuity and can choose how to invest their pension funds. Ian said: “The new pension freedoms available to the public have been a success. New assets of all types in the period January 1 to April 5 were a record for any similar period, but the period post-April 6 has seen particular interest in pensions.”
He said the firm, which employs 900 people in Bristol, had acted fast while the changes had caught others in the industry off-guard. “As one of the UK’s largest pensions and drawdown companies, Hargreaves Lansdown has invested heavily in at-retirement support and planning tools, and has been one of the few companies fully ready to service the public at the start of pension freedoms,” he said. “These preparations have paid off as the group has benefited from both extensive new business and consolidation through inward
transfers. We have also experienced lower than expected withdrawals from pensions as clients appear to be using the freedoms extremely sensibly – further evidence of the wisdom of trusting the British public with their own money.” Net revenue for the period was £241 million, marginally up on last year, but low interest rates continue to be a ‘head wind’. The firm warned that its Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy contribution is set to rise to an estimated £4.6 million, which would affect the next set of results. Overall, Ian said: “Hargreaves Lansdown has had a very successful time in a sluggish wider environment.”
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Information
Website launch News service an opportunity for business success
● Dr Noel Burchell
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HE new South West Business website will be a tool to help entrepreneurs, business leaders and managers succeed. That was the message at the launch of the website, hosted at the UWE Bristol Business School. Bristol Post assistant editor Gavin Thompson, who has managed the launch of the new-look site, set out the vision. “We aim to make South West Business a first-class business news service for Bristol. “We will report news from our big businesses, such as Mitie, Hargreaves Lansdown and Airbus, and shine a light onto our inspiring small and medium-sized businesses. “It will be the place to go for
“ We aim to make South
● David Mason, left, at the launch of the new South West Business website
● Rebecca Tregarthen at the launch
Photographs: Dan Regan
● Dr Stephen Fear, second right, at the launch
● Stuart Sermon. left, and Keith Hicks at the event
West Business a first-class business news service for Bristol ... It will be the place to go for business news online. But we want it to be more. We want South West Business to be a tool for your business business news online. “But we want it to be more. We want South West Business to be a tool for your business. “Partnership is the key to success, which is why we have built a membership structure at the core of the site. “Sign up for free membership and you can stay informed by requesting our 7am Business Bite e-briefing. “You can post your events on the business calendar to reach a wider audience and add yourself to the member directory. “Invest in becoming a Member+ and you can also search that directory to make contact with other members.
“You can share your successes by posting stories to the members’ news channel, called Your News. “And you can access SME SOS, which we hope will become an invaluable resource featuring expert advice blogs and our monthly podcast.”
Dr Noel Burchell, executive dean at UWE, said the website was an opportunity, if people chose to make the most of it. “The key is, how do you turn this to your advantage?” he told the audience of business leaders. “In a year’s time, you want to be
able to say there was an article I saw and I turned that into new business.” The new site is in association with First Great Western. Head of communications, Dan Panes, said it was vital to connect the region’s business leaders virtually
Networking
What do you do if you’re caught in a storm? venue each time. Post assistant editor Gavin Thompson said: “We launched these events because we know how important making connections is to growing and sustaining your business. “Bristol Connected is now a well-established part of the Bristol networking scene. “But there’s new people there each time which means it’s a great opportunity to make new contacts, as well as build on old ones. “It’s a relaxed and informal setting, so whether you’re a regular networker on making your first foray into the business scene, it would be great to see you there.” Register online via eventbrite.
● SME SOS: See Pages 8&9
Get in touch Assistant Editor (Business) Gavin Thompson Call 0117 934 3336 Email gavin.thompson @b-nm.co.uk Twitter @gavin_thompson1
Advertising Robert Rodgerson Call07584 003229 Email robert.rodgerson @b-nm.co.uk
● Dave Mason, of Mentor Media
Advertising Jane Chapman Call 01179 343025 Email jane.chapman @b-nm.co.uk
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IF your business was caught in the midst of a public relations crisis, would you know how to handle the media? Dave Mason, from Mentor Media Training, will share some insights into the subject at the next Bristol Connected. The regular networking event, organised by the Bristol Post and South West Business, takes place on Thursday, June 4, at 6pm. The event is being hosted by the Radisson Blu hotel in Broad Quay. In addition to Dave, the audience will hear from Joe Broadway of cycle postal service Velopost. Bristol Connected takes place every other month at a different
through South West Business, and physically by investing in the region’s infrastructure, such as through electrification of the rail network and new rolling stock and services.
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Shopping
‘The Three Rs’ are hurting businesses ● BUSINESSES in Bristol’s Whiteladies Road are reeling under the triple whammy of rates, roadworks and residents’ parking, according to one property specialist. Paul Matthews (pictured), head of office at Bruton Knowles in Bristol, fears the combined effects of rising costs and falling trade could further undermine one of the city’s favourite shopping and leisure destinations. He said traders on one of the city’s favourite shopping streets needed a lifeline from the council. “It’s clear to many Whiteladies Road has lost something of its appeal.” he said. “According to the clients we are speaking to the ‘Three Rs’ has got a lot to do with this. We are seeing an increasing imbalance as café bar businesses come and go - while long established shops simply go.” He said while rateable values for retail and commercial property remained high, businesses relied on significant footfall to help cover their costs. But the newly imposed residents’ parking zones – combined with long-term roadworks which have started opposite the Victoria Rooms has restricted access for shoppers. Paul said: “At least the roadworks will provide traders with an opportunity to claim for a temporary reduction in their rateable values. If affected businesses act quickly the disturbance to their trade can be reflected in the rateable value of the properties and hence the rates payable. He added: “Although we all recognise that these works are vital the associated road closures and lack of access can seriously affect business profits. “In the longer term, the mix of traders and wider appeal of Whiteladies Road needs to be improved, as well as enabling shoppers to spend time at the location. Otherwise, the quality of the pitch will decline leading to a drop in retail property values and alternative uses potentially changing the face of the road.”
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Music
Energy
Energy firm comes top with consumers
● Staff at MixRadio, based in Wine Street, Bristol
Photograph: Dan Regan
Streaming Service adds more platforms to its mix Oh}pu \ovtwzvu
Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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ERSONALISED music streaming service MixRadio has vastly increased its potential audience by launching on Android and iOS platforms. The Bristol-based service was previously owned by Microsoft and Nokia, and was only available on Windows phones. But just months after being bought by Korean mobile messaging service LINE, it has taken the obvious step towards growing its audience by making the leap to other platforms. The move also sees a new partnership with smartphone maker HTC. MixRadio CEO, Jyrki Rosenberg, said: “We’re excited to be bringing our personalised and easy-to-use music streaming service to a huge new audience. For many people, this
will be the first time they have been able to experience MixRadio; we’re confident they will love the simplicity of the experience and the quality of the personalisation we deliver. “We cut out the clutter between the listener and the music they love, helping them enjoy, discover and rediscover great music. “We are already available in 31 countries and have been developing and improving our personalised music offering over many years, meaning we combine the benefits of having a heritage in the space with the excitement of launching a new product. We will also continue to deliver a great service to existing users on Windows Phone.” MixRadio, which employs about 200 people at its Wine Street offices in Bristol, will also provide music updates for HTC’s BlinkFeed, delivering personalised music news tailored to the users’ music tastes. Phil Blair, president of HTC Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “HTC is a pioneer in providing top quality audio experiences via mobile.
We were the first smartphone company to combine dual stereo speakers, a finely-tuned sound profile and Dolby decoding technology to deliver an end-to-end multi-channel audio solution, HTC BoomSound. “The MixRadio partnership is the latest example of HTC investing in delivering rich audio experiences, helping us bring completely personal and relevant music news to our users, so they never miss out on the latest releases and mixes of the music they love.” MixRadio is well liked by users, with consistently high consumer satisfaction scores and positive media reviews. It allows users to create the modern day version of an old-fashioned mix tape, but learns their tastes to offer more music they love from a catalogue of 35 million tracks. It offers thousands of curated mixes and allows people to download mixes to listen to when offline, too. But the tie-in with Windows phones had limited its audience, until now. Download MixRadio at http:// mixrad.li/DownloadMixRadio.
Entertainment
Film and TV production brings in £17.5 million
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THE film and TV industry generated £17.5 million for the city’s economy in 2014-15, according to new figures released from the Bristol Film Office. Poldark, Wolf Hall, The Casual Vacancy and Sherlock were made in Bristol as the city continued to build its reputation as a home to drama. It is quite a turnaround for the city which, although it has remained the place for natural history, had suffered a blow when the BBC moved Casualty to Cardiff and designated the Welsh capital as its regional base for drama back in 2011.
Smaller productions made a mark, too, including Bafta-winning ITV drama The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, upcoming MoliFilms comedy heist movie Golden Years and Channel 4 comedy The Mimic. In the year 2014-15, Bristol Film Office issued 406 filming licenses – 10 per cent more than in 2013-14 – and the city hosted a total of 572 filming days. Mayor of Bristol, George Ferguson, said: “I’m delighted to see Bristol’s growing success as a hub for TV and film production, which continues to deliver consistent levels of invest-
● Poldark and Wolf Hall – two of the productions boosting Bristol’s economy ment, fuelling a strong new era of film-making in the city. “Having not had a full-time drama based here for some time now, this is
a particularly encouraging achievement. “With an established production hub at The Bottle Yard Studios and a
● Independent energy supplier OVO Energy came top in the Which? consumer polls on call centre service. The survey, which ran across a variety of industries* revealed that OVO, along with NFU Mutual, Zen Internet and First Direct scored five stars across the board. Ovo is based in Bristol and recently moved its staff, including the large call centre team, to a new office close to Temple Meads. Which? surveyed members asking them to rate call centres based on staff knowledge, phone menu system, politeness, helpfulness and waiting times. Ovo Energy scored five stars across the board. Customer services director Justin Haines said: “We don’t think like a traditional energy company – our business has been built around what is best for customers. “We are absolutely delighted that our customers feel we’ve earned these scores. We’re determined that our commitment to the best possible customer service only gets stronger as we continue to grow.”
Recruitment
Manufacturing makes a comeback ● MANUFACTURING is enjoying a resurgence, according to the boss of specialist recruitment consultancy Hunter Selection as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary. With a focus on engineering, manufacturing and technical areas, the company has navigated some of the most challenging trading conditions since it was founded in 2005. Based in Leigh Court just outside Bristol, it now boasts 40 staff across the business. Founder and managing director Russell Smith said: “It’s great to see the manufacturing sector experiencing a resurgence in political recognition, and in the South West particularly, both the food and aerospace industries are in as strong a position as they’ve ever been. “There’s a real buzz as the UK is once again being recognised for producing quality output for both the domestic and International markets.”
responsive support service from Bristol Film Office, we’ve developed a comprehensive film-making infrastructure, making Bristol a national location of choice.” The city’s period properties, urban cityscape and open green spaces are popular with film-makers, but the key to the increase has been the growth at The Bottle Yard Studios in Hengrove. It is now home to 15 businesses, from post-production work to a taxi firm. Bristol Film Office’s Natalie Moore says: “£17.5 million is an outstanding contribution to our local economy and proof of why it makes sense to support film and TV production in Bristol.” The inward investment sum is down on the £19.6 million of the year before, which the film office puts down to normal fluctuations in production schedules.
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Awards
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Air safety Firm develops new way to report crucial facts of incidents Oh}pu \ovtwzvu
Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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SOFTWARE developer is working to create a better way for people in the aviation industry to report vital safety information anonymously. Vistair, which was recently nominated in two categories at the Bristol Post Business Awards, is working with the European Business Aviation Association to develop a safety reporting platform. The aim is to improve the accessibility, volume and quality of safety information for the business aviation community. The scheme, named E-CASE, will support airlines’ compliance with strict new rules on the reporting, analysis and follow-up of safety occurrences in civil aviation, which apply from this November. It will be accessible on Almondsbury firm Vistair’s own web-based, social network-style app, AirSafetyCentral. When logged in, users can anonymously upload and share information about incidents so that trends can be analysed and potential hazards or problems spotted before something potentially catastrophic happens. Ian Herbert, CEO of Vistair, said: “This move will allow EBAA’s membership to share anonymous safety data in a user-friendly and secure way, tailored for data analysis on an individual and sector level. “Efficient safety reporting and analysis is one thing; however, the sharing of that information across an entire community takes safety knowledge and awareness to a whole new level and is something we have long advocated.” Ian said that while air travel re-
“ This move will allow EBAA’s membership to share anonymous safety data in a user-friendly and secure way, tailored for data analysis on an individual and sector level Vistair CEO mained the safest form of transport, this new initiative being developed between the EBAA and his company would “harness safety intelligence in a safe, secure and collaborative manner”. He added: “A central theme of our design philosophy has always been the idea of promoting ‘just culture’ as the fundamental principle of good flight safety and this opportunity, with EBAA also embracing the concept, will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the wider aviation industry.” Razvan Prunean, EBAA manager safety, rulemaking and operations, said: “Everyone talks about it, but for cultural, and other, reasons its implementation is only partial and tardy. “We want to give it a long-overdue boost and developing this operational tool with Vistair will help to further promote and support the exchange of safety data within the European business aviation community and beyond.” Vistair is a finalist in both the Export and Best Technological or Creative Business categories of the Bristol Post Business Awards. The awards take place at the Passenger Shed on June 25. Find out more at bristolpost.co.uk/businesswards.
Sponsor profile: Jeff Way Electrical
From kitchen table to 125 staff and £9m turnover ● JEFF Way Electrical is a family business based in Bristol. The company was founded in 1989 by husband and wife Jeff and Jean Way and employed just a couple of operatives who are still working in the company today. The company started trading from the kitchen table and has grown organically over the years. Neil Way joined the company in 2007 following a career as an officer in the Royal Air Force and is now the Managing Director. Chris Way joined the company in 2013 following a career as a chartered accountant and is now the Finance Director. Jeff Way Electrical celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and now employs over 125 staff, has a fleet of 50 vehicles and an annual turnover of £9 million. The company completes electrical installations to new build, commercial and domestic projects across the South West and covers the following areas: Wiring new build housing sites for many large national house builders including Crest Nicholson and Taylor Wimpey.
● Jeff Way Electrical was a winner in this years apprenticeship awards Designing and building of large residential schemes such as Port Marine in Portishead and Wapping Wharf, Bristol. They are also completing all the electrical installation in the large Bath Western Riverside development. Domestic Installations to Bristol City Council and other local authority properties as part of a large upgrade programme,
completing approximately 1400 properties per year. Commercial and specialist installations such as Bristol Museum gallery lighting and lift shaft upgrades with Otis Lifts plc. Jeff Way Electrical are fully accredited with ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 as well as Investors in People. Website: www.jeffway.co.uk
The Bristol MBA EPB-E01-S3
Find out more www.uwe.ac.uk/bristolmba
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
The Big Interview
CITY ‘CAN THRIVE’ WITH MENTORS A
Bev James is one of the most successful businesswomen in Bristol and says her goal is to make a lasting, positive difference to everyone she works with. Gavin Thompson finds out more
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RISTOL’S businesspeople should build a community of mentors to support one another to achieve even greater success. That’s the view of author and chief executive Bev James, and she knows more than a little about the subject. Bev, 51, is the author of best-selling business book Do It! Or Ditch It and the chief executive of the Coaching Academy. She’s also director of mentoring at Startup Loans, so has seen the power that the right support and guidance can have on a business. “I’d like to see more mentoring in the business community,” she says. “Often mentoring is more important than getting the finance for a business. “When you see the high failure rate among new businesses, a lot of that
Vital statistics Name: Bev James Age: 51 Born: Bristol, in Foster Street, Eastville Education: Whitfield School in Fishponds. I hated school. I was shy, never put my hand up in class and wasn’t particularly good at any subject, so when I left at 16 I didn’t look back. I didn’t even go back for my exam results - I still don’t know to this day! Job: CEO Coaching Academy, took over seven years ago. We run coaching courses around the country to be life coaches, youth impact coaches, NLP. 7,000-10,000 people go through our courses. Director of mentoring at Startup Loans Inspiration: My dad Dennis for health and fitness. He rides an average of 60 miles and he’s 83. He’s very focused and goes to the gym as his routine. And my mum Valerie because she’s incredibly kind and lovely. In the business world, James Caan. I’ve been working with him on various projects for five years and the more I work with him the more impressed I am. I was learning from him every time I was in his company at Startup Loans.
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could be avoided if they started to collaborate and work together more. “If we could start supporting each other more, not just with mentoring but also perhaps sourcing more local products and services for our businesses, we can really make Bristol thrive.” She also thinks those who run the city could be more business-focused. “There’s a big focus on making
things green, which is wonderful,” she says. “But there are still an awful lot of young people who leave school and can’t get a job. It hits their confidence, but what is there for them? She adds: “I’ve tried tweeting (Bristol mayor) George Ferguson a few times, without response. I feel, ‘Is business important here?’” The Coaching Academy is based in Chiswick, West London, but runs courses across the country. Bev, however, is firmly rooted in Bristol. She was born in Eastville and still lives in the city with her dogs and tortoise. Bev, who was a guest speaker at the recent Business Showcase South West at the Colston Hall in Bristol, has a few thoughts on what to look for when deciding whether to back a start-up.
My working day I live in Bristol and work in Chiswick. It depends on what’s going on. I’m more on the big picture than the day-to-day stuff. There are meetings to attend, speaking at events or board meetings for Startup Loans.
“The first thing, if someone says they want to start a business because they think it will make a lot of money, that’s a slight concern for me,” she says. “Say you want to start a cafe, what do you know about it? Have you ever worked in one? You can do it without that experience, but I think
it’s important to have the knowledge and skills. “Then, how are you going to market it? Often you get people who know the technical stuff, but they don’t know how to get clients. “People think as soon as they’ve got a website or shop, people will come. So my next question is how are you going to get people to know about your product.” With that expertise, would she fancy joining her Startup Loans colleague James Caan on Dragons’ Den? “No,” is the firm answer. “I think they are horrible to people. I think, like The Apprentice, the show is very good for getting business ideas out there, but I’d like to see it reversed. I’d like the Dragons to have to go out and prove their worth, like in The Voice,
where the judges are pitching to win the singers for their team.” Bev believes the role of start-ups in the economy is more important now than ever. “If every business employed one more person you’d eradicate unemployment,” she said. “The average business that takes a loan from Startup Loans employs 1.4 extra people. That’s why it’s such an important scheme. It’s not just a job for the business owner, but they employ people and use suppliers, too.” She joined the organisation at the beginning, when it, too, was a start-up. The Government wanted a business-led organisation to manage the loans, rather than civil servants. “I was there from day one when it was just a group of people sat around the table,” she said. “I’ve seen it go
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
AT THE CENTRE “ If we could start supporting each other more not just with mentoring but also perhaps sourcing more local products and services for our businesses we can really make Bristol thrive.
asking people questions so they can come to their own conclusions and working out the steps to achieve what they want. It can be great for removing obstacles to success, such as lack of self-belief.� Thinking about how people tackle these barriers led her to write her book, Do It! Or Ditch It. “It’s about how you get out of your comfort zone,� says Bev. “Some people talk about the same thing for years and never do it. “I had a friend who was always taking to me about a business idea and never did anything about it. I finally said, ‘at some point you’re going to have to do it or ditch it’, and as I said the words I thought, ‘Aha’. Once I had the title it was much easier.� Writing a book might not have seemed the obvious goal for someone who left school with no qualifications – or at least none that she knows of because she never went back to collect her results. Once she had successfully pitched the idea, however, she just had to get her head down. “When I pitched it, I hadn’t written as much as I suggested to the publisher, so I only had three months to
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App to let users hail taxi on mobile launches in Bristol
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TAXI app that works exclusively with hackney carriages has launched in Bristol, following its success in London. The Gett app can be downloaded onto iPhone and Android devices and lets users book a licensed Black Taxi instantly, with a tap of their mobile. The firm sees Bristol as a key location in the company’s rapid growth plan and will be embarking on a big recruitment drive in the city. It says 1,000 licensed black (or in Bristol’s case blue) cab drivers are joining each month around the world. Chief executive Remo Gerber said: “We’ve been in London for four years and it’s been fantastic to see how we have connected passengers to drivers. “After the successful launch across six UK cities including Manchester and Edinburgh where we have had an amazing response both from consumers and drivers, we have now decided to expand even further across the country.� The expansion was welcomed by UK Trade and Investment chief executive Dominic Jermey, who said: “Building on its successful foothold in the London market, I'm delighted that Gett is
rolling its operation out. “This is yet another example of the UK attracting the best, most innovative businesses from around the world.â€? Gett markets itself as a “premium on-demand e-hail appâ€? which provides 24/7 UK customer care, future bookings up to two weeks in advance, safety and security by confirming the driver’s name, photo and vehicle registration to users and cashless payment via your credit card, and business accounts. The company plans to expand the business to other services later in the year, allowing customers to ‘Gett’ other things – from beauty and home services, to dry cleaning and food & drink – all with the same high quality service. The company was founded in 2010, and has taxis across three continents in 24 cities including New York City, London, Tel Aviv and Moscow. The business has proved popular with investors, announced the closing of a $150 million funding round last year. Gett will be offering Bristol residents a free journey by gifting them ÂŁ10 free credit for their first ride.
My downtime I work a lot, even if I’m on holiday, but if you love what you do I don’t see anything wrong with that. If you went on holiday with an Olympian and they went for a run every day you wouldn’t see anything wrong with that. I think it’s fine. I also cycle, my dad’s 83 and we go cycling together – I can’t keep up with him. I’ve got two dogs, a chihuahua called Lulu and chihuahua-bichon cross called Coco, and a tortoise called Jenny. I’m not very good at watching television, but I love to read and learn things. I watch TED talk videos and the news.
â—? Leading businesswoman Bev James Photograph: Michael Lloyd
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from no staff to 85 staff and lending ÂŁ148 million and starting 128,000 businesses. That has been incredibly rewarding.â€? What does Bev, who is known as the Millionaires’ Mentor for her track record in guiding people to success, believe makes a good mentor? “People in the same industry as the person they are mentoring and ideally someone running a smallish business who is still very hands-on,â€? she says. “If you’ve got just one skill-set in a big business you won’t necessarily have the broader experience. “Even if someone has failed in business, that’s okay because they will have learned so many vital lessons from that.â€? She adds: “Mentoring is giving people guidance, whereas coaching is
write it,� admits Bev. “But once you’ve got a book deal you don’t have any choice. You have to meet the deadline. “The first time I saw it in Waterstones I took a selfie and sent it to my mum. She keeps a scrapbook and my dad reads anything. He’s actually become quite a good business adviser. “I aim to make a lasting difference to people I work with and the book has allowed me to make that difference to more people than I could manage on a one-to-one basis.� It certainly seems to have achieved that. Four years after it was first published, Bev still regularly gets emails from people telling her what it has helped them achieve. She also gets replies to her Daily Do It emails (yes they do get to her) that are sent to subscribers. But what about that community of mentors? Aren’t people running businesses just too busy? “People are busy,� says Bev, “but if they know about opportunities they are incredibly generous with their time and knowledge.�
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Expert eye Iuuh Xlwsly
Director HR Dept Anna.Pepler@hrdept.co.uk
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
WHAT NEW RULES ABOUT
Worthwhile but complex legislation
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EW rules governing shared parental leave apply to those who have given birth, or have adopted, babies born in this financial year. Last month, the HR Dept released the results of a survey which showed that there was widespread uncertainty among owners of small businesses on the impact of the new regulations on their companies. The survey of more than 800 companies showed that one in six was concerned about the impact, with 27 per cent saying they were unsure how to handle it. Just half said they were aware of the new rules and prepared for the effects. So, many businesses need greater awareness of the rules, if not in the full complexity of them (because they are complex) then at least of the measures they need to take to ensure they are prepared for new statutory demands for parental leave by their employees. So, what is Shared Parental Leave (SPL)? SPL is the right of parents to split 52 statutory weeks of leave between themselves. A mother must still take the statutory leave after birth (normally two weeks, but four for factory workers). The remaining leave can be split – taken in turn or together – with eight weeks’ notice given. A parent can request leave in discontinuous blocks but employers do not have to grant this. One of the eligibility criteria for SPL is that the employee must have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks at the end of the 15th week prior to the birth or placement date. Employees may also be entitled to Statutory Shared Parental Leave pay. And what actions do employers need to take? All employers should develop a clearly worded policy and consider how these new rights will fit in with their existing maternity, adoption and paternity leave policies and benefits. Early and open communication is the key here to discuss leave requests and dates, pay and benefits and communicating between the two partners employers. It’s a worthwhile piece of legislation but it’s undeniably complex, and that complexity is inevitable because two organisations are trying to offer flexibility to two individuals over a long period of time. We would encourage businesses to seek professional advice. The rules have potential to make a significant impact on small businesses, especially when key expertise can be lost for an extended period of time.
With new rules on shared parental leave now in place Gavin Thompson discusses what they mean for business owners and managers with Anna Pepler from the HR Dept and Kerrie Hunt from Thrings solicitors
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HAT are the new rights to shared parental leave?
Anna: Shared parental leave allows parents to share the standard maternity of 52 weeks between them. That could mean, for example, they take leave at the same time, it could mean the mother takes six months leave then transfers six months to her partner. You can have discontinuous leave requests where people can ask to take a month off then go back to work and then take another month off. This can be incredibly concerning to businesses, especially small businesses where you have to plan workflow and operations. Sounds complicated. Were businesses already getting into trouble around the more straight forward maternity leave rules? Kerrie: Where claims come traditionally with maternity leave is when women feel they have been treated to their detriment as a result of having taken maternity leave. So women might feel they are not welcome anymore or are out of step and may feel if they hadn’t been on maternity leave they wouldn’t have suffered in that way. Most employers are aware that women have rights to go on maternity leave and are probably aware men have rights to paternity leave now they’ve got to get their head around the new shared parental leave. So what should SME owners and managers by doing about the new rules? Anna: A lot of people are waiting until it happens but I think they should be planning for requests. I don’t think there will be a huge influx but there will be requests and people need to be prepared. They need a written policy in place and timescales for how they will manage things. How they will respond how they will liaise with employer of partner. If they can get that policy in place now, then they know what to do when it happens.
Is a written policy a legal requirement? Kerrie: Employers don’t have to have written procedure but it’s a good idea. That said, you don’t have to cover everything in your policy but something to give the bare bones and set out the notice needed is a good idea. The most simple way is to create a form so you can get all the information you need including where does the other half work, when is the baby due, has any maternity leave been taken yet. It sounds simple in principle to say you can share 52 weeks of leave but in the detail there are some tricky bits. Is the onus on the employee to notify the employer if they want to take shared leave? Anna: Yes. You should always have at least eight weeks’ notice. If it’s Mum she’ll probably have told you she is pregnant and will probably have taken maternity leave already. If it’s Dad you may know his partner’s had a baby but he may not have approached you. Mum has to end her maternity leave to trigger the shared parental leave entitlement for both of them. It’s good to have a conversation and
encourage your employees to be up front. There are circumstances where they might cancel or withdraw or change leave but at least if y ou’ve set out their intentions on a form you’ll have a good idea of what’s happening. Does the employer have to allow parental leave? Kerrie: Yes, they are entitled to take shared parental leave if it’s continuous. If it’s discontinuous and they want to chop and change between the two you are not legally required to agree to that but it throws up some interesting questions. OK, so when someone says I want to take parent leave, what do employers have to do? Anna: One of the first things you would do is get all the information and a form is a great way to do that. You want to know when they are due or if they adopting what the date of placement is, so that you can plan from there. There’s legal requirement for maternity leave to take at least two weeks or in some settings four, shared parental leave can only kick
in after that time. You want to know how long are they looking to take off, what dates they are looking at, what pay arrangements, then confirm in writing. They might want to change dates or come back to work earlier, people’s circumstances change so if you get that in writing so you can plan and what notice you need. Then you need to get payroll involved. If someone is on maternity leave they get six weeks’ pay at 90 per cent, then statutory maternity pay (£139.58) for 33 weeks. Some companies have their own policies to pay more and some are transferring that for shared parental leave but some aren’t and are just using the statutory level so payroll need to be involved to make sure they are getting the right payments. Who foots the wage bill? Anna: It depends who the employer is, the size of company and the amount of employers national insurance they pay. Some smaller businesses can actually claim back 103 per cent of what they pay, some larger businesses can’t claim anything. Generally smaller businesses can recoup more but most get a small amount or nothing.
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
9
PARENTAL LEAVE MEAN FOR BUSINESS Expert eye Slyypl P|u{
Partner and head of employment Thrings Solicitors
Understand the potential pitfalls and trickier areas
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INCE April 5 new parents have the option of sharing 50 weeks of shared parental leave and 37 weeks of shared parental pay. This means the mother can end her leave early and share the remainder of her leave with the father: either taking it in turns or taking the leave concurrently. During the consultation process and as the new rules made their way through Parliament, a number of concerns were raised by businesses that felt that the new system could cause organisational problems as finding cover for the leave periods (and particularly discontinuous blocks of leave) would be challenging. Whilst employers will no doubt pick their way through the detail and develop a way of managing and responding to requests, it may be useful to understand the potential pitfalls and trickier areas and the Government’s efforts to address them: ● Limiting employees to a maximum of three notices for taking leave or making changes to leave and also requiring them to give eight weeks’ notice allowing for some planning ahead. ● Although employers cannot refuse leave, al-
Should you keep in regular contact? Isn’t it true that you can’t ask when they are coming back to work? Anna: No, you should talk to your employee. You need to be able to plan as a business. From an employee’s perspective, taking that time off is a long time and things can change dramatically. They don’t want to be isolated. You have 20 keeping in touch days where you can ask them to come in and get involved, maybe for training or even social events. A large proportion of people request flexible working when they come back so it’s import to keep the communication channels open. Kerrie: There is a bit of a myth about not contacting employees. You can run into trouble if you don’t. If a promotion comes along and you don’t write to inform them and give it to someone else without them getting the opportunity, that’s where you can get into trouble. What happens to the company car/ phone/ laptop?
partners. You accrue your holiday entitlement throughout leave. We advise businesses to talk to employees about tagging that on the end of their leave. Otherwise they might come back and request flexible working, they agree to a three-day week but have 28 days holiday owed. That’s a lot of holiday to take when you are working three days and it can be disruptive for both the employee and employer. Will we see a big demand? Anna: For the first time parents can take leave off together. It will be interesting to see whether parents see that as a benefit for the family. Will it lead to changes in society? Kerrie: In time it may change attitudes. You may see a cultural shift over the next decade of 20 years. One thing the last Government did was give civil servants the same enhanced pay for shared parental leave as maternity leave. That’s a big factor. Where one partner has access to enhanced parental pay and the other doesn’t that may decide who takes time off.
● SME SOS is an advice channel exclusively for South West Business Members+, find out more at southwestbusiness.co.uk/members/ register. Listen to the SME SOS Podcast online at South West Business.
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Anna: Any employee who takes maternity, adoption or parental leave is entitled to their non-cash benefits, so if they have a pension scheme, holidays, car or a phone they are entitled to keep that. If they receive a performance based bonus they may not be entitled to it. And that will apply to both
lowing them to insist that employees take leave in a continuous block, with the flexibility of shared leave being perhaps more limited than might first appear. ● Setting the new statutory payment in line with the lower fixed rate of statutory maternity pay without the first six weeks at 90 per cent of salary (unless this is lower than the fixed rate). This alone may result in a low uptake of SPL on financial grounds, if fathers are the higher wage earner, although anecdotally we are told that balance is shifting. ● Another key thing to consider is whether to extend any enhanced maternity pay offered to women, to men (and women) who take SPL. You should at the very least be prepared for questions on this and think through how it would impact your workforce. Despite a recent discrimination case on paternity leave and pay that failed, this is an area ripe for challenge on sex discrimination grounds. ● As with ordinary and additional maternity leave, an employee returning from SPL will have the right to return to the same job no matter how many periods of SPL they have taken, as long as they have taken 26 or fewer weeks’ leave in total. If they have exceeded 26 weeks’ leave they have the right to return to the same or a similar job. Again, experience tells us that this tends to be where disputes arise if mothers and now fathers return to work and feel that their prospects have suffered or even that their place in the team has been lost and their rights denied due to taking leave. Dismissal or detrimental treatment as a result of taking leave will lead to claims.
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
In pictures Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Awards
APPRENTICES: ‘YOU CANNOT BEAT Oh}pu \ovtwzvu
Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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● The winners at the Bristol Post and Bath Chronicle Apprenticeship Awards 2015
Pictures: Michael Lloyd
NIVERSITY is no longer the standard route into any career.” That’s the message from Larissa Bayliss after winning the big prize at the Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Awards. The 20-year-old is a trailblazer as one of the first apprentices in the legal sector and the first at her employer, DAC Beachcroft in Bristol. She impressed after she joined the firm with no legal background but has become so highly regarded by her employers that she is developing her own caseload. The judges felt she was a fantastic role model for others to follow. She said if anyone was considering an apprenticeships she would say: “Go for it. You can’t beat on the job training, earning a salary and being out in the real world.” She added that she was “honoured, shocked and really happy” to be named the overall Outstanding Apprentice of the Year. Earlier in the night she also won the Financial and
Business Services category. The awards were organised by the Bristol Post and Bath Chronicle in association with South Gloucestershire and Stroud College and celebrated achievements of the best and brightest up and coming talents across the two cities last night. Johnny Elliott, who won the services industries categories for his work with former employer Addiction Recovery Agency, said: “I’m excited and proud and I thank everyone who supported me from the college, workplace and members of my family.” At 43, he’s older than most apprentices. He said: “I would class myself as a mature student but in life you take the opportunities presented to you. “ Maisie Marr, of Bristol City Council, took the public service prize. She said: “It’s nice to be recognised for the work you have done.”
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THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS
● Rotork
● Outstanding Apprentice of the Year, Health Education & Care, sponsored by Bristol Health Partners: Aaron Mason, of Future Stars Coaching Ltd ● Outstanding Apprentice of the Year, Construction, sponsored by Crest Nicholson: Alex Hanley, of Jeff Way Electrical Services Ltd, is the 2015 ● Outstanding Apprentice of the Year, Engineering and Manufacturing, sponsored by Hunter Selection: Malgorzata Barzowska, of Airbus ● Outstanding Apprentice of the Year, Financial and Business Services LLP, sponsored by Wessex Garages:Larissa Bayliss, of DAC Beachcroft ● Outstanding Apprentice of the Year, Service Industries, sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Bristol: Johnny Elliott, formerly of Addiction Recovery Agency ● Outstanding Apprentice of the Year, Public Services, sponsored by The Army: Maisie Marr, of ● Lucy Ackland
● Larissa Bayliss
Bristol City Council, is the 2015 ● Bristol and Bath Micro Employer of the Year, sponsored by City of Bath College: Moving Experience. ● The Bristol and Bath Small Employer of the Year, sponsored by Weston College: Helm Construction. ● Bristol and Bath Medium-Sized Employer of the Year, sponsored by Renishaw: Jeff Way Electrical Services Ltd ● Large Employer of the Year, sponsored by City of Bristol College: Rotork ● Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Development Award winner, sponsored by Airbus: GKN. ● Training Provider of the Year, sponsored by GKN: 3AAA ● Outstanding Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS): Larissa Bayliss, of DAC Beachcroft LLP
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
EARNING WHILE YOU LEARN’
● Maisie Marr The 19-year-old has since secured a job with the Ministry of Defence at Abbeywood, starting next month. GKN won the Apprenticeship Development Award. General manager Mike Platt. said: It’s fantastic for the team at GKN to be recognised for the hard work of the development team
and the apprentices themselves. The effort that they put in more than anything we could have expected, we have some world-class apprentices.” Training Provider of the Year went to 3AAA, beating competition from big colleges. Academy manager Carina Bush said afterwards: “It’s a massive achievement. We’ve only been going for 12 months and were up against some really big organisations. To win was unbelievable.” Neil Way, managing director of Jeff Way Electrical Services, collected the medium sized employer title. He said: “We’re really pleased with this award which recognises that we’ve invested in the next generation of electricians. They are the future of the company.” The guests at the Bristol Marriott City Centre hotel also heard from another role model, Lucy Ackland from engineering firm Renishaw who shared her own experiences and called for more young people to study maths, science and engineering. The evening was hosting by ITV WestCountry anchorman Ian Axton. A collection raised £942 for The Amber Foundation, which helps homeless young people.
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Business diary Wednesday @6: Join Institute of Directors members and guests for informal networking over a glass of wine and hear from the Commonwealth Club’s new vice chair Kay Barnard today at 6pm at the Commonwealth Club, Whiteladies Road. Free. Non members welcome but please register 0117 3707785. Bristol Connected: Informal networking event run by the Bristol Post and South West Business. Thursday, June 4 from 6-8pm at Radisson Blu hotel in Broad Quay. Please register via http://www.southwestbusiness. co.uk/business-calendar/ South Gloucestershire Business Forum Annual Breakfast: Panel discussion features Matt Cross, of Invest Bristol and Bath, Chris Smith, of Marshfield Bakery, West of England LEP boss Barbara Davies, and South Gloucestershire Council director Steve Evans. Friday, June 5 at 7.30am at Bristol and Bath Science Park. Email Strategy& Partnerships@ southglos.gov.uk Venturefest: Showcase for innovation comes to the Engine Shed and Passenger Shed at Temple Meads. June 9. Find out more at venturefestbristol andbath.com
MORE PICTURES, VIDEOS OF FINALISTS GO TO: SOUTHWESTBUSINESS.CO.UK
The Community Apprentice – The Auditions: Burges Salmon LLP hosts ‘The Auditions’ on June 11 at 6pm where Mayor George Ferguson will be galvanising 100 volunteers from the Bristol business community to support him in the next series of the city’s popular inter-school competition, in which they will be advisers to the community apprentice teams. Find out more via eventbrite or contact envision on 0117 315 5113. Charity mergers seminar: Experts talk about legal issues around charity mergers, including Sue Davie from Meningitis, which formed from merger of Meningitis Trust and Meningitis UK. 10am-1pm on June 18 at Foot Anstey, 100 Victoria Street, Bristol. Call 0800 408 0050 or to book email events.team@footanstey.com.
● GKN Aerospace
Investing in the Future: Eden project co-founder Sir Tim Smit is keynote speaker at this Rathbone Greenbank Investments event, which also features short talks from local figures involved in creating a more sustainable future. Part of Big Green Week. At At-Bristol on June 18. Book online at www.biggreenweek.com. Young Enterprise Summer Business Breakfast: Are you interested in getting involved with Young Enterprise? This event brings schools and businesses together to look at the organisation’s work we do and meet students from St Bedes this year reached the area final. Starts promptly at 7:45am and finish by 9:30am. Parking is available on site. Register via eventbrite.
● The team fromDoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Centre
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● Johnny Elliott, formerly of Addiction Recovery Agency
Your event not listed? Post it to the business calendar on SouthWestBusiness.co.uk. Events can be cancelled without us being notified so please check with organisers.
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
The back page
Your digest of the week in business
People ● Cook & Co Solicitors has appointed Guy Stobart to its advisory board. Guy’s role will be non-executive. He will provide guidance on growth, strategy and governance to the firm as well as acting in an ambassadorial capacity with clients and contacts. The move marks a return to Bristol for Guy, who was previously the managing partner at Bristol law firm Burges Salmon. During his tenure the firm achieved a significant level of growth from £10 million in 1995 to £68 million in 2008. Managing partner Charles Cook, said: “I am delighted that Guy is joining Cook & Co. It is a very exciting time for the firm which is in a growth phase and is being disruptive in the traditional Bristol legal market place. I also want to thank executive search firm Moon Consulting for facilitating Guy’s appointment.” Guy said: “There are opportunities opening up for law firms who are prepared to be innovative in their approach to the way they are structured and the way they deliver their services. It is these aspects of Cook and Co that particularly attracted me to them.” ● Communications agency McCann Bristol has hired former Kamarama and DKLW strategic planner, Kathryn Ellis, from Bray Leino. Kathryn joins a growing team at and will bring her experience as an integrated strategist to a growing portfolio of clients including Cathay Pacific, Oasis Dental Care, Yeo Valley, Essilor and Pink Lady Apples. She has worked on award winning campaigns for a range of clients including Halifax, PlusNet, Pilgrims Choice, Burger King, Morrison’s, Sony Erickson and BBC. Kathryn is the ninth appointment at the agency this year. She said: “I am really excited to be joining McCann, strategic
In numbers Inflation (CPI)
5869 86A ;6; 86= ;6AA
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Weekly earnings
● From left, Guy Stobart, Vanessa Moon, Vicki Neath and Charles Cook planning is part of the agency’s DNA and I look forward to working within the McCann Truth team in Bristol and across the network.” ● PR, digital and creative agency Purplex Marketing, based just outside Bristol, has gained another accolade from Google. Two members of the Purplex digital team, Jennifer Hearn and Edward Billett, recently completed the Google Adwords programme and exams with flying colours, strengthening the team’s Google Partner status. Head of digital Adi Day said: “This recent achievement reflects our expertise in pay-per-click online marketing and ongoing commitment to providing clients with the best possible return on their investment.” ● Bristol building firm Helm Construction has announced five new appointments in a response to a steep increase in work. Mark Witheridge has been appointed contracts manager while Peter De’Vanney joins as a site manager. Stephanie Munro joins the office team as trainee administrator and Tahir Hinds and Joshua Purnell will join Helm as site labourers. Chief executive Gary Sheppard said the new appointments had been prompted by a rapid increase in both residential and commercial work around Bristol and the West.
“We’re determined to change the image of building firms for the better and are confident these new appointments will help us achieve our aim.” ● Real estate firm Colliers International has welcomed back an associate director who has returned to the firm’s South West regional office. Nick Williams re-joins the building surveying team in Bristol from Faithful+Gould where he worked as a managing building surveyor. A qualified Chartered Surveyor, he has been reappointed as associate director, covering the region. Nick said: “Colliers is a fantastic place to work, offering its valued employees the autonomy to build new client bases and stamp your own mark in the property sector. I enjoy the horizontal style of management with the freedom and support to gain a wide breadth of experience in a multitude of areas. “I thoroughly believe that being happy in the workplace is essential to productivity and providing a
● 1 Linear Park quality service across our range of disciplines.”
Places ● The investment interest in a Bristol city centre office building has changed hands for £17.3 million. Advised by Bilfinger GVA, Epic UK has acquired the freehold of 1 Linear Park, Temple Quay, out of receivership from PwC. The price reflects a net initial yield of 6.15 per cent. Situated in the heart of Bristol’s business quarter, 1 Linear Park is let to Simmons & Simmons, DNV and Kaplan Financial. The property extends to 52,000 sq ft over six floors, and is fully occupied with an average remaining lease of 4.6 years. Richard Howell, investment director at Bilfinger GVA in Bristol says, “Temple Quay is a vibrant area, and there are strong prospects for rental growth as confidence in the occupier market continues to improve. “There is a significant amount of further development planned for Temple Meads, within the enterprise zone and the arena site, and this will all assist in ensuring Temple Quay remains the focus for prime office development in the city going forward.” Bilfinger GVA acted on behalf of Epic UK, Alder King and Savills acted on behalf of the vendor.
Base interest rate
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LEXIBLE workstyles are increasingly becoming the norm for many employers in Bristol and beyond as they realise the positive impact it has on staff morale, loyalty and motivation. So will this trend lead to the death of the office? No, it’s unlikely to do so; but it is set to lead to a new relationship with the office where some people mix and match their work time between desk, break-out spaces, home and public shared spaces such as cafes. Of course, this is not yet the experience of all office workers – and it may never be – but it is gradually becoming more widespread as employers recognise that offering flexible working such as working from home, variable office hours or flexibility in office space utilisation makes good business sense. There are also growing num-
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director at property consultancy JLL in Bristol
bers of people working for big companies from outside as self-employed consultants, giving them greater autonomy over the place and time in which they work. How can you make flexible working work for you? Nobody knows their work and needs better than your employees... So develop a flexible working programme that accommodates both employees personal work styles and company objectives. If you are looking to improve office space utilisation make sure you give staff a say in how the space should look and function. If you have concerns, conduct an
initial flexible working trial run before implementing across the wider business. Adopting a new workplace culture means a change in management style so it is essential that time is devoted to training senior leaders in how to effectively manage flexible teams rather than leaving them to second guess. Also ensure you link in with HR and legal teams on a regular basis to flag any concerns and keep up to date. Remote working can lead to employees feeling cut off from their colleagues so it is essential to have the technology in place that will facilitate a flexible working pattern. To help avoid misunderstanding and lag times associated with email, encourage the use of quick communications tools like Instant Messenger, Google Hangout and Skype.
Many companies are taking up ‘hot desking’ but the fact that only a few desks are assigned to employees doesn’t mean we are suddenly playing a company-wide game of musical chairs. Creating office ‘neighbourhoods’ in an open plan environment builds a sense of belonging, generates spontaneous brainstorming and improves communication. Finally, flexible working doesn’t work without mutual trust. Managers need to let go of some of their control and allow employees to take responsibility. To avoid misunderstanding, set boundaries early on and explain your expectations on timing and quality of work. Pencil in regular catch-ups so you know what is being achieved. Clear targets will ensure accountability and will facilitate a good working relationship.
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Opinion
Flexible working won’t work without mutual trust
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