PLANNING LONG-TERM

Paul Whitnell looks at pressing issues, and how BITA can help

Although we were initially founded to provide opportunities for businesspeople to meet and network, hopefully – having seen our newsletters, updates and other articles in this magazine – you will also know that we now offer much more.

We have our excellent members’ support area with HR Hub (see page 14), our powerful CRM, which allows us to be more proactive when making introductions, and much more besides. I felt that now is the time to decide where the focus of BITA should lie for the next five years, so we can best serve our members and wider business community.

Encouraging Manufacturing

This is of pressing importance, as I’m sure many of you know. Lack of manufacturing in the UK, Brexit, and covid impact on labour and materials have all caused massive chokepoints in the supply line. We want to work with councils, government and businesses to encourage more manufacturing and innovation in the UK.

Labour Supply and Skills Challenge

We are putting together a focus group from our members and supporters to tackle this issue and develop actionable solutions to the problem.

Increase Engagement for a Sustainable Industry

Our Global Forum has the commitment of individuals and organisations across the world, to find and encourage sustainable solutions to the pollution problem plaguing the construction, and other, industries. We have a big event on the 18th September with our involvement in ‘World Cleanup Day’, visit our website to sign up.

Encourage and Support Innovation

None of the above are possible without innovation. We are working on creating a focus group that will be considering funding for innovation, and guidance for those that need it. We are working with supporters to find innovative solutions to pressing issues, in unexpected places.

We are a membership organisation that is run to help you with your businesses – whether it’s with business or personal growth, considering sustainable options, trying new things, whether you have a suggestion or need help; we want you to get involved. If you would like to know more, I invite you to connect with me so we can discuss how you might like to get involved.