Business News

There a few weeks left of our summer and so far it has seen record-breaking temperatures – with wall-to-wall sunshine set to continue in pockets into September. In the workplace, this meant employers having to take care of their staff. Many have instructed workers not to travel to the office at times, whilst others have taken steps to make sure air conditioning is in place to keep temperatures at a good level. We have also seen good examples of employers making changes to their dress code or introducing summer workwear for customer-facing staff. Many of these employers have rightly undertaken risk assessments, and others have called for legal advice as they needed proper professional guidance before communicating with staff, including vulnerable workers.

Whatever steps you take, this summer has put employee protection under the spotlight more than ever. The rule of thumb for HR teams is to be on top of the policies and if in doubt, take advice to avoid any potential pitfalls.

For more information, readers can email Darryll Thomas at mfg Solicitors through,

darryll.thomas@mfgsolicitors.com.

Darryll Thomas

THE AGE OF THE CYBER-ATTACK IS FAST OVERTAKING THE FIRE AS A REASON TO CLAIM IN THE WORLD OF INSURANCE

With cyber criminals fast becoming more adept at targeting their prey and utilising ransomware to gain your data, the team at Hazleton Mountford have seen a significant increase in claims – that has now overtaken fire as their most requested claim. Simeon Chapman, Director at the local brokerage firm, has learnt a great deal from a recent ‘brute force attack’ that a client has had to manage. Simeon and the team at Hazelton Mountford supported the client in, advising Cyber cover in the first instance, attending technical claims meetings and working with the loss adjustor to ensure the policy reacts as it should do. Jess Price, Account Executive, explains: “People often say to us that their data is safe as it’s in ‘the cloud’ and they have firewalls and other mitigations BUT when you think about keeping your home safe you not only have locks on doors and windows, alarms and other measures, yet you still insure your property and its contents. We don’t seem to look at data in the same way, and perhaps we should?” However, it’s estimated that the attack cost the business over £200k. Simeon concludes: “Don’t waste any time in mitigating against a cyber-attack. It’s businesses like yours that can suffer greatly if you don’t insure against it.” Please check out our latest news for updates about cyber security fundamentals, call Simeon on 01905 611951 for a chat or email: simeon@hazeltonmountford.co.uk for more information about how Hazelton Mountford can help you.

ACTIONCOACH WEST HERTS TO COACH DACORUM’S DEN WINNERS

Dacorum’s Den is the local version of the popular TV program Dragon’s Den and is sponsored by local businesses. Shortlisted applicants are invited to put their business ideas before a panel of judges led by Mike Penning MP who will hear their ideas and decide who to award the grant to. Sponsored by local businesses, the scheme is aimed at individuals and businesses with a great business idea who are keen to expand their business in Dacorum, or require funds to adapt their business to better survive the post COVID environment. Shortlisted contestants will present to the dragons, and the winners will receive £1000 at the awards lunch on 15/07/2022 at Little Hay Golf Club. ActionCOACH West Herts is supporting this great initiative and has decided to provide complimentary group coaching to all of the winners who receive the grant. James Gentle from ActionCOACH said: “We wanted to ensure that the entrepreneurial winners had not only the cash injection they needed but also the support, direction and focus to ensure their success.”

HOW FIRMS CAN TACKLE THE RISING COST OF DOING BUSINESS

SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS: DRPG’S LATEST CHARTER RELEASE

We’re all now familiar with the cost of living crisis – how households are struggling to keep up with bills and afford the rapidly rising cost of food, fuel and other essentials.

But there’s another crisis, similar to the struggle households are going through, which is dramatically hitting businesses, and that’s the ‘cost of doing business’ crisis. Firms across the country are being confronted by rapidly rising costs of vital raw materials, fuel, wages and, of course, energy. Many businesses simply don’t have either the spare income, or the spare savings, to manage such instant and dramatic increases.

WHAT’S CAUSED THIS?

The current price inflation is one of many impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, which interrupted supply chains, clogged manufacturing, and created the global delays that are being seen years later. This has been worsened by worldwide issues such as the conflict in Ukraine, and the continuing Covid-19 lockdowns in China, which have also increased prices. Battered businesses now face a stark choice – whether to pass on the increases to their customers, or to try and absorb these new expenses to keep prices down.

A POSITIVE STEP FOR BUSINESSES

In order to cope with these dramatic cost increases, firms need to get a grip on their expenditure. Unexpected bills are the last thing they need in this current climate – and in particular energy bills are a significant worry for a lot of bosses. There’s some good news though – installing a smart meter is a positive step in taking control of business outgoings. Once installed, energy readings will be sent directly to the supplier, bringing an end to estimated bills. That means that businesses will only pay for what they use – and some energy suppliers may also offer an in-home display screen, to show exactly how much energy is being used. A handy way to bring an end to nasty shocks at the end of the month! Firms with 10 employees or less could be eligible for a smart meter. To find out more please visit smart meters. You can also contact your energy supplier or broker.

Creative communications group DRPG publishes ESG Charter, highlighting the advancements on the business’ commitments to the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. On Tuesday, June 7, creative communications group DRPG published its latest ESG Charter review, compiled of the ongoing efforts, advancements and achievements in supporting the environment and local communities. Formally known as the CSR Charter, the original publication in 2020 gave a strong foundation, with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals sitting at the heart of everything it does. In 2021, DRPG published its first annual Charter Review, reported on its progress and, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, was able to take huge strides. In May 2021, the Earl of Wessex visited the DRPG studio complex in Hartlebury to see for himself the work the team has been undergoing for sustainability. Integrity Manager, Andrew Davies who leads the sustainability team at DRPG and is responsible for the updated charter, says, “The need for the review is to ensure the actions we’re taking are tangible and measured to track longer-term progress. Our industry is constantly shifting, and this year has been no exception to the rule of change, with the major return of live events and impacts of the associated travel. I have no doubt that there will be valuable lessons and re-alignments of our sustainable efforts in 2023, as well. “The most substantial development to be noted this year is the group’s adoption of the ‘Three P’s’ or ‘People, Planet and Profit’. Looking at sustainability as an all-encompassing umbrella over the business really allows the team to focus on creating a sustainable future with the ‘Triple Bottom Line’ becoming our roadmap and business plan. Although this charter reaffirms the company’s commitment, sustainability has remained at the heart of the business for over 15 years and DRPG is set to continue with more goals for the future. The group has been working hard to become a certified B Corp and is ready to submit its B Impact Assessment for verification. Auditor availability permitting, it hopes to achieve certification by autumn of this year. To read the Charter visit:

drpgroup.com/resources