Two Counties

Online resource launches to help businesses across Worcestershire to boost their digital knowhow

A new dedicated online resource has launched to help businesses build their digital understanding and to embed digital solutions into their growth strategy. Whether you are at the start line of your journey or have already embraced digital, this portal has information to help.

The shift to digital has accelerated at pace; increasing the adoption of technology for businesses to stay ahead of the curve and build resilience. Technology can be a great enabler and a powerful driver of efficiency, but implementing digital solutions for your business can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know where to start or know which solution is right for you. The resource developed by Worcestershire County Council, in conjunction with digital transformation specialists, Winning Moves, forms part of the successful Elevate Technology Programme. How digital is your business?

The Online Digital Tech Review is one of the key features of the resource.

To identify how far your business is on its digital journey, the interactive Online Digital Tech Review provides you with the opportunity to answer a set of questions to determine how digitally mature your business is. Once the assessment is completed, tailored advice and recommendations are given to help you identify the right solutions for your business. Topics the resource can help businesses with include, Cloud, Cyber Security, Data, eCommerce, Operations, Marketing and much more. You can also easily filter between topics and sectors. Help your business get more from digital technology by visiting our portal today at www.worcestershiregrowthhub.co.uk/ elevate-technology

Food from the Shire Event helps to reduce food waste in the county

The Living Room Hereford and The Food Alliance supported by funding from Hereford Community foundation welcomed farmers, community projects, caterers and others to their Food from the Shire event in November 2022.

The event was held to promote the importance and sharing of knowledge to prevent food waste in the county. We heard from farmers, caterers, community growers and projects resulting in plenty of ideas for the Food Alliance to take forward to support business to avoid food waste and benefit the community too. Craig Cornish, of Herefordshire Council said “It was great to have a full room and everyone’s thoughts shared. It is with great thanks to the Green Dragon Hotel for hosting, and for many Food Alliance members’ input to make it happen.” Some key takeaways from the event included advice on using the nationwide app Too Good to Go to connect with individuals who can use small amounts of leftover packaged food. Food producers with larger amounts of leftover food are also advised to email Herefordcommunityfoodnetwork@gmail.com to link them with community larders, food banks and others connected in Herefordshire. The Food Alliance will continue to work together on solutions for food waste. Take a look at the website: herefordshirefoodcharter.org.uk.

Health experts encourage 2023 wellbeing focus

A Health Cash Plan specialist is calling on businesses to retain their focus on employee wellbeing as we enter 2023.

Paycare Director Anthony Burns said: “Through 2022, we have seen the subject of wellbeing rise up the agenda at board level. More and more businesses are now seeing how important the wellbeing of their team is, and how it directly relates to the success of their company. We encourage more businesses to do the same, especially given the impact the cost of living crisis is having on the financial and emotional wellbeing of so many employees. “It’s great to see so many businesses recognising the impact finances have on our health, and vice versa, and looking to incorporate financial health as an integral part of their Workplace Wellbeing strategy, as well as highlighting it as a key focus for individuals and their families.

2022 highlights

“For Paycare, the past year marked the opportunity for our team to get out and about more often – visiting our customers and attending events such as the Inspiring Leadership Education Conference, the Midlands Business Expo and the Shropshire Leadership Conference – which we sponsored. “We’ve continued our support of charities such as The Haven Wolverhampton and sports groups (from grass roots right up to elite teams), as well as sponsoring events like the Kris Boyd Charity Bike Ride. “Our outgoing CEO Kevin Rogers announced his retirement, and also starred in an episode of Bargain Hunt! We welcomed Wolverhampton’s Mayor to Paycare House, and picked up awards including Best Health Cash Plan Provider in the West Midlands and a Midlands Community Award too. “We were delighted to offer free webinars including a financial tips session led by Wolverhampton City Credit Union and a focus on the menopause with The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, who we have partnered with due to their range of first-rate mental health courses.”

Key considerations for employers in 2023

Supporting a good work/life balance will be essential. More than six in ten of those who think they have a good balance are willing to go above and beyond for their company, whereas only a quarter of those with a poor balance would do the same. Four in ten workers are experiencing burnout, and many more are stressed at work – so stress-related support will be a must-have offering in 2023. With many more team members now hybrid working or working solely from home, more than half say those arrangements would have an impact on whether they stay in their current job. With that in mind, it’s vital for employers to consider whether their Workplace Wellbeing strategy works for all team members – no matter where they’re based.

Visit www.paycare.org/workplace-wellbeing for more tips about implementing or developing your company’s wellbeing strategy.