How to Beat the Blackouts
CONNECTING BUSINESSES ACROSS THE UK
Drones - The 'End Of' Britains Silent Killer
Anna
www.paramountmedia.co.uk
Nov / Dec 2022 Issue 9
Knowing Your Competition is Smart Business
The 7 Reasons Why You Need Digital Marketing
Six of the Best Foods to Keep You Warm this Winter
Page 03
Nov / Dec 2022 Paramount Media
Click page number or title to skip to page
Welcome
Contents
Page 4 The 7 Reasons Why You Need Digital Marketing Page 6 The Importance of Having an Exit Plan Page 9 Drones - The End of Britain's Silent Killer Page 10 Electric Vehicle Boost for Warrington Page 14 Knowing Your Competition is Smart Business Page 16 Real Leaders Do Not Have All the Answers Page 18 Six of the Best Foods to Keep You Warm this Winter Page 20 Gender Inequality in the Construction Industry Page 21 Managerial Styles - Are You an X or Y Manager? Page 23 How to Beat the Blackouts Page 25 Searches For 'savings account' Hit Record High in the UK Amid Cost of Living Crisis Page 29 How to Build a Global Marketing Strategy Page 33 The Predicted Growth for Construction - The Need for Increased Worker Safety in 2023 Page 35 Bristol Businesses Star in New Show on Amazon's Prime Video
MCUK Fitouts LTD Units 10 & 11 EBL Centre Picow Farm Rd Runcorn WA7 4UA www.mcuk-fitouts.co.uk
For a free quote to discuss you next project please call 01928 771010
Genuine quality in every fit out
"MCUK have always delivered with a professional yet friendly approach and thats why they continue to be one of our preferred contractors. Impeccable workmanship and a brilliant mix of skilled crafts and trades. I found MCUK the ideal partner in our new build and refurbishment projects" - Paul Morley,, Operations Manager at Morris & Spottiswood
Digital Marketing is critical for business expansion, it can literally and figuratively place your business ‘on the map’. 54% of individuals survey social media to research products they wish to purchase, which means there are a lot of people using social media platforms to make decisions. How many times have you looked up a clothing company on Instagram to see if the quality of the clothing is the same as what is on their website? As social media has grown in popularity, it’s now much more common for people to use it as they would a search engine. With more people online than ever before, why is digital marketing an important investment? In addition to connecting with potential consumers on a mass scale, digital marketing provides business owners with numerous additional benefits. The Benefits: Connection Considering that 63.1% of the world’s population is online, it is no surprise that the online world is becoming more prominent in ‘offline’ spaces every single day. Customers are online and searching for your business. Connecting them to your accounts and promoting your services puts you in the best position to develop your client base and establish trust. Interaction Connection is directly related to interaction. An online presence allows you to learn about your customer base, their preferences, dislikes, and how much they engage with your content and services. These factors can be measured by engagement, or lack thereof, and allow you to cultivate plans on how to improve connection and interaction. Global and Local Reach There is an international audience available to you across social media that you are unable to reach through traditional marketing techniques. Importantly, local visibility is also improved by an online presence. We mentioned in one of our prior articles how ‘near me’ is a common search term that people often search on Google. It is crucial to ensure your business shows up if you have a physical shopfront. Targeting There are many ways you can target your desired audience. This may be through pay-per-click (PPC) ads, search engine optimisation (SEO), targeted content, or through carefully monitoring engagement on your website and social media accounts. Awareness Digital spaces provide many opportunities to establish and promote your business. Maintaining consistent posting of relevant content is one way to do this. Once created, brand awareness is a way to ensure loyal customers keep coming back. Testimonials Customers look to sites like Google or Facebook for instant reviews on whether your products or services are worthwhile. It is important to provide instant proof to customers in this way and investing in digital marketing allows you to do this. Savings Rather than relying on costly traditional marketing approaches such as print distribution (handing out leaflets, for example), you can sign up for free on social media websites and Google if you have an internet connection, a mobile or PC, and an email. The accessibility of social media is particularly beneficial for you, especially if you are starting out with limited funds. These are just some of the reasons digital marketing is important for your business. Being focused and creating a strategy is also important so that you can measure your goals effectively, ensuring your time is well spent. Don’t have the time to manage your own social media or need any other digital marketing assistance? Paramount Media can design a bespoke package for you to help your marketing efforts. Contact us here for more information.
Business
Page 04
Rozz Cottrell Paramount Media Digital Marketing Executive
Page 06
The Importance of Having an Exit Plan Michael Wright
Establishing an exit plan early in the life of your business is crucial if you are to extract the highest value from your investment of time and money. Michael Wright, a Regional Partner at Business Partnership, believes a good exit plan will allow entrepreneurs to secure a high return on sales, whether the business is meant to provide an income until retirement or you intend to sell your company sooner rather than later. He gives his advice on why it is important to have an exit plan and the risks to your business if you fail to produce one. Most business owners do not understand the real value of an exit strategy and will often wait until something happens, or they want to sell their company before creating a plan. However, an exit plan is invaluable if you want to be in control of your future and extract the highest amount of money from your business’s sale. So, here are the top ten reasons why you should start working on that exit strategy sooner rather than later. 1. It presents you with a clear vision of the future Having an exit strategy in place will allow you to plan for your business’s future, help establish your goals, and create strategies for achieving them. For example, it will enable you to be in control of hiring the person who will come in and take over from you. You also have the foresight to know when to hire full-time employees or seek out freelancers. 2. It will help identify mediocre offers Put yourself in a buyer’s position for a minute. You never bid higher than the estimated price of something unless you have to. As a seller, having an exit strategy will help you evaluate whether the presented proposal is good enough for your business. 3. You will understand the value of your business An exit plan will help you gauge what your business is actually worth. Not the back-of-the-envelope guesstimate, but what you could potentially receive if you decided to sell. It will give you a thorough evaluation of your company’s financial position, intangible assets, potential buyers, and the respective market conditions will help you determine the value of your business. 4. You will identify the time for selling The perfect time to sell is typically when your business is doing well; the financials are trending upwards, sales are booming, the team is strong and demand is high. However, with the current economic uncertainty, this is hard to predict. An exit strategy will help you identify a time to sell your business. With a definite period of operation in mind, you will be able to focus on developing the business and preparing it for sale. 5. A business with an exit plan is more attractive to buyers Having an exit strategy is a sign of fiscal foresight and responsibility that makes your business more attractive to potential buyers. It shows you have set clear visions and goals for your company and you have dedicated your time and resources to ensure you achieve those goals. An exit plan also tells buyers that you are committed to selling the business and will not change your mind during transactions. 6. You will be psychologically prepared to leave When you run a business, it is often your world, and it can be hard to let go of something you created. Therefore, it is understandable if you are having second thoughts about leaving. However, an exit strategy will help you prepare for departure by reminding you that you have achieved everything you set out to do. 7. You will take advantage of a strong market Whilst we are currently in a buyer’s market due to the knock-on effects of the pandemic, an exit plan will help you pivot and adjust when you sell your company to achieve the best results. When the time comes, you will be well placed to exploit a strong seller’s market and receive the maximum offer for your business. 8. An exit plan provides the necessary paperwork for an exit Exiting your business can be tedious, time-consuming, and expensive, as all the paperwork must be done from scratch. However, with a good exit plan, you will have completed all the proper documents and prepared yourself for the admin required to sell your business. 9. It prepares you for negotiations Your exit plan should consist of how much your business is worth and reasons why it is and will continue to be profitable. With this information present, you can negotiate and convince the buyers that they will yield high returns from your small business. 10. It gives you control after selling Whether you are leaving your business to start a new venture or looking to retire, the whole point of preparing for your exit is to give you the time to plan for life after the sale. Having an exit strategy in place will allow you the best opportunity to exit your business with the maximum value. So, think of an exit strategy as a blueprint for your future. With it, you can set goals for your business and plan ways to achieve them. To find out more, please visit: www.business-partnership.com/
Page 07
Vehicle Leasing Specialists www.v4b.co.uk 0800 096 6488
Call us on,
One of the world’s leading experts in drone technology, Robert Garbett, called on the UK Government to support the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) plea for Britain to “rise up and act to protectthe health of our most vulnerable people” (Dr. Maria Neira, Director at WHO) by confronting the global threat of air pollution, which “is killing 7 million people per year and shaving over two years off the average life expectancy.”[1] Robert Garbett, Founder of Drone Major Group Limited[2]stated: “Lives can be saved, disease in the youngest reduced, the oldest and most vulnerable members of society protected, as well as saving the NHS millions by replacing many of our delivery vans, trucks and heavy goods vehicles with battery-powered drones.” “It is glaringly obvious that the use of drones in the UK’s most polluted cities can rapidly and economically improve the quality of air we breathe and mitigate the lethal consequences of air pollution.” “The UK has the knowledge to become the global driving force in drone technology, starting in our largest cities, potentially with a pioneering maritime drone initiative in London on the river Thames that would decarbonise the city’s logistics and freight industry.The technology is available nowand the huge health, environmental and economic benefits to the UK and its public should be a priority.” “This technology can be deployed in any city with a river in the UK, and beyond. Its adoption willdramatically reduce the number of delivery vehicles on our roads, massively improve air quality, reduce congestion, make roads faster and more efficient, and improve our wellbeing.” “Today, approximately 89% of all goods transported by land in Great Britain are moved directly by road transport, which is one of the UK’s most polluting industries. The exciting and necessary benefits of a drone initiative of this kind will reduce the logistics industry’s dependence on road travel through innovative, cleaner technology and will advance the Government’s bid to cut pollution in the UK’s most crowded and congested cities. The UK should become a world leader.” “A maritime drone delivery system on the Thames would not require any new building infrastructure and would instead involve maritime drones carrying freight, to travel along the river to a series of pontoons equipped appropriately for lifting freight onto shore.” 99% of the global population breathes in polluted air every day. In September, a breakthrough study by the Francis Crick Institution in London found that air pollution uncovered the link between car fumes and lung cancer in non-smokers. Another study by Imperial College London proved that approximately4,000 Londoners died prematurely in 2019 because of long term exposure to air pollution, with poor air quality found to cause permanently stunted lungs in children. According to Dr Maria Neira of the World Health Organisation, “the benefits of cleaner air (will) extend beyond our personal health, to the collective public, environmental and economic health. And, like the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, air pollution calls for speedy, coordinated cross-border political leadership.” Robert Garbett added: “City Hall now predicts that over 550,000 Londoners will develop diseases caused by poor air quality by 2050, a tragedy which according to Air Quality News, could cost the NHS and social care system in London alone over £10.4 billion by 2050. “Research published in the scientific journal, Patterns, found that a single delivery of a package by drone accounted for 84% less greenhouse gas emissions than a diesel truck, and used 94% less energy. “An end to the disastrous impact of poor air quality on our health, the environment and our economy impact is plain to see! If we implement maritime drone technology systems in our major cities, we can clean up our air, future-proof our vital logistics industry and capitalise on one of the UK’s biggest opportunities for growth in clean technology. The longer the UK takes to act on the solution to air pollution, the greater health and environmental risk the British public will face.”
Drones - The ‘end’ of Britain’s Silent Killer
Credit to source Harvey Presence The Communication group
www.gtele.com
Page 09
0207 3055 999
Call to Government to protect lives, save millions and bolster UK economy
Call: 07446668573 Email: abroqi@hotmail.com
Page 10
Business News
Warrington Borough Council’s work to support people to make the switch from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric has been given a boost, thanks to new government funding. The council is one of nine local authorities to be successful in receiving funding through the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot scheme, backed by £20 million of government and industry funding. The scheme aims to give drivers across the country better access to electric vehicle charge points, from faster on-street chargers to larger petrol station-style charging hubs. In Warrington, it will enable the roll out up to 200 additional on-street chargers, across the borough. It will support the council’s ongoing work, through its electric vehicle strategy, to encourage many more motorists to go electric and help improve air quality, as part of the drive to make Warrington net zero by 2030. Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for transportation, highways and public realm, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “I’m delighted that Warrington has been selected for the LEVI pilot project. It will enable us to take further positive steps towards ensuring our residents have excellent access to on-street charging facilities. “Through our Local Transport Plan (LTP4) and electric vehicle strategy, we've committed to supporting more residents, visitors, and businesses to make the switch away from traditional petrol or diesel-powered vehicles. This funding gives a great opportunity to enhance this work and encourage more widespread EV adoption across Warrington.” The LEVI scheme aims to give residents without private driveways better access to EV chargers, as well as growing the charging network across the country, supporting the nation’s uptake of zero emission vehicles. The pilot is backed by £10 million of government funding shared among the 9 winning local authorities in the first tranche of the planned £450 million scheme, with winning pilot bids supported by an additional £9 million in private funding. A further £1.9 million will come from public funds across local authorities. The scheme will also give the winning local authorities the opportunity to provide feedback on how to grow the network and the role the private sector can play. The other eight winners of the pilot fund are Barnet, Dorset, Durham, Kent, Midlands Connect (with Lincolnshire as a lead authority), North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Suffolk.
Commercial
Interior
Committed to Superior Quality and Results
Electric Vehicle Boost for Warrington
Get in Touch
With over 15 years experience in the building industry, we are able to offer a wide range of services at competitive prices. That way only need to come to one company for all your building needs.
Residential
Services:
Exterior
T&C's Apply
Contact us now info@paramountmedia.co.uk 0151 832 3940
.
Sophia The Robot
Do this and more with fantastic Paramount Points loyalty rewards on all packages
Page 12
Company News, Features or Recruitment opportunities you want to share?
Would you like to showcase your business to over 10k dedicated subscribers?
Page 15
Credit to Source: Dark Horse Https://darkhorse.co
Regardless of the sector, you operate in and regardless of the service you provide, you will always have competitors. To keep your business at the forefront of its sector, you need to identify these competitors. However, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Your potential clients are spoilt for choice. This is in part due to the internet and because of how international businesses have become. There are now so many alternative organisations and services out there that it can be extremely difficult to identify them all. Whilst it may seem daunting that a competitor can be anyone from anywhere in the world, there are ways to identify them. Alex Lovesey, a Digital PR Executive from Dark Horse, has come up with 10 ways that he identifies competitors for clients. 1. Start off with a Google Search This step is as simple as it sounds. If you sell flowers in Peterborough, then your first search should be ‘Florists in Peterborough’ From there you should create a list of all the websites that appear on the top couple of pages. After that, try searching for your individual products and services. You might want to try roses or flower delivery service, or whatever it is that you sell or do. Beyond that, it’s getting into the nitty-gritty of your sector and making sure that every item in your list is relevant to you. After you have a substantial number of competitors on this list, then you should go through their websites and look for key information. Simple things like what services they offer, the price of their product, how many people they employ and so on. This allows you to see how you compare to other people in your sector. 2. Scour Local Business Directories Not everybody has a website, but most businesses have a directory of some kind. The most common would be Google Business. However, you can simply type in ‘your sector’ directories into Google and you will be faced with hundreds or thousands of different businesses. This can give you additional information on how each business markets itself, as well as provide you with their address, contact information and opening hours. This information can help inform your future business decisions. It can also help you find competitors you may have missed in your Google search. 3. Use Google Maps To find local competitors, it might be worth using a local search to find competitors in your area. This helps you find competitors that don’t have much of an online presence. It means you can have a really comprehensive overview of who could be taking your potential customers. 4. Set up Tweet Deck Tweet Deck is an invaluable tool that organises tweets into categories of your choosing. You can receive constant updates about industry-related hashtags. This lets you see who is talking about your sector and allows you to keep up with the conversation. You can also follow the accounts and mentions of known competitors. This lets you keep an eye on their marketing practices, to see what works and adapt your own approach. 5. Keep an eye on Social Media and Forums Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn are all social media sites that could be relevant to your sector. Making sure that you know where your potential customers spend their time is critical in getting them to purchase your products and services. However, it is also important to remember that forums still exist. There are popular ones like Reddit and Quora, but you should also search for industry-specific forums. These will help you see who your potential customers are shopping from and their sentiment towards you and your competitors. 6. Set up Talkwalker Alerts Talkwalker scours the internet in search of keywords that you select. So by choosing industry-specific keywords, you will get an email in your inbox showing all the websites that are talking about those keywords. This can identify new actions taken by competitors, it is also useful for identifying relevant trade publications and opportunities to liaise with journalists. You can choose to only get an email a day that has all of the relevant sector keywords, making sure you’re not getting inundated with information. 7. Ask your Customers Your clients will know your direct competitors better than you do because deciding between your product and your competitors’ is what they do all the time. Take to social media or the forums that you discovered and ask them who they prefer and why. Any feedback is useful in ensuring that you improve your products and services. It also means you are keeping up with all your competitors by finding out what they do differently from you. 8. Keyword Research Keyword research is the best way to identify your indirect competition. By conducting a competitive SEO analysis, you can determine which businesses or publishers are competing for people’s attention on Google. Most customers typically search for products and services on Google rather than looking for specific companies. The better your keyword ranking, the higher you will appear on the Google Search results. Bigger companies often take the top spot, which is why businesses are frequently competing with international companies. 9. Take a look at the sponsored results Sponsored results are paid for by the website. These usually appear at the top of the Google page and have the word ‘Ad’ next to the URL of the website. These websites are using pay-per-click advertising to reach more potential customers. This obviously costs money. If you cannot afford pay-per-click advertising in your budget, then it is best practice to focus on these competitors and see how you can beat them in quality of service or price. 10. Hire an SEO agency As part of improving your Search Engine Optimisation, an SEO agency will do a competitor analysis to see how you compare to other businesses in your sector. This will include things like a keyword and a backlink analysis. A keyword analysis allows you to see who else is using relevant search engine terms and a backlink analysis will help you identify trade magazines and other sites that are linking to your competitor. Both are incredibly useful when it comes to identifying your competitors. Using these tips will ensure that you will always remain at the forefront of your sector. You can identify key areas of opportunity and optimisation.
Knowing your Competition is Smart Business
Use Google maps
10 Expert Tips on Pinpointing Competitors
Business Directory
Page 14
Real Leaders Do not Have All the Answers
Page 17
Neil Parton, Managing Director - elumatec UK
Science
Page 16
0151 257 8028
“Crisis … what crisis?” The only way you’ll have missed doom and gloom laden headlines over the last few months is by burying your head in the sand. Indeed, some people are using that tactic, claiming current news stories are too worrying. If it’s not a war in Europe, it’s the cost of living crisis and the ever warming planet. Wanting to avoid the news is understandable but it’s not helpful. When there is a crisis we need to be informed so that we can navigate it as effectively as possible. Avoidance isn’t a long term strategy either. You’ve probably noticed that crises, large and small, tend to follow on from each other. A virus, staff shortages, supply chain issues, rising prices … you get the picture. This is our world, warts and all, and we have to live in it. What is strong leadership? So, if we can’t avoid problems, how do we minimise their impact? The short answer is leadership. But like most short answers, it’s only a partial one. We might crave a strong, resolute leader when we face a crisis, but is that what we need? There is a place for conviction but, naming no names, we all know of leaders whose stubborn adherence to their strong line proved to be their downfall. It’s a bit of a conundrum, but it appears that the best leaders, the strongest ones, are those willing to admit their weaknesses. Let me explain that a little more. Can we trust certainty? Whether we’re talking about heading a team, managing a business, or running the country, leaders are going to face uncertainty. Without a crystal ball — I’m assuming you don’t have one – the future is unpredictable. Did we, for example, know, at the outset, that the pandemic would have such a positive impact on consumer demand? Despite uncertainty, some people think that to be an effective leader they must have all the answers. Unlike you or I – or anyone else – they claim to know what’s going to happen. Naturally, we’re suspicious. How can they know everything? The outcome is that we’re not sure we can trust them. We’re happier when people are upfront, clear about what they do know and about what they don’t. It not only makes them human – it makes them better able to respond to life’s inevitable curveballs. And we can too. We’re not fixed in our thinking. We’re ready to adapt and respond when a situation unfolds in an unexpected way. Just do it The second problem leaders may face is one of paralysis. They don’t know what to do so they do nothing. In some scenarios ‘wait and see’ can be a fair strategy, but not always. Imagine you’re managing a football team and always play with a 4-4-2 formation. You suspect that, with your squad, 3-5-2 might work better but you don’t know, so you play safe, and miss the chance to get the insights a change would deliver. There is something very unsettling about having that ‘what if?’ question hanging over us. It’s often better to test the waters, to do something and be ready to change again if it’s not quite right. Leading from the back? Leaders must also be prepared to ask for help. They can’t do it all. No one can. Asking for help gives others the opportunity to contribute. It empowers them, gives them purpose and promotes conditions for innovative thinking. Leaders must be prepared to take a step back. Entrusted individuals may not follow the exact same route the leader envisaged, but providing the direction is the same, the overall result will align with objectives. The organisation will also be stronger for the extra experience its people have gained. Let our values lead us There’s one last point I want to make. While not downplaying the challenges we face there is one thing we can all do – whether we are in a leadership role or not. That is to understand our values and our purpose and to hold tight to them. If we have built a business that has quality as a principle, we need to keep on demonstrating our commitment to it. If our thing is technology we need to keep developing. If it’s responsive customer service, we need to keep supporting those who need us. If we go into a tailspin at the first sign of challenging times, we’re done for. If we keep our heads, we’ll be just fine.
Lifestyle
Credit to Source : https://www.bedkingdom.co.uk
Unit 5, 105 Boundary Street, Liverpool L5 9YJ United Kingdom
Six of the Best Foods to Eat Before Bed to Keep you Warm this Winter
With the weather growing colder for the foreseeable, it can become a challenge to warm up at bedtime – but given the current rise of energy costs, many will be reluctant to turn on the heating. However, sleep experts Bed Kingdom have highlighted six of the best foods to have as a late-night snack that will naturally heat up your body as well as induce sleep. Nuts Having nuts before bed, such as peanuts, almonds, and pistachios, can increase the speed of your metabolism and raise your body heat, therefore warming you up for bed. As well as this, these nuts contain melatonin, a natural hormone that helps to control your sleep cycle and therefore helps you get some shut eye. Cinnamon It’s no coincidence that cinnamon is associated with winter – thanks to its thermogenic properties that increase our body’s heat when it’s cold, it’s perfect to consume before bed. Having a sprinkle of cinnamon in a glass of milk at night-time won’t just heat you up, but due to the tryptophan in milk which induces sleep you’ll also find it easier to rest. Oats Oats may be something that you would normally have at the start of the day, but they have several benefits that prove useful for bedtime. They are slow to break down in your body due to being high in bran and fibre, and this slow digestion releases warming energy. Plus, this food also contains melatonin to improve your sleep. Bananas Filled with vitamin B and magnesium, bananas help with the functioning of your thyroid and adrenal glands, thus regulating your body temperature in the cold weather. In fact, the high levels of magnesium don’t just keep you warm, but they also help your muscles to relax and calm your body to ensure you get to sleep easily. Ginger Ginger is another excellent food you can consume to warm you up before you catch some Zs. With the vasodilating properties in ginger, your blood vessels are relaxed which contributes to an increased blood flow helping your body to heat up. Opt for a ginger tea – and if you’re suffering from a stuffy nose due to the weather, this will ease that to help you sleep better. Carrots Being a root vegetable, carrots cause your body to heat up due to the necessity for more energy during digestion. And while some vegetables may not be the best thing to consume before you try to get some shut eye, carrots are one of the vegetables that will promote sleep as they contain the alpha-carotene nutrient as well as potassium. Cooling foods to avoid before bed While there are several foods that can keep you toasty, there are others that will do quite the opposite – so when you’re trying to warm up before you go to sleep, there are some foods in particular you should try to avoid. Water-rich fruit and vegetables are known to cool the body, including watermelon, peaches, oranges, celery, and cucumber. Berries are alkaline, meaning that they generate cold energy and release excess body heat. Spicy foods such as jalapenos and cayenne peppers surprisingly make us cooler by activating a nerve receptor in our tongue that can recognise heat, thus causing us to sweat and cool us down. Leafy green vegetables such as kale and cabbage might be healthy, but it’s best to avoid these before bed due to their cooling effect on the body. A spokesperson from Bed Kingdom has commented: “It’s that time of the year where switching the heating on is essential, but with the price of energy at the minute, it’s no doubt that many people across the UK will be avoiding doing so. Fortunately, there are some ways to heat up without having to add more money to the energy bill, one of these being with certain foods to eat before heading to bed.”
+44 (0)151 207 9609
Page 19
Page 18
sales@senelux.co.uk
Page 21
When it comes to sectors that could still see a lot of improvement in gender equality, construction has a lot to work on. Macdonald & Company found from their 2019 Rewards and Attitudes survey that the gender pay gap in the industry at 20%, which is higher than the UK average of 18%. This is the only one of the many reasons women could be deterred from entering the industry, on top of other pre-existing issues. The survey from 2019 found that 72% of female construction workers had been subject to some form of gender discrimination. Here, with some insights from van leasing company, Van Ninja, we’ll examine where these stereotypes originate from and their impact on the industry. We will also look to the future and whether we’ll ever see an actual 50/50 split in the workforce. Back to school – the root of sexist mentalities towards construction? External perceptions are important for roles across all levels and industries. If it isn’t attractive to candidates, they’re less likely to apply and provide a strong work ethic or creative approach. Construction suffers from archaic stereotypes that create a negative stigma of every worker in the industry as guarded, gatekeeping misogynists with every role requiring manual labour. This could be a huge factor contributing to why from a young age, girls and women are taught that construction is not an attractive career to pursue. The stereotype that women aren’t strong enough to work in the industry comes from sexism and a lack of truth. This results in a gender gap in school subjects that could help obtain a degree or a position within the sector. Data from JCQ showed that A-Level subjects useful for construction, such as computer sciences, design and technology, maths, and physics, are heavily skewed with an overwhelming number of male students across the board. How is this impacting the industry? In the grand scheme, around 12.5% of the construction industry workforce in the UK consists of women, with most roles in engineering, design, and administrative positions. This statistic accounting for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is staggering, as the industry is one of the largest contributors to the UK economy, with 3.1 million people employed in it. Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are crucial to industry progression. Women and men think differently, meaning their creative approaches will always differ and could significantly contribute both to businesses and innovation. While there is comfort in the familiar, creativity and productivity could cast the industry net wider. The future of diversity in construction Construction is an industry that will never be short of work with large-scale projects that require experienced hands and minds to create. As a result, could we see a future where the workforce is not only split more evenly between men and women, but one where non-binary, gender fluid, and others whose gender identity differs from the traditional understanding, may feel comfortable? There is still plenty of work to be done to make this even split a reality. The Office for National Statistics found that between July and December 2020, only 10% of people employed in the construction industry were women. Even though we’ve seen an increase of 2.5% over almost two years, a 50/50 of men and women working in the industry could still be a minimum of two decades away if it keeps growing at a similar rate. The Construction Skills Network (CSN) found in their statistics that the UK will need to fill 210,000 jobs in the industry, and these could be filled by women and young jobseekers. Making these roles and the wider sector more attractive to potential candidates from such a young age, onboarding and outreach programs could be the key to bridging the gap and bringing in new workers. This could be done through introductory days where different roles are broken down into their bare essentials, from procurement of materials through suppliers or fleet solutions with van leasing, to structuring the work and building a timeline for when the job will be completed.
Managerial Styles: Are You an X or Y Manager?
Dominic Fitch Head of Creative Change at Impact International
A good manager knows how to motivate their team. However, not every manager has the same style. This can vary by industry, as well as being dependant on the age and skill level of your employees or your personal attitudes to work. Two developed theories of managerial style are the X and Y theories developed by social psychologist Douglas McGregor in his book The Human Side of Enterprise. Since its publication in the 1960s, managers have been using this as a guide for their own style development. Here, with some sights fromDominic Fitch, Head of Creative Change at Impact International, we explore the differences between X and Y managers, and how to know which managerial style is best for you and your team. What is an X manager? For X managers, employees are not self-motivated and so need an authoritative manager to ensure tasks are completed. With over 36% of employees claiming to dislike their job, keeping a firm grip on task management is important, as X managers believe workers won’t take pride in their work and will avoid completing tasks. The X managerial theory involves monitoring worker achievements and deadlines. The results-based focus is particularly beneficial in industries that have tight schedules, such as manufacturing and other time-managed occupations. You will have a strict grasp of routine and schedules, dictating tasks and expecting results. This is very much a hands-on approach to managing employees. What is a Y manager? Y managers believe in employee engagement and the high work ethics of their colleagues. Employees are believed to take pride in their work and are self-motivated to achieve more. They also have a strong grasp of what is required in their role, and often in others, allowing them to problem solve and avoid crises without the need of a manager. Employees take ownership and accountability for their work, using initiative and decision-making. According to Indeed, employees who have more personal responsibility in the workplace tend to have more loyalty towards their company, as well as a stronger sense of job security. Therefore, a Y manager is more likely to adopt a participative management style. This allows the employee a sense of achievement when completing tasks. Unlike the X management style, which uses statistics and measured performance as a threatening technique, task completion under a Y manager acts as a form of reward and incentive to increase self-drive and development. Choosing your style If you prefer being proactive within the workplace, favouring a hands-on approach over a relaxed atmosphere, then the X manager theory is for you. Certain industries will benefit from certain management styles. For example, if your company operates under a multi-level management style, then you might find that the X manager approach is better suited to your environment. As your manager, and perhaps their managers above them, demand specific results, you will expect the same from your employees. However, if your company is a collaborative one in which teams communicate effectively, allowing all levels of employees to actively participate, you may benefit from the Y management theory. However, it can also depend on your workforce. A young or low-skill level team will benefit from the presence of an X manager from time to time. Due to the training needed to bring their skill levels up, you will be expected to micromanage and handle crisis moments with more direct attention. An established workforce within a company, on the other hand, will not require this level of attention, so you can adopt a more relaxed approach. Ultimately, it depends on your own preferences. Some managers prefer to have an oversight of production, so they can guarantee that deadlines are met. Others might prefer a more creative, collaborative approach in which employees take the lead on initiatives. You may even find that a balance between the two styles is useful as the company progresses. Managerial styles vary depending on many factors from industry size and demand to the office environment. However, how you view employee engagement is crucial in all sectors when establishing yourself as a manager. Believing in the attitudes of your workers can dictate the course of action you need to be an effective manager and produce the results necessary to keep the business progressing. Remember, managerial styles can be flexible. You may adopt one style and change it over time.
Gender Inequality in the Construction Industry - The Future of Diversity
Page 22
Vanity units
Tel: 01928 771010 Email: workshop@mcuk-fitouts.co.uk Web: www.mcuk-fitouts.co.uk Units 10 & 11 EBL Centre Picow Farm Rd Runcorn WA7 4UA
Toilet cubicles
As National Grid warns of winter blackouts, Property expert offers his tips on coping with energy shutdown & urges Ministers to provide advice.
Client testimony
Wooden fire doors
Page 23
LEADING MANUFACTURER OF BESPOKE JOINERY FOR BUSINESS AND DOMESTIC
Bespoke joinery
“The MCUK team are hardworking, trustworthy and reliable tradesmen and they turn out a high quality end product every time. They are unique in terms of the quality of their work and follow up service in particular. If you are looking for an interior fit-out company for a retail outlet then you really should have these guys on your tender list” ~ Alastair Wilson, Project Manager at Cube Consultants
Some of the things we can manufacture and fit for you:
Reception counters
Panel cutting
IPS panels
PVC edging
Building Project
HOUSEHOLDS facing the threat of three-hour blackouts this Winter can take a number of steps to reduce the impact on their lives, a property expert has advised. Jonathan Rolande also urged Ministers to provide regular updates in the wake of an announcement by National Grid that Brits could be hit with three-hour shutdowns during the Winter. Mr Rolande, from the National Association of Property Buyers, said: “People will be rightly concerned about this warning and the fact the National Grid is issuing it now indicates there is a real risk it could happen. “Ministers really need to take the lead in this area and to provide regular advice. But even in the worst case scenario there are a number of things households can do to ensure that their lives aren’t too badly disrupted by blackouts.” Setting out the steps, Mr Rolande explained: “The first thing people will worry about is their food. But fridges can retain their temperature for around four hours, while food can remain safe in a freezer for up to 2 days so there's no need to worry about food spoiling. “It’s wise for homeowners to check smoke alarms. Mains alarms usually have a battery backup but it is best to check. If in doubt, buy battery alarms, which cost about a fiver, and install at least one on each floor of your home. Power cuts do increase the chance of fire so this is vital. “If you have solid fuel, make sure you're stocked up. Remember that a gas cooker will work and can heat the room as well as your supper. “It would be wise to think about investing in some camping lanterns, torches and plenty of batteries, or buy the wind-up type. Make sure you know where they are and consider leaving one by the front door, and another by the bed etc case power is lost unexpectedly. "Phones will be an issue in any blackout. Mobiles and some landlines need power, so keep the mobile topped up and consider buying an emergency power bank, just in case - which cost about £10. "Power is most likely to go off around dinner time - between four to seven - so think how you will be able to cook a warm meal for yourself and family. Pasta, noodles and rice are all simple to cook on a gas hob. If you have an electric cooker or rely on a microwave, think about what you'll do. “If power does go off, switch off unnecessary appliances that will switch on when power returns but leave a light on so that you know when power returns. Sensitive equipment like a PC should be unplugged in case of a power surge. Think about pets such as fish in a heated tank. “Finally, if you're able to, check on neighbours and relatives to make sure they are safe and warm. A blackout will cause uncertainty among many, especially those living on their own.” Mr Rolande’s advice comes after it emerged millions of households could face three-hour blackouts this winter. The company, which is responsible for the UK's gas and electricity supply, warned there might not be enough power for the country if the energy crisis continues. Households could get around £10 per day for turning down their appliances, but exact details will be revealed on November 1. The National Grid Electricity System Operator has issued its bleak “winter outlook” report that details the scenario that a shortage of gas could mean “planned interruptions of electricity supply to businesses and households”. If the power cuts do go ahead, it will be the first time there has been controlled blackouts since the 1970s.
Bespoke Joinery
Exceptional Quality
For Every
Door Security for licensed premises
Event Security - sports, concerts and festivals
Fully Insured
Chester Office: Regus House, Herons Way, Chester Business Park. Chester CH4 9QR Company Number: 6934600
Trust us with your business, we will guard you with ours.
0% Finance Available On All Works Carried Out
Page 25
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY
For more information call 01244 536687 or email info@cynergysecurity.co.uk
www.assurednw.co.uk CALL ON 0151 424 8161
Searches for ‘savings account’ explode to highest point EVER as Britons face skyrocketing costs of living Analysis of Google search data reveals that searches for ‘savings account’ exploded in the United Kingdom as of September 2022 - the highest level in internet history. The end of September, sees price hikes coming into effect across various sectors as well as almost 1,000 mortgage deals being pulled from banks as a result of the mini-Budget issued by the government. The analysis, by savings experts Investing Reviews, reveals that interest for ‘savings account’ exploded to ten times the average volume within the past month, an unprecedented increase in Brits looking to open up an account, according to Google search data analysis. The data also reveals that searches for ‘mortgage help’ have exploded 513% since the 25th of September. A spokesperson from Investing Reviews, commented on the findings: “The British public have been faced with a gradual rise in the cost of living since the pandemic, which has only amplified enormously in the last couple of months, with rising energy costs and mortgage deals falling through, leading to some British residents to look for more ways to save every penny. Investing money and putting it into different types of accounts, can be a vital way to not only save your money and see profitable returns, however, it is strongly advised to research any savings accounts thoroughly before making any concrete decisions. It will be fascinating to see whether these searches translate into more savings accounts being opened.”
www.cynergysecurity.co.uk
Visit www.cynergysecurity.co.uk to find out more
Searches for 'savings account' Hit RECORD HIGH in the UK Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis
Private/Corporate events
Credit to source www.investingreviews.co.uk
Heating Brick Work Cleaning/Jet Washing Garden Maintenance Tiling Tarmac Solar Plastering Fencing, Artificial Turf Landscaping Property Repair Roofing Flagging Kitchens & Bathrooms Decking Extensions Tree Felling
Follow us on
FREE Estimates
Quality Guaranteed
Site Security & Hotel Security
Premchemltd@yahoo.co.uk
074332094394
Page 26
Providing ADR licensed chemical and powder transportation since 2012
0207 096 1835
www.paainteriors.co.uk
info@paainteriorsltd.co.uk
Lifestyle News
INTERIOR DESIGN, FIT OUT & DECORATING SPECIALISTS
Some of the biggest, most recognisable brands across the world owe their success to the fact that they’ve nailed their global marketing strategy. Brands like Airbnb and Coca-Cola are known for their almost universal messages, whether that’s being made possible by hosts or sharing happiness. In the age of the internet and social media, however, having a global marketing strategy is no longer only in the realm of the biggest companies. Almost any business can employ similar tactics and grow its global customer base. For example, by making localised social media pages or websites. Here, we’ll investigate some of the most successful global marketing strategies, why it's so important, and how businesses can develop their own. What is a global marketing strategy? Those who have studied an international business management degree will know that, in short, it’s a marketing strategy that encompasses several countries. The aim of this is to plan and coordinate marketing efforts so that they can be adapted to different markets and audiences, whilst remaining consistent with the overall brand. For some brands, their product will have a universal appeal that transcends borders or language barriers. But for all, it's vital to get to know the local culture and population and use that to inform a marketing strategy. What are the common methods of a global marketing strategy? On one side of the spectrum, there is standardisation, which means the same approach to marketing will be taken regardless of country. On the other end is localisation, where communications are adjusted depending on the area and audience. This can also include using either a centralised or de-centralised team. Having a centralised team means that all marketing efforts are standardised across the world. Decentralised, on the other hand, involves employing separate marketing teams for different areas. These will often be made up of people who are local to the area, the idea being that they will be better placed to make marketing decisions. Whether a business chooses between standardised, localised, or some combination of the two can be dependent on its brand, what markets they want to reach, and its overall goals. What are the benefits of having a global marketing strategy? While there are some challenges that will need to be addressed, such as language barriers and local laws, there are many benefits to a global marketing strategy. First and foremost, it gives businesses a chance to grow and gain new customers. Looking at how a business can expand globally also helps to home in on the values that are core to the brand and concretise its identity. It can also build the reputation of a business in different countries, establishing trust with customers across borders. Here are some of the companies that have aced their global marketing strategies. Airbnb Founded in 2008 in California, Airbnb has grown into the third most visited booking platform in the world. Globally, Airbnb currently has around 5.6 million active listings and 4 million hosts. For their global marketing strategy, Airbnb uses a combination of localised and standardised approaches. The overall message remains the same, “made possible by hosts”, a campaign launched in 2021. But by putting the focus on the hosts, Airbnb is also able to feel local. As part of its campaign, Airbnb captured photos and videos from some of its properties to create a sense of a more localised holiday experience. Getting locals involved as much as possible is a great way to create content that is far more appealing and relatable to other locals. McDonald’s The iconic golden arches of McDonald’s are well-known across the world. In fact, McDonald's currently operates over 40,000 restaurants in over 100 countries. While the brand’s visual identity remains the same, McDonald’s also adopts localised tactics to appeal to different tastes. It mainly does this through region-specific dishes that offer takes on local favourites. For example, in Hong Kong, you’d be able to order the Ebi Burger or the McArabia in Saudi Arabia. Even Ronald McDonald has a different name in Japan because it is difficult to pronounce in Japanese (he’s known as Donald McDonald instead). This approach means McDonald’s can have worldwide appeal but also offer menu items tailored to the local market. Red bull Much like Coca-Cola, Red Bull relies on a single stand-out design that helps build recognisability across borders. Where Red Bull’s global strategy really excels worldwide is through sponsorship of local extreme sporting events. From soap box racing to BMX championships, these sponsorships solidify Red Bull as a high-octane, high-energy brand. The genius of this is that Red Bull’s overall brand message is tied to the excitement and thrills of extreme sports, which won’t ever be lost in translation. Innocent Innocent currently operates in 15 countries across Europe, but this company is a good example of how to retain a consistent approach to marketing and branding. The way Innocent does this is through its tone of voice, which is consistently humorous and quirky. This allows Innocent to be captivating and entertaining across social media, which builds awareness and its reputation overseas as a light-hearted, fun-loving brand. Spotify To build its global marketing strategy, Spotify has taken advantage of the very nature of its product, which allows for an extremely localised marketing strategy. Thanks to the huge amounts of data Spotify collects about what its users are listening to, it is able to be customised not just by country or region but by individual users. Each user is served with their own personalised ‘daily mix’, which helps introduce users to new artists and for artists to reach audiences outside of their country much more easily. Data is also what drives Spotify’s yearly event Spotify Wrapped, which started in 2015 and went completely viral, gaining over 1 million shares. In 2020, that figure had risen to 60 million. Spotify Wrapped uses all the data from the year to reveal each user’s favourite tunes and podcasts. Through games, sharable statistics, and a lot of tongue-in-cheek humour, the success of Spotify Wrapped has made it a best-in-class example of how to do a global brand strategy. There are many benefits to building a global brand strategy. And although most businesses don’t have the reach or awareness of the likes of Spotify or Red Bull, they can still use similar tactics. Dependent on the brand, its products and its overall goal, a global marketing strategy is extremely useful and even necessary to widen its audience and find success across borders.
Page 29
How to Build a Global Marketing Strategy
Credit to source: Heriot-Watt University https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/study/undergraduate/international-business-management.htm
Page 31
Page 33
Mortgages Protection Pensions Investments
Initial consultation free of charge Steve Lomax Mortgages & Financial Services
The Predicted Growth of Construction: The Need for Increased Worker Safety in 2023
When it comes to industries that encounter hazards day to day, construction comes out on top. Research from HSE found that a quarter of the fatal injuries to workers in the UK occurred in the construction industry across 2021/22. This shows that there’s still work the UK must do to improve safety for construction workers. But even with room for improvement, it makes us wonder where some of the best places in the world are for workers in the industry. In this article, with some insights from van leasing company, Van Ninja, we look at the best places to work in construction, where some of the worst locations are, and what those countries towards the bottom of the safety pile should be looking to change to improve their placing on the list. Construction around the world: breaking down the best and the worst Workwear Guru, who supply construction clothing and apparel for sites and companies, conducted a survey in 2021 that looked at the best places to work in construction. These countries were ranked based on the average salaries available, the cost and quality of living in said country, and the safety of working conditions on these sites. From the findings of the survey, we can see that the top 10 best places for the industry is dominated by countries located in and west of Europe. Switzerland takes first place, followed by the UK in second, and then Belgium. However, this is the overall score and the country with lowest incident rate for accidents is Poland with just 4% of workforce reporting injuries while working. Singapore similarly has a low incident rate of 5%, and the UK also has a relatively low rate of accidents at 8%. On the opposite end of the scale, the list for the 10 worst places to work in construction features locations all over the globe. The worst place in the world for workplace safety is reported to be Myanmar in Asia with an incident rate of 58%. On-site safety: safety practices that can be implemented With shocking statistics like over half of construction workers in Myanmar – formerly known as Burma – reporting potentially fatal workplace incidents in construction, it shows that globally more attention can still be paid to improving the on-site safety. Incidents and accidents often happen due to a lack of awareness and preparation. This is why, before even beginning projects, workers should be adequately trained in safety practices that can be implemented to improving job site safety. These should include sections on awareness of the tools they are working with, the cleanliness of the site, and identifying potential hazards before they occur, as well as sections on communication with other members of the workforce to prevent potential hazards forming. The training shouldn’t just be down to those who’ll be operating equipment either. Site managers could benefit hugely from extra training focusing on proper supervision, monitoring, and reporting of the sites and any potential incident dangers or those that have occurred. Proper management of documentation and administrative processes around the safety of the workers should be reviewed to make sure they are of an appropriate standard. Having quality equipment to work with, both in terms of machinery to operate and protective clothing, is crucial to ensuring worker safety. If you’re on a site where a drill is required but the drill bit or body is of poor quality, there is the possibility of the operator of the equipment getting put in harm’s way. Similarly, there should always be the appropriate equipment for jobs. For example, if you have a lot of heavy goods that need transporting, exploring van leasing options can prove the ideal solution rather than stretching your current equipment thinner. Industry experts are predicting that construction will continue to grow into the new year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that the value for new orders was up 22.8% in only the first quarter of 2022. With more projects for companies to work on, an extra emphasis must be placed on worker safety to avoid any potential incidents that could not only injure your workforce, but subsequently slow down progress.
Credit to source : Van Ninja
Page 34
Page 35
Released on Amazon’s Prime Video, all five episodes of Business As Unusual star two businesses from Bristol – salon NOCO Hair and travel company Inside Travel Group. The series follows eight companies on a journey through lockdowns, re-openings and the every-day challenges faced by businesses across the UK. Narrated by Downton Abbey’s Phyllis Logan, the audience is given a fascinating bird’s eye view of business owners navigating through one of the most unpredictable periods in modern history with the guidance of a local business coach, Gary Keating. The series starts at the onset of the pandemic and grips viewers wondering if the business owner heroes will survive the toughest business conditions in living memory. The scenarios are real and some are seemingly impossible, not least the business partners with travel company, Inside Travel Group in Quay Street, specialising in tours to Japan – a country with one of the longest lockdown periods! Whilst NOCO Hair not only contends with lockdowns but also opens a second salon in Clifton in addition to their original salon in Redlands – all with strict guidelines to keep staff and customers safe and healthy. This series is perfect for anyone thinking of becoming a business owner, understanding the mindset and action needed during times of crisis. For those already fully immersed in business ownership, this show will draw parallels to situations you have faced, not only during the pandemic but on a daily basis. And for anyone looking for a heartfelt documentary showing how both professional and personal lives collided during the pandemic, this is a window into the lives of some business owners struggling to ensure the job security of their staff and families. “It was certainly an experience being followed around by a filming crew over the course of two of the most tumultuous years but I think it’s really important for people to see behind the scenes of businesses during that time. There are so many lessons to be learned which are valuable considering the current economic climate,” said Gary Keating from ActionCOACH Bristol. Search Business As Unusual on your Prime Video streaming service to watch now or follow this link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0B8RQCGTS/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
All businesses filmed: NOCO Hair, Bristol – Creative Director Noel Halligan & Managing Director Corey Taylor Inside Travel Group, Bristol – Co-Founders Alastair Donnelly & Simon King Woodlands Animal Sanctuary, Ormskirk – Trustee Vicki Maude Ruby & Daisy, Rossendale – Co-Founders Helena Hoyle & Louie Buckley Integrity Cleaning, London – Founder Luke Murfit MAES London, London – Founder & CEO Diana Kakkar Craft Republic, Barry – Co-Founders Claire & Tim Whalley Tiny Wizard, Abergavenny – Co-Founders Dave & Jess Morgan
Bristol Businesses Star in New Show on Amazon’s Prime Video