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news opinion


The majority of small business owners treat their employees fairly ...


They and their staff enjoy a mutual respect, and there is flexibility on both sides in terms of work/life balance.


The days of the ’boss’ and the ’worker’ are long gone, and most small businesses operate in an environment free of demarcation.


That is not to say that employment legislation is unnecessary. Protection for employees who are discriminated against, treated unfairly, bullied or dismissed summarily is vital. If this legislation diminishes an employee’s sense of vulnerability, then it can only help create a stable and well-run workplace – to the benefit of both owner and employee.


But there are cases – few, it must be said – where employees try it on, where they look to exploit employment laws for their own purposes.


A recent survey by the Forum of Private Business found that employers were concerned by the lack of balance in employment legislation. They wanted the rules to protect them as much as they do employees.


This is particularly relevant where an employee makes a ’vexatious claim’ against their employer, one that can tie up the company in a costly and time-consuming defence.


The FPB says that where an employee brings a case lacking substantial merit, the business should be allowed to recover costs from the claimant. At the same time, judges should be allowed to strike out weak and vexatious claims against business owners.


We believe the best answer in these cases is for an independent mediation process to take place, and for any decisions made by a mediation panel to be legally enforceable on employees as well as employers.


The UK’s compensation culture not only chokes business growth, it also sends the wrong message to society. Reducing blame and claim, and increasing personal and corporate responsibility is the only way forward.


David Murray, Publisher Tim Addison briefs David Cameron on Freepower www.businessmag.co.uk


From left: Mike Enser, British powerboat champion Shelley Jory-Leigh and Sally Lynskey


Boat Show is ’a magnet for investment’


New figures revealed to business leaders at a special briefing organised by Business Southampton have revealed how valuable the PSP Southampton Boat Show is in boosting the city region’s economy. An estimated £11 million contribution to the city


economy breaks down with: 65% of visitors shopping in the city, 40% visiting a restaurant or bar, and 12% staying in a hotel or B&B.


Marketing manager for National Boat Shows Mike Enser commented: “12% of visitors staying in hotels and


B&Bs equates to 15,000 people, and that’s not including the exhibitors.“ He said the PSP Southampton Boat Show was the only major event of its kind to show a growth in visitor numbers, but by working more closely with city businesses, Enser felt both could benefit.


Proposed new features for the 2011 Show include more of a festival feel to appeal to a wider audience; online marketing to focus on what Southampton has to offer in terms of hotels, B&Bs, bars and restaurants, as well as the Show, so visitors can book a package; live cookery demonstrations and maritime authors speaking about their books; and expert advice on how to sharpen sailing technique.


Business Southampton CEO Sally Lynskey told City Champions attending the briefing, which was held at Best Western Chilworth Manor, the event was much more than a boat show. “We are rightly proud as a city to have the PSP Southampton Boat Show on our doorstep. The value is absolutely huge – you are not just supporting a boat show or a day out for the family. It is a magnet for investment in the local economy and is a great place to do business.“


Sometimes it pays to turn on the lights


A Hampshire green energy company is making power to the people a free reality for scores of homeowners across the region. Ringwood-based Freestyle Energy, which specialises in installing solar panels and other environmentally-sound power sources to homes and businesses, is celebrating a successful first year of the innovative Freepower for the People initiative, which


sees people get paid for switching on the lights.


In the past year, 150 homes have taken advantage of the group purchasing scheme, which helps neighbours work together to bulk purchase green energy systems at a hefty discount and then get paid for every watt of power they generate. Each system saves around a tonne of carbon dioxide


annually from being pumped into the atmosphere, helping to combat global warming.


Started by Sean Kingdon 16 years ago, serial Hampshire entrepreneur Tim Addison invested in Freestyle Energy last year and launched the innovative Freepower scheme. Addison is best known for founding Chandler’s Ford-based training provider New Career Skills which specialises in training domestic green engineers.


He won the backing of PM David Cameron for the Freepower scheme at a recent meeting.


In the June issue of The Business Magazine


• Corporate Finance • Focus on Portsmouth • Innovation South


Details: 0118-9745308 sales@elcot.co.uk


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – MAY 2011


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