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news opinion
For the first time in 25 years, youth unemployment has risen above one million
There are more 16-24 year olds out of work than at any time since 1992.
How do we in business help them? How can we be encouraged to employ young people, so that they don’t sit on the dole feeling worthless?
It’s no surprise, when you hear the economists’ predictions about lack of growth next year, and the concerns across Europe that another downturn looms, that companies are being cautious about increasing their headcount.
But it’s imperative that the Government helps businesses, in particular small businesses, by incentivising them to take on young people. If it fails to do this, the UK will fall behind in the skills race and will be further weakened on the world stage.
With one in five young people now out of work, something needs to be done. There are lots of bright ideas out there – and one that we like comes from RSM Tenon.
The firm calls for a radical shake- up in personal taxation to boost employment. It is petitioning the Government to demand UK entrepreneurs pay a much lower rate of personal tax if they provide new job opportunities.
RSM Tenon would like to see tax credits of up to 25% for substantial shareholders in private businesses that hire new staff.
Many small businesses would jump at this. Entrepreneurs are currently paying the highest level of tax for 30 years, so cutting the tax burden in this way would be a major benefit.
And the biggest argument in its favour? It will cost the Government precisely nothing. Any reduction in the tax take would be offset by lower state benefits. A win-win.
David Murray Publisher
www.businessmag.co.uk
The big winners
An international company that “leads in its field, driving strategies of growth, innovation and sustainability in the global marketplace while maintaining its Thames Valley roots” was the big winner in the 2011 Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards.
Symantec, based in Reading, has evolved to become one of the world’s largest software companies, and is the market leader in security solutions for computers.
Clive Bunyan, vice-present, human resources, kissed the trophy as Thames Valley Business of the Year, presented to him by Christopher Avery, managing partner of sponsor Pitmans.
Other big winners were:
• Wireless Logic – which has shown “exceptional organic financial growth at 50% and is now embarking into European markets with its leading-edge operating model”, and was the winner of the Deloitte Dynamic Business Award.
• Bottomline Technologies – chosen because of “its obvious commitment to creating an excellent working environment” – which won the Vail Williams Best Company to Work For award.
• SDL – which “clearly demonstrated through the qualities of leadership a company-wide culture where everyone is engaged to play their part for the better of the business” – which won the RBS Business Management Team Award.
• Phabrix – “a business very much at the forefront of its sector, which has demonstrated rapid growth and excellent profit margins” – which won the James Cowper SME of the Year award.
Oxfordjet and MasterCard take off to exclusive partnership
Oxfordjet, the business aviation services provider at London Oxford Airport, has signed a three-year exclusive agreement to provide bespoke flight solutions to users of the MasterCard World Elite card within Europe.
World Elite, recently rebranded from World Signia, is MasterCard’s exclusive brand which offers cardholders a range of VIP benefits including access to dedicated concierge services, global travel, luxury hotels, private jets and lifestyle experiences from major global brands. The World Elite service also offers users personal trip planning assistance.
The partnership with Oxfordjet gives cardholders access to private air charter quotes tailored to an individual’s needs on a dedicated number. Oxfordjet will coordinate any booking on behalf of the clients, ensuring they have the best value and most efficient options available to them.
London Oxford Airport in Kidlington established its Oxfordjet executive business aviation terminal facility in 2008. Since then the award- winning FBO (fixed base operation) has steadily built up a number of value-added services for its private aviation clients including charter flight services, arranging helicopter shuttles and assisting all manner of clients from wedding couples to corporate users, dignitaries and even an orchestra and choir.
From light twin piston air taxis to larger airliner bookings for major events and group travel, Oxfordjet has gained significant growth in its charter services arm with the added advantage of an in-depth knowledge of the ground handling and onward ground transportation requirements critical for seamless point-to-point private air transport use.
James Dillon-Godfray, business development director at London Oxford Airport, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with
MasterCard on this exclusive service to their high-end card users. World Elite card holders will now have a one-stop-shop to ensure they get the very best customer service when it comes to coordinating their needs for any private aircraft or indeed helicopter charter.”
Details:
www.oxfordjet.com www.londonoxfordairport.com
In the February issue of The Business Magazine
• Meetings & Your Business • HR Focus • Great Places to Work • Funding Your Business
For more details:
0118-9766411
sales@elcot.co.uk
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – DECEMBER 11/JANUARY 12
• And Andrews & Wykeham – a company “which has grown its revenues from zero to £7 million in three years, with 97% of those revenues derived from exports” – which won the DediPower Thames Valley Export Award.
The Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards were staged at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre, with special guest Lord Digby Jones telling the 36 finalists they should all be proud of their achievements over the past year.
Full story: pages 44 - 50
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