recruitment 11


Seminar introduces Thames Valley employers to new pensions legislation


To help employers understand the challenges of pensions auto-enrolment Hays, the leading recruiting expert, hosted a seminar in Reading in partnership with Barclays Corporate & Employer Solutions and NEST (National Employment Savings Trust)


New legislation makes it compulsory for employers to enrol their eligible workers into a workplace pension scheme. The seminar aimed to help employers understand the implications of these changes and was attended by 60 local organisations and HR professionals.


Chris Goulding, director of Hays in Reading, said: “We know that many employers have questions about their responsibilities under the new legislation, particularly if they employ temporary or contract workers through a recruitment agency. We are confident that these seminars will help employers understand the requirements of the new legislation, and reassure them of the arrangements we have put in place for temporary workers employed by Hays.


“1,300 employers have signed up to our nationwide series of seminars so far, and 95% of those who have already attended now feel more confident about their preparation for auto-enrolment.”


At the seminar, Mark Miller and Caroline Howes, from Barclays Corporate & Employer Solutions explained the requirements of auto-enrolment as well as some of the challenges employers face in achieving a successful outcome to the project. Miller said: “The requirements of auto-enrolment may appear to some to be relatively straightforward, but as with much new legislation, the devil is in the detail. We are participating in these seminars to help companies get to grips with the importance of planning ahead as well as of viewing auto-enrolment in the context


of their wider employee benefits strategy.”


Nigel Pettinger, director of customer services at NEST, the workplace pension scheme set up for automatic enrolment and designed to meet the needs of people who are new to pensions saving, explained the features of the scheme. Commenting on the success of the seminar, Pettinger said: "Whether employers plan to use an existing scheme or bring in a new one for some or all of their workers, they need to think about how to implement the necessary changes. This includes everything from organising data and systems to telling workers what’s happening. Being able to take part


Chris Goulding, director of Hays in Reading


in seminars such as these gives us an opportunity to talk with employers and help them plan the process of meeting their duties."


For more information on enrolling your temporary workers, contact Chris Goulding.


Details: Chris Goulding 0118-9591751 www.hays.co.uk


For more information on NEST: www. nestpensions.org.uk


news


White Knight launches £10 million investment programme with new look


Caversham based White Knight Laundry Services has kick-started its £10 million investment programme with a new brand identity.


The striking purple livery and white knight helmet icon, created out of origami style folded linen, has been designed to capture the heritage of the 109 year old business and its Royal Warrant status, whilst reflecting its commitment to innovation and quality.


The bold and modern look is the first phase of a four year programme that will see the introduction of a fully-automated laundry, gas powered dryers and ironing presses. The new technology will make White Knight one


of the most advanced and eco-friendly laundry and dry cleaning companies in the UK.


The investment programme will also include the expansion of the George Street site and creation of up to 50 new jobs.


Says managing director Robert Adams: “We’re intent on building a business that will last for at least another 100 years. The regal purple background with crisp white linen symbolises our quality and attention to detail.


It differentiates us in


the market place. With the investment we’re making in state of the art processes, we can continue to provide exceptional laundry services


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – APRIL 2013


Robert Adams, managing director, with six new delivery vehicles with the new branding


more efficiently and with a smaller carbon footprint.”


The new branding will be rolled out across the company over the coming months and can already be seen on a new vehicle fleet, staff uniforms and website.


White Knight’s association with its base in George Street dates back to before 1904.


Today, White Knight provides laundry and linen hire services to businesses in the hotel, restaurant, education, healthcare and industrial sectors, as well as to domestic customers.


It operates across


the Thames Valley, London, the Midlands, South East and South West of England and employs 300 staff across four sites.


www.businessmag.co.uk


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