business focus EXECUTIVE EDUCATION


OPEN PROGRAMMES BE EXCEPTIONAL. THE HENLEY WAY.


For Pete’s sake, mind the gap


Jelf’s continuing commitment to Reading


Jelf is delighted to announce its relocation to a prestigious new office on Thames Valley Park Drive


henley.ac.uk/open


Stumbling from a tube train in London, I made a mental note to take more notice of the “mind the gap” signs in bright yellow paint, writes Mark Swain, director of partnerships at Henley Business School


Why didn’t I see the gap between train and platform – the very wide gap, between a very long train and a very curved platform? I was too focused on the emails on my smartphone, failing to see what was around me. And that made me think about business – those companies that are so focused on the here and now that they fall down some obvious gaps.


Here’s an example. I’m seeing too many companies slowing down or shutting off their training provision, or just doing what’s required for compliance. Doesn’t that cause skills gaps that are almost impossible to back-fill later? It’s a double- whammy – managers are less able to do their day job, plus this lack of fundamental training reduces their ability to absorb the more advanced learning that comes later (the learning that’s crucial to creating value). Put bluntly, that’s like trying to master something without first learning the basics – like buying a


Diana Richards 01491 418767 exec@henley.ac.uk henley.ac.uk/thp @HenleyExecEd


28 businessmag.co.uk THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – FEBRUARY 2017


Gibson Les Paul guitar when you can’t even strum.


I sound like I’m knocking finance people, for cutting costs and deliberately making marketing and training the first to go. But I’m just as concerned with the accidental gap. For example, a major bank’s HR team told me they are “reviewing their talent strategy”, hiring a new director of talent, and would then be deciding on their training provision. That sounds like a six month (and probably 12-18 month) gap – accidentally leaving managers and leaders to do their jobs, without the training support they most obviously need.


Does this sound like a plug for learning at Henley Business School? Maybe, but that’s not really my point. It’s your choice how you provide training, mentoring and coaching. Just make sure there is always something readily available. For Pete’s sake, mind the gap.


Mark Swain also runs The Henley Partnership.


The new premises will allow Jelf to house its insurance, financial planning, employee benefits and Later Life pre-retirement services all under one roof, providing greater accessibility for our clients.


This is an exciting time for Jelf, as the move underscores its long-term commitment to the area. It has been very prominent in Reading for a number of years, and colleagues are looking forward to the opportunities that the new office will bring.


“This is a really positive move for Jelf”, says Jerry Wilson, regional managing director. “We have been working with clients in Reading and the Thames Valley since the 1920s. Our new office provides a fantastic 21st century working environment for our colleagues that will enable us to successfully grow our business whilst continuing to meet the needs of our diverse client base and clients to be for years to come.”


The new address is Ground floor West, 300 TVP2, Thames Valley Park Drive, Reading, RG6 1PT, and you can still contact Jelf on the same number; 0118 983 9800.


Jelf is a leading consultancy supporting businesses and individuals with expert advice on matters relating to insurance, employee benefits, health insurance and financial planning. Its purpose is simple: to build a long- lasting relationship with clients and to become their trusted adviser. Jelf has 36 offices across England and Wales, and in December 2015 became part of Marsh & McLennan Companies.


0118 9839800 jelfgroup.com


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