INFORMATION


Visitor economy is the subject of timely review


Vital research into the future of a sector employing more than 65,000 people across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire has been commissioned in a major study. The Visitor Economy, including


tourism, is one of D2N2’s eight key sectors identified as ones where the LEP area (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire) has or could develop a competitive advantage. Organisations including D2N2


Local Enterprise Partnership, visitor economy groups Visit Nottinghamshire and Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire County, Derby City and Derbyshire County councils, commissioned experts Hotel Solutions to research the current state and possible future of visitor accommodation in the area. Around 250 accommodation


business owners were interviewed. Peak District National Park Authority, major tourist sites and local authorities in the area were also consulted. Researchers found more than


2,000 visitor accommodation businesses operating across the LEP


Areas such as Higger Tor in the Peak District generate substantial numbers of visitors to the area


‘The Visitor Economy sector is a major local employer in cities and market towns’


area, managing 70,000 ‘bed spaces’, capable of providing almost 26 million overnight stays annually. David Ralph, Chief Executive of


D2N2, said: “The visitor accommodation study is a significant and timely piece of research. “The Visitor Economy sector is a


major local employer in cities and market towns, and we have terrific natural assets already attracting tourists such as the Peak District and


Sherwood Forest. It makes sense for us to look afresh at how we can all help the sector develop new markets, better meet demand and extend its ‘season’ to provide a more year-round income for businesses.”


For more information on how D2N2 is helping the Visitor Economy sector, visit www.d2n2lep.org/key- sectors/visitor-economy


Switching ISP may not be simple


Chris House (pictured), Director of MJR Computer Solutions, the IT arm of chartered accountants Mark J Rees, argues that businesses tempted to switch to a new internet service provider (ISP) run the risk of unexpected downtime and lost emails.


While ISP sales staff stress that switching is simple, it rarely is and MJR Computer Solutions has had to ride to the rescue of several businesses. One business, for example, with a network of ten computers, suddenly stopped receiving emails. The ISP had sent over a new router which


the business had simply plugged in. Although access to the internet was immediate, the IP address for the business email systems had changed. This meant once the old service had been switched off, emails were disappearing into the ether. If they can’t find a destination server, they are lost.


There is nothing wrong in principle with changing ISP, however anticipating what problems might be encountered can prevent serious headaches. Providers can woo customers into new arrangements without businesses


recognising the need for planning. Addressing a potential problem in advance is better than trying to tackle it at a later stage. No business can afford to be without access to the


web and email for several days at a time. Don’t assume changing provider will be a piece of cake. If you have IT support available to you, take advantage of it.


Paul Norbury


Older workers are valuable to the economy


The UK could boost its GDP by around £80bn at today’s values - a 4.2% increase in GDP - if the employment rate of workers aged over 55 matched that of Sweden, the highest-performing EU country, according to PwC’s Golden Age Index. PwC compared the


employment of older workers across 34 countries and found a 12% gap between the employment rates of workers aged 55-64 in the UK and Sweden. PwC’s Golden Age Index is


a weighted average of indicators – including employment, earnings and training – that reflects the labour market impact of workers aged over 55. The UK has remained in the middle rankings since 2003. The East Midlands has one


of the highest employment rates of older workers aged 50-65 at 71.1%, compared to a UK average of 70.0%. Paul Norbury, Senior Office


Partner for PwC in the East Midlands, said: “This analysis shows regions with higher older worker employment rates tend to be higher performing regions in terms of GVA and have higher employment rates too. “The life experience of older


workers make them hugely valuable to the modern workforce.”


Survey outlines a need for communication


A Regus survey has shown how remote-working professionals within small businesses expect to stay in touch with managers. With new ways of working come


new challenges, particularly for those managing a remote workforce. A new survey from global workspace provider Regus has identified the expectations of professionals within small


businesses relating to flexible working and performance. Regus surveyed workers across


the UK to understand attitudes towards remote working reporting and management. Results show regular contact is


key, and the immediacy of instant messaging is a crucial tool in today’s business environment. Seventy-three per cent of small


business respondents agreed that remote workers and managers should remain connected via instant messaging apps as well as telephone. Frequent phone communication


remains important, with 84% of small business workers believing managers should speak with remote employees several times a week. Over half (57%) believe video


calls should be implemented at least once a week. Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus,


said: “This survey gives a clear indication of current expectations of UK professionals. However, this is not a ‘once and done’ exercise. Regular assessment of tools and techniques is essential as striking the right balance will deliver immediate benefits to both parties.”


business network September 2017 51


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