Business News Investment key to boosting productivity
Investing in leadership and people management skills is key to businesses boosting productivity, according to a report released by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. The majority of respondents (98
per cent) to the Chamber’s Growth Through People: 2018 Campaign Outcomes report believe there is a clear link between investment in leadership and people management skills and improved productivity. But 32 per cent do not feel their
organisation has a clear strategy in place on investing in these skills. The report, sponsored by South
& City College Birmingham, was compiled on the back of the Chamber’s Growth Through People campaign – a month-long programme of workshops, seminars, panel discussions and thought leadership content designed to help businesses boost productivity through effective employee management. Henrietta Brealey, director of
policy and strategic relationships at GBCC, said: “Our research demonstrates that businesses in the region see a clear link between investment in leadership and people management skills and improved productivity. “However, a significant
proportion of employers are not Leadership is key: Henrietta Brealey
‘The right training and development activity can offer significant mid and long term gains’
making proactive plans in this space. Boosting productivity is a top priority for both local and national stakeholders. Our research suggests that improving investment in these skills should be high on the agenda in policy programmes such as the Industrial Strategy. “It also shows that more individual businesses could benefit from investing in these skills.” The report also identifies the
main barriers preventing employers from investing in leadership and people management skills. While budgetary concerns were a significant barrier for 31 per cent
of respondents, the most commonly cited issue was lack of staff time (41 per cent). Ms Brealey added: “For many of
us, time is our most valuable asset. However, it is important for employers and employees to look beyond the short term cost of being out of the business. “The right training and
development activity can offer significant mid and long term gains in improved performance. “We look forward to the return
of our Growth Through People campaign in 2019.” Mike Hopkins, Principal of South
Job seekers value ethics over salary
Working for an ethical company is more important to jobseekers in the Midlands than salary or promotion prospects, according to a major employment market report. The 14th annual Blue Book survey, led by Birmingham-based
Reabrook in 50 year celebration
A Leicestershire-company is celebrating its 50th birthday. The company is Moira-based Reabrook Limited, which began life in 1968 as a small business called Arrow Chemicals in South Derbyshire. Half a century later, the company
has developed into Reabrook, a manufacturer of speciality chemical products for the personal care, automotive, industrial and household sectors. A milestone for the company
was its acquisition in 1987 by Yule Catto PLC, but it was returned to private ownership in 2006 with a management buy-out by current owners Malcom Watkins and Tony Brealey.
18 CHAMBERLINK June 2018
recruitment firm Katie Bard and its parent company the Angela Mortimer Group, revealed that 51 per cent of candidates in the Midlands rank an ethical employer as their top criteria. The ethical, environmental and CSR credentials make an employer more
attractive to those in the region ahead of an equal 47 per cent putting career progression and working environment in their top three reasons to join a company – and an above average salary sitting at less than 40 per cent. Verity Stokes (pictured), director of Katie Bard,
said: “The top three criteria of ethics, progression and environment sit above a better than average salary for candidates. “Interestingly, while employers consider a
positive working environment, career progression and above average salary as what matters most to candidates, they only rate ethical, environmental and CSR as seventh. “This shows that in order to be successful
in finding talent in this competitive market, companies need to understand what attracts a potential hire, and must consider their branding and whole package to secure the best.”
& City College Birmingham, said: “The Growth Through People campaign confirms the importance of effective leadership and management to our economy and its importance to the productivity agenda. South and City College Birmingham has already recognised this challenge and has been working closely with the Chartered Institute of Management to provide a portfolio of high quality courses, online learning materials and Management Apprenticeships.” The 2018 Growth Through People campaign comprised of 17 free-to- access workshops and thought leadership events. It was attended by more than 450 delegates. Delegate feedback demonstrated
the impact the campaign had on participating employers:
• 9/10 learned something new that they intended to apply in their own organisation
• 95 per cent would be likely to attend future Growth Through People events
• 93 per cent felt the event they attended met their expectations
To find out more about the Growth Through People campaign and to view the full report, visit:
www.greaterbirminghamchambers .com/GTP
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