BUSINESS REPORT


EAST WEST RAIL – ROUTE ANNOUNCEMENT


Tim Scurlock-Lead Consultant


THREE LESSONS FROM THE COVID-19 CRISIS


Covid-19 has disrupted markets and is threatening to herald recession for businesses across the UK unless they change. Lockdown restrictions have


forced us to re-assess how we work, and our ability to thrive in a post-Covid environment depends on how we react to these challenges. ALC believes the three priority areas that all companies need to address are: 1) Re-think your safety stock levels and supply chain. There’s a science to determining the ‘right’ level of stock based on criticality, lead time and variability of supply and demand, and you should understand this. Consider too dual sourcing for key components, to guard against selective regional shutdowns over the next 12-18 months. 2) Shorten your lead-time. If your lead time is 16 weeks, shortening it to four weeks could mean halving your stock, reducing working capital tied up in your business and give you the agility to react to rapidly changing customer demand. 3) Assess your dependence on essential skills. If key parts of your business have to close down, what impact will that have? If your warehouse manager or buyer is off sick for 12 weeks do you have the skill set in place to cope until they recover? Written procedures, established routines and standard daily checks/controls would help you to fill their shoes should the worst happen. Making plans now for a post-


Covid-19 future will help business adjust to the new normal. ALC have the skills,


experience and resources to help you address these problems. Make use of our free of charge, no-obligation, 15-minute Zoom consultation facility.


Email: info@appliedleanconsulting.com Visit: www.appliedleanconsulting.com


8 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2020


The preferred route corridor for the East West Rail Central Section between Bedford and Cambridge has been announced. The chosen option is Route E,


which sees the railway go to Bedford Station and then leave Bedford to the north before turning east. There will be a new station between St Neots and Sandy and one at Cambourne with the railway then connecting to the existing railway at Cambridge. The shaded area on the plan shows the broad corridor in which the railway will lie. Cllr Mark Shaw, chairman of the


East West Rail Consortium (an alliance of local authorities which produced the original business case for the scheme), has hailed the preferred route between Bedford and Cambridge as a ‘landmark moment’ in the scheme’s history. “The Central Section between Bedford and Cambridge has always been the most challenging part of planning East West Rail, given that,


unlike the section west of Bedford, it requires a completely new route.” Robinson & Hall, Land and


Property Professionals were founded in 1882 and have developed into a modern, multi-disciplinary practice offering a comprehensive range of services and is acting for a number of landowners along the route. East West Rail’s agents are currently approaching landowners within the preferred corridor for access to carry


out survey work. We would suggest that landowners take professional advice on the licence terms which are being offered.


If you would like Robinson & Hall to advise you on your rights and the process of the scheme then please contact Polly Sewell, Partner & Rural Surveyor on 01234 362933 or email pkts@robinsonandhall.co.uk


TOM GIBBS BECOMES A PRINCIPAL AT HILLIER HOPKINS


Chartered accountants and tax advisers Hillier Hopkins is delighted to announce that Tom Gibbs, personal tax expert and director in their London office, became a principal at the firm on 1 April 2020. Tom has been with Hillier Hopkins for 12 years and


advises their high net worth clients, their families and associated companies on tax matters. He has a particular expertise in property taxation and advises international clients on suitable investment vehicles for investing in UK property and businesses. In addition to individuals, Tom’s


clients also include businesses in the advertising, media, property, film & TV industries. Tom said: “I am honoured to be


‘I AM HONOURED


TO BE INVITED TO JOIN THE


PARTNERSHIP’


invited to join the partnership and even at this time of unprecedented uncertainty, I’m confident our firm are well equipped to support our staff and clients now and in the future.” The firm sees Tom as a key part of the future


development and growth of their services in London. Visit: www.hillierhopkins.co.uk


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