MEMBER ZONE
STEPPING UP TO PROVIDE HELP
When a crisis is unfolding, one of the great strengths of small businesses is the ability to tap into the Dunkirk spirit. Staff can look around to see how their skills and services can be of use to the community. They can make decisions quickly. They can get the team working on something new in a flash. And that’s exactly what Braunston Print, based in Woodford Halse near Daventry, have done. As soon as this pandemic struck,
they were looking around to see where they could help. Step one was to pull together a team of partners who could produce much needed face shields for care homes, medical centres, and other parts of the NHS. With valuable contributions from Grunwald, providing materials such as plastic for the visors, Smoke & Mirrors, originators of the design used, and Kitronik, kit and parts suppliers, the Braunston Print crew made and donated over 2,000 face shields during lockdown. However, now restrictions have
started to ease, they’re not stopping there. Step two has kicked
Director Chris Braunston
in and they’ve turned their hands to supplying clear roller banners to act as portable shields as well. You may have already spotted them in local hairdressers, spas, shops, and gyms. And some music schools will be using them from September for music lessons. Instant portable pop-up protection! What a creative way to help open things up. Hey, Braunston Print, what have you got your eye on next?
Visit:
www.braunstonprint.co.uk
MANAGE DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE
Simon Baylis Associates are working in partnership with Blue Tulip Consultancy to provide organisations with effective support on equality and business cultural issues, in order to support business to get the best from their people. In 2010 the Equality Act pulled together 116
separate pieces of existing legislation and it now covers nine ‘protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation. Discrimination is still seen by many as endemic in our society and can
be destructive in the workplace, with many examples of ‘microaggressions’ taking place often in the form of unconscious bias. At Simon Baylis Associates, their experience shows that simply adhering to the legislation and relying on politically correct notions is not enough. Specific action is needed to support all colleagues in their careers. Organisational culture is defined by its underpinning values and
expressed in the behaviours of its people – ‘you are what you do’. Consistent behaviours that align with values mean that all of your people can give their best and ensure that customers are delighted. Highly effective organisations confirm that helping every person be
the best they can be, is a major factor in business success. The team at Simon Baylis Associates have seen some businesses be
quick to react; supported by sound processes, these firms are countering discrimination in the workplace with an inclusive culture made up of clearly identified behaviours and honest conversations. Simon Baylis Associates are happy to offer an initial advisory meeting
with any member to explore any questions on managing diversity. Visit:
www.baylis.biz
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 inbusiness 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
