Frankly speaking NEW PM MUST
MOVE QUICKLY TO
PREVENT CLOSURES by Frank McKenna
Downtown Lancashire in Business
Our new Prime Minister has inherited a mountain of problems. But the need for a further intervention and the creation of business support packages to get businesses through the winter ought to be one of their first priorities.
Inflation and the cost-of-living crisis impacts on all of us adversely. However, whereas we are protected as domestic consumers from the huge hikes in energy costs, businesses have no such price-cap protection – and we have to pay the full 20 per cent VAT compared to five per cent for household gas and electricity.
That we have had an absentee government that has failed to intervene in this growing challenge over the summer is negligent. But unless urgent action is taken within the first month of the new PM’s arrival in Downing Street, then many companies, particularly those in the already struggling hospitality sector, will go to the wall.
Tax cuts are all well and good and are to be welcomed. The National
Insurance hike was a tax on jobs, and although there is a case for an increase in corporation tax, the time to hit business with additional costs is not now. The proposed jump from 19 per cent to 26 per cent by the former chancellor was excessive.
But on their own, a reduction in commitments to HMRC will not be enough. A more robust response to fuel and energy costs is essential.
The government should also look at extending payment periods on the bounce back loans companies were forced to take out during the pandemic. And, heresy to some in the Conservative Party I know, but a new trade deal with our nearest trading bloc the EU that will enable us to get the workforce we need is inevitable if we are to close the horrendous staff shortages gap that is now being experienced across a myriad of sectors.
Congratulations Prime Minister. I wish you all the very best of luck in your new job. You’re going to need it.
Karen Tems Director
/karen-tems-5963a6a
LEARN TO RELAX AND ENJOY
NETWORKING! Some people love walking into a room full of strangers. For others it can be a daunting prospect. But anyone can be a successful networker. It’s all about attitude, expectations and outlook.
If you fall into the latter camp, the easiest way to adjust your attitude into a more positive frame is to remember most people actually feel the same as you.
When you first enter the room, take a look around. If you’re looking at people as potential sales targets, you’re probably causing yourself more anxiety than is necessary and setting yourself up for a fall. But if you look at people as people, with stories to tell, representing interesting and diverse businesses that you have a curiosity to learn more about, then you’re making it easier on yourself and them.
So when you approach someone to say hello, make it about them, not about you. People love to talk about themselves when asked. So what better way to introduce yourself than by asking someone about themselves, where they’ve come from, who they are looking to meet?
CONFERENCE ON THE LEVEL
Expert insiders will share their insights into the Lancashire’s potential to ‘Level Up’ at a conference taking place on Thursday, September 29 at Blackpool Football Club.
The county’s various bids for government funds total almost half a billion pounds and will be the main focus of the Built Environment Conference.
The event is supported by Anderton Gables, Blackpool Makes It Work and Harrison Drury Solicitors and will feature guest speakers.
They will include Tom Higgins, director at Laing O’Rourke, who has worked on major developments across the North West and Nick Gerrard, Blackpool’s growth and prosperity programme director. John Chesworth, who chairs the Preston Towns Fund Board, is another confirmed speaker.
The hand-picked panel will discuss and debate the various levelling up bids as well as the wider opportunities and challenges facing the county, and address questions
such as the county’s identity and what roles Lancashire’s built environment professionals may play in designing and delivering levelling up projects.
There will also be discussions surrounding latest updates on property and property investment in Lancashire, supply chain opportunities and your chance to have your say on the hot topics that matter.
This event, presented by Lancashire Business View, is designed for those who work in, influence or are affected by investment in the county’s built environment and will feature face-to-face interviews and panel conversations.
And there’ll be plenty of time away from the formal proceedings for you to forge new contacts and start the relationships that create the workflow with networking opportunities and exhibition.
Tickets are now available and include light breakfast, refreshments and lunch. The event will also be reviewed in full in Lancashire Business View’s Property Report.
LANCASHIREBUSINESSVIEW.CO.UK
Showing an interest in others is easy. And if they ask you the same questions back, then great. But still don’t sell. Just talking is the way to form connections that can bear fruit later.
Networking is all about getting to know people and allowing them to get to know you. The business end usually comes outside the meeting, when the connections you have made come across somebody who requires your products or services. When accompanied by some lunchtime drinks and a nice meal, that’s not so daunting, is it?
The Business Network Central & East Lancashire hosts a variety of
networking events at quality venues across Lancashire. To find out more, go to
www.bncel.co.uk
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