You are currently browsing the Blog - EMS - Business Consultants weblog archives for March, 2010.
30/03/2010 by Geoff.
The Department for Work and Pensions, have estimated that the new “fit notes” may benefit the Economy by an estimated GBP 240 million over the next 10 years.
The new “fit notes” scheme commences on 6th April 2010.
Written by Simone Greasley - our HR specialist
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30/03/2010 by Phil.
PTLLS is a qualification called Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Learning Sector. I have just started college for the next 12 weeks to take that level 4 qualification as part of the NVQ delivery for Business Improvement Techniques. The first sessions covered Ground Rules, Roles, Responsibilities and Boundaries. Looking forward to the homework every week (!!!!!!!!). If you would like to know more about the qualification check out these websites:
http://www.cityandguilds.com/17976.html
http://www.get-licensed.co.uk/ptlls7303
Posted in Tips and Ideas, Company News | No Comments »
22/03/2010 by Geoff.
From 6th April 2010, “fit notes” will be introduced in the UK. GP’s will no longer provide employees with “sick notes”. The Government’s “fit note” will allow a GP more scope for comment on the employee’s capacity to return to work. They now have the opportunity to state that the employee “may be fit for work” if some adjustments are made by the employer. They can also comment on the effect the employee’s condition has on their health and what kind of adjustments would aid the employee in returning to work. There are boxes within the form that the GP can tick such as reduced working hours or amended duties. The GP’s suggestions are not binding on the employer.
If the employer cannot make the adjustments suggested by the GP, the employer will be able to treat the employee as if they had been declared “not fit for work”. Of course, the GP can still declare the employee as “not fit for work” too.
More next week………
Written by Simone Greasley - our HR specialist
Posted in Current Issues | No Comments »
22/03/2010 by Phil.
I was reminded the other day, just how important it is to have people within your business making decisions at the right level and empowered to see those decisions through. The scenario was that the management team were all very busy people (running the business as you would expect) and, as with any new project, it was difficult for them to give it the right level of attention. Two managers took separate decisions to move staff in their teams and dedicated them to the project in question. Within weeks the two individuals became the ‘authority’ and the project started to fly.
Never underestimate the knowledge and drive of the people that work for you and the credit you will get for empowering them.
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15/03/2010 by Phil.
No it’s not the computer game from the 80’s (or was it even the 70’s - can I remember that far back?).
In this case PAC stands for Productivity and Competitiveness analysis. I have just been trained on the technique and am about to be registered as a PAC analyst (there are about 300 in the country). I am sure that you use good KPI’s in your business and from some basic accounting and production data these measures can be used to focus in on where the business may need to concentrate it’s attention inorder to improve. The measures are:
Watch this space and I will keep you updated on progress and projects.
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15/03/2010 by Geoff.
Most small businesses build their business on the trust their clients have in them. Even larger businesses have a proportion of their clients that would say this is the reason they trade with a supplier (product or service). This is commendable but what about growing the customer base. The business may try to convince future potential clients of the trust offer but in realitty the client will only be convinced if they try the product or service, or take up a reference - this may be perceived as a risk by the potential client. So whilst trust is a pre-requisite how is this complimented in helping the company to grow?
The answer to this is that the company must ensure that they develop a strong offer and market this effectively to potential clients. In other words they must make their offer attractive to potential clients (try satisfying there needs with your offer) and deliver on them. If they don’t the potential for trust and growth is blown!!!
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08/03/2010 by Geoff.
We have completed the latest update of our website.
There are:
Don’t forget our Goal is to make our clients more successful. If you’d like to see something on our site to help you then let us know - we update once a quarter - but don’t forget in the blog your reading there’s something new every week.
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08/03/2010 by Geoff.
Whilst driving round the country I started to think about the ever growing distribution centres / estates.
Yes they might be close to our motorways but if they’re not close to end users then what about their carbon foot print?
As already mentioned there seems to be lots of new buildings springing up. This got me thinking how many of these businesses manage the build and move themselves? This type of project needs specific skills and should not be dealt with as an add on to normal activities. Doing it this way is fraught with danger the project could:
Avoid these by getting an expert in - they go away when the project is completed successfully!
The imput of additional resource and or expertise can pay dividends.
I’d be interested to hear you views on distribution centres?
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01/03/2010 by Geoff.
Our MD is a Leicester Tigers fan and recently reached a milestone age - desretion prevents mentioning the number!!
His wife Linda and family organised a surprise, arranging a hospitality package at the recent game against Bath Rugby in the LV cup. Tigers won.
An additional surprise was our sponsorship of the match ball. Geoff met Engand and Tigers player Tom Croft and was presented with a signed ball at the end of the match.
All the best Geoff.
Written by Phil
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01/03/2010 by Phil.
I have now finished the RITA course which supplemented and tested my knowledge on the LEAN syllabus that we cover on the NVQ BIT courses (Business Improvement Techniques). I am glad to say I passed!!!!! We covered a lot of subjects in the 8 weeks -Effective Teamwork, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), Lead Time Analysis, Statistical Process Control, Workplace organisation and Mistake Proofing just to name a few. It was good to network with people delivering the same subjects and to share experiences. Even as the Train to Gain funding starts to take severe pressure from the Government spending reductions it is good to find out that these techniques really do make a difference to the companies that we work in. After all they are self funding from the savings they generate!
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