Nobody likes having a difficult conversation with an employee but it’s even more challenging on screen In the current environment, many businesses are still working remotely. As we move towards the end of the year, managers will be preparing to have end-of-year review conversations with employees. It’s challenging enough having a review meeting with an…

Lockdown has forced businesses to rethink their office space requirements and how staff will work, in the long term. Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, most businesses had enough desks or workstations for each and every employee. The remote working revolution that has come about as a result of Covid-19 has forced businesses to rethink their…

Digital banking platforms such as Starling Bank or Monzo have risen in popularity, but are they suitable for business use? Digital banks have built popular apps for personal users to manage their current accounts from their smartphones. The apps allow users to easily manage their money, make payments and track their transactional activity. The digital…

The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020. The transition period ends on 31 December 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic has dominated the news headlines this year but Brexit is still progressing. During the transition period, the UK remains in both the EU customs union and single market. Until the end of the transition…

CLAIM YOUR “FURLOUGH” GRANT BY 14TH We now have further details of the opertaion of the extention of CJRS “furlough” that will apply from 1 November 2020 through to the end of March 2021. The government support will initially be at the rate of 80% of an employee’s reference pay for hours they are furloughed,…

Blocking out a whole day once a month can work wonders for your productivity. Time management courses, books and best practice all suggest carving out some time each day to focus on being productive and working towards your goals and personal business objectives. However, this often conflicts with the emails, notifications, calls and reminders that…

As businesses manage the gradual return to the office, some of your team will be able to come back while others may need to continue working remotely. As firms begin to navigate the complexities of returning to the office, some employees will have to contend with challenges around childcare, health issues that prevent them from…

The business case for diversity is clear – diverse teams produce better solutions to complex problems. Diversity can boost innovation and employee engagement. Businesses with greater gender and racial diversity tend to be more successful and perform very well financially. However, progress within the business community has been slow and there is still a lack…

If your customers have a positive experience from the very beginning, they are going to stick with your product or service and continue to do business with you. Customer onboarding is the nurturing process that gets new users and customers acquainted and comfortable with your product or service. A positive onboarding experience confirms to your…

“FURLOUGH” SCHEME EXTENDED AT 80% USUAL PAY On 22 October the Chancellor announced that the CJRS “furlough” scheme would end on 31 October 2020 to be replaced by a new Job Support Scheme (JSS). However, at 6.45 pm on 31 October 2020 when the Prime Minister announced a month-long lockdown for England he announced that…