LITIGATION AGAINST BUSINESS
The Chamber has been asked to assist British Chambers of Commerce in their meeting with the Better Regulation Task Force on Monday 9 February. The Task Force is currently conducting a review of the regulatory aspects of litigation and compensation. In particular, the Task Force is considering whether litigation is the most effective and efficient regulatory tool for making amends following an accident at work, or whether the only people that really gain are insurance companies and lawyers. Some of the main areas of focus for the study are:
- The impact of litigation on the insurance cover sought by businesses
- Whether the risk of litigation promotes good practice and compliance with the law
- The impact of the fear of litigation on businesses
- The efficiency of the claims process for gaining compensation
- The efficiency of processes to deter vexatious and frivolous claims being made and from reaching the courts
As many of you will know, the Chamber has lobbied strongly on this issue. Direct evidence from members carries real authority and I would be very grateful if you could send me the your views on any of the issues noted above as soon as possible, using the questionnaire which can be downloaded by clicking: www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk/litigationsurvey.pdf
Please email your response and any comments to Max Boden - boden.m@chamberofcommerce.co.uk"
HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVICE
Health and Safety Click have sent us an update on important dates throughout 2004 which could affect your business. Visit their site at http://www.healthandsafetyclick.net/news/item.cfm?NewsItemID=159 to get full information on the latest changes in health and safety regulations.
LEICESTERSHIRE CHAMBER HELPS COMPANIES STEM ENERGY WASTAGE
The average business is losing £7,000 per year in wasted energy according to leicstershire Chamber of Commerce which is helping companies to boost profitability through better energy efficiency.
Through its partnership with energy management company Utility Auditing Limited. Leicstershire Chamber of Commerce is offering businesses access to 0% interest Action Energy loans to assist in purchasing energy saving equipment. As a government approved Action Energy supplier, Utility Auditing can offer free advice and surveys to help companies improve conservation.
Companies taking advantage of such assistance are typically saving 10 to 30% off their energy bills, with minimal investment.
Said Martin Traynor, Managing Directo of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce “Companies need to have an energy policy in the same way as they need one for health and safety. Energy saving is also a means of winning and retaining contracts with larger firms who increasingly demand that their suppliers demonstrate green credentials.”
As well as helping firms to conserve energy, Leicestershire Chamber can help companies purchase gas and electricity at the lowest cost. All Chamber members can benefit from a free analysis of their bills to check they are getting the best deal possible.
For further information contact Vicky Rogers on 204 6601 or visit our website www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk for details of this and other benefits of Chamber membership.
PART 3 OF THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT (DDA)
The DTI agreed last year that most major changes to legislation will take place either in April of each year or October. One of the changes that has a significant impact on all businesses is the implementation of part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in October this year.
Previously under the DDA employers were expected to make reasonable adjustments to work places in order for disabled persons to gain access to the premises without difficulty, especially if the requirement came about during the course of employment, but this was only an expectation to make reasonable adjustments, if 15 or more employees were employed and only to make reasonable adjustments.
The new amendments require that all businesses make alternations to their work places in order to ensure disabled people can fully access their building or services if the need ever arose - and not when the need arises. This is extended to include that no discrimination occurs with able-bodied employees gaining entry to any part of the building that disabled employees cannot.
All organisations, both large and small, who provide goods, facilities or services to the public must meet these demands. Many new buildings have been designed with the DDA in mind, however old buildings will not have and the majority of businesses are still unaware of the requirements. With the deadline fast approaching, if businesses haven't already begun to review what changes or alternative provisions need to be made, this must be made a priority.
But where should businesses start? An audit should be undertaken to assess what the buildings entry and reception area access is like for disabled employees, whether they can move around on each floor and from floor to floor and very importantly the building evacuation access is not restricted to any employees.
How much will this cost? The cost of any changes will depend on measures already taken to ensure a building meets the needs of the disabled. To help businesses budget, there is an implementation period in order to comply with the October 2004 deadline and there may also be some grants available to government buildings for this process.
Failure to ensure DDA compliancy can amount to possible prosecution. This can impact both your organisation's budget and can have damaging effects on your business' reputation.
You will also lock out an important section of the population who have many skills to offer plus considerable spending influence. Ensuring your facilities are accessible to disabled people isn't just a legal requirement, it is also a sound business decision. With over 8 million disabled people in the UK with a combined spending power of £50 billion a year, you need to ensure you can provide a good service and welcome people with disabilities.
IT'S BEEN RENAMED NOTTINGHAM EAST MIDLANDS AIRPORT
It has finally been announced that East Midlands Airport will change its name to Nottingham East Midlands Airport. The announcement is almost certain to cause controversy among business leaders, council officials and the general public in both Leicestershire and Derbyshire, particularly when the airport is situated in Leicestershire with the nearest major city being Derby.
More on this story is available on the Leicester Mercury website at www.leicestermercury.co.uk
DTI PUBLISHES FIRST ANNUAL STATEMENT ON EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES
The first annual statement of changes to domestic employment law and practice from Department of Trade and Industry has been published. The publication of the statement is a first step in adopting common commencement dates for changes to employment law, and underlines the Department's determination to help businesses implement changes effectively.
From 2004 domestic changes will only be implemented on two days each year - 6 April, start of the tax year, and 1 October, when the national minimum wage is reviewed. It is hoped that this harmonisation of commencement dates should make it easier for employers and employee representatives to implement and respond to changes in employment law and practice, helping to increase clarity and awareness.
A copy of the Statement of forthcoming Employment Regulations 2004 can be found on the DTI website at www.dti.gov.uk/er/regs2004.htm
UPDATED PATENTS LAW HOPED TO ENCOURAGE INNOVATIONThe Patents Bill, to update, modernise and improve patents law, has been published. The Bill proposals would provide a more supportive framework, particularly for small businesses, to enforce patent rights and ensure that UK patent law continues to underpin and promote innovation.
The Bill includes measures that would help those trying to resolve disputes over patent rights, and provisions to ensure compliance with international commitments that help UK businesses.
The Bill is available at www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/pabills
REDUCED WORKING HOURS THREATEN UK ECONOMY
According to analysis by the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR), buoyant employment figures conceal a decrease in UK production levels due to reduced average working hours. Although the long hours of some workers are a major concern, the average number of hours worked per week is falling.
Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show that working hours fell 7.1 million, or 0.8%, in the three months to November. In the past year and a half average weekly working hours have dropped by half an hour to 32 hours a week - a fall the CEBR estimates costs the UK £7.4 billion a year.
The CEBR ascribes the fall in hours to a combination of having older workers in the economy and changing attitudes to work including the growing demand for work-life balance and flexibility.
MOBILE BAN STARTS NEW SAFETY CRISIS
New research has revealed that the ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving is causing a safety crisis on Britain's roads, as motorists put their lives in danger attempting to stop and answer calls. Since the Government introduced the ban late last year, growing numbers of fleets have reported drivers having near-misses with stationary cars parked in dangerous places by drivers answering calls.
Employers are now being encouraged to issue their drivers with advice and guidance policies and instruct them to use safe procedures to avoid more deaths.
For more information on this item, visit www.workplacelaw.net
A GOOD START TO 2004- BROWNE
Minister of State for Work, Des Browne, today welcomed figures showing more people in work, falling unemployment and redundancies at a historically low level.
Figures published by the Office for National Statistics show employment at record levels. There are 28.15 million people in work in the UK, up 41 thousand this quarter and 186 thousand higher than a year ago.
For more information, visit www.dwp.gov.uk
WATER COMPANIES MAY HAVE UNDER-ESTIMATED TRUE SIZE OF BILL INCREASES
In a briefing note recently published, summarising WaterVoice's final responses to water companies' draft business plans, WaterVoice said that they may have under-estimated the real cost to customers of water companies' activities for 2005 to 2010. (Average proposed water bill increases of £72 (31%), plus inflation) The true costs of proposed environmental improvements may be higher than those proposed last autumn. Implementing EU directives, alongside new taxation and accounting methods, could force prices up even further. So watch this space!
EC PLANS RED TAPE REDUCTION
The European Commission (EC) hopes to encourage cross-border business activity and to boost competition amongst SMEs, who are mostly put off from cross-border expansion. The EU executive says the proposed directive would increase choice, improve quality and bring down prices for people and businesses. The directive lays down a framework for individual countries to rid themselves of unnecessary regulatory barriers against entrepreneurs from elsewhere in the EU, meaning it could affect member states in different ways.
It would apply to professional, business, security and environmental services organisations. Retail services, travel agencies, hotels, restaurants and entertainment are also covered, as are trade outfits like plumbers and carpenters.
For more information visit www.chamberonline.co.uk
EXECUTIVE BRIEFING
Date: 5th February
Time: 12 noon - 2.30pm
Venue: Midlands Conference Centre, Leicester City Football Club
Cost: £23.50 One price only
Leicestershire Chamber, in conjunction with De Montfort University, presents the first in a series of Executive Briefings designed to bring together the business community to enjoy networking opportunities, a delicious buffet lunch and the chance to hear high-profile guest speakers from the business world. For the February event the speaker will be Dennis Turner, Chief Economist of HSBC Bank plc whose current role involves advising lending bankers on economic trends at both regional and national level.
EBUSINESS: DO IT ON-LINE SAVE MONEY
In conjunction with the Inland Revenue
Date: 24th February
Time: 8am – 9.30am
Venue: Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Leicester
Cost: £23.50 One price only
Nearly 1.5 million small businesses in the UK can get up to £825 tax free if they decide to file their employer end- of- year tax returns on-line. The Inland Revenue wants to encourage businesses to opt for on-line filing now rather than later and this seminar will look at what on-line filing and payment mean to businesses, how the systems work and what support services are available to help companies transfer across.
EURO UPDATE SEMINAR
Date: 26th February
Time: 7.30am - 10am
Venue: Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Leicester
Cost: £23.50 One price only
The United Kingdom’s possible adoption of the Euro is an issue that many businesses feel strongly about, whether in favour or against. Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce is offering local companies the chance to update themselves on the Euro position in 2004, looking at progress so far and how this might impact on their businesses. At this informative seminar officials from Her Majesty’s Treasury will present on the economics of the five tests assessment before outlining ongoing work in preparation for a single currency. There will be particular emphasis on the issues that will affect business with the presentations followed by an informal question and answer session.
CHARNWOOD AREA LUNCHEON WITH The RT Hon Stephen Dorrell
Date: 19th March
Time: 12.00am - 14.00
Venue: Prestwold Hall
Cost: £22.00 members £28.00 standard
As part of the Chamber’s ongoing series of luncheons around the county, we are delighted to announce that Charnwood MP - The RT Hon Stephen Dorrell will be our guest speaker at this luncheon. This event provides an excellent networking opportunity and gives business people the chance to raise issues of concern with their local MP.
Leicestershire Chamber networking events are sponsored by Blue Arrow.
For more details or to book onto this event you can book online by logging on to our website www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk or contact Kam Atker on 0116 2046614 or email at atker.k@chamberofcommerce.co.uk
FUNDERWORLD OFFER
Funderworld is a mobile festival project which will take place at the ex dye works land Nr Bowbridge for the period 27th February to 8th March. Ticket entry to the site will give access to a daily live entertainment schedule of street theatre, music and children’s activities, a food village and fire-works and rides. To celebrate the opening of Funderworld a special charity evening will be held on Friday 27th February 6.00pm to 9.00pm. A similar event held in Bournemouth in August 2003 provided free access for over 3000 charity supporters
Entry to Funderworld is free to charity groups on this evening. Interested charities should contact Mike Chubb on 02920211846 or e.mail: mikechubb@theideasfactory.biz. For further information.
BREAKFAST CLUB BIRTHDAY BASH
The Federation of Small Businesses in association with the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce will be holding a networking event at the Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Grace Road from 7.30am to 9.00am on Thursday 19 February with special guest speaker, Ruth Ingman LLM. Cost will be £9.00 and will include a choice of cooked breakfast or cereals. For a booking form or further information contact Peter Clare of Mr Tax Limited on 0116 2642585 email: info@mrtax.co.uk
MAKING EXPERIENCE WORK
The University of Leicester is encouraging students to experience the world of work - by dedicating a week, January 26-30, to commercial and industrial activities and placements.
A Work Experience Fair is also being held on Wednesday, January 28, attracting international firms as well as local voluntary agencies.
Mundeep Panayi, of the University's Careers Service, said the aim of the Work Experience Week was to encourage students to make the experience work for them.
"We have 21 exhibitors this year, again reflecting the broad range of work experience opportunities available through work and travel abroad schemes, industrial placements, volunteering projects and more.
"We also have a good representation of local volunteer organisations in the Leicestershire area participating in this event. There is a jam-packed week of sessions themed around different careers such as Law, Social/Health, Environment, Teaching and Museums/Archive work - so a very mixed bag of workshops together with ones on CV Advice and how to get work experience and more.
"The event has attracted a variety of organisations - reflecting the varied nature of work today.
"Students of the University gain many skills during the course of their studies which enable them to make a positive contribution in the workplace and we feel work experience enriches both the student and the employer.
"It offers employers an opportunity to see at first hand the potential of our students and for students to learn ways of applying skills they have learnt in a practical way. Many successful placements have opened up further career opportunities.
"The programme of activities are in line with the Government's agenda of increasing graduate employability - Leicester has a very successful track record of its students gaining employment."
The Work Experience Fair takes place on Wednesday, January 28 from 11-4 in the Queen's Hall, Percy Gee Building, University of Leicester.
WHY LEARNING MAKES BUSINESS SENSE
New research reveals how 'informal learning' can boost productivity
A study by the University of Leicester has revealed that firms can directly link productivity and performance with learning opportunities in the workplace.
Firms that encourage learning- both informally from co-workers and from formal training- can increase sales of products and motivate staff to achieve better results.
The findings, presented to government departments and available on the DTI website, demonstrate how businesses that promote learning can reap financial rewards.
The study cites the case of a hairdresser's salon where product sales increased five-fold after managers made more of the informal learning of their employees.
The report by the University of Leicester's Centre for Labour Market Studies follows a 10-month investigation into 'informal' learning at work. The study was funded by the Department for Trade and Industry and conducted by Professor Lorna Unwin, Professor Alan Felstead, Professor David Ashton, Dr Alison Fuller, Dr Sally Walters and Martin Quinn
Speaking of the report, Nigel Griffiths MP, DTI Minister for Small Business, said: "I congratulate the University of Leicester researchers on moving us forward in this important area."
He added "I spend a lot of my time visiting small businesses and so I know for a fact how important informal learning is. So much learning takes place in the workplace either on or off-the-job.
"This research report has confirmed the importance of informal learning to small businesses. What really brought this home to me was the case study in this report on the hairdressing salon. This is a small business with 8 staff and a turnover of £200,000 a year. The owner actively encourages staff to learn from each other and to share ideas. They believe that as a result of this informal learning, sales of hair products have increased five-fold, and the researchers see this as informal learning raising skills and increasing business performance.
"How a business is organised also affects the outcome of the informal learning.
Learning is not enough - how new skills are applied is crucially important.
Learning can be encouraged and nurtured by a learning organisation. But, the report shows this can also be stifled by the organisation of the business. You go to all that trouble and then the effort is wasted!
So there are clear business benefits to getting the context of learning right and I think that the case study showed that.
The researchers are taking this research further in a new project funded by the ESRC, investigating which kinds of organisational structure of businesses are most conducive to learning.
Copies of the report are available from the following location on the DTI website: http://www.ecdti.co.uk/CGIBIN/priamlnk.cgi?MP=CATSER^GINT65&CNO=1&CAT='TR03
EU ENLARGEMENT - SEMINAR
On May 1 2004 the following ten countries will join the European Union
Cyprus, Czech republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia Lithuania, Malta, Poland Slovakia & Slovenia.
BusinessLink Leicestershire will be holding Information seminars
March 29 2004 B/L Charnwood Court
To register please fax your Company details to International Trade 0116 2855 951
or e-mail to John Moore .....john.moore@leicestershire.businesslink.co.uk
(Tel: 0116 2587 329)