No turning back: UK CEOs are approaching a purpose tipping point
Commitments to purpose and ESG are rising as CEOs make stronger connections to business strategy and growth. But there is work still to do.
PwC’s 25th Annual CEO Survey reveals a growing trend towards more purposeful business practices, including a greater focus on trust, transparency and personal accountability from CEOs on issues such as climate change and inequality.
There are also interviews with a number of leading CEOs providing their perspective on agenda-setting issues. Here is the link to the UK CEO survey report and interviews.
You can contact PwC to discuss any of the topics raised in more detail via www.pwc.co.uk
On Saturday 28th May 2022, Norfolk-based community interest company HER Business Revolution will hold a large-scale celebration of the achievements of women and girls. The event ‘Superwoman Fest™ Norwich’ will take place at the Norfolk showground, and the company expects to have up to 5,000 attendants, based on the enthusiastic online response they have received from potential attendants and collaborators.
The company aims to share positive stories about the ambition and perseverance of the women they have supported in wellbeing, work and business related struggles. They also invite other companies and businesses to come along and do the same, as stand-holders, partners and sponsors.
HER Business Revolution require forward thinking businesses who can platform similarly encouraging stories that might inspire attendants, or raise awareness about opportunities for women where they are underrepresented.
There will be also be opportunities for B2B networking and interaction due to the number of current local sponsors and standholders- including Birketts, Hethel Innovation and Face to Face Finance.
Students from Norfolk colleges, sixth-forms and universities have also been welcomed to come along and explore their future options in a friendly and inspiring environment, so companies looking for a new, fresh-thinking cohort of staff are encouraged to participate and show off what makes your organisation great.
The festival will feature a speakers tent where representatives from companies will get the chance to speak on a range of fascinating subjects, a marketplace with stands you can reserve especially for your business, and the chance to run interactive workshops for the benefit of attendants.
If you, your small business or company are interested in sponsorship opportunities or becoming a stand holder, click here to read our sponsorship brochure. For more information, contact events@herbusinessrevolution.biz
As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
Chris Conroy is one of two Managing Directors at Prior Diesel. Prior Diesel are based in Great Yarmouth and have been members of the Chamber for over 3 years.
Chris’ question to the Chancellor was:
“Whilst the financial and other assistance being offered to those who have never previously taken on an apprentice is to be applauded and encouraged. Could the Chancellor please tell me what is being offered to those established responsible employers who have continued to give such opportunities to young people throughout the recent tough economic times, who seem to be unable to receive any assistance?”
Find on the attached document the written response from the Department for Education.
As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
Roger Tubby is the Sales Manager at Blackwell Print and Marketing in Great Yarmouth. Blackwell Print are one of the Chambers longest serving members having been members since March 1999.
Roger’s question to the Chancellor was:
“166,000 people across 24 countries were assessed for basic maths and English, among other things and it was found beyond any reasonable doubt, the more senior in age the greater grasp of arithmetic and grammar they had. In other words, when selection and grammar schools were available to all standards were higher. So when is the government going to stop worrying about the opinion of the Guardian and BBC and start putting the education of the nation first?”
Find on the attached document the written response from the Department for Education.
As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
Peter Collins is the Business Manager at Reepham High School and College. Reepham High School have been members of the Chamber since October 2012.
Peter’s question to the Chancellor was:
“What guarantees can the Chancellor give that school funding will not be reduced particularly as agreement is being given for free schools leading to over-supply of places in some areas?”
Find on the attached document the written response from the Department for Education.
As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
James Kearns is the Chief Executive of BUILD Charity. They are based on Redwell Street in Norwich and have been members of the Chamber since 2005.
James’ question to the Chancellor was:
“Big Society seems to have slipped off the political agenda. Is it still a key government objective, and how is it being supported at a time when many local councils are cutting funding to the organisations best placed to deliver it?”
Find on the attached document the written responses from the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Cabinet Office.
As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
Ian Tubby is the Operations Manager at Mecca Bingo on Aylsham Road, Norwich. Mecca Bingo have been members of the Chamber since May 2012.
Ian’s question to the Chancellor was:
“Does the Chancellor recognise the important role that Bingo plays in this community and others? And will he back growth, investment and jobs by supporting calls for reduced tax on an industry that is currently subjected to an equivalent of 32%.”
Find on the attached document the written response from the HM Treasury.
An energy efficient communal heat pump installed by Attleborough based heating firm Finn Geotherm, has been shortlisted in a prestigious national awards scheme.
The £1.4million district heating project has been installed by Finn Geotherm on the Grange Farm estate in Felixstowe for Flagship Group housing association. The installation has just been shortlisted in the Renewable Energy category of the National Energy Efficiency Awards, which aim to recognise best practice within the energy saving and efficiency industry.
The installation comprises a six-phase ground source heat pump project for 113 homes at Grange Farm. The system provides heating and hot water for each property from a central heat pump. The project has cut heating bills for residents, as well as energy use and carbon emissions, all by 70%.
Guy Ransom, Commercial Director at Finn Geotherm said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for our installation in Felixstowe. This project has made a huge impact not only in ensuring homes on the estate are adequately and efficiently heated but also in delivering cheaper bills, and reduced carbon emissions and energy use. It was a privilege to install the system and to be shortlisted for a prestigious national award is testament to the hard work of the entire team at Finn Geotherm.”
Madeleine Jefferies, Head of Housing at Newtide Homes (Flagship Group’s housing provider), said: “Fuel poverty is a serious issue which can affect the wider community, and we’re always looking at ways to make our tenants’ homes more affordable and giving people some breathing space when things get tough. Our tenants in Felixstowe have already seen a difference in their prices and we’re delighted that we can help to make a difference.”
Winners of the National Energy Efficiency Awards will be announced in February. For more information on renewable heating and Finn Geotherm, visit www.finn-geotherm.co.uk.
In contrast to previous months, November saw the number of claimants of the Job-seekers Allowance (JSA) rising from 4.7% to 5.1% in Great Yarmouth. Together with North Norfolk (8.2%) these were the only two districts in the County to see their JSA claimant rate rise.
As a result of this increase, Great Yarmouth now sees itself sat in 15th place on the national table of highest JSA claimants. Norwich saw the greatest fall in JSA claimants, as their rate fell by 5.2% closely followed by a 4.8% drop in Broadland.
On a better note for Great Yarmouth, data from a chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) survey of 1,000 employers revealed that the short-term jobs outlook is at its most positive for five years. And, whilst Great Yarmouth resident wages are lower than the rest of Norfolk, workplace wages remained higher, highlighting that there are still relatively well paid jobs available in Great Yarmouth.
As a follow up to the Norfolk Chamber’s ‘Audience with George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’ event on the 7 November, we submitted a number of questions from our members to the Chancellor. Responses to those questions are now starting to be received from the relevant Ministers within Westminster.
Carole is joint Managing Director of the Norwich-based marketing company Osbornenash. Osbornenash have been members of the Chamber for nearly a year and a half having joined in August of 2012.
Carole’s question to the Chancellor was:
“When we started Osbornenash, the banks wouldn’t lend us any money for start-up costs such as computers etc. and during tricky cash flow months they wouldn’t extend our overdraft to help us pay staff or suppliers. We were lucky in that we have had a supportive family who leant us the money to ensure we stayed afloat, but what help is offered today for those in a similar position?”
Find on the attached document the written response from the HM Treasury.
BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey is the first major economic indicator of the year, and is closely watched by the Bank of England and the Treasury
Positive Q4 survey suggests that growth will continue and probably strengthen further in the short term
Most Q4 key balances are higher than their pre-recession levels in 2007
Norfolk’s manufacturing export balances continued to increase
Norfolk’s service sector domestic balances increased considerably
On the basis of these results, the BCC believes GDP growth in Q4 2013 could be 0.9%
The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) released today (Tuesday) provides further evidence that the UK economy is growing at a solid pace, and could even strengthen in the short term. The Q4 survey, made up of responses from nearly 8,000 businesses, shows improvements in most areas for both the manufacturing and service sectors, and that all key balances are stronger than their long-term historical averages.
In the manufacturing sector, key balances are at all time highs, and domestic balances in the services sector continue to break new ground. But the recovery must be maintained, as risks persist around access to finance for firms looking to expand, and rectifying this is vital in moving the Norfolk economy from being merely good to being truly great.
Key findings in the Q4 2013 Quarterly Economic Survey:
For both Norfolk manufacturing and services, all the major Q4 balances are stronger than their long-term averages, and most are higher than their 2007 pre-recession levels.
Key manufacturing balances remain strong, allaying fears in Q3 that the growth spurt in manufacturing was temporary: domestic orders (+21%), turnover confidence (+45%), and profitability confidence (+35%).
Export balances in the Norfolk services sector are at record highs for the survey: export sales (+69%), and export orders (+66%).
In addition, the services sector employment balance rose seven points to +24%.
But some concerns do exist. In manufacturing, the key Norfolk balances for domestic sales and orders fell slightly, although these are still strong results.
Manufacturing cashflow in Norfolk fell back from Q3, which underscores the need to promote access to finance, so businesses can expand to meet growing order books.
Intentions to raise prices rose in both manufacturing and services, while inflation and corporation tax both remain major areas of concern for businesses.
Commenting on the results, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “It is a fantastic to start the New Year with a very positive quarterly survey. Confidence is high and our members are resolute in their determination to take the recovery from being good to being truly great. Firms from all sectors across the County believe they can create jobs, invest, and export. It is especially pleasing that the spurt in the manufacturing has proven not to be a fluke, which demonstrates the dynamism of our small, high value, manufacturing sector. But Norfolk businesses have major ambitions, and to be able to meet them, more support must be provided.”
“Cashflow continues to be an ongoing concern, and may hold businesses back from expanding to meet the growing levels of demand. We must give companies the opportunity to get the finance they need to go out and trade the world if we are to succeed in rebalancing the economy.”
Commenting on the results, John Longworth, Director General of the BCC, said: “As the 2015 General Election looms ever closer, the government cannot afford to get distracted by short-term political infighting. Long-term growth strategies must be delivered with a strong national consensus, particularly around the infrastructure investments that the country sorely needs. Only then will we have an environment that fosters enterprise and an economy which meets its true potential.”
David Kern, Chief Economist at the BCC, said: “With most key balances in this quarter higher than their pre-recession levels in 2007, it is clear that the UK recovery is likely to continue to strengthen in the short term. On the basis of these results, GDP growth in Q4 could well be around 0.9%, and higher full-year growth in 2013 and 2014 could follow. The optimism around medium-term growth prospects refutes the fashionable defeatist talk in some quarters of ‘secular stagnation’.
“The strong export and investment balances confirm that UK business is set to play a key role in rebalancing the economy. However while the overall message from this survey is positive, there are risks that should prevent complacency creeping in. The eurozone’s basic problems have not yet been resolved, which could adversely impact our exporters, and inflation remains a major concern.
“This means it is vital to prevent setbacks as the economic recovery gathers pace. The MPC must continue with its forward guidance on interest rates, and remain steadfast in its plans to keep inflation low and meet the 2% target. On its part, the government has to work to increase the flow of lending to growing businesses through a fully-funded Business Bank, to ease the logjam of those firms striving to expand.”
Liftshare, the UK’s largest lift sharing platform, surveyed 500 of its members and discovered that almost half (48%) of them will be changing the way they travel to work after the lockdown lifts.
Here is a breakdown of how people’s commuting patterns may change based on our survey’s results (graphs on page two):
• WFH to increase by 552% • Cycling to increase by 71% • Walking to increase by 8% • Lift sharing to fall by 6% • Train travel to decrease by 36% • Bus travel to decrease by 30% • Driving alone to decrease by 20%*
*Environmental impact: If travel were to change in the way that this survey suggests then the 20% reduction in car alone commuters would save 1 million tonnes of CO2/year.
In order to better understand the results, we also asked people to give us written feedback about their desired future commute, which proved rather illuminating. Here is a small sample of the hundreds of responses we received:
“I hope to cycle to a local office three miles away one day a week, work from home another day and if needed commute to the main office one day a week.”
“This lockdown has proved that we can work from home and I will only go to the office for certain meetings, where closer interaction is needed. On those occasions, I will drive my car.”
“I will commute by car, as the bus only runs once an hour where I live, also not keen to use public transport due to Covid-19.”
“Ideally I would like to work from home but being realistic, I will not be able to do that full-time when lockdown is lifted. Therefore, I would like to lift share with others. It is interesting to see that pollution levels have dropped since the lockdown began due to less traffic on the roads. I would like to continue to do my bit for the environment as well as save myself and like-minded people money.”
“Liftshare due to long commute – reduce costs, better for the environment and it makes the journey less boring”
“A bicycle ride along empty country roads because it is zero emissions and I can get fit and improve my mental health.”
“Walk, I hate the environmental impact of driving, particularly alone, but currently have no other option. Also find it very tiring.”
The survey results clearly indicate that Covid-19 and the ensuing lockdown have had a significant impact on people’s plans for commuting in the future. Over the past few weeks, Liftshare has been helping organisations to prepare for the return of the workforce using its innovative technology. Liftshare’s Smart Mobility Scoping tool gives organisations a strategic overview of their staff’s commuter routes, and Liftshare has also created a tool to help advise employees on the best routes to work in relation to social distancing. For more information about Liftshare, this survey and/or how we are helping businesses prepare for the return of the workforce, please contact media@liftshare.com