Monthly Archives: October 2020

Awards, Manufacturing, News, News from Wales, Wales News

ROCKWOOL named as finalist in prestigious Lloyds Bank National Business Awards

South Wales manufacturing company, ROCKWOOL, has recently been announced as a finalist in the Lloyds Bank Mid-Market Business of the Year Award category in the National Business Awards 2020. The shortlisting is a commendation to ROCKWOOL’s established market position, growth and success over the years.

The National Business Awards recognise the nation’s most impressive public, private and third sector businesses, with the Mid-Market Business of the Year award celebrating the contribution of businesses to the UK economy.

ROCKWOOL, the UK’s leading manufacturer of non-combustible, stone wool insulation products, has made significant investments into the business’ base in Bridgend and has demonstrated excellent expansion and sustained growth plans.

With a culture of ambition, integrity, responsibility and efficiency, ROCKWOOL’s growth aspirations, ongoing innovation and high performing product range were just some of the reasons behind its recent shortlisting.

ROCKWOOL’s turnover has increased 68% over the last two years as a result of continued investment. As a living wage employer, creating over 130 jobs to support the local economy since 2018, ROCKWOOL is pioneering its own success with an investment in technology, sustainability and new market segments to ensure its performance continues to go from strength to strength.

“When it comes to business recognition, the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards are the ones to win. They allow any successful organisation to tell their story, from large private and public companies, to thriving entrepreneurial businesses, promising start-ups and established SMEs. Winning a Lloyds Bank National Business Award comes with significant business benefits, including increased brand awareness and reputation among customers and partners, valuable insight into best practice and employee recognition and retention.” said Sarah Austin, Awards Director.

“We are incredibly pleased to be named as finalists in the Lloyds Bank Mid-Market Business of the Year Award. We have worked hard over the years to maintain our market position as the UK’s leading manufacturer of stone wool insulation and have made significant investments in our business to deliver the best service for the construction industry. This shortlisting is a testament to the determination and drive the entire team at ROCKWOOL has to retain our position within the market.” Darryl Matthews, Managing Director at ROCKWOOL.

The awards are scheduled to take place virtually on 10th November 2020. To find out more, please visit www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk. To learn more about ROCKWOOL, please visit www.rockwool.co.uk.

AI, Appointments, Industry News, News

We Build Bots appoints expert technologist to drive strategic growth

AI chatbot specialists, We Build Bots, has set its sights on global growth with the announcement that international technology evangelist, Patrick Hosch, has been appointed as chief commercial officer.

A seasoned automation specialist, Patrick joins the Cardiff and Westminster-based firm as it prepares to build on a series of successful investment rounds that will fuel the company’s transition to become a dedicated Software as a Service company (SaaS).

This year has also seen We Build Bots secure over £1.5 million of investment to support its expansion plans as it moves to become a more globally focused automation provider.

As chief commercial officer, Hosch will take the lead to create a global partner network that will allow We Build Bots to expand into new markets and allow its leading AI platform deployed internationally.

An Austrian national now based in London, Patrick’s career has seen him deployed in roles across Europe and as far as Melbourne, while working with global industry leaders, including Nintex and Microsoft. Most recently, as Director of Partner Success at Automation Anywhere, Hosch led the development and execution strategies to deliver training, achieve certification goals and build capability for its partners across the EMEA region.

Commenting on his appointment and plans as part of the We Build Bots team, Patrick Hosch, said: “Over the past ten years I have had the opportunity to develop partner networks for the world’s leading SaaS companies. The application of automation offers enormous potential for limitless organisations around the world. It was immediately clear to me that the team at We Build Bots have developed platforms that can be deployed the world over.”

Through its IntelAgent platform, We Build Bots helps public sector organisations free up valuable human time by developing multilingual AI chatbots that automate the millions of low value, repetitive calls and emails that public sector organisations across the UK spend huge amounts of resources to deal with each year. By freeing up people to deal with more complex citizen enquiries, public sector organisations can deliver services more effectively.

Over the past six months, as council teams across the UK have faced increased pressure to support their communities during the Covid-19 pandemic, We Build Bots has been able to tailor and deploy solutions that allow residents to access vital services and support. As a result, over five percent of UK local authorities now utilise the company’s chatbot platforms to streamline their operations and allow their existing teams to focus on the most pressing enquires.

Patrick Hosch, continued: “My goal now is to work with this talented team of developers to take the company to the next level. The platform they have created is already having a massive impact on the way UK local authorities, and organisations operating in a range of sectors, approach customer interactions and deliver their services. It’s a solution that is in demand globally and the partner networks we are creating will allow We Build Bots to deliver levels of automation that can revolutionise legacy systems and deliver efficiencies in service the world over.”

While the company believes that Patrick will be key for moving beyond UK markets, work is already underway to develop the company’s offering for international customers. Recently, the developers secured the global gold standard data security accreditation ISO27001, a step that requires the highest industry practises. October will also see We Build Bots accepted onto a nationally recognised AI focussed accelerator.

Founder and CEO of We Build Bots, Paul Shepherd said: “The ability to attract a CCO with Patrick’s level of experience and standing within our industry is something few businesses could hope for. We’re proud of the platform our team has developed and the successes we’ve helped our existing customers to achieve, but we know that far larger markets exist for us. Our investors recognise this and with Patrick on board, we know that customers across Europe and globally are now open to us.

“Today, organisations around the world are searching for solutions that can help them engage with their customers more effectively. Across the UK, we are already helping local authorities to support their communities when they face unprecedented challenges. We know that with the right partner networks in place, we can help many more. With Patrick joining our team, we are ready to take our work to the next level, reaching new customers as we continue to develop our platform that already challenges what the biggest players in our sector have to offer.”

Jobs, Local Councils, North Wales

Virtual conference to seek solutions for Covid-hit North Wales industries

AN ONLINE conference will aim to meet economic challenges facing the public and private sector in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Targeting frontline staff working in the fields of skills and employability – including Careers Wales, Working Wales and further and higher education representatives – the virtual event takes place from 9.30am on Thursday October 22.

The free forum has been organised by North Wales Regional Skills Partnership, supported by North Wales Economic Ambition Board, and will include an address by Ken Skates MS, Minister for the Economy and North Wales.

David Roberts, chair of the Regional Skills Partnership, will open proceedings and believes the continued spirit of collaboration across the region is vital.

“This year has brought unprecedented challenges, the like of which we have never seen before,” said Mr Roberts.

“From an economic perspective we are going to feel this for months or even years, so coming together and shaping a plan of action is pivotal for all sectors.

“At this very challenging time there is a need for total unity and a clear path for anyone who has been made redundant or looking for a change of career because of the current financial climate.”

He added: “While this is a tough time there are opportunities for development and change, and we will explore these during the conference and as we move forward.”

Those joining the Resilient North Wales event can take part in a Q&A session, share best practice with other delegates and will be updated on latest news and information from the Welsh Government.

Other bodies represented and delivering presentations include the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Coleg Cambria, Grwp Llandrillo Menai, Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), Citizens Advice Denbighshire, and Niall Waller from Flintshire County Council, chair of the Employability Working Group.

Earlier this year – following the COVID-19 outbreak – the Ambition Board, the Welsh Government’s Working Wales Programme, delivered by Careers Wales, the Regional Skills Partnership and the DWP united to provide job seekers with an Opportunity for Change.

With thousands of people across the country facing uncertainty or struggling to find a role in the wake of the global crisis, their aim is to help match them with essential job vacancies in alternative sectors, as well as offering online training.

Minister for the Economy and North Wales Ken Skates said: “These are exceptionally challenging times, and the Welsh Government has taken action on a number of fronts to provide assistance for businesses and individuals.

“This has included a £40m skills and jobs fund which includes the pledge that everyone over 16 will receive the assistance they need to access advice and support to find work, to pursue self-employment or to find a place in education and training.

“I congratulate the Regional Skills Partnership for bringing all the key partners together in North Wales for this event.  There is a strong spirit of collaboration in the region, which I fully endorse as we work together to support those hardest hit by the pandemic.”

To join the conference and for more information, visit: shorturl.at/dgj34

Follow the hashtags #opportunitynorthwales, #changeyourstory #northwalesjobs #walesjobslive and #teamnorthwales on social media.

FInance, News

‘It’s time to rethink business for a sustainable recovery’, says ACCA Cymru Wales as it launches a new campaign for Quarter 3 2020

The accountancy profession’s role in building and maintaining a sustainable recovery in these challenging times is the focus for ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) throughout October, November and December 2020.

In its new campaign, Rethinking business for a sustainable recovery, ACCA champions the vital role professional accountants play in a world where sustainable businesses deliver financial returns, while also generating positive value for society and being environmentally responsible for the planet.

At the heart of the campaign is a spoken word performance that will be launched on Global Ethics Day (21 October 2020) titled ‘Rudder’ by Sugar J Poet, which asks ‘What’s the purpose of this profession as we sail through wind and waves? Is profit the only measure of success or does sustainability matter too?’

Lloyd Powell, Head of ACCA Cymru Wales, says: ‘Society’s values are shifting as citizens seek a fairer and more ethical world, and the Covid-19 crisis has accelerated this. To be a sustainable organisation means being committed to minimising environmental impact whilst putting social responsibility at the heart of strategy. Accountants have a huge role to play here.

‘At ACCA, we’re playing our part by supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and helping address the global challenges the world faces, as well as being founding signatories to the Green Finance Education Charter.’

Throughout the theme, ACCA will also be looking at the link between ethics and sustainable recovery, exploring this specifically on Global Ethics Day with an online and social media event ‘The Big Conversation’ to debate these issues. ACCA will also publish professional insights that explores how making a positive social, environmental and economic impact is at the heart of 21st century value creation for all organisations.

Lloyd Powell concludes: ‘Our aim is to support our members and future members with fresh thinking on how they in turn can support their organisations to recover sustainably. That’s because what professional accountants analyse, interpret and decide today, makes lasting changes for the future which we hope will build long term resilience. We believe that responsible, ethical, and re-imagined business can be the positive legacy of post-pandemic economic recovery.’

Exercise, Health, News, Sport

Series of FREE Virtual Masterclasses hosted by Olympians, Prima Ballerinas and Yogi Masters

From Wednesday 14th October, every second Wednesday at 6pm, Everyone Active will showcase  FREE exclusive workshops live on FB and Instagram. These will be hosted by a range of world-class athletes, professional dancers and yogic experts.

Large scale events and big group workouts may not be allowed due to the pandemic, but Everyone Active isn’t letting that get in the way of some killer Live Stream workout workshops. To celebrate the launch of Everyone On Demand, its brand new virtual workout platform, Everyone Active has teamed up with Olympian and GB Gold Medallist Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Prima Ballerina’s Sleek Technique and the group-exercise gurus at Les Mills to host three FREE live-streamed workout masterclasses, with tips and tricks from the pros themselves.

Starting with the Ballet powerhouse-duo Sleek Technique on 14th October, join Everyone Active’s Instagram or Facebook pages to experience the Prima Ballerina’s best-selling, world-famous ‘Ballet Bootcamp’ class LIVE. As seen on Everyone On Demand’s partner app, Fitness On Demand, Flik and Victoria from Sleek Technique will virtually guide you through this revered workout which specialises in authentic ballet-techniques to help you accomplish the grace and poise of a dancer whilst  developing a gorgeous shapely and elegant physique.

Or if Olympic sprinting is your bag, join the one-of-a-kind special edition Olympic workout with gold-medallist Harry Aikines-Aryeetey on Wednesday 28th October. Thanks to partner app WithU, Harry will put you through your paces with high intensity, sweat-inducing, speed drills, dynamic agility work and skill sets. This LIVE workout will test you and push you to your limits but leave you feeling as unstoppable as the champion himself.

And to round off the series on Wednesday 11th November, Les Mills will be hosting a special edition, National Stress Awareness BODYBALANCE event. Join as a Les Mills Master Trainer guides you through the world-famous workout, which is proven to increase endorphins, help you sleep better and literally, move the stress away.

Working from home may be getting tiresome but working out from home needn’t be. Get involved with these limited edition, high quality workout workshops with true champions and revive your at-home fitness schedule with Everyone Active.

Live stream all three events for FREE via Everyone Active Facebook and Instagram pages. Events all start LIVE at 6pm on 14th October, 28th October and 11th November.

Food and Drink, Foodie News, North Wales

Food festival goes online for taster sessions and events due to Covid

A SERIES of virtual events and tasting sessions will take place over the coming weeks to celebrate local food and drink producers.

Taste North East Wales is to be held online this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, with a second lockdown reinforcing the decision to conduct workshops, sampling and tours via Zoom, the video conferencing platform.

For some events participants will receive products in advance so they can experience the delights of the region’s many award-winning local businesses, and then connect with them live.

There will be six sessions, starting this Friday with a virtual gin tasting at the base of Clwydian Range Distillery on Halkyn Mountain in Flintshire, home of Cariad Gin.

Owner Fiona Lewis will explain and explore the stories behind four of their popular flavours and discuss which to enjoy with tonic, dehydrated fruit and more.

“We simply cannot wait to host our very first virtual event with Taste North East Wales and have been blown away by the positive response both locally and further afield,” said Fiona.

“Our business has gone through lots of changes and adaptions like so many others during the recent months.

“We are about to launch a new website, have expanded on our home delivery service from Cheshire to the Llyn Peninsula and decided to turn our skills to producing much needed hand sanitiser to help frontline workers and our community to continue to stay safe, for which we won a local Unsung Hero award.

“It’s been a busy time, and sales of sanitiser will continue on a non-profit basis which enables us to donate quantities from each batch produced to front line essential services.”

There will also be a virtual tasting with Richard Cattell from Ruthin-based Owen and Edwards Coffee; a Continental cooking demonstration and Q&A with Beatriz Albo, director of Sabor de Amor, Rhostyllen, and Marina Midolo from Marina’s Italian Cookery in Cyffylliog, near Ruthin.

Those registering can watch a chef academy demonstration with Adam Gaunt-Evans of The Three Eagles bar and grill in Llangollen, a masterclass with chef Grant Mulholland of the The Hand at Llanarmon, and a tasting and tour with Debbie and Phil Handley of Mostyn Kitchen Garden.

Viewers can see how their fruit and vegetables are grown via a pre-recorded journey around the Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden, and later partake in a chutney and cheese tasting with Debbie, and Gemma Williams, owner of The Little Cheesemonger in Rhuddlan.

“We’ll be showcasing three of our chutneys and three of Gemma’s top cheeses, though we will have to do it from two separate sites due to the lockdown,” said Debbie.

“It’s been a difficult period but the response from customers has been positive, we have continued to supply farm shops and independent outlets as before and sales have been very good.

“The only real difficulty for us was not being able to have volunteers onsite, so we had to harvest absolutely everything ourselves, but we managed it and are now in a strong position having picked and frozen for the autumn and winter months.”

She added: “We are thinking ahead and looking to produce a range of vinegars, so the apples currently growing are going to be important.

“We’ve tried to be pragmatic about the circumstances and, like other local businesses have been so grateful for the backing of our community. We hope to see as many as possible on the night and are really looking forward to it.”

For Adam at the Three Eagles, the event is both about showcasing Welsh seafood and also inspiring future chefs from across the region.

“I will be working with two Chef Academy recruits, both from north east Wales, introducing them to ways of selecting, preparing and cooking seafood to maximise our regional flavour,” he said.

“And am delighted that our customers at home will be able to join in.”

The Chef Academy is a partnership between the Three Eagles and Coleg Cambria and will be expanded over coming years to reach up and coming chefs from across the region.

Taste North East Wales organisers Clwydian Range Food and Drink and Llangollen and Dee Valley Food and Drink, with the support of Cadwyn Clwyd, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and the local authorities of Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire, decided to host a virtual programme of events to ensure the health and safety of all involved.

The project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Coordinator Jane Clough said the events have been well-received and tickets are selling well, with people who would usually visit the food and drink festivals keen to show their support.

“This year has been unlike any other, but the way our local businesses have reacted to the pandemic, adapted the way they work and been there for their communities has been truly inspiring,” said Jane.

“We cannot be together to celebrate the incredible food and drink produced across this region, but doing so online is the next best thing, and the safest way forward at the present time.

“I’m sure these sessions will be a lot of fun, we have some fantastic venues and local companies involved and there has been a real buzz about it so be sure to get in quick and book your place – thanks to everyone who has done so already.”

For more information and to register for the virtual events, visit www.tastenortheastwales.org and follow @taste-blasu on social media or email taste.blas@gmail.com.

ENDS

News

Home improvements underpinning construction recovery, says FMB

Strong levels of consumer demand for repair and maintenance works saw builders report a busy summer, according to a new survey released today by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Key findings from the FMB State of Trade Survey, the only survey of its kind to track the experience of small to medium-sized (SME) firms in the building industry, include:

– 1 in 2 builders (47%) reported increased workloads in the summer months;
– More than 2 in 5 (42%) predict higher workloads in the autumn;
– More than three quarters (78%) of builders said they expect material costs to increase over the next two months;
– Almost 1 in 5 (17%) SMEs is planning to increase the number of general labourers on site in the months ahead; and
– Almost 1 in 5 (16%) SMEs is planning to increase the number of specialist tradespeople on site.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Builders’ workloads bounced back in the summer, as pent up demand for home upgrades and more domestic space fuelled activity. However, builders in other sectors are struggling, especially those working on social new build housing and on public buildings. To sustain recovery in the private repair, maintenance and improvement sector a national energy efficiency retrofit strategy is needed that will not only generate thousands of new jobs across the country but also help the Government’s commitment to create a greener economy.”

Berry continued: “With a healthy proportion of builders forecasting higher workloads in the autumn months, and almost 1 in 5 looking to recruit, there is clearly a demand for new jobs in the industry. Young people taking their next steps after school should consider an apprenticeship in construction, and those seeking a career change will also find new opportunities.”

Berry concluded: “Expected increases in material prices are a concern as builders have been reporting skyrocketing prices for years now. As we lead up to Brexit, we need to ensure that the supply chain is in step and that builders can access the materials they need.”

Paresh Raja, CEO of Market Financial Solutions, comments
“The rise in home upgrade projects is a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a large proportion of the UK workforce working from home, this has clearly encouraged many people to take on renovation projects, be it to improve their living space or upgrading existing office and study spaces.

“I expect this trend to continue. With the country on the brink of a second lockdown, homeowners will no doubt be considering additional home upgrades to improve the condition of their properties.

“The challenge is ensuring they have the finance necessary to take on these upgrade projects. Banks have become stricter with their lending criteria at the moment, and this is resulting in applications taking longer to process. It is important that those considering a home improvement project in the coming months first ensure that they have the necessary finance in place, be it through engaging with mainstream, alternative loan providers or other means.”

A full copy of the report is available here: https://www.fmb.org.uk/media/57602/fmb_state_of_trade_q2_2020.pdf

 

 

COVID-19, News

Independent SAGE calls for ‘Emergency Action’ to slow spread of Virus as Hospitals in North expected to reach March levels in a Week

  • Independent SAGE demands package of emergency measures to slow spread of COVID-19
  • Hospital admission rates in north of England set to reach levels seen on 23 March in London within a week, new figures show
  • Northern Ireland is new transmission ‘hotspot’ with confirmed weekly cases tripling in last fortnight
  • COVID-19  spreading most rapidly in those aged 16-24
  • “No amount of contact tracing will work at the moment,” says Professor Karl Friston of University College London. “It’s gone too far.”
  • Only Northern Ireland has managed to increase testing in the last month and proportion of test results received promptly in England is declining
  • Government failure to fix Test & Trace has left it with limited options to stem the spread, warns panel of expert scientists
  • Existing restrictions not sufficient to reverse growth. Any new restrictions must be backed by clear messaging, financial support for individuals and businesses and a clear “exit strategy”

Independent SAGE is calling for:

  • a return to 2m social distancing guidelines
  • suspension of indoor service in pubs and restaurants
  • a switch to online teaching in universities
  • Test & Trace to be brought into an integrated public health system
  • ban on households mixing
  • Resumption of government daily press briefings
  • Schools must only be closed as a ‘last measure’

Independent SAGE is demanding a package of “emergency measures” from the government to bring the spread of COVID-19 under control, as new figures show hospital admission rates in the north of England increasing rapidly.

The panel of expert scientists, chaired by former chief scientific adviser Sir David King, warns that the government’s failure to fix Test & Trace may have left it with limited options to stem the spread of the virus.

“The window of opportunity for enhanced contact tracing has passed. It’s gone too far,” said Professor Karl Friston of University College London. “No amount of contact tracing will work at the moment.”

At current rates of growth, the number of COVID-19 hospital admissions per million people in the North West, North East, Yorkshire & Humber will be at the levels seen in London on 23 March within a week.

Northern Ireland has emerged as another transmission hotspot with weekly confirmed cases tripling over the last two weeks. Highest infection rates continue to be seen in younger people, with COVID-19 spreading most rapidly in those aged 16-24.

The government is expected to announce tighter restrictions next week but Independent SAGE says the time for action is now. Any new measures must be accompanied by a financial support package for individuals and businesses and a clear “exit strategy”. It has also renewed its calls for an urgent review of the Test, Trace, Isolate, Support system and recommended that  Test & Trace be brought into an integrated public health system.

“We need a clear exit strategy from tighter restrictions, with clarity on key settings such as higher education and hospitality and a focus on proactive community engagement,” said Dr Tolullah Oni.

Urgent recommendations outlined by Independent SAGE include: a return to the 2m social distancing rules; suspension of indoor service in pubs, cafes and restaurants; a ban on households mixing; and a switch to online teaching in universities. Schools should only be closed as a “last measure”.

About Independent SAGE:

Independent SAGE is a group of scientists who are working together to provide independent scientific advice to the UK government and public on how to minimise deaths and support Britain’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. Sir David King, the former Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK government, chairs the group and oversees its reports.

Leisure, Tourism

Awards success for leisure retailer following Coronavirus lockdown sales surge

AN ENTREPENEUR nominated for a string of national business awards continues to make waves in the leisure sector.

UK Leisure Living Group has sold more hot tubs in 2020 than previous years put together, with the Coronavirus and Spring heatwave leading to a surge in sales.

The trend continued across the summer at their revamped 6,000 sq ft Mochdre showroom and Managing Director Gareth Jones marked this success at the second annual North Wales Hot Tub Expo, by unveiling new products and international partnerships.

He is also proud to have been named a finalist in three categories at the National SME Business Awards, to be held at Wembley Arena next Spring – Best Enterprising Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year, and for Service Excellence.

“While this year has been challenging for all businesses, we have been able to retain all of our staff and employ an apprentice full-time by capitalising on the initial lockdown period,” said Gareth.

“Protecting our local supply chain has also been hugely important to us and supporting companies in the Welsh tourism and hospitality sector when they need it most.

“By introducing new product lines – outdoor kitchens, the swim spas centre, saunas and the US-based Bull barbecue and grill range – the company will be even more sustainable in the future and not reliant on one product to get us through dire and unprecedented circumstances such as these.

“This is on top of our already popular international partnerships with Stop Digging in Sweden, Hot Springs in California and Aspen in St Louis, Missouri.”

By focusing on the end-to-end leisure experience. Gareth has also launched the Holiday Let Advice Centre, an independent hub for owners of holiday cottages, park owners and glamping site owners to get free and friendly advice.

“We will be a single port of call for the staycation market, offering free guidance on a range of topics from energy saving advice to maximizing bookings, hot tub maintenance, accommodation types, electric car charging and any number of issues they will come across. We will also bring in key partners to help with funding, taxation and planning,” he said.

“There will be a presence here in Mochdre and online, so we can offer support and specialist expertise locally and across the UK.”

Gareth added: “We have a broad range of experience across these subjects and can meet all of their needs from under one roof, and our collaboration with Cottages.com will be a big factor in this.

“For example, research has shown an increased occupancy in a holiday accommodation is roughly 40% by having a hot tub, and with properties with an already high occupancy it can boost the tariffs by up to 27%.

Admitting the next six months will be tough for the leisure sector, Gareth is hopeful next year will bring green shoots of recovery.

“Stock in the hot tub industry is scarce and some manufacturers are quoting 67 weeks to wait. Not six or seven weeks – 67.

“We have hundreds of tubs on order for delivery into next summer and free stock arriving almost weekly up until Christmas now. Getting hold of quality stock is difficult but with our buying power and connections, we have it covered.

“However, it is a tough place and I think we will see some hot tub companies go out of business, with no stock to sell.”

Gareth added: “I would not like to set up a hot tub company in these times, with the challenges facing this sector. These companies will potentially leave consumers high and dry, with lost deposits and no warranties.

“From a personal perspective, we have the awards to look forward to as well, and in past weeks were honoured to once again be named in the Wales Fast Growth 50 list.”

“We have used 2020 to lay the foundations for future years and while sales did rise, we didn’t get carried away. We have invested wisely, and that will pay dividends for the profitability of the business over the coming years.

“We want to create more jobs and support more investment in North Wales and the regional economy with our future masterplan – that’s our priority.”

For more information on UK Leisure Living, visit www.ukleisureliving.co.uk and follow @ukleisurelivinggroup on social media.

COVID-19, HR News, Mental Health at Work, News

Why mental health needs to be embedded in the business strategy post Covid-19

To mark World Mental Health Day on 10th October, Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing is urging employers to embed mental health support into their business strategy as the impact of COVID-19 takes its toll on employees’ mental wellbeing.

A recent forecast by the Centre for Mental Health[i] suggests that in England up to 10 million people (almost 20% of the population) will need either new or additional mental health support as a direct consequence of the crisis.

A new survey from WorkLife[ii] highlights that a quarter of UK SMEs want to introduce mental wellbeing support within the next six months, with 30% currently offering it, through avenues such as guidance on how to manage stress.

Cheryl Brennan, Executive Director, Health & Benefits at Howden says, “The pandemic has impacted all of our lives, including completely changing how we work. During lockdown home working became the norm, and since the government’s recent U turn on returning to the office, home working looks set to continue.

“Whilst home working suits some, for others the isolation from colleagues and being away from the office environment is impacting their mental wellbeing. We have already seen some poor mental health habits creeping in such as employees not taking breaks, working longer hours and not disconnecting from work.

“Also, there are furloughed workers that may have been stuck at home since March not working, who will have been anxious about the security of their job. Some now face redundancy as the scheme comes to an end. Other employees may already have seen a reduction in their household income due to a partner or financial dependent being made redundant. Given these issues, now is the time for employers to increase mental health support.”

An ACAS-commissioned YouGov survey[iii] found that nearly two out of five employees who had been working from home felt stressed, anxious or had experienced mental health difficulties due to their working situation.

Another report from Deloitte[iv] in partnership with mental health charity, Mind highlights the cost to business of poor mental health is £45bn, up 16% from two years ago. They say one in six workers will experience a mental health problem at any one time, with stress now thought to be responsible for almost half of working days lost in Britain due to ill health.

Cheryl says, “Mental health was rising up the agenda before the crisis, but it’s now imperative employers take it seriously. Many more employees will experience poor mental health as they come through the crisis and businesses need to be prepared.

“Talking about mental health and developing a culture where mental health isn’t stigmatised is essential. Equally important is having a clearly defined mental health strategy to help employees proactively look after their mental health but also to know where they can get support and advice when they need it. This can help to reduce costly long-term absenteeism and encourage employee wellbeing.

There is no magic bullet or quick fix solution. Every business is as individual as every employee. At Howden, we believe our mental health model that considers the environment, culture and individuals is an essential step in ensuring any products or interventions are long term, meaningful, individually relevant and will cover the wide reaching scale of all mental health conditions and their needs. Only then will we truly deliver the best employer and employee outcomes.

“Some of these solutions include widening private healthcare policies to more staff and implementing mental health pathways, offering virtual GPs, reviewing the relevance and visibility of long standing employee assistance programmes and ensuring they are fit for purpose for the longer term, training mental health first aiders, as well as introducing our independent support and mentoring service for mental health first aiders provided by RedArc’s mental health nurses, as they are fast becoming an exposed and under-supported resource

Christine Husbands, managing director for RedArc adds, “There is no doubt that Mental Health First Aiders can be an important part of an employers’ wellbeing strategy, but this doesn’t come without its challenges and risks. Particularly at this moment in time, MHFAs need to know their boundaries, when to ask for help and know that they are supported individually and collectively by their employer, with access to professional support.”

For more information, please visit: www.howdengroup.co.uk

[i] https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/publications/covid-19-and-nations-mental-health-october-2020

[ii] https://www.covermagazine.co.uk/news/4021179/staff-mental-wellbeing-support-priority-smes?utm_medium=email&utm_content=&utm_campaign=CV.SP01.Daily_RL.EU.A.U&utm_source=CV.DCM.Editors_Updates&utm_term=KAYAK%20PR

[iii] https://www.orange-business.com/en/blogs/working-home-and-workers-mental-health

[iv] https://www.icaew.com/insights/features/2020/feb-2020/counting-the-cost-of-mental-health-in-business