Monthly Archives: October 2023

Bereavement, News

Bereavement workshops launched by expert duo to strengthen support for vulnerable and bereaved customers

Settld and Three Hands Insight join forces to offer tailor-made guidance for hundreds of service providers nationwide

Two leading UK organisations have teamed up to offer new workshops and practical guidance for hundreds of UK service providers, designed to improve vulnerability and bereavement customer care across every industry sector.

Delivered by Settld, the multi award-winning bereavement notification service, and social insight agency Three Hands, the aim is to help companies across the UK provide a more compassionate and consistent response to their customers.

The bespoke workshops offer evidence-based guidance and advice, along with best practice examples to help organisations review and enhance their internal and external processes and customer journeys.

Service providers are under increasing pressure from regulators, the Financial Conduct Authority and the recommendations of the UK Commission on Bereavement to improve care of the vulnerable and bereaved.

Leeds Building Society and leading wealth management and investment firm Quilter have already benefited from the insight and change programme.

Laura Bell at Leeds Building Society said: “At Leeds Building Society our teams are committed to offering the highest standards of customer service. Dealing with a bereavement requires sensitivity and empathy, and while we receive strong positive feedback from our customers, we are continuously looking for ways to further improve the service we offer.

“We are pleased to have been able to facilitate these workshops for colleagues. The teams involved have commented that they now feel more confident when supporting members who are dealing with bereavement.”

Anthony Scammell, Adviser and Client Services Director at Quilter, said: “We are thrilled to have been one of the first businesses to take part in a 2-day in-person workshop, with a cross-functional team of Quilter’s staff.

“While we had strong processes in place, we’ve introduced further improvements thanks to the insights we gained, including from ‘lived experts’ in bereavement. If every service provider did likewise, grieving families, and the professionals supporting them, would have a lot less to worry about.”

The new package brings together Three Hands’ Immersive Innovation workshops with Settld’s process mapping and data insights gained from dealing with service providers on behalf of thousands of grieving customers.

Vicky Wilson, founder and CEO of Settld, said: “We know from dealing with bereaved individuals every day of the week at Settld, that many still feel let down when they contact service providers about a death.

“We’re here to change that. Bereavement is a time when organisations can make a real difference in helping their customers. With this package, we support companies in driving the best in class support, at a time when it matters the most.”

The combined skills and experience of the new partnership will enable service providers to apply a 360° approach to their vulnerability and bereavement customer support – improving everything from marketing communications to customer service agent transcripts, IT systems and processes.

Jan Levy, Managing Director at Three Hands Insight, said: “At Three Hands, our immersive innovation and insight workshops have proved hugely successful in helping our clients to understand the realities of life for vulnerable and underserved customers, and find solutions that create a better customer experience. Learning directly from ‘lived experts’ is core to our approach.

“Dealing with bereaved customers requires a very ‘human’ approach combined with efficient systems, and we believe we can help service providers – big and small – to solve the problems many face. This will help companies to transform insights into practical next steps.”

As a flexible consultancy package, companies will be able to select as little or as much assistance from the workshops as they need. The workshops are offered in person or online, and include facilitated ‘voice of the customer’ participation from recently bereaved people.

Further details of the ‘Supporting Vulnerable and Bereaved Customers: A Practical Guide for Service Providers’ workshops are available by contacting contact@settld.care

Appointments, Cleaning & Facilities Management, News, Swansea

Several new appointments for fast growing Mrs Buckét

Leading commercial cleaning company Mrs Buckét has made a series of high-level appointments as it continues its rapid growth within the cleaning and facilities management industry.

The Swansea-headquartered business has appointed several new senior team members in recent months, including: Glenn Day as Growth Manager, Michael Owen, Jane Boyle and Jonathan Pike as Area Managers, Jon Roberts as Division One Operations Manager, and Robert Ford as Talent Advisor.

All new hires join with significant industry experience and will play a crucial role in achieving the company’s ambitious growth plans. Mrs Buckét was founded by Rachael Flanagan, then just 18, in 2005, and has since grown to employ over 360 staff, with a turnover of £7.5 million. The firm aims to surpass the £10.5 million mark by the end of 2024, while also adding an additional 120 employees, bringing the total workforce to 480.

In response to recent major client acquisitions, Mrs Buckét has also strategically restructured its divisions, as well as creating a brand-new schools division, reflecting its substantial growth in the education sector.

 

Rachael Flanagan, CEO and Founder, Mrs Buckét, said: “The calibre and experience of these recent new appointments has allowed us to significantly bolster our senior team, and they are already proving to be incredibly valuable to the business and our clients.

“These key new team members will also play a major role in leading our new divisional initiatives. By realigning our divisions, it’s really allowed us to focus on local markets and work smarter, strengthening our core service pillars, ultimately enhancing the experience for our clients.

“Mrs Buckét has been my absolute passion for half of my life now, and I’m really excited about the future and the growth that is still to come.”

 

Mrs Buckét is a high-quality commercial cleaning and facilities management company. Established by Rachael Flanagan in 2005 when she was just 18, the business has grown to have over 360 employees operating across south Wales and south west England.

Bereavement, News, Wellbeing at Work

Cheryl Baker: “Why I’m Supporting George’s Law”

“I COULD HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE STATISTICS, EMPLOYERS NEED TO DO THE RIGHT THING”, SAYS TV LEGEND

TV presenter Cheryl Baker has thrown her support behind a campaign aiming to get employers to improve policies around baby loss.

The Bucks Fizz star, who is an ambassador for the charity Abigail’s Footsteps, is urging businesses to enact George’s Law, which provides those who lose a child with the right to statutory leave.

Cheryl, who recently told how nearly losing one of her own children inspires her work in this area, showed her support by meeting up with the solicitor behind the crusade.

After meeting Keeley Lengthorn at the Bexleyheath Office of Taylor Rose MW Solicitors, Cheryl, 69, said: “I’m supporting George’s Law and would urge employers to do the right thing by backing it too. It’s so important that those who suffer the loss of a child get the support and care they need.”

Cheryl, is vice president of Medway-based charity, Abigail’s Footsteps, which was founded by patrons David and Jo Ward whose daughter Abigail was stillborn at 41 weeks gestation.

Earlier this month Cheryl explained why the issue was so important to her.

“When I gave birth to my twin daughters one of them wasn’t breathing,” she explained. “Had there not been a special care baby unit there she may not have survived. It just touched me. I could have been David and Jo. I could have been one of the statistics.”

Cheryl’s show of support is the latest boost in an ongoing campaign which Keeley Lengthorn is embarking on.

She began her crusade to enact  law change after she lost her son George in March 2022, and has been travelling the country giving talks on why change is needed.

Speaking earlier this month, to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, Keeley said the campaign for George’s Law had taken on new life, even if proposed legislation in the House of Commons has not come to fruition.

She said: ‘George’s Law has stalled in parliament but with many firms now voluntarily adopting their own policies for statutory leave in the case of baby-loss, there is progress being made with further efforts to drive it up the legislative agenda. And I plan to push even harder in the coming weeks and months to make the law a reality.’

Keeley has been tirelessly travelling the UK giving talks on why change is needed

Lengthorn, a partner at southeast firm Taylor Rose MW, wants parents who lose a baby under 24 weeks to have statutory entitlement to three days’ paid leave from work. She has said before that miscarriage is not an illness but for employment purposes it is considered as ‘sick leave’ if parents take time off.

Lengthorn spoke at the inaugural Family Law Conference in Manchester last month and shared her story of enduring the loss of a child.

‘It was a privilege to speak at this event and to share the story behind George’s Law,’ she added. ‘Many people told me how overwhelmed they were to learn about the campaign.

‘Now I really hope those in attendance will now support us moving forward to bring George’s Law to fruition.’

Keeley has also helped to devise a new online training programme with company “Briefed” which employers can use to learn more about how to support staff experiencing baby loss.

 

Hybrid Working, News, Wellbeing at Work, Work from Home

Modern Brits are resorting to parenting and working at the same time, due to the cost-of-living

Researchers polled home (and hybrid) working parents, and discovered as many as 87 percent now regularly look after their children while still trying to do their day job, with 85 percent even having to work in the same room as their kids.

Nine in ten (91 percent) of the parents, polled by Capital One UK say they find it stressful juggling work and parenting duties, with one in three (37 percent) saying working full time in the office meant they were able to concentrate more on their work.

Yet two thirds (64 percent) agree that childcare costs have become more difficult since the cost-of-living crisis began and as a result over a quarter (28 percent) have had to cut back on childcare.

Over a third (37 percent) have taken holiday leave to look after their children, while half (49 percent) say they are arguing more with their other half as a result of working and parenting in the same house.

In addition to working, parents also say they are juggling cleaning (56 percent), cooking (55 percent), sorting out family mealtimes (53 percent), helping with homework (44 percent) and doing the weekly food shop (44 percent), when working from home.

Three quarters (73 percent) admit that they find the school holidays and half terms especially difficult, with 84 percent confessing that they find it financially challenging. 41 percent have turned to friends and family for help financially.

While 69 percent have been forced to cut back on certain areas to help cover the cost of school holidays, with meals out (74 percent), new clothes (60 percent), beauty treatments (48 percent) and days out (48 percent) all off the table.

Parents expect to spend an extra £645 throughout the half-term, with £230 allocated to additional childcare, £169 on the weekly shop and a staggering £246 on entertaining the kids. October is the half-term parents struggle with the most financially (39 percent), closely followed by February (38 percent). The May half-term is not only a warmer, lighter holiday but less damaging to wallets, with less than a quarter of parents (23 percent) citing it as the most financially challenging half-term.

Michelle Robb, Head of Research and Insights at Capital One UK said: “Our data shows us that half-term can be a busy, stressful and expensive time for a lot of people, especially working parents. We’re on a mission to drive positive change in the industry, putting the best interests of our customers first, by doing one small, good thing at a time.

“Our Budget Planner is one tool that can help parents manage their spend, preparing them for the increased costs of school holidays and the period leading up to Christmas. We’d encourage parents to monitor their spending and only spend what they can afford during the October half-term. By ensuring they budget accordingly, it will make it easier to navigate and prepare for the times of the year when spending tends to be at its highest. ”

The same study analysed the true cost of the October half-term to understand the rationale behind the increased expense. With parents admitting to still recovering from a £609 ‘financial hangover’ after the summer holidays, as they move towards October half-term.

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This research of 2,000 hybrid and home-working parents was commissioned by Capital One UK and conducted by Perspectus Global in September 2023.

News, Science, Space

Brits don’t know their Uranus from their Venus – half of Brits admit they know nothing about the universe, according to new research

A staggering 49 percent of Brits admit they know nothing about space, according to a new survey from Livat Hammersmith ahead of the launch of the SpaceLab, giving the whole family a passport to space through a series of interactive and educational activities at the meeting place.

The research reveals that 61 percent of Brits have no idea how many planets are in our solar system, with one in five of those polled (20 percent) insist there are nine instead of the correct number of eight.

According to the study, 14 percent of the nation were unable to name ANY planets at all, while a significant three quarters (76 percent) had no idea that Neptune is the farthest planet from the Sun.

One in five (22 percent) think that astrology (the study of the movements and positions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars in the belief that they affect the character and lives of people) is just another word for astronomy (the scientific study of the universe and of objects that exist naturally in space). 33 percent admit they have more knowledge about astrology and horoscopes than the universe.

When it comes to extraterrestrial life, a third (33 percent) think it exists beyond Earth, with 16 percent believing aliens have already visited Earth. Three percent say they have seen a UFO.

Nearly half (48 percent) aren’t able to identify any of the major stars or star patterns, yet more than half (56 percent) said they feel in awe when they look up into the vastness of the night sky.

“Despite our study showing that 85 percent wished they knew more about astronomy and space, while more than half (55 percent) admitted that they find space interesting and fascinating (49 percent), the research also shows the relatively little we know about space. With the launch of the SpaceLab, we’re aiming to change that, and show that what happens beyond Earth’s walls is there to be both learnt and explored in equal measure.” says Anna Larsen, Marketing Manager at Ingka Centres.

The research also found that only a tenth (12 percent) would be able to identify Ursa Major – known as the plough – dropping to just eight percent for Ursa Minor – the little Bear.

In fact, 37 percent admitted they had no idea what Ursa Minor was, while three percent of those quizzed thought it might be a musical note rather than a pattern of stars.

When it came to the brightest star, just 38 percent said they would be able to locate the North Star, while only 25 percent could find the constellation of Orion.

A third (33 percent) have no idea when man landed on the moon (it was 1969) with nearly one in three (29 percent) thinking it happened in another year or not knowing at all.

A confused three percent went a step further and claimed the moon landings never happened at all and were actually a hoax.

10 percent thought that Buzz Aldrin was the first person to walk on the moon and utter the famous words ‘one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind’ and not Neil Armstrong.

One in twenty (four percent) think that Nebula is a medical condition rather than a formation of gas and particles which gives off light, while a fifth (20 percent) believe the Earth revolves around the moon, instead of the other way round.

A whopping 92 percent believe that everyone should have a basic understanding of the universe around them, even though for 86 percent the thought of endless space baffles them.

Natalia Petelina, Meeting Place Manager at Livat Hammersmith added: “To help inspire a better understanding of space and the world around us, Livat Hammersmith will open the SpaceLab this week, specially designed to encourage parents, children and visitors to unite under the planets and stars and explore beyond the Earth’s walls. The activities in SpaceLab are for all ages, those curious and young at heart, and are sure to be a galactic hit with parents in London”.The SpaceLab will be on at Livat Hammersmith from Monday 23rd – Saturday 28th October.

Research of 2,000 Britons was commissioned by Livat Hammersmith and was conducted by Perspectus Global in October 2023.

 

News

North Wales and Chester law firm strengthens position in illustrious Legal 500 rankings

MACKENZIE Jones Solicitors has strengthened its position in the illustrious Legal 500 rankings.

The law firm, based in St Asaph, Menai Bridge and Chester, held its Personal Injury (PI) listing and had Clinical Negligence included for the first time.

Directors Anna Mills-Morgan and Richard Jones were lauded for their commitment to clients and customer service.

The Legal 500 is an independently researched survey broken down by location and practice area. For almost 35 years it has been analysing the capabilities of legal practices globally, assessing strengths based on a series of criteria.

There were less than 15 Welsh firms in each of the two categories, an astonishing achievement.

“We are really pleased to have retained and improved upon our Legal 500 position,” said Anna.

“It’s down to the hard work of the team, who are always striving to provide clients with the best possible support and advice.

“For that to now be recognised in two areas is a privilege, we will keep working hard to build on that in the future.”

Richard added: “The positive responses we’ve received were heartening, and testament to the standards we have set in dealing with PI and Clinical Negligence cases.

“We would like to thank everyone who took part in the survey for their feedback.”

In the Clinical Negligence section, the listing read: “The firm has a unique position to support their clients in this area, and especially to support Welsh speaking clients.”

“Anna Mills Morgan has a very good working relationship with her clients and maintains frequent contact. Her knowledge was second-to-none and she knew who to use as her support to bring the case to a favourable conclusion.”

The Personal Injury listing was equally commendable, stating: “Mackenzie Jones Solicitors have a unique position to support their clients in the area, especially for their Welsh speaking clients. I know that their clients do search for this.”

“Anna Mills Morgan went up and above any customer expectations I have experienced in any customer service industry. She kept us up to date during every stage of the claim which at times was very frustrating in the six years it took to conclusion.”

For more information on the Legal 500 rankings, visit www.legal500.com.

For more on Mackenzie Jones Solicitors, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466.

Alternatively, follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

Cryptocurrency, Sport

Crypto Betting Comes of Age: Insights from the UK in 2023

The world of cryptocurrency betting has taken off.  The best online casinos attract a large number of players from all around the world who come to play their preferred games.

The relevant international authorities continue to rigorously regulate and oversee the gaming sector. Nonetheless, we can follow the rules and still have a good time because of the industry’s ongoing innovation.

Several players in the UK may now play safely thanks to the sites’ adoption of crypto payment mechanisms. Cryptocurrency relies on a system of peers.  As a result, it enables buying, selling, and facilitating financial dealings without the need for a middleman easier than it has ever been.

Laws and regulations

In the UK, all betting activities are governed and controlled by the United Kingdom Gaming Commission. It’s crucial to keep in mind that there are no particular rules for the usage of cryptocurrencies under the UK Gambling Act. Licenses are still needed for casinos that accept cryptocurrency betting.

It is mandatory for betting sites to inform the Commission about any modifications made to the payment methods they accept. For online casinos to operate lawfully, some requirements must be met. Before you make a deposit, it is important to confirm that the online live betting site you visit is licensed.

There is a concerted effort by the British government to establish strict regulations on cryptocurrencies and other virtual currencies. This project is still being worked on.  The future regulations are anticipated to have a big impact on the UK’s digital currency market.

The primary goal of the proposed regulatory changes is to provide enhanced security for companies that deal with digital assets as well as consumers. They would lay up precise rules and limitations for the trading and usage of cryptocurrencies. Reducing the underlying dangers connected to their volatility and abuse potential would be one of the outcomes of this.

The way bitcoin legislation is developing in the UK may eventually affect how the UKGC feels about sports betting with crypto. Many things might change if the new laws improve transparency and dependability in the crypto business.

This might indicate that the UKGC is increasingly inclined to provide licenses for cryptocurrency-based gaming businesses. That may indicate the start of a new era for online gambling in the UK.

Why crypto betting is popular in the UK

These days, if you like to gamble in a contemporary manner, you should choose to use cryptocurrencies. You may now deposit and wager using cryptocurrency at sports betting companies in the UK. So, what makes crypto betting popular in the UK?

Faster and flexible transactions

When using the UK cryptocurrency sportsbook, payments are processed more quickly than with conventional means. Real-time cryptocurrency transactions can enhance your betting experience.

There are some of the top Bitcoin betting platforms in the UK that don’t have withdrawal limits. You now have greater ease and flexibility when it comes to accessing your wins.

Bypassing location restrictions

One benefit of using crypto for sports betting is that there are no geographical restrictions. Crypto betting sites, in contrast to traditional websites, typically permit VPN use. This implies that even while you’re on the go, you may still use your sports betting site.

Having said that, you should be aware that you shouldn’t support or engage in any unlawful activity or legal avoidance. When betting online, it’s critical to abide by local laws and regulations.

Ensure that you are aware of and abide by the regulations in the UK about online gambling. In this manner, you can take pleasure in sports betting while adhering to the law.

Enhanced anonymity

Compared to conventional platforms, cryptocurrency betting sites in the UK provide greater privacy and anonymity. When you transact using cryptocurrency, neither your bank nor your partner is aware that you are speculating.

You don’t have to worry about someone else finding out what you’re betting on. Your private information is safe and kept private. This gives you the privacy and tranquility to enjoy sports betting.

Potential for increased value

The possibility of your balance rising in value is one of the most important things about adopting cryptocurrency in betting. You may see fluctuations in the value of your balance as the price of cryptocurrencies fluctuates.

It is important to keep in mind that certain stablecoins are exempt from this. The goal of stablecoins like USD Coin and Tether is to keep their value constant. Therefore, while you love betting on sports using cryptocurrency, be mindful that your balance may increase.

Cutting edge platforms

Crypto betting firms in the UK frequently boast to have more sophisticated platforms. These sportsbooks go above and above by using more recent technology. This guarantees that your user experience will be better than one of their fiat sites.

Online betting companies that accept Bitcoin are a great option if you’re looking for cutting-edge features. When you take into account new sites, this feature becomes much more evident. These websites are at the forefront of providing a modern experience because of their creative methodology.

Reaching autonomy

One of the benefits of cryptocurrency for sports betting is its autonomy. You may escape the limitations of conventional banking systems by making the most of cryptocurrency.

Additionally, you have total control over your money while using cryptocurrency. This gives you a great lot of freedom and flexibility when it comes to your betting endeavors.

Cryptocurrency provides a change from fiat money for sports betting. By using cryptocurrency as your medium of exchange, you may access a more exciting and current type of digital assets. You may get a fresh betting experience by using these cutting-edge currencies. For us players, this increases our enjoyment and engagement.

Conclusion

The world of online betting has been completely transformed by cryptocurrency gaming. There are several benefits to placing bets on Bitcoin betting platforms in the UK.

Cryptocurrencies provide improved security and privacy, safeguarding financial and personal data. In comparison to cash sites, cryptocurrency betting sites also provide speedier transfers and lower costs. Bonuses and promotions are also available, which improves the betting experience.

Diversity & Inclusion, News, Transport, Transport Tech

Applied joins forces with Women in Transport

Applied Driving, the global provider of driver safety and performance management solutions, has teamed up with not-for-profit organisation Women in Transport to help promote diversity and equity in the transport sector. Under the partnership, Applied Driving will become a sponsor of the Women in Transport Advance 2024 mentoring programme, as well as providing 150 members with free access to the Companion+ Mobile Safety app as part of its commitment to supporting road safety.

 

“We are fully behind Women in Transport’s efforts to foster diversity and inclusivity within the sector, which we believe is key to driving growth, innovation and safety,” explains Nigel Lawrence, Director of Client Partnerships at Applied Driving. “The Advance mentoring programme is a fantastic initiative that is supporting and empowering women who are seeking to develop and progress their careers. We are proud to become a sponsor and look forward to developing this new partnership.”

 

The Advance mentoring programme is structured to address the precise needs of transport professionals. Launched as a pilot in 2018, it has already supported more than 300 mentees and mentors to date, with a further 45 places available for 2024. The initiative is designed and delivered by Sonya Byers, Women in Transport’s CEO, and longstanding member Angela Gainsford. The programme is run virtually and includes training sessions, one-to-one mentoring, and engagement sessions.

 

Sonya Byers, CEO of Women in Transport commented: “Our annual Advance mentoring programme has been made possible by the invaluable support of our corporate sponsors, so we are delighted to welcome Applied Driving as our latest partner. Mentoring is a powerful personal development and empowerment tool that allows the mentee to explore new ideas in a safe environment and take responsibility for the direction of their career.”

“We are excited about the difference we can make together with Women in Transport. Providing access to our Companion+ Mobile Safety app will enable us to engage with transport professionals about the importance of driver safety and fleet risk reduction. Our aim is to share our expertise and encourage a cultural shift within the transport sector, and we are already working on joint initiatives for next year,” adds Lawrence.

News, Sport

Five of the Most Popular Football Shirts in the World

Football is the most popular sport in the world. With that comes an enormous market for football shirts. Fans love to show support for their teams by wearing these. What makes football shirts so popular is the success of the teams they represent and the iconic players behind them.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual football follower, you’re sure to recognise some of the football shirts on this list. Here are five of the five most popular football t-shirts in the world.

  1. Manchester United

As of 2023, United has won the most Premier League titles, with a total of 20. And its acclaim extends beyond the UK. This team is also among the best in the world, so it is no surprise that their shirt sales have also been a roaring success.

The figures suggest that in 2022, they sold as many as 2,330,000 football shirts, with the highest seller being Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

  1. Real Madrid

Real Madrid is another major shirt-seller, which makes sense given its position as the best team in Spain. In 2022, they sold around 3,106,000 football shirts.

In their time on the pitch, Real Madrid have amassed 35 La Liga trophies, 20 Copa Del Rey trophies and 14 UEFA Cups.

 

  1. Bayern Munich

Germany’s top football team takes third place, with a total of 2,825,000 shirts sold in 2022. In the past 10 seasons leading up to 2022, Bayern Munich averaged 2.44 points per game, a higher average than any other European football game.

 

  1. Liverpool

Liverpool FC, of course, is one of the other top performers in the Premier League. The shirt is an iconic shade of red, for which the team has been nicknamed “The Reds”. It’s a shirt that is recognisable wherever you go, so it has been a clear hit with fans.

In 2022, 2,210,000 Liverpool shirts were sold, and the player who helped drive these results the most was Mohamed Salah. He has played for the team since 2017 and has now become one of the team’s top 5 scorers of all time.

 

  1. Barcelona

Who can miss the red and blue striped design of Barcalona’s football t-shirts? In 2022, they sold 1,822,000 t-shirts. The team follows on the heels of Real Madrid, enjoying a prestigious place as the second-best Spanish football club.

Along with Real Madrid, Barcelona can even boast that they have never been relegated in their domestic league!

Wearing a football shirt is a fun way to show support for your favourite team. The garment itself is a sign of how far football kit has come. Footballers initially wore impractical long-sleeved jerseys in the 19th century. Modern athletic gear is much less stifling, with temperature regulation and moisture-wicking technology.

It is certainly interesting to see how shirt sales and team success are so closely intertwined.

 

 

Business Expansion

Empowеring Business Growth: Thе Valuе of Business Analyst Careers

In today’s fast-changing business world, organisations and companiеs always want to stay ahеad. Onе crucial aspect that can significantly contribute to thеir succеss is thе prеsеncе of qualifiеd businеss analysts. Thеsе often misunderstood profеssionals possеss a uniquе skill sеt that еnablеs thеm to analysе complеx businеss processes, idеntify arеas for improvеmеnt, and drivе innovation.

In this blog post, wе’ll еxplorе thе valuе of businеss analyst careers, cover several BCS courses and explain how these professionals empower businesses to achieve sustainablе growth.

Thе Valuе of Businеss Analyst Carееrs in Driving Organisational Succеss

Businеss analysts arе crucial for undеrstanding markеt trеnds, skillеd at analysing diverse data to idеntify pattеrns that impact how organisations pеrform. With insights into markеt dynamics, thеy aid in making proactivе dеcisions and stratеgic adjustmеnts. Thеy also specialise in studying customеr bеhaviour, using data-drivеn insights to tailor products or sеrvicеs and build customеr loyalty.

A kеy strеngth of businеss analysts liеs in finding arеas for business improvеmеnt within organisations. Through careful analysis of businеss procеssеs, thеy uncovеr inеfficiеnciеs and opportunitiеs for cost-saving or incrеasеd productivity, guiding ongoing еfforts to еnhancе opеrational pеrformancе.

In thе tеch rеalm, businеss analysts usе thеir knowlеdgе to proposе solutions that align with organisational goals, giving businеssеs a compеtitivе еdgе. Thеir ability to grasp markеt trеnds, optimisе procеssеs, and lеvеragе tеchnology contributеs to sustainеd growth in today’s dynamic businеss еnvironmеnt.

Rеalising thе Potеntial of Businеss Analysts to Propеl Growth:

Thе dеmand for skillеd businеss analysts is on thе risе as organisations rеcognisе thе valuе thеy bring in driving growth and innovation. To harnеss thе full potential of businеss analysts, it is еssеntial to providе thеm with comprеhеnsivе training programs that еquip thеm with thе nеcеssary knowledge and skills.

BCS (British Computer Society): Empowеring Businеss Analysts

BCS certifications arе dеsignеd to arm businеss analysts with еssеntial skills for еffеctivе data analysis and businеss procеss optimisation. Thеsе recognised certifications covеr a rangе of data analysis tеchniquеs, including statistical analysis, data visualisation, and prеdictivе modеlling. By mastеring thеsе skills, businеss analysts can еxtract valuablе insights from largе datasеts, еnabling bеttеr dеcision-making and driving businеss growth.

Thе popular Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis course curriculum also divеs into businеss procеss modеlling, providing analysts with tools to idеntify and addrеss inеfficiеnciеs, strеamlinе opеrations, and еnsurе rеsourcе optimisation for on-timе projеct dеlivеry within budgеt.

The Practitioner Certificate in Rеquirеmеnts Engineering is anothеr kеy focus for business analysts, offеring thorough training on mеthodologiеs for gathеring, documеnting, prioritising, and validating rеquirеmеnts. This еnsurеs that tеchnology solutions align with organisational goals and mееt stakеholdеr еxpеctations. 

Additionally, еmphasis is typically on thе importancе of stakеholdеr еngagеmеnt skills, tеaching analysts how to conduct еffеctivе mееtings, managе conflicts, gathеr fееdback, and build strong rеlationships. Thеsе skills arе crucial for aligning projеct objеctivеs with businеss goals and еnsuring succеssful implеmеntation. 

Ovеrall, the The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) providе a well-rounded range of certifications and diplomas, еnabling businеss analysts to navigatе thе complеxitiеs of data analysis, businеss procеss optimisation, rеquirеmеnts managеmеnt, and stakеholdеr еngagеmеnt with confidеncе and proficiеncy.

Lеvеraging Businеss Analysis Skills to Boost Businеss Pеrformancе:

Businеss analysts possеss a uniquе ability to bridgе thе gap bеtwееn businеss objеctivеs and tеchnology solutions. Thеy еxcеl at idеntifying inеfficiеnciеs in еxisting procеssеs and rеcommеnding improvеmеnts that drivе opеrational еxcеllеncе.

Through thеir еxpеrtisе in businеss procеss modеlling, thеy can strеamlinе workflows, optimisе rеsourcе allocation, and еliminatе bottlеnеcks. This lеads to еnhancеd productivity, cost savings, and improvеd customеr satisfaction.

Additionally, businеss analysts play a crucial rolе in idеntifying еmеrging trеnds and tеchnologiеs that can bе lеvеragеd to gain a compеtitivе еdgе. By staying updatеd on industry advancеmеnts, thеy can proposе innovativе solutions that drivе businеss growth and еnsurе long-tеrm sustainability.

Thеsе contributions not only boost opеrational еfficiеncy but also еnablе organisations to adapt quickly to changing markеt dynamics, ultimatеly lеading to incrеasеd profitability and succеss.

Thе Rolе of Businеss Analysts in Achiеving Organisational Succеss:

Organisational succеss hingеs on thе ability to adapt to changing markеt dynamics еffеctivеly. Businеss analysts sеrvе as catalysts for organisational changе by facilitating sеamlеss transitions during pеriods of transformation or growth.

Thеy work closеly with stakеholdеrs at all lеvеls to undеrstand thеir rеquirеmеnts, align businеss objеctivеs, and implеmеnt stratеgic initiativеs. By еffеctivеly communicating thе bеnеfits of proposеd changеs, businеss analysts fostеr buy-in and еnsurе succеssful implеmеntation. This not only drivеs businеss pеrformancе but also boosts еmployее moralе and еngagеmеnt.

Morеovеr, businеss analysts arе skillеd in data analysis, еnabling thеm to idеntify trеnds, uncovеr insights, and support data-drivеn dеcision-making. This stratеgic approach to problеm-solving еnsurеs that organisations arе wеll-еquippеd to makе informеd choicеs that maximisе thе valuе of thеir rеsourcеs. 

Thеrеforе, invеsting in businеss analysis skills can bе a gamе-changеr for organisations sееking to navigatе thе complеxitiеs of today’s businеss landscapе with agility and succеss.

Conclusion:

Thе valuе of businеss analyst carееrs cannot bе undеrstatеd in today’s compеtitivе businеss еnvironmеnt. Thеsе professionals еmpowеr organisations by providing critical insights, optimising procеssеs, and driving innovation. 

By invеsting in recognised qualifications, individuals can acquirе thе nеcеssary skills to excel in this fiеld and contributе to thеir organisation’s growth and succеss. 

Whеthеr it’s idеntifying markеt trеnds, strеamlining opеrations, or spеarhеading organisational changе, qualifiеd businеss analysts arе instrumеntal in propеlling businеssеs towards sustainablе growth. 

Businеss analysts arе truly thе backbonе of succеssful organisations, providing thе knowlеdgе, еxpеrtisе, and guidancе nееdеd to navigatе complеx businеss challеngеs and drivе sustainablе growth.