Tag Archives: Management

Appointments, Business, Finance and Banking, News from Wales

Swansea Building Society strengthens leadership at Cowbridge branch

Swansea Building Society has appointed a new Branch Manager at its Cowbridge branch. Christopher Rice, who joined the Society in April this year, brings with him more than 20 years of experience in financial services to the role.

Throughout his career, Rice has held senior sales and managerial roles at major financial institutions including Woolwich, Barclays, Northern Rock, Virgin Money, Seren Financial and The Money Partnership. His expertise includes leading teams, providing mortgage advice, and supporting clients and communities with their financial needs.

He replaces David Osterland, who has moved to manage the Society’s Portland Street branch in Swansea.

To mark his appointment, Christopher will be hosting a mortgage drop-in session at the Cowbridge branch on Saturday 8th November, where he will be available to meet members of the local community, answer questions, and provide information about the Society’s wide range of tailored mortgage products.

Commenting on his new role, Christopher Rice said:

“I am delighted to be joining Swansea Building Society and to be leading the Cowbridge branch. Having spent more than 20 years helping people with their financial journeys, I look forward to supporting our members in Cowbridge and the surrounding area, and ensuring they benefit from the personal and flexible approach that the Society is so well known for.”

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, added:

“We are very pleased to welcome Christopher to the Society. His wealth of experience in financial services, combined with his commitment to excellent customer service, make him an excellent fit for our Cowbridge branch. We are confident he will continue to build strong relationships with the local community and help the branch to thrive.”

The Cowbridge mortgage drop-in session on November 8th is open to all, with no appointment necessary.

Accountancy & Accounts, Business, Business Finance, Finance and Banking

ACCA sets out how accountancy profession can meet the nature reporting challenge

Report sets out accountant’s vital role in protecting and restoring the natural world

 

​​​Accountants must understand the concepts, principles, challenges and opportunities of nature-related reporting to engage with boards and management on this increasingly vital issue.

 

The global accountancy body ACCA has issued a ​paper Empowering business: navigating nature-related reporting, designed to assist accountants supporting organisations to undertake nature-related reporting and drive meaningful action to tackle the sustainability-related challenges.

 

​​Jessica Bingham, regional policy ​​​l​​​​​​​ead for ACCA​ and the report author, said: “Nature is the foundation for all life on Earth​,​ and our research suggests that an overwhelming number of organisations do not effectively assess and communicate their impacts and dependencies on nature.”

 

Organisations are increasingly disclosing their impacts and dependencies on nature, especially with the advent of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive in Europe. The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has​ recently announced​ that it plans to carry out ​​research into biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services as part of its work plan over the next two years​, with a view to developing global reporting standards​. ​         ​

 

These changes will require accountants to increase their knowledge in this area. ​A ​​c​ore​ element of ​​reporting ​these ​​matters is​ ​setting out​​ an organisation’s material nature-related impacts, dependencies, risks and opportunities and underpins interconnections between the natural, social and human capitals.

 

The ​key messages in​​​ the report will be discussed by Jessica Bingham at COP16 on biodiversity in Colombia 21 October​ ​-​ ​1 November​, including​​​ a panel discussion with standard setter the Global Reporting Initiative, credit agency S&P and biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.   ​​

​

​ACCA’s ​​​​research​, ​​in​ collaboration with​ Glasgow University​,​ found that 95% of the 183 early adopters of ​disclosures recommended by ​The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) have policies or commitments to halt and ​reverse​ biodiversity loss.

 

However​,​ only 35% have policies and commitments informed by 2030 and 2050 global diversity frameworks (GBFs). Organisations that are already working with accountants on Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) are giving themselves a head start in developing nature-related reporting​,​​ making themselves more ​resilient​ and managing their impact on nature​.

 

The rise of nature-related reporting is ​an opportunity for individual accountants and the profession across strategic planning, value creation, risk management, regulatory compliance, partnership development and decision making processes.

 

Lloyd Powell, head of ACCA Wales/Cymru, said: “Nature-related reporting is increasingly recognised as an essential component of organisational reporting. The role of accountants in this domain is pivotal in driving sustainable business practices and ensuring long-term financial health and environmental stewardship.”

Appointments, Logistics, News

Kinaxia Logistics strengthens senior team with key appointments

Kinaxia Logistics has strengthened its senior team as part of a management restructure which will see it focus on further developing its customer proposition, driving operational efficiencies and unlocking the potential within the business.

Simon Nelson has been appointed to the new position of chief operating officer and Mark Tabor has joined Kinaxia as commercial director.

Chief executive Michael Conroy said the duo have vast experience at board level and possess great commercial acumen.

He said the appointments form part of Kinaxia’s strategy to work more closely with its customers and deliver high-quality services which are more tailored to their needs.

Simon joined Kinaxia and became managing director of its contract distribution operations after the company acquired Nelson Distribution from KNP Logistics Group last September.

Mark has over 35 years’ experience in UK and European logistics, working with a number of leading businesses including FedEx, Palletforce and Online MBT.

As Palletforce’s European development director, he oversaw the expansion of its cross-border pallet network from 11 to 30 countries and quadrupled turnover.

Michael said: “The new position of COO has been created to ensure our services more closely match our customers’ requirements. This will enable us to get closer to them, better understand their needs and deliver a service which reflects this.

“In addition, Simon will also drive efficiency across the business using technology-enabled solutions that will boost productivity while further enhancing sustainability, allowing us to generate additional value for our customers.

“Mark will play a major role as we continue to align our commercial proposition to best serve the needs of our customers with the agility to flex to quickly meet the demands of a changing marketplace.

“His appointment further reinforces our strategy to be completely aligned with our customers to deliver a stand-out experience to them and ensure we operate in a manner which drives long-term success for the business.

“With some of the highest-quality warehousing facilities in the UK, a depth of regional transport expertise and heritage that is unmatched, skilled and motivated people and a powerful palletised freight offering, we have a full end-to-end solution that can quickly adapt to our customers’ needs.”

Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, employs more than 1,700 staff nationwide with a fleet of 800 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

It has 2.7 million sq ft of strategic national warehousing facilities offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

News

Hospitality leaders Les Roches commit to specialised education in sports management and events

Les Roches, one of the world’s leading hospitality management institutions, is launching a new specialised program in sports tourism, the Master’s in Sports Management and Events, starting in September 2024.

The global sports tourism industry was valued at $323,420 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $1,803,704 billion by 2030, according to the international consultancy Allied Market Research, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1% over the next six years.

This year alone sees two of the world’s most spectacular sporting events, the UEFA European Foootball Championship in Germany, and the Olympics Games in Paris, which will make them among the most sought-after destinations this summer.

In response to this growing demand, Les Roches has announced the Master’s in Sports Management and Events.

Spanning 12 months, students will delve into the global sports and events industry, gaining essential skills for administrative and managerial roles. This includes analysing the industry’s economic aspects on an international scale and planning and executing events.

As part of the program, students will embark on business field trips to Abu Dhabi, a premier destination renowned for hosting prestigious events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and NBA Games. Additionally, they will visit Switzerland, home to major European sports organisations.

These trips offer invaluable opportunities for students to immerse themselves in real-world settings, network with industry leaders, and gain practical insights into sports management practices on a global scale.

The international sports and events industry offers exceptional professional opportunities, as various destinations, regions and even countries utilise sports to diversify their economies while reinforcing their tourism and hospitality sectors. However, the sports-driven tourism industry is not solely focused on entertainment. The profile of vacationers has also shifted towards a healthier lifestyle. As a result, there has been an increased demand trend for hotel accommodation with attractive sports offers.

Carlos Díez de la Lastra, Les Roches Global CEO, said: “Faced with a changing global demand, tourism companies must prepare for a decade filled with new expectations from travellers. Sports tourism is one of them. Over the past years, it has shown very positive growth figures, and we are confident it will continue this trend. Sports is a universal language known to all, which is why companies need to anticipate future trends, aiming to offer their customers excellent service and exquisite experiences. The implementation of this Master’s program represents a firm commitment to education in a field that gains more aspirants each year and requires highly-qualified and specialised personnel.”

 

Currently, Les Roches boasts a global network of over 16,000 alumni holding managerial positions in more than 140 countries worldwide. Of these, 67% secured their first job through school contacts, and 33% successfully launched their own ventures. Upon graduation, students receive an average of five offers from top hospitality, luxury tourism and related services companies and graduates typically triple their pre-degree salary within 12 years.

 

With a 70-year history, Les Roches is at the forefront of innovation in the hospitality sector. Its students gain access each semester to job and internships placements at over 200 leading companies in the hotel, luxury tourism and related industries, such as Louis Vuitton, Accor Hotels, IHG, The Ritz-Carlton, Soho House & Co, Mandarin Oriental, Marriott International, Silversea, Qatar Airways and Hublot, among others.

 

In addition, numerous Les Roches alumni already hold successful positions and have made significant contributions in sports management and events in some of the biggest sports brands and businesses such as Formula 1, FIFA, Nike, Netflix and the Olympic Committee.

News

Research confirms executive education boosts personal, professional and organisational life-wide learning

Supporting managers and executives to pursue ‘life-wide learning’ through Executive Education can provide both professional and personal benefits that are felt by the wider organisation and colleagues, according to a recent study by Lancaster University Management School in the UK.

Undertaken by Professors Martin Brigham, Mike Reynolds and Lucas Introna, the study investigated the wider impact of learning on executive education participants from its International Masters Programme for Managers (IMPM). The researchers surveyed 76 participants from over 600 alumni who had studied between 2000-2019, asking them to consider the personal, professional and organisational impacts the program may have had.

The results show that a third of managers surveyed not only benefitted academically, but noted a significant personal change beyond professional expectations including widening their perspectives, elevating their confidence and engagement with complexity:

“Participants showed a real personal and professional change which they also brought back to their organisations, with some accounts of more empathetic and ethical business practices. Unlike most programs we’ve focus on the management education philosophy within the classroom. Changing what managers do in practice back in their workplace starts with changing how they are educated and learn,” highlights Dr Brigham, Worldwide Academic Director for the IMPM.

The IMPM cohort provided a global snapshot of management and self-development attitudes. Founded by management icon Professor Henry Mintzberg at McGill University, and soon to welcome its 25th cohort, the IMPM has become internationally recognised for transforming the practice of management around the world by bringing a global class of experienced managers, accomplished executives and entrepreneurs together to explore the latest management thinking and challenge their pre-existing ideas and broaden their perspectives new insights.

The program is taught across five partner universities: Lancaster University in the UK, McGill University in Canada, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore in India. Yokohoma National University in Japan, and at FGV-EBAPE in Brazil. Central to the teaching of the IMPM is the concept of ‘life-wide learning’; enabling managers to become proficient in a complex variety beyond the functions and disciplines that make up modern business practice. Whilst life-long learning promotes self-development throughout time, life-wide learning seeks to develop meaningful insight and connections across business, personal and organisations, and society.

“Reflection is a core thread of the program. It is not something that happens in solitude or exile – it is something that can be stirred and encouraged through peer collaboration, shared experiences emphasising the context of action, immersive roundtable dialogue, and interaction with a diversity organisations and different places around the world,” emphasises Dr Brigham. “What our study showed is that executive education, life-wide learning, and the reflection that is necessary for both leaves not only lasting positive personal and professional impacts, but adds to businesses too. At a time is significant business uncertainty, this is the future of serious and thoughtful management education and learning – business education impacts what managers do in practice, the concepts they draw on that shape the future of business so what is taught and how it is taught becomes of a vital responsibility for business schools.”

Indeed, the study found that not only did the program’s participants benefit directly from pursuing further management education, but their companies also found advantages through opportunities to upskill their middle managers and staff across the organisation. Uniquely, responses showed many participants as alumni are empowered to create tailored internalised development programs for their own executives and teams based on their study experiences, with the support of the IMPM faculty.

Organisations including CoachingOurselves in Canada, the Alliance for Public Health in Ukraine, and the Brazilian National Development Bank, were each discovered to have developed programmes based upon IMPM learning to further support and develop their staff.

One participant, who studied whilst working as the HRD of the Brazilian National Development Bank, reported creating their own ‘mini-IMPM’ at the company, which created “the only forum where from where people from different functions and hierarchical levels can meet to reflect on common and professional challenges. This innovation had significant organisational impact creating internal cohesion and a shared vision of challenges and opportunities.”

As well as the professional gains, IMPM participants also noted “significant personal development” as a result of learning with a highly diverse set of professionals, and a better understanding of varying social, cultural and technological mindsets.

Another participant, who completed the IMPM whilst holding the role of COO at Ameco in China said that despite” participating in various management development programs during their professional career, none of them created a fundamental personal transition in the way that IMPM did.”

Dr Brigham says;

“The insights we’ve uncovered highlight exactly why it’s so important for businesses not only to consider encouraging their staff to pursue life-wide learning opportunities, but to also explore such opportunities outside of their company, or even their industry. The benefits of gaining from the knowledge, cultural background, immersive experience and perspectives found among participants of programmes like the IMPM show that professional development goes beyond gaining qualifications. Executive Education can provide the best of both worlds for better management education and practice worldwide.”

To learn more, visit https://impm.org/

Business Research, News

Managers who can multi-task are key to cooperation between rival firms

For rival companies to successfully cooperate in the name of innovation, they need “ambidextrous” managers who can make the most of their pooled resources, research from NEOMA Business School reveals.

Antony Paulraj, Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at NEOMA, co-authored a study analysing the approach of over 300 companies that are collaborating with their competitors, known as “coopetition”.

According to Paulraj, coopetition broadens the possibilities of what can be achieved by any one company in isolation. To optimise the potential for innovation, he says, requires ambidextrous management.

In a management context, the term ambidextrous means handling two tasks simultaneously – i.e. an exceptionally high competency at multi-tasking. Firstly, managers must utilise pooled resources at both companies as effectively as possible; secondly, they must simultaneously explore new horizons through training staff and creating new products or processes.

“Ambidextrous management is invaluable to successful coopetition, as managers have access to a wider range of resources and opportunities. Our analysis demonstrates that ambidextrous management is essential for ambidextrous innovation – which involves both the improvement of existing products and services, and the invention of new ones,” says Paulraj.

Successful ambidextrous management directs joint investment to areas that will benefit both companies, such as building factories together or training partner teams to create more opportunities for innovation.

These managers can also facilitate more effective dialogue between partners where there is a reluctance to share skills and investment, helping to develop a joint vision for both firms.

“Coopetition involves risk and uncertainty, which can be mitigated by ambidextrous managers. It has become a tactic that is not just reserved for industrial heavyweights – smaller companies and even SMEs now look to it as a way to foster innovation,” says Paulraj.

News

Lucian Hudson appointed Professor in Practice at Durham University Business School

Lucian Hudson, Director of Advancement, Marketing and Communications, has been appointed as a Professor in Practice at Durham University Business School.

Professor in Practice appointments are given to high-achieving, non-academic professionals who are invited to voluntarily share their knowledge with students through special lectures, presentations and seminars. Lucian, who joined the University in 2020, has an exceptional track-record in communications and leadership.

Professor Cathy Cassell, Executive Dean of the Business School, said: “We are delighted that Lucian Hudson is joining the Business School as a Professor in Practice. Lucian brings an exceptional wealth of experience in leadership and communication that will enhance our already considerable expertise in this field. We are excited to be working with Lucian and the positive impact his contribution will make across our education, research and external engagement practice.”

Lucian will continue to lead the University’s Advancement activities, overseeing marketing, communications and development to further Durham’s global reputation and influence.

About Lucian

London-born Lucian graduated from Oxford University with an MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

In his early career he was a pioneering journalist and television executive at the forefront of developing 24-hour breaking news coverage.

He worked for both ITV and the BBC where he established commercial joint venture channels with international broadcasters.

Lucian went on to work in the UK Government, leading communications in several high-profile departments including the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Justice and DEFRA.

He attended summits and ministerial meetings as the Government’s chief spokesman, engaging with media and multiple stakeholders across politics, business and civic society.

Lucian has extensive experience of international and national decision-making, business transformation and crisis management.

He is also an experienced board chair and currently holds high-profile chairman roles including at the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations and Earthwatch.

Lucian spent seven years as Director of Communications at the Open University. He joined Durham after serving as Interim Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the University of Oxford where he led strategic change, overseeing integrated communications across multi-disciplinary teams.

Professor in Practice role

Lucian will be a Professor in Practice (Leadership and Organisations) for the Department of Management and Marketing in our Business School.

His appointment will initially run for three years and will see him contribute his time and expertise at our Centre for Leadership and Followership and Centre for Organisations and Society.

Lucian will contribute to the Business School’s teaching agenda in the areas of human resource management, employment relations, leadership, strategic policy and marketing and communications.

Commenting on his Professor in Practice appointment, Lucian said: “I am honoured to be conferred with this role. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with our business students.

“I will draw on my four decades of extensive experience of strategic communications and corporate leadership to contribute to the world-class student experience at Durham.”

Appointments, Care, Midlands News, News

Lindsey takes the helm at Woodcroft

A new manager has taken over the reins at a care home run by Shropshire’s leading care company.

Lindsey Arnold, 48, has joined Coverage Care Services as manager at Woodcroft in Market Drayton.

She has brought with her more than 30 years’ experience in the caring profession and is committed to continuing the high standards established at the home.

Lindsey said: “My mindset is very person-centred and I set very high standards when it comes to treating each person as an individual, with dignity and respect at all times.
“I am very much hands-on with the care when needed, and I like to coach and work alongside the staff.”

Lindsey previously worked as a carer, senior carer, nursing assistant and training officer with another Shropshire-based company before taking over as manager.

Coverage Care Chief Executive Debbie Price said: “We are delighted to have appointed Lindsey as our manager at Woodcroft. She brings a wealth of professional experience to the role which will enable us to continue to deliver a high-quality standard of care for our residents in the Market Drayton community.”

After a successful recruitment drive at the home, one of Lindsey’s first big tasks will be to ensure that all new staff get to know the residents at Woodcroft and their families.

Woodcroft has 50 bedrooms and offers small group living as well as respite and short-stay care. It also includes specialist care for people living with dementia.
Coverage Care Services operates 12 homes across Shropshire and employs in the region of 1,000 people.

Appointments, News

Builders appoint finance director in key move

A leading Shropshire building contractor has made a strategic appointment to its senior management board to build on its continuing commercial success.  

Charlotte Davies, the former finance manager at Pave Aways Building Contractors, has been promoted to the newly created role of finance director. She will sit on the senior management board and work alongside managing director Steven Owen, commercial director Victoria Lawson and construction director Jamie Evans to play a pivotal role in steering the firm’s development plans. 

Charlie joined Pave Aways in 2016 and holds a CIMA diploma in management accounting. She is working towards becoming a chartered global management accountant. 

Managing director Steven said: “This is a key move for Pave Aways and Charlie’s expertise will inform our short and long-term strategies for a sustainable future for the business. 

“We have a healthy order book and our financial position is strong and this is an exciting new era for us. Charlie’s dedication to Pave Aways and our team is second to none and we’re delighted to welcome her to the senior management team.” 

The Knockin based firm works on a wide variety of developments in Shropshire and Wales from residential schemes to multi-million pound new build and refurbishment projects. Clients include health and hospital trusts, local authorities and schools.

News

Corporate changes force managers to juggle different views of fairness

Middle-managers get caught between different stakeholders’ perceptions of fair treatment in reaction to corporate changes, reveals new research from Aalto University School of Business.

According to Associate Professor Marjo-Riitta Diehl, from the Department of Management Studies, and her co-authors, these managers can often experience uncertainty, anxiety, and reluctance to take action as a result.

The research found having to navigate the conflicting perspectives of peers, senior management, and subordinates often causes managers to experience guilt over decisions they have made which they feel were unjust. The researchers also found that sometimes managers had to navigate a discrepancy between the organisation’s strategic needs and their duty of care to their individual employees.

In response, they can be, among other things, motivated to discreetly recompense employees they feel they have treated unfairly before changing to a role without managerial responsibilities. This is known as “Robin Hoodism”.

The internal conflict managers feel, as the company’s expectations of their managerial role pressure them to make decisions contrary to what they deem fair, can have severe consequences. Those who cannot reconcile their values with the company’s may choose to leave their employment.

“Organisations must be aware that if managers cannot reconcile their role with their values, they may end up trying to establish fairness according to their own rules ‘under the radar’ or even exit the company. Some managers, of course, also choose to prioritise the strategic needs of the organisation, aiming to contribute to the company’s survival, or the ‘greater good,’” says Professor Diehl.

Professor Diehl and her co-researchers also found managers varied in their likelihood to justify their decisions by dehumanising people that may have suffered from their decisions, for example calling laid off employees as “bad apples”.

This research was based on two rounds of interviews with managers in the German branch of an international company shortly before and after restructuring changes. The paper was published in the Journal of Business Ethics.