- Undertake a meticulous noise assessment.
- Utilize precision tools such as decibel meters to pinpoint areas with elevated noise levels.
- Identify the specific machinery or processes contributing to these levels.
How to protect your team’s hearing with these practical steps for the factory
Ensuring the protection of employees’ hearing in manufacturing settings is imperative for ethical and practical reasons. Factories, marked by the pervasive hum of machinery, expose workers to continuous noise levels that, if unaddressed, pose substantial risks to auditory health.
Beyond meeting regulatory obligations, implementing effective measures becomes a strategic investment in the workforce’s well-being. The sustained exposure to elevated noise levels can lead to irreversible hearing damage, impacting employees’ overall health and productivity. Responsible industrial management involves adopting comprehensive hearing protection measures for a safer work environment and the workforce’s long-term health and resilience. What are some of the measures that can be implemented? Keep reading to find out more.
Understanding Hearing Hazards In Factories
Factories inherently expose workers to a symphony of noise, potentially leading to irreversible hearing damage. To comprehend and mitigate these hazards:
2024 Business Predictions: Greg Guilford, CEO of HR Solutions
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Greg Guilford, CEO of HR Solutions.
2024 is set to be a big year with the introduction of many new pieces of employment legislation. We’ll see the introduction of a new law that will entitle employees with caring responsibilities to unpaid time off to provide care, as well as greater protection for pregnant workers and those on family leave, and amendments to the Equality Act.
Changes to flexible working rules will come into force and also industry specific legislation such as the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act and the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act.
The most significant development in employment law will come with the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023. We will see reforms to the Working Time Regulations, such as record keeping, and how holiday entitlement and pay is managed and changes to our existing TUPE laws.
It is vital that companies are aware of the changes and make changes themselves to accommodate the new regime.
The new year is also likely to see a continuation of the cost-of-living crisis which is impacting both businesses and its employees.
As companies navigate the challenges of the current climate and candidate demands, recruitment and retention of staff will continue to be a top priority.
Challenges can be eased using apprenticeships, skills-based recruitment, and AI solutions, but candidate demands coupled with an ongoing talent shortage mean recruitment is arguably more competitive than before.
Company culture is vital. You must ensure that your business values are aligned with your employees to retain and attract top talent.
The key is to create a culture within your business that makes employees want to stay, and encourages potential candidates to join, as well as showcases your team, gives the world an insight into your day-to-day operations and recognises top performers.
Major Midlands office survey reveals future of the workplace
Hundreds of business owners from across the Midlands have had their say on the future of the office, in a survey carried out by workplace consultants and office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors.
The results were previewed at events hosted at venues recently refurbished by the company and showed that 41% of respondents work 1-3 days per week in the office, while 32% continue to work in the office for the entire week. A noteworthy shift from the conventional 5-day working norm was highlighted, with most people now working 3-4 days in the office.
Companies are now adapting to post-pandemic work patterns, with 76% of businesses making changes for more flexible arrangements.
Meeting the needs of employees who want to come into an office is essential, said the survey with 90% visiting the office to collaborate and 50% for individual work.
Some 82% of people who visit the office said how important good coffee in the office is, indicating the need for communal spaces.
The survey also revealed people value the office for teamwork and collaboration but also to focus on individual work.
Meanwhile, the main reasons for coming into the office include hosting client meetings (54%) and socialising (52%).
The vast majority of respondents, some 93%, think having an office is important for shaping the work culture and achieving business goals, suggesting the physical workspace is still vital for creating the kind of culture you want.
Data showed that 59% want space for hybrid work, 59% want collaborative spaces, 58% want flexible working policies and 46% prefer flexible furniture.
About one-third of Midlands companies implemented all suggested changes to facilitate a return to the office.
Additionally, 38% made some of the requested changes, and 11% have plans for adjustments.
However, 16% of individuals in Midlands companies have shown resistance to returning to the office, while 46% are open to the idea, and 36% fall in between, expressing some level of resistance, as indicated by the survey data.
Instead of urging employees to return to an outdated office tailored to pre-COVID workstyles, crafting a workspace that encourages diversity, autonomy, and flexibility and attributes that align with your workforce’s preferences is essential.
Branding is also crucial, with 90% believing the office design should reflect the company’s brand. However, only 56% feel their current office aligns with their brand.
To create an appealing office, companies should involve their team in the planning process, address individual needs, and foster a sense of belonging.
Chloe Sproston, creative director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “Based on our experience of working through a workplace consultancy process before defining the office design with many people-focused clients such as The Melton Building Society and WorldLine in Beeston, we felt that we already had a thorough enough understanding of employee needs. However, we also knew that these needs varied from company to company.
“This survey set out to create a broader understanding and build knowledge based on wider feedback from the region’s Top 200 employers that we could share with other business owners to help them ensure their workplace strategy is future-proofed. We firmly believe that the process we follow to create environments in which people thrive, enjoy coming to work and are happy and motivated delivers many long-term financial, wellbeing and cultural benefits that outweigh the value of the initial investment.”
Rob Day, CEO of Blueprint Interiors, added: “There’s been a revolution in what people want from their offices in the last few years. The creature comforts of home have become almost too comfortable. So you need to give people a proper reason to embark on what is most likely a gruelling commute – especially when they know that this time could have been used more productively for working, more time with family, or an early morning wellness routine.
“No one’s going to leave the house for a boring, lifeless office that isn’t fit for purpose and doesn’t look after their wellbeing. So the real question is: Is your office worth the commute?
“Once you understand what people want and need from their office, you can make decisions that’ll deliver. In turn, you can design your space to improve the emotional well-being, comfort and social support that your workplace provides. Or in other words, meet your team’s emotional needs.”
Chamber president stays on for another year as six new board members appointed
Stuart Dawkins will remain as president of East Midlands Chamber for another year after the business representation group held its annual general meeting (AGM) for 2023.
The former FTSE 100 bank communications director continues in the honorary role after Dawn Whitemore, who was due to succeed him for 2024, chose to defer her year as president until it is compatible with her position as Chief Executive of SMB College Group.
Craig Brothers, owner of Nottinghamshire-based digital transformation consultancy Six Degrees Associates, was inaugurated as vice-president, with Dawn now set to succeed him as president at the AGM in 2025.
Six individuals were also elected to the Board of Directors, a group of 17 experienced business leaders representing different fields and sectors who provide strategic direction to the senior leadership team in driving forward the chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.
The new board members are:
· Martin Barnett, chair of TTK Confectionery (trading as The Treat Kitchen)
· George Oliver, owner of 1284
· Maz Patel, Managing Director of Scope Construction
· Amit Sonpal, director of commercial banking at Barclays Bank
· Anjuu Trevedi MBE, head of knowledge exchange and innovation at De Montfort University and senior partnerships development manager at Twycross Zoo
· Sandra Wiggins, manufacturing mentor and leadership coach at Authentically Balanced.
Stuart, who spent 18 years working at Alliance & Leicester prior to its acquisition by Santander and now sits on a number of strategic boards across the region, spoke about how East Midlands Chamber has gone “from strength to strength” since its creation following a merger between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce with its Leicestershire counterpart a decade ago.
“I remain convinced that not only is East Midlands Chamber outstanding at all the things a chamber of commerce should be, it also performs a vital role as a voice for the East Midlands – a region that lacks many such voices,” he said.
Stuart revealed he will continue to support the region’s three community foundations – Foundation Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, and Nottinghamshire Community Foundation – for another year as part of the Chamber Charitable Fund, which raised £4,698 over the past 12 months.
He explained how between them, they support more than 400 local charities and causes each year, and he wished to “continue to raise awareness about their vital role in the infrastructure of our place.”
His two themes for the year of supporting “generation-next-but-one” and supporting our communities will also remain in place for 2024.
Stuart added: “Healthy, positive communities are not just a nice-to-have. Supporting them is not just ticking the CSR box. It is an essential part of a sound, thriving economy and society.
“Similarly, one does not need to be a grandparent to be aware of the way in which the choices made by those with power today can profoundly affect the lives of those who will take our place in future generations.”
The AGM, which was preceded by a market hall exhibition of 17 charities and non-profits, was hosted for the first time by Kevin Harris, who was appointed chair of the Board of Directors earlier this year. It featured a presentation from East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles on its activities over the past year and opportunities for members in 2024.
Mir Patel, from the Chamber’s Leicestershire Business of the Year for 2023, Unique Window Systems, and Craig Needham, from Nottinghamshire Business of the Year, BFY Group, also gave presentations on their companies.
The event wrapped up with presentations to longstanding members, with Nottingham University Business School celebrating 30 years as a member, UHY Hacker Young and Leicester City Football Club reaching their 40th year and Saint-Gobain Construction Products UK marking 50 years. Pick Everard and Flint Bishop were also honoured for 95 years as members of the Chamber.
Engineering firm boosts capabilities, headcount and ESG performance with Derby facility move
Derby’s BGEN, an engineering firm driving the energy transition, has relocated to new premises in the city. It’s one of 11 UK sites, which are part of an international network.
The company’s move to a larger location – which includes workshop and manufacturing units, as well as enhanced testing facilities and storage areas – follows an expansion in client services and commercial growth across the Midlands.
The new workspace also accommodates the firm’s increasing headcount in Derby, as BGEN expands its foothold in the region and delivers two recently awarded regional framework agreements.
This new manufacturing hub also supports BGEN’s sustainability targets and commitment to zero carbon and smarter logistics, by significantly reducing miles travelled and emissions from delivery transportation.
At a time when supply chain sustainability is being increasingly scrutinised – and with 60% of BGEN’s work being energy transition related – the move supports clients’ sustainability ambitions, whilst reducing manufacturing lead times.
BGEN’s new premises – located on Derwent Park in the city – are home to its locally-based Technology division. The 30-strong team provides a range of specialist engineering services, including system integration and project management, to a blue-chip client list. It works in a variety of sectors including water, power and energy and industrial, and is part of a national Technology team of over 210 employees.
BGEN opened its first office in the city in 2019. With new premises, BGEN Derby now shares the scope, capacity and capabilities of the firm’s Stafford facility which has, up until now, been its principal Midlands location.
“Our recent move to a larger Derby site reflects our success in providing technical expertise and innovative engineering solutions to a growing customer base across the region,” said Robin Whitehead, CEO of BGEN. “We’re being called upon to solve more engineering challenges of the modern world, which requires more space, facilities and expertise.
“We’ve achieved great success in Derby in just four years, and the city continues to be a strong strategic location for us. We’re now looking forward to our next phase of growth here, during which time we’ll continue to serve more key clients, with an even greater portfolio of products and services, whilst recruiting from the skilled workforce that’s available to us locally.”
Kind-hearted construction consultancy donate charity Christmas hampers
Generous workers at a Northamptonshire construction consultancy have collected thousands of essential and luxury items to build hampers for families who need support this Christmas.
The kind-hearted team at Bhangals Construction Consultants stayed after hours at their new office in Grange Park on Tuesday night to put together more than 60 hampers which included essentials such as tea, coffee, pasta, tins, cereal, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste.
Families receiving the parcels will also find treats such as chocolate, biscuits, sweets and luxury toiletries inside.
The bumper bags were handed over to innovative community support hub SCCYC Waterside Connect, who work tirelessly to provide vital services to the local community and much needed food and supplies to families living in poverty, and in crisis.
The Bhangals team also collected a mountain of toys to donate to the cause, which supports people facing complex issues and vulnerabilities who require critical support and crucial resources.
Bhangals Construction Consultants associate operations director Katie Newman said: “This is the fourth consecutive year that we have supported SCCYC Waterside Connect with our Christmas hampers. With the current cost-of-living crisis, we understand how difficult this time of year can be for so many families struggling to make ends meet.
“As a team we take pride in helping each other and the wider community and we hope that the bags will provide a welcome relief for many families finding things hard this Christmas.”
Bank of England holds interest rates at 5.25%
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 5.25%.
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, voted by a majority of 6–3 to maintain Bank Rate at 5.25%.
Three members preferred to increase Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 5.5%.
It marks the third interest rates pause following a run of 14 increases as the Bank tries to get inflation under control. Looking ahead, the MPC noted in a statement that “monetary policy is likely to need to be restrictive for an extended period of time.”
David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “While a cut in the interest rate could have provided some relief for firms ahead of Christmas, today’s decision to hold at 5.25% was expected and allays fears of further rises.
“UK businesses have been faced with the twin shock of an inflation crisis and increased borrowing costs. Around half of the businesses we survey report a direct negative impact from the current interest rate, while only around one in ten see a benefit.
“The BCC’s latest Economic Forecast expects only a 0.25% point cut in the interest rate for the whole of 2024, although businesses need to be prepared for any unexpected changes given the uncertain policy landscape.
“SMEs have been operating in an uncertain climate for too long, with policies constantly chopping and changing over the past few years. They need to see clear direction from decision makers, creating a roadmap for business that boosts confidence and investment.”
Rolls-Royce reaches agreement-in-principle with Deutz AG to take over lower-power-range engines business
Rolls-Royce and Deutz AG are in positive discussions for the sale of the off-highway engines business in the lower power range up to 480 kW to Deutz AG for a price in the high double-digit million Euros.
This relates to diesel engines and engine systems using Daimler technology which are developed and manufactured by Daimler Truck AG for Rolls-Royce Power Systems to its specifications and used mainly in agricultural vehicles and construction machinery, not in rolling stock or in military vehicles.
Rolls-Royce recently presented its strategy to become a high performing, competitive, resilient and growing business to investors. In the Power Systems division the focus will be on the strategic growth areas of power generation, governmental, marine, service and the future field of battery energy storage systems.
Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, Rolls-Royce plc, said: “This is a clear illustration of our strategy in action. Becoming more focused on the markets where we know Rolls-Royce can win.
“Power Systems is an integral part of our organisation with a strong brand and real advantage in power generation, governmental and marine end-markets, where we see the strongest demand and an opportunity for better returns from our power-dense and reliable solutions.”
Dr. Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems, said: “As we evolve our strategy, we are also constantly analysing our product portfolio. As a result, we will be concentrating largely on higher-powered systems in the off-highway engine sector, primarily from our in-house production.
“We have therefore decided to transfer our successful lower-power-range engines business, which uses Daimler technology, to a partner.”
8 out of 10 East Midlands employees unaware of new day one right to request flexible working
A new survey from Acas has found that eight out of ten employees (80%) in the East Midlands are not aware that they will have a right to request flexible working from their employer from day one of their job next year.
All employees who have worked for their employer for 26 weeks or more currently have the right to ask if they can work flexibly. A new change in the law will make this a right that applies from the first day of employment.
Acas Chief Executive Susan Clews said: “There has been a substantial shift in flexible working globally, which has allowed more people to better balance their working lives and employers have also benefitted from being an attractive place to work.
“It is important for bosses and staff in the East Midlands to be prepared for new changes to the law around the right to request flexible working, which will be coming into force next year.
“Acas has just consulted on a new draft Code of Practice, which strengthens good practice on flexible working and addresses important upcoming changes to the law. The final new Code will be published next year.”
The day one right to request flexible working will come into force on 6 April 2024. Additional law reforms on flexible working that are outlined in the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 are expected to come in at the same time.Work begins on low carbon council office
Work on Nottinghamshire County Council’s new low carbon, all-electric office, north of Hucknall along A611 Annesley Road, has now begun as part of a major investment in the area.
The new office is designed to help bring long-term savings for the taxpayer and environment as part of a wider project to move more front-line council services into cost-effective, energy saving buildings.
It also marks a key milestone for the site which is planned to be regenerated into a new community which will include 805 new homes. The site is on council-owned land which has been earmarked for development for more than a decade.
Nottinghamshire County Council Leader, Councillor Ben Bradley MP, welcomed the start of work on site. He said: “This a key milestone and shows we are looking to the future. The decision-making function of this Council will be based in the very heart of our county and will help to bring jobs, skills and investment into the wider Hucknall area.
“In going down from 17 offices to 9, we’re saving local taxpayers millions, and ensuring that we can prioritise delivering services rather than just running expensive buildings. We’ve got a plan to make local services more sustainable for local people, for the long term.”
Nottinghamshire County Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, added: “This new, carbon-neutral office provides good value and is part of our wider plans to reduce the number of council offices as we modernise the way we work which will save taxpayers’ money in the long term.
“One of the many advantages of this new building is that Morgan Sindall’s local supply chain will benefit from this, which is great news for the economy.”
The first phase of works for the new office includes site clearance and creating a safe access to site. Construction work is due to start in the New Year and due to be completed in early 2025.
As well as the Council’s civic, democratic and leadership functions, it will be the new home to two key frontline services, the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for vulnerable children and adults, and the council’s customer service centre, which handles all public enquiries.
Meanwhile, construction of a new section of road and roundabout within the site, which began in September 2023, is progressing well and expected to be completed by Summer 2024. The aim is to improve access to the new office and ultimately help traffic flow ahead of planned new housing due to be built on the wider site.
The new office is being designed, project and cost-managed by Arc Partnership and delivered through Arc’s construction partner, Morgan Sindall Construction, with opportunities for their own local supply chain as the development takes shape.
Earlier in the summer, the majority of county councillors voted to eventually move out of County Hall in West Bridgford and move the Council’s civic, democratic and leadership functions into the new office.
County Hall is too expensive to operate and maintain with a cost of more than £1.7m each year. It also requires essential maintenance costing more than £30m over the next 12 years, plus an additional £28m would be needed to bring the building up to modern environmental standards. And with the rise of home working, it is too large to meet council needs.
