A Kettering recruitment consultancy has publicly pledged its support to the armed forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. For many years, Wills Consultants has worked closely with the armed forces to help those leaving the military to secure permanent employment roles that help them adjust to civilian life. They have now gone one step further in signing the Armed Forces Covenant and by doing so, acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served their country, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the community, economy and society. Since it was established in June 2013, thousands of companies have voluntarily added their names to the roster. Wills Consultants cofounder Nikki Wills said: “We are very proud of the work we do to help those leaving the armed forces to find the right role for them in civilian life. It can be a difficult transition period for veterans, and it is vital to provide the right support to make the transition as easy as possible. “We work hard to match companies to veterans and believe it is imperative to invest plenty of time to ensure that the two are a compatible match. “We are delighted to be able to publicly show our support for the military through the Armed Forces Covenant and I would encourage all businesses to consider doing the same thing and backing this fantastic scheme, which honours all those people who so selflessly serve our country to keep us safe.”

Managing a fleet efficiently is crucial for any business reliant on transportation. However, achieving this in a way that is both sustainable and inclusive can present unique challenges. Here are some practical strategies to help your business navigate these challenges and achieve a fleet that is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly and accessible to all. Embrace Green Technology One of the most impactful steps towards sustainable fleet management is the adoption of green technology. This can include electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid models that significantly reduce carbon emissions. While the initial investment might be higher, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs are considerable. Moreover, as regulations around emissions tighten, having a green fleet can future-proof your business and ensure compliance with environmental standards. Installing charging stations at your business premises is another step towards sustainability. Partnering with local authorities to access public charging infrastructure can also be beneficial. Incentives and grants are often available for businesses transitioning to electric vehicles, so take advantage of these opportunities to offset costs. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring Maintaining your fleet in top condition is essential for both sustainability and efficiency. Regular maintenance checks ensure that vehicles run smoothly and efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Implementing a robust monitoring system can help track vehicle performance and identify any issues early on. Telematics systems can provide valuable data on driving habits, fuel consumption, and maintenance needs. This data allows for proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of your vehicles. Additionally, encouraging eco-friendly driving habits among your drivers, such as smooth acceleration and braking, can further enhance fuel efficiency. Prioritise Accessibility Inclusivity is another critical aspect of modern fleet management. Ensuring that your fleet includes vehicles that can accommodate passengers with disabilities not only broadens your customer base but also demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility. Reputable, long-established companies like Cab Direct offer wheelchair-accessible taxis, which can be a valuable addition to your fleet. Having a mix of vehicles that cater to various needs ensures that you can provide services to a wider audience. This inclusivity can enhance your reputation and open up new business opportunities. Additionally, being known as a company that prioritises accessibility can build customer loyalty and trust. Invest in Training and Development Your drivers play a crucial role in the sustainability and efficiency of your fleet. Investing in regular training programs can ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to operate vehicles efficiently. Training should cover eco-driving techniques, safety practices, and the proper use of any new technologies or vehicles introduced to the fleet. Moreover, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and encouraging feedback from your drivers can lead to innovative ideas for further enhancing fleet efficiency and sustainability. Recognising and rewarding good practices can also motivate drivers to maintain high standards. Efficient Route Planning Efficient route planning can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Using route optimisation software can help identify the most efficient routes, taking into account factors such as traffic, road conditions, and delivery schedules. This not only saves time and fuel but also improves service delivery and customer satisfaction. Real-time tracking and dynamic routing can further enhance efficiency. By responding to traffic changes or urgent delivery requests promptly, you can ensure that your fleet operates at maximum efficiency at all times. Adopt a Circular Economy Approach Adopting a circular economy approach in fleet management involves considering the entire lifecycle of your vehicles. This means planning for the reuse, refurbishment, or recycling of vehicles and their components at the end of their service life. Partnering with companies that offer vehicle recycling services can ensure that your old vehicles are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Furthermore, exploring options for using remanufactured parts for vehicle repairs can reduce costs and environmental impact. This approach not only supports sustainability but also promotes resource efficiency. Engage with Stakeholders Engaging with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and suppliers, is vital for successful sustainable and inclusive fleet management. Regular communication and collaboration can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that everyone is on board with your sustainability goals. Customer feedback can provide insights into how your services are perceived and where there might be opportunities to enhance inclusivity or efficiency. Working closely with suppliers can also lead to better deals on green technology and maintenance services. Measure and Report Progress Finally, measuring and reporting your progress is crucial for continuous improvement. Set clear sustainability and inclusivity targets for your fleet and regularly review your performance against these goals. Transparency in reporting can build trust with stakeholders and demonstrate your commitment to these values. Using performance indicators such as fuel consumption, emissions, maintenance costs, and customer satisfaction can provide a comprehensive view of your fleet’s performance. Regularly sharing these results with your team and stakeholders ensures accountability and helps drive ongoing improvements. Achieving sustainable and inclusive fleet management requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates green technology, efficient practices, and a commitment to accessibility. By embracing these strategies, your business can enhance its operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and provide inclusive services to a broader customer base. Investing in sustainability and inclusivity is not only beneficial for the environment and society but also positions your business as a leader in responsible and forward-thinking practices.

A Nottinghamshire-based engineering and groundworks contractor has been fined £233,000 for safety breaches after a 52-year old HGV driver was struck and killed by the mast of a piling rig at a house build site in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway. On 21 January 2021, Gary Dobinson, who was employed by another company, visited the Hallmeadow development off Elm Road with his lorry to collect and transfer the piling rig owned by Van Elle Limited. Tragically, as the mast of the rig was being lowered in preparation for its transportation, it suddenly collapsed and struck Mr Dobinson. Site workers and the emergency services raced to the scene to try to help him, but he sadly died from his injuries. An investigation by Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that insufficient measures had been taken to maintain the piling rig in a safe condition prior to the incident. Specifically, the securing lug for one of the mast’s retaining pins was badly corroded and failed, allowing the pin to displace, causing the mast to topple. Van Elle Limited, of Southwell Lane, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was fined £233,000 at Dumfries Sheriff Court on 4 June 2024. HSE inspector James Caren said: “All work equipment should be subject to suitable inspection and maintenance to ensure that it can be used without risk to the safety of those using it and those in the vicinity. Construction plant are exposed to harsh conditions and require effective inspection and maintenance regimes to avoid safety defects developing. “The company should have had robust measures in place to maintain the piling rig so that it was structurally sound and could be operated safely.”

James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, provides food for thought ahead of the general election. The wait is over and we now have a date for a general election, the 4^th July. Whilst many will have been pressing for and wanting an election, how many of us have considered why or what we really want from the next government? Whilst individuals will no doubt have their own thoughts and asks, these invariably will be unique to them. When it comes to businesses there is probably a more collective thought or ask. Perhaps this might start with a government that provides greater stability, a sense of direction and vision for the future, one that has empathy for people and businesses alike, with the need for disruption and doing things differently being at the heart of addressing the challenges we face. That is opposed to internal politics and disruption we have seen over the term of this parliament, with infighting and a focus on themselves rather than the people they serve. There also feels like a need to demonstrate more in terms of good governance and embracing the Nolan principles of public life, which are around selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. For many in business there is a real quest for a more stable economy along with greater certainty and growth. With a greater sense of confidence and trust, optimism tends to follow along with the assurance and decision to make business investments and to drive change and growth. It would seem that much of the challenge of the cost of living has rightly focused on individuals but we mustn’t forget that people run, manage and work in businesses. Therefore, businesses are also impacted both directly and indirectly by the cost of living and the cost of running a business. Certainly, businesses are keen to see costs come down and stay down, something which no doubt requires a continued focus on the likes of energy costs and overall supply chain management. Rising costs over recent years, along with workforce and skills shortages, are certainly taking their toll on established, new and scale up enterprises. As such there needs to be a greater focus on improving productivity and for ensuring that our education system, from primary to tertiary and lifelong learning, is best placed to support the needs of our businesses. Business leaders are also frustrated by poor infrastructure, not least the inability to travel efficiently and effectively around the country whether by road, rail or public transport – we would all benefit from investment in the same. Whilst healthcare will be high on the list of issues campaigned about and will be on the minds of the electorate, we often overlook the impact on the workplace of people not being able to access and receive the health and welfare care and support they need. Certainly, many a business could benefit from a more robust, resilient and responsive care sector. Though it may seem an age since the pandemic, we are still dealing with the fallout and there still seems a lot to be done to support communities affected and the lasting changes we face. In particular it seems that many of our vital third sector organisations and the social economy has been hard hit and one which, despite its key and vital role in society, is often overlooked. We must also consider Brexit as we still seem to not have realised the supposed or otherwise benefits of our withdrawal from the EU. For some this will be around dealing with the challenges involved in trading with EU states, as well as the need to explore and realise new trading opportunities. There is also the key issues of geo-political challenges and a real sense of unrest, war and conflict around the world. Nor too, global warming and the environment. Whatever the outcome of the election, hopefully this has provided food for thought. Perhaps surprisingly there is little reference here to taxation and the need for tax reform or changes.   See this column in the June issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.

Placing the spotlight on the region’s property and construction industry, and offering a prime opportunity for networking, the prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards will return on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Nominations for the event are open, and now is the perfect time to make your submissions ahead of the deadline (Thursday 5th September). Take this ideal opportunity to showcase projects, businesses and teams, reward their hard work, and bolster morale. To nominate your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, please click on a category link below or visit this page. Tickets can now be booked for the 2024 awards event, click here to secure yours. Taking place in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm, connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:      

             

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