< Previous30 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk OMS Q&A Tell us a little about OMS and what you do. We have 23 years trading experience supporting both local and National clients. Our ISO 9001,14001 and 45001 management systems are all certified by a UKAS Accredited for ‘The Provision of Consultancy and Training Services’. The business is split into two divisions, one division covering training and the other consultancy. This allows each division to provide the necessary focus, resource and expertise in each discipline to add value and ensure a positive customer experience. The Consultancy Division specialises in providing advice and support in: • General Health and Safety; • Making your workplace “COVID Secure”; • Human Resources; • TUPE; • ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems; • ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems; • ISO 17025 Competence of testing and calibration laboratories; • ISO 45001 Health and Safety Management Systems; • ISO 22301 Business Continuity Management Systems; • Management system audits; • Site inspections and audits. The consultancy support we provide is bespoke to your organisational and we take into consideration the activities you carry out and the level of support you want us to provide. The Training Division specialises in providing a range of both in-house and public training courses and is approved by several nationally recognised awarding bodies, these include: • NEBOSH; • OSH; • CITB Site Safety Plus; • IPAF; • PASMA; • Ladder Association; • SPA; • UKATA; • City & Guilds; • ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management); • CQI-IRCA; • Worksafe. At OMS, we pride ourselves on the portfolio of clients that we have secured over the years, including Amazon, BT, Molson Coors, RPS, Triumph Motorcycles, Qualcomm, Legal & General Insurance, AIG, Inchcape Shipping Services, as well as local SMEs, and we have an enviable client retention rate, consistently receive exceptional feedback and we have a 5 Star Rating on Trustpilot. How has COVID-19 affected OMS? The pandemic has brought many challenges for businesses, especially those in the hospitality and training sectors. The first lockdown was unchartered territory, not just for us, but everybody else as well as we had never been in this situation before. Our strategy was to find ways to reduce our cost base whilst keeping our customers satisfied and helping them to keep trading wherever possible. We were lucky as we have a wide breadth of industry sectors in our portfolio with several of them being in the essential worker sectors, including utility and drainage contractors, MOD multi-site contractors and cleaning companies who needed support in ensuring they met their client’s requirements to support them, whilst ensuring the safety of their staff. Because of this our Consultancy Division has seen a shift in the types of work we are carrying out and seen an overall increase in work due to supporting many of our clients in becoming COVID Secure. The Training Division initially stopped all face-to-face training in March 2020 due to the lock down. Again, we were lucky as we have extensive experience in delivering virtual training to some of our international clients and have a video conference suite at our training centre. We approached our course awarding bodies (NEBOSH, IOSH, CITB, UKATA and many more) to gain approval to deliver courses virtually over Zoom and Q&A OMS We spoke to Clive Ormerod, Managing Director of OMS, a multiple award-winning training and consultancy firm based in Bardon Hill, East Midlands, about how the pandemic has affected the business, how it is responding, and how it continues to delivery quality services to companies in our region and beyond. 30-31.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:04 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 31 OMS Q&A were one of the first to start delivering Nationally recognised courses this way and have received excellent feedback from our candidates. This allowed us to service our customers training needs for theory courses and keep some revenue coming in. Is the OMS training centre open and carrying out face-to-face training? Yes, we deliver a wide range of courses, as well as theoretical courses. We also deliver practical courses, where we teach candidates how to use equipment such as Mobile Elevation Work Platforms (MEWPs) on IPAF courses and how to erect and use aluminium towers on the PASMA courses and because of this there is not a virtual delivery option. Furthermore, we had several clients who needed these qualifications to allow their staff to work safely and be legally compliant on site. These courses can only be delivered face-to-face. We, therefore, spent much time in ensuring that our Training Division not only met and continues to meet COVID Secure requirements, but also ensures that people feel safe whilst in our premises and we have gradually added other courses to our face-to-face training, albeit with significantly reduced candidate numbers. What has been put in place to ensure a COVID secure environment? We have reviewed our processes from the first contact when customers book our courses, through to arrival at the centre, how we deliver the training and leaving the premises to ensure that you are kept safe whilst in our centre. Do we just have your word that OMS is COVID Secure? No, we were recently visited by a HSE Representative who was carrying out COVID spot checks and they complemented us on the controls we had put in place. We have also had very positive feedback from our training customers, such as the following 5 Star Reviews left in recently on Trustpilot: “The facilities and COVID safety restrictions put in place were fantastic - would definitely recommend OMS as a training company. Well done to all involved. Alison the instructor was brilliant perfect amount of practical and theory.” “Good venue, well COVID proofed, kept the two days interesting.” (Andrew B) “Very informative and well-structured course and very useful and learned a lot in the short timeframe. Has adapted very well to the current covid situation and still engaging.” (Rachel R) “I recently undertook my SMSTS Refresher Training at OMS Coalville. Really impressed with the straightforward booking process and how the course was presented by Roger. Excellent facilities that have been made Covid secure. Was so much better to be able to take a course of this nature in the classroom rather than online and despite covid restrictions felt everything was done to create a safe environment.” (David S) “Many thanks again for the great course and the very accomplished delivery, you made what some consider an entirely mundane subject as enjoyable as I suppose it could be with injected humour to break it up. Your approach in dealing with the digital delivery was well received despite the lack of physical presence and not at all off-putting. I have undertaken many safety courses and I can truthfully state yours was one of the best.” (Richard H). To seek advice or assistance don’t hesitate to contact us on 01530 833533, info@oms.uk.com or visit www.oms.uk.com. 30-31.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:04 Page 232 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk PUBLIC RELATIONS Covid is red But please don’t be blue Because mastering the media Is simple to do You start with your buyer The ideal punter Then get researching Become a true hunter Discover their pain points What makes them bemused Then look at the media They tend to peruse Now make the switch Stop selling, just share Become their new teacher Show them you care That is why so much of the “content marketing” that gets spewed out is ignored. It is simply too sales focused. It isn’t shedding a new light on a topic, it isn’t clarifying an issue, debunking a myth or basically being helpful. This is where things fall down so badly when people try to work with the media through PR. I mean the clue is there in the name...Public RELATIONS. It is a two- way street, you and your customer. Actually, it is really a “three-way” when you add in a journalist but let’s not explore that analogy too far otherwise this magazine will have to reside on the top shelf! Admit it, you’re a selfish lover By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR and Enterprise Nation Champion for Nottingham. The media will thank you With coverage galore And you’ll get the leads in And oh so much more Come on guys, admit it, when it comes to your marketing, you tend to be a bit, well, selfish. So, with Valentine’s Day looming on the horizon, I want you to start giving a little more. You see, when it comes to a lot of marketing and with PR in particular, too many business owners focus on themselves. I’m not talking purely about “weeing” all over the copy - “We do this, We do that, We are great” - I mean that there is often very little in the campaigns and messaging for anyone else. There’s no value. 32-33.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:06 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 33 PUBLIC RELATIONS Suffice it to say that there has to be something in it for everyone when you are working on building your profile and RELATIONSHIP with the press. First, you need to enlighten, inform, or entertain the customer. You then need to help the reporter to sell more clicks and/or copies or generate social buzz. Only then can you be selfish about your real motives, which is basically to sell but from a position of authority. Let’s stick with the Valentine’s example. If you are a florist and want to generate media coverage, it is no good asking a reporter to write about how good you are at your job unless; * You have just won an award * Expanded your business * Created a totally unique bouquet of flowers What you need to do is be USEFUL to the reporter and the reader/audience - aka your potential punter. * Explain which flowers are on trend this year * Discuss how the pandemic has changed the market * Share how to keep your flowers fresher for longer Do you see how that content is useful? It is not an advert proclaiming (without proof) that “We are the best florist in all of town,” it is positioning you as the best florist in all of town because you are being so generous with your advice that you don’t even NEED to sell. Once you master that, pricing becomes irrelevant, instead it is all about service, delivery and experience. If you think that this approach would make a difference to your offering, give it a go. If you need some inspiration, just yell, I’m more than happy to give you some free tips. No flowery language needed, remember I’m a giver! 32-33.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:06 Page 234 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk BUSINESS TRAVEL AND LEISURE How business gets done has changed dramatically over the past year. Indeed the concept of travelling for business - within the region, across the country, or internationally - will seem alien at present to most, with a significant cut in the number of work-related journeys taken since March 2020. While within England the restriction on non- essential travel and general COVID concern has impacted travel plans, international business travel has seen severe change, not only due to the pandemic, but as a result of Brexit. The coronavirus outbreak With corporate travel a key support for various businesses, from airlines - PwC highlights business travel can generate as much as seventy-five per cent of airlines’ revenue on some international flights - to hotels, travel agents, and car rental companies, extending out to cities’ bars, restaurants, drivers and more, its almost complete stoppage has majorly impacted all industries associated and their staff - according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), business travel supports one in seven jobs worldwide. As business travel is vital to the wider economy, its crumble could see millions of jobs lost and numerous businesses close. It is worth noting however that in the UK, international business travel has been slowing, with ONS data indicating that in comparison to leisure travel, which increased 3.4 per cent per year between 2000 and 2019, business travel grew by 0.2 per cent. Predictions on the timeframe for recovery of business travel, once borders properly reopen and non-essential travel is allowed, are mixed. Those more positive believe workers will be raring to get out of their houses for trips, while others expect the shift to working from home and the digital world for meetings, conferences, et al. to stick, reducing the amount of travel seen as necessary in the future. Bill Gates has even Grinding to a halt A plethora of factors are hindering business travel, including the pandemic, Brexit, and sustainability. 36 Á 34-37.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:08 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 35 BUSINESS TRAVEL AND LEISURE © Shutterstock /Undrey 34-37.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:08 Page 236 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk BUSINESS TRAVEL AND LEISURE weighed in on the conversation, stating that he believes over fifty per cent of business travel and thirty per cent of office days will disappear after the pandemic, though those in the industry have criticised his prediction. Moreover, cost cutting in the wake of the pandemic will inhibit business travel, pushing forward instead virtual meetings now that companies have embraced the savings of no travel, as well as the time recuperated for productive working. The full level of business travel expected to be lost is not yet agreed upon, with vaccination programmes offering hope, while new virus strains cause caution. A poll from the GBTA indicates that just six per cent of its members foresee any international business travel during the first three months of 2021, yet a traditional sentiment remains - nothing can replace the value of face-to-face interaction and personal connections when looking to seal a deal. When business travel does return it will likely involve new technology, with digital health passports anticipated to be commonplace. A number of different health passes have been launched, to certify passengers have tested negative for COVID-19, and if they have been vaccinated, to satisfy entry requirements for various countries. Digital solutions that can provide information on travel requirements will also become an important help. In the meantime those looking to travel for business, whether within the region or internationally, will need to keep an eye on fast-changing restrictions, and laws, as well as suspension of train services. The UK Government for example (at time of writing) is looking to introduce tougher border restrictions and quarantine in hotels for anyone arriving or returning to the UK from abroad. Travel corridors have already been abandoned and testing for passengers coming to the UK seventy- two hours prior to travel is now required - mirroring most other countries - alongside a ten-day quarantine. In addition business leaders are no longer exempt from travel restrictions. Brexit complexities Brexit is also making business travel more complex and will see UK travellers deal with carrying proof of hotel booking, return tickets etc. Changes in the trade agreement mean businesses with staff who frequently travel to EU nations for work will now need to find out whether visas are necessary or if the trip is a visa- exempt business visit. The main consideration is that any work activity not included on the list of permitted activities for short term business visitors published in the trade and cooperation agreement between the UK and EU will require further paperwork. The general rule is that if travelling for a meeting, research, conference, trade fair, or negotiation you can stay for ninety days for every 180 without a visa or work permit, so long as no money swaps hands. However, with the extra limits come a lack of uniformity between EU countries in rules, regulation and paperwork required. In Denmark, Cyprus, 34-37.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:09 Page 3www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 37 BUSINESS TRAVEL AND LEISURE and Croatia for example, if you provide a service as part of unpaid work you will need to apply for a work permit and satisfy an economic needs test, meaning authorities will assess the impact of your trip on local providers. Consulting lawyers and immigration specialists may become essential. Sustainability Further affecting business travel is a growing focus within companies on sustainability and reducing carbon footprint. Increasingly a trip’s impact on the climate is being factored into travel decisions and seeing additional push for virtual communication over travel. Nestlé for instance, looking to achieve its net zero goal, recently revealed that it is not just making changes to how its agricultural suppliers operate, but minimising business travel. Sustainability may also change how future business travel is conducted when non-essential movement is allowed, with train travel considered a more environmentally friendly option. This of course comes, usually, with the benefit of Wi-Fi and power points during travel so that business travellers can make the most of their time. Other actions for more sustainable business travel include organising more meetings per trip to limit the number of trips needed, promoting public transport use, using e-ticketing apps and reusables to prevent waste, booking direct flights if one must fly to reduce fuel consumption and air time, encouraging use of hybrid and electric fleets and rental cars, and utilising the most environmentally conscious hotels and airlines. © Shutterstock /Halfpoint 34-37.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:09 Page 4As we embark on a new year, with new challenges ahead, some have been bossing the lockdowns and enjoying the downtime, whilst others are just plain fed up and ready to be released. There is no right or wrong in how you are feeling and every emotion you have is justifiable right now. We have entered the age of digital communication and remote working, simplified routines and click and collect, parents have become teachers and Netflix and jigsaws have become the main source of our entertainment. Life has changed somewhat drastically for many of us and this is naturally a shock to the system. Our routines have gone out of the window and we feel somewhat discombobulated. Therefore, focusing on self-care practice is so important - now more than ever. Subconsciously many of us have little rituals we do to prepare us for our day ahead; an interview, a public speech, a day at work - you see where I’m going. This is to ensure our mindset is in the right place for when we approach these things. This is to ensure that we are the best version of ourselves when we walk into that room or take on that task and this is where routine comes in and acts as such an important foundation to life itself and to your well-being and ultimately your happiness. Having even a loose routine will provide structure to your daily life and provide you with purpose and there are no rules here, this is completely personal to you, so I encourage you to write down your current daily routine, look at it and see how you can perhaps improve upon it, by structuring it accordingly. Integrate the key elements into it that you need to complete during your day and then intersperse something for you into there each day too, whether it be a work-out, a walk, or something that you know will help you to switch off and reset. Something that will nourish your mind and body. By Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. 38 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk NETWORKING Here is an example of my daily routine since January 2021: My daily routine – Monday-Friday 1. Make my bed - tidy surroundings, tidy mind. 2. Make a cuppa - my hot drink of choice is generally herbal/fruit tea. 3. Ten minutes of guided meditation using an app on my phone. 4. Ten minutes of journaling – ‘free writing’ has amazing benefits. 5. Work-out on the mat in my living room to loud music provided by Alexa. 6. Start the working day - tackling emails and enquiries first, then tasks. 7. An afternoon walk – three times around my crescent is exactly one mile. 8. Read a couple of chapters of my latest book to wind down from work. 9. Dinner and Netflix! Since setting up this routine and acknowledging that is exactly what it is, a routine, I actually look forward to each stage of it, as mundane and simple as it may be now in comparison to my amazingly active life pre-pandemic. It gives me purpose and fulfilment when I have achieved each element of it. There is something about looking at the day ahead and breaking it down into bite sized achievable chunks, much like when you set yourself a goal. See your day as a goal to smash and pat yourself on the back when the sun sets and you have got through another, but it is worth saying, don’t be hard on yourself if some days you wake up and you are just not feeling that Zoom call or online Pilates class or really anything at all - we all have those days and weeks, however, be aware of them, notice them and let them pass. In the words of Scarlett O’Hara: “Afterall tomorrow is another day.” mindset For more information on how you can master your mindset contact me to arrange a free discovery call: fiona@rsvipnetwork.co.uk www.fionaduncansteer.com www.rsvipnetwork.co.uk Master your 38-39.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:11 Page 138-39.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:11 Page 2Next >