< Previous20 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk REED IN PARTNERSHIP Q&A How does the WHP JETS scheme work? Here at Reed in Partnership, we are bringing the recently announced extension of the Work and Health Programme for the DWP – ‘Work and Health Programme: Job Entry Targeted Support’ (WHP JETS) – to businesses across the region. The WHP JETS scheme is designed to support those who have found themselves out of work due to COVID-19, mobilising a group of approximately 50,000 skilled people who have become recently unemployed. We have created a stepped process to ensure that businesses and individuals alike are supported to achieve their potential. Step 1 The business tells us about their specific recruitment needs. Our recruitment managers work closely with the business to understand organisational and recruitment needs to underpin business planning and resourcing. Step 2 We develop a large talent pool. We will identify suitable candidates from our pool and ensure they have the right skills and qualities for each role. When it comes to screening, interviewing and induction, we can do as much or as little of this process as an organisation needs. And we can also support with interview arrangements, such as venues, administration and COVID-19 compliance. Q&A Nicola Whelan, head of delivery support at Reed in Partnership We caught up with Nicola Whelan, head of delivery support at Reed in Partnership, about the brand-new ‘Work and Health Programme: Job Entry Targeted Support’ (WHP JETS) scheme and how it is supporting local people into local jobs via a new recruitment and training service, which is fully funded by the Government. 20-21.qxp_Layout 1 03/12/2020 10:18 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 21 REED IN PARTNERSHIP Q&A Step 3 Recruitment and review. We will keep in touch to see how new employees are progressing and what more we can do to help. It may be that we can support with further skills training, or arrange a plan to help with the next recruitment cycle. We carefully monitor each individual to ensure progress is tracked and support is given where needed. Which industry sectors are you supporting and where are candidates based? We are delivering the WHP JETS scheme across North East England, which includes the North East region plus all of Yorkshire and areas of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. We have thousands of skilled candidates available now for roles across an array of industries, including: • Logistics, transport and distribution • Professional, business and financial services • Manufacturing • Creative and digital • Health and Social Care • Construction and more I must stress that these individuals are highly skilled and we have bolstered their existing competencies with the latest relevant industry-backed training to ensure that they are ready to hit the ground running and make a positive difference to any business. What advantages does WHP JETS bring to businesses and candidates? We have carefully curated each element of the scheme to support and assist businesses through what we know is a difficult time. As part of the Reed Group, we have a wealth of experience of working with employers of all sizes, across multiple sectors. Moreover, this government- backed scheme represents a huge cost saving for companies who could otherwise spend on average £4,500 on a recruitment agency – they can access the same service and support from us through WHP JETS, but for free. We recognise that a business’ core assets are its people and that’s where this scheme really stands out. We are passionate about developing people, providing advice and guidance to align individual’s skills to relevant opportunities, and also developing a personal plan of action to organise all the required support as well as providing access to financial support for a range of job searching activities such as transport and workwear. The candidates we are nurturing are employment-ready in the real sense of the term, equipped beyond your typical employability training and boasting years of experience and well-honed skills, specific to the industries they are re- entering. All of our candidates benefit from access to training courses for work- related skills in the relevant sector, plus additional support to boost their confidence, transferring their skills to a new role with a keen eye on their health and wellbeing. This is all to ensure they can hit the ground running from day one in the business. Not only is the WHP JETS scheme fully funded by the Government, employers can be proud of the fact that they are simultaneously growing their business and supporting their local communities by recognising and retaining talented individuals who are equipped and ready for a new opportunity. As well as undertaking screening and interviewing on behalf of the employer to save them further time and money – we work with each business to develop a training and induction process to save organisations time and resource, and develop course content in close consultation with business leaders ensure relevance. Our tailored training programmes, expert sector-specific guidance and support (provided at no cost to the recruiting organisation) ensure candidates and employers are carefully united to underpin business needs and growth objectives for employers and individuals alike. WHP JETS is commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions and part-funded by the European Social Fund. For more information on how to get involved with WHP JETS and to access its support services, visit www.readyforeverything.co.uk, email hello@readyforeverything.co.uk or call 0800 025 3058. REED IN PARTNERSHIP Success Story “I have been thoroughly impressed with my experience with Reed in Partnership. I had been job-hunting after a series of fixed-term contracts ended and knew I needed a career change into a more stable industry. However, it was difficult to know where to turn for advice and COVID-19 meant that the job market was extremely limited. So, when I was contacted by Reed in Partnership it meant the world to me to have someone supporting me through a really challenging time. “The support that Reed in Partnership provided was just what I needed to build my confidence back up and persevere with my job hunt. I believe having this support network boosted my confidence when I interviewed for the job that I was ultimately successful in gaining.” 20-21.qxp_Layout 1 03/12/2020 10:18 Page 222 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk TAX Is the self-assessment tax return a valuable tool in the midst of a pandemic? By Jennie Brown, Tax Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants. Every year the chore of the self-assessment tax return descends upon many of us, and human nature prevails; leaving things to the last minute. However, the challenge of 2020 and the threat this has posed on individuals finances has led many to take stock of their financial affairs. Not only in wanting to pinpoint where they can cut costs but to also have a better understanding of their finances in general. In light of this new mindset many of us are in, we may see the self-assessment tax return with renewed value; a chance to properly understand what tax is due, why and any planning that could improve our position for future tax years. What are the benefits to you completing your tax return earlier? If you are employed and the wrong tax code has been used Where the tax code was too high you may have overpaid tax, the sooner your tax return is submitted the sooner you will receive your repayment. If tax has been underpaid, then submitting your tax return online before the end of December means you can elect for the underpayment to be collected from your future tax code, provided it is below £3,000. If you make payments on account, they could be reduced You may be self-employed or a landlord and required to make payments in advance, based on the previous year’s tax liability. When preparing your 2019/20 tax return, if your 2020/21 profits will be lower, you can look to reduce your payments on account. More time to plan to pay your tax By submitting your tax returns as soon as possible, you have more time to prepare for the tax liability due. In the event that you may struggle to pay all or part of any tax liability due you will be in a better position to explore the possibility of a deferment or repayment schedule with the Revenue. More time to consider if you are claiming available reliefs and allowances A more thorough approach can ensure you claim the tax relief and allowances that you are entitled to for example; • Gift aid donations • Pension contributions • Expenses such as working from home • Transferring the marriage allowance. More time to consider planning your income tax efficiency for the following tax year When preparing your tax return, most the opportunities to improve your position have passed and that is why it is vital to consider the tax year you are in whilst you can make changes, for example; • If you are a married or in a civil partnership, is your income evenly assessed across the two of you or does one of you fall into the higher rates of tax and the other does not? • Could you benefit from Child Benefit if your income has reduced? Using this annual task as a time to consider your affairs on a longer-term basis As you set aside time for this annual task, you could also use it as opportunity to ensure you are planning for the long term too, considering things such as: • Is my pension pot going to be sufficient for when I come to retire? • What about my wealth in general, is it time to consider Inheritance Tax? With the turbulent year we have faced, some individuals may be considering putting off their 2019/20 tax returns until after the deadline, accepting the initial £100 penalty. However, in view of the number of benefits from which individuals can improve their position by earlier preparation, we would always encourage individuals to invest the time in preparing their tax returns without delay. 22-23.qxp_Layout 1 03/12/2020 10:19 Page 122-23.qxp_Layout 1 03/12/2020 10:19 Page 224 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk END OF YEAR SUCCESS STORIES Arguably the biggest global challenge of modern times, the pandemic has affected all of our lives in one way or another. By the time you’re reading this, the second national lockdown will have come to an end and, at present, families have been given the go- ahead to celebrate Christmas. While this might lead to yet another spike – necessitating a third lockdown in the New Year – it has come as a welcome relief for many at the end of a long, difficult year. Uncertainty has pervaded all aspects of our lives. Many have been cast adrift with some companies having to shutter for good, while others have been closed indefinity. Although this can wreak havoc on the lives and mental health of employees and the families they provide for, the impact is much more profound for company owners and bosses. Losing a job is one of the most difficult situations a person can find themselves in, but losing a company can deal a massive body blow. However, companies across our region are a robust, proactive bunch and haven’t taken the impact of the pandemic lying down. As soon as the scale of the pandemic became evident, the government launched a slew of financial measures and supports for businesses and their employees – many of which have now been extended to keep the economy going and to safeguard the companies and workers that power it. But for company bosses, these measures alone aren’t enough. They have to be coupled with rigorous Success in the age of adversity It’s been a tough year for every sector, but in the wake of the pandemic, companies across our region have evolved, innovated, supported and survived. That’s why for our December issue, we wanted to highlight and celebrate them. Success in the age of adversity 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 03/12/2020 10:20 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 25 END OF YEAR SUCCESS STORIES Importance of security in a crisis Webeye, a Mansfield-based security specialist, explores the importance of robust, reliable security during the continuing coronavirus crisis and what measures businesses need to take. Construction sites, empty properties and remote locations remain under threat. You need to be confident your assets are safe and, if intruders do break-in, you need to know ASAP. Security becomes even more critical in times like these, and technology can play its part in keeping everyone involved safe. Governments are encouraging staff to carry on working from home, but how can you check your business premises are protected, and your security provision is working correctly or at all? Effective alarm delivery is crucial to maintain a credible security programme. If you’re monitoring sites, you need to make sure you can receive alarm notifications directly to your home computer, tablet or mobile device. But by their nature, home devices are not as robust as professional security systems. Webeye has developed a cloud technology that is a robust platform and app that have thought through the pitfalls and have put checks and balances in place to make sure you receive credible alarm notifications. You also have to think about guarding and security staff. If you have no physical security staff on-site, you’ll need effective systems to be your eye-and-ears on the ground. Advances in wireless and battery technology mean there are systems on the market such as the Videofied Visual Verification system or Webeye’s webeyeOCULi that send video clips directly to you which effectively monitor sites where there is no mains power. They trigger upon intrusion and send video clips directly to your home device via the webeyeCMS cloud receiving platform that can act as your automated central monitoring station. To find out more, visit www.webeyecms.com, email sales@webeyecms.com, or call 01157 149990. management, innovative approaches and business savvy. One of the most important financial aids that the government has introduced is the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). Launched back in March, the scheme provides financial support to SMEs across the UK that are losing revenue, and seeing their cashflow disrupted, because of the outbreak. As the pandemic worsened and the financial situation grew bleaker for SMEs, the scheme was expanded, with changes to allowing more smaller businesses to access funding. CBILS has been extended beyond its original deadline a third time, running now until 31 January 2021. However, it’s possible that it will need to be extended again depending on whether there’s another spike over the festive and new year period. Announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak back in April and 26 Á © Shutterstock /This Is Me 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 03/12/2020 10:21 Page 226 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk END OF YEAR SUCCESS STORIES opening to applications in May, the ‘Bounce Back Loan Scheme’ aimed to get businesses back up and running and help the economy to, well, bounce back. As with CBILS scheme, it is delivered by lenders accredited by British Business Bank. The loans, ranging from £2,000 up to twenty-five per cent of the business’ turnover with a maximum loan of £50,000, are intended for small and micro businesses in all sectors. Crucially, it allows businesses to obtain a six-year term loan at a government set interest rate of 2.5 per cent a year with the government covering interest payable in the first year and no principle repayments required for the first twelve months. As with CBILS, this scheme is currently slated to end on 31 January 2021. Another key financial support service offered by the government early into the pandemic, is the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The scheme provided a lifeline to businesses who were forced to shut down during lockdown. It allowed the government to pay eighty per cent of furloughed worker’s salaries, up to £2,500, allowing bosses to avoid redundancies. New flexibility was introduced from August with the aim of getting employees back to work and boosting the economy and, back in May, the chancellor announced that the scheme will remain open until the end of October. With some 9.5 million UK workers from 1.2 million employers still on furlough, it’s even likely the scheme will need to be extended beyond this point. However, as of writing, the scheme has now closed. As the first lockdown wore on, companies across our region showed their true colours, not only helping themselves but their communities and wider society. Many converted production to make masks, gowns and other PPE for the NHS, while others began making hand sanitiser when stocks plummeted as demand skyrocketed. Other companies offered free products and services to frontline workers, embodying the Great British spirit of us all being in this together. In order to stave off shuttering, company bosses have had to rethink their operations and offerings, mixing up their services and products, or the way in which they’re delivered. For some businesses, that’s meant selling online for the first time, expanding delivery services, or offering click and collect services (as more companies have done during the second lockdown). For other companies, the challenge has been in how to adapt their services to social distance measures – such as carrying out contracting and building work whilst maintaining distances and the correct PPE. But for every challenge, there has been a creative and proactive solution. As well as the things we’ve already touched on, there has been a slew of ways that businesses have evolved over the last year. One of the biggest, most obvious changes for a company’s day-to-day operations is the workplace itself. With many previously furloughed workers having returned to offices and other places of work, company bosses have put social distancing measures in place. Of course, many of these are no legal requirements, but some companies have fundamentally redesigned their workplaces. In some cases, many of these measures will likely become the new normal – especially in the retail sector where cough shields will almost certainly become a permanent fixture going forward. As well as spacing staff further out, offices have also had to think about ensuring they have a rigorous and regular cleaning and hygiene in place, especially on contact surfaces and where multiple staff frequent – such as © Shutterstock /NattapolStudiO © Shutterstock /fizkes 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 03/12/2020 10:21 Page 3www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 27 END OF YEAR SUCCESS STORIES Solving your cashflow issues As the year draws to a close, many of us are sighing with some measure of relief - promising signs of tackling the Coronavirus, extension of Government-backed schemes to help business, and the hope of less restrictive social measures. But as the Chancellor made clear recently, our economic outlook has suffered greatly from the travails of 2020, and our national economy must now restructure to reflect our mounting debt. Business owners must now look to carefully protect what they have built up, and ready themselves for whatever changes to business costs and taxation might arise to service our national debt. Paul Michel Finance, in partnership with Fifo Capital Business Finance, offers a range of short-term cash-flow solutions. Invoice financing furnishes business with payment 30, 60 or even 90 days before expected settlement. Short-term business loans allow companies access to working capital. Supply-chain and trade finance help maintain favourable terms with suppliers. Any bespoke combination of these solutions is also possible, which can make a huge difference to cash-strapped businesses. In the new year and for the conceivable future, a tight reign on business expenditure and customer payment will become all the more important, and Paul Michel Finance has the tools to help. To get in touch with Paul Michel and to find out more, visit www.pmichelfinance.com, email paul.michel@fifocapital.co.uk, or call 07863 753 111 or (01509) 648144. bathrooms – and supplying PPE. But not all workers returned to offices. The lockdown meant that many companies had staff working from home for the very first time. Although it has no doubt brought a unique set of challenges, the advantages of digital technologies have shown that, in many cases, office-based companies can work from home. To preserve public safety, companies are welcoming some staff back to the office, with others still based at home, or, in some cases, changing shifts and staggering start times. This will, of course, depend on the company, though these measures are certainly worth exploring. Other companies have adapted by becoming delivery- friendly, predominantly in the retail and hospitality sectors. Indeed, lockdown saw some companies create an online presence for the first time as the pandemic has forced them to fully embrace the digital age in order to stay connected to customers and to remain afloat and competitive. Then, of course, construction and building companies have bene gradually re-opening sites once again with social distancing measures in place. With all that in mind, we here at East Midlands Business Link want to celebrate and congratulate companies across the county that have adapted to the pandemic and, in many cases, flourished. The companies we highlight in this feature have all demonstrated their business acumen, their resilience and dedication. We turn our attentions to Paul Michel Finance, a creative finance solutions specialist for growing SMEs in the midlands; and Mansfield- headquartered Webeye, a seller of quality security products and services designed to provide solutions for the professional security industry. 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 03/12/2020 10:21 Page 4The last time I did archery was on a Pontins adventure holiday in the Isle of Wight aged eleven, so when I recently did it again some twenty-seven years later, I expected to be a little rusty. I would be right in my thinking. Getting off to a slow start I hit the back board a few times, dropped my third arrow on the floor and hit a few around the edges, whilst each time aiming for the bullseye. On my seventh arrow the instructor whispered “relax...breathe” and with that I hit the bullseye! Remembering his simple advice, I had two shots and hit the bullseye again and again. Chuffed with my quick learning skills and totally awesome results, I buzzed my way out of there with a huge smile of satisfaction on my face. On reflection I realised that I was trying too hard initially to achieve perfection and that it was only when I relaxed and took the pressure off myself that I saw the results and smashed my goals, consistently! If you don’t know what you want, how do you know what to ask for? Getting in to the right mindset is a huge part of goal setting and something I practice regularly, so do what is right for you to prep for this, whether it be building your network around you with people you aspire to, watching and listening to inspirational figures on webinars and podcasts or simply spending some time alone in your own company, to allow for creative thinking and some organic idea generation. There is no right or wrong here, this is simply about following your own course of action to allow you to establish exactly what it is you want and if it doesn’t flow naturally, well then don’t give yourself a hard time - think strategically. By Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency. For help on getting started with your goal setting journey contact me to arrange a free discovery call: fiona@rsvipnetwork.co.uk www.fionaduncansteer.com www.rsvipnetwork.co.uk https://rsvip.vipmembervault.com/ 28 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk NETWORKING What is your end goal - the dream? Once you know this, then work backwards to figure out a step by step strategy as to how you will reach that target, with tasks at each point to keep you accountable and a fixed lead time as to when you want each step towards your goal to be reached by. Keeping yourself accountable is a huge part of goal setting, if anything to avoid the temptation to cut corners and excuse your way out of achieving your goals. Yes, we all do it - life gets in the way and goal posts get moved further and further away and this is where time management comes in. The ability to manage your own time, particularly as a business owner, is a challenge in itself and requires strategic thinking, prioritisation, and multi-tasking skills. Then throw into the mix the temptation to procrastinate and the general distraction from life and it can all become quite overwhelming. So my advice when those feelings arise is to just take a moment to STOP. When ready, re-evaluate your current situation, spend some time reflecting on past achievements, assessing successes and challenges you have previously faced, take time to build your mental strength back up doing whatever it is that boosts your mindset to ‘positive mode’, and then press the restart button. When those foundations are laid, the only way is up and those goal setting steps to success will be flowing from that pen nib like Hamilton burning rubber. There will always be goals to smash and targets to hit in business, whether they’re created by you or your associates - either way remember to enjoy the process, learn from your mistakes, and above all... breathe! Goal setting know what you want and how to achieve it 28-29.qxp_Layout 1 03/12/2020 10:22 Page 128-29.qxp_Layout 1 03/12/2020 10:22 Page 2Next >