Empowering Businesses for a Sustainable Future: Insights from NatWest Roundtables
Nella Pang MRICS
Negotiating the Ideal Commercial Property for your Business | Specialising in Office, Industrial & Land ?? | Your Trusted RICS Chartered Surveyor #LETSTALKSOUTHCOAST PODCAST HOST
This week, I had the privilege of participating in two enlightening roundtable discussions hosted by NatWest . The sessions focused on two critical challenges faced by businesses today: the lack of a skilled workforce and the pressing need for sustainability.
In this article, I will share key takeaways from these discussions, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities associated with these issues. Moreover, I will highlight why it is essential for individuals and organisations to actively contribute to addressing these challenges, and provide actionable ways in which you can make a difference.
Addressing the Lack of Skilled Workforce:
The first roundtable discussion delved into the pressing issue of a lack of skilled workforce. Several important insights emerged from this conversation:
1) Inadequate Understanding: Some teachers are often ill-equipped to comprehend the evolving landscape of job roles and industries, which creates a disconnect between education and market needs.
2) Limitations of the Education System: The standard UK education system does not cater to the diverse needs of students, leading some to abandon further education. This contributes to a cycle of mental health issues, social skill deficits, and reliance on benefits.
3) Business Struggles: Many businesses are facing a scarcity of individuals with the right skills, necessitating the costly process of retraining employees after they complete their formal education.
4) Financial Constraints: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) express a strong desire to support the next generation through apprenticeships and training programs. However, limited capital resources hinder their ability to do so effectively.
Why should you care?
The ramifications of an under-skilled workforce extend beyond businesses themselves. It is a societal issue that demands our attention. Here's why you should care:
1) Future Generations: By actively supporting the next generation, we can break the vicious cycle of mental health issues and limited opportunities.
2) Talent Pool Expansion: There are individuals eager to work but lacking guidance and support. It is our responsibility to educate them about the available opportunities.
3) Transforming Recruitment: Businesses must reconsider their recruitment biases and embrace candidates who may not fit the traditional mold but possess the potential to thrive.
How can you help?
There are various ways in which you can contribute to addressing the lack of a skilled workforce:
a) Mentorship: Become a mentor and guide individuals on their career paths.
b) School Partnerships: Collaborate with schools to provide career advice and insights into future job prospects.
c) Educate: Share your knowledge about the future of work and ongoing projects with parents and teachers to help them guide students effectively.
d) Apprenticeships: Create opportunities for apprenticeships within your organisation.
e) Financial Support: Encourage banks and government entities to provide grants, low-interest loans, or funding schemes like the Kickstarter program to incentivise businesses, particularly SMEs, to take on apprentices and invest in upskilling.
Nurturing Sustainability:
The second roundtable focused on sustainability and highlighted innovative initiatives from various companies. Here are some noteworthy examples:
1) Marwell Zoo : Marwell Zoo's groundbreaking approach involves converting waste into usable energy, for several buildings on the park, making significant progress toward carbon neutrality.
2) FatFace : FatFace recently achieved B Corp certification, exemplifying their commitment to sustainable practices and social responsibility.
c) Next Gen : This company has developed a game-changing, paper-thin heating system that can be applied as wallpaper, opening new possibilities for energy-efficient solutions.
d) S CIS : SCIS faces a challenge in finding installers for their products. To tackle this, they established an academy that provides gas engineers with the necessary training to become heat pump engineers, significantly upskilling them in just two weeks.
Why should you care?
Apart from the ethical imperative to contribute to the planet's well-being, businesses need to be aware that corporate clients increasingly prioritise sustainability in their procurement strategies. By embracing sustainable practices, you can future-proof your assets, contribute to the greater good, and attract like-minded clients.
How can you help?
To actively participate in the journey toward a sustainable future, consider the following steps:
Conclusion:
The roundtable discussions at NatWest highlighted two crucial challenges facing businesses today: the lack of a skilled workforce and the urgent need for sustainability. Addressing these challenges is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity for individuals and organisations to make a positive impact. By recognising the importance of supporting the next generation and embracing sustainable practices, we can create a brighter future for both business and society.
To overcome the lack of a skilled workforce, it is crucial to reform the education system, engage with students and parents from an early age, and provide apprenticeships and training programmes. Additionally, businesses must challenge traditional recruitment biases and embrace a diverse pool of talent. By becoming mentors, partnering with schools, and advocating for financial support, we can empower the next generation and bridge the skills gap.
When it comes to sustainability, the examples shared during the roundtable discussions demonstrated the power of innovation and collaboration. From waste conversion to B Corp certification and game-changing technologies, businesses are taking steps towards a more sustainable future. By incorporating sustainable practices within our own operations, investing in eco-friendly solutions, and sharing knowledge and best practices, we can contribute to a healthier planet and attract like-minded clients.
In conclusion, addressing the challenges of a skilled workforce and sustainability requires collective effort “coalition at will” and commitment. By embracing these challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement, we can build a workforce equipped for the future and contribute to a sustainable world. Let us all take action, collaborate, and empower businesses to lead the way towards a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.
Skills and sustainability are so intrinsically interlinked and businesses are using real estate to attract and retain staff, creating the right company culture is key. Businesses are creating working environment that is end user-focused. We are involved in over 700,000 sq ft of office development across the South Coast and we are exploring several partnerships to support and bring education and businesses together to create a thriving community.
Thank you Natwest for inviting me to the conversation. Carey Moore Mairead Taylor MCBI GSFP Paul Edwards Oliver Holbourn Matt Austen
To learn more on how we are supporting businesses and landlords, visit our website www.omega-re.co.uk
About Nella Pang
I left the corporate world in 2020 and launched Omega RE a commercial advisory firm in a pandemic, whilst on maternity. Brave some people would say. ??
The pandemic has taught many of us a thing or two, particularly on how we can do business. I support businesses to navigate the complexities of Commercial Real Estate, so they can achieve their business objectives through their Real Estate decisions.
Lease negotiations can be a minefield. Even small mistakes can drive up costs. That’s why I will represent your interests every step of the way, ensuring you receive full value of our experience and market knowledge.
With over 19 years’ experience in the Commercial Property Market having worked for the big corporates Jones Lang LaSalle Limited, BNP Paribas Real Estate and Vail Williams.
I want to be able to share my corporate knowledge with my clients, whilst offering a more personal dedicated commercial advisory service.
Having acted for a wide range of clients from major pension funds to private investors, small businesses and individuals. I love meeting people and I am passionate about adding value to my clients business and watching their business thrive.
About Omega RE
Omega RE is a commercial property advisory firm based on the South Coast. Providing expert advice to Landlords, Occupiers in the industrial, office and retail markets.
Omega RE is always thinking ‘Outside the Box’ in our advice to clients and the way we do business. We don’t settle for mediocre, we challenge the norm and are dedicated to finding solutions that is best for our clients.
We are a people business, based on strong relationships and partnerships, and we offer a personal level of service.
As the market evolves, we will too adapt to be successful and want the same for our clients. We are committed to finding innovative ways of marketing and how to do things more efficiently.
We will never stagnate.
We are disciplined in everything we do, we take time to understand the situation and set a bespoke strategy for each client. Not one size fits all. We do not cut corners or take shortcuts and our integrity is undisputed.
Providing clients’ a hands-on approach to finding the perfect property; office, industrial, warehouse or retail space to meet business needs and negotiating the best commercial lease terms, is what we do best.
We come to work because we’re passionate about providing expert, innovative, independent advice to clients. We want to help businesses navigate the complexities of Commercial Real Estate.
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1 年Your comments reflect my response to the "business informing skills training and education' report that was written from extensive research carried out last year Nella Pang MRICS. SDF1 and 2 go some way to refocusing teacher understanding of industry. The divide is still too big and recommendations were made at the time. Education is targetted on numbers just like business with KPi's. Let's remember that everything needs to change from the top down. I have much to offer this conversation and ideas too.
CEO | Gattaca | passionate about driving positive change in STEM markets
1 年Yep an interesting debate on skills….much to do…..but much can be done if we ease access and importantly remove some of the fragmentation. Thanks Carey for the invite
Helping businesses across the Solent with free business support, including apprenticeship & skills.
1 年Great summary Nella Pang MRICS and anyone wanting to speak more about skills in general or Apprenticeships specifically please reach out to me or my team Solent Apprenticeship & Skills Hub