Northern Regional Newsletter July 2024

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RIP Elsie, Bebe and Alice

I need to start by referencing, the heartbreaking events in Southport on 29th of July.

I grew up there and now live back in Southport, which has unfortunately, become famous, over the last few days, for the most tragic reasons. The loss of 3 beautiful, innocent, local young girls, Elsie, Alice and Bebe, is having a huge impact on the people of our lovely town. Everyone is connected in some way here, and so the hurt and trauma is palpable.

My heartfelt condolences, to the families and friends of the victims. Massive thanks to all the emergency teams who responded, not only at the time of the horrific event but also to protect our people and town from the riots last night.

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More optimistic business news…

The promise of growth and better resources for growing businesses to access funding and investment, was I'm sure for most business leaders, some of most exciting and optimistic of Labour proposals

Some sectors will clearly benefit more immediately than others but there is definitely some good news out there in terms of Labours commitment which could lead to rapid scaling – particularly in construction, renewable energy and transport but hopefully ?the ripple effect into tech, manufacturing and healthcare should stimulate some excellent opportunities for everyone

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Labour Employment Day 1 Rights

You will be aware, Labour has made some bold proposals around workers’ rights which will potentially have quite an impact for businesses like yours and ours, potentially from mid October (if their commitment to delivering within 100 days from election, is honoured…).

We have been discussing with our clients and business connections about how these regulations will affect them We also ran a webinar a few weeks ago – hosted by my fabulous counterpart Stuart Calvert ?our Regional Director for the South West, to offer some insight and practical guidance around post-election people planning.

For a short summary of the proposed changes, please read?this article which I crafted to give business leaders a quick overview of the proposal, ?the link to the full Manifesto is in the article... if you’d like to read it in full!

?The King’s Speech, held just after our webinar gave little more clarity on the specific legislation to follow, so this is very much an emerging picture and we will update you as and when we have any more clarity on what will be introduced and when.

I urge you think about this proposal and spend some time understanding how it may impact your business and your people or the need to re-forecast or adjust your business planning, as the proposed legislation, could have quite far reaching impact on your business.

What is already very clear, is the importance of having the right processes, policies and practices in place, particularly around induction, probationary reviews and performance.

So please do reach out a) you’d like the link to webinar or b) to book in a call to talk this through

?Hoping we see some continued good weather as we move into August

Debra?