Orchard Studios Open Day

Orchard Studios are holding an open day on Sunday 5th July. 
 
Orchard are a sound and vision recording studios set in the beautiful Cheshire Countryside in Crewe, just 2 minutes from junction 16 M6. Having worked with professional musicians, singers and songwriters, worked with the BBC, Channel 4 and independent film makers Orchard can offer outstanding quality recordings and superb service. But not only do we work with professionals but we host party events for hens, birthdays, office Christmas parties and children’s birthdays. We even host our own teambuilding event and fundraising initiative. 
 
Come and take a look around on our open day. There will be refreshments available all day, free easy parking and an opportunity to listen to some of our recordings from professional opera singers, songs written by teams at John Lewis, schools singing songs like ‘Up on the roof’ and some outstanding talent from outstanding people. 
 
Please bring guests along. The event is completely free and our chance to show you what Orchard is all about. You can ask questions about any of our services and let us demonstrate how we can change your voice, add effects to make you sound like Cher, like your singing at the Sydney Opera House or even as if you are a backing singer for the Chipmunks! 
 
There is even a chance a chance to win £50 worth of Orchard Studios Vouchers!
 
Any questions about the day just give the studios a call on 01270 877 208 or email me at kate@orchardstudios.co.uk  

Key Person, Shareholder and Partnership Protection

As part of a recent survey Legal & General questioned members of the British Chamber of Commerce. The results show 44 per cent of business owners say that their business would fold within 12 months of the death or critical illness of a key person.

However, only 4 per cent of business owners questioned say they have shareholder protection in place and 48 per cent do not have any formal agreement to establish what would happen in the event of the death of a business owner.

Half of the businesses surveyed have corporate debt, but just 46 per cent of these businesses have life or critical illness policies in place to cover the money owed.

The reality is that businesses, and in particular small businesses, usually rely on a small number of key people for success. If one of more of these people is not around to do their job, this can impact on sales volumes, staff morale and bank confidence.

You may think that you have adequate Key Person, Shareholder and Partnership Protection in place, but have you considered:

  • When were the arrangements last reviewed?
  • Does it cover the correct individuals?
  • Are the levels adequate and is the cover correct?

At Helix Healthcare, we are offering a free Insurance review to all BNN members to look at any existing arrangements and talk about the solutions that are available.

Don’t delay !  If your cover is inadequate or out of date, then it is better to find out now and be able to do something about it, rather than risk the shock of finding out when you need to make a claim.’

Please speak to Jim Frayne at Helix Healthcare   Mob 07738 042797 http://www.helixhealth.co.uk

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Composite Imaging Offer For Business Network Members

Composite Imaging provide bospoke artwork for the home, offices, communal and waiting areas.

Some Examples of Composite Imaging's Work

Some Examples of Composite Imaging's Work

Bruntwood Reception

Bruntwood Reception

 

 

 

 

If you recommend us to one of your clients or associates that are moving or refurbishing their premises i.e. office, hospital, hotel, restaurant, health club or spa, & this referral results in a confirmed order worth £2,000 or more; in return Composite Imaging will offer you a free canvas up to 1m for your home or office, using any design from our gallery.

 You can view our Image library at www.compositeimaging.co.uk/gallery/imagecollections.cfm

By Composite Imaging

By Composite Imaging

Contact Paulette Bansal on
0161 283 7216 or via paulette@compositeimaging.co.uk
Hurlston Comp

Cameron Clarke Leasing At Mottram Hall Hotel

The Sample of The Audi Range Displayed at Mottram Hall Hotel by Cameron Clarke Leasing

The Sample of The Audi Range Displayed at Mottram Hall Hotel by Cameron Clarke Leasing

With over 100 local business people booked to attend the May Business Network South Manchester event, the backdrop of Mottram Hall Hotel and a beautiful sunny day, it seemed the perfect opportunity for Cameron Clarke Leasing to display some of the latest vehicles in the BMW and Audi Ranges
For further information visit www.cameron-clarke.co.uk

Video For Your Business

South Manchester members Lenzflare Creative Production are offering two video packages; a Testimonial Package and a Venue Package. Click on the links for further details and contact Kathy Plaskitt on 0845 456 3404 or via kathy@lenzflare.com

Can You Help?

Manchester member Monitor Creative is looking for a French national who is a copywriter.

Please contact Moray Newberry on 0161 743 0980 or via moray@monitorcreative.co.uk.

The Brookdale Clinic

Brookdale Clinic Open Evening on Tuesday 28th of April at 7.00pm. 

Clinic Director Cathie Stone says “We endeavour to make it fun, snappy and informative letting visitors know about the various services we offer concentrating on Cosmetic laser, chemical peels and rejuvenating treatments in general and  Beauty therapy. I will also be available for any questions about Physio related Health issues.” 

For further details on the Open Evening as well as details of all treatments offered please visit www.thebrookdaleclinic.co.uk

Free Energy Saving Site Survey

DSL Engineering Solutions are currently offering a free energy saving and carbon footprint Site Survey to customers throughout the North West.  The survey enables us to help manufacturing, warehousing, retail and commercial businesses to improve their carbon footprint, reduce energy consumption and reduce their maintenance and service costs. 

We have achieved dramatic cost savings for a number of existing customers such at Greggs Bakery and BHS. 

A recent testimonial from the Northern Area Manager of BHS says “DSL are the best supplier I use”.  How’s that for a recommendation? 

Anyone taking up the option of a survey and subsequently taking up our recommendations will receive a Grobox Organic garden in a box of their choice; compliments of DSL in collaboration with Jayne Lawton at Grobox Gardens. 

For more information please contact Cheryl at DSL 0161 848 9519

E mail on Cheryl@dslengineering.co.uk

MANAGING POOR PERFORMANCE

In these uncertain times there is even more pressure on organisations to work smarter. In many cases there are now fewer staff to deliver the services and, therefore, there has to be an even greater emphasis on performance if organisations are to retain any sort of competitive edge.  One of the features that distinguishes those businesses that can cope with an economic downturn is having effective performance management but it can often be a difficult area for managers and HR professionals alike.

 

Why is performance management so important? 

  • It clarifies roles and personal objectives
  • It makes people feel valued
  • It aligns personal contribution to the organisation’s goals
  • It helps communication
  • It raises awareness
  • Identifies personal learning and development needs 

It is when people are consistently underperforming that the difficulties tend to arise. These are the issues that we often don’t like facing up to or we deal with ineffectively.

Other staff, however, are often fully aware of the situation and it reflects badly on management if the problems are not addressed. In hard times they simply cannot be ignored.   

The procedure for dealing with underperformance basically has 4 sequential stages all of which require face to face discussions with the employee:- 

Informal discussion

            -     raise issues, consider support/training 

First Formal Meeting

-          agree a performance improvement plan (PIP) 

Second Formal Meeting

-          PIP and formal warning 

Final Formal Meeting

-          possible outcomes – transfer/demotion/dismissal

 

NB. The procedure can end at any of the first 3 stages if performance improves

 

At the Second and Final formal meetings you must ensure that the statutory procedures are followed. (These will not apply to dismissals contemplated after         1 April 2009 when the ACAS code of conduct will apply).

 

Ø      Send a letter before each meeting detailing the areas of underperformance

Ø      Comply with the employee’s right to be accompanied

Ø      Send a letter after each meeting confirming warning/decision

Ø      Explain to the employee their right of appeal 

 

At each meeting:-

 

  • Clarify work duties
  • Review performance
  • Explain concerns
  • Identify the gap and potential causes
  • Identify support/training to eliminate or reduce gap
  • Complete a PIP
  • Set time limit and date of next review 

Whatever the ultimate outcome, to manage performance effectively you need the following key skills.

 

  • Leadership
  • Questioning and listening
  • Ability to recognise the signs at an early stage
  • Analytical skills – sensitive to issues that might impact on performance
  • Coaching skills
  • Ability to set clear objectives and performance measures. Remember,                           what can’t be measured can’t be managed!

 

Also, beware of the following common obstructions to an effective performance management process:-  

v      The employee raises a grievance

v      The employee alleges bullying

v      The employee alleges you are bullying them

v      The employee goes off ill with stress

v      The employee alleges they have medical condition affecting performance

 

Don’t act on impulse – seek advice

 

Remember, capability can be a fair reason for dismissal so long as you have:- 

-          dealt with it fairly

-          tried to remedy problems effectively and in good time

-          a procedure for managing poor work performance/capability and it is

-          communicated, publicised and applied consistently

 

Mace & Jones provides advice on all aspects of performance management and can provide training for managers, which is tailored to suit your organisations needs. For further information contact Chris Ellis at christopher.ellis@maceandjones.co.uk; or visit our website www.maceandjones.co.uk