| I have to start this MD’s update off with an apology.
I sit here writing this at the end of June, realising that the last MD’s update I did was released on our website in April – I know, these are supposed to be monthly. What makes this even worse is that our marketing department have been chasing me for weeks, and you know who that is headed up by, don’t you? My wife. That puts me in the bad books, not just with your good selves but also both at home AND work. Ouch. Well – here I go at redeeming myself with something interesting for you to read this month (I’ll work on redemption with my wife later – once I’ve plucked up my courage). As business owners and decision-makers, and if you’ve been in business for a few years now, you’ve been through hard times before. And I think we’re in another one. Spiralling inflation, high energy costs, increased tax, salary pressures, smaller talent pool, supply chain security, increased customer expectations, data security, and the rest. There’s no sugar coating it; it’s hard for many. Not just businesses but individuals as well. I don’t have all the answers; who does? But I know there is always one thing I do believe in – when times are good or bad – the power of the team. I fundamentally believe it is the people that make a business – however fancy the machinery, website, offices, or brand – none of it works without the people. And yet, so many small and medium-sized businesses pay lip service, or at best, just do the minimum – “as long as I don’t end up in employment tribunal, that’ll do me.” 2023 is a changing landscape. People have a voice and choice. As a business that wants to thrive (don’t we all), if you’re not intentionally and deliberately building a high-performance culture, to not just weather this storm and the next, but thrive through them, you must start now. This is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – in a climate like this; it could be the difference between being here in the next 5-7 years or not. This is why we’ve just developed our ‘Inspire’ level offering – HR Growth support from our excellent team of HR Growth Partners, to help you build a high performance culture. Employer brand, interviewing, selection, induction, onboarding, performance management, engagement, well-being, diversity – to name just a few areas that our HR Growth Team will help you build and refine to create a workplace like no other. Profit AND joy in work. This isn’t for everyone, but if, as a business you have reached a certain level of maturity and are looking to take your business to the next level – this is for you. Act now – we can only deliver a limited number of these projects. Contact either Steph or Louise on 01274 864 999 to discuss this further. Everything we are offering above is what we do at Howarths. That’s why I know it works. We’ve quadrupled in size in the last eight years with brilliant top-line revenue, bottom-line profit, and return to shareholders, AND with a team of people who love work. Now, please excuse me whilst I go groveling. Have a great month. Keep pushing. Gavin Howarth, Managing Director |
