- "In the last 20 years our business has changed considerably…and as the focus of our business has changed, Bird Luckin have moved with us."
Alex Tanner, George Tanner (Shalford) Ltd - "Bird Luckin has looked after us incredibly well for over 60 years, they are pro-active and innovational - meeting all our needs to help us achieve our aims."
Richard Stubbings, Cliffords Limited - "I can honestly say that Bird Luckin are the best firm of accountants and auditors I have ever dealt with - and I don't say that lightly!"
Colin Webb, Walthamstow Stadium - "It's important for us to know that we will always be able to contact the right people to give us the right advice and support."
Jane Bennett, Bennetts Funeral Directors - "Although we deal mainly with one Partner … we also know that if we need to contact someone else who is a specialist in another area, we can get the advice we need quickly and easily"
Jeremy Ruggles, J.S. Wright & Sons Ltd - "Bird Luckin got us to a stage which would have taken us months - if not years - to reach on our own, and they got us there in a matter of weeks"
Matthew Sullivan, SNC Ltd - "You can be a good accountant, but if you don't have an understanding of the industry it can be very difficult. "There are two or three people we have regular contact with at Bird Luckin who know our business well, and it makes a difference.""
Robert Church, W A Church (Bures) Ltd - "The work which Bird Luckin has done for Boddingtons over the past few months has helped shape our future direction for the better."
John Warner, Chief Executive, Boddingtons Ltd - "Bird Luckin has acted for us since our inception 10 years ago. They have a very 'can do' yet highly professional attitude - we are very appreciative of their support and advice over the years."
Marlon Fox, Outlook Property Ltd
Consulting your staff
The EC Directive on informing and consulting employees gives many workers the right to be consulted on key issues affecting the business or work organisation.
Under the Information and Consultation of Employees (ICE) Regulations, employees working for businesses with 50 or more staff have the right to request an information and consultation agreement. A request for an agreement has to be made by a minimum of 10 per cent of the staff, a proportion that must amount to at least 15 employees.
But side from the legal requirements, asking staff for their input can have a number of positive benefits for your business, as outlined below.
Creating a profit culture
Your staff are your key business asset. They know your business, and can highlight practical issues that arise on a day-to-day basis, helping systems to become more efficient and cost-effective, and identifying opportunities for generating new business.
Involving them in the business strategy will also encourage team ownership of projects, and enables all parties to understand their role in achieving the firm's key goals, creating a profit culture throughout the business.
Increasing productivity
Group consultation assists internal communication, and allows employees to feel more informed about issues affecting them. These factors in turn have a positive effect on motivation and productivity.
Here are five ideas for encouraging your employees to give their input:
- Run a brainstorming session - Brainstorming sessions encourage creative thinking and can be an effective way of finding solutions to existing problems and generating fresh ideas.
- Install an 'ideas box' - Providing a suggestions box in the office will allow staff to raise points as and when they arise, and also gives them the option to remain anonymous.
- Request updates - Ask each department to submit a monthly progress report, which includes details of their achievements, frustrations, and future goals. This will ensure that staff remain focused and forward-looking while also allowing them to highlight any obstacles they may be facing.
- Hold regular strategy meetings - Bring staff in on the game by holding monthly strategy meetings. Set a clear agenda which involves everyone, and make sure that the relevant people follow up the points raised. (Remember that this is a forum for offering ideas and suggestions, rather than negotiating issues, and management must retain the ultimate decision-making powers).
- Have a group 'away day' - Holding an away day at a local venue can be an extremely productive exercise. Staff can take part in team-building activities in a relaxed environment, and the risk of interruptions is minimised.
Finally…
Remember to tell staff when you have acted on their ideas. Employees will appreciate the fact that you are actively seeking their opinions, and will be encouraged to continue looking for ways in which the business can become more profitable.