< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net GEODIS YORKSHIRE Q&A We spoke to Darren Sorsby, Branch Manager at GEODIS Yorkshire (Leeds & Humber), about meeting each customer’s unique needs, the impact of Brexit and coronavirus, and how the company is lowering its environmental impact. Can you tell us a bit more about GEODIS and its operations? GEODIS, which has more than 41,000 employees and annual sales of €8.3 billion, is a top-rated supply chain operator that is recognised for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. It has a direct presence in 67 countries, a world-wide network spanning 120 countries, and is ranked #1 logistics provider in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. GEODIS delivers solutions to customers through its complementary Lines of Business and five Regions, from its unique portfolio of services: intercontinental transportation, customs clearance, road freight transportation, warehousing, and last mile distribution worldwide. In the UK, we have over 250 passionate and committed employees across 8 branches plus multiple on-site teams. We provide a professional yet personal approach to supporting our customers with their logistical requirements; whatever they might be. Utilising our global network, one TMS system and our inhouse e-Booking and tracking tool IRIS (Intelligent Real Time Information System), we can provide a seamless B2B environment which provides robust e-Solutions for the digital marketplace. Many of our customers have been with GEODIS for over 20 years across a range of sectors including specialist vertical markets. We believe our commitment to quality, continuous improvement and ease of doing business is critical to our success and just as importantly, the success and growth of our customers. We aim for GEODIS to be your chosen service provider for a truly collaborative approach. How do you tailor your service to each client? GEODIS provides services to over 165,000 customers worldwide. As we are convinced that industry knowledge is key when it comes to designing and offering extensive customised solutions that help customers gain the competitive edge in their market, we design solutions that are industry-specific to help them build a competitive edge. GEODIS has structured its expertise around six main vertical markets and developed specific processes to be close to business and improve customers’ economic, operational and environmental performance. We design our GEODIS solutions as a collaborative effort. Together, we help our client to define their optimal logistics organization with the support of our qualified and experienced teams with the state-of-the-art engineering, analytical and IT tools. At the same time, we can support our customer in achieving CSR objectives, especially when it comes to measuring the environmental impact of the supply chain and creating solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. Our core competency is the optimization of the supply chain, every step of the way. To do so, our five lines of business apply their know-how in each of their areas of expertise: Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express and Road Transport. We can manage all or part of the Supply Chain with our own resources or with select partners. The coronavirus pandemic has led to increased demand on logistics operators. How has GEODIS responded to and met this surge in demand? The pandemic forced companies to re- evaluate their entire supply chains almost instantaneously to successfully adapt and meet the demands of the changing environment. Faced with the explosion of e- Commerce demand and in response to its customers’ requests, GEODIS has increased its capacity by absorbing the additional activity. Faced with the lack of air and sea capacity, GEODIS has deployed innovative solutions, for example air and ocean charters between China and Europe to deliver certainty to its customers amid the unstable market. We’ve already seen how exports have been affected by Brexit. How are you dealing with the extra red tape? Brexit has been very testing for the entire freight community and of course the importers and exporters. We have faced logistical and documentation challenges, but we are managing to work through many of the issues mitigating as much as possible any disruption for our clients. The recruitment of additional Customs professionals to deal with the changes as Q&A Darren Sorsby, Branch Manager, GEODIS Yorkshire @GEODIS_Group @geodis 30-31.qxp_Layout 1 06/04/2021 08:14 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 31 GEODIS YORKSHIRE Q&A of the 1st Jan 2021 is under constant review to ensure we can maintain a high level of service to our valued customers. We believe the biggest hurdle was all stakeholders understanding a complete overhaul of the regulations as these are complex and lengthy. There was also a reluctance; understandably, on the part of some hauliers to present their vehicle into service and almost unknown territory with the worry of hold-ups and idle vehicles losing a valuable revenue stream. This pushed space to an absolute premium and stretched the market to its limits. The challenges are still present although the pain is easing. As each day and week passes, we see the light at the end of the tunnel growing wider and brighter. One of the biggest hurdles for the logistics industry to overcome is its carbon footprint. How can the industry improve its environmental impact and, moreover, what steps are GEODIS taking to lower its emissions? GEODIS is aware of its environmental impact and has set the ambition of limiting the impact of its activities and contributing to the fight against global warming. In order to implement an action plan, it is necessary to have good measurement. For several years, GEODIS has deployed tools to monitor energy consumption (fuel, electricity) and calculate GHG’s emissions. We are thus able to precisely inform our customers of the GHG emissions of the services provided on their behalf. Based on that data, GEODIS implements action plans to reduce or avoid emissions. Our drivers regularly undergo eco-driving training; our Policy requires regular upgrading of trucks to comply with Euro pollution standards and have the most efficient engines in terms of fuel consumption. GEODIS has also been a pioneer in the adoption of electric vehicles for “last mile” delivery. Finally, work has been done reducing building energy consumption by installing LED equipment, allowing a savings of 90%. For our customers, we aim for more economical fuel transport plans by reducing empty kilometres and improving the filling rates of our vehicles. We are also pushing for the adoption of low carbon solutions: switching to multimodal rail-road, barges or short sea shipping. To replace diesel and reduce its emissions, we are exploring alternative fuels: biogas from biomass, B100 biodiesel and bioethanol. The first electric trucks used for transport, have a limited range and are penalised by a considerable battery weight. They are also extremely expensive, and our customers are not quite ready to bear the price difference yet. Hydrogen, which is much talked about, is still in its embryonic phase and we should aim for 2025. It is the evolution of regulations that will promote clean mobility without distorting competition. GEODIS is therefore working with the European authorities to encourage the reduction of CO2 emissions. Lastly, this year we have decided to launch a carbon offsetting programme both for our customers and ourselves to go further in our ambition policy. To find out more, visit www.geodis.com/gb, or call (Hull) 01482 598 553 or (Leeds) 0113 220 9400. 30-31.qxp_Layout 1 06/04/2021 08:14 Page 232 Business Link www.blmforum.net HEALTHCARE safety © Shutterstock /Daxiao Productions Workplace 32-35.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:14 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 33 HEALTHCARE In the year since the first national lockdown, there has been a greater focus on health, hygiene and safety in the workplace as businesses played their part to curb the spread of the coronavirus and safeguard their staff. As thousands of people transitioned to homeworking, this same mandate for health and hygiene was carried into the domestic environment as employees armed themselves with antibacterial wipes for surfaces and electronics and bottles of hand sanitiser. Although we need to continue to observe this increased onus on handwashing, more thorough washdowns and sanitiser stations – especially as we transition out of lockdown – we shouldn’t lose sight of other health and safety concerns in the workplace – especially where homeworkers are concerned. As the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states: “As an employer, you have the same health and safety responsibilities for home workers as for any other workers.” Therefore, when someone is working from home, an employee needs to consider: how long you will keep in touch with them; what work activity will they be doing and for how long; can it be done safely; and do you need to put control measures in place to protect them. Maintaining contact with home workers is advised as much to maintain and safeguard physical health as mental health as, if contact is poor, workers may feel disconnected, isolated, and even abandoned. Obviously, this can negatively impact stress levels and mental health (especially at a time when many are dealing with heightened levels of depression and anxiety). As is the case with the traditional office Homeworkers shouldn’t be forgotten about as employers continue to focus on workplace health, safety and hygiene. © Shutterstock /Y avdat 34 Á 32-35.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:14 Page 234 Business Link www.blmforum.net HEALTHCARE environment, the health and safety concerns for home workers aren’t always necessary what immediate springs to mind. It’s easy to imagine employees tripping and hurting themselves, but one of the most prevalent risks comes from the long-term use of display screen equipment (DSE). HSE state that the risks associated with using DSE must be controlled, and this includes employers undertaking workstation assessments at home. However, it’s worth noting that there is no increased risk from DSE work for those working at home temporarily. It’s also important that employers provide workers with actionable advice on completing their own basic assessment at home (a HSE checklist can be found here: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ck1.pdf). However, there are some simple steps that people can take to reduce the risks from display work. It might sound obvious but breaking up DSE work can have a profound impact on healthcare. HSE advise taking a break of at least five minutes every hour where possible. Another benefit of taking breaks is increased eye health. Frequently staring at screens and other near objects all day can lead to myopia which, in turn, will likely require corrective lenses as well as dry and strained eyes. Official advice is the 20-20-20 rule – every twenty minutes, look at something twenty feet away for twenty seconds. Having incorporated this technique into their own working day, this writer can personally attest to its effectiveness. As well as preserving eye health, musculoskeletal health should also be a priority. Therefore, workers are advised to avoid awkward static postures by regularly changing position. It’s simple advice that could have a major impact on a worker’s day-to-day and long-term conform. On the same subject, it might be worth investing in a transforming desk that allows for standing whether from personal expenses or by asking your employer (especially if homeworking will the company norm post-pandemic). On a similar subject, workers should get up and move around by doing stretching exercises. There are hundreds of short easy tutor-led yoga exercises on YouTube that can even be done in a suit if needed. Just search work or desk yoga and try one that jumps out at you. Although one is unlikely to have witnesses if they are injured when working at home, the checklist of what they should do remains the same as the Citizens Advice Bureau explains: “Having records of your accident will be useful if you make a claim for compensation or you need to claim benefits, including Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).” Recording your accident can be as simply as reporting it at work and seeing a doctor, however it’s also advised ot take photos of your injury and whatever caused your accident, as well as getting the contact details for anyone that might have witnessed the accident. Moreover, make notes about your accident as soon as possible. Home workers may not believe they are entitled to compensation if their accident happened in the home, rather than the office, but employers have a duty to take reasonable care for worker safety (regardless of where they’re based). As the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 don’t apply to domestic premises, employers are still © Shutterstock /fizkes 32-35.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:14 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 35 HEALTHCARE Cleaning and hygiene peace of mind with Chemex Speciality cleaning and hygiene company Chemex works with a wide range of industries including food, infection control, emergency medicine, leisure and facilities management, transport and engineering. Its unique approach to giving complete peace of mind includes effective staff training which complements its market- leading products and systems. Bespoke cleaning and hygiene control programmes are set up and your staff is trained to follow them correctly and safely. This ensures the effective use of products to maintain a clean, safe environment. Unlike many other hygiene companies, all Chemex’s raw materials are biodegradable and from sustainable sources. Moreover, most of its products are supplied as High Performance, Super Concentrates. As shops re-open, they will need to work within strict hygiene and safety guidelines. Chemex’s sanitizers and cleaning solutions are of government standard quality. Moreover, the company is able to meet business demands and deliver within COVID guidelines. To find out more, visit www.chemexuk.com. expected to take reasonable care for the safety of homeworkers. However, it’s worth noting that the extent of this duty would be limited due to the lack of control your employer has over your home. As homeworkers have control over their home environment, rather than their employer, the onus of looking after their safety lies with themselves, but, as we’ve already explored, their employer is expected to provide tools and skills to do so and to maintain the appropriate equipment for workers to carry out the work. Therefore, if a worker was to suffer and accident whilst working at home, the employer would generally only be responsible if it was due to their negligence, meaning that they had failed to take reasonable care for your safety and the accident was due to that negligence. Whether or not an accident occurred at the home or office during work hours, employees shouldn’t feel powerless and unable to do anything about it. Among many other things, the pandemic has heightened the importance of health and the responsibilities of employees to safeguard their staff. As we continue to transition back towards normalcy, the increased focus of health, safety and hygiene are lessons we need to carry into the future. © Shutterstock /wernimages 32-35.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:14 Page 436 Business Link www.blmforum.net FAMILY BUSINESS The strongest bonds 36-38.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:15 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 37 FAMILY BUSINESS As the backbone of the British economy, family- run businesses are invaluable but, as we explore, they aren’t without their challenges. According to the Institute of Family Business, two thirds of businesses in the UK are family-owned. That’s 4.8 million in all, 16,000 of which are medium and large businesses. In Yorkshire and the Humber alone, there are some 70,000 family business employers. Some are fledgling companies, others have been established for hundreds of years, but together family businesses generate over a quarter of UK Gross Domestic Pound. It isn’t just their production output and financial contribution that makes this sector such an indispensable part of the British economy, but also what it offers in terms of recruitment. Family firms employ approximately 12.2 million people in the UK and account for forty-seven per cent of private sector employment. The familiarity between family members means that they might behave with one another in a way they wouldn’t with unrelated employees. And working with family members runs the risk of bringing household drama into the workplace. Not only can this create tensions between related employees but can also make working life difficult for all staff. It’s inevitable that any family-run businesses serious about growth will have to look outside the clan when recruiting. Ensuring that these staff members can work free of bickering is critical. If not, a business is likely to struggle holding onto talent which can seriously scupper growth plans. One of the other potential threats for family businesses is nepotism, or rather the appearance of favouring one staff member over another simply because © Shutterstock /Kzenon © Shutterstock /maradon 333 38 Á 36-38.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:15 Page 238 Business Link www.blmforum.net FAMILY BUSINESS © Shutterstock /T yler Olson CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS KEEPING BUSINESS ON THE UP… We pride ourselves on providing a pro-active, friendly and accessible service. • Accounts and Tax Returns • Tax Planning and Book-Keeping • Audits and Business Advice • To find out how to get your business on the up visit www.dextersharpe.co.uk Offices in Boston, Bourne, Horncastle, Lincoln, Louth, Skegness & Spilsby they’re related to you. It has to be said, however, that this won’t always be the fault of the employer, and can often give disgruntled employees a means of expressing their dissatisfaction at losing out on a promotion or raise. Say, for example, two employees are vying for a newly created or recently vacated position. Both candidates possess valuable skillsets which would be invaluable to the role, and both have the right kinds of experience. In fact, both are evenly matched when it comes to experience, ability and time served with the company. One of them, however, happens to be the son or daughter of the managing director, while the other is an unrelated employee. If the MD selects their own kin for the position, the other candidate could throw around claims of nepotism – claims they could very well take to tribunal. This isn’t an easy burden for family businesses to bear, but being objective is critical to ensuring workplace harmony and the continued success of the company. Business leaders need to think of their relatives as they would any other employee, especially when it comes to promotion and discipline. This is by no means a silver bullet, but it should help to ease any accusations of “it’s one rule for us, another for them”. For family businesses, the challenges don’t end in the board room, sales floor or warehouse. Working together with family members does invite the danger of talking shop over personal phone calls or, should they live together, over dinner. Mental health experts claim that there should be a separation between one’s work and social lives, but this is difficult when both cross over with one another. Some companies have found success in creating specific times or areas where business talk is forbidden, thereby creating that separation between work life and home. But, ultimately, it comes down to the individuals involved and, as ever, what works for one company head won’t necessarily do so for another. Family-run companies are the beating heart of British business, permeating every sector right up and down the country. Our region, in particular, has a rich pedigree of family firms whose roots are older than the trees on the Yorkshire Dales or Lincolnshire Wolds. Long may it continue. 36-38.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:15 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 39 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY With restrictions starting to ease thanks to the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, in-person corporate hospitality is on the horizon. T he business hospitality and events sector has seen schedules wiped out over the past year thanks to the COVID- 19 pandemic, and the same goes for companies organising their own in- person meetings, seminars, conferences et al. With the anniversary of lockdown 1.0 having just passed, businesses, suppliers and events professionals have been pushed to the brink of collapse. There is light at the end of the tunnel however, now that the Government’s “cautious” roadmap out of lockdown has been published and progress is made with vaccinations. Here Business Link considers the different aspects of corporate hospitality that may soon resume based on the Government’s plan, as long as it remains on track. A staple in corporate hospitality, golfing has just been given the go-ahead © Shutterstock /Kzenon Corporate hospitality makes its comeback 40 Á 39-41.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:16 Page 1Next >