Thinking Business February 2022
Strong skills base can maintain business resilience.
Welcome to the latest edition of Thinking Business. At the time of writing, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the end of the government’s “Plan B” restrictions. People are no longer being told to work from home, mandatory COVID certification has ended and face coverings no longer need to be worn in public places.
Whilst the virus is still in circulation, it appears that the Omicron variant is not as severe as other variants before it. This will give individuals and businesses the confidence that, gradually, we are edging towards something akin to normality.
In Kent, companies are doing an admiral job of getting on with business, although there are still things to consider when integrating staff back into the workplace. Lateral flow tests, screens, hand sanitisers and improved cleaning regimes may still be needed for example. Managers should also allow staff to air any concerns they have about returning to the office.
If there’s a COVID-outbreak in the workplace, are there plans in place so that the business can remain operational while employees and customers are kept safe? In the longer-term, businesses must also ensure they have the right skills to maintain their resilience in the face of increased competition, both locally and across the world.
Education and skills are the key themes of this edition’s cover story and in Kent we’re seeing increased collaboration between businesses and education providers in a bid to bridge skills gaps. This is encouraging and must continue. Here at the Chamber, we’ll also provide whatever support we can to help businesses unearth new talent and upskill their workforce.
I said in the last edition that I’m optimistic for a brighter 2022 and I see no reason to change that view. There are challenges – rising inflation is a concern for many businesses – but I’m confident that Kent firms have the agility, innovation, and resilience to meet them head on.
Jo James, Chief Executive
Kent Invicta Chamber Commerce
