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How to Prepare Your Office for a Quicker Removal

Sam Allcock
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How to Prepare Your Office for a Quicker Removal

Relocating your office is a complex process, especially moving a large-scale commercial business. Not only do you have bulky furniture and expensive equipment to move, but there is also your staff and clients to think about. So, how can you prepare your business for an office relocation to make the moving process quick and effortless? Here, we reveal our top tips on how to prepare for an office move for quicker removal.

Prepare your staff members well in advance

Ensure your team is informed of your upcoming move at least several weeks before your move date, if possible. This will give them plenty of time to start organising their new commute. Plus, you’ll be able to discover which staff members are able to become part of your moving team.

Consider using a professional moving service

Professional moving companies like Removals and Storage Experts can make your office move much easier. They understand how to move large and bulky furniture without causing any damage. Additionally, they have the tools needed to make your move a smooth process. Professional movers can lift expensive equipment to your new office location, as well as pack and unpack your office furniture and items.

Select a moving project manager

Having one person in charge of the moving team makes it much easier to organise the whole move. Every staff member can have an appointed role and designated tasks, whether that’s helping with the packing process or moving important documents.

Create an inventory list

It’s essential to keep track of your office items, especially if you have important and confidential information at risk. Making an inventory helps you to track any missing or misplaced items. Create a digital inventory with an online backup version. 

Plan your new office space

Make sure you visit your new office premises to create a floor plan. The last thing you need to deal with on moving day is problems with your office furniture not fitting into your new space. Take measurements and make note of any alterations or repairs which are required. If you want to decorate your new premises you may need to hire professional decorators or painters a few weeks before you relocate to ensure your new office is ready for your arrival.

Inform your landlord

You can reduce your moving costs by choosing a moving date which gives you enough time to move your office items and have the premises cleaned. Ensure you inform your landlord of your moving date, as well as your suppliers and clients. You should either send your new address via email or post. Also, update your website to reflect your new details.

Organise your office items

Before you pack your desks and chairs, documents, electrical equipment and more, have a thorough declutter to get rid of any rubbish or items you don’t need. This will reduce the amount you need to move, saving you time and money. Sort your items into three piles: keep, donate and throw away. Ask all your office staff to declutter their desks, removing any unnecessary junk.

Label all your boxes

When packing your office items, make sure you label every box, so you know where everything is. It’s also a good idea to colour code each box too. You can use colours that are associated with each department as this will enable you to easily place items in the right area at your new location.

Clear your old office

Once your relocation is complete, go back to your old office to clear any remaining rubbish. Professional cleaning services which specialise in commercial cleaning will be able to give the office a deep clean. This is always a good idea as a dirty workplace could affect your tenancy deposit. Additionally, make any needed repairs, particularly if there is visual damage that requires rectifying.

Use our handy tips to prepare your business for office relocation

Now you know how to prepare for an office move effectively, you can use our helpful tips to make relocating your office a quicker and smoother moving process. Remember to prepare your team members well in advance of your moving day. The more preparation you do, the easier your office relocation will be. You can even make a checklist featuring our tips to help guide you through the office moving process!

Common Mistakes When Applying For A Government Loan Malaysia

Sam Allcock
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Common Mistakes When Applying For A Government Loan Malaysia

Making mistakes is a natural part of life, especially when it comes to dealing with banks and insurance companies. Unfortunately, many applicants make common mistakes when applying for any loans, whether it is a housing loan or government personal loans. They cause them to lose hard-to-get financing, which means failing to get funding for the projects that are important to them. 

Here are six common mistakes people make when applying for government loans in Malaysia so that you don’t make the same ones.

Skimming Through The Terms & Conditions

Many of us are used to just clicking the ‘I agree to the terms and conditions’ button without actually reading it. However, it’s important to read and understand it while also reading the fine print to avoid overlooking any important information.

You should also make sure that you truly understand the repayment schedule and how much you will be paying each month. If you aren’t 100% sure of any part of the contract, ask questions. One of the most crucial things to watch out for is whether or not there are any penalties for early repayment or prepayment. Plus, you need to know exactly how much you will be charged in interest and whether or not there are any additional fees involved with applying for this type of loan.

Closeup of hand signing paper workspace

Always Read The Terms & Conditions For Any Type of Loan Including A Government Personal Loan or Housing Loans

Forgetting To Lock In The Agreed Upon Interest Rate

A lot of people forget to lock in an agreed fixed interest rate. You could be subject to hidden extra fees without locking in this rate. If you don’t lock in an interest rate and the prime rate increases, the lender will also increase your interest rate. The same goes for a decrease in the prime rate: you will have to pay more for your loan if it falls below what you agreed upon.

When you apply for a small business loan, make sure to speak to an expert at your bank or financial institution about their rates and fees before committing yourself to a specific amount or term. This way, you’ll have time to look around and find the best terms available before signing anything.

Always Remember To Agree On A Fixed Interest Rate With Your Desired Loan Tenure

Not Researching Multiple Loan Options

Researching and comparing your options should be one of your first steps. Many people make the mistake of only looking at one type of loan. There are many different loans available, and each one comes with its own pros and cons. It’s crucial that you fully understand what they all entail before deciding.

For example, some lenders will offer better interest rates than others. Some may be able to provide lower down payments or higher credit limits. Some lenders may require collateral, while others may not. Some lenders will allow for flexible repayment plans, while others will have stricter payment schedules with penalties if the borrower misses a payment by even one day.

By researching multiple options for your business loan, you can find the best choice for your needs and circumstances. This can possibly save you time, stress and money in the long run when it comes to borrowing money for your business venture.

Not Updating Your Finances

The process of applying for a business loan is not an easy one. It requires so much effort and time to prepare for it that many people don’t do it right and end up with bad credit or no credit at all. No matter what loan you apply for, you need to show up prepared with all the necessary paperwork and updated financial information.

Applying Without A Thorough Business Plan

A lot of people make the mistake of not having a thorough business plan before applying for a government business loan. This is a huge mistake because, without a good business plan, it would be difficult to convince the lender that you have what it takes to run your own business.

If your company has been around for a while and you know exactly what you’re doing, then you might be able to scrape by without writing a business plan. But if you’re a small business and this is your first time applying for a loan, writing one will definitely help your application.

Applying Without Collateral

A business loan without any collateral is basically a personal loan, except that it involves a business. The bank will ask for the same documents as a personal loan, such as your credit history and income statement. This is because banks want to see if you have enough money to pay back the loan.

Bank Loans Without Collateral Are Not Business Loans

If you do not have any collateral, the financial institution will be hesitant to lend money to you because they worry that you might not pay them back. It is important to understand that even though you may be able to afford to make the monthly payments on your business loan, you still need some security in case something happens and you cannot make those payments anymore.

Applying for a government business loan can be difficult and frustrating if done the wrong way. However, if you know the right steps to take, getting a government business loan will be a lot easier.

The stages of football medicals

Sam Allcock
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The stages of football medicals

As clubs are finalizing transfers and are preparing contracts for new signings, the heat at football medicals is hitting all time highs! Footballers need to be examined and checked before the red light is given to the club’s management to finalize a transfer and this red light is not as simple or as straightforward as it may sound. This red light is also a key determinant of clubs’ subsequent performance, which also affects bookmakers’ offerings and rates found at https://allbets.tv/. 

Clubs want to be sure that their transfers’ choices will prove as effective, efficient and successful in practice as they have been on the papers. Clubs’ executives are about to place millions of euros on footballers’ contracts and so it is only fair and logical that they have a round, full and solid assessment of the condition in which the new signings are. After all, football transfers are in fact long-term investments on the part of the teams, and unless these investments have the highest prospects for yielding good returns, they may easily be “abandoned”.

As a football fan or a punter, you are probably aware of football medicals and their role in the final decision making of clubs when it comes to new signings. Prospective players need to pass their football medicals, in order to qualify for transfer, at least in the decision making process of the clubs’ top management. Clubs recruit a high profile team of doctors, physicians and other experts, who are scanning the new signings on a range of both predetermined, standard tests and more customized medical examinations, according to the past records or history of the players.

What happens in a football medical? What tests and medical exams do the footballers undergo when they are about to move? Well, there is a list of general categories of tests which make up an entire football medical and this list includes all possible areas that can influence a player’s ability to perform at his best.

Testing the heart

Testing the heart is a basic assessment in a football medical. Prospective transfers undergo ECG cardiac tests, blood tests, fitness tests and often urine tests to detect any possible undiagnosed issues (such as diabetes for instance) and to assess biochemical indicators for the functioning of major organs, which can affect the heart.

Myoskeletal examination

Lunges, squats and hopping tests are critical in revealing a football player’s myoskeletal system. Testing and assessing how the muscles function, whether they are healthy and identifying any defects or problems in the back area and the pelvic region, which can cause problems with hamstrings, are all part of a rigorous examination of one of the basic systems of footballers’ quality of fitness and health.

Movement examination and isokinetics

Footballers are always subject to potential injuries, especially as they stress their muscles. Football medicals focus on examining how the muscles work together and how they produce movements. In doing so they can recognize any possible weak points which increase the potential for injuries or they can identify those areas that are most likely to get injured and thus make more preventive interventions.

Measuring body fat

Ensuring that football players have a low body fat score is a top priority for clubs, considering that it is an indicator of good health and of good shape and fitness. In fact, football medicals examine and measure potential new signings’ body fat using different methods, to make sure that it rests somewhere near 10%, which is the acceptable score for professionals.

Testing speed and sprint

Clubs want their players to be quick and physical as they can be in the game for a long time and give their best to succeed. So, before signing new players they need to be sure that they do well in sprint tests and they have good speed – note that for professional players it is expected that they can run a 20-meter distance in less than 3 secs.

Getting deep scanning

Some potential new players come with a record of reported health issues or their assessment reveals some such issues and this is when they get deep scanning for a more complete and holistic view of all joints and muscles and all myoskeletal systems in general. Scanning provides more accurate information on the condition of the prospective transfers and so offers a more rounded profile of the footballer’s risks. 

Clubs’ executives make use of the football medicals assessments in their final decisions to sign new players. Football medicals list the results, report the scores and these are then used for evaluating possible risks coming along with the players. This is why both players and the clubs’ themselves are anxious to obtain the football medical outcomes!

Dealing With a Deadline – How Landlords Can Overcome EPC Challenges

Sam Allcock
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Dealing With a Deadline – How Landlords Can Overcome EPC Challenges

Are you letting property? Then you need to make sure that it has an EPC rating of C or above by 2025. Otherwise, you’ll be unable to take on new tenants going forward.

This is due to the government’s new initiative to fight climate change. Increasing the energy efficiency of Britain’s housing stock is an integral element of the strategy.

However, meeting this target can be costly for landlords – with a price tag of up to £10,000 per property.

Shawbrook Bank recently released a new whitepaper, Confronting the EPC Challenge, assessing how the negative impact on the rental market can be minimised.

The status quo

The current state of the energy efficiency of British rental properties is dire.

A quarter of landlords say that their property has a below-D rating. Another 25% don’t even know their properties’ grades, though they have to provide EPCs for new tenants. Plus, 15% weren’t aware that regulations were changing or that there’s a deadline.

Pre-war buildings are particularly affected by the challenge to increase energy efficiency. Over 30% of private rental properties in Britain predate 1940, with corresponding low energy efficiency.

On average, landlords who need to make changes estimate that it will cost them £5,900 to achieve a C rating. Unfortunately, this figure is likely to rise as demand increases. In addition, many tenants will need to leave the properties they rent in order for improvements to be made.

Paul Elliott, Managing Director at Propp.io, a property finance comparison site, says, “Landlords need to build this into their investment strategy right now. Factoring in an additional 10% cost on top of the purchase price for works to improve the EPC can change a deal from a good one to a bad one. And ignoring the problem completely could lumber investors with useless stock – unrentable and potentially even unsellable.”

Market impact

The impact of the EPC challenge on the market is significant, in particular since it’s impossible for many period buildings to achieve the required ratings.

As a result, they will no longer be available and the market, with rents already at a high point, will become even more competitive.

Furthermore, EPC ratings are already a key factor in investment decisions for a quarter of landlords. 15% even say that they’re no longer interested in property more than 20 years old.

One considerable source of worry is how to deal with costs. Over 50% of landlords are thinking of passing some of it on to their tenants. After all, they will eventually benefit from lower energy bills.

Actionable advice for landlords

So what can landlords do right now?

First, it’s crucial to check the EPC register, both to figure out what your property’s current rating is and what improvements you need to make.

The second essential step to take is to secure funding as soon as possible, and to get started on work. With the deadline looming, demand is going to spike the closer it gets – driving prices to painful levels.

The best – and most budget-friendly – way of dealing with this challenge is to face it head-one and get a head start.

Narcissism is not a Dirty Word

Sam Allcock
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Narcissism is not a Dirty Word

Australian author, Esther Hunter, presents the idea that narcissism can be a precursor to personal-development, self-confidence, and ultimately spiritual awakening. We interviewed her regarding her latest book, From Narcissism to Nirvana.

Why did you become interested in the topic of narcissism?

I experienced narcissistic abuse. As a result, I have been attracted to narcissists, and I also developed narcissistic traits myself. Sharing information about narcissism is my way of making all the abuse and loneliness I used to accept as normal in life count for something positive.

Why did you title the book ‘From Narcissism to Nirvana?’

When you let go of all your baggage; trauma, stories, limitations, and fears, there is a sensation of peace, acceptance, and oneness with everything which has its own momentum and takes over you in the most beautiful way. It feels sacred and holy. Some people describe it like coming home to themselves. I simply felt like all was well in the world, and I fully belonged to myself. I want other people to experience this, too.

Why do you think most people are taught to avoid narcissists?

Narcissistic behaviour is very confusing and harmful if you are not educated about personality disorders. A quick internet search will bring you up-to-date on what to look out for. The current advice for how to handle a narcissistic situation generally amounts to leaving and cutting contact. There is a huge need to provide help for people involved in a narcissistic dynamic who would like to stay and completely work through their issues. We generally avoid anything we don’t have the skills to deal with safely.

Are we experiencing an epidemic of narcissism?

In places that have become more materialistic, I believe so. The nuclear family structure is fragile. Young children need a community of attentive caregivers surrounding them. Unfortunately, children have come to be viewed as the individual property of their parents; possessions which they can do whatever they want with instead of simply being extra humans for the world. We have created a number of generations now who have had to vie for the attention of one or two caregivers. This does not provide enough shock absorption whenever something affects the parents’ ability to show up properly for the child. As a result, many people now struggle with relationship problems caused by deep abandonment issues. Attachment trauma can developmentally-stunt a child at an age where they have not learnt how to healthily communicate, regulate their emotions, take accountability for their actions, or be responsible for making decisions. Narcissism makes a lot more sense when viewed through the lens of arrested development. Without a healthy example of how to mature into a stable adult, narcissists remain children into adulthood and develop unhealthy coping strategies to deal with how frustrating that is.

Is narcissism possible to heal?

Of course! There is a huge difference of opinion about this. I have personally witnessed many journeys of recovery. Narcissism exists on a spectrum, so there may be more of a chance for those lower down the scale of pathology to be open to looking in the mirror at themselves and developing the strength to change. Change can often be instant. I go into detail in the book about the fast way it can happen (where they experience a band-aid rip which simulates traditional ‘initiation’ practices to kill off the child/ego), and I discuss how we can slowly and compassionately heal ourselves by consciously resolving triggers (which polarise us and thus make us prone to addiction).

What are you hoping readers will take from your book?

I want to help everyone experience contentment and freedom in their lives, let go of fear and hatred, and look at themselves and each other with unconditional love. This book offers hope about challenges a lot of us would rather avoid. Many of us are realising we will continue encountering narcissists until we heal. Being vibrationally matched with a narcissist cannot be brushed aside. There is this unconscious magnetic pull which drives us to keep going back until we’ve ‘learnt the lesson’ which is embedded inside the struggle. This can be confusing, because contemporary advice by many Psychologists and Therapists unintentionally adds shame to the situation by insinuating the right thing to do is to avoid narcissists. This will occur naturally when the lesson is learnt because there won’t be unresolved trauma inside you becoming activated by them. Avoidance and unnatural suppression are issues I have a whole chapter dedicated to in the book. They cannot be manually applied. Similar to a chicken having to crack through its own shell, we have to develop a robust identity and an ability to take care of ourselves and others responsibly. Nobody else can heal our abandonment issues, low self-esteem, insecurity, and shame.

What are the signs someone might be experiencing narcissism in their life if they haven’t heard about it before?

You may be manipulating others to get your needs met, or being easily manipulated to meet others’ needs. This can be done overtly with violence and intimidation, or covertly with guilt and lying. There is an underlying feeling of powerlessness. The key is to understand that there is no need to feel ashamed if you recognise that you have been partaking in this sort of behaviour. Then you can practice accountability, which is the first step towards giving and receiving apologies, forgiveness, and moving on for a fresh start.

When we are young, we are not in control of our emotions. This makes us incredibly vulnerable. If we are not guided to develop a strong sense of Self, healthy boundaries, or emotional maturity by a loving caregiver, we either continue being taken advantage of by others into adulthood, or simply flip the script and perpetuate the cycle by exploiting people to meet our needs. This is mostly done unconsciously, stemming from early beliefs formed surrounding how to value human beings. Having the courage to acknowledge patterns of thinking and behaving which need to be changed is the beginning of the most fulfilling journey from narcissism to nirvana.

From Narcissism to Nirvana, by Esther Hunter, is available to buy directly from the website www.fromnarcissismtonirvana.com and most other major booksellers.

How to save money on broadband when moving home

Sam Allcock
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How to save money on broadband when moving home

Packing and moving can be a slog but getting a good broadband deal shouldn’t be.

For loads of homeworkers, broadband is vital but paying the bill for it often goes under the radar unlike gas and electric.

However, millions of people are paying more than they should because they have left contracts running after the deals expired.

If you’re moving home you need to check what speed you are getting in the new area – can you even get the provider you were on previously – and see if you can negotiate a better deal.

Moving home is the reminder we need to check what we’re paying, check available speeds and negotiate a much better deal.

Ways you can get a better broadband deal

When you do finally get the feeling that your house sale is moving, don’t forget to do these things:

Check your notice period:  – Did you know that some providers require between 14-30 days’ notice for a move – either to cancel or swap the broadband to the new house?

Check what broadband is available – You might be in for shock if you’re used to super fast Virgin but there are no cables offering such at your new home. Use a postcode checker to find out what is available.

Faster speed or lower bills? – If you work from home or download a lot of data you’ll use much more internet than other households. The more people at home, the more data you will need.

Staying with your current provider

If your current broadband provider offers services at your new address, you can stay with them however watch your existing contract for rolling over. If you move this can become part of the contract and your provider will simply switch your connection to your new address.

You may find it’s easier to negotiate a better deal on a new contract. Providers are keener than ever to retain customers so a deal could definitely be had.

Give the provider plenty of notice, book the installation for the day after moving day and everything should be fine.

To move home with your current broadband provider:

– Tell your provider the moving date and request installation for the new house as soon after as possible

– Complete paperwork required to enable the move

– Make sure you’re home on the day to allow access to the engineer if one is required

To switch providers

Switching provider when you move house is easy.

New customer offers, free gifts and other incentives are always offered to lure in new customers.

Here’s how to switch broadband provider:

– Ensure you’re out of contract with your current provider

– Use a postcode checker to see what’s available at your new house

– Decide whether you want to save money or have more speed

– Sign up to the deal that delivers best value

– Arrange installation for asap after moving house

– Make sure you’re home when the engineer visits

Does the UK’s high potential individual visa lead to ILR?

Sam Allcock
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Does the UK’s high potential individual visa lead to ILR?

The UK HPI is a skill-based visa available to foreign nationals who don’t have an employment offer but are qualified at higher education levels. This visa came into effect in May 2022.

To create the right skills for the UK’s dynamic labor market, the high potential visa was introduced to encourage exceptionally skilled individuals to move to the UK. Applicants need to convince the government that they will benefit the UK. Besides, the visa enables individuals to travel to the United Kingdom in search of work devoid of a sponsor. Still, they may be able to move with their families too.

It’s more of an education visa, but upon expiry, the High Potential Individual visa may apply for other types of visas for further settlement. The major cause for concern is whether this visa leads to indefinite leave to remain. In this post, we will take you through the step of getting the HPI Visa and shed some light on how it can lead to indefinite leave to remain.

HPI Visa educational requirements explained

An applicant who has graduated from a top university in the last five years may be qualified for this visa, provided the institution matches the Home Office’s Global University. This ensures that institutions with international influence and a worldwide reputation are included when assessing applications.

Other requirements include

  • Documents showing proof of being 18 years or older.
  • They have satisfied the linguistic standards for English requirements.
  • The applicant should have a minimum of £1,270 bank account for upkeep. There are exceptions if you have been staying in the United Kingdom for a year.
  • The applicant should not be on the records for the permission of the doctorate extension scheme.

How to apply

Applications are done online by accessing the UK government application portal and creating a profile. You will use this profile from the application start to the approval point. You must submit the proof of age document, certificates, and the application fee online. As for the biometrics and photos, you need to schedule an appointment at the UKVCAS station.

Approval duration

Due to the verification period it takes to verify your document, it is best to apply for the high potential visa a month before scheduling your flight.

Once you’ve applied for the visa, proceeded with proving your identity, and submitted all the required documents, you should receive a decision within a few weeks.

That is three weeks for UK non-residents and eight weeks for UK residents. If you previously have been a convict, processing your application may be derailed by the paperwork involved. You may be contacted to provide more documents regarding the conviction.

How much does the high potential individual visa cost?

The visa application fee stands at £2404. The additional £800 must be paid if you choose to use the super-priority service, and a decision may be reached within six months if you apply using the standard service.

What’s the validity period High Potential Individual Visa?

If the UK Home Office approves your HPI visa, you may live in the United Kingdom for three years. But, the time of stay hinges on what type of degree you hold. High-potential individuals holding a Ph.D. may have about three years on their Visas. However, the Visas will only be valid for two years for other degree holders. Once the period ends, they will be deemed invalid, and the holder may have to apply for other Visas.

Could the High potential individual UK visas be extended?

Unfortunately, the High Potential Individual visa period cannot be extended. It’s only for the three or two years you get. So if you want to stay for more than the Visa validity period, you may have to apply for different visa types.

Will a High Potential visa lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Indefinite leave to remain settles you permanently in the United Kingdom. That means you get to work, learn, and live as long as possible. Besides, it may be used in the application for British citizenship. The High Potential visa may not lay a direct path to settlement.

Still, applicants can switch to other visa options in the United Kingdom, but their applications need to acquiesce before the expiry of the current visa. For most tier 1 hopefuls, applying for a spousal visa via the marriage or civil partnership route is one option they could consider if they wish to settle in the United Kingdom long-term.

But there are also cases where individuals within the period of validity of the HPI visas have managed to get jobs as private servants in diplomatic households. As such, their visas change to international agreement visas. During the period of employment, the international agreement visa gives them the green light to apply for the indefinite leave to remain visa.

Why the high potential visa may not directly lead to the indefinite leave to remain

The high-potential individual visas may last up to four years. The requirements require the applicant to live in the United Kingdom for half a decade towards the application period. Also, it dictates applicants who have spent six months outside the UK within the last five years.

As a graduate, the applicant should not be on the records for the doctorate extension scheme. After the high-potential individual visa expires, they must stay in the United Kingdom with other types of visas, not an extension.

Further, the legal age is between 18 to 64. If you make the high-potential individual application when you are 62, after the five years that qualify one for the indefinite leave to remain visa, you won’t be of legal age.

Wrapping up

The high potential individual visas may lead to indefinite leave to remain. But you have to spend the right amount of time in the United Kingdom, wherein the high potential individual visa will be deemed invalid. You need to apply for other types of visas in the meantime while you wait to be eligible for the ILR.

Pioneering technology company employs milestone 100th staff member

Sam Allcock
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Pioneering technology company employs milestone 100th staff member

AN award winning technology company whose ambition is to enable more and more older people to retain their independence has reached the milestone of appointing its 100th employee as demand for its services continues to grow. And, it is still looking for more people to recruit.

Alertacall is the brainchild of James Batchelor who created technology to allow his 86-year-old grandmother Eveline to confirm she was safe each day while also enabling her and many others like her to enjoy a great deal of personal freedom.

In line with a surge for its services from housing associations and local authorities across the UK, the company recently celebrated employing its 100th staff member.  Most of the team are based in the North West, at its offices in Windermere, Cumbria, and Warrington, Cheshire, with an increasing number working remotely from their homes across the UK.

The timing of the landmark appointment coincides with the recent announcement that Alertacall was honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation – the highest accolade awards for UK businesses recognising and celebrating business excellence.

James said: “I remember the early days when it was just me in the business running pretty much everything. The team has steadily grown since but there has been a real spike in the past five years, which has seen our numbers more than double.

“The number of people receiving our services has grown at some pace  in recent years, and I think that is largely because we have woken up as a society to the very real need for more regular and more caring contact with older people.  It is inevitable that we have grown because we put daily contact at the heart of our services and because we invest so much in our team members, the customer experience is great.

“To meet this extra demand, we have needed to grow our team and it’s an excellent feeling to be able to create jobs for  so many people in a rural part of Cumbria where it can often be difficult to find roles that can develop into lasting careers.”

Alertacall’s products have helped tens of thousands of older people retain their independence for longer, and are used to modernise supported housing schemes nationwide with features that include providing internet access for those who have no broadband or smartphone.

Among the products provided by the company is the award-winning OKEachDay service which allows daily contact, easy messaging and video calling through a touchscreen device.

As Alertacall continues to grow, the company remains on the lookout for further new members of staff across its operations, technical and business development departments.

James said: “We have plans for further significant growth in the coming years and to meet the increased volume of business we will need to recruit even further. In particular, we’re looking for people to join our Business Development team right now.

“As a company, we have a strong focus on not just looking after our customers but looking after our team members too.  We invest in training, run our own leadership programme and everyone has confidential access to a trained coach or counsellor.

“We strive to make Alertacall an attractive place to work and create somewhere people can learn, grow and develop not just their professional skills but their personal skills too.”

To find out more about job opportunities at Alertacall, email jobs@alertacall.com.

Are Final Warnings Still Valid in the Workplace? Let’s Find Out

Sam Allcock
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Are Final Warnings Still Valid in the Workplace? Let’s Find Out

Yes, final warnings can allow both parties to focus on their differences and work through them. They also tend to end disputes before they get out of hand. However, despite this advantage, some companies still use them as a last resort—a way of avoiding costly litigation or simply because the boss considers employees a little too challenging to handle. Many business leaders believe that final warnings should still exist in today’s changing workforce.

1.   Gives the Employee, a Clear Path Forward

A final warning is the last chance for employees to improve their performance or behavior before termination. That type of warning is necessary after the employee has received a verbal or written warning and has not made the changes needed. The warning is often helpful when an employer wants to give the employee time to correct their actions or if they are unsure whether they should terminate the person.

The employer must ensure that this type of notice will work and be successful before issuing it because incorrectly issuing it could cause more problems than it solves.

2.   Can Help Protect the Employer from Potential Lawsuits

Final warnings can also protect employers from potential lawsuits because employees have had ample opportunity to fix their problems without consequences beforehand. Employers often warn employees who have exhibited misconduct or poor performance at work. These warnings act as the last chance for employees to improve their behavior or risk termination.

However, while these warnings are typically valid, there are some circumstances where they may not be. For example, the warning may not be proper if an employer has not given an employee a chance to improve their performance after receiving a warning.

3.   Can Help on Matters Pertaining Productivity and Conduct

In most cases, a final warning comes in handy when an employee has shown a lack of improvement after receiving verbal and written warnings. That type of corrective action takes place, hoping the employee will change their behavior or improve their productivity. Additionally, employers can issue warnings for workplace conduct issues.

For example, if you have concerns about alcohol use at work, giving the last warning before termination would be appropriate. It can thus help manage the performance of employees to productivity and conduct. However, some employees don’t see the writing on the wall until they’re already out the door. Consequently, such issues have resulted in many companies revising their termination policies to make them fairer for employers and employees.

4.   Helps Employees See Problems objectively

Employees who receive last warnings are usually able to see their problems objectively. That is because they have a chance to improve their performance and are aware of the consequences of their actions. As a result, they are usually more willing to change their behavior. When employees do not understand why they are receiving the warnings, it can be hard for them to change their behavior.

For example, if an employee receives a warning for having a messy desk but does not know what is wrong with their action, they will be unable to fix the problem and continue with their sloppy desk habits. Hence, it’s crucial to communicate with the employee about the situation. That way, they will be able to act accordingly and hopefully change their behavior so that a termination won’t follow.

5.   Helps Bring an Offence to Light and Keep Track of Employee Behaviour

If an employee has committed an act worthy of the last warning, likely, this is not the first time they have done something wrong. In most cases, an employer will issue a final warning after a verbal or written warning. The purpose of a final notice is to bring the offense to light and help the employee improve their behavior or performance.

A final warning allows for future references if employees do not abide by the rules in their contract. It also helps managers track how well each staff member performs and if there are any problems with their work.

Conclusion

Final warnings are still a helpful tool that employers can use to correct employee behavior. However, employers should use them sparingly and only after other corrective measures have failed. Additionally, employers should ensure that their warning policy is well-documented and consistently applied. Employees need to know what behaviors warrant the last warning and what they need to do before receiving one. Also, if an employer issues too many warnings, they risk losing some of their most talented employees. A balancing act is necessary when issuing the warnings. You can partner with a professional dealing with employee warnings and termination to help you develop a fair process.

New Financial Crime Solution from ActiveOps set to reduce risk for banks

Sam Allcock
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New Financial Crime Solution from ActiveOps set to reduce risk for banks

ActiveOps has introduced a new workforce management solution to help banks and financial institutions manage casework and reduce regulatory risk. 

Reading, UK, July 11, 2022 – ActiveOps PLC., the management process automation company, has introduced a new solution to support the workforce management needs of Financial Crime operations. The new solution is designed for banks and other financial institutions to help them handle case-based work faster, keep themselves and their customers safe and ensure compliance with the strict regulations that govern these processes. 

The new workforce management solution promises to help with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) cases, improving productivity and optimising time spent across the caseload to maximise case progression. The solution, built on the recently launched CaseworkiQ product, delivered a 20% improvement in productivity in its first deployment within a UK bank. 

Peter Cregg, Product Director at ActiveOps, said: “Companies that have to deal with KYC and AML checks are under more pressure than ever. Case complexity has increased during the pandemic, and the cost of compliance continues to rise”. 

“We’re proud at ActiveOps to be helping them achieve those goals with our Financial Crime Solutions. Labour remains the most significant portion of the cost of compliance. Our solutions ensure skills and capacity are used as effectively as possible to progress the caseload and meet service level commitments.” 

Banks, insurers, and other financial institutions are among the most heavily regulated in the world – and the risks of non-compliance range from heavy financial penalties to severe damage to the enterprise’s reputation. 

In 2021, total fines for AML breaches amounted to €2.5 billion globally – and though this is down from the 2020 figure of €11.5 billion, it shows that the pressure is still on to ensure that AML and KYC processes are watertight. Furthermore, a 2022 FICO survey revealed that 56 per cent of British consumers would leave their bank if it were found to have been involved in a money-laundering scandal. 

Against this backdrop, the pressure on operations teams in financial institutions is enormous. The cases that operations must handle are often complex, with multiple touchpoints across the business – with strict timelines for each touchpoint and severe consequences for failure. To get ahead, operations leaders need access to data showing them where to spend their efforts handling incoming work, reducing their case backlog, and prioritising cases at risk of regulatory or service level agreement (SLA) failure. 

ActiveOps’ Financial Crime Solutions integrate seamlessly with an enterprise’s existing case management solution to provide managers a 360° view of cases. It includes powerful tools to enhance control of workload and predict problems before they happen, helping boost productivity by up to 25 per cent. 

Using predictive tools, ActiveOps’ Financial Crime Solutions also enable managers to predict workload into the future based on historical and real-time data, so they can ensure they have the resource required to manage the volume of work that comes into the business. With detailed insight into every case and touchpoint, ActiveOps also helps operations leaders demonstrate compliance. 

Request a demo here.

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