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business . Jonathan Read , head of national accounts at Jurys Inns Group , says : “ Some smaller hotel groups and venues will be removing previously available credit facilities based on the high risk it places on their own businesses .”
One of the biggest things UK businesses need from leaders is consistency and certainty . Rajesh Vohra , director of Sarova Hotels , explains : “ The primary challenge is economic uncertainty – it is impossible to plan , budget and recruit .”
As Vohra highlights , recruitment is another substantial challenge . The government ’ s Kickstart Scheme , which provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment , has been highly praised by HBAA members . Many are calling for an extension beyond March 2022 .
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Julie Shorrock , HBAA membership director and managing director of HTS , says : “ Kickstart must be extended . Schemes like this are perfect for attracting new , enthusiastic , and vibrant people into our industry in introductory-level positions . If we are to rebuild , we need to think about the future talent pool .”
“ The timeframe to recruit and train new employees can be costly , too , while Kickstart enables businesses to offer valuable employment opportunities immediately ,” adds Shorrock . “ At HTS , we ’ ve employed two people through the scheme .”
Gaynor England , director of Abstract Events , describes the scheme as a “ Covid silver lining ”. She says : “ We recruited an event management graduate with a first-class degree as a Digital Events Assistant through Kickstart . She is now an integral part of our team .”
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“ Kickstart must be extended . Schemes like this are perfect for attracting new , enthusiastic , and vibrant people into our industry in introductorylevel positions . If we are to rebuild , we need to think about the future talent pool .” – Julie Shorrock |
“ It ’ s clear that re-attracting many people who moved into different industries is tough ,” adds Shorrock . “ Focusing purely on that isn ’ t a viable long-term approach .”
Jim Quintrell , senior director , operations lead UK at BCD Meetings & Events , agrees : “ Traditionally , the events industry has been perceived as glamorous but , for the first time , it is seen as fragile . It is beholden on all of us to reassure potential new entrants that the future is bright , and our industry is bouncing back as it always does .”
Pay conditions and a lack of long-term talent planning are not helping the industry ’ s recruitment problem either , says Douglas O ’ Neill , CEO of Inntel . “ The industry has lacked a labour strategy to attract people because three years ago we could easily fill most positions with strong talent .”
To tackle these issues , beam will be leveraging industry relations and partnerships to support a collaborative approach to raising the profile of careers and opportunities across the sector .
Shorrock adds : “ Our industry needs all the help it can get with recruitment . We must showcase the fabulous opportunities available in this rewarding , fast-paced and entertaining industry .”
The passion and commitment in Shorrock ’ s statement are clear . Business event professionals have shown great resilience and creativity during the pandemic and are strongly committed to building back better . They also represent an industry that is a significant driver of growth , and , during this tumultuous time , this cannot be forgotten . It has never been more important for the government to support and bolster this pivotal sector . CN
● www . hbaa . org . uk
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