Summertime blues for bosses

Yorkshire bosses are urged to look after their staff in the heat wave or lose out financially according to a leading corporate recovery specialist.

Peter Sargent, of Begbies Traynor, Halifax, suggests that the hot weather can have serious effects on UK businesses. Peter says: “The effects of the extreme heat on workers leaves them tired and de-motivated, and in turn we typically see a slump in productivity. There will always be businesses that do particularly well in a heat wave. Ice cream sales rocket, bars and restaurants and the leisure industry as a whole will see an increase in revenue. However, the business-to-business market will see a downturn, which may affect the bottom line.

“The “Summer of 76” will be remembered for it’s drought conditions and sweltering heat. It’s interesting if you look at the DTI statistics on compulsory and voluntary liquidations for 1976. That year recorded the highest number of liquidations (5,939) for the whole decade!

“Stifling heat, offices without air conditioning, and Britain’s long hours culture all makes for a lose-lose situation. As a nation, we’re simply not geared up for the heat. Stress levels rise, and the office becomes a more aggressive and short tempered place.”

In a recent survey, eight out of ten workers felt their concentration was affected, by the heat and two thirds thought that normal tasks could take up to 25 per cent longer. Not surprisingly, more than half admitted to slacking off during the summer.

Peter continued: “Bosses need to look after their staff, by taking simple measures, to improve the working environment, they can get the most out of their staff in return. Relax strict dress codes, for example the accountancy and legal professions are expected to maintain a certain standard, but in the office there really isn’t any need to wear a tie, it’s simply uncomfortable in the heat. Keep your staff cool, and you’ll reap the rewards!”

Ends

Joanne Fletcher-Wall
Bell Pottinger North
01625 506425

Information on Begbies Traynor can be accessed via the Group’s website at
http://www.begbies-traynor.com

Notes to editors:

About Begbies Traynor Group plc

The Group specializes in business insolvency management and is becoming increasingly active in the area of personal insolvency. It also offers services in corporate rescue and investigation services and has entered the field of corporate finance.

In November 2005, the Group entered the rapidly-expanding volume personal insolvency market via the acquisition of W3 Debt Solutions, a firm specializing in providing advice and practical support to individuals in debt.

The Group has grown to its current network of 32 nationwide offices ranging from Scotland to the South West of England, with 350 operatives. The Company continues to pursue its strategy of organic development, coupled with the acquisition of specialist knowledge of both individuals and firms, to further increase its market share in its core services.

The Directors believe that the Group is the UK's largest independent insolvency, corporate rescue and recovery specialist with clients ranging from major institutions to individuals with business difficulties.

The Office Network

The Group operates with 60 licensed insolvency appointment takers, some 225 fee earning staff and 65 in support and administration. The Group operates from 32 locations across the UK.


Business Activities

The core business of the Group is the formal administration of insolvencies including receiverships, liquidations, administrations, company voluntary arrangements and business-related personal insolvencies. The Group has extended its activities into a range of consultancy services including corporate rescue, credit management, forensic and investigation services and corporate finance.