< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk ONLINE TRAINING Moving with the times © stock.adobe.com/insta_photoswww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link ONLINE TRAINING O ne of the key advantages of online training is its unparalleled flexibility. Unlike traditional face-to-face courses, which often demand rigid schedules and physical presence, online training can be accessed anytime, anywhere with an internet connection. This convenience eliminates the need to sacrifice weekends or free time, enabling individuals to seamlessly integrate learning into their daily routines. Whether it’s during coffee breaks, while commuting, or in the comfort of one’s home, online courses offer the utmost accessibility and adaptability. At-home learning during the pandemic has necessitated that online resources optimise their interfaces, making them accessible across a multitude of devices including phones, tablets, and laptops. This ubiquity eliminates the constraints of traditional classroom settings, enabling employees to engage learning in a setting and on a device with which they are comfortable. One’s ability to access courses on the go enhances convenience and productivity. This accessibility also enables businesses to overcome geographical barriers and tap into a global talent pool. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to access expertise from across the globe has become a strategic imperative for organizations seeking to remain competitive. By leveraging online training platforms, businesses can recruit and train employees from diverse cultural backgrounds, harnessing a wealth of perspectives and insights that enrich the learning experience and drive innovation. The second most significant advantage of online training is its ability to accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences. Unlike conventional teaching settings, which often adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach, online courses empower individuals to tailor their learning experience according to their specific needs. Whether it’s through interactive modules, video tutorials, or written assessments, online training provides a versatile platform that caters to a wide range of learning preferences. This personalised approach not only enhances engagement but also fosters deeper comprehension and retention of key concepts. Furthermore, the self- paced nature of online learning ensures that employees can progress at their own speed. Recognizing that individuals have varying learning styles and preferences, online training allows each employee to absorb and process information according to their unique needs. This personalized approach not only 32 Á Online training has emerged as a versatile and reliable tool, offering a myriad of benefits for businesses seeking to foster growth, enhance productivity, and empower their workforce. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk ONLINE TRAINING maximizes learning outcomes but also empowers individuals to take ownership of their professional development journey. Online assessments play a crucial role in evaluating learning outcomes, offering a fair and transparent means of gauging understanding. With the flexibility to retake assessments and receive instant feedback, learners can identify areas for improvement and track their progress over time. This iterative process not only reinforces learning but also instils a sense of accountability and self-motivation. Adaptability for preferences and schedules also levels the playing field for employees of all levels and backgrounds. Whether it’s a new hire seeking to onboard quickly or a seasoned professional looking to upskill, online courses provide equal access to learning opportunities. This democratisation of education not only promotes inclusivity and diversity within the workforce but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth. In addition to individual development, online training plays a pivotal role in driving organisational agility and resilience. In today’s fast-paced business environment, the ability to adapt to changing market conditions and emerging technologies is paramount. By providing employees with timely and relevant training opportunities, businesses can equip their workforce © stock.adobe.com/Angelovwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link ONLINE TRAINING with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate uncertainty and seize new opportunities. Whether it’s mastering the intricacies of data analytics or staying abreast of industry regulations, online training helps organisations to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge. It must also be said that online courses are typically more cost-effective. With no need for physical materials or dedicated venues, businesses can significantly reduce overhead costs whilst still accessing high-quality content. This lack of overhead also allows training companies to update their resources much more quickly, thus staying abreast of industry best practices. Furthermore, online training offers tangible benefits for businesses in terms of operational efficiency. The scalability of online training platforms allows businesses to accommodate fluctuating demand and rapidly onboard new employees, without the logistical constraints associated with in-person training sessions. Beyond the immediate benefits of cost savings and efficiency, online training offers a strategic advantage for businesses looking to attract and retain top talent. Knowledge is one of an employee’s most valuable assets, and staff are increasingly seeking opportunities for professional development and growth. By offering industry recognised online training programs, businesses can differentiate themselves as employers of choice, attracting top talent and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Beyond the convenience and cost- effectiveness, online training can foster a sense of community and collaboration among learners. Through forums and online communities, individuals can connect with peers who share similar interests and learning goals, honing an environment of mutual support and knowledge exchange. This sense of camaraderie not only enhances the learning experience but also cultivates a culture of continuous improvement within the organisation. There is also the potential for inter-business collaboration through these discussion boards. Moreover, online training companies offer robust support mechanisms, with dedicated educators and customer support teams available to assist learners every step of the way. Whether it’s clarifying concepts, resolving technical issues, or providing motivation, the accessibility of online trainers ensures that learners receive the guidance they need to succeed. The benefits of online training often far outweigh traditional training methods for office-based businesses. From enhancing individual development and driving organizational agility to promoting inclusivity and diversity, online courses offer a versatile and cost-effective solution to the evolving needs of the modern workforce. As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation and remote work, investing in online training has never been more critical. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk PUBLIC RELATIONS Now, that’s what I call an initial effort! Which is nearly as HILARIOUS as the joke prompts I fed into ChatGPT this morning before I began this piece. I was even half tempted to let the mystery machine write some of this column as I am up against a deadline on a range of content from tequila and tax to insulated conservatory roofing and private investigators (I have a varied client portfolio). However, the chances of me risking that damage to my brand is tiny. Not because it would be particularly BAD in terms of how it sounded but because it would be perfectly mundane! That’s because it would not be ME and if you are a regular reader (hi mum), you would spot it a mile off and all of the equity I have created with a slew of pithy headlines, cheeky turns of phrase and crafty nods to regional dialects would be for the birds (or me ducks). simple thing, people sell stories, not brands. Therefore, people should TELL stories, not brands. If I write “Virgin Atlantic” here, not one of you reading this just looked into the middle distance and thought “mmmm, Everyone Can Take On The World,” you thought about Richard Branson. Now might be a good time to remind you that I chaired a press conference for him a few years back, I might have mentioned that a few times! Now, in terms of global reach, his brand and profile might well be virgin on the ridiculous (sorry couldn’t resist) but to a journalist, he is still gold-dust. If the PR team wants to launch a new Virgin business, they have a word with Mr B. Now, he won’t be the person running the tactics and strategy (he’s a tad busy), but he will be the face and he will be at the press conference doing something cheeky and subversive. Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, discusses the use of artificial intelligence in PR. On the shelf behind my desk is a HUGE jar of Marmite. NB: not a jar of yeast extract. It is unashamedly the Marmite brand because it serves to remind me to be myself, not “meh”-self. In a world where content can be squirted out of the Ai sausage machine with incredible speed, this extra special something is crucial because there is a secret ingredient in every prize winning product from an artisan and it is normally THEM. Imagine if you hired me to promote your business (go on, it’ll be fun and I’m pretty handy!). I can guarantee that within 5 minutes of us chatting about the business brand values I will be asking about YOU or about the founder, or the MD - I want to know the “face” of the business. That’s because I’m still a journalist at heart and us reporters think a little differently. Why? It comes down to a www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link PUBLIC RELATIONS That’s his brand and by extension, Virgin’s. Today, I have 3 different clients to pitch across the property, financial and national business media. My opening line to my target reporters will not involve the business name whatsoever. It will lead with the relevant person to that audience from within those businesses and explain why they are relevant as much as the story angle. Try this little exercise. PR: “Would you like to hear from a business that installs conservatory roofing?” Journo: “Err…no.” PR: “Sorry, would you like to hear from a family firm that began 10 years ago at a kitchen table and now employs 124 people?” Journo: “Go on then.” NB: reporters rarely gush with excitement when pitched. Or what about this: Journo: “Looking for an expert on security from cyber and physical theft in the corporate world.” PR: I have ACME Ltd who are really good at this. They have X locations around the world.” Journo: *tumbleweed PR: Their expert on this used to be in the Royal Grenadiers.” Journo: The ones with the hats?” PR: Yes, the ones with the hats. Journo: Ping it over. Ai can be hugely effective if you struggle to get anything out there content wise or even as a starter for 10 but please remember, your secret sauce when it comes to branding, PR and getting noticed is not more sauce, it is more oomph. The world is getting noisier as content becomes easier but if you are going to be heard, sometimes it takes a whisper in the right ear. A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008. He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Uncertain future Keeping up with the constantly changing goalposts of environmental policy is harming businesses. I s it Net Zero by 2030, 2050 or 2100? Not a month goes by without a new decision in parliament casting doubt on the country’s commitment to carbon neutrality, fuelled in no small part by climate doubt and an anti-scientific bent among politicians. As businesses trying to understand our responsibilities, the constant push and pull founded around cultures wars of “left vs right” with a government picking and choosing based on what they think will save them at the next election, is making the UK a more difficult place to do business. The big question is how much of it matters, anyway. We know for a fact that consumers are more environmentally conscious – this has been discovered not only by polls but by expensive market research from some of the top companies in the world, particularly in the FMCG market. Less packaging waste, more sustainable practices, better environmental credentials. All have boosted sales noticeably in the food and drink sector and should serve as an example of how times are changing. Change, however, is sometimes seen as an affront by the older generations. Such has always been the case in life, music, media and culture in general, but an ageing demographic among policy makers in the government and councils across the country is perhaps pushing a skewed emphasis on climate change denial. 38 Áwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Worse yet, tribalism in the strangest of places is fuelling it even further. Many in the Brexiteer camp have decided to side with climate change denial not because it makes any sense from a Brexit perspective, but because they can support one another’s claims. This immediately creates a large number of people denying climate change and trying to weaken the country’s environmental policies that don’t even believe in what they are saying. It’s all just politics. It’s not hard to see examples of it coming apart at the seams, either. The recent water sewage issues plaguing UK rivers and beaches are all over the news, leading to the country being roundly mocked and now the Government has had to step in against Thames Water, only to find that the financial backers behind Thames Water are prepared to fight back and pull promised money out the company if they are expected to pay the fines levied on them. Looking at the general outrage from Thames Water’s pollution (and they’re not the only ones doing it of course), it’s obvious that most people in the country do not want polluted waterways, erasure of green spaces, and pollution in the air. As such, even if the UK does water down its green promises, it may not be wise for customer-facing businesses to do the same. While services such as accounting and law may be able to get by on the basis that other businesses will make decisions based on price and efficacy, if your company deals directly with consumers then it may be dangerous to take weakening climate policy as a green light to cut costs and increase pollution. The Government may © stock.adobe.com/dusanpetkovic1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT not punish, but customers very well could. Whatever noise comes out of parliament in the next few months should more likely be taken with a grain of salt given this is an election year. If Labour wins as predicted then a new energy policy will be put in place, whereas even if the Conservative party were somehow able to retain power, it’s easy to imagine them returning to a more stable system the moment they don’t have to posture to try and win votes. However, with the Thames Water debacle dominating the headlines currently, it’s hard to imagine laws won’t be put in place to prevent a repeat performance, or that the government-funded organisations (like Ofwat and equivalents) will be given extended powers and oversight to step in and prevent situations like this from happening again. © stock.adobe.com/lumerbNext >