Podcast Radio Business Interviews

URGENT ACTION NEEDED TO TACKLE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NEURODIVERSE WORKERS | Clare Reynolds

Clare Reynolds, Business Psychologist, Pearn Kandola speaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio to discuss why URGENT ACTION IS NEEDED TO TACKLE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NEURODIVERSE WORKERS. A new report released today (Tuesday 16th July 2024) reveals workplaces across the UK are experiencing endemic discrimination of neurodiverse workers, with almost half of employees admitting they’ve experienced discriminatory behaviour towards neurodiverse colleagues. It is thought that about 15 to 20 percent of the world's population is neurodivergent, a general term which includes conditions such as Autism, ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. The Neurodiversity At Work (2024) report by Pearn Kandola, a business psychology consultants, found when job hunting, the barriers neurodiverse candidates face were “bias and negative attitudes” from employers, based on neurotypical assumptions and employers not offering or making reasonable adjustments. KEY FINDINGS AT A GLANCE: Almost half of employees (46%) have experienced discriminatory behaviour towards neurodiverse colleagues Six in ten (63%) neurodiverse employees mask their condition from colleagues, and more than two in five (42%) admit to feelinguncomfortable asking their employer for adjustments to accommodate their neurodiverse traits Six in Ten managers in the workplace have never had any training on how to manage colleague with neurodiversity When they were able to navigate the job application and interview process, many found the workplace a hostile environment, with 6 in ten (63%) neurodiverse employees revealing they masked their condition from colleagues – hiding their discomfort or emotions - and more than two in five (42%) admitting they were uncomfortable asking their employer for adjustments to accommodate their neurodiverse traits. Training was also lacking with seven in ten (70%) workers in the UK believing businesses do not do enough to accommodate people with invisible disabilities – such as providing visual aids to help people with dyslexia. Of those surveyed who manage staff at work (45%), six in 10 had never had any training on how to manage colleagues with neurodiversity. Clare Reynolds is a Business Psychologist at Pearn Kandola who contributed to the report, and discusses the findings, and the importance of tackling inequality for neurodiverse workers and what more needs to be done.

50% OF UK BUSINESS FOUNDERS FEAR THEY WILL NOT SURVIVE 12 MONTHS | Andy Fishburn

Andy Fishburn, Managing Director at Virgin StartUp, speaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio to discuss why 50% OF UK BUSINESS FOUNDERS FEAR THEY WILL NOT SURVIVE 12 MONTHS Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) make up 99% of businesses in the UK, supporting 27 million jobs across the country and collectively account for £4.5 trillion in annual turnover. Recognising their pivotal role in the UK economy, the former government made 2024 the “Year of the SME” to highlight their plight and tackle the key issues they face. But now, new research has revealed that half (50%) of founders are concerned that their venture will not survive the next 12 months, versus only 11% having the same concerns last year. That’s according to the new Founder Barometer report from Virgin StartUp, which has revealed that the cost-of-living crisis (52%) is the biggest challenge they face today. This explains why, from this new government, they would most like to see: * Business rates scrapped (33%) * Greater support for businesses and regions outside London (32%) * A cut in corporation tax (26%) * The facilitation of greater access to capital (23%). When it comes to mentorship, more than one in 10 (13%) say the most valuable advice comes from fellow founders/peers, and 11% from online communities – with almost one in five (19%) having experienced a eureka moment after engaging with them. Meanwhile, 16% say spending time with fellow founders has improved their mental health, while 17% have received expert knowledge and information from their communities. Andy Fishburn, Managing Director at Virgin StartUp, Virgin’s not-for-profit home of entrepreneurship, which Richard Branson launched in 2013, discusses the need for continuous support as well as funding to founders, and what they can gain from better engaging with each other to celebrate the launch of the Virgin StartUp Community Platform.

Avon UK appoints Dragon's Den Star as Chief Inspiration Officer | Sara Davies MBE

Sara Davies MBE, Entrepreneur & Avon UK's Chief Inspiration Officer speaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio to discuss her new role as Avon UK's Chief Inspiration Officer Entrepreneur, founder of Crafter’s Companion and business investor Sara Davies has been appointed as Avon UK’s Chief Inspiration Officer. Avon research reveals nearly a third of British women face barriers when starting their own business including knowing how to access finance, not knowing where to start, as well as lack of confidence Being an Avon Rep enables women to work flexibly and gives them the tools and opportunity to run their own business as well as the potential to become a Leader and coach a team of Reps Beauty brand Avon UK has appointed prolific entrepreneur and businesswoman Sara Davies MBE as its Chief Inspiration Officer. The role will see Sara help more women run and build their own successful business and she will host inspiring masterclasses to coach and mentor Avon Reps while offering tailored advice on how to be their own boss, grow their businesses and lead a team. Sara’s appointment comes as Avon research shows various factors deter many women from starting their own business. The research reveals a third (33%) of women in the UK believe setting up their own business is in favour of men and just under a quarter (23%) feel they have fewer choices than men when it comes to starting their own business. While there is appetite to change working circumstances, many women continue to face obstacles to achieving their goals. Nearly a third (31%) of women say there are barriers to them starting their own business including money/finance (53%), not knowing where to start (40%), lack of confidence (39%), fear of failure (37%) and lack of knowledge of the market (33%). Sara Davies, Avon UK’s Chief Inspiration Officer, said: “I am thrilled to join Avon UK as its first Chief Inspiration Officer. “It’s a brilliant opportunity to work with new and existing Avon Reps who have the hunger to build and run their own business, on their own terms. “The research reflects so many of the barriers I came up against when starting up my own business. “I know that it still impacts women today, who have that drive, but face the same issues. “I have always been passionate about entrepreneurship and helping people to realise their ambitions so having the opportunity to share my own knowledge and experience to inspire others is incredibly exciting.” Sara’s top tips for building your own business and motivating a team: Have a plan, set your goals and put them on paper: writing down what you want to achieve helps you to stick to your plans and hold yourself accountable. Do your research: ensure that you feel a connection to the brand and what they stand for. This will make promoting your business feel natural. Build a personal brand: give customers the chance to buy into you, not just the products you sell. Use your support network: reach out to those around you for advice and be loud and proud when something goes well for you. Lead from the front: as your business grows your team will increasingly look to you for inspiration and motivation. Successful leadership doesn’t come from what you do occasionally but from what you do consistently. Tailor your leadership style: listen to what each individual team member needs to support their growth and development as you recruit new talent. If someone has done a good job, tell them and share with your community. This will inspire and motivate others. Sara added: “The world of work has changed. The rigid 9-to-5, which is notoriouslydifficult for mums, has been replaced by more flexible work, offering women the option to put the hours in whenever suits them. “The country is filled with women from all walks of life, who have amazing entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. “So, unlocking all this potential should benefit them and beyond, it would be such a boost for business and the wider economy.” Sara began her own entrepreneurship journey while at university after being introduced to the world of crafting. After discovering a gap in the market Sara founded Crafter's Companion in 2005, now a global retailer and multimillion pound company. In 2019, she joined the panel on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, becoming the programme’s youngest female investor. One of Sara’s greatest passions is helping women in business achieve their dreams and she has already inspired and empowered hundreds of Avon Reps across the country. About the research The research was conducted by Censuswide with 1,000 women across the UK.  Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct which is based on the ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of The British Polling Council.

The Rise of European Venture Capital | Andreas Munk Holm

Andreas Munk Holm , Co-Founder of EU VC speaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio Business to discuss The Rise of European Venture Capital Andreas is one of the co-founders of EUVC where he acts as podcast host and Europe’s LP hypeman. He runs content & marketing for EUVC where he works tirelessly to champion and connect the European VC ecosystem. Andreas started his career in venture right after school, helping build his university’s incubator to then join a local pre-seed fund focusing on bridging the valley of death for deep tech startups. Since then, Andreas has co-authored a book on the soft issues of family business succession and helped emerging managers build their first funds, first as an advisor and now institutionalised via EUVC. Listen to the EU VC podcast on Apple  [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-european-vc/id1544598239]| Spotify  [https://open.spotify.com/show/0WO5adjTSnzxCC3l2sRq1f?si=4f0cb843b99d4812]| eu.vc [http://eu.vc/]  Pre-register for the State of European VC Fundraising [http://floww.io/raise]

WHY UK BUSINESSES LACK CONFIDENCE TO INTEGRATE AI & GREEN TECH | John D’Arcy

John D’Arcy, Director, The Open University in Ireland & Northern Irelandspeaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio Business to discuss WHY BUSINESSES LACK CONFIDENCE TO INTEGRATE AI & GREEN TECH BECAUSE OF UK SKILLS SHORTAGE. More than three in five (62%) organisations in the UK continue to struggle with skills gaps, resulting in 64% lacking the confidence to integrate either AI or green technologies – crucial to growth and sustainability for businesses and the wider economy. That’s according to data from the latest Business Barometer by The Open University and the British Chambers of Commerce, which reveals skills shortages remain a major issue across sectors and regions in all four nations. Despite this, less than one in five (19%) organisations have implemented a written skills plan for their workforce, hindering the ability to strategically address these issues and prepare for future demands. More than two-thirds (68%) of employers say shortages have increased the workload of their employees – impacting morale and wellbeing – a clear indicator that they need a strategic, inclusive skills plan to develop talent to fill key gaps. Organisations recognise this, with 39% intending to use mentoring or coaching and 35% intending to use short courses within the next twelve months, helping to develop skills as well as fostering a supportive learning environment to enhance employee attraction, engagement and retention. Meanwhile, encouragingly, 86% that currently use apprenticeship programmes are expecting to increase or commit to the same number of learners over the next 12 months, highlighting the value placed on apprenticeships as a means of cultivating new talent and addressing specific skill needs. But, while there is a commitment to address the skills shortage from some organisations, the report reveals the majority (63%) still do not have specific initiatives in place for underrepresented groups e.g. young people or those with disabilities, therefore missing out by not widening talent pools to plug their shortages.