With rail strikes looming and petrol prices at record highs - just how much does this kind of disruption affect modern business operations?
With more people continuing to work from home post-pandemic, and the business landscape looking like it’s probably changed for good, are there as many people likely to be as affected with these disruptions as there once were?
If even more people have flexi-working arrangements and work from home continues to be even more commonplace, will these disruptions be problematic for most?
Obviously fuel prices are crippling a lot of people, and so many are struggling to afford to fill their cars in order to get to work. So perhaps even more will work from home?
There are reports of some people requesting mileage allowances from their employers to cover the fuel costs, which of course has some tax relief benefits for the company. Will more companies adopt this mentality? It’s not mandatory, but would help a lot of people.
There’s currently a petition calling for just that - on Change.org, a petition to get the government to reduce fuel duty by 50%..
Conversely, one disruption that could cripple the country far more would be mass broadband outages and strikes from companies like Virgin Media and BT! That would be horrendous. Which would affect offices and WFH workers!
What can we do as small businesses to defend against these and future disruptions?
Companies may be forced into becoming even more flexible with staff in-office, in favour of WFH arrangements and remote working, and requirements to be in the office only for certain days of the week.
Conducting more meetings through Zoom etc to reduce the need for potentially unnecessary travel.
Ultimately, it’s going to have to be down to all business owners to work out the best options for them to help get their business and staff through a very challenging time.
Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking.
https://brummies-networking.co.uk
Brummies Networking on Twitter: @brummiesnet
BrumPod on Twitter - @brumpod
Produced by Audio Shed - https://audioshedpodcaststudio.co.uk
Twitter: @audioshedstudio
Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com
Twitter: @birocratic
BrumPod - The UK Small Business Podcast. BrumPod is designed for small businesses, because all of the hosts are small businesses! Our goal is to bring you topics that affect you as a fellow small business owner directly; everything from website tools and technology, changes in regulations, business networking tips, business growth.
BrumPod Hosts:
Richard Heathcote (Voice Over Artist) - https://www.richardheathcote.co.uk
Iwan Thomas (Business Coach) - http://www.iwanthomasassociates.co.uk
Jason Jones (DoubleJ Consulting)
Are You A Specialist Or A Generalist?
When Plans Change - Be Adaptable (Including Us)
BrumPod045: Returning To Normal - And The Return Of Our In Person Events!
BrumPod044: Keeping The Passion Alive Within Your Business - The Benefits Of Outsourcing
BrumPod043: Networking In The Virtual World: Clubhouse & Its Clones
BrumPod042: The Real Dragon’s Den - Investing In Small Business
BrumPod041: How Important Is Hope?
BrumPod040: How Important Is Email - And Are You Too Reachable?
BrumPod039: Can You Run A Business Using Free Or Low Cost Software?
BrumPod038: Do You Need A Wristband To Tell Your Boss You’re Unhappy?
BrumPod037: New Year Updates - It’s Been A Hell Of A Year And It’s Only Been A Fortnight
BrumPod036: Xmas Special & Predictions for 2021
How Will The Upcoming Clean Air Zone Affect The Birmingham Business Community?
BrumPod034: The Future Of The Electric Car - Is It Right For You? A Deep Dive With A Motoring Journalist
BrumPod033: The Network Shoutout Episode - This Time It's All About You!
Brumpod032: Brummies Jobs Exchange And How We Can All Help Each Other Throughout Lockdown 2 And Beyond
BrumPod031: Midlands COVID Update, New iPhone Launch & 5G Expansion PLUS How To Support Local Small Businesses
BrumPod030: Decoding The Winter Economy Plan with Alistair Hayward-Wright
BrumPod029: PR vs Marketing - What's Right For You? Setting Up An Agency During A Pandemic! Plus How To Deal With Negative PR
BrumPod028: Lisa Brown from Lisa B Interior Design - The Design Industry During Covid, And Are The General Public Creative?
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