A leading Scottish hotel group has announced a three-year partnership that will enhance its hospitality offering and help deliver the highest standard of service to its guests. Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels has penned a deal with Scotland’s leading independent wines and spirits merchant, Inverarity Morton, which will see the family-owned business enhance the guest experience across its portfolio of eight venues, with an impressive range of premium wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks. Stephen Leckie, Chairman and CEO of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: “We are proud to partner with Inverarity Morton, a family-owned company like ours, which shares our core values and dedication to excellence. They have established themselves as a leading partner for businesses in the licensed trade sector, and this is a significant milestone for both companies. “By combining our expertise in hospitality with their unparalleled products and services, we are confident that we can create even more memorable experiences for our guests throughout our portfolio of hotels. We look forward to working closely with Inverarity Morton over the coming years." The three-year contract, which was facilitated by hospitality procurement partners, Enhance, will not only see Inverarity Morton supply a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but will also provide industry leading training for Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels bar and restaurant teams, ensuring a world class service for everyone who passes through the doors. Speaking on the partnership, Stephen Russell, Managing Director of Inverarity Morton, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, a like-minded business that's passionate about delivering premium products to the Scottish hospitality sector." “At Inverarity Morton, we pride ourselves on delivering beyond expectations, and we look forward to supporting the Crieff Hydro Family via our extensive, customised staff training programs, and unrivalled portfolio of packaged drinks products.”

Leading symbol group SPAR is partnering with YouTube giant MrBeast to bring Feastables to the UK convenience and forecourt sector. SPAR has been chosen as MrBeast’s exclusive convenience partner at launch and as a result MrBeast’s Feastables range of chocolate bars will be available from participating SPAR stores across the UK from 10 th July. Working with Icon Foods Ltd, SPAR has secured a deal to be the convenience distributor of four SKUs in the Feastables range of chocolate bars until January 2024. Speaking about the launch of Feastables with SPAR, Henry Goodchild, SPAR UK Trading Controller, said: “We are very pleased to confirm our partnership with Icon Foods as the convenience distributor of MrBeast’s range of chocolates called Feastables." “The entire SPAR organisation has worked together to bring this new opportunity to convenience shoppers and our SPAR stores are thrilled to have the opportunity to be the first in convenience to supply customers with the range of Feastables chocolate bars." “We are always looking at interesting new brands to work with and opportunities for differentiation and this partnership is another example of how we are able to find a new and innovative way to stand out from the crowd.” Jo Wrate, Head of Trading at AF Blakemore, adds: “This is another great first for SPAR. We have a proven track record of being the best route to market for disruptor brands looking to bring new products to UK convenience shoppers. This partnership reaffirms our ability to launch and deliver innovative new brands and products to consumers." “In today’s competitive convenience market, it’s more important than ever to differentiate ourselves from our competition. We will continue to look for new products to work with and encourage businesses to speak to us if they are looking for a first-class route to market." “We look forward to working with the team at Icon Foods and MrBeast and we are elated to be delivering the launch of Feastables in SPAR stores.” Derek Rodgers, Director and Co-founder of Icon Foods Ltd, said: “When looking to distribute MrBeast’s range of Feastables chocolate bars in the UK, SPAR was our first choice for convenience. We are really impressed with the symbol groups agility to deliver this launch and looking forward to seeing the results over the coming months.” The launch of Feastables will be supported in SPAR stores with a summer campaign including online activity, POS, social media support, instore, radio, and consumer competitions. Feastables is a range of four chocolate bars from YouTube sensation MrBeast. The four SKUs will be available in participating SPAR stores all over the UK from 10 th July and priced between £2.00 and £2.49.

Young athletes representing Team England at the Commonwealth Youth Games have been presented with a commemorative bracelet supplied by Derbyshire firm Letterbox Love. Letterbox Love, launched by husband-and-wife team Liam and Kerry Bilson during lockdown, designs and sells affordable jewellery combined with gift cards imprinted with touching poems and messages. The firm was approached by Team England to produce 150 limited edition bracelet gifts for the English contingent at this year’s Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, which takes place from August 4 - 11. Each of the 57-strong team plus support staff representing their country in athletics and para athletics, swimming, beach volleyball and FAST5 netball, have been presented with the Letterbox Love keepsakes at Team England’s two welcoming ceremonies. The Commonwealth Youth Games is open to participants aged between 14 and 18, depending on the sporting discipline, and has previously been attended by the likes of Jessica Ennis-Hill and Dina Asher-Smith. Letterbox Love was contacted by Team England to supply the special gifts after impressing organisers with a similar commission for Team England at the senior Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year. Kerry said: “It is just amazing to have been asked again to create something special for Team England. And the fact that they are using a Derbyshire company that has been going for only three years makes us feel so proud." “We received so many brilliant messages of thanks last year when our bracelet gifts were presented to athletes at the Commonwealth Games. But it was still a very pleasant surprise when the team’s ‘kitting-out coordinator’ for this year’s youth games in Trinidad and Tobago approached us.” Kerry said that she and Liam were “hopefully” looking forward to a long-lasting partnership with Team England. Letterbox Love has also supplied commemorative gifts for England players in the Rugby League World Cup last year. “It’s such a huge thing for us,” said Kerry. “We’ve built up a really good working relationship with Team England. They’ve been fantastic to work with and, hopefully, we’ll be working with them on future events.” The bracelets presented to the nation’s stars of the future in Trinidad and Tobago are engraved with the words “Part of the Pride”, referring to a pride of lions. They are attached to a card emblazoned with the Team England ‘lion’ branding and a message reading: “There’s an entire chain of people connected to me and my success. They’re the memories across my heart like the lion upon my chest”. The bracelet and card were presented in a bright red, velvet pouch decorated with the Team England logo. Frankie Carter-Kelly, Team England’s Chef de Mission for the Commonwealth Youth Games, said: It’s been really special to gift the bracelets to our athletes to formally welcome them to the ‘pride’ and connect us across both islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The team will be wearing them proudly at the games and we’ve been looking forward to seeing them perform.” Letterbox Love was launched from the Bilsons’ family lounge in Horsley Woodhouse in 2020 and has grown from strength to strength. The firm has created scores of different gift designs, from pet bereavement bracelets mounted on plantable seeded cards to a ‘Mum To Be’ bracelet and ‘Thank you’ Bracelet. With the addition of Kerry’s poems and messages, each gift is designed to spread love and positivity. Kerry and Liam were joint winners of the ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ award at the 10th Great British Entrepreneur Awards last year.

Four new recruits have moved into the hospitality and catering industry to join the customer service team at a spa resort on the shores of Windermere. Millie Stephenson from Kendal, Katie Oston from Burton-in-Kendal, Lora McKenzie from Windermere and Holly Kitchin from Lancaster make up the new team members working as spa co-ordinators at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. Holly studied at Lancaster and Morecambe College to attain her Level 2 qualification as Air cabin crew and has also trained as a Barista, having worked at Costa Coffee and in a range of customer service roles. Katie has a BA Hons degree in Community, Social Work: Policy and Practice and was working in childcare at a local nursery before joining the spa. Lora joins the hotel team having completed her studies at Newcastle University. Millie’s previous work experience has included working at festivals and events. This is her first role since finishing her studies at Manchester University. The new starters have been joined by Kerry Park, Alex Salehi and Lucy Barron who have all made internal moves within the hotel to become spa co-ordinators and complete the team recruitment to meet the increasing demand for spa services at the hotel. “I was looking for a new career move and when I saw the spa jobs advertised at English Lakes Hotels, I thought it would be exactly the right sort of challenge for me,” explains Katie. "We’ve been given a wide range of training, from learning the ins and outs of the spa operations through to ways to enhance guest experiences, particularly on special occasions." “During our first few weeks, we’ve also had the chance to work with different members of the team across the spa and the resort. That means there’s a lot of variety in the job. We’ve also received continued support from our management team as we develop in our new roles." The spa co-ordinators act as facilitators between other members of the spa team and the wider hotel to ensure everyone knows the plan for the working day ahead and is prepared for the schedule. A natural affinity for engaging with customers and anticipating their needs is also a core skill for the team. Gary Tennant from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues adds: “Our spa co-ordinators are trained to look for every opportunity to add value to our customers’ stay with us and help make amazing memories for our guests." “It requires flexibility and a range of skills, from reception duties, call answering and check-in through to accurate payment handling, food and beverage provision, maintaining supplies and upholding, promoting and selling our full range of spa services. We hope this is just the beginning of long and fruitful hospitality careers for the new starters.”

Sybron, a leading UK supplier of cleaning, hygiene, and catering products to some of the largest names in hospitality, is celebrating its 20th anniversary by offering the industry six business insights and wisdom for business owners. Stephen Henwood, founder and retired CEO of family-run Sybron – based at Crammond Park in Harlow, Essex - looks back on the last 20 years’ experience as a business owner, and brings the next generation his six top tips for the next 20 years. 1. You don’t have to fit the typical ‘entrepreneur profile’ “Looking back, I could have started Sybron ten years earlier. I’d been in the sales side of the supplies industry all my working life, but I had never thought of myself as an entrepreneur. I didn’t really fit the profile, but customers kept hinting that they would buy from me if I did my own thing – and so, with my brother Trevor, we started Sybron in 2003. It hasn’t been plain sailing, but my advice would be to stick to the brief and hard work will pay off!” 2. Treat everyone like family – and say thank you “I am so proud of what we have achieved over the past 20 years, but so much of that success is down to employing good people and building a home for them at Sybron. We adopt a very flat organisational structure, and everyone is treated like family and knows the importance of their role – no matter what it is. Our annual Employee of the Year Awards is just one way we show our appreciation for our teams’ hard work. And to celebrate our 20th anniversary we are taking all our staff, partners and suppliers out for a boat party – to say thank you.” 3. Don’t be afraid to be radical “Our biggest breakthrough and best achievement was around eight years ago when we discovered and then embraced biotechnology cleaning products. It was a genuine game-changing moment. At the time, the whole idea was so innovative, and I don’t think any other distributors were recommending it, as they were still focused on traditional chemical solutions. It was a risk, but when we saw the innovation and the potential we did not hesitate. Seven years later and we launched our very own range of biotechnology cleaning products known as SyBio which is the most significant milestone in Sybron’s story – so far.” 4. Don’t just say it – do it “Whatever you chose to be your point of difference, make sure you lead by example and do as you say. When we say that we aim to provide sustainable products – that is what we will do with 100% focus. Biotechnology based products under the SyBio brand is now our biggest range, and while many others have now gone down the same road, we still feel that we are ahead of the game, particularly in categories such as the catering industry. Since the launch of SyBio, the business has released a new sustainable toilet paper range [SySoft] and a sustainable packaging range [SyGreen].” 5. Never lose sight of what you stand for – stay true to your vision “Time marches on and the world can change in an instant – but we have never lost sight of what is at the heart of our business. We are amazed how many people actually enjoy hearing that we are not just saying yes to everything, but ensuring that as Sybron develops, it will maintain its focus on providing unrivalled service. We will never lose sight of what Sybron has always stood for and have several strategies in place, including a differentiation programme, to ensure Sybron and its products continue to stand out.” 6. Believe you are the best – and be the best “I was recently asked to describe the business from my perspective as founder in just three words, and without hesitation, my response was: ‘The Best Company’. I truly believe that nobody does what we do, better than Sybron – and I am proud to say that our employees and our customers would agree.” The next 20 years… “We are now firmly focused on the future, and one particular thing that resonates with our customers, both new and existing, is our controlled growth strategy, which sets a steady trajectory for Sybron’s next steps. Growth is an aspiration of every business but it shouldn’t be at the detriment of your core values. Too often you watch companies grow too quickly and lose their market differentiation, but I am proud to say I wholeheartedly believe this isn’t going to happen at Sybron and the future looks bright"!

Econ Engineering, the UK’s leading manufacturer of winter maintenance and highways vehicles, has appointed Gareth Legg as its new Operations Director. Econ, a Yorkshire-based business with a national reach, has been at the forefront of winter maintenance vehicle solutions for close to 55 years. It designs and manufactures gritters and other vehicles that are widely used by local authorities and private contractors across the UK. Gareth, who will report into Econ’s Managing Director, Jonathan Lupton, has come on board from his most recent role as Managing Director for Crossroads Truck & Bus Ltd, part of the Hartshorne Crossroads Group of companies, with a turnover of c£100 million across nine locations in Yorkshire & Lincolnshire. Gareth spent ten years working his way up to the position he held when he left, having started as a Bus Development Director in 2013. Before that, he held roles at First Group (Bus Ltd), Schlumberger and EXPRO – both oil and gas service providers. In his role at Econ, Gareth will be responsible for overseeing all four of the company’s depots and for the smooth running of departmental activities to ensure the most efficient and effective operation for its loyal customer base, which equates to over 85% of the market. Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director at Econ Engineering, said: “We’re excited to welcome Gareth and look forward to making the most of his skills and experience. He has a fantastic CV and is extremely knowledgeable in our field of expertise. He will bring insight and fresh ideas from the outside world, which will ensure we retain our position as the market leader.” Gareth Legg comments on his appointment: “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Econ which has a fantastic history, reputation, and product offering. When I first visited it was the attention to detail and obvious pride in everything they do which stood out to me and why this opportunity is so exciting. “I look forward to working with Jonathan and the wider team and feel very humbled that I have been trusted to come on board to support and uphold the legacy and future of the business for years to come.” Econ Engineering was founded in 1969 and is renowned for its innovation, tailor-made products and a first-class customer service culture. It designs and builds all its products using flat metal, which is cut and crafted into each finished vehicle, meaning they can be adapted to individual customer requirements on demand.

E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) has acquired Bev and its portfolio of premium canned wines and spritzers. The acquisition comes two years after Gallo obtained exclusive U.S. distribution rights for Bev and began to bring the popular brand to more consumers across the country. Founded by Alix Peabody in Venice, California, Bev is a woman-led beverage brand promoting empowerment and inclusivity in beverage and beyond. Their mission, to “Do it different, do it better. Break the glass,” exemplifies their drive to tackle new frontiers in both the beverage industry and in culture at large. At its heart, Bev is about breaking down barriers and building connections that educate and inspire. This aligns with Gallo’s guiding mission to serve joy in moments that matter. The first ever TTB-approved “zero sugar” canned wine on the market, Bev wines are three carbs, 100 calories per serving, 11.9% ABV, and are all gluten free. “I founded Bev out of a passion for changing not only the drinks in our hands, but the culture surrounding drinking,” said Alix, Bev’s CEO. “For us, breaking the glass is about empowering communities and inspiring people to celebrate themselves and own their fun. When I met Stephanie Gallo, it became immediately clear that Gallo’s values and commitment to women and diversity in the industry is exemplary of the exact change we aim to create. We could not be more excited for this partnership and can’t wait to expand the reach of our products and our community.” “After meeting Alix two years ago, I could sense the power of the Bev brand, and I respected the innovation and unique approach to reaching consumers. I immediately knew we had to find a way to work together,” said Stephanie Gallo, Gallo’s CMO. “At Gallo, we are on a mission to serve joy as we win new friends for wine, which means ensuring consumers have access to products that make them feel welcome. As an industry, we are adapting and evolving to remain relevant to the next generation of alcohol beverage consumers. I see the Bev portfolio as a welcome addition to Gallo’s product family that will allow us to continue to offer our consumers beverage options to celebrate any occasion.” Gallo’s Bev portfolio includes Bev Rosé, Bev Blanc, Bev Gris, Bev Noir, Bev Glitz, Bev Glam, Bev Glow, Bev PRIDE, and the newly released Bev Brite. All varietals are from California and are available in 4-packs of 250ml cans and retail between $15.99 and $17.99. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Alix Peabody will continue her involvement in the vision, expansion and development of the brand.

E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) has purchased the Hahn Family Wines portfolio, complementing Gallo’s existing Central Coast offerings. The strategic investment includes the Smith & Hook, Hahn, and Hahn SLH brands. “For over forty years, the Hahn family and their incredible team have produced expressive terroir-driven, quality wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands, Arroyo Seco, Paso Robles and throughout the Central Coast. We are honoured to welcome their brands into our portfolio,” said Steve Carlotti, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Brands at Gallo. “This acquisition reinforces Gallo’s strategy for continued growth while supporting our goal of delivering superior quality at great value to our consumers across all usage occasions.” “I am pleased to transition our Hahn Family Wines portfolio to the E. & J. Gallo Winery. Not only do we share similar family values, but both organizations are deeply committed to creating a sustainable future,” said Thomas Duhameau, President of Hahn Family Wines. “I am confident the Hahn family’s Central Coast wine legacy is in the best hands with the Gallo family.” The Hahn Family Wines portfolio includes Smith & Hook, which has long stood for spirited, layered, and luscious Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux red blends from Paso Robles and the Central Coast. It also includes Hahn wines which are rooted in the terroir of Monterey County and offer a fresh, approachable style in an array of varietals, and the Hahn SLH wines which showcase the character of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The transaction excludes the Hahn family’s vineyard assets. Zepponi & Company served as the exclusive financial advisor to Hahn Family Wines.

Bechtel today announced that its Cutlass Solar project, the new 140 MwDC solar energy facility in Fort Bend, Texas, has been recognized for its innovative use of digital tools to deliver best-in-class engineering, procurement, construction, and project management. Bechtel was awarded the Special Achievement in GIS recognition for its ‘minutes matter’ initiative, which brings Bechtel’s trusted integrated engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) philosophy to utility-scale solar farm projects. This approach optimizes the impacts of scale to improve safety and health, increase productivity, promote repeatability, and continuously improve. The award was given to Bechtel today at Esri’s Annual User conference in San Diego. “It is an honour to receive the Special Achievement in GIS Award for Bechtel’s one-of-a-kind approach to executing a project, from engineering to commission, to bringing these critically important projects online in record time,” said Kelley Brown, EPC Operations Manager for Bechtel. “Bechtel set out to develop an innovative, 100% digital execution methodology that not only allows for a faster and safer approach to project management and delivery, but also helps meet the worldwide demand for reliable, clean electricity at affordable prices.” Completed in January 2023, the Cutlass Solar facility is producing enough electricity to power approximately 20,000 homes. Bechtel leveraged digital tools to help manage the project and integrate automation, using the Esri ArcGIS platform as the primary resource for construction. This centralized system captured all project data tied to geographic positions on the earth’s surface, allowing for analysis and management across the many acres of the solar project, providing for streamlined communications between all team members. “Users across all industries continue to show the groundbreaking possibilities of what GIS can help them accomplish," said Jack Dangermond, Esri founder and president. "I am honoured to recognize all the organizations for the many ways they are taking a geographic approach toward meeting some of the most pressing challenges our world faces today."

A group of volunteers supporting disadvantaged children in Glasgow’s East End will be able to create a sensory room in their community flat after a four-figure donation from one of the city’s most prominent family firms. Geeza Break has been providing respite and support services to vulnerable children and families for over 30 years. The charity said community and family life had changed in recent years, with many parents having minimal contact with other family members. Geeza Break said this can result in parents and children becoming isolated, and in times of stress or crisis, vulnerable. Through the group, parents are offered practical support, which enables their children to develop and remain in their own community. They approached Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust – the charity arm of Allied Vehicles in Possilpark – for help creating a sensory room for the children and were given a £3,200 donation. Such facilities use different equipment to target all five senses in a relaxing and soothing atmosphere to suit the needs of each user. The charity’s CEO Doreen Paterson said the gift was “fantastic” and reckoned it would take a couple of weeks for their new sensory room to be ready: “Geeza Break is absolutely delighted to receive funding from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust which will cover the full cost to create the new sensory room for our Geeza Sense Project at our community flat in Parkhead, Glasgow,” she said. “The sensory room will make the world of difference to the children and families we support and will be a valuable resource in supporting our work." “The main resources we intend on purchasing with the funding … are an interactive floor space with a soft play area with mood lighting. We will also look to have mirrors (concave and convex, infinity) and busy boards permanently fixed to the wall." “We also hope to create different themes within the room (eg under the sea, space theme) and incorporate texture walls where possible. In addition to this we aim to have a musical instruments box, a fidget toy box, water toys, projectors and many different types and colours of lights (ie mood lighting, water table, ball, panels that respond to touch, string lights etc)." “The Geeza Sense sessions will provide an inclusive sensory rich environment with a Montessori approach. This will provide a hands-on learning experience in a safe and stimulating environment where children are free to roam and discover for themselves.” David Facenna, Allied Corporate Culture Director, who handed over the cheque to the charity, added: “I’ve heard a lot about the range of work Geeza Break does and it is much more extensive than I realised." “I like the idea of sensory rooms, which can be a great benefit for the youngsters, giving them a safe, quiet space to chill, and Geeza Break are not alone in using them. I hope our donation makes a difference for them and I look forward to seeing the room when it’s finished.”

As a short-term let business owner, countless hours and effort have already been invested by you into building and running your business. However, have you thought about what happens to your business when you are no longer able to manage it due to unforeseen circumstances such as retirement, disability, or even death? That’s where seeking professional advice can help you with succession planning. Succession planning is planning for the future, when the ownership and management of your business may be transferred to others in the event of unforeseen circumstances. It’s a crucial aspect of any business, including short-term let businesses and forward thinking saves tax, cost, and makes the process easier and more efficient on all fronts. Without a plan in place for the transfer of ownership and management, the business may struggle to continue after the current owner retires, becomes incapacitated, or passes away. A succession plan helps ensure the continuity of the business, maintain the value of the business, and provide financial security for the owner’s family, and any employees, contractors and clients. How can professional advisers help with your succession planning? Identify Potential Successors : We help you identify potential successors, such as family members, key employees, or other stakeholders who have the necessary skills, experience, and interest in the business. Develop A Plan : We develop a plan with you outlining the transfer of ownership and management of the business to the identified successors. This plan will include details such as the timeline for the transfer, the legal and financial implications of the transfer, and any necessary training or mentoring that the successors will need. Legal Considerations : We advise you to ensure that the succession plan is legally binding and enforceable. The plan should include provisions for the transfer of assets, the payment of taxes and debts, and any other legal considerations. Review And Update The Plan : We help you review and update any current or new succession plan periodically to ensure that it remains relevant and effective. Succession planning is critical for the long-term success of your short-term let business. About the Author - Craig Darling is a partner and Gilson Gray, a legal firm that has the expertise and experience to help you develop a succession plan that meets your specific needs and ensures the continuity of your business. Contact them today to learn more by email to licensing@gilsongray.co.uk

Despite many businesses asking employees to return to the office over the past couple of years, the topic is still making headlines as owners and management try to balance work demands with staff needs. Hybrid working and hot desking are now popular, with three quarters of UK businesses offering it (according to CIPD), which is why GTSE have shared their advice on clear desk policies and their increasing importance. A clear desk policy or CDP, is an initiative where employers and their workers agree that at the end of each day all desks much be left “clear”. That is, clear of all paper or digital documentation, personal items and notes. The idea behind such policies being to reduce business risk and create a safe working environment. Tom Armenante, director at GTSE cable ties discusses the benefits of CDPs further, citing seven advantages for businesses. 1. Better Compliance With GDPR One of the key drivers for CDPs is the need for better data protection, in line with GDPR best practice. By clearing away all documents, notes and information left on desks at the end of the day, there is less chance that sensitive information will fall in to the wrong hands. It’s not just employees who have access to your office space, often there will be visiting clients, interviewees, tradespeople and of course cleaners. Depending on the nature of your business, poor data security could pose a huge risk to you, your clients and ultimately your financial success. 2. Creates A Professional Atmosphere Walking into a clear workspace creates a great first impression for anyone who works or visits the building. Staff, clients and other stakeholders may perceive an office which is free from clutter as being more organised, professional and create a sense of pride in the workspace. 3. Modernises Businesses Going digital by removing the amount of paper documentation in your business or even going fully paperless has multiple benefits, helping to modernise processes. Digital documentation allows for better collaboration internally and with other stakeholders too, but particularly with remote and hybrid teams. Paperless files can also make finding the right document more efficient, giving your employees quicker access to files, allowing them to spend time working on more profitable tasks. Cloud based backups also gives more security should physical copies or equipment be lost or damaged. In addition, there will be a less need for physical storage space in the office, less time spent shredding and less waste for recycling and landfill. Making it better for the environment too. 4. Encourages Hot Desking And Collaboration In addition to modernising collaborative processes, a clear desk policy can encourage hot desking as employees are less tied to a specific seat in the office for document access or personal items. Hot desking can greatly improve team cohesion and culture in many respects. It can help foster inclusivity, adaptability and creativity amongst your teams. 5. Improved Health And Safety According to HSE, businesses must create a safe place of work for their employees and the public. A workspace which is clear of belongings and documentation provides a safer working environment by removing hazards which could harm employees. This not only includes reduced risk of fires but, the removal of slip and trip hazards too. Additionally, clearer workspaces will undoubtedly have fewer germs as they can be cleaned more easily. In turn this can help keep your workforce healthy and in work. 6. Keep Belongings Safe As your business grows, there will be an increasing number of people coming in and out of the space. This makes it easier to lose personal belongings and work equipment by misplacing them, by other employees moving them, borrowing or even being taken intentionally. A CDP makes these things less likely, placing more responsibility on individuals to look after their own possessions. 7. Productivity The phrase ‘tidy house, tidy mind’ is popular for a reason and the same logic can be applied to workspaces. One study suggests that workers are able to work for on average 7.5 minutes longer before losing focus when they have a clean desk, increasing productivity and persistence by 84%. In addition to work-based benefits, the individual is likely to have greater mental stability, better sleep, reduced stress and are even more likely to make healthier choices when it comes to food. Advising on how to implement a clear desk policy, expert Tom Armenante, director at GTSE said, “Clear desk policies can have a real and positive impact for businesses. With the current trend towards hybrid workspaces and hot desking, it’s no wonder we’re seeing workplaces implement such policies." "Whether overseen by an office manager, CEO, operations department, security team or HR, businesses can easily and affordably make this change. Key ways to get started could be moving business documentation online, acquiring safe storage for private documents and personal belongings and importantly, ensure that loose wires are kept tidy using cable ties, baskets or sleeves.” For further information on the benefits of a clear desk policy and what you will need visit, https://gtse.co.uk/cable-ties .