I am continually inspired by the dedication and resilience of our Service Nation, and by the businesses and individuals we at The Institute are privileged to support. For this reason, it is deeply concerning to see abuse towards service workers…
The challenge surrounding UK productivity is something we’re all acutely aware of. Despite the years that have passed, we’re yet to see it return to pre-pandemic and pre-financial crisis levels. While many factors are undoubtedly contributing to this stagnation, it…
Despite a rocky start to the financial year, data on the UK jobs market earlier this week provided some timely relief from lingering economic gloom. Encouragingly, job vacancies saw the fastest monthly increase in three years – a promising sign for business…
The service agenda is key to driving economic growth and commercial prosperity – and yet, two challenging things are happening simultaneously that we urgently need to address. On the one hand, it is a sad truth that instances of abusive…
It is good to be back after some time away over the summer. There is something energising about a late summer break and having the opportunity to reflect on the year as we approach the final quarter of the calendar…
Regular readers will be well aware that the deployment of new technology, including AI, has been a recurring theme for The Institute and our members. As these technologies continue to develop, there is no doubt that they will have a…
I’m sure the potential outcome of the upcoming General Election will remain front of mind for many of you right up to the final whistle. However, while the Institute looks forward to engaging the next Government on a range of…
The announcement made by the Prime Minister on Wednesday, introducing new protective measures for Britain’s shopworkers, represents a significant and very welcome step in the right direction. Classifying assaults on shopworkers as a distinct criminal offence is a sign of…
If you are reading these columns regularly, then you will already know how vocal I have been about the need to safeguard service professionals and how pleased we were to get some breakthrough 20 months ago with an amendment to…
Happy new year to everyone. I hope you had a restful break after a busy service season. January is a time to reflect and set ambitions and aspirations for the year ahead. Unlike the many New Year’s resolutions that will…