Now is the time to plan ahead
As we approach the Easter break, I hope you get a chance for some time off to relax and recharge. Easter is traditionally a time to celebrate new beginnings and hope for the future. After the ongoing crisis of a…
Giving careers in service the respect they deserve
The service sector is fundamental to the UK economy. Yet, roles in customer service have often been viewed within our society as a stopgap, a steppingstone to other careers or roles or jobs that ‘anyone can do’. Sadly, it is…
Building the four pillars of a Service Nation
Despite the news that the UK economy is no longer expected to enter technical recession (two consecutive quarters of negative growth), the situation remains very challenged. The economy is stuck in neutral, cost pressures are being felt by businesses and…
Coming together to define our Service Nation
It was a pleasure to welcome so many of you to our Annual Conference this week, and I hope you came away from the day feeling as inspired and motivated as I did. The conference’s theme – centred around shaping…
Invest now in the skills we need for the future
The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (who will be speaking at our Annual Conference in March) revealed a welcome surprise, as the UK eked out 0.1% growth in November. Whilst the figures have caused many commentators to predict a…
Public policy to shape our Service Nation in 2023 and beyond
This week saw the return of Parliament for the first time in 2023 and there is no doubt there is much work to be done. As the nation battles against a challenging economic climate, the need for strong political leadership…
There is an opportunity to make 2023 the year of service
It has been another challenging year for organisations, full of unpredictability, volatility and rising cost pressures. As we come to the end of 2022, worker discontent is everywhere we look, with more strike actions underway or pending than we have…
Understand the data and trends to prepare for a tough 2023
As we approach the New Year, our 2023 Trends Report highlights the challenging environment organisations face as UK society becomes more divided, tensions rise and customer spending contracts. Attitudes continue to become more polarised, and supporting those who need it through the…
No room for short-termism in leadership
As the end of 2022 draws ever closer, many organisations are looking to secure much-needed resources to handle peak-period pressures. Of course, maintaining daily service levels and meeting financial targets is critical, and I sympathise with the challenges many are…
Webinar: Head to Head with Shirley Fell (Cirencester Friendly Society)
Each week our CEO, Jo Causon, interviews a business leader to discuss the challenges their organisation is facing. Jo’s recent guest was Shirley Fell, Chief Operating Officer at Cirencester Friendly Society. Listen to Jo and Shirley discuss insights on National…