Clearview North September 2013 - Issue 142 | Page 71

businessnews WHAT YOU WEAR MATTERS What you wear in the workplace really does matter. More than three quarters (76%) of HR directors believe that an employees’ style of dress at work influences their chance of promotion, according to new research* undertaken by recruitment specialist OfficeTeam. However, this figure rises to 88% for medium-sized companies. With the warmer summer months upon us, dress-code flexibility becomes more desired. However, it is crucial to retain a professional appearance at all times, especially if you are looking to move up the corporate ladder. Indeed, more than four in 10 (44%) HR directors think employees wear inappropriate or unusual clothing to work ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ often. Interestingly, employees in London and the South East are more likely to wear unusual or inappropriate clothing to work, according to 62% of HR directors. However, this figure decreases to 73% for the North and Scotland, followed by the Midlands (72%) and London and the South East (71%). Rachel Stockell, Senior Manager, OfficeTeam said: “In an ideal world, employees would be judged primarily on the merit of their work. However, as our research shows, what you wear can have an effect on your chances of promotion and so it is important to dress the part.” *The survey was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 200 HR directors across the UK. ‘Figure rises to 88% for medium sized companies’ The importance of workplace attire is viewed differently on a regional basis, with nearly nine in 10 (89%) HR directors in the South West and Wales stating that work place attire influences an employee’s chance of promotion. Businesses warm up to cold calling alternative Nobody likes cold calling. Nine times out of ten it’s someone trying to sell you a product or service you don’t want. And they’ll call you at home, at the most inconvenient time. It’s this image of telesales that puts businesses off the idea of using it for marketing. However more and more companies are warming to the idea of using telesales as a follow up tool instead of a stand-alone method of contact. “When used correctly telesales is an effective way to win new business. For example, after sending out a brochure or flyer to potential customers a simple follow up call is a quick way to identify those ready to buy now who can be converted into customers,” says Sonia Punter, sales manager at Insight Data. “Your product might be the best on the market but if it’s not relevant to the people you’re contacting they’re not going to buy it. Calling the wrong people will annoy them and could damage your reputation.” Insight offers a telesales service to help you target the most relevant audience for your products or services. They’ll work with you to plan your campaign, set objectives and provide on-going updates and feedback. For more information call 01934 808 293 or email [email protected] Regional CPD seminars launched The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has announced plans for a series of regional CPD seminars around the UK, starting in Manchester on 26th September 2013. Aimed at improving awareness of passive fire protection, Understanding Passive Fire Protection will offer an essential overview into all aspects of passive fire protection, its specification, installation, inspection and maintenance. The presentations will cover all aspects of passive fire protection, testing and certification, fire risk assessment and installation. ‘Suitable for anyone’ Delivered by technical experts, the presentations will include an overview of risks in buildings in relation to passive fire protection; and introductions to fire doors, fire-resistant glazing, structural fire protection, compartment wall penetrations and firestopping. Held in association with the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, the first event will take place at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Swinton, Manchester. Further events are confirmed in Sunderland, Cardiff and London over coming months, with additional seminars in Birmingham, Scotland, Belfast and Dublin planned. The events are suitable for anyone who is responsible for specifying or inspecting passive fire protection or those appointing trades that could cause damage to existing fire protection in the process of their work. The price of each event is just £25 plus VAT, including lunch. ASFP and BWF members can book at a special rate of £15 plus VAT. A donation of £5 from every booking will be made to the Children’s Burns Trust. To book, please visit www.asfp. org.uk; call 01420 471612; or email: [email protected] To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com SEP 2013 71