Struggling to recruit staff?

The report suggests that 78% of small businesses are currently struggling to recruit the right people, with 82% flagging up a lack of relevant qualifications, skills and experience among candidates, and the majority (60%) saying that a lack of applicants is an issue.
 
The FSB report also reveals that small firms themselves are investing in training to help plug the skills gap, with five in six small employers (83%) providing training for themselves and/or their staff, comprising, on average, seven days of training and development per member of staff. Four in five sole traders (80%), however, have no training plan, budget or relationship with a training provider, and two in five haven’t completed any training or professional development in the last year.
 
Long term shortage
Given that successful and up-and-coming small businesses are essential to the UK’s economic success, the report makes for sober reading, highlighting some pretty major shortcomings not only in the workplace but also in training provision.
 
Even before the pandemic, however, firms were facing challenges in recruiting talented people, and now, post-pandemic, the situation is continuing. There are just not enough suitably skilled people to meet business demand.
 
Small firms key to a productive economy
As the FSB points out, the skills of business owners and their staff are central to running and building a successful business, but enterprises can only grow when they’re equipped with the right skills. As such, meeting the skills needs of small businesses is a key part of having a productive, growing economy.
 
Apart from the more tangible benefits of learning new skills, such as developing new products or technologies, training also improves business competitiveness, efficiency and long term effectiveness. So, keeping skills up to date and learning new ones is crucial.
 
Roadmap for change
To help rectify the situation, the FSB has come up with a roadmap for change on every level, from schools to apprentices to workplaces, and is urging the government to adopt a whole range of new measures. This includes new targets, enterprises, grant funding, education and training, careers guidance and apprenticeship training, as well as extending tax relief and corporation tax relief. They also want more to be done to upskill groups further away from the workplace, such as ex-offenders, older workers and disabled people, who could help to fill skills shortages.
 
Future-proofing
It's not only current growth potential that’s being held up, there are ramifications for the future, too, as the FSB highlights: “ With net zero deadlines approaching, and with technology opening up whole new fields such as AI and robotics for entrepreneurs, the need to react to global shifts with responsive education, hands-on experience and relevant training has never been greater.”

Talk to NLIG
Another aspect of running a small business is to protect your interests as you develop and grow, ensuring you build on a strong foundation. Wherever you are in your journey as a small business owner, NLIG is with you all the way, offering support and advice, and carefully assessing risk before placing insurance. Our business is your protection, which means we are always available to discuss your business and any changes, ensuring we provide a tailored solution that meets your specific requirements. To find out more, call us on 01992 703 300 or email insurance@nlig.co.uk