Businesses need more support on workforce health
Employers need better education, resources and support to address workforce health challenges, according to a roundtable meeting of Ayrshire businesses.
Companies across Ayrshire shared their views on challenges facing the working-age population during a discussion organised by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, British Chambers of Commerce and the Health Foundation.
The meeting – the only one in Scotland – was the first one of just four across the UK. The event saw participants share experiences, challenges and their perspectives as well as having the opportunity to raise questions and concerns about managing sickness absence, supporting employees with mental health issues and the barriers faced by smaller businesses.
Ayrshire Chamber president, Alison Somerville, and the Health Foundation’s lead economist, Christopher Rocks, spoke at the event, attended by companies including J&D Pierce, McTaggart Construction and RAD Hotel Group.
Chamber CEO, Claire Baird, said: “This was a really important session that helped to shed light on the most acute health-related challenges facing our Ayrshire businesses – particularly smaller companies with fewer employees, where absences can have a larger impact.
“It’s clear from the discussions that recruitment and retention of staff are priorities for our businesses and we at the Chamber will continue to do all we can to support them through those challenges.
“The insights from this conference will inform the Commission for Healthier Working Lives, supporting recommendations for the workforce across the UK. We feel proud and privileged to have hosted the only such event in Scotland.”
Following the series of in-person discussions across the UK, there will also be a virtual conference held on Thursday 18th July with five Ayrshire businesses set to take part.
Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Members Set Sail to Arran
Companies and entrepreneurs from the Ayrshire mainland sailed across to Arran to make new connections with businesses on the other side of the water.
The full-day event saw the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce team and mainland companies take the ferry over for lunch, networking and idea-sharing with Arran businesspeople at the Auchrannie Resort, Brodick.
There was then a guided tour and tasting experience at the Lochranza Distillery, where the group found out about the processes involved in producing Arran Single Malt whisky.
Chamber CEO Claire Baird said: “We were delighted to host our first event back on Arran since 2022. Everyone was in good form and lots of new connections were made.
“There’s so much our Ayrshire businesses can do to help each other thrive, and events such as this can really help to build those links.
“We all had a great time on Arran, and we look forward to being back again soon. I’d like to thank everyone who joined us and helped make the trip such a success.”
One of the mainland businesspeople joining the trip was Carolyn Elder, director at Yacht Havens Ltd, who was full of praise for both Auchrannie and Lochranza.
Carolyn said: “The visit had two benefits – meeting colleagues joining the trip and meeting Arran business leaders, and understanding the challenges of doing business on an island.
“I was impressed at the reach of both businesses dealing with international visitors.
“Mainland and island businesses can support each other – Arran providing a fabulous destination, and Ayrshire providing the accessibility and transport links to airports, stations and cities.”
Margo McLenan, from Saltcoats firm McLenan Corporate, added: “I had not been on the island in 20 years. I had a fantastic day networking with a fantastic bunch of people. I enjoyed the beautiful scenery, and our hosts at both Auchrannie Resort and Lochranza Distillery were all very passionate about what they do – very friendly and welcoming. I would highly recommend a visit and I will be back soon.”
For more about the Ayrshire Chamber and its future events, visit www.ayrshire-chamber.org
