May 2017 - Astute Financial

Last week I had the opportunity to meet a pretty amazing individual (though he would be the last person to acknowledge this!). Successful businessman, David Ryley, had an idea for a great new charity in 2015 called the 1% Matters Fund.

It provides small grants to local community projects who are helping young people, the elderly, those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, vulnerable people or those suffering mental health issues. This type of organisation really appeals to me as it works in a philanthropic way for businesses and individuals to ‘give back’ to those less fortunate in a really constructive and practical way that really makes a difference. I will be posting an article covering mental health in the work place soon so this type of charity really strikes a chord with me.

David Ryley, Chief Executive Officer of successful local business, Ryley Wealth Management (a St. James’s Place Partner Practice) decided to start a fund with 1% of his profits to support local charities in Nottingham. A second business leader, Mark Goldby, CEO of SMS Electronics Ltd, quickly saw the potential and was the first to offer his support. David Ryley created a charitable fund with the aim of growing it to build a permanent legacy for the people of Nottingham.

As government and council grants to local charities are facing constant pressure, the team at 1% Matters want to do all they can to help. To find out more information about this amazing charity and for an opportunity to make a donation please click on the following link. http://www.nottscf.org.uk/one-percent-matters-fund/

Some really interesting statistics and analysis came to light following a survey concluded by CIMA at the end of January 2017. More than half (55%) of the qualified accountants who responded, cited flexibility and a greater work-life balance as their biggest motivations when looking for and considering a new job. This is a big increase from the 37% in 2015 according to research by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

The 2016 salary survey conducted by CIMA utilised 3,460 student accountants, CIMA members and 4,467 qualified CIMA members. This report established that 52% of qualified accountants who responded were motivated by financial rewards alone.

Other key takeaways: –

42% of qualified accountant respondents cite a good working environment as their main motivator.
More than half (53%) of student accountant respondents are influenced by financial rewards when considering a new role.
36% of student accountants responded that they are motivated by a good working environment when considering a new role.

Here at Astute we feel that it is increasingly likely that finance professionals and their employers will place increasing significance on being able to participate in and offer flexible working hours outside the 9 – 5. Attracting and retaining talented staff is always key. In an increasingly competitive market, employers slow to adopt new, fresh flexible benefits could be missing out on hiring the best talent for their teams.

However what the research also indicates is the greater importance on career development rather than flexible benefits by CIMA Students. Their focus remains seeking career building opportunities offering the best and widest experience. In contrast the more experienced hire seems to be saying they need an employer who can flex around their personal and private commitments (e.g. childcare, elderly relatives etc.).

Mental Health – The 3 most important things you need to know.

May 2017 is Mental Health Month. Everyone from Prince Harry to Brad Pitt have commented on this but so have a lot of ordinary people like you and I. For years, this whole topic has been a silent taboo. Hardly anyone has dared to raise this, let alone admit to suffering from mental exhaustion or emotional problems lest they be ostracised by their fellow workers, bosses or even closest family and partners.

This is all changing now and it has become a signature topic that has captured the attention of the masses at long last.

What are the top 3 things to know about this?

1/ Recognise the signs. Are you finding it hard to sleep? Do you find it hard to focus and concentrate on one task at a time? Is your appetite affected?

2/ Admit that you need help. Accept that this is not a sign of weakness but the first step to making you strong again.

3/ Seek different types of help until you find the one that works for YOU.

There is not ‘a one size fits all’ cure. Everybody is different. I know from personal experience that while therapists and psychologists are the first people we are directed towards, for me, it was more about allowing myself to explore other avenues. Allowing myself the time to pause and reflect. Most importantly of all – allowing myself to accept that recovery from any type of mental and emotional stress is a ladder that you have to climb. One small step at a time with people that you totally trust to confide in.

This is an issue that is so important for everyone. SME business owners, Entrepreneurs, office workers, finance professionals, the mother, the uncle, the sister or brother. Each and every one of us, in every sector and walk of life knows someone directly or indirectly affected by mental health issues whether we care to admit or not. This is something I’ll be covering again soon from the perspectives of employers and their staff to highlight how everyone can work together and ensure that the momentum built up isn’t allowed to fade away again.

In the meantime, if you or someone you know is in emotional distress – remember the three points above: –

Recognition

Admission

Seek help.

If this issue resonates with you – whether you are looking for work, an employee or a business owner, please let me know your comments to help me post more relevant articles on this really important subject.

This morning it was brilliant to hear from Ian Evans, Editor at East Midlands Business Link that Sarah-Louise Wykes here has successfully been shortlisted as one of the finalists in the Fastest 40 Professional category this year! We are all thrilled for her but also for all the other finalists too. These awards are designed to bring much needed recognition to all the up and coming professional businessmen and women making a valuable contribution to their respective businesses and teams.

An Overall Winner – sponsored by NTU Employability – will be selected from the winners of each category.

The awards ceremony is set to take place on Tuesday 16th May, 4pm-6.30pm at Genting Casino Riverlights Derby and it is fair to say everyone here will be there with fingers crossed for Sarah-Louise!

Congratulations to all the other finalists who are detailed below…

Fastest in Tech & Creative – Sponsored by High Growth

Mary Baird-Wilcock, The Simplifiers; Tom Craig & Aaron Dicks, Impression; Ross Davies, Strafe Creative; Jon Martin, Hallam Internet; Sam Stoffel, Profit Accumulator; Rob Twells & Liam Nelson, Frogspark; Matt Wheatcroft, Purpose Media

Fastest in Professional Services – Sponsored by East Midlands Business Link

Jahid Ali, Spearing Waite; Kay Botley, Duncan & Toplis; Simon Browning, UHY Hacker; Young Zoe Dowthwaite, Flint Bishop; Ginny Hallam, Halborns Sarah-Louise Wykes, Astute Recruitment

Fastest Restaurant and Bar – Sponsored by Poppleston Allen

Craig Bunting, BEAR; Sophie Green, The Cross Keys; Craig Poynter, The Bakehouse; Christian Wirizlay, The Pillar Box

Fastest Owner-Manager – Sponsored by Qdos Consulting

Tom Craig & Aaron Dicks, Impression; Mark Dryden, Box 09; Tim Emmony, MNE Accounting; Bradley Gough, Davies Gough Recruitment; Ed Hollands, DrivenMedia; Matt Wheatcroft, Purpose Media

Fastest in Property – Sponsored by Cartwright Communications

Arran Bailey, ALB Investments; Graham Bancroft, BB&J Commercial; Tom Drew, LK2; James Roys, David James Estate Agents

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Mike

16:04 13 Mar 23

Highly recommended! Josh and Sarah have been fantastic at Astute. They've found and placed me in 2 jobs now between them, both really responsive and excellent at keeping you up to speed with things. Very knowledgable about the roles and happy to talk to companies with any queries you have.

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10:45 27 Jan 23

Great agency one of the best ones I've worked with! Liz has been a great help and support in helping me towards a new direction in my career life. She is very attentive and keeps me in the loop at all times! She makes the extra effort to work with my preferred requirements for work and even if it isn't completely attainable she meets me in the middle and does as much as she can to help! Also Liz is very funny might I add 😂 and I'm happy that I can now put a face to the name after all these years! Thank you again Liz for all your help and support! 😊

Christine

10:32 20 Dec 22

Josh and the Astute team was very swift to help me to find roles that matched my profile. They are really reliable and will help through every step of the recruitment process going out of their way to assist and follow up when needed. Could not find a better recruitment agency!

Helen Pinegar

16:19 18 Dec 22

Fantastic recruitment agency.. Josh was extremely enthusiastic, encouraging and clearly knowledgeable about what was needed from both the employee and the employers point of view. Extremely supportive especially in regards to interview preparation and endeavoured to procure feedback promptly. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Astute in the future to both candidates and recruiting businesses particularly for the right fit for the role!!!

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11:56 30 Nov 22

I have worked as a candidate for Astute and they have been excellent. Super friendly service and professional agents keen to fit the right person to the right job. It has been a pleasure dealing with them and I would happily work for them again in the future. Highly recommend this agency.