Running a company is one of the hardest things a person can do. Unless, that is, you run three. In this week’s Speaking of Startups episode, meet serial entrepreneur Ieva Balciute. Creator of the sustainable fashion brand Alfa Vega, Senior Vice President at TV production […]
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Major banking firm NatWest Group has recently banned its staff from using WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Skype on company devices. This comes amid growing concerns around the use of certain communication channels that make it more difficult to retrieve messages. Energy regulator Ofgem fined Morgan […]
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Nema recently identified that over 90 percent of pollution in Nairobi’s rivers originates from…
Business Africa
In order to attract the best talent, most companies know that they will need to offer an attractive employee benefit package. From holiday allowance to savings schemes, there are plenty of options to consider. But what about sabbatical leave? Sabbatical leave is where an employee […]
UncategorizedIn order to attract the best talent, most companies know that they will need to offer an attractive employee benefit package. From holiday allowance to savings schemes, there are plenty of options to consider.
But what about sabbatical leave?
Sabbatical leave is where an employee takes a period of time away from work, either paid or unpaid, to undertake personal or professional development or projects.
It’s better-known across the pond. But plenty of “big name” companies in the UK now offer sabbaticals as standard parts of their policies. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Global financial services company, Deloitte, offers two sabbatical leave programmes for employees to choose from.
Employees can undertake a one-month unpaid sabbatical for any reason or a three – six month sabbatical to pursue personal or professional growth in either career development or volunteering.
If Deloitte employees opt for the three – six month option, then they will receive 40% of their salary while on sabbatical leave.
Back in 2022, British bank, Monzo, introduced an extended paid sabbatical leave programme to complement the one-month sabbatical option that was already available.
Monzo employees can take one month of unpaid sabbatical leave per year, but those who have been in their roles for four years or more can now take a three-month paid sabbatical too.
Employees who choose to take the three-month sabbatical option can take the leave in one block or one month at a time throughout the year. There’s also no requirement for how you spend the leave, meaning employees can use it to upskill, travel or spend time with family.
Workers at PayPal are eligible to take a four-week, paid sabbatical once they have worked for the company for five years.
Employees who wish to make use of the sabbatical leave will get full pay for those four weeks, and can use the time to do whatever they want.
One requirement however is that employees must take the sabbatical leave within 12 months of becoming eligible.
Corporate staff at McDonalds receive various employee benefits including the opportunity to take eight weeks of paid sabbatical leave.
McDonalds operates a “no questions asked” sabbatical leave programme, meaning staff can use the leave to do whatever they want and receive their full salary.
To be eligible, however, employees must have worked at the company for 10 years.
Tech giants, Microsoft, offer a sabbatical leave programme to employees. However, there are various requirements that staff must meet first in order to be eligible.
For starters, the programme is only open to staff who have worked for the company for 10 years or more, and staff must reach a certain employee level grading before they can take the leave.
Employees who are eligible can take eight weeks’ paid sabbatical leave to embark on personal or professional projects and development.
Employees at Adobe can take paid sabbatical leave once they have worked at the company for a set number of years. How much sabbatical leave a worker is entitled to depends on how long they’ve been with the company.
Staff who have worked at Adobe for five years are entitled to four weeks, those who have been there for 10 years get five weeks, and those who have worked for the company for 15 years can take six weeks.
Employees on sabbatical leave will receive their full salary and benefits package and the leave must be taken in one block.
Bank of America offers a sabbatical leave programme for its UK employees. However, there are various requirements that employees will need to meet in order to be eligible.
Employees can take between 4-6 weeks of paid sabbatical leave every five years, however they must first have worked for the company for at least 15 years.
Sabbatical leave can be taken twice in an employee’s career with Bank of America.
Sabbatical leave can be beneficial for employees and employers alike. It offers employees a greater work-life balance, and the chance to undertake personal projects that enhance their wellbeing.
When they return to the workplace they are likely to feel rejuvenated, engaged and productive, all things that will boost your business. Many workers choose to undertake upskilling and professional development during sabbaticals too, meaning they return with new skills and experience to apply to their roles – a major asset.
It’s not just sabbaticals that you should consider either, there are tons of employee perks you can introduce to boost staff engagement and morale and better retain your talent, and these are unpacked in the links enclosed.
So, now you know…we can see those job applications going off already!
Lucy Nixon – content writer
With 10 years experience in the digital marketing industry, Lucy is a content writer specialising in ecommerce, website building and all things small business. Her passion is breaking down tricky topics into digestible and engaging content for readers. She’s also committed to uncovering the best platforms, tools, and strategies, researching meticulously to providing hand-on tips and advice.
The post These UK companies are all offering sabbaticals in 2024 appeared first on Startups.co.uk.
Glacier Energy has acquired Advanced Group Services Limited (AGS), an independent heat transfer company, based in Tyne & Wear. This acquisition will enable Glacier Energy to establish a mechanical solutions hub in the North-East of England, supporting the company increase its presence in renewable and industrial markets, […]
Startups
Glacier Energy has acquired Advanced Group Services Limited (AGS), an independent heat transfer company, based in Tyne & Wear. This acquisition will enable Glacier Energy to establish a mechanical solutions hub in the North-East of England, supporting the company increase its presence in renewable and industrial markets, including rail. Through expanding the range of heat exchanger repair and refurbishment services, and achieving pull-through from other group companies, Glacier Energy’s ambition is to double the size of the business in just three years.
The acquisition of AGS, which operates from a 26,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Washington, follows recent investment from Averroes Capital and BGF, supporting Glacier Energy’s growth through both organic development and targeted acquisitions. Glacier Energy demonstrated its commitment to the North-East of England earlier this year, with the acquisition of Francis Brown in Teesside. Francis Brown, which specialises in the design and manufacture of heat transfer equipment, is highly complementary to AGS’s repair and refurbishment offering.
This acquisition is aligned with Glacier Energy’s vision of establishing strategic locations across the UK to support sustainable industry growth and provide new job opportunities. As part of Glacier Energy’s investment in the North-East of England, the site will enable the company to attract skilled talent and contribute to the economic growth of the region, reinforcing Glacier Energy’s long-term commitment to UK industry.
Scott Martin, CEO of Glacier Energy, said: “The acquisition of AGS is a significant milestone for Glacier Energy. The North-East of England offers an ideal environment for our expansion as it is rapidly becoming a centre for renewable and industrial growth. This acquisition allows us to build on AGS’s established reputation and develop a robust base to deliver expanded services across industrial and rail markets. We are committed to backing the region’s growth and building on its industrial strengths for the future.”
Philip Riches, Managing Director of AGS, commented: “This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity for AGS, enabling a broader range of mechanical services to be provided to our loyal customer base. There is strong cultural and strategic fit between the companies and the acquisition will set AGS on a strong path to continue supporting the industrial and rail markets it serves with renewed focus and commitment.”
Is there something that’s irritating you right now? In your personal life or professional? In this episode of Speaking of Startups, we sit down with Rafe Offer. 15 years ago, he was just a man who hated when people talked during gigs. In 2024, he’s […]
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Discussions surrounding the elusive work-life balance have been ramping up in recent months, with many companies introducing greater flexibility to working hours, including implementing a four-day week. But now there’s a new kid on the block – the nine-day fortnight. This flexible working arrangement could […]
UncategorizedDiscussions surrounding the elusive work-life balance have been ramping up in recent months, with many companies introducing greater flexibility to working hours, including implementing a four-day week.
But now there’s a new kid on the block – the nine-day fortnight. This flexible working arrangement could be the perfect solution for those who want to move away from the five-day week, but who aren’t ready just yet to lose an entire day four times a month.
At the start of November, 17 organisations began trialling the nine-day fortnight as part of the UK’s second four-day week trial. Let’s take a look at how it works, and how you can implement it in your organisation.
Simply speaking, a nine-day fortnight is the concept of condensing 10 days’ work into nine, giving you one day off every two weeks.
Staff would work the same hours they are contracted to over a two-week period, but would work extra hours for the first nine days of the two weeks, allowing them to take Day 10 off.
To calculate a nine-day fortnight, you’ll need to first work out a worker’s contracted hours for a two-week period.
For example, if a worker is contracted to work eight hours per day, their contracted hours for two weeks would be 80 hours (on the assumption that they work five days per week).
In order to work a nine-day fortnight instead of 10, the worker simply needs to make up the eight hours they will take off.
For example, they could work for an extra hour Monday – Friday in Week One and then Monday – Wednesday in Week Two in order to take the Friday off that week.
Most businesses will introduce a cycle structure so that you can be clear on what is Day One, and what is Day ten, aka the day off.
How to make it work:
If you’re worried about your business being shut down for a day, consider splitting your staff into two groups.
For instance, Group A would have Friday off one week, and Group B would have Friday off the next week, ensuring your business keeps running smoothly.
If you’re an employee and you think a nine-day fortnight could be the ideal working setup for you, then you’ll need to sit down with your managers and HR department.
While ultimately the decision will lie with your organisation, thanks to the Flexible Working Bill that came into effect in April 2024, employees no longer need to have worked at a business for 26 weeks or more to request flexible working arrangements and can instead ask from day one.
If you want to pitch a nine-day fortnight to your manager, do your research and clearly explain the concept, reiterating that you’ll be working all of your contracted hours over the two-week period.
Another common flexible hours option is the four-day week, but a nine-day fortnight isn’t the same thing.
A four-day working week tends to remove a working day altogether. Whilst employees will often work longer hours for the four days, they’re unlikely to make up the full day that’s lost.
In a nine-day fortnight model, however, employees will work the exact same hours over a two-week period, with the hours condensed down to nine days.
A nine-day fortnight therefore can often have less impact on the day-to-day running of a business and on staff productivity.
At the start of November, the UK began a new four-day week trial. Many participants will work a nine-day fortnight, suggesting it could be a good compromise for firms that aren’t comfortable with a four-day week, but want to explore alternative flexible work options.
Introducing a nine-day fortnight model could come with a host of benefits, including better staff morale and wellbeing, increased productivity and longer staff retention.
Changing the working model of an organisation can be daunting, but a nine-day fortnight shouldn’t introduce too much disruption, and could actually result in major mutual benefits for employers and employees.
If you’re thinking about introducing a more flexible model, take a look at our guide to every flexible working approach to help you figure out which one is right for you.
Lucy Nixon – content writer
With 10 years experience in the digital marketing industry, Lucy is a content writer specialising in ecommerce, website building and all things small business. Her passion is breaking down tricky topics into digestible and engaging content for readers. She’s also committed to uncovering the best platforms, tools, and strategies, researching meticulously to providing hand-on tips and advice.
The post What is a nine-day fortnight and could it replace the four-day week? appeared first on Startups.co.uk.
Kazakhstan has become the latest country to embrace digital nomad visas with the launch of its first ever “Neo Nomad Visa”. The scheme, which is aimed at remote workers and freelancers, will enable Brits to live and work in the country for up to one […]
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In a significant development for Aberdeen’s business landscape, Bon Accord Glass, a prominent glazing and window installation company, has undergone a management buyout (MBO) as it marks its 50th year of operation. The deal sees the company’s ownership transition to the next generation of the […]
Startups
In a significant development for Aberdeen’s business landscape, Bon Accord Glass, a prominent glazing and window installation company, has undergone a management buyout (MBO) as it marks its 50th year of operation. The deal sees the company’s ownership transition to the next generation of the founding family.
Michelle Kinghorn and Danielle McAnespie – daughters of Colin Kinghorn and Martin Allan – will become the new owners along with fellow directors Ian McDonald and Neil Wilson.
Colin and Martin – who completed their own MBO of Bon Accord in 2008 – will remain involved as advisors.
Colin Kinghorn commented: “I am very confident that the new management team of my daughter, Michelle, and her talented colleagues will continue to uphold the reputation for quality and customer care that Bon Accord Glass is known for.”
Neil Wilson, speaking on behalf of the new directors, said: “We are honoured to have the opportunity to lead Bon Accord Glass into the future.
“We are fortunate to still have Colin and Martin’s continued guidance as we build on the firm’s impressive legacy.”
The company, which employs 47 people and has an annual turnover of £6.25 million, has built a strong reputation in the North-east of Scotland for its high-quality glazing products and services.
Ever dreamed of personal recognition from your favourite singer, actor or internet personality? Well, that’s exactly what Cameo was made for. Customers can use its online platform to purchase personalised video messages from a wide range of celebrities – requesting personal shoutouts for different occasions, […]
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Holmes Mackillop’s expansion continues apace with the appointment of a trio of solicitors across its commercial property, property and private client teams. Following a brace of promotions in October, Sean Fraser now joins the firm’s property team as an associate with expertise in commercial property […]
Startups
Holmes Mackillop’s expansion continues apace with the appointment of a trio of solicitors across its commercial property, property and private client teams.
Following a brace of promotions in October, Sean Fraser now joins the firm’s property team as an associate with expertise in commercial property while Amy Pollock has been recruited as an associate with expertise in all aspects of property related matters, as well as extensive experience in Wills, Estates and Future Planning.
Mark Joseph has been appointed as a solicitor to Holmes Mackillop’s private client team operating from its Glasgow and Johnstone offices, where he will assist Director Carole Johnston.
Welcoming Mr Fraser and Ms Pollock to the property team, Director Kevin Thompson said: “We are delighted to appoint Sean and Amy to our burgeoning team to bolster the comprehensive range of legal advice and expertise we can offer across residential and commercial property markets.
“Whether buying and selling a home, often the biggest lifetime transactions most of us will Undertake, or dealing with complex commercial property transactions on behalf of small businesses or a large plcs, our enlarged property team provides inhouse expertise to offer clients a professional service through the delivery of practical support and cost-effective solutions.”
And welcoming Mr Joseph to the firm’s private client team, Director Ross Brown added: “We are pleased to recruit Mark to our busy team and certain he will make an immediate contribution to the provision of our expert legal advice to clients with a focus on the protection of the interests of individuals and their families through the establishment of appropriate mechanisms to best protect their assets.”
With over 240 years of experience, Holmes Mackillop has a long history of delivering a broad spectrum of legal services to its clients from offices in Glasgow City, Glasgow Southside, Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East and South Renfrewshire.
Its comprehensive range of services includes buying and selling homes; commercial property; corporate; dispute resolution and litigation; emerging markets; employment; family and divorce; restructuring and insolvency; wills, estates and future planning.
Elementz, specialists in subsea integrity management software for the global offshore energy sector, has become one of the first subsea tech companies to form a strategic partnership with The Data Lab, signalling its commitment to Aberdeen’s digital and data science community. Launched in Aberdeen earlier […]
Startups
Elementz, specialists in subsea integrity management software for the global offshore energy sector, has become one of the first subsea tech companies to form a strategic partnership with The Data Lab, signalling its commitment to Aberdeen’s digital and data science community.
Launched in Aberdeen earlier this year, Elementz was established to take a wealth of experience in industrial software provision and enable the transformation and modernisation of integrity management across subsea asset portfolios for a growing global client base of multinational operators across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Its collaboration with The Data Lab, Scotland’s Innovation Centre for Data and AI, marks a significant milestone in Elementz’s mission to integrate data and AI solutions into integrity management, offering new pathways through skill development initiatives and talent retention for Aberdeen’s digital ecosystem.
The Data Lab’s regional base is Aberdeen’s ONE Tech Hub, where representatives from the organisation gathered with team leaders from Elementz this week to officially launch the new partnership. By partnering with Elementz, The Data Lab aims to strengthen its regional impact, advancing Aberdeen’s position at the forefront of Scotland’s data-driven transition across the energy and renewables sector. With over 400 members in North East, The Data Lab’s collaborations are key to shaping Aberdeen’s digital future and to creating new opportunities for innovation, talent development and sustainable growth.
Commenting on the partnership with The Data Lab, Elementz CEO Jason Brown said: “The digital tech sector is one of the fastest growing in Scotland and we are delighted to announce our partnership with The Data Lab during an exciting time for the industry. We’re proud to be playing our part in helping to strengthening Aberdeen’s digital economy by aligning with key industry organisations such as The Data Lab, whose commitment to fostering growth in the digital space aligns with our own vision for the future of subsea asset management.
“As a new name in subsea asset integrity management software, we have been looking at ways to evolve within the local digital tech industry. This new partnership will unlock new opportunities as we tap into local expertise, build links with the city’s universities and connect with the data science community to ensure we continue to attract and retain digital talent in the region.”
With a dedicated team of 17, Elementz specialises in robust and trusted Software as a Service (SaaS). The core offering – “Integrity Elementz” – provides a range of comprehensive, configurable cloud-based applications or “elements” to enable users to build End-to-End (E2E) integrity frameworks for their subsea assets. They can be tailored to provide all the functionality needed to serve as the core integrity platform to effectively plan, execute and report on all integrity and inspection activities.
Within a modern, integrated energy portfolio, maintaining subsea integrity has never been more important to uphold existing infrastructure and drive forward new energy developments – it lies at the very heart of a sustainable and resilient energy future. The prize of transforming from traditional approaches as part of a wider digital eco-system is significant with the potential to reduce operational costs by over 40%.
“As Aberdeen’s energy sector embraces digital integration, technology and digital solutions must be embedded as routine and incorporated as a new standard to drive transformation,” explains Jason. “As a team of experienced data specialists, we are laying strong foundations to support the energy industry’s digital revolution.
“We look forward to developing close links with The Data Lab to explore new ideas and opportunities that will enable innovation and support the next stage in our growth journey.”
Mark Wilkinson, Director of Partnerships and Business Development at The Data Lab, said “With a network of over 3,000 companies, public sector organisations and universities, The Data Lab is right at the heart of the Scottish and UK data ecosystems, allowing our partners to capitalise on our extensive knowledge and academic and industrial connections.
“We welcome Elementz to The Data Lab Partner Programme and recognise the critical role that data and AI have in supporting organisations who are helping shape a sustainable future.
“We’re excited to further strengthen our network in the North East, supporting innovation, skills development and collaboration, celebrating Aberdeen’s position at the forefront of data and AI transformation in the energy and renewables sector.”
A Scottish business growth expert has bolstered its top team with the appointment of a highly-experienced and widely respected figure as non-executive director. ZLX Business Solutions, which specialises in research and development (R&D) tax credits among other financial solutions, has added Francis Kiernan to its […]
Startups
A Scottish business growth expert has bolstered its top team with the appointment of a highly-experienced and widely respected figure as non-executive director.
ZLX Business Solutions, which specialises in research and development (R&D) tax credits among other financial solutions, has added Francis Kiernan to its board in the newly-created role.
With a career spanning more than 30 years in energy and international commerce, Francis will help drive growth in the north-east of Scotland while enhancing the company’s governance alongside CEO Stephen McCallion and commercial director David Purvis.
Francis is managing director of Aberdeen-based ABIS Energy Group, a company he founded in 2014 to deliver in-depth market and stakeholder analyses to help clients solve complex business and supply chain problems.
Born in Ireland and a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, where he studied engineering, and the London School of Economics, Francis has significant experience in the upstream and downstream energy sectors in the UK, Scandinavia and globally.
He has served as director and board member for several PLCs in the oil and gas industry and is a fellow of the engineering design institute (FIED), a member of Guernica 37 Chambers, a director of the London Diplomatic Association, and a member of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen.
Welcoming the new appointment, Stephen McCallion, founder and CEO of ZLX Business Solutions, commented: “I first met Francis a couple of years ago, shortly after opening our Aberdeen office, and have been impressed with his plethora of experience across multiple sectors and his straightforward approach to doing business.
“We have developed mutual respect and share common ground in terms of similar experiences and challenges faced, including knowledge of international markets, exports, contracts, and joint ventures.
“Francis will be a champion for the north-east while we take a holistic approach to the whole of the UK, including our head office in Glasgow and continued growth in London and the south-east. He will also support ZLX in our continued mission to bridge the gap between clients and the expansion of our services to a wider range of financial and software solutions.”
Francis Kiernan, non-executive director at ZLX Business Solutions, added: “I’m pleased to join the team and look forward to broadening the company’s interests in various sectors as well as creating a day-to-day relationship between our head office, key partners and stakeholders here in the north-east.
“As the company evolves from a focused R&D supplier, ZLX has an ever-expanding number of business growth solutions. Part of my role will be to align these with market opportunities, especially in the emerging areas of the low-carbon economy and energy transition.”
With offices in Aberdeen and Glasgow, ZLX Business Solutions is led by a team of experienced consultants, including accountancy, engineering and legal experts, who help identify projects eligible for tax relief and navigate clients through the claims process.
The company recently launched its technology growth fund (TGF), designed to create a pathway for fast-growing British businesses to advance up to 150% of their qualifying R&D tax credit and support planned research and product development activity.
