June 2011 - Student loans and work experience issues debated
The first business round table debate by Wilkins Kennedy at the Holiday Inn at Maidenhead was such a resounding success that guests carried on debating instead of opting for final informal networking.
The panel included Maidenhead and Reading business leaders who covered a wide range of topics including the recession, red tape, regeneration, demise of Business Link and student loans, under the chairmanship of Business Editor Carla Delaney.
An issue which raised the temperature of the room was student loans, described by a panelist as "one of the biggest crimes of the century because youth are burdened with debt before they have a chance to start their careers."
It was feared thousands would never be free of debt and might never be able to own homes like past generations because high end jobs are not guaranteed . Apprenticeships were considered fairer for less academic students, and it was felt schools should do more to promote them.
Another debater complained of work experience red tape. Criminal record checks were off putting and onerous. One of the panel said that all those who came into contact with a trainee in his company would have to supply utility bills, passports, driving licences and details of any official warnings. This was described as "crazy".
Additionally, expensive and time consuming risk assessments have to be carried out and teachers come to the workplace to assess the paperwork and checks. "One wonders who is doing who a favour," said a director. The general view was that teenagers will miss out on valuable work experience when it is costly to supply opportunities.
With the economy high on the Agenda, Wilkins Kennedy partner Tim Collerton acknowledged that although the country was officially out of recession there were many hurdles to overcome. There was optimism due to manufacturing and service industries getting back on track. But he said there was still suffering, especially in the areas of discretionary spend - businesses such as restaurants and leisure which rely on leisure income.
With food prices, utility and petrol costs rising, spare cash is in short supply. However, the south is still cash rich with professionals and families wanting to buy time saving services such as cleaning. But even successful cleaning companies are up against the black economy where service providers are paid cash in hand, the meeting heard.
Red tape and regulation was still considered to be a burden to growing businesses and an appeal to lessen the stranglehold was made. Thorny local issues such as town centre regeneration were debated at length. Reading was held up as an icon for regeneration success and reward.
The service sector as a whole has undergone an upheaval and banks in particular are finding it a very fluid market, with customers shopping around and being choosy. Compliance, risk regulation, VAT and data protection continue to cause business grief alongside global fraud and corruption.
"We were very pleased by the level of debate and grateful to the directors for giving their time and debating so well. It is good to know what businesses at grassroots think and we are considering running another event.
Ends
If you would like to be considered for future panel discussion please contact PR Director Laura Hazell at laura@oxwichcommunications.com .
Attendees:
Tim Collerton: Partner Wilkins Kennedy
David Rusbrook: Barclays Corporate
David Few, Blandy and Blandy LLP
Cliff Jackson, Partner Lambert Smith Hampton
Pam Bader, CEO Mollymaid
Alistair Morrell, MD Wheelbarrow Wines
