Enterprising staff are in short supply

THREE out of four UK small firms struggle to recruit
enterprising staff according to a new survey.

The study, released during the Government's Enterprise Week
initiative by mobile and broadband firm Orange, also found that
about 70 per cent of firms struggled to retain creative people.

But only 12 per cent felt better pay would keep staff loyal with
the nature of the work offered seen as most important.

Ar total of 77 per cent of the 500 small companies quizzed said
that hiring people “with initiative and bold ideas” was
either a major or minor problem.

And almost half said that its most enterprising employees left
for larger firms.

Offering new challenges as well as interesting work was seen as
key to retaining the best staff, according to respondents.

Orange said the findings showed it was important for firms to
get employees to channel their entrepreneurial and creative skills
back into the business.

Improving staff motivation and development would contribute to
the company's growth, it added.

“Unlike large companies, many small businesses lack the
financial resources to attract talented people with high salary
offers,” said Martin Lyne, director of small business at
Orange Business Services.

“And with skills shortages a concern in many industries,
the challenge of finding and retaining the right people is likely
to become more acute.”

Along with other companies including Tesco, Reed and BT, the
mobile phone group has worked with the Make Your Mark campaign –
which encourages enterprise among young people in the UK.

The group has made a free 'toolkit' for all businesses
including tips advising companies on ways of attracting and
retaining staff.

They include:

– Establishing open, honest relationships

– Building a solid recruitment and mentoring structure

– Offering responsibilities that will create loyalty and
motivation

– Banishing the fear of failure and encouraging enterprise

“All kinds of employees have the potential to contribute a
wealth of ideas, but they are not always given the
opportunity,” said Make Your Mark chief executive Harry
Rich.

“Businesses that release this potential encourage
creativity and risk-taking, leading to improved recruitment and
retention, a happier workforce and greater commercial
success.”