Bosses get business advice from straight-talking professor

BOSSES were advised to dedicate time to managing their business and not let it manage them, to ensure future success.

Covid restrictions meant this year’s Invest In Rossendale meeting between Rossendale council, business association Valley at Work and East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce went online via Zoom.

Rob Carder, chairman of Valley at Work, introduced guest speaker, straighttalking Edge Hill

University Professor

Simon Bolton.

He explained to the audience of 43 how he failed his 11+ but went on to do a degree in industrial design at the Royal College of Arts in London. He had worked in more than 40 countries, had a manufacturing business in China and had been a problem solver for Proctor and Gamble. Despite his art background, one of his successful innovations was a system that helped shoppers open plastic bags to aid fruit and veg packaging and reduce waste - it saved supermarkets millions.

With East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Simon has led a Crisis Recovery Programme in response to need.

Since lockdown, 87 businesses have attended with the key focus: reacting, planning, stabilising and refocusing to help businesses recover.

Businesses attending described the meeting as interesting, informative and insightful.

Rossendale council leader Coun Alyson Barnes outlined the ‘challenging times’ felt by all, but how there had been great examples set, including Zoom innovation by Cronkshaw Fold Farm in Helmshore and exemplary safety measures introduced at Rawtenstall Market.

Miranda Barker, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, outlined the work of the organisation and highlighted the success of the Rossendale Business Leaders’ Group that brought together major Rossendale companies.