In my first ever column for Caerphilly Observer, I mentioned how important it was for business people to take time out to appreciate the rewards of their efforts.
“Stop and smell the roses” was the phrase I borrowed and in this, my last column as Chair of CBF, it’s quite timely to reuse it; tickets for the Chelsea Flower Show this week are exchanging hands on the black market for £300, suggesting “rose-smelling” has never been so popular … but taking time out, for whatever reason, comes at a price.
Portugal recently cancelled four of its 14 annual public holidays to try and boost economic output to reduce the budget deficit.
The balance of Work vs Play has shifted towards work for many of us in the last few years and so with the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee “double Bank Holiday” weekend approaching, it is inevitable that some commentators have focused on its cost to our economy.
This has been estimated at £2.3 billion but how do you calculate the value of the holiday to our health and well-being? And putting figures aside, taking time out can be just as important to businesses as individuals.
Our new “launch sponsors” Excellence IT will help us kick-start the 11th Caerphilly Business Forum Awards in association with Coleg Gwent at Llancaich Fawr, near Nelson, at breakfast time on June 19.
This is our big celebration when the business community takes time out to mark their success stories. Its value is hard to calculate in terms of profit or increased turnover but the benefits are still numerous and significant.
Andrew Diplock
Chairman, Caerphilly Business Forum
For more information about Caerphilly Business Forum and its events call 029 2125 1395 or email Natalie@cbforum.co.uk