By autumn last year, the rising panic of the USA 's failing banks and the reality of its effects in Britain had really hit home. Knowing that for the majority of businesses the first port of call was going to be reaching for the financial statements to look for areas on where to cut back, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) placed an advertisement across the UK media in the form of an open letter to UK Employers in which the five signatories stated that,
"As leaders of major businesses, business organisations and trade unions in the United Kingdom , we are absolutely committed to investing in training."
The five leaders, which included Sir Michael Rake, Chairman of UKCES and BT Group and Sir Stuart Rose, Chairman of Business in the Community and Marks and Spencer addressed the concerns of businesses,
"In an economic downturn, there is always a temptation for businesses - large and small- to cut the spending on staff training. When times are tough it looks a simple way to cut costs.
"But it's a false economy. Research in 2007 confirms that firms that don't train are 2.5 times more likely to fail than those that do!"
They continued:
"From our experience in previous downturns, it was the business that did invest in their staff which saw the most dynamic recovery."
At Connaught Connection we spoke to Darren Teverson, Health & Safety Manager of the Pinewood Studios Group, who is currently studying for his NEBOSH Diploma; he totally agrees with the issues raised in the letter, commenting,
"The Pinewood Studios Group, which comprises Pinewood, Shepperton and Teddington studios remain committed to training for all employees throughout the economic downturn. Health & Safety training remains part of our core annual training schedule and it is essential to start this in the induction process so that the new employee is aware that the company is serious about their safety."
The Pinewood Studios Group, known as 'the home of Bond', is one of the world's best film and television studios. Their commitment to health & safety training is best demonstrated in their Annual Health and Safety Awareness Day to which they invite members of the film, television & advertising industry to learn about up-to-date with new legislation. Connaught Compliance Training Services Consultants' are always key to these days and have also presented specialist workshops for pre-production teams at Pinewood.
Darren continued,
"A company's commitment to training not only helps improve efficiency and productivity, but importantly in these difficult times, it improves morale and confidence. Studying for the NEBOSH Certificate and Diploma through Connaught has given me confidence in my career and delight in knowing that the company for which I work is supporting me. For the company as a whole and individual staff members, training is undoubtedly one of the keys to success." | 
