I run a manufacturing company with a sales force that has traditionally done a lot of its business in the pub. We’ve currently got no policy in place on drinking during working hours but I’ve noticed a few of my factory workers have started nipping to the pub on lunch hours. Our processes aren’t particularly hazardous but obviously it could affect quality. I don’t really want to bring in a blanket ban on drinking for all employees because it could lose me sales but I do have to put a stop to those on the shop floor doing it. What’s the best way to handle this?
Q. I run a micro-brewery that sells bottled ales through a few local outlets. We have been approached by an investor who would like to help fund our growth but none of us has much experience in developing broader retail channels. Where should we start?
The head of my town’s Rotary club has recently approached me about becoming a member. I’m not much of a joiner and am, frankly, busy enough without yet another commitment but as I run a print shop that does a lot of work with local companies I wonder whether it might be good for business. What do you think?
My food processing business is in the fortunate position of expanding at the moment – in the current market would you recommend buying a new manufacturing unit to accommodate our growth or leasing extra space?