If you are not impressed with the weather at the moment, or indeed your commute to work, spare a thought for Ali Sarfaraz FCCA, corporate controller of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, an Inuit birthright development corporation based, quite literally, at the end of the road to nowhere (which in this case is Iqaluit in Nunavut, Canada). Originally from Oman, he talks with passion about the work he does helping the region’s economic development.
Staying in Canada, we have a report from the ISSB’s recent symposium in Montreal where the sustainability reporting standards board approved the first two of its standards. Given that the standard-setter was only set up in November 2021, this has all happened remarkably quickly. Reporting standards are not renowned for their quick turnaround, so it’s encouraging to see what can be achieved when the (climate) clock is really ticking. Other sectors could take note.
On the other side of the Atlantic, we hear how the European SME sector is flourishing and expected to grow over the next three years. Meanwhile a strengthening euro is proving a headache for many CFOs in the eurozone whose companies export to the US – a 10% increase in the value of the euro against the dollar is making their products and services less competitive.
On a more positive note, we explore an EY report that looks at how leaders taking their organisations through a transformation process can keep their employees motivated and engaged. It highlights six drivers for success.
Finally, we consider how to keep employees happy within the practice sector – vital in the struggle to retain key staff during the current talent war.
