Urge to maintain lean

National chairman of the FPB, Len Collinson, says making time to think about the ‘big picture’ is difficult, but ultimately rewarding: “There are many daily distractions, from the necessities of the workplace to unwelcome government red tape. However, time spent looking at the longer term can be most beneficial.” Leaders and managers of today's businesses are called upon to exercise diverse skills, technical and social competences in an equally wide range of circumstances. The FPB’s publication Cost, Controls and Profit – The Complete Business Checklist seeks to reflect these demands, providing easy-to-follow advice for running a business. The checklists can also be used as a diagnostic tool to find root causes of challenges and the prospects for opportunities. FPB members can order a copy at the member-discounted price of just £95 – a saving of £60. Non-members can buy it for £155: call the FPB helpline on 0845 130 1722.