Businesses Exposed to Operational Risk as Succession Planning Gaps Persist

Many UK businesses could be leaving themselves vulnerable to disruption by failing to put effective succession plans in place for key leadership roles, according to new research from Newman Stewart.

The executive search firm's latest findings reveal a significant gap between recognising the importance of succession planning and actually implementing it. 

While 39% of organisations say succession planning is embedded within their business strategy and regularly reviewed, the majority, 61%, have yet to establish a comprehensive approach.

Perhaps most concerning is 22% of businesses surveyed admitted succession planning isn't part of their strategy at all.

The findings come at a time when organisations across multiple sectors are facing increasing challenges in recruiting and retaining experienced leaders. 

As senior roles become more specialised and the competition for talent intensifies, businesses without a clear leadership pipeline could find themselves exposed to serious operational risks.

A sudden departure, retirement or career move involving a key executive can create significant disruption. 

Leadership vacancies often lead to delays in decision-making, loss of institutional knowledge and uncertainty among employees, customers and stakeholders. For project-driven industries and highly specialised sectors, these disruptions can have a direct impact on growth, profitability and business continuity.

According to Newman Stewart, the problem is being compounded by ongoing skills shortages and a shrinking pool of experienced senior candidates. Without a structured succession strategy, businesses are often forced into reactive recruitment processes that can be costly, time-consuming and less effective.

John Tilbrook, Managing Director of Newman Stewart, believes many organisations understand the need for succession planning but are failing to make it an active part of their long-term strategy.

He explains while awareness of leadership planning has increased, far fewer companies have embedded succession planning into their day-to-day workforce strategy. As a result, many organisations remain unprepared when leadership changes occur.

Tilbrook argues that succession planning should not be treated as an occasional exercise but as a core component of strategic workforce planning. Identifying, developing and retaining future leaders before vacancies arise can help businesses maintain stability, protect valuable expertise and support sustainable growth.

The research serves as a timely reminder that succession planning is about more than preparing for retirement. In an increasingly competitive and unpredictable business environment, having a clear leadership pipeline may prove to be one of the most important safeguards against operational disruption.

For businesses looking to strengthen resilience and support long-term growth, succession planning is no longer a luxury – it is becoming a necessity.

http://www.newmanstewart.co.uk

Mind the Gap: Why Kerning Matters on Signs and Visual Displays

Have you ever walked past a shop or road sign, seen a deliver van and done a double take because the text looked… off? Perhaps a word seemed squashed together, or you momentarily misread it altogether. That, my friend, is likely a kerning issue.

Kerning refers to the spacing between individual letters in typography. While it may seem like a tiny detail, kerning plays a surprisingly big role in how we perceive and process text — especially on signs, posters, menus, and anything meant to grab attention at a glance.

Clarity is Key

The primary goal of signage is clear communication. Whether it’s directing traffic, labelling a business, or informing customers of a sale, signage needs to be instantly readable. Poor kerning can cause letters to appear jumbled or misleading, slowing down reading speed or worse — changing the perceived meaning.

Take the classic example:

“KER NING” vs “KERNING”.

One reads smoothly. The other makes you pause.

Visual Appeal (and Professionalism)

Bad kerning looks amateurish. When letters are too close together or oddly spaced, it gives the impression that not much care or thought was put into the design. This can undermine trust and make a brand seem less professional. First impressions matter — especially when your sign is your handshake with the public.

Avoiding Unintended Humour (or Embarrassment)

Poor kerning can lead to accidental, and sometimes unfortunate, misreads. Words might blend together to form entirely new — and often inappropriate — messages. Social media is full of photos of signs with hilarious (and avoidable) kerning fails that went viral for all the wrong reasons.

Accessibility and Legibility

Proper spacing helps make signage more accessible for people with visual impairments or reading difficulties. Clear, well-kerned type can reduce eye strain and confusion, helping more people understand your message with ease.

Kerning in the Real World

From road signs and restaurant menus to shopfronts and event posters, kerning isn’t just a graphic designer’s concern — it’s a matter of effective communication. Investing a bit of extra time in typography, or consulting a designer, can prevent costly reprints and public embarrassment.

The Takeaway

Good kerning isn’t about making things look “pretty” — it’s about making your message clear, credible, and readable. It’s a small design detail that speaks volumes.

Next time you’re designing or ordering signage, mind the space between the letters. Your message (and your reputation) depends on it.