Rich Myers, owner of Get Baked, an independent bakery renowned for its inventive multi-layered cakes, publicly criticized a proposal from The Voice UK. The prominent TV show requested Get Baked supply free cakes for the entertainers and crew, stating that the exposure from the presence of celebrities would be adequate compensation, which Rich called "a kick in the teeth." He actively argues that such exchange of 'exposure' for products jeopardizes the financial stability of small businesses.
This request was perceived as symbolically shifting what constitutes value and reciprocation, especially when large corporations solicit smaller enterprises for cost-free services. Having established his flagship bakery in Manchester and expanded elsewhere, Rich vehemently posted on Instagram about the email he received. The email from The Voiceβs staff noted that while no monetary exchange could be made, their influential guests would enjoy the delights offered.
Myers critiqued the notion that having products consumed backstage results in meaningful exposure. While appreciation might stem from fame-associated consumption, Rich stresses that intangible reputational gain does not equate fiscal benefits vital for smaller businessesβ survival. This grievance is shared by numerous other independent operators faced with similar requests from entities with substantial operational budgets.
Following Myersβ outcry, representatives from Lifted Entertainment, producers of The Voice, issued an apology, stating the email was not in alignment with their usual practices or operational expectations, and assured that internal steps were underway to curb such practices in the future. Rich, recognizing the apology as part of a broader dialogue, noted this could usher a recalibration of industry norms regarding complimentary supplier engagement policies.
While the assurance from The Voice is welcomed, Rich continues his campaign against 'exposure for services' culture flourishing within influential sectors. He hopes small business owners seize this opportunity to stand firm against unrealistic demands, bolstering a business ethic that respects equitable partnerships. Ultimately, this incident has cultivated a discussion about the broader ethical considerations in business interactions between small enterprises and larger media entities.
Original news source: Cake freebie request from The Voice 'abysmal', says bakery – BBC News (BBC)
π§ Listen:
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
1. Discuss the importance of fair compensation in business with your partner.
2. Think of a time when you or someone you know was asked to work for exposure.
3. Role-play a negotiation between a small business owner and a large corporation.
4. Share examples of businesses successfully opposing unfair compromises.
5. Brainstorm what constitutes 'value' in business partnerships beyond money.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
– The Voice UK requested that Rich Myers supply free cakes for the entertainers and crew, offering exposure in return.
– He criticized the request, stating it undermines the financial stability of small businesses.
– The email noted that no monetary exchange could be made, but influential guests would enjoy the cakes.
– Because it doesn't provide tangible fiscal benefits necessary for businesses to thrive.
– They apologized and stated internal measures were being taken to prevent such practices.
– A discussion on the norms and ethics of supplier engagement policies between small and large enterprises.
– He's campaigning against the 'exposure for services' culture prevalent in influential sectors.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Rich Myers, owner of Get Baked, an independent bakery renowned for its inventive multi-layered cakes, criticized a proposal from The UK. The prominent TV show Get Baked supply free cakes for the entertainers and crew, that the exposure from the presence of celebrities would be adequate compensation, which Rich called "a kick in the teeth." He actively argues that such exchange of 'exposure' for products jeopardizes the financial stability of small businesses. This request was perceived as symbolically shifting what constitutes value and reciprocation, especially when large corporations solicit smaller enterprises for cost-free services. Having established his flagship bakery in Manchester and expanded elsewhere, Rich vehemently posted on Instagram about the email he . The email from The Voiceβs staff noted that while no monetary exchange could be made, their guests would enjoy the delights offered. critiqued the notion that having consumed backstage results in meaningful exposure. While appreciation might stem from fame-associated consumption, Rich stresses that intangible gain does not equate fiscal benefits vital for smaller businessesβ survival. This grievance is shared by numerous other independent operators faced with similar requests from entities with substantial operational budgets. Following Myersβ outcry, representatives from Lifted Entertainment, of The Voice, issued an , stating the email was not in alignment with their usual practices or operational expectations, and that internal steps were underway to curb such practices in the future. Rich, recognizing the apology as part of a broader dialogue, noted this could usher a of industry regarding complimentary supplier engagement . While the assurance from The Voice is welcomed, Rich continues his campaign against 'exposure for services' culture flourishing within influential sectors. He hopes small business owners seize this opportunity to stand firm against unrealistic demands, bolstering a business ethic that respects equitable partnerships. , this incident has cultivated a discussion about the broader ethical considerations in business interactions between small enterprises and larger media entities.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. How do you perceive the concept of receiving exposure as a form of payment?
2. Have you ever been in a situation where you or someone else was asked to provide a service for exposure? How did you handle it?
3. Should celebrities be held accountable for promoting the idea of exposure as compensation?
4. What ethical considerations should large corporations have when dealing with small businesses?
5. How does social media influence small businesses in expressing grievances?
6. Can an apology from a major entity like The Voice genuinely make a difference?
7. Are there industries where exposure might be considered more valuable than monetary compensation?
8. How might the norms of exposure vs. monetary compensation evolve in the future?
9. Is it possible for a business to benefit both financially and reputationally simultaneously?
10. What are some challenges small businesses face when negotiating with larger entities?
11. How can small enterprises cultivate equitable and sustainable business partnerships?
12. What role does public opinion play in changing business practices or policies?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
