< Previous20 Business Link www.blmforum.net BUSINESS TRAVEL © stock.adobe.com/ Johnstocker 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 14:05 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 21 BUSINESS TRAVEL COVID and the lockdown put business travel on the backburner, but the world is opening up once more and it’s important to know how to take advantage of that. O ver time video conferencing, webinars and other online tools have resulted in business travel abroad or further afield in the UK to lessen, but there are always some instances when a face-to-face meeting is best. Many companies prefer to initially meet new clients or partners in person before signing a contract or sealing that deal, or when collaborating within your own company and the other staff is overseas, meeting them in person helps team building. Whichever situation it is, it can be difficult and stressful if the meeting is further afield in the UK or especially if it’s in a foreign country with very different customs and etiquette to the UK - but there are strategies that can help business travellers succeed. Firstly, become as culturally aware as possible with business meeting protocols and hierarchy, gender differences, how to build a relationship and social etiquette as knowledge about these helps to avoid a potentially costly faux pas, and of course, wherever a business meeting takes place, first impressions always count. Initially, research the internet, books or online apps about new or international etiquette, read articles in magazines or online, and where possible ask questions of colleagues, or of anyone else who may have visited the place or country for work purpose. Also, when you arrive at the destination where the meeting or conference is occurring make the most of asking taxi drivers, waiters and especially a hotel concierge for further help if required, locals are generally proud and happy give you the best advice about how to behave and fit in, in their home country or area, and further help a person to avoid the inexperienced or ignorant ‘tourist on tour’ vibe. Specific training, usually from experts 22 Á 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 14:05 Page 222 Business Link www.blmforum.net BUSINESS TRAVEL who have lived and worked in a country or area/regional office, can also be sourced for staff needing specific or a more in-depth understanding of a new culture for a meeting that needs to be handled extra delicately. This training will cover cultural awareness as well as focusing on any gender specific challenges abroad and of course gives attendees a chance to ask additional, more complicated questions relevant to the challenges that maybe encountered. There are often definitive expectations when attending business meetings away such as how a business traveller should dress, with possible additional restrictions for women in certain cultures. A few general rules for all are to dress smartly and conservatively, avoiding whacky shirts, ties, socks, accessories and footwear, unless that is expected, for example in the fashion world. The weather is also something to be considered as sweat marks from overheating is not a good look and will cause discomfort, as can being too cold Always match the fabric to the weather, for instance in a humid country or hot climate natural fabrics like cotton are better to wear and more comfortable. Where possible, pack lightly as many regular business travellers never check luggage in if flying, only taking a carry-on bag, avoiding the risk of the airline losing essential bags, equipment and business wear. Carry only an appropriately clean, smart briefcase or bag to hold paperwork, electronics and files into the meeting itself, being aware if it’s appropriate to put the bag on the table or better to place it on your lap or, if necessary, on the floor. Always be punctual to any meetings or dinners. When you arrive at your destination look at travel times and routes, and allow time for delays, such as in India where cows have a right of way and hold up traffic as many gods and goddesses are associated with the cow, or in Germany where autobahn drivers are free to go as fast as they want in de- restricted sections but in many areas 80 mph per hour is the speed and of course road works and diversions can crop up anywhere. Some travel dates are unavoidable so research if the country you are visiting, or area in the UK, is celebrating a specific religious or national occasion, such as Ramadan – this is where Muslims don’t drink or eat between dawn and sunset – therefore a business lunch would be out of the question and inviting someone who is honouring Ramadan to a lunch would be deemed rude and ignorant. So, learning about local dining customs and etiquette is essential as dining out often forms an important part of business culture. Adjusting expectations relating to a different country’s culture is also helpful, for instance, in China it can take time to build a relationship with the often more reserved Chinese people, so be patient, in France it goes a long way to learn a few words of French, if not apologise for the lack of fluency and in Germany, during meetings, communication is serious and direct, so avoid jokes. Overall, working abroad, or further afield in the UK, can be interesting and a lot of fun but it’s vital to be aware that people differ from other countries, cultures and regions and often have different expectations and expect an effort is made to meet these, as it would be hoped any visitor to the UK would do the same. Taking time to research the area, wear the correct clothes, prepare ahead for the meeting and learn the correct etiquette for a meal could mean the world of difference and affect the outcome of a business deal turning it from negative to positive. 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 14:05 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 23 BUSINESS TRAVEL © stock.adobe.com/ Jacob Lund 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 14:05 Page 424 Business Link www.blmforum.net PRINTING AND PACKAGING packaging Streamlining 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 14:08 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 25 PRINTING AND PACKAGING © stock.adobe.com/Chaosamran_Studio P rinting and packaging are two essential aspects of a company’s business that require continuous improvement. Upgrading these functions can help a company to stay ahead of the competition and meet the ever-changing needs of its customers. However, it is easy to bury one’s head in the sand – the outlay is too high, there are no skilled designers in the business, the list goes on. In this respect, it can be useful to reassess one’s point of view. Updating branding assets should be seen as a corporate refresher rather than an instant sales maker – it improves consumer confidence and reinvigorates interest in a brand. Furthermore, there are many ways to achieve this refresh, ranging from the straightforward to the more complex and costly. The first, and in many ways easiest, method is to invest in design technology. Investing in the latest printing and 26 Á Print and packaging are integral in many manufacturing processes, and every business will use print media in one way or another. Streamlining the process can help save over the year. 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 14:08 Page 226 Business Link www.blmforum.net PRINTING AND PACKAGING packaging technology is one of the most important steps in upgrading the company’s printing and packaging functions. This includes purchasing high- end printing machines, digital printing systems, automatic packaging machines, and software for managing the printing and packaging process. The latest technology not only increases efficiency and speed but also helps to produce high-quality prints and packaging. Of course, this can get expensive, both in terms of equipment and the labour necessary to run it, which is why so many businesses turn to outside specialists for their printing needs. Outside agencies and graphic designers can further improve the usability of packaging by making it easy to open, close, and recycle, and by including clear and concise product information, such as ingredients, warnings, and instructions. This would enhance the customer experience of using a product, which is likely to translate into brand loyalty. If hiring designers falls outside of the company’s budget, it may be useful to source internally. A design team could be set up, comprised of employees with an eye for marketing and product development. This saves the outlay but allows for new ideas to be put forward. Setting up an internal design team has the added benefit of diversifying employee roles and giving them a creative outlet, which may improve job satisfaction. Once the design process has been streamlined, it may be prudent to consider production and quality control processes for printing and packaging. Streamlining the production process can help a company to increase efficiency and reduce costs. This can include investing in automated printing and packaging equipment, improving packaging consistency. Companies can also consider implementing lean © stock.adobe.com/Tomasz Zajda 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 14:08 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 27 PRINTING AND PACKAGING manufacturing principles, such as Just-In- Time (JIT) and Total Quality Management (TQM), to further improve production efficiency. Quality control is essential in printing and packaging, as it is a consumers’ first experience of a company’s products. Implementing quality control processes could include a robust quality management system, hiring skilled quality control personnel, and investing in testing equipment. Companies can also consider implementing a customer feedback system to receive regular feedback on packaging quality and make necessary improvements. Finally, brands should focus on investing in sustainable printing and packaging methods. Sustainability has become a critical factor in the printing and packaging industry, and companies must focus on eco-friendly practices to stay ahead of the competition. This can include using eco-friendly materials (such as cardboard, bamboo, and recycled plastic) reducing waste, and implementing energy-efficient printing processes. Companies can also consider certifying their products with sustainability certifications, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Rainforest Alliance. It can be tempting to shy away from investment in the current economic climate, but this attitude is one that has persisted for years now. If it was “not the right time” during the pandemic and “not the right time” after it, and it’s still “not the right time” now then that might mean 3-4 years since the last assessment of packaging, or promotional brand material, and that is time enough for technology to have changed, and for practices to have become outdated. Innovation is key, and staying ahead of the game comes a close second. With energy prices soaring, even the smallest saving can lead to quantifiable results. © stock.adobe.com/Seventyfour 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 14:08 Page 4The widening gap 28 Business Link www.blmforum.net APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINING A ccording to fresh research from the Office for National Statistics, staff shortages are everywhere, from farming to haulage, hospitality, health and social work sectors and all are causing pressure on businesses throughout the UK. With the lack of staff increasing pressure on a company’s ability to operate at normal levels due to reduced stock and supply chain disruption, nearly a third (32%) of businesses with 10 plus employees expressed a workforce shortage. Add to this strike action affecting 13% of businesses, recovery still taking place from the pandemic and an increasing number of people absent from work due to stress or long term illness - things could be bleak. David Pye, Director at Broadstone, an independent consultancy, states: “a shortage of human capital has been an increasing problem for businesses…..some sectors are affected more than others but the impact is clear to see: a growing burden on employees remaining in the workforce….and that means businesses looking after existing employees is more important than ever.” The two main solutions to combat these shortages are taking on apprentices, where an apprenticeship system is put in place at a company for the training of a new generation of tradesman, professionals or practitioners with on-site training and often some accompanying study being the main focus, or upskilling or reskilling existing staff. To up-skill current staff, which is aiding and supporting employees who hope to stay relevant in an increasingly mechanised world, entails training current employees to improve their skills, as well as boost their confidence, all of which enables employers to mould their employees into key players within the business who in turn boost their business performance. There are different ways to upskill valued staff. Firstly, there is peer-to-peer learning which is on the increase – this is where current staff members are willing to teach skills or create a study group of colleagues where learning sessions help employees to learn from each other and can generate enough interest in senior management that the learning sessions are organised to not only feature a senior member of staff to teach but they also help indicate what interest there is in a particular sector of the company. Similarly, a company may offer ‘stretch opportunities’ which is where a project outside an employee’s usual remit is offered and taken on, creating a great way to develop new competencies. These The widening gap The skills gap continues to be a problem, especially for skilled workers, but the problem won’t go away if businesses don’t take advantage of the options available to them. 28-31.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 14:10 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 29 APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINING © stock.adobe.com/pressmaster can include working on a project with people from new teams where important collaborations and problem-solving skills can be shared and honed. There is also reskilling, also known as professional recycling, which sets out to train employees to adapt to a different post within the company. There are many suitable courses outside of the workplace, which are a great way for staff to learn, upskill and network: Mass Open Online Courses (MOOCs) often provide free study online (although this may not provide an official, formal certificate at the end they educate workers about the latest ideas and news on a specific area and help build on existing skills to enhance a work role). Also, following industry leaders and creators through LinkedIn, You Tube, Twitter, TED Talks or any other social media platform can be another great way to obtain information and professional literature to upskill staff, as well as attending seminars, webinars or conferences online. Joining a professional work body or association can also enable employers and employees to be kept informed of prospective developments in their line of work too. Both upskilling and reskilling all aim to keep current staff fulfilled and prevent them from moving on, which naturally saves the company the cost of advertising, retraining an employee from scratch and maintains motivation at the workplace. 30 Á 28-31.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 14:10 Page 2Next >