< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net MEET THE EXPERTS N avigating today’s complicated world can be a difficult task, especially with the changes wrought by Brexit and likely more in the future, though hopefully more productive, by devolution as outlined in the Government white paper. With each of these changes comes a different way of doing things, either to comply with regulations and legislation, or to take advantage of subtle changes in the rules that aren’t strictly necessary, but which will empower a business. As business leaders we are expected to be masters in our chosen field, but we cannot master everything – which is why it’s important to rely on the knowledge and hard work of experts in their chosen fields. Expertise naturally comes in many shapes and sizes, but a challenge in identifying it nowadays is that there are too many. In the same way that the term “a leading company” has become meaningless, so too has “expert” when read on a company’s website or a person’s bio. It used to be that you could trust anyone and everyone that you called on because for them to be recognisable, they had to be marketing themselves – and you cannot market yourself without money, ergo they must be successful businesses. Nowadays, the internet and social media has made that much harder. Anyone can create a website, often for a low cost, and the number of so-called experts has risen so high that we now have entire industries that have sprung up around misinformation and fraudulent experts peddling miracle cures and political agendas. Gone are the days where you could judge a company by the quality of their website or the location of their offices. Virtual office space means anyone can have an address in a city centre, and instead we must judge on deeds and reputation where it is possible to find it, or by testimonials if the company can provide them. LinkedIn has been invaluable for this, providing a much more robust business-oriented social media platform by which to connect and ask other businesspeople their thoughts or experiences with a supplier. Many good businesses will be proud to also highlight high-profile clients on their homepage as a means of proving their Finding the right expert Many people call themselves experts nowadays, but how much of it is marketing fluff and how does one find the real experts beyond it? www.blmforum.net Business Link 31 MEET THE EXPERTS Lincoln Print & Copy Centre 9 Clifton Street, Stonefield Park Industrial Estate, Lincoln, LN5 8LQ Tel: 01522 546118 Email: sales@lincolncopycentre.co.uk Web: www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk Company profile: Lincoln Print & Copy Centre has been providing the best print solutions for customers in the Lincoln area for 40 years. Aiming to provide the service and advice customers need to run and promote their businesses and organisations. With experienced and friendly staff, a modern range of equipment they can adapt to suit each customer’s requirements. Product profile: Most businesses, organisations and individuals use some form of stationery. Customers don’t need to buy a pack, only the items they use. Our range includes: • Letterheads A4, A5 or custom size, 80gsm to 120gsm paper, black or colour print, some colour papers available and some premium and textured papers available • Compliment slips printed to match your letterheads • Correspondence cards – go traditional, send a note or invitation in the post, varying papers available • Folders A5 and A4, glued or interlocking, laminated or unlaminated High Quality Print & Design in Lincolnshire PRINT SOLUTIONS Company Profile: For over forty years, Frontier Software has been providing secure, reliable, compliant, and user-friendly Payroll and HR software solutions and outsourced payroll services. With a comprehensive range of fully integrated software modules, knowledgeable staff, and offices in your region, we can deliver the right Payroll and/or HR solution for your organisation. Product Profile: ichris (International Comprehensive Human Resource Integrated Software) is a cloud based, modular solution designed to automate and streamline processes and support Payroll/HR teams. It delivers a functionally rich and configurable approach to managing the entire employee lifecycle. Alternatively, outsourced payroll services deliver the accessibility and flexibility of running payroll in-house, without the headache of maintaining infrastructure and allocating resources. Frontier Software solutions ensure accurate and legislatively compliant payment to employees, whilst saving your business time and money. With 24/7 access to real time data, inbuilt reporting and choice of deployment methods, rest assured we have the right solution for you. www.frontiersoftware.com 01276 456902 | sales@frontiersoftware.com HR AND PAYROLL SOFTWARE/SERVICES credentials, and these can be perused (sometimes with case studies) to get a feel for a business’s character. Ultimately, the only other way to get a handle on how expert an expert is would be to go in person to visit them or arrange a call to discuss. This can be a time-consuming process and is part of the reason why so many people stick with old and comfortable suppliers even when the service they are receiving might be lacking in some way. When time is money, wasting time can feel counter- productive, but the important thing to remember is that this is less of a waste and more of an investment. The right expert - be it legal, financial, training or recruitment – is someone who will benefit your business actively. They will not just provide a service that is necessary, but in some way contribute to a heightened level of efficiency, be that in preventing problems, solving them or offering insight that enables you to run more effectively. If they do not, and if your current suppliers do not, then perhaps it is time to ask yourself if you are paying for best service, or just for someone who is ticking the boxes.32 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY As a closer focus is paid to how businesses incorporate environmental and social responsibility in their operations, these actions should also be extended to their corporate hospitality. C orporate hospitality is more than simply an event, it is a chance to forge relationships, build loyalty, create memorable experiences, strengthen teams, retain and attract employees, and boost a business’s profile. But it is also a key opportunity in an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)-focused world to showcase a company’s values, ethical practices, and commitment to making a positive impact, past their legal obligations. There are many ways corporate hospitality can incorporate a sustainable, responsible mindset and offer social value, whether organising a conference, seminar, networking event, product launch, or team building day. Vendor choice is an aspect to explore that can have a major influence. It is essential to find and hire vendors and suppliers who share your values, and by www.blmforum.net Business Link 33 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY prioritising a local supplier, this brings the added benefit of reduced carbon emissions from transport, while supporting and promoting jobs, the region’s businesses and economy. One might look for sustainable or zero-waste vendors that will help cut an event’s carbon footprint. This could be a caterer that utilises organic, in-season, ethically sourced ingredients and reusable or recyclable packaging and cutlery, or that prioritises waste reduction through composting or redistribution programmes to food banks. Working with caterers and venues to accurately provide the amount of food needed, rather than over-ordering is helpful too. In hiring third parties, making efforts to vet them to ensure staff receive a fair wage, are fairly treated, and the business works with ethical practices is equally important. Choosing a green venue is further core to responsible events, having a substantial impact on their carbon footprint. Look for locations that implement initiatives such as energy- efficient lighting and HVAC systems, recycling, waste reduction and water conservation, or perhaps are powered by renewable energy, and check for certifications that verify their commitments to sustainability. A venue’s accessibility must be considered too, to 34 Á34 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY minimise travel emissions for attendees, by offering easy access to public transportation. Organisers should promote eco-friendly transportation to guests, such as trains and buses, and make it easy for them to utilise it, by sharing information on local transit routes or providing shuttle services from nearby public transport stops to the venue. Depending on the event, one may also encourage carpooling and cycling by ensuring there are bike racks and safe routes nearby. A venue should additionally be accessible in terms of providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities, guaranteeing events are inclusive for all participants. Building inclusivity and diversity into events further, one can embrace diversity in speakers, panellists, and attendees, promoting equal opportunities and representation, as well as putting thought into the diversity of the workforce, supply chain, and partners. Removing the barriers of venues is another option to tackle accessibility and sustainability of events. By switching to virtual events, the carbon footprint of traveling to and from a venue is removed alongside the effects of printing resources, meals, and buying and transporting supplies. Meanwhile, the event is opened up to a wider audience. Of course, not every event is suited to the virtual world, and fortunately there are many more actions that can be taken to improve them. Corporate hospitality can produce huge amounts of waste. Taking a conference as an example, single-use plastics, paper material, and leftover food are abound. Mitigating this where possible should thus be a priority. Dropping printed materials like agendas and invitations for apps, digital documents, and QR codes can be a big help here (which also streamline communication), as can turning away from single-use items like balloons and confetti in favour of reusable banners and digital displays, as well as selecting props and decorations that can be repurposed in future events. Encourage attendees to reduce waste too by providing and promoting recycling stations and requiring delegates to return lanyards and badges for reuse after the event. One might additionally quit the practice of handing out ‘swag’ at events. Frequently consisting of single use plastic items and promo materials that get thrown away, this is a major source of waste. Alternatively, consider www.blmforum.net Business Link 35 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY switching to sustainable swag options, like those produced with recycled materials and that are locally produced, or opting for e-vouchers or charity tie- ins, such as an option to choose a charity for a donation. Events can further partner with charities and local organisations by donating proceeds from ticket sales and granting access to the event, whether that be facilitating the set-up of a stand for more information on an organisation or inviting educational establishments to bring up and coming students entering the business world to experience the event. To make a difference through corporate hospitality, it is essential to measure its impact pre- and post-event. This will make it easier to set goals and make informed decisions on changes that can be made ahead of an event to bolster aspects like sustainability or the investment it brings to the local economy, and help unlock future improvements once it is over. One can for instance calculate the carbon emissions associated with travel, energy use and materials to be improved on at the next event. Don’t forget to share your efforts with others as well, utilising social media to post about your practices and encourage others to follow suit, with photos, metrics, and attendee testimonials, or releasing detailed reports on your efforts and impact achieved. Organisers might also use post-event communication and surveys to ask how attendees felt about your event choices, and how you could improve. In promoting your responsible practices, it is vital, however, to ensure you do not take part in greenwashing, checking claims are supported by measurable and transparent actions. With customers, investors and the public becoming increasingly interested in responsible business practices, incorporating these into events will only grow in importance moving forwards. Not only benefiting communities and the environment, by engaging in more responsible corporate hospitality, there are numerous added positives for your company, from improved public perception and boosting employee morale, with staff proud to work for the business, to attracting and enhancing loyalty amongst clients that value social and environmental responsibility, and establishing stronger relationships with local communities, while inspiring clients, attendees and businesses to make their own events more responsible. 36 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Isuzu D-Max Safety is at the heart of The New Isuzu D- Max, Smarter, Stronger, and Safer than ever before. Every model is equipped with Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), ensuring comprehensive protection on every journey. These features include the new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, working in conjunction with Traffic Sign Recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, new Turn Assist, new Rear Cross Traffic Braking, improved Lane Keep Assist and Attention Assist, alongside the existing extensive range of ADAS features, standard cross the range, offering peace of mind to drivers and passengers alike. Double cab models benefit from eight airbags, including a centre airbag for added protection during side collisions, while the current generation of the D-Max is also certified with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. E-Call technology, which automatically contacts emergency services in the event of a serious collision, further enhances the safety credentials of the D- Max. Excitement abound It’s a good time for fans of motors, with new cars coming in all shapes and sizes. MINI John Cooper The distinctly sporty MINI John Cooper Works impresses with a four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and 170 kW/231 hp, even on snow and ice, with impressive driving characteristics. The chassis technology developed with racing expertise conveys the legendary go-kart feeling in demanding road conditions and at the same time ensures safe driving fun. The extremely sporty orientation can be further enhanced by John Cooper Works aerodynamic components. High- quality winglets for the front and rear bumpers as well as the side skirts strengthen the character of the vehicle. The shape and design of the air guidance elements were developed specifically for the MINI John Cooper Works. In high- gloss Black and Chili Red and together with the JCW roof spoiler and the JCW rear diffusor, they set contrasting motorsport accents. The newly designed JCW element for the C-pillar makes the vehicle appear more powerful. www.blmforum.net Business Link 37 AUTOLINK MINI John Cooper Isuzu D-Max38 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Keeping Your Business Moving Commercial Trailer Specialists in Stallingborough, Grimsby Hire, Service & Repairs T: 01469 574239 M: 07739 644398 E: glcommercials@btinternet.com W: www.glcommercials.com Škoda Superb SportLine Like its predecessors, the all-new Superb SportLine features a generous equipment list and unique design features. Instantly recognisable as a SportLine model, the new model is defined by gloss black detailing on the front grille surround, window frames and door mirrors. Both bumpers, which are unique to the SportLine, feature gloss black inserts, with the estate version adding black roof rails to the design package. The hatch, meanwhile, features a subtle gloss black strip on the tailgate diffuser. Inside, the new Superb SportLine features a unique SportLine Design Selection as standard, along with a host of additional equipment designed to enhance the model’s dynamic feel. New front sport seats are the most advanced to be offered in a Superb SportLine model and feature an integrated headrest, electric controls and manually adjustable seat length. To ensure complete comfort for passengers, both front seats come with heating and massage function as standard. www.blmforum.net Business Link 39 AUTOLINK Unit 3, Woodside Park, Station Road, Tetney, Grimsby. DN36 5HX Find An Experienced Motor Mechanic In Tetney, Near Grimsby n Servicing n MOTs n Repairs n Brakes & Tyres n Engine diagnostics n Car Batteries n Exhausts n ECU Remapping n Air Conditioning Testing/repairs/Re Gas VW, AUDI, SEAT & SKODA SPECIALIST Tel: 01472 812130 | www.lincsvwa.com Mazda6e An all-new mid-sized electric car, the Mazda6e brings a fresh take to the well-regarded internal combustion engine powered Mazda6, which across three generations from 2002 to 2023 was a popular model with European and UK customers. The all-new Mazda6e represents a fresh take on its predecessors, featuring a modern flowing exterior, sleek cabin design and Mazda’s famed focus on the experience from behind the wheel. Designed under the concept of ‘Electrifying Design Crafted to Perfection’ the Mazda6e introduces the next evolution of Mazda’s ‘Kodo Soul of Motion’ design philosophy. Its smooth flowing lines and bold features give the car a strong yet refined presence. The low roofline and short-deck coupe silhouette offer a sporty and stylish look while at the same time keeping the functionality of a five-door hatchback. Next >