< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net REFRIGERATION In a world where product integrity and safety are paramount, refrigeration systems silently play a crucial role across a variety of different industries – from food to pharma and beyond. We explore how these unsung heroes ensure quality, preserve freshness, and safeguard sensitive materials in unexpected ways. Manufacturing’s unsung hero www.blmforum.net Business Link 31 REFRIGERATION © stock.adobe.com/Grispb F rom food and pharmaceuticals to electronics and chemicals, refrigeration systems are responsible for preserving a wide array of products. In sometimes unexpected ways, they help maintain product integrity, ensure safety, and extend the shelf lives of items that need temperature-controlled protection whether from heat damage, decomposition, or inconsistent storage conditions. Indispensable for preserving freshness and preventing spoilage, cold storage facilities and refrigerated transport systems are essential components of the supply chain, enabling the safe storage and distribution of perishable goods from farm to table. Whether it’s fruits, vegetables, dairy products, or meats, maintaining optimal temperatures throughout the production process is critical to preserving quality and meeting rigorous food safety standards. Without the power of chilled storage and transportation, many of us would be at a loss for things we need to live. Its presence is easy to take advantage of, and as a result might go underappreciated or unrecognised by those who aren’t experts in specific areas. Moving away from food, here’s where refrigeration needs also take their leave from common assumptions, as the cold chain and cooling systems also play key roles in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Precise temperature control is crucial to the stability of drugs and vaccines, and from raw material storage to final 32 Á32 Business Link www.blmforum.net REFRIGERATION product distribution, pharmaceutical companies rely on cooling systems to safeguard sensitive medications from degradation and contamination. In environments where even slight deviations in temperature can compromise product integrity, refrigeration technology safeguards against potential risks to consumer health and medication efficacy. Beyond food and pharmaceuticals, cooling for safety and quality purposes finds applications in various manufacturing processes where temperature-sensitive materials are involved. In electronics, for instance, soldering components and curing adhesives need temperature-controlled conditions, ensuring the reliability and performance of many devices. Similarly, in chemical manufacturing, refrigeration systems are used for cooling reactions and managing process temperatures, keeping products and their ingredients stable while any necessary manipulations in properties are carefully controlled. Though it’s obvious how critical a role refrigeration units play in cold storage, there’s no less importance in pointing out that any business needing fridges and cooling units must be able to rely on them, knowing which kinds will be best suited to requirements. The sheer variety available caters to all manufacturing needs, from standard laboratory refrigerators offering general-purpose cold storage, to cryogenic freezers maintaining ultra-low temperatures for preserving biological samples, or explosion-proof units for guarding against flammable materials. Cold technology is endlessly adaptable for product integrity and safety across the great diversity of manufacturing industries. Whether it’s the ample space for storing in bulk provided by a walk-in fridge, or reach-in varieties for use in smaller-scale or more focused operations, the choice you make will depend on your organisation’s size, purpose and future goals. For instance, if your employees need quick and frequent access to packaged goods or ingredients, reach-in refrigerators may be used in this way for keeping everything chilled in the short-term, until products or materials are ready to be processed or moved elsewhere. Any items or ingredients which degrade when left to their own devices, like electronic components, and those which can present a danger such as certain temperature-sensitive chemicals, must never be left to stand at room temperature at any point. These materials can degrade rapidly if exposed to inappropriate environmental conditions, leading to loss of functionality or potential safety hazards. Control systems are a gift when it comes to keeping track of cold environments, and making adjustments without the constant need for manual inspection. With these systems, a controller receives temperature data from sensors, then activates cooling or heating mechanisms as needed. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (or HVAC) may also be used, with systems. Control systems can be tailored to meet specific needs based on the requirements of different materials and applications. For example, in pharmaceutical storage they can offer remote monitoring and alert functionalities, allowing operators to receive notifications in case of temperature deviations or equipment malfunctions. Whereas in food storage, they can be employed to implement hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) principles, which focus on www.blmforum.net Business Link 33 REFRIGERATION identifying and mitigating potential hazards throughout the food production and storage process. Ensuring safety for consumers, or even staff handling potentially harmful materials, means paying close attention to providing suitable storage conditions. To manage this correctly, optimise the design of every storage area with layouts that make the most of the space available and offer easy access to products. Efficient layouts ensure that available space is used effectively, allowing for organised storage of materials while facilitating easy retrieval when needed. By arranging shelves, racks, and storage units strategically, fast-paced facilities like labs and factories can minimise clutter and streamline workflow, reducing the risk of accidents and errors. It’s equally important that a ‘first in, first out’ (FIFO) system is properly employed so ingredients aren’t left to decompose, whether as a result of incorrect storage or infringements of use- by dates. This practice reduces waste and helps maintain product quality and safety standards. Implementing good habits of accurate labelling, regular monitoring and auditing of inventory levels further enables identification and prompt addressing of any discrepancies or potential issues, enhancing overall storage management. After all, in fields where so many details matter, having the right equipment is no use if it isn’t combined with the right approach to organisation. When equipment cools items safely and economically, it will also contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability efforts within the manufacturing sector. By implementing technologies such as energy-efficient compressors, heat recovery systems, and environmentally friendly refrigerants, they minimise energy consumption and reduce carbon footprints. If, as well as keeping products, reputations and revenue safe, they can also provide peace of mind that a business is doing its best for the environment, there’s every reason to find the best fridges and use them as effectively as possible. © stock.adobe.com/Victor Moussa © stock.adobe.com/visoot34 Business Link www.blmforum.net HEALTHCARE service cuts, funding discrepancies and staff leaving in their droves, the private health sector is witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand. Taking care of staff Taking care of staff www.blmforum.net Business Link 35 HEALTHCARE © stock.adobe.com/Flamingo Images Projections indicate that in 2024 alone, private admissions are anticipated to exceed 900,000—a testament to the growing reliance on private healthcare solutions. In this climate of escalating demand for private healthcare, businesses are presented with an opportunity to consider the benefits of offering premium private healthcare insurance packages to staff. Not only does it offer employees access to expedited and high-quality medical care, but it is also progressively serving as a cornerstone of comprehensive and enticing employee benefit packages. As companies seek new ways to gain a competitive edge within their sector, understanding the landscape of private health insurance becomes paramount. In this article, we delve into the nuances of private healthcare insurance for businesses, exploring its benefits, challenges, and strategies for effective implementation. Businesses are increasingly offering health insurance packages for staff due to a confluence of factors driving demand for private healthcare solutions amongst those who would not previously have considered them. Amidst dwindling trust in the NHS to adequately address the health needs of employees, coupled with the strain of lengthy waiting lists (which reached an astounding 7.58 million individuals in January), employers are taking proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of their workforce. Although insurance packages have been a staple of city-based businesses for decades, recruiters and insurers have observed a growing trend where companies within a wide variety of sectors are incorporating more robust health insurance packages as part of their recruitment strategy. It is no secret that a physically and mentally well workforce is a huge driving factor in business success, 36 Á36 Business Link www.blmforum.net HEALTHCARE and the NHS can no longer be relied upon to treat minor complaints which impact one’s ability to work. Now more than ever, employers see private healthcare provision as a means to safeguard their workforce and mitigate the impact of staff sickness. With a 2023 survey identifying that 76% of UK workers experience moderate to high levels of stress, this trend is set to include greater provisions for mental healthcare including counselling services and wellness programs. When selecting health insurance packages to offer staff, employers must consider several key factors to ensure the chosen plan aligns with both the needs of the workforce and the financial capabilities of the business. Group Health Insurance, a popular choice for its cost-effectiveness, caters to a collective of employees, reducing individual costs. For businesses with an international workforce, International Health Insurance is likely to be the better option, as it guarantees healthcare accessibility worldwide. Secondly, employers choose providers which allow cherry picking to create tailored plans to the specific healthcare requirements of employees. This will include deciding on network providers, choosing between a designated network of healthcare professionals or a more flexible approach allowing employees to select preferred doctors and specialists. A flexible www.blmforum.net Business Link 37 HEALTHCARE © stock.adobe.com/Rido Bespoke training solutions Lincolnshire & Counties Training Solutions (LACTS) deliver high-quality training solutions across the UK that are typically delivered at your business premises, ensuring the most cost- effective and efficient use of your personnel’s time. We are recognised and authorised by the leading UK governing bodies such as, QNUK, FAIB and BALI to train accredited Food Safety, Health and Safety, First Aid, Fire Safety, ROLO and a host of other qualifications throughout the whole of the UK. approach is naturally more expensive, and all coverage premiums, deductibles, and co-pays must be examined to ensure affordability for both the business and its employees. Moreover, understanding the tax implications associated with providing health insurance is essential to navigate potential financial implications for employees, as this may dictate uptake. Finally, companies need to consider how the policy will ensure compliance with legal obligations under UK laws like the Health and Safety at Work Act. The regulating body HSE offers training and support services, which companies would do well to attend before settling on a policy. To ensure that your employees derive the most benefit from your health policies, businesses should consider best practice strategy. Firstly, consulting experts such as Insurance Brokers specialized in business health insurance can provide guidance in navigating the complexities of selecting the most suitable plan for your company. Employees can’t take advantage if they don’t know about it. Communication is crucial. Keeping employees well- informed about the health insurance plan, its benefits, and how to access care enhances their understanding and utilization of the policy. Moreover, integrating wellness programs into your health insurance plan can promote a healthy workplace culture. Extended offerings like fitness classes or mental health support are often optional extras, which whilst they do incur a higher premium, will undoubtedly enhance employee experience. The best way to understand and support staff need is to conduct annual assessments of your policies. Business culture and operations naturally shift over time, so periodic reviews ensure that the plan remains aligned with the evolving needs of both the business and its employees. This commitment to continuous improvement signals genuine commitment to employee health, fostering a culture of trust and supporting a thriving workforce. 38 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY C orporate events are an important ingredient in building lasting relationships with clients and employees - vital for a business’s growth. They offer a personal method of strengthening bonds and loyalty while enhancing brand recognition in a way that social media, emails and phone calls cannot replicate. From employee teambuilding days to product launches, celebratory parties, fundraisers, seminars and conferences, all these events require some basic event management to succeed, from research and planning to gathering feedback. Here, Business Link takes you through some useful tips for organising your unforgettable event. To start, those arranging corporate events should nail down the occasion’s purpose; what you wish to accomplish. To provide a meaningful experience, consider why you are hosting an event and set goals and objectives - are you looking to attract new customers, educate, or reward staff for example. From here you will be able to decide the kind of event most suitable for your audience, select what will resonate with them, and this will guide everything from decorations to speakers. Deciding your target audience is also key - will it involve executives, potential or long-term clients, or is it an internal party? When you are able to pinpoint your audience, you can work out the ideal way to reach them, establish how many guests to invite, and arrange an event program that is tailored to them, their interests and needs. At the beginning of the planning process firms must additionally set a budget, which will determine the kind of event you can organise. It is wise to have a cushion for unexpected extra expenses that arise. With a budget in hand, deciding where to allocate funds and what may require more resources to reinforce the event’s purpose is next. One will need to balance money to ensure the budget isn’t blown on a single aspect, perhaps decorations to the detriment of entertainment and refreshments, or not being able to afford a tech crew. With all this considered it’s time to select the event’s theme or topic and format, with an event that is interactive and varied, such as a conference with roundtables, panel discussions and networking, much more likely to be a success. Themed events can help narrow down your choices for other aspects of the event, for instance food, and make it more Planning success for For corporate events to be successful, solid planning is essential. 40 Áwww.blmforum.net Business Link 39 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY © stock.adobe.com/Anton GvozdikovNext >