< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net SECURITY © stock.adobe.com/Rawf8 security Updated 30-33.qxp_Layout 1 02/05/2023 15:17 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 31 SECURITY In an era of online threats it can be easy to forget about physical security – and that’s exactly what criminals want. T housands of businesses have to deal with many serious security threats which cause many business owners concern regarding protecting their business from unforeseen criminal activities and disasters that could hurt branding, revenue and productivity; therefore investing in a good framework of security is essential. According to The 2021 Commercial Victimisation Survey (CVS) it was estimated that 38% of business premises in the wholesale and retail sector in England and Wales have been a victim of crime between April 2020- March 2021, and the most common type of crime experienced was: theft (27%), assaults or threats (12%), and burglary (10%). Theft by a customer was the most prevalent type and most frequently experienced type of crime, with 11% of business premises experiencing this type of crime more than once a day. Retail premises (30%) were more likely to experience theft compared with wholesale premises (17%). Many business owners think to reduce crimes that 32 Á 30-33.qxp_Layout 1 02/05/2023 15:17 Page 232 Business Link www.blmforum.net SECURITY security just means hiring security guards, which is one way to keep buildings safe, but it’s often not enough and there are more things which can be done, the key being to create a secure physical environment through different security measures, apart from the obvious protection of documentation, data and network security. One the most essential aspects for a business to consider is a coded lock, or padlock and key, or both on a business’s doors and windows but this is only a starter, and extra security measures need be considered where possible and affordable. The main options to secure a building include alarm systems, cameras systems and lighting sensors as these physical systems installed correctly in and around a building are very important as they give not only your employees a sense of security but customers also – and if a building was to be broken into with the perpetrator(s) intending to not only harm the building and contents but possibly the occupants too, the physical security measures that are in place, which can include security guards and emergency action buttons connecting directly to a security company’s HQ – really do help and either make a criminal think twice or totally deter them. So it is important to be aware that physical security of a building, business and staff is vital and stops not only the theft of valuable time, money, and information but possible injury or loss of life too. Another important thing is to ensure physical security is relevant to the type of business premises that are at risk. No one wants their building to be broken into when it’s unoccupied so cameras that can be watched 24 hours a day from remote offices or at home, provide great security to buildings on an industrial site where often, at night, the site is empty of all personnel including security guards. There are many © stock.adobe.com/alice_photo 30-33.qxp_Layout 1 02/05/2023 15:18 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 33 SECURITY other security measures that can also be installed with the first step being to ensure that you have a solid building structure with, where possible, steel doors and window frames, fencing and gates alongside strong, durable fencing, quality security lighting around a business’s perimeter with vehicle barriers, vehicle height-restrictors, restricted access points and trenches, with warning signs or window stickers – all will be additional assets in putting off criminals, especially opportunists. A quality intruder alarm system is another option to consider investing in, as well as security cameras and video surveillance systems installed at all access points to record suspicious activity - recordings or videos are also helpful for review after any break-ins or issues and action can then be taken accordingly. Cameras can be hidden from sight and concealed by computers and books, or guttering and chimneys outside. However a camera outside, which is securely installed, but is inaccessible and clearly visible to everyone, is a great deterrent and reassurance to staff. Also fire alarm systems should be considered for business premises to protect staff, buildings and insurance premiums - and it’s important that both business owners and employees take responsibility to ensure all doors and windows are closed and secured behind them when being the last to exit the building. Vandalism, deliberate destruction of or damage to public and private property, is another possibly more recently developing crime where deliberate damage to a business property, as well as personal, includes painting such as graffiti, smashing windows and lighting, removing/bending signage or ornamentation, breaking windows and other fenestration, or defacing other parts of a building including any parked vehicles in a business’s car park, as well as dumping rubbish on sites. All these are crimes and a result of anti-social behaviour which is on the rise so naturally cameras, well-lit premises and/or sensory lighting, strong fences and windows and extra protection on walls again help. It is also within a business owners’ right to set up spikes, barbed or razor wire on top of fencing or walls as long as it is in the area owned by the business and not a public place and remembering there are legalities around doing such a thing as there is a duty of discharge to be undertaken such as clearly warning people that the hazard exists, and that they can easily see and read this clear notice saying something like: ‘Caution: danger of injury from barbed wire/fence spikes’ erected where the wire/spikes exist. Surveillance cameras will verify that the wire or spikes have been set up correctly by the business and that signage is clear offering further additional preventative measures in and around an appropriate site. The protection of personnel, hardware, software, networks, data, buildings and premises from criminal actions and events that could cause serious loss or damage to an enterprise, agency or institution can all be avoided or restricted through; preparation, detection, deterrence, delay, and defence, and where possible a security plan drawn up that layers different key elements of all the security options available ensuring a business the longest lasting protection and the safest out-come. © stock.adobe.com/Bob Skalkowski 30-33.qxp_Layout 1 02/05/2023 15:18 Page 434 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 36 Á Planning for success For corporate events to be successful, solid planning is essential. 34-37.qxp_Layout 1 02/05/2023 15:19 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 35 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY © stock.adobe.com/Jacob Lund 34-37.qxp_Layout 1 02/05/2023 15:19 Page 236 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY 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 cohesive, but should also align to your event’s goals, featuring memorable activities. One will then be ready to choose a venue to suit your event, its mission and size. Venue choice can have a major influence on attendance and will set the tone. Providing a location that is unique and exciting can boost numbers, adding to an event by offering an experience that departs from the overdone to make a lasting impression. This will give guests something to talk about too and make them more likely to discuss the event once it’s over. However, where the venue is positioned must be factored in. It’s all well opting for a quirky manor house in the countryside, but in order to achieve the best attendee numbers it is usually advisable to seek somewhere convenient with good accessibility that is close to transport and accommodation if necessary. For those with lower budgets, consider holding events at less popular times and days, such as organising breakfast seminars, and securing the venue plenty of time beforehand to take advantage of any price deals for advance booking. The ‘when’ is of course another important factor - will your guests prefer to set aside time on a weekday, weekend, evening, or afternoon? While looking for a venue remember to enquire about equipment, what will be provided for you and what you will have to source and set up yourself, such as audio-visual elements, stages and lighting. You may further need to make a © stock.adobe.com/sonyachny 34-37.qxp_Layout 1 02/05/2023 15:19 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 37 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY decision on in house or external catering, with in house tending to work out cheaper and simpler. When picking food ensure to think about dietary requirements, whether you will be offering a set menu or asking attendees to choose beforehand, and how you want the food to be served - on trays with canapés, as a buffet or sit-down meal. In preparation for the day, you will also need to contract any necessary reputable specialists - caterers, audio-visual technicians, photographers et cetera, as well as booking any speakers, presenters and entertainers - and draw up the agenda for the event, sharing this with your team and determining who is responsible for what. When it comes to the agenda, look to form a balance between giving guests freedom and keeping them engaged with a schedule and variety. Use of technology to help your event go off without a hitch should additionally be considered. There are plenty of event management software options to streamline planning but also for creating interactive features during the event like live polls to boost participation. In the lead up to the event, make sure to promote it creatively. For smaller occasions a simple invitation may be enough, however for a larger soirée you might want to do something louder with emails, ads, social media, blogs, promo videos, adding events to industry listings, getting sponsors and media on board, and encouraging the business’s team to promote the event when visiting clients. Ensure to create a website for the event or a new landing page on your own site and in promotion use the same hashtags and branding across platforms and consistent messaging. After the event is over, there are a couple of final checkboxes to tick off to evaluate your success. A debrief with your team and gathering feedback from guests are important and will allow you to uncover whether the event met its original goals and objectives and if it had an impact on attendees. The lessons learned from this will be crucial to refining your next event. © stock.adobe.com/Anton Gvozdikov 34-37.qxp_Layout 1 02/05/2023 15:19 Page 438 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK motors hitting our roads this year. New 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 02/05/2023 15:22 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 39 AUTOLINK Mazda MX-5 Kizuna The 2023 Mazda MX-5 range has been enhanced with the launch of the limited edition MX-5 Kizuna, which arrives in UK dealerships next month. Based on the 1.5-litre 132ps Exclusive-Line Roadster, the £30,265 Kizuna features a stand-out design that includes free-of-charge Deep Crystal Blue or Machine Grey paint matched to a premium blue fabric hood. Drop the roof and the Kizuna’s Light Stone Nappa leather further complements the exterior colour and 16- inch bright alloy wheels. The Kizuna goes on sale alongside the 10-model 2023 Mazda MX-5 line-up that features the newly named Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura trim levels. Both the Roadster and Retractable Fastback RF models come with a choice of 1.5-litre 132ps and 184ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engines. For the 2023 model year the 1.5-litre Roadster is available in Prime-Line and Exclusive-Line grade. Mercedez-Benz E Class The new E-Class has the proportions of a classic threebox saloon: the short front overhang and long bonnet are followed by a greenhouse which is set well back. The passenger area is generously dimensioned, partly owing to the two- centimetre longer wheelbase compared to the preceding series. The connection between tradition and modernity is made particularly clear by a feature at the front: A black panel-like surface connects the radiator grille with the headlamps. This insert in high-gloss black is visually reminiscent of the Mercedes-EQ models. The electronics architecture is more software-driven and less hardware-driven. The computing functions of previously separate domains take place in a single processor. Screens and the MBUX infotainment system thus share a new, very powerful central onboard 40 Á Mazda MX-5 Kizuna 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 02/05/2023 15:22 Page 2Next >