< Previous20 Business Link www.blmforum.net scratch? Firstly, it is important to conduct an analysis of the performance gaps within the organisation and base the training around this. This can be done through an ongoing analysis of managerial attention. It is imperative that regulatory and legal requirements are covered in training, and are regularly reiterated to employees, such as health and safety training. This maintains compliance and quality assurance and reduces the likelihood of legal concerns over employee and customer safety. Secondly, combining in person and online methods provides the flexibility and safety of online learning, whilst being able to have someone physically present for more challenging sessions. Recorded video sessions could also provide flexibility for employees to go through and open at their own pace, which means that there would not need to be a significant workforce drop for a period. However, it should be noted that this is not always a good replacement for hands on learning. A survey found that 33% of office workers preferred to learn by doing, whilst being guided by an expert. Training should be seen as fundamental to business growth, given the potential it provides for honing and exploring new talent and ideas for for mistakes and having to rectify them increases. Furthermore, businesses miss out on the opportunity to upskill employees and help them to develop new skills. This helps the business to stay current and provides the opportunity for diversification of thinking and business approach. This could entail a training programme of creative problem solving, technical knowledge implementation, and out of the box thinking. As well as increasing business productivity, it stimulates employees and motivates them to take on other responsibilities. This has the dual benefit of making them less interested in looking elsewhere. So how can a business put together an effective training programme from © stock.adobe.com/ Pixel-Shot EDUCATION & TRAINING © stock.adobe.com/ insta_photoswww.blmforum.net Business Link 21 EDUCATION & TRAINING Global HSE Group launch fire safety qualifications Fire safety experts Global HSE Group are launching their Global Academy during Fire Door Safety Week, 23rd - 27th September 2024. The Global Academy specialises in elevating professional knowledge in the fire safety sector. The recognised qualifications have been designed for newcomers to the fire safety sector, for those already working, and CPD for upskilling experienced professionals. Global HSE Group has worked with the Awarding Body of the Built Environment (ABBE) to create more than just a selection of courses, but industry recognised qualifications. * Level 3 Award in Fire Door Inspection * Level 3 Award in Understanding, Maintaining and Repairing Fire Doors * Level 3 Award in Understanding and Installing Fire Doors * Level 3 Award in Understanding and Installing Passive Fire Protection Ross O'Loughlin, Director at Global HSE Group commented, "We created Global Academy as we knew we had the skills and expertise within the business to upskill and enhance individual knowledge within the fire industry." For more information about Global HSE Group or Global Academy contact lewis.hughes@globalhsegroup.com expansion. Investing in the ability to provide internal training could save the huge cost of hiring training services, as well as provide the opportunity to take stock of the workings of the business, and how they could be improved. Whilst developing a new training initiative could involve significant up-front effort, as well as the potential to hire a training manager, it will likely provide massive savings long term, as well as ensuring that all new starters are properly trained from day one. Ultimately, internal training promotes consistency within business operations, which could mean significant streamlining of work and communications internally. Verner Wheelock launches sustainability course Leading food industry training company Verner Wheelock has just launched a new one-day course entitled ‘Sustainability in the Food Industry’. Aimed at managers and supervisors within the food industry, it is designed to help them understand: * What is meant by sustainability * The complexities of the food system and how stages are interlinked * The UK’s sustainability goals and legislation * What food and beverage companies can achieve * The environmental, social and economic aspects of a sustainability strategy “Meeting Government and United Nations’ sustainability targets whilst remaining profitable is a challenge,” says Verner Wheelock MD, Alison Wheelock. “We developed this course to help companies find ways of being more sustainable without negatively impacting other areas of the business or wider environment.” Verner Wheelock’s new course is endorsed by Food & Drink Qualifications (FDQ). Initially offered as in-house training, it will be available to individuals as an open course in 2025. For more information, visit www.vwa.co.uk 22 Business Link www.blmforum.net LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY Q&A What is The Knowledge Exchange? The Knowledge Exchange at Leeds Beckett University is based in The Rose Bowl, Leeds Business School at the heart of the city centre. It acts as the home for our growing business community – an open door to access the university’s expertise and talent. Day to day it’s a drop-in co-working and networking space, a go-to location for businesses to meet, collaborate and innovate. It’s also where we host regular business networking events, often in collaboration with regional partners. These events provide the opportunity not only for businesses to connect, but also learn about the expertise available at Leeds Beckett and understand where we sit in the regional business support ecosystem as an anchor institution. What is ‘Knowledge Exchange’? ‘Knowledge Exchange’ is a two-way process where people and organisations exchange information, research and insight to enhance knowledge and how it is applied to create economic impact and benefit to society. It’s about embedding academic expertise into the real world while listening carefully to business voices and understanding what is needed from us as a university. At Leeds Beckett we ensure businesses come on a holistic journey with the university, accessing relevant support at the right time to create long lasting partnerships. Knowledge Exchange can take a variety of forms, from shorter business support programmes, to 2–3-year innovative Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. Why was The Knowledge Exchange created? We are committed to making interaction with the university simple. The Knowledge Exchange is the ‘front door’ to Leeds Beckett where businesses are welcomed and can learn all that we have to offer. We are proud members of the Leeds Anchor Network which brings together some of the city’s largest organisations to make a difference for people across the city. As an anchor institution, The Knowledge Exchange provides a gateway to the university and Q&A Sustainable growth for SMEs The Knowledge Exchange is the home of the business community at Leeds Beckett University and acts as an open door to access the university’s expertise and talent. We spoke to Becky Gardner, SME Engagement Manager, to find out more about how The Knowledge Exchange provides a regional and national hub for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and business support. www.blmforum.net Business Link 23 LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY Q&A as our business community grows, we aim to support sustainable strategic growth in the region. Beyond West Yorkshire, The Knowledge Exchange provides a central hub for our Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, both locally and spanning across the UK. How can businesses benefit? At Leeds Beckett, we have an extensive business support portfolio. The Knowledge Exchange makes it easy to engage and find the right support: from access to business support programmes and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships; working with our talented students and graduates; and professional development courses. We’re here to listen to businesses’ challenges and navigate to the best support at the right time. How does the support vary regionally and nationally? Our goal is to support a variety of businesses, both in West Yorkshire and across the UK. Programmes like Help to Grow: Management have peer-learning and in-person sessions delivered in Leeds, and we have previously hosted a cohort in York. Help to Grow is a 12- module programme which supports senior managers to boost businesses’ performance, resilience, and long-term growth. Modules include Strategy and Innovation; Winning New Markets; Vision, Mission and Values; Developing a Marketing Strategy; and Financial Management. The next programme begins in January 2025. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are designed to help businesses innovate for growth and we are proud to have projects both in West Yorkshire and spanning the UK, from Aberystwyth to Leicester. We are led by business-need and scope projects in any location where our academic expertise can solve a business challenge. Each KTP takes 2-3 years and creates a unique partnership between a business and Leeds Beckett University to deliver positive impact and drive innovation. KTP projects can cover a variety of innovation areas, from creating new products and accessing new markets, to embedding new management capability and driving a competitive advantage. These projects can be scoped at any time and we’re always excited to explore new ideas. What’s next for Leeds Beckett? We’re constantly expanding our portfolio of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships both regionally and nationally, so keep an eye out for these innovative new projects. Since opening The Knowledge Exchange in 2022, we have been monitoring usage and gathering feedback from businesses on how the space best serves the community. Based on this, The Knowledge Exchange has undergone major developments over summer 2024, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back to enjoy more meeting spaces and larger networking events. We would love to connect – so please get in touch to find more about business support and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at TKE@leedsbeckett.ac.uk or visit leedsbeckett.ac.uk/KTP. 24 Business Link www.blmforum.net FOOD & DRINK INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT evolution Wild A combination of economic and societal conditions are fuelling a rapid change in food and drink manufacturing. © stock.adobe.com/ DedMityaywww.blmforum.net Business Link 25 FOOD & DRINK INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT I n the wake of economic issues, a cost of living crisis and, before that, the global pandemic, the food and drink industry is doing its best to get ahead of the curve and embrace new technology to shore weaknesses in its business model. That's why so many manufacturers are turning to AI and looking at how to incorporate it into food and drink machinery. It's less because they need AI and more because they are all too aware that other businesses are dealing with it, and no one wants to be the last one to incorporate it in the event it turns out to be the holy grail of food manufacturing. Not only is it the type of machine used that needs to be considered but the way in which it is used and with what intensity. A good analogy here is a car: you’re going to get more miles out of a tank of petrol or charged battery if your car is regularly and thoroughly serviced and maintained, if you drive at consistent speeds and plan ahead for breaking and cornering. The same is true of production and processing where regular inspection and maintenance can sustain efficiency and identify causes for concern before they result in extended disruptions. This will also ensure that machines are running at optimum levels and, thus, at their most environmentally friendly. As well as the ongoing issues that producers and processors have been facing for many years now – including staff shortages and the continuing skills gap – more challenges have arisen over the last twenty-one months. Namely, social distancing measures and self-isolation. The impact COVID has wrought on the industry cannot be overstated. Despite a relative return to normal, businesses are still feeling the economic impact of the pandemic, and news of Mpox has many fearing what the return of another infectious disease (if not Mpox then something else) might do to the industry. Declining labour availability is also a continuous issue for manufacturers, which automation and AI are being touted as a possible solution to. Using robots can streamline process, reducing the need for labour. Furthermore, the drive for sustainability is increasing across the sector. Automated monitoring processes give oversight into equipment efficiency, so outdated equipment can be replaced to use less heat. Packaging is the most common area of manufacturing in which to find automation. A consistent and sterile environment needs to be maintained to preserve the safety of consumable products. Packaging machinery is easy to clean and lessens the chance of product contamination from unscrupulous handler hygiene practices. Furthermore, there is less down time from © stock.adobe.com/ Leyla Ramazanova 26 Á26 Business Link www.blmforum.net FOOD & DRINK INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT DIRECT GASKETS LIMITED For over three decades we have been market leaders in the manufacture of Gaskets. Here at Direct Gaskets we aim to be versatile in our company. We supply gaskets – bespoke and standard – to all types of businesses. Contact us today on 01482 219655 or visit our website www.direct‐gaskets.co.uk Units 26 ‐ 36 | Dansom Lane South Hull | HU8 7LA Email: info@direct‐gaskets.co.uk cleaning machinery, than from continual hand washing. Automating solutions are varied, with the most common in packaging being can sealing, pouch making, and pick up and drop off robots. Another common usage of automation is to provide enhanced end to end traceability. It is crucial to keep exacting records of facilities and packaging processes that food products have gone through. In the event of an urgent recall, it is necessary to quickly identify affected batches. A scanner and barcode system is an easily implementable way to provide detailed product information, without needing to trawl through extensive logs. Although barcodes will be allocated to the finished product, they can be used to track products whilst at the manufacturing facility too. Barcodes could be allocated based on facility, batch code, or recipe type. This can easily be changed based on data upon rollout, making it a versatile investment. A barcode system could be a steppingstone to more sophisticated tracing systems. Software can be integrated within machinery to provide a user interface into the operation of the machinery, thus giving increased insight into operational efficiency. For example, beverage bottling machines are ahead of the game on this technology. Monitoring software within newer versions can give 24/7 oversight of productivity (speed of output, running efficiency of the machinery, and any jams or other issues). This means that operators always have access to the most up to date data, and can react quickly to any problems. These systems also store necessary data on recipes, product traceability and batch codes. This means that products can be searched by code rather than scanned, which is useful in the event of lost items. These management systems could significantly decrease operational costs. Having insight into the energy consumption of the machinery means that inefficient equipment can be identified and replaced before having a detrimental impact on energy and operating costs. Furthermore, inefficiently running machinery can be an early indicator that equipment is likely to break down. This allows manufacturers to run repairs, or even purchase new equipment pre-emptively, meaning that down time due to machine expiry can be mitigated. Taking steps to reduce energy consumption has the dual benefit of decreasing the carbon footprint of the business, meaning that manufacturers can be one step closer to achieving sustainability goals. This is a benefit that is passed onto the consumer, as many are increasingly looking to invest in companies which seek to enact widespread positive change. © stock.adobe.com/ moodboardproductivity www.blmforum.net Business Link 27 OFFICE SOLUTIONS In order to get more out of the employees they already have, many businesses are turning to office design and employee wellbeing to keep their workers happy and productive. E mployee wellbeing can be a difficult concept to master and one that has many fads and trends that can seem at times hard to put down (meditation, zen, detox, etc), but there are still plenty of scientifically proven ways to make someone more effective at work. Business wellbeing is typically measured by very quantifiable things rather than esoteric terms, and it can be measured very easily. Wellbeing in the workplace speaks of staff morale, productivity, retention, and the attractiveness of an office to new hires who see it. On the other hand, poor office wellbeing can be measured in terms of staff turnover, employee absences, and sometimes even by ill-health and employees reporting of feeling stressed. Work can obviously be stressing but an office can be designed to reduce that stress. Some of the main things that impact an employee’s wellbeing in terms of office design are temperature, lighting, air quality, space, visual appeal, and noise levels. In many cases neuroscience Maintaining © stock.adobe.com/ Victor zastol'skiy 28 Á28 Business Link www.blmforum.net OFFICE SOLUTIONS has been used in experiments measuring productivity to directly understand under what conditions a person works better or worse. For instance, the optimal temperature for an office is between 16 and 24 degrees Celsius. It’s better to aim for around the middle-ground of 20 here, as that provides a comfortable experience in both cold and warm weather. The body is obviously very receptive to temperature changes, and has to use real energy (in the form of bodily fuel) to heat up or cool down the body. As this happens, other processes in the body are deprived of energy so that the body can focus on temperature. This is obviously far more extreme in life or death situations than it is in an office, but an office that is uncomfortably cold or hot will cause employees’ bodies to focus on heat regulation, which can result in low attention span, distractedness, fatigue, and an overall reduction in critical thinking. Lighting has a similar effect on the human body, and this is one most will recognise from how it impacts serotonin levels, which you may recognise as the “wakefulness hormone”. Serotonin has an impact on mood, attention, happiness and stress, and having the correct amount for any given room or workstation in an office is key. Light is measured by lux, and 300 lux is considered to be the scientific sweet zone for an employee to work most effectively without experiencing fatigue. That doesn’t mean the whole office should be at this level however, as too much of a good thing can cause the body to crash. In fact, break rooms and kitchens and areas for relaxation may want to dial back down to around 150 to allow staff the chance to relax a little and catch their breath, which is perfect for when they come back to their desks and feel rejuvenated again. Air quality and noise levels are much easier to sympathise with but can sometimes be difficult to do much about. While air filtration is definitely a good idea as unclean air can lead to sickness and absences, offices near to busy roads and city centres may find there’s not much they can do about the noise. What you can do something about however is distractions in the workplace. While phone calls are to be expected in a sales office for instance, they can be deeply distracting to others trying to work. Investing in better microphones and headsets means employees can speak more softly and not disturb their © stock.adobe.com/ Rene L/peopleimages.comwww.blmforum.net Business Link 29 OFFICE SOLUTIONS Printing|Copying|Graphic Design LOGOS | BRANDING | BUSINESS STATIONERY FLYERS & POSTERS | BROCHURES | NEWSLETTERS A0 COPYING & SCANNING | OS MAPPING CAD & PLAN PRINTING | PRINT FINISHING High Quality Print & Design in Lincolnshire N 01522 546118 E sales@lincolncopycentre.co.uk www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk 45 YEARS IN BUSINESS co-workers, while more space between employees can create a buffer. It can be hard to work when you can’t escape someone’s conversation in your ear after all. Other office tips for productivity include keeping some greenery in the office and making sure it’s well looked after – this is important because while greenery and plants can directly improve mood and wellbeing, dying plants can have the opposite effect. Natural sunlight is also important, so it’s better to angle desks away from screen glare than it is to perpetually keep the shutters closed. While you’re at it, offices designed to limit or prevent clutter can go a long way to improving mood and productivity, so a good spring clean – and keeping the office clean – is important. If there are an unavoidable set of files or bits and pieces that can’t be gotten rid of then consider some filing systems to keep them out of sight. The goal here is to reduce “visual noise” or anything that might catch someone’s eye and distract them. All of us have a tendency to look around while we’re thinking and read things on walls, or the titles of books, and this habit, while unavoidable, can lead to distractions and productivity issues. Instead of posters, charts and other things sure to reduce morale, let the staff look at bright plants and unobtrusive furniture. © stock.adobe.com/ ImageFlowNext >