< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net MEN’S HEALTH Y ou’d be forgiven for thinking Movember was a bit twee, a lark that comes around each year giving men the excuse to unapologetically grow out their facial hair. There’s no denying the quaint side, but Movember is first and foremost a charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Typically, men don’t talk about their health and wellbeing with others. Toxic masculinity means they’re reluctant to bother anyone else with their issues, don’t want to feel demasculinised, or seem weak in other people’s eyes. Instead, they put up with pain, discomfort, and poor mental health, opting to stay silent. But it’s no exaggeration to say that this silence and inaction leads to death. How many suicides could have been prevented if that person had help? How many deaths could have been averted if men came forward as soon as they noticed a strange lump? How many men would still be here if they sought help as soon as they felt unwell? We need a cultural shift, one in which men don’t have to worry about losing their masculinity for seeking help, where men aren’t teased for having “man flu” when they’re ill, where we all support one another. Fortunately, Movember is leading the charge, changing perceptions and attitudes around masculinity whilst also helping to safeguard men’s health. The charity is nothing short of ambitious. By 2030, it aims to reduce the number of men dying prematurely from suicide, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer by twenty-five per cent. But, in order to achieve this, your support and donations are indispensable. It’s a sad fact of life that not every man can grow a moustache. For those who can, it’s a time to literally let their hair down – whether that’s with a carefully groomed tache, or a full-on beard. Don’t feel you can’t get involved if your moustache has never made it past bumfluff, though, as there’s a myriad of other ways to raise funds. ‘Move for Movember’ sees participants running or walking sixty miles over the course of the month – a figure symbolic of the sixty men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour around the world. ‘MoRunning’ is a series of 1.5k, 5k and 10k runs taking place across the country during November (you can find your nearest one here: www.mo-running.com/locations). Owing to the pandemic, the event went virtual, with people participating from their own homes, and this continues again alongside in-person events. Not everyone is comfortable running in front of others or are precluded from doing so because of mental or physical health issues; but this way, people can take part at their own pace alongside thousands of others around the world. You can also ‘Mo Your Own Way’ and choose an epic adventure challenge, whether that’s physical endurance or your own wildcard ideas, it’s a great way to use your physical strength, stamina, and good health to help others (and offer an encouraging example of positive masculinity in the process). For something a little less intensive, you can host a ‘Mo- ment’. Here you can put your own spin on things by Promoting men’s health Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men’s physical and mental health, but they can’t do it alone. www.blmforum.net Business Link 31 MEN’S HEALTH For all enquiries, please call 01469 574244 Established For 20 Years BSB Transport are an experienced haulage company, based in North East Lincolnshire, offering a full range of general haulage services. Extensive Fleet Of Vehicles 30 vehicle fleet consisting of a mixture of reliable Mercedes Benz and Volvo trucks, all fitted with GPS tracking devices. One Of The Humber Regions Leading Companies Proudly offering an honest, reliable service with a personal touch. BSB Transport collect and deliver on time, and keep you informed along the journey. Fully Qualified Staff & Drivers Rigorously trained members of staff, operating at the highest of standards. Regularly reviewed Health & Safety standards to ensure drivers are up to date. If you have any questions, please contact us on 01469 574 244 Email transport@bsbtransport.co.uk or visit www.bsbtransport.co.uk 20 YEARS OF HAULAGE EXPERIENCE organising an event, virtual or otherwise. This option is particularly suited to corporate environments to get the whole team involved (not just the ones growing moustaches). Whether it’s a simple get-together, a coffee morning, or even a teambuilding weekend, there’s a plethora of ways to host a shindig to raise money. Of course, you can just donate direct to the charity, be that a one-off or an ongoing monthly basis. With the money raised, the charity funds ground-breaking projects across mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Since 2003, it has raised £598 million and funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world. Last year, to help address some of the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, it announced funding for thirty-four projects supporting the mental health and wellbeing of men and boys. A mass media behaviour change campaign aimed at encouraging millions of young men to talk about their © stock.adobe.com/SewcreamStudio 33 Á Donate If you’d like to make a donation direct to Movember, visit uk.movember.com/donate32 Business Link www.blmforum.net Electrical Engineering We are one of the region’s leading experts in the repair, rewind and sales of electric motors, geared motors, ATEX, pumps, fans and associated equipment. info@kirkby-lindsey.co.ukadmin@eclipse-electrical.co.uk HULL 01482 223937 YORK 01904 692783 www.kirkbyeclipse.com 41 Heaton Street, Gainsborough 01427 810619 39 High Street, Saxilby, 01522 708888 As your local independent funeral director with a proud sixty year history, we have dedicated our lives to guiding families through times of bereavement. Our family caring for yours www.cliffbradley.co.uk D Davies Turner PIONEERS IN SERVICE SINCE 1870 Your worldwide freight and logistics partner T: 01709 529709 W: www.daviesturner.com E: RotherhamSales@daviesturner.co.uk DIRECT GASKETS LIMITED Contact us today on 01482 219655 or visit our website www.direct‐gaskets.co.uk For over 30 years we have been market leaders in the manufacture of Gaskets. Visit www.lacts.co.uk to find out more or call 07775 877057 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. 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 Unit 3, Woodside Park Station Road, Tetney Grimsby. DN36 5HX The UK’s most versatile manufacturers of tailor-made nets and netting solutions for more than 30 years. 01469 575804 netting@renco.co.uk www.renconets.com The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology bulksolids.com Consultancy Services and Short Courses for industries that use powders and bulk solids Tel: 07702 177 764 / 01482 564 215 paul@thinkmentalhealth.co.uk www.thinkmentalhealth.co.uk Delivering Mental Health First Aid Training & Courses to help improve wellbeing in the workplace for employees and employers. www.rimmerbros.com Over 100 years in business Contact us on 03333 580393 or visit www.ringroselaw.co.uk for legal advice and support Where individuals count... MEN’S HEALTH We offer a wide range of services: Tel: 01469 576225 Email: info@selvic.co.uk www.selvic.co.uk Versatility. Integrity. Empathy. Warehousing and storage solutions International Freight Forwarding Sea Freight J. Naylor Funeral Directors Independent Funeral Directors www.jnaylor-funerals.co.uk 15 Bigby Street, Brigg, DN20 8EJ Tel: 01652 650 520 Comforts Avenue, Scunthorpe, DN15 6PN Tel: 01724 280 082 We have experienced staff to personally help you with your individual needs. OFTEC Registered Steve Russell Plumbing Oil Tank Replacement Service Installation, Commissioning, Repairs, 24 Hour Call Out, Servicing & General Plumbing Call Steve on 07840 531403www.blmforum.net Business Link 33 MEN’S HEALTH A marathon to remember: Summit 53 Lincolnshire business Systematic is a proud cheerleader for Summit 53 – a mountain-sized, marathon-length challenge that team member Jill Bell embarked on with her friend Kate Brown. It culminated on Sunday 1 October in Caistor, the market town that Systematic is proud to have called home for 48 years. The Systematic team appreciate that struggling with a mental health issue feels like climbing a mountain too. Their Managing Director Chris Robey tragically lost the battle with his own mental health in September 2022. Chris was a respected businessman, a pillar of the Caistor community, and a running buddy for Jill and Kate. Through Summit 53, Jill, Kate and Systematic are supporting the critical work of Andy’s Man Club, a national suicide prevention charity. It helps men to get on top of their feelings through the power of conversation. The aim was to raise at least £5,300 for the charity, to help fund their peer-to-peer support groups and awareness events. This target has been surpassed significantly, with over £15,000 raised. Runners Kate Brown (left) and Jill Bell (right) on one of their many training runs mental health was also successfully launched. Despite the emphasis on men’s health, Movember is all about inclusivity. In 2016, for example, it partnered with Australia’s National Breast Cancer Foundation to fund research to transform the lives of both men and women. And women, dubbed ‘Mo Sisters’, are invited to take part in fundraising activities to support the charity and, by extension, their male relatives and men all around the world. However, it’s important not to forget trans men in all of this. They may not biologically possess prostates or testes but deserve mental health support as much as any other man. They therefore have every right to participate in every kind of fundraising, especially growing a moustache for those taking testosterone who are able. From humble beginnings in Australia when two mates met up for a beer in 2003 and came up with the idea for the movement, to becoming the foremost men’s health charity in the world, Movember is an important institution, one with major industry and media backing, but one which needs your help. How are you going to help? © stock.adobe.com/Ladanifer34 Business Link www.blmforum.net BUSINESS SERVICES I n a fast-paced digital landscape of snowballing advancements, cybercrime is a constant and amorphous threat. It demands that businesses be forever on their guard, and regularly updating their defences. However, amidst the flurry of cybersecurity measures, an equally significant challenge in traditional financial threats hides under the radar. As companies continue to transition operations to the cloud and apply cybersecurity protocols, they must remain aware of the persisting vulnerabilities that cross over into the tangible realm of finance. In response to the escalating menace of cybercrime, businesses have bolstered their cybersecurity infrastructures, cutting-edge technologies and expert personnel safeguarding digital assets. Yet cyber threats continue to evolve, becoming ever more sophisticated and elusive. From ransomware attacks forcibly halting operations, to phishing schemes that might deceive even the most vigilant, the landscape of cybercrime demands constant caution and adaptability. This ever-changing scenario necessitates not just reactive but proactive strategies, with businesses investing in comprehensive cybersecurity training and regular assessments to identify and patch potential vulnerabilities. While the digital sphere remains a battleground, businesses find themselves confronted by traditional financial threats that pose equally significant challenges. Late payments from clients, financial scams, and rogue advisors represent a triad of issues that must be approached with discerning intuition. Late payments, often dismissed as routine business hiccups, can cascade into financial strain, affecting cash flow and hindering growth opportunities. Financial scams, with their ever-increasing sophistication, are heinously designed to exploit emotional vulnerability, leading individuals and corporations alike to fall prey to elaborate schemes in the guise of support services. Amongst all these potential pitfalls, businesses are called upon to adopt a comprehensive approach. Cybersecurity measures, while important on their own merit, must be augmented by a nuanced understanding of traditional financial threats. Late payment monitoring systems, education on recognising scams, and mandatory contract agreements for financial advisors, together fortify a company’s financial resilience. Moreover, businesses must advocate for regulatory reforms, actively engaging with governing bodies to ensure that the legal framework evolves in tandem with the shifting threat landscape. Under stress to secure themselves against the multifaceted damage a cyber-attack can wreak on a business, many opt to outsource concerns such as these to specialised service providers. Outsourcing allows access to top-tier expertise without in-house stress, saving time and Safeguarding your business As cyber threats evolve, businesses must fortify their defences against digital and financial dangers. www.blmforum.net Business Link 35 BUSINESS SERVICES resources, and providing a reliable defence to fall back on during a cybersecurity breach. But more important than having an emergency resource, is having a reliable team to bolster your defences against cybercrime, as a series of powerful tools for preventing infiltration. Cybersecurity professionals within business services are equipped with in-depth knowledge and insights into the latest threats and vulnerabilities. They conduct meticulous assessments of a company’s digital infrastructure, identifying potential weak points and devising customized defence strategies. This expertise serves as a beacon, guiding businesses through the labyrinth of evolving threats, ensuring they stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. Cybercrime operates in stealth, often infiltrating digital networks undetected. In response, business services get crafty too with cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, to actively monitor network activities. By employing proactive threat detection mechanisms, these services identify suspicious patterns and potential breaches in real-time. Swift response protocols can then be deployed, unmasking cyber threats before they can inflict significant damage. This proactive approach transforms businesses 9 Clifton Street, Stonefield Park Industrial Estate, Lincoln, LN5 8LQ 01522 546118 sales@lincolncopycentre.co.uk Established more than 40 years ago, Lincoln Print & Copy Centre has experienced the highs and lows of the economy alongside many other businesses in the area. Looking at the opportunities as the economy grows, they identified areas where they can help their customers stand out from the crowd and have invested in new printing and finishing equipment. With the latest Xerox Versant 280 press and Kasfold 640 booklet maker, they can now supply landscape A4 brochures, 6 page A4 leaflets and A5 concertina leaflets with other products available in the near future, all in smaller as well as large quantities. The combination of the new machines offer many new exciting products for customers. Their experienced design team have worked in print for many years so understand what’s required in the worlds of commerce, industry, hospitality, culture and tourism. They can help customers understand how the new ideas will work for them, discuss branding and logos, what will attract and inform their customers. For more information visit www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk • Single Use Menus • Christmas cards • Calendars • Gift Ideas • Notices and Signs • Information leaflets • Logos and branding • Stationary • Business cards • Newsletters • Postcards • Flyers • Brochures • Vinyl Banners • Roller Banners • Posters • Plan printing Looking forward at new business opportunities 36 Á © stock.adobe.com/sippapas36 Business Link www.blmforum.net BUSINESS SERVICES from passive targets to active defenders in the digital realm. Navigating cybersecurity regulations is yet another area that’s heavily regulated, and compliance standards can be daunting for many businesses. Business services specialise here and cut the learning curve for you, staying abreast of the latest legal requirements and industry standards. They ensure that businesses adhere to all applicable regulations, mitigating legal risks and potential liabilities. This meticulous attention to compliance not only protects businesses from legal ramifications but also instils trust among customers and stakeholders, bolstering the company’s reputation. The odd mistake or oversight is a fact of business, and catching these flaws is the reason regulation measures exist. There’s no shame in your model or approach being found lacking, as this enables you to repair for strength, as well as being great training in responding to other challenges. But at the same time, human error remains one of the leading causes of security breaches. Business services recognise the importance of an educated workforce and conduct comprehensive training programs. Through learning that covers every necessary defence, employees are reliably informed about the subtleties of phishing attempts, social engineering tactics, and safe practices against digital and commercial theft. By raising awareness of cybersecurity across all departments and staff, not just at the executive level, businesses create an additional layer of defence, transforming their employees into ever-present guardians of their company’s digital and financial assets. Every business is unique, with distinct digital footprints and security needs. Business services recognise this diversity and, while there will be many firms for you to choose between for the best fit, each will then offer further tailored solutions, customisable to your specific requirements. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, these services customise their cybersecurity approaches, implementing measures that align with the company’s size, industry, and operational distinctions. This personalised touch ensures that your business receives exactly the help it needs, upping your protection without unnecessary complexities or expenses. The sheer diversity of these services is what allows businesses to focus on their core competencies while defending themselves against threats in their weaker areas. By utilising the expertise of specialised service providers, your businesses can focus on enhancing operations, allowing you to achieve your goals. In the case of cybercrime, you’ll be freed from worry over whether your data and finances are safe enough. Having gained a trusted learning resource that enables employees to be vigilant for you, digital security will almost take care of itself, while you see to managing your financial successes. By combining cutting-edge technologies, expert insights, and tailored solutions, companies can focus on their core competencies and achieve their financial goals with confidence, knowing their digital and financial assets are safeguarded by a dedicated team of protectors. © stock.adobe.com/peopleimages.comwww.blmforum.net Business Link 37 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY O ver two-thirds of companies throw a ‘Christmas’ or year- end party in the UK and it’s important it goes well. Success mainly depends on how people are left feeling after the event, especially as the period over Christmas and New Year is a key time for staff to consider whether they want to apply for another job, often at another company – so the party shouldn’t leave anyone with a bad taste in their mouth. There is a lot of risk involved, however, and problems can occur when alcohol flows. Staff need be aware that the party, even though outside of office hours and often office workspace, is an extension of the working environment, both from a PR point of view and in legal terms and here lies an expectation for all to behave accordingly while having fun. Any staff members’ behaviour at an event can give rise to claims or disciplinary action so it’s essential to communicate expectations by circulating a considered email, a staff meeting and notices in staff rooms. The CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development) states, “make your Trouble at the party 38 Á Christmas parties are designed to be fun and are important for maintaining staff, but there are a lot of things that can go wrong – it’s best to be aware of these in advance. © stock.adobe.com/deagreez38 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY expectations clear - remind people of the behaviour that’s expected of them beforehand, including communicating your policies on dignity and respect and on drugs and alcohol misuse.” When people know what parameters are in place they feel safe and can relax and enjoy the event. Many attendees may worry what to chat about at the office party. Politics should be avoided and although it’s tempting to vent about the state of the country there are many more pleasant topics to discuss such as next years’ vacation plans, favourite foods, bands or video games. Keeping topics light and general stops attendees feeling anxious or aggravated. Ensure official talk is kept in the office and employers remain aware of expressing opinions about employees too or making promises of promotion at a party that aren’t kept as if the promotion falls through, it can end up in an Employment Tribunal based on ‘breach of trust’. Other considerations are whether social media postings are permissible, staff need to be informed on this topic beforehand as selfies are here to stay! The obvious issue that can cause problems at a party and upset others is when people drink too much, whether it’s a free bar or not – avoiding hard spirits and limiting the number of drinks per person can help this as well as providing non-alcoholic drinks such as mocktails, juices, water and tea or coffee. Also, drinking on an empty stomach is not recommended so providing finger food, a buffet or sit down meal is ideal, depending on your budget. A DJ or band can help as well as getting people moving further averts extreme drunkenness and allows people to enjoy themselves dancing, and others enjoy listening to some good tunes and watching others dance. As well as drunkenness other problems could be if an argument or fight breaks out. If this happens staff members, two or more preferably senior staff or HR personnel, should intervene adjourning to a quiet corner and offering a listening ear and non-alcoholic drink to calm a situation down, reassuring an upset attendee they are being heard. As always, if necessary, issues can be discussed in the clear light of day especially as an employee can be fired for aggressive behaviour or complain about unfair dismissal, so if in doubt about matters HR or management should offer a clear course of action. Unwanted contact, offensive or lewd remarks can also cause consternation at a party. Sneaking a consensual kiss under the mistletoe might be OK but groping and inappropriate touching can be classed as sexual harassment which could not only lead to criminal charges and could result in dismissal. In this ‘Me Too’ era, employers need to remain vigilant at all times during the festivities as the company can also be held liable. As many employees argue ‘it’s not fair being fired for actions at a company party’, so all staff should be treated equally and it’s important for a company to acknowledge when HR or an employer is to be www.blmforum.net Business Link 39 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY involved in a situation as well as keeping an open dialogue for any employee wishing to discuss things they felt uncomfortable with. Luckily, many complaints are easily dealt with but for ones that aren’t, again, proper protocols must be followed and all concerned be made aware of them. Employers should ensure they distance themselves from any unofficial ‘after- party’ and highlight to staff when the company event starts and ends. No employer wants to be seen as curtailing on-going enjoyment but staff should be reminded of their expected ‘after-party’ behaviour, for example, not drink driving. This can be actively discouraged by offering secure overnight parking, taxi company and public transport information or the company providing transport. Finally, a consistent policy regarding post-party absenteeism and behaviour, if it’s a workday following the party, should be decided on beforehand to avoid arguments - how lenient or not a company is going to be regarding lateness or absenteeism needs to be communicated to staff so they are aware of the consequences and can make suitable arrangements beforehand so they can then relax and enjoy the whole night. Coming into work drunk from the night before can lead to dismissal, especially if in your work role you drive or operate machinery and nobody wants that to happen. © stock.adobe.com/Ekaterina_MolchanovaNext >