< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net ENGINEERING D riven by a strategic shift towards cutting-edge automation and smart technologies, this transformative approach is a response to a market that demands more speed while maintaining safety, quality and accuracy. However, it detracts from the worth of these changes to assume they’re all about profits and staying ahead of the competition. The flourishing of automated industry is a proactive measure to enhance efficiency, meet evolving industry regulations, and address environmental concerns related to wastage. This trajectory of problem- solving gains even more significance as concerns about the engineering skills shortage intensify, the struggle to fill gaps continuing in the wake of Brexit. Efficiency within the supply chain is a concept often conflated with productivity, though it is crucial to discern them as distinct entities. Productivity, on its own terms, is the culmination of streamlined and efficient processes along the production line. This specific understanding has become a central concern for engineers, especially in recent decades, where heightened demand necessitates not only the scaling up of operations, but also a strategic recalibration of existing processes. While maintaining competitiveness should be far from the first concern, staying abreast of progress in an ever-evolving market is still a necessary consideration for business success. It’s all about keeping a growth mindset, and being open to the More haste, less speed The engineering industry is undergoing a metamorphosis that only moves faster as new developments are sought out and discovered. www.blmforum.net Business Link 31 ENGINEERING © stock.adobe.com/NDABCREATIVITY gradual adjustments that will facilitate it in the long run. The epitome of an efficient production line extends beyond the acceleration of speed, with minimising downtime and reducing wasted yield just as crucial. As the world rallies behind global calls to address food waste, a matter particularly pertinent to the UK given its substantial food industry, manufacturers find themselves at the forefront of innovation. The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has identified machinery performance issues and poor- quality production as major contributors to food waste. To counteract these challenges, companies are making substantial investments in cutting-edge technologies and equipment, with a specific emphasis on astute design and continuous technical improvements. The implementation of diagnostic tools, sophisticated software, and on-site inspections enables companies not only to identify but proactively rectify issues in the production process. This hands-on approach allows operations managers to pinpoint machinery performance problems, such as product jams and mechanical mishandling, through direct examination. Companies are also going at length to address the issue of excess waste by ensuring that Standing Operation Procedures align with the demands of the production line, challenging themselves to reduce without compromising necessary standards. But 32 Á32 Business Link www.blmforum.net ENGINEERING Kirkby Lindsey - Hull Branch 01482 223937 • info@kirkby-lindsey.co.uk Eclipse - York Branch admin@eclipse-electrical.co.uk • 01904 692783 Experts in the repair, rewind and supply of electric motors, geared motors, pumps & fans. Hazardous Area Motor (ATEX) Repair specialists with fully certified IEC Ex service facility. Visit www.kirkbyeclipse.com for more information. here arises another challenge, as overcautious quality checking may result in the disposal of perfectly good products, unintentionally contributing to more waste in other areas. Consumer demands for higher-quality, greener products in larger quantities pose a formidable challenge for manufacturers seeking to increase productivity without extending timelines, inflating costs, or hamstringing themselves through overwrought processes. The deployment of innovative technologies, particularly automation, emerges as a strategic solution in this complex scenario. A longstanding feature of the production line, automation in particular has seen substantial evolution in recent times. Tasks that were traditionally undertaken by human workers can now be accomplished with greater speed, proficiency, and precision through reliably programmed processes. In the realm of automation, the next logical step involves emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and the internet of things. These technologies promise to create a more harmonious and interconnected supply chain, ensuring not just efficiency but also safety and transparency in operations. The ongoing automation of the production line is seen as a cornerstone of progress, providing manufacturers with the tools to navigate the complexities of modern production while meeting the evolving demands of the market. As technology continues to evolve, the symbiotic relationship between automation and efficiency will likely become even more integral to the sustained growth of the engineering industry. One significant issue has stuck around for several years though. With a diminishing pool of skilled workers due to reduced applications from European citizens, and some returning to the EU permanently, companies find themselves grappling with the tangle of challenges that comes with recruiting suitably skilled staff on home turf, even as machines and robotics bring ease to the activity of production itself. Information acquired from the Home Office through the Freedom of Information Act disclosed a notable increase in work permits issued to foreign engineering professionals, rising from 5,620 in 2021 to 9,617 in 2022. A study by Integro Accounting found this surge represented the highest level observed in the past five years. The category witnessing the most significant percentage rise was civil engineers, with the number of work permits nearly doubling from 804 in 2021 to 1,565 in 2022. Along with contributions from labour outflow due to the pandemic and new off-payroll working rules, this substantial rise could well be attributed to the end of the Brexit transition period, marked on January 1st 2021. The termination of freedom of movement between the UK and the EU meant that EU citizens became subject to the same points-www.blmforum.net Business Link 33 DIRECT GASKETS LIMITED For over 30 years 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 based immigration system as non-EU workers. While the freedom of overseas engineering talent to work here is restricted, universities are increasingly inclined to limit access to STEM courses for UK students due to funding constraints. With tuition fees for domestic students frozen at £9,250 annually since 2017, universities face pressure to offset the funding shortfall by allocating more positions to international students who pay higher fees. A national underproduction of graduate engineers and fewer entry-level positions, while 19.5% of experienced professionals are due to retire by 2026, underscores the need for a multi-pronged approach to patching gaps with various causes. Initiatives from the government, such as grants and funding for skills enhancement and apprenticeships, are part of a movement to revitalise the industry. Adult training courses benefit from further education and community learning both growing in popularity, a movement ongoing behind the scenes to educate the masses beyond the stereotype of engineers as dull men, content with boring and uncreative jobs. Work is also being done to equip education leavers with the necessary skills to bypass entry-level and provide the practical know-how employees truly need. The goal is not only to address the immediate skills gap but to establish a robust and sustainable pipeline of talent for the future, ensuring that the engineering industry continues to thrive in the face of technological advancements and evolving market dynamics. © stock.adobe.com/Gorodenkoff34 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY © stock.adobe.com/kasto Organising an effective and enjoyable conference Organising an effective and enjoyable conferencewww.blmforum.net Business Link 35 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY W hen it comes to putting together a top-notch conference, whether it’s setting up a yearly company kick-off or getting top industry talent in one room for a chat, the key to the event lies in figuring out what you want this event to achieve. Especially prescient for larger scale events, organisers must be clear on the primary message of your conference. It may help to come up with an overarching theme for the event, which sums up the reason for getting together. This should be catchy, relatable, and something that is relevant to the industry in the moment. Instead of the clinical sounding “Boosting efficiency through teamwork,” try colloquialising it as “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work”. This theme isn’t just a fancy slogan; it also provides a guiding light when organising the event, from logos to social media tags and all the printed paraphernalia. It may sound cliché, but there’s a reason governments still use slogans like this at elections, and it’s because they work on a grand scale. Laying this groundwork can also help to streamline your budget, and target spending where it would be most beneficial. Having a cohesive theme not only makes your event stand out from the crowd but also means understanding and marketing the benefits to those who are coming. Attendees want to make sure they are investing their time wisely and will receive genuine benefit. In essence, a successful conference hinges on a clear vision and purpose, setting it apart as a must-attend experience delivering substantial value to participants. In the wake of the pivotal lessons learned from the disruption to in-person communications of 2020 and 2021, the essence of leveraging technology as a linchpin for the success of conferences and events has become indisputably clear. As event organisation must continue to evolve with the times, it remains paramount to consider all available methods of delivery. Whilst the default may still be to deliver a live conference, virtual and hybrid options remain worthy of discussion, particularly when catering to international clients. Events are now typically hybrid in some form, which, when considered as an opportunity, allows for a diverse range of offerings, accessible to all. Consider the ability to host overseas speakers, market the event to those unable to attend, and provide take-home material via a link to recordings. Awareness of effective use of virtual communication can be harnessed to create a truly unique experience. Moreover, awareness of technological tools can aid within the preparatory phase, boosting efficiency. Cohesive teamwork and clearly delineated task loads can be fostered through robust communication channels. Tools like Asana and Microsoft Loop exemplify this, enabling effective project management. However, the litmus test arrives at the event itself—ensuring impeccable With the 2023 year coming to an end, you may be looking toward hosting conferences or events in 2024. Here’s how to get started. 36 Á36 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY platforms and technology from registration through participation is crucial. If one is to market based upon technological utilisation, the efficacy of the conference hinges upon a glitch-free technological experience. Contrary to many gatherings, the primary aim of a conference isn’t solely centred on amassing financial gains. Instead, the value lies in the experience in and of itself. Therefore, budgets must be allocated towards robust recording and sound systems, online marketing and websites, and any virtual resources provided to attendees. Whilst profitability isn’t the sole focus, achieving a favourable Return on Investment (ROI) remains a pivotal aspiration. In essence, a conference event needs to be considered as a strategic endeavour geared toward amalgamating technological prowess, organizational finesse, and prudent resource management to generate substantial value without veering into financial loss. As the event organiser, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be steering the entire ship solo. Rallying a dedicated team is the secret to navigating the multifaceted realms of planning, negotiations, and promotion. Firstly, the Planning Team – the powerhouse behind securing the conference venue, accommodations, activities, and ensuring the catering dazzles attendees’ taste buds. They must be followed by the Administration Team, managing the financial wizardry of budgeting, attendee registration, and ticket sales. Once you have the backbone sorted, you’ll need some marketers to liaise with media, craft eye- catching promotional material, and deftly steer the conference’s online presence across websites, blogs, and social media platforms. Marketers can also be useful in securing event sponsors if required. Efficient offline promotion demands a high-quality conference booklet flaunting the agenda and a conspicuous link to the event website or ticketing platform. Online avenues, even on a shoestring budget, offer a myriad of promotional opportunities. Harness the www.blmforum.net Business Link 37 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY power of social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, aligning with your target audience’s preferences. Engage with relevant forums frequented by potential attendees, leveraging spaces like tech- centric communities for tailored promotion. Amplify visibility through personal blogs, press releases, and the strategic use of hashtags on social media. A catchy hashtag can be a powerful ally, providing a cohesive link across promotional posts. Marketers should harness the influence of speakers by encouraging them to promote the conference among their followers. Leveraging their existing audience enhances exposure to individuals already inclined towards their expertise. Finally, the event will require some on- site volunteers who ensure the smooth sailing of on-site activities on the big day. Volunteers provide an important “company face” and shouldn’t be overlooked. The final step in organising your conference is determining ticket prices. Determining the right fee structure becomes a pivotal decision when attendance isn’t complimentary. Striking a balance is key: fees should cover costs without deterring potential attendees. One approach involves adopting a tiered payment system, accommodating various career levels, such as students, with reduced fees. Furthermore, if your event utilises speakers and other activities, create a tiered ticket system to include some or all your offerings. The key takeaway when organising a conference is to do your research. Identify trending topics within your industry to get people interested, research the best way of delivering the event (whether live, virtual, or both) and the best methods of doing so. Harness the best talent within your organisation for running the event and finally, understand how people within the industry consume news and market the event via these channels. This level of preparedness is sure to create a streamlined, fuss-free event which will get everyone talking. © stock.adobe.com/Monkey Business38 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK A year of motors Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupéwww.blmforum.net Business Link 39 AUTOLINK As 2023 comes to an end, we take a look at what’s coming in 2024. Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé The latest in a long line of elegant class- defining coupés from Mercedes-Benz, the new CLE Coupé unites conceptual and technical attributes of both the C-Class and E-Class with its athletic, expressive design, dynamic driving experience and cutting-edge comfort, convenience and safety technologies. Initially the new CLE Coupé is available in AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition specifications. The range of powertrains includes four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines and a four-cylinder diesel - all with mild-hybrid technology. A plug-in hybrid will follow at a later date. The new CLE Coupé is the second vehicle to utilise the third generation MBUX platform - after the new E-Class - which introduces new functions, services and interaction options including a new Android compatibility layer to allow the installation of selected third-party applications, and an enhanced implementation of the “Hey Mercedes” intelligent voice assistant. Skoda Superb The fourth generation of the Skoda Superb builds on the strengths of its predecessor, 40 ÁNext >