< Previous40 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY T he concept of online conferencing has become popular in the past two years and the practice has been used to overcome the difficulties imposed by lockdown and travel restrictions. Video calling and conferencing have become the new standard ways to communicate and interact with others in times of need and online platforms have actually turned out to be a big resource for businesses that want to preserve their normal functioning and networking activities. Online conferencing has proved to have some potential and perks, the biggest one being the ability to overcome any physical and geographical barrier. Moving your conference online means anyone can attend, from anywhere in the world and from the comfort of their homes, without any travel or logistical constraints. People who would normally have issues travelling will be able to attend, which means there could potentially be a bigger turn out and a wider spread of participants. Another perk is the cost and time effectiveness of online conferencing, for both attendees and all organising parties. If your conference is online, your costs will be limited to the actual content of the event; there will be no need to plan any activities or refreshment, you won’t need to cover any travelling or accommodation costs for attendees and guest speakers, and there will be no need to book a venue. Similarly, attendees, being able to join the event from home, will not need to pay for anything other than the admission fee. If people can attend from wherever they want, they can also attend whenever they want. Moving everything online means people can log in and out as they please, deciding what activities and talks to prioritise and being able to manage their attendance in a way that does not affect their daily activities. This time-effective potential of online conferencing can be further enhanced by the presence of on demand content: this will allow attendees to listen to speakers in their own time and it will make sure the conference content and messages will be more likely to reach the audience successfully. Overall, all these elements guarantee a successful conference; people will be more motivated to take part in an event knowing they can access it whenever they want, from wherever they want, and it might also result in higher degrees of interaction, engagement and interest. However, online conferencing also comes with a series of challenges that might be difficult to control and, sometimes, even to resolve. If having everything online represents an incredible resource and gives the event a much higher level of accessibility and flexibility, it also means that attendance is solely dependent on internet connection. Unfortunately, it cannot be assumed everyone owns or has access to the same high-quality technological resources; this means not everyone will be able to access the event in the same way, which can be frustrating and off-putting. Additionally, if conferences and corporate events are difficult to put Taking your conference online With COVID-19 making another comeback this winter and governments recommending people to limit social gatherings and interactions, there is a chance businesses will need to turn to online conferences and events once again. 40-41.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 08:12 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 41 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY together during regular times when one is allowed to meet in person and discuss options, they will be ten times harder to manage if people are not able to meet face-to-face with all parties involved. Which brings us the biggest con of all: the lack of face-to-face interaction. Despite being more time effective, meeting online lacks that interpersonal quality in-person communications have. Body language and facial expressions make up for most of our successful interactions with others, being able to read non-verbal cues allows us to better understand people and their intentions and helps us avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications. Even if in a post-pandemic world it has become the ordinary, video calling does not provide us with the same quality of interactions in-person communication does; we can’t read any cues, we are in a constant fear of the connection cutting off, we worry about how we look on camera and how we behave, we tend get distracted by other attendees on screen; all resulting in low quality communication and adding to the stress of interacting with others. This provides people with anxiety and causes what it is now known as Zoom fatigue. Video conferencing represents an incredible resource for businesses that still want to maintain their networking value during difficult times like the ones we’re living. It allows to keep in touch with people and gives the possibility to expand one’s reach globally. However, there are some challenges that come with moving a conference online that make planning in some ways more complicated, as businesses are required to think about difficulties they wouldn’t normally have to deal with, so it is important to keep all elements in mind. Turning to online conferencing in the last couple of years has been a necessity that has, in a way, turned into a resource; we have been able to explore the dos and don’ts of online conferencing and now, with this experience behind us, businesses can utilise this service at its full potential and make sure their conferences reach people in the most successful way possible. © stock.adobe.com/ aerogondo 40-41.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 08:12 Page 242 Business Link www.blmforum.net events © stock.adobe.com/Piman Khrutmuang Circular Yorkshire: Building Business Resilience Wednesday 12 January Online The COVID-19 pandemic and other threats such as the EU-exit, are forcing us to think about business resilience. It has mobilised us to find new ways to operate that are fit for the future, build stronger relationships and generate a green recovery. Reconsidering how you operate, what you produce and how you produce it, will build stronger foundations for the future. In this one hour webinar you will hear from two speakers - Andrea Morrison and Philip Bolson - who will share insights into how you can build resilience into your business for the future, what you need to focus on and how to make it happen. For more information visit https://wnychamber.force.com/s/lt- event?id=a2v1v000001hRCHAA2 Doing Business in the USA Tuesday 18 January Online Are you considering additional growth in the US market? This event will offer access to speakers that can support UK businesses with US investment aspirations. It will explore the comprehensive operational support needed to establish, grow and streamline your US business activity. Organised in partnership with Blue Link Worldwide and The Department for International Trade, learn more about what you need to know and plan for in your US expansion and tools you can leverage. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/event/doing- business-in-the-usa-sheffield-chamber-of- commerce/ IoD - Lincoln Mastermind Tuesday 18 January Online Mastermind brings businesses together to build strong relationships, allowing them to share ideas in a constructive environment. These sessions offer a combination of brainstorming, education, peer accountability and support in a group setting to sharpen business and personal skills. The ethos is to provide a positive, informal but challenging and supportive space to discuss issues that confront directors on a daily basis. For more information visit www.iod.com/events-community/ events/event-details/eventdateid/34231 Exploring New Markets: Funding Support Wednesday 26 January Commerce House, Lincoln Are you an SME? Do you have fewer than Creating Healthy Work Life Boundaries Wednesday 19 January Online Boundaries are an essential element of work life. The increase of home and hybrid working has seen an increase in the working hours and risk of burnout in leaders, entrepreneurs and business owners. Setting boundaries is essential to strong leadership, yet often people find it hard to set healthy boundaries for themselves and for others. Leaders with healthy boundaries create an effective working culture that impacts positively on higher performance and better working patterns, stronger trust, and healthier relationships. During this one hour webinar, you will learn valuable tools and techniques needed to achieve the boundaries and performance you desire for your business, team, and yourself. For more information visit www.ynygrowthhub.com/events/creating-healthy-work-life-boundaries © stock.adobe.com/ blacksalmon Due to the coronavirus outbreak, readers should be aware that events may have been cancelled or postponed. All dates correct as of publishing, but please check beforehand. 250 employees? Do you have a turnover of below €50m or a balance sheet below €43m? If so, you qualify for attendance at this special event in partnership with Department for International Trade, where expert speakers will be brought together from across the exporting and overseas trading arena to discuss the Internationalisation Fund. Hear from business case studies who have been successful in securing funding to share their story and experience. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/events/ exploring-new-markets-funding-support 42-43.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 08:13 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 43 SME Business Breakfast Event – Making Business: Ready for the Future Wednesday 26 January The Sheffield College, Sheffield Brought to you by Sheffield Hallam University, this panel-led event explores how businesses can strengthen their workforce and embed diversity and inclusion in their recruitment strategy. Our region faces an increasing challenge in meeting the demands of a recruitment crisis. Never has it been more important to consider your business practises to ensure that you recruit and retain talented people. This event will demonstrate the support available through your local University and Colleges to recruit a diverse and inclusive talent pipeline for the future. For more information visit www.scci.org.uk/events/ sme-business-breakfast-event-making- business-ready-for-the-future Lincolnshire Construction & Property Network Tuesday 18 January Online This popular monthly Construction & Property Network is online via Zoom this month, creating a hybrid approach to the network which is usually in-person. From sole traders to housing associations, construction and property businesses come together to talk all things construction. There will be breakout networking rooms, industry conversations and lots of new connections. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/ events/construction-property-jan22 Women’s Networking Lunch Thursday 27 January Malmaison, Leeds At this annual Women’s Lunch in Leeds, build relationships and rapport with other business professionals. You will have the opportunity to hear from guest speaker Professor Udy Archibong PhD MBE Pro- Vice Chancellor (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion), University of Bradford and share knowledge/challenges within the business women community. For more information visit https://wnychamber.force.com/s/lt- event?id=a2v1v000001hPlKAAU Chamber Curry Club Thursday 27 January Akbar’s Rotherham, Rotherham This is an informal event for local business people to come and meet like- minded individuals in a relaxed environment with some tasty food. The evening will begin with networking and 60 second introductions, followed by dinner. There will be a set menu (selection of starters and main courses). For more information visit www.brchamber.co.uk/ event/chamber-curry-club-4 Creating a Brand - Business Sheffield Friday 25 February Online Businesses can create an effective brand by examining how their business works and what it means to customers. This session will re-evaluate why branding matters and its power to influence, using practical guided exercises to help you develop your own brand identity. While this session has been tailored to offer advice during the Covid era, it will also provide you with basic principles that will continue to work beyond this. For more information visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creating-a-brand- tickets-221940699607 42-43.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 08:13 Page 2FEATURES Engineering Spotlight Business Travel & Leisure Printing & Packaging Training & Apprenticeships Meet the Experts REGULARS Commercial Property Motoring Corporate Hospitality Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in February 2022 - Deadline 26th January Visit us at www.b lmforum .net where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscri be to our newsle tters so you can have the latest news emaile d to your inbox, in betwee n printed issues? 44.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 08:14 Page 1MARKETING OPPORTUNITY Business Link Magazine Group is currently seeking a focused driven and enthusiastic individual to join our busy team. This exciting role involves networking with a wide variety of diverse businesses, developing relationships and ensuring the highest possible level of advertisements are generated. You will explore new business opportunities and contact existing clients to promote the company’s portfolio of services. Duties will include: l Acquiring and developing a portfolio of local key accounts l Growing business from existing and new clients l Developing a high level of knowledge of your territory As an account executive you should also have the ability to work to deadline and have good IT skills and proven negotiation skills. In return for your commitment we offer a competitive salary and great career prospects. Please contact Michael Fisher on 01472 310310 WWW.BLMFORUM.NET/CAREERS yorkshire & lincolns hh ire’s leading business m aa gazine april 2020 £3.550 TO T RES CTHE SPOND CRISIS DING S CO C OCC safety Ensuring e TTHEAL e of factoriesThe futur TIONTAUTOMA YYAFACTOR fices healthyfKeeping of SOLUTIONS OFFICE employee THCARE V w VOLUME 35 ISSUE 4 .blmgroup.co.ukwww INTER N FoodFood &&& FoodFood & N ATI O N &&Drin DrinDrin &&Drin AL nknknkk app A r f hh hi ts a ews Ingredient spotlight End offline packkaaging MAY 2020 nUn T ingiehhe M£2.95 cou U yttyun ii y hhe H llhlocal he Suppor d ti training Online garden H lockdow Health i WWW LINC ee30+ y WWW . LINC OLNSHIRETO ooears y OLNSHIRETOODAY NET oung ODAY . NET BLM GROUP www.blmgroup.co.uk Business Link 45 www.blmforum.net LABELS Tel: 01482 506560 sales@datamarkuk.com www.datamarkuk.com • Plain / Printed Labels • Lasersheets • Fanfolded Labels • Thermal Transfer Ribbons • Barcode Labels RECRUITMENT CLASSIFIED To advertise your services on the Classified pages contact us on 01472 310310 WEDDINGS TO LET To receive a copy of the county’s most prestigious, full colour Wedding Guide, send a S.A.E. to: Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincs DN31 2QE Alternatively visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/weddings where you can view the whole guide online If you are getting married then this guide is your must have accessory. It’s full of advice, hints and tips from the county’s top wedding specialists and will provide you with inspiration for your big day. The essential t b and G the B guide m ooG B d r t LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.WWW WEDDINGS/NET.Y Planning for your special day? Ground floor offices to let - prime location in Grimsby • Superb Location - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre • Secure off street parking • High speed internet availability • Easy in/out terms • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk 45.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 08:14 Page 1And finally The world of Frazer Here’s Frazer’s monthly collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks! Sassy resignations strike again While many businesses are working hard on staff retention, seeing renewed commitment and loyalty from employees, others are aggravating their workers so much as to not only quit, but leave with sass. One woman has done so in the most wonderfully simple way, handing her boss a bereavement card with the phrase “sorry for your loss” on the front, followed on the inside by: “It’s me, I leave in two weeks.” Frazer must admit he did chuckle when sent the story by his colleague, but it was quickly topped by a further cheekier letter of resignation for which a man utilised a piece of toilet paper! Though the letter simply held the message “yo I’ll be gone on the 25th,” Frazer more so appreciated the artistic flare of a cartoon man slapping his backside. Fortunately, in the case of the latter resignation, the TP notice was in good fun. A never-ending video call We all know the horror of a Zoom meeting that just goes on too long, and the temptation to just keep working a little bit longer while at home, but a UK creative company has cleverly highlighted the situation in a darkly comedic manner with a short film. After being sent the clip of “’Twas the call before Christmas” (which of course came following a discussion in a video meeting!), Frazer watched as a family were thrown into chaos during the holiday season after a man became stuck inside a video call - no not stuck on a video call in the next room, but rather pulled into the laptop screen! While bringing in plenty of humour, the movie manages to deliver an important message - to remember to switch off. It’s something we all need a reminder for sometimes. Excuses, excuses Bosses have heard it all when it comes to excuses for lateness and absences, but Frazer recently stumbled across a story that even surprised him! The man in question has been shamed by his superior after stating that he would be unable to come into work because his girlfriend had sadly not washed his socks! The ridiculous excuse, which went viral online, was sent via text and contained a healthy number of expletives, stating: “I can’t come in I can’t find any f****** socks she ain’t washed f*** all.” He continued to note that he couldn’t just go barefoot in his shoes as his boots had “big holes in.” Perhaps the more stunning aspect of the tale is that the boss let him off, saying he would see him tomorrow! Frazer’s not too sure why the man could not have just gone out to get a new pair on his way to work, or even re-wear old socks out of necessity. 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