< Previous40 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY building, smart phone treasure hunts, canoeing and other sports activities, all outside, and baking challenges, pizza making, rollercoaster and bridge building, escape rooms, CSI scenarios, improve classes and Dragon’s Den competitions indoors. It is essential to tailor your chosen activity to your objectives: are you primarily looking instil better teamwork? Then select a task that has this at its centre, such as an escape room. The benefits of investing in team activities are far reaching, strengthening many crucial soft skills, reducing stress and acting as a reward to staff, making them feel valued. Primarily they facilitate bonding and collaboration between employees, letting them get to know each other away from the workplace, and see and understand how different people approach tasks, as well as recognise their strengths and weaknesses, to ultimately form a cohesive group that knows how to work efficiently together to reach targets, smoothening company processes. This might also see staff interact with those external to, say, their department, allowing them to better comprehend each other’s roles and increase the respect they have for one another. Choosing the right activities can develop stronger communication between employees, reinforce company values, motivate and energise staff, and make them more productive, ultimately boosting the bottom line. In addition, by taking employees out of their routine, to face challenges not related to work, one can stimulate creative problem-solving skills that can be taken back to the office. Team events also see managers become more approachable, making staff more likely to voice their concerns and ideas, and as a result increase staff satisfaction and improve employee retention. Further, team building events allow management to see how employees react in different situations, and have the potential to highlight different attributes and talents members of staff hold which they might not get a chance to illustrate at work, such as leadership qualities, comfort under pressure, strong planning capabilities, and an ability to encourage others well. This may help when trying to identify candidates for roles in the organisation that open in the future. Team building will often see limited effect if it is a one-time event. It therefore is important after your activity ends to keep its momentum and positive outcomes going in the workplace. Make sure to create plenty of opportunities for employees to connect. © Shutterstock /Rawpixel.com 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 09:09 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 41 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY T here’s a renaissance taking place in Grimsby with fresh investment improving services, amenities and infrastructure, fortifying local businesses and attracting more firms into the area. One of the biggest beneficiaries is St. James Hotel opposite Grimsby Minster. Late last year, £1.5 million plans to revitalise and redevelop St. James Square were approved as part of the town council’s generation proposals. Not only will the hotel benefit from the extra foot traffic and interest it will bring to the area, but its owners – Corus – has recently partnered with Best Western GB in a move that sees the hotel become one of just seven in the group’s portfolio to become a Sure Hotel by Best Western. As such, it will receive significant investment in an extensive refurbishment programme. But the hotel isn’t resting on its laurels, having recently invested in a new offering as it diversifies its market. Spearheaded by General Manager Craig Healey, St. James Hotel has taken the initiative and created a trial apartment aimed at business travellers who require extended stays. The idea is to provide travelling businesspersons a self-contained, fully self-sufficient space during their stay with a kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom and lounge area. The kitchen includes a microwave and hotplate, allowing guests to cater for themselves and better organise their schedule. The lounge and bedroom, meanwhile, both contain wall-mounted televisions to provide comfort and relaxation after a full schedule of meetings and/or site visits. The apartment was accomplished by connecting two previously separate rooms, although you’d never guess from visiting. It’s a fully-realised space that’s stylish and comfortable. The majority of the furnishings, including the sofa, curtains, lampshades and paintings, have been provided for by local companies, so visitors can trust that they’re getting the very best that Grimsby has to offer. Given it’s been newly refurbished, it’s got plenty of modern amenities. All the plug sockets contain USB ports for easy smart phone and tablet charging, and a table and chairs in the lounge is perfect for working on the laptop with the hotel’s free Wi-Fi. The trial apartment is directly opposite the Minister with impressive views over St. James Square. This is one of the town’s most up and coming areas, with the aforementioned investment, and being only a short work from the train station and bus station, and easily reached off the A180. With convenient, complimentary and secure parking for guests, the hotel has everything today’s business traveller could want for. The apartment is intended for a minimum stay of four-days which is perfect for those visiting the town or surrounding areas for work, whether that’s attending meetings or industry events, conducting site visits or inspections, or anything else in the corporate calendar. St. James Hotel is diversifying with the launch of a new apartment aimed at extended stay travellers. We recently visited to see the apartment for ourselves. To find out more about the hotel and to make a booking today, visit www.corushotels.com/grimsby, email stjames@corushotels.com, or call 0147 235 9771. 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 09:09 Page 442 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK If you need a new car, or you just like motors, read on to see what we’ve been driving since our last issue. Must Have Motors… This is a compact estate car with a coupe-like roofline. Come to think of it; the rearward sloping shape is what does it for us in the looks department: that and the rear lighting signature. The taillights are joined by a strip that also illuminates – giving the car a broad, distinctive appearance. Inside, you get heated faux-leather seats with powered lumbar support for the front occupants. A leather-trimmed, heated steering wheel and an eight-inch infotainment screen are also welcome features. Behind the wheel, the 1.6-litre diesel, as supplied in our review car, offers good pulling power. Linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission, the Kia will do 0- 62mph in 9.8 seconds. Its maximum speed is 124mph. But perhaps more important is the ProCeed’s excellent fuel efficiency. You can get over 50mpg in this model on an average run; it feels like the car has a tank that keeps on giving. Co2 emissions of 110g/km aren’t bad either, making you wonder why the “demonization” of diesel is the fashionable thing to do. Fast Facts Kia ProCeed 1.6 CRDI GT Line DCT7 Max speed: 124 mph 0-62 mph: 9.8 sec Combined mpg: 54.3 Engine layout: 1598cc, 4-cylinder turbo diesel Max. power (PS): 136 CO2: 110 g/km Price: £25,785 Kia ProCeed 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 09:11 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 43 AUTOLINK It is a Japanese car scene legend. Yes, the name ‘Supra’ brings joy to automotive aficionados everywhere. And guess what? It’s back. Toyota has been teasing us with the model’s return for what seems like forever. And it’s the beast we’ve been hoping for. Looks-wise, the car is bold and brawny – and this mirrors what’s under the metal, too. Beneath the lengthy bonnet, there’s a bulging six-cylinder powerplant, just bursting at the seams with clout. Then there’s the cosy, well-equipped cabin for two under the Toyota’s roof – and the obligatory rear spoiler. So, if you’re a parent, this isn’t going to be your main family transport - it’s a toy - and a £54,000 one at that. You will get your child in the only seat beside you. And, yes, there’ll be squabbles if you have more than one offspring. If you’re buying this for play purposes – and you will be - the 3.0-litre lump will please you. It is silky-smooth, pushing out 340ps, propelling the Toyota to 62mph in 4.3 seconds via an eight-speed auto box. Oh, and the top speed is 155mph. That is licence-losing territory right there. 2020’s rear-wheel-drive Supra is a clear triumph when it comes to entertainment. But it’s a lot of dosh for a non-premium marque. Happily, though, the car’s cabin is generously trimmed and is a more pleasant place to sit than, say, a similarly priced Porsche. Admirers of fast cars from the Far East will be delighted to learn, then, that the Supra’s return to these shores is a victory. It is a talented sports car with hot looks and a responsive rear end. We just wish we had a spare £54,000, because it was hard to give this motor back after a week behind its wheel. Fast Facts Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Pro Max speed: 155 mph 0-62 mph: 4.3 sec Combined mpg: 34.45 Engine layout: 2998cc, 6- cylinder turbo petrol Max. power (PS): 340 CO2: 170g/km Price: £54,000 Toyota Supra 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 09:11 Page 244 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Fast Facts Skoda Scala SE L 1.0 TSI 115PS DSG Max speed: 123 mph 0-62 mph: 9.9 sec Combined mpg: 47.1-41.5 Engine layout: 999cc, 3-cylinder turbo petrol Max. power (PS): 115 CO2: 116 g/km Price: £22,000 Skoda Scala If you’re after a compact hatchback, look no further than the Skoda Scala. This new car from the Czech automaker offers space and versatility as well as good looks. On the move, the Scala is fun to drive, shifting gracefully around corners with hardly any body roll. The steering is pin-sharp, making the car easy to manoeuvre at all speeds, but particularly so in town. Performance is surprisingly quick in the Scala, with the 1.0 TSI 115ps engine automatic on test here, capable of 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds. The fuel economy is equally impressive, with the model averaging out a frugal 40+mpg. CO2 emissions are low as well at 116g/km, meaning road tax will only set you back £145 after the car’s first birthday. The seven-speed automatic transmission moves fluidly through the gears, making the DSG version of the Scala an effortless drive, especially if you regularly need to drive in stop-start traffic. In SE L trim, the Scala gets a bunch of features that sound as if they belong to a “prestige” badged car. Kit includes navigation with a 9.2-inch colour touchscreen, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, and a leather multifunction steering wheel. Scunthorpe: 01724 863 684 Bolton: 01204 659 308 Leeds: 0113 243 8574 Lincoln: 01522 540 100 Rugby: 01788 565 850 TJS Self Drive was established in 1974 at Scunthorpe. We have developed a reputation for providing a modern and reliable fleet with personal service. Our self drive rates are very competitive whilst providing close attention to our customer needs. www.tjs-selfdrive.co.uk 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 09:11 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 45 AUTOLINK EUROPA WAY, STALLINGBOROUGH, N. E. LINCS Telephone: 01469 574239 Mobile: 07711 496138 Email: glcommercials@btinternet.com • www.glcommercials.co.uk GLC REPAIRS LTD GLC REPAIRS LTD Commercials GLC REPAIRS LTD Volvo S60 T5 Inscription Plus Automatic Buy or lease an S60, and you’ll never go back to any other saloon. This is a well-built, exquisite executive express that’ll serve you well. Sure, saloons don’t have the practicality of a hatchback or an estate, but the load area in the S60 will take a bunch of suitcases or even a set of golf clubs - if that’s the kind of pastime you enjoy. The car is big, but it never feels oversized in town, or when parking. There’s a lot of gadgetry in the Volvo to help you with that anyway. The S60 will seat five people comfortably, and it’ll get you and your passengers to places quickly. Zero to 62mph only takes 6.5 seconds, and the top speed is 145mph. That’s hot-hatch territory. The only downside to a vehicle with this kind of performance is a lack of efficiency. It’s by no means a thirsty motor, but it’s not the most frugal, either. You’re looking at getting 35.3-39.8mpg, and CO2 emissions are 152g/km. Fast Facts Volvo S60 T5 Inscription Plus Automatic Max speed: 145 mph 0-62 mph: 6.3 sec Combined mpg: 35.3 - 39.8mpg Engine layout: 1969cc, 4-cylinder turbo petrol Max. power (PS): 250 CO2: 152 g/km Price: £38,835 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 09:11 Page 446 Business Link www.blmforum.net events business community, the mission of this conference is to promote the Kirklees business landscape to a wide audience from the Yorkshire & Humber region. It provides a one-day opportunity to equip local businesses with the tools they require for business growth. Organised by the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, it will also facilitate a knowledge sharing platform via a seminar programme with expert speakers. To find out more, visit www.kirkleesbusinessconference.co.uk. East Midlands Business Link Bricks Wednesday 25 March Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Held by our sister publication, East Midlands Business Link, this prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape across the region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public buildings – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. Last year, the awards ceremony attracted more than 150 property and construction © Shutterstock/Rawpixel.com Doncaster Business Showcase Thursday 27 February Doncaster Racecourse Bringing together over 270 exhibitors, the Doncaster Business Showcase highlights the very best of local and regional businesses as well as attracting thousands of professionals making it the largest B2B networking exhibition in Yorkshire. Free-to- attend, the event provides the opportunity to build upon existing relationships, generate warm leads, and showcase your business to potential new prospects. For more information, visit www.wearedoncaster.co.uk. Construction, Property, Heritage & Trade Exhibition Thursday 27 February Lincolnshire Showground Heritage Lincolnshire and Archaeological Project Services are bringing together businesses in the East Midlands to facilitate collaborative working, using local services and like-minded businesspeople. The main aim is to connect businesses together on a level playing field, to showcase what their qualities and services are, and how we can all work together. For more information, visit www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk. CBI Business Dinner Thursday 5 March Millennium Art Gallery, Sheffield At this prestigious business networking evening in Sheffield, hear the latest insights from Dame Carolyn Fairbairn in her final year as CBI Director-General. Attendees can also connect with 150 senior business executives from across the region’s business and political community. For more information, email Yorkshire.events@cbi.org.uk. Kirklees Business Conference Wednesday 18 March The John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield The flagship event of the Huddersfield © Shutterstock/Karashaev IoD Directors’ Lunch with Bank of England Thursday 27 February The Mansion, Leeds This event brings together IoD members and non-members alike for a lunch in Leeds with speaker Juliette Healey, the Bank of England’s senior representative in the Yorkshire and Humber region. To find out more, email helena.drake@iod.com. 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 09:13 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 47 Start-Up and Grow Thursday 12 March The Showroom, Lincoln Business Lincolnshire is once again holding its annual Start-Up and Grow event to support those starting a business or running an early year’s business and to help attendees build a business through drawing on the knowledge and experience of its presenters. Along with speakers on such topics as business planning, finance, marketing and tax, there will also be a chance for delegates to learn from those that have started their own business as well as ask questions to an expert panel. To find out more, email laura.gomez@lincs-chamber.co.uk. professionals. Nominations are still open for each category and tickets for the ceremony can be booked here: https://bit.ly/2LQg1Y9. York Annual Dinner Thursday 26 March National Railway Museum, York As one of the most prestigious events in the business calendar, the York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner is the perfect occasion to entertain key customers and suppliers. This year’s guest speaker is the nation’s most famous vicar, Reverend Richard Coles. To find out more, email events@wnychamber.co.uk. HS2 Supply Chain Event Thursday 26 March Lincoln City Football Club Aimed at Lincolnshire businesses, this event will explore opportunities within the HS2 supply chains. It will aim to raise awareness of the supplier opportunities that HS2 will bring and dismiss some of the myths to ensure businesses in the area can align themselves to be part of the supply chain. For more information, visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk. The Budget 2020 Friday 13 March 2020 Mariners Suite, Hull & The Eliot Room, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln Join Streets Chartered Accountants to break down the March 11 Budget and find out what it means for business going forward. At this presentation taking place in both Lincoln and Hull, there’ll be a review of the announcements; guidance on the impact of changes for individuals and businesses and an indication as to the steps to be taken to deal with the announcements. Moreover, there’ll be an insight into the potential tax changes and financial implications following Brexit. To find out more, visit www.streetsweb.co.uk. 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 09:13 Page 2FEATURES Petrochemical Spotlight Freight, Storage & Movement Materials & Components Finance Legal Services REGULARS Commercial Property Section Motoring Section Corporate Hospitality Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in March 2020 - Deadline 19th February Visit us at www.blmforum.net where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscribe to our newsletters so you can have the latest news emailed to your inbox, in between printed issues? 48.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2020 14:42 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 & lincolnsh hire’s leading business ma agazine june 2019 £3.5 50 Meeting demand businesses Celebrating Li transpo Cutting encolnshir rt the cost of V w VOLUME34ISSUE6 .blmgroup.co.ukwww 2019JANUARY INTERN Food Food Foo £3.50 .fdiforum.netwww NATION Drin Drin Dri 0 STERLING AL nk nk n SNACK FOODS & COLOURING S FLAVOURING & CONVEYING T JU£2.95 fashion WWWLINCWWW.LINC OLNSHIRETOOLNSHIRETO DAYNETDAY.NET GROUP www.blmgroup.co.uk Business Link 49 www.blmforum.net LABELS • Plain / Printed Labels • Lasersheets • Fanfolded Labels • Thermal Transfer Ribbons • Barcode Labels RECRUITMENT WEDDINGSTO 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. LINCOLNSHIRETODAY WWW WEDDINGS/NETY 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 MOTORING For all you motoring needs 01472 240 800 www.jsmithautorepairs.co.uk 49.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2020 14:43 Page 1Next >