< Previous40 Business Link www.blmforum.net PHARMACEUTICALS prioritising research and development of COVID-19 related diagnostics, treatments, health technologies and vaccines, as well as looking at the potential of existing treatments. The second area is vaccine development. As the UK continues to roll-out and scale-up its vaccine delivery, this continues to be a critical area of focus. But, looking back to last year, there were 167 confirmed vaccine projects in development by mid-August 2020 in development globally. The lion’s share of these confirmed vaccine projects were being led by the pharmaceutical industry, with less than thirty per cent by academic, public sector and other NPOs. While vaccines and small molecule treatments are approved through different regulatory pathways and their development programs vary, they generally both must complete three phases of clinical trials. However, there are differences in the data required to show the safety of vaccines and the size of clinical trials for vaccines relative to small molecules. At the start of the pandemic, experts were hoping it would take as little as twelve to eighteen months before a vaccine became available, the trade association said. This was a best-case estimate that assumed one or two of the first few vaccines that enter development will be successful. Typically, only approximately one in ten experimental vaccines make it all the way through to regulatory approval. Therefore, the more companies taking different approaches to find a vaccine, the more “shots on goal” and significantly greater chances of success. As of writing, the government’s coronavirus dashboard stated that more © Shutterstock /siam.pukkato © Shutterstock /zhu difeng 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 05/02/2021 10:33 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 41 PHARMACEUTICALS than 5.8 million people in the UK have received their first dose of a vaccine. At present, there are three vaccines currently approved for use against COVID-19 in the UK. That’s impressive, given approvals came less than a year from the pandemic first being declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Moreover, the vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Oxford University have actually shown to be many times more effective than first predicted – by above ninety per cent in some instances. The third area identified by the ABPI where pharma firms are focussing their energies against the pandemic, is diagnostics. Simply put, this area sees firms rolling out diagnostics to detect whether patients are genuinely infected with the new coronavirus is a key step in preventing or slowing its spread. However, the rapid spread of COVID-19 has drastically increased the demand for testing kits around the world, especially in the United States and Europe, and governments are trying to ramp up their testing capacities. The fourth and final area is helping the NHS on the ground. As part of the health community, the life sciences sector in the UK wants to play as big a role as possible in tackling COVD-19 – both in the search for effective diagnostics and treatments and by supporting patients, the NHS and Government across the UK. Although the pandemic is far from over, we are on much surer ground now than at the end of 2020. Pharmaceutical companies across our region and nationwide will continue to play a critical role in not only developing vaccines but helping to ensure that a similar situation is never again allowed to occur. 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 05/02/2021 10:33 Page 442 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK A tough year for the automotive industry 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 05/02/2021 10:36 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 43 AUTOLINK 2020 represented the toughest year for car sales since 1992, new figures show. It also saw the biggest year-on-year decline in sales since 1943, when industry was focused on supporting World War II. Last year, annual new car registrations dropped 29.4 per cent to 1.63 million as demand reduced and showrooms were forced to close as a result of the pandemic, while Brexit concerns heightened, seeing a 680,076-unit decline equivalent to £20.4 billion in lost turnover, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The first lockdown was the primary cause of the slump, with March being a critical month when sales are boosted by a change in number plates. Working from home has also been highlighted for its impact on car sales, killing the commute and, subsequently, motoring needs. The year also saw Car sales crashed in 2020 as COVID-19 shut showrooms and Brexit nervousness grew. 44 Á 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 05/02/2021 10:36 Page 244 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK 31.1 per cent fewer vehicles joining large company car fleets. For electric cars, conversely, 2020 was a boon, with the best ever year for battery and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Together, battery and plug-in hybrid electric cars accounted for more than one in ten registrations – up from around one in 30 in 2019. Demand for battery electric vehicles grew by 185.9 per cent to 108,205 units, while registrations of plug-in hybrids rose 91.2 per cent to 66,877. The SMMT note that, encouragingly, there is room for further growth as most of these registrations (sixty-eight per cent) were for company cars, indicating that private buyers need stronger incentives to make the switch, as well as more investment in charging infrastructure, especially public on-street charging. This will be particularly important as the automotive industry and public react to the Government’s ban of the sale of new petrol and diesel models by 2030. Figures from DriveElectric predict at least 200,000 new battery electric vehicles will be registered in the UK in 2021, pushed by the aforementioned ban, financial incentives such as a rate of just one per cent Benefit in Kind company car tax from April 2021 for a period of twelve months, the influx of new EVs entering the market in 2021, environmental awareness focusing on not only climate change but local air quality, and increasing numbers of initiatives like Clean Air Zones. However, price remains a key hurdle for mass adoption of EVs, costing more than their petrol and diesel counterparts, as data highlighted by RAC illustrates. Looking at the year’s best sellers, the top ten was made up of the Ford Fiesta (in first place with 49,174 registered), Vauxhall Corsa (46,439 registered), Volkswagen Golf (43,109 registered), Ford Focus (39,372 registered), Mercedes-Benz A-Class (37,608 registered), Nissan Qashqai (33,972 registered), MINI (31,233 registered), Volkswagen Polo (26,965 registered), Ford Puma (26,294 registered), and Volvo XC40 (25,023 registered). With the third lockdown across England the industry is expected to be further impacted. Though click and collect is providing a lifeline, it can’t offset the © Shutterstock /admin_design D Davies Turner Celebrating 150 years of pioneering service Your worldwide freight and logistics partner T: 01709 529709 www.daviesturner.com YEARS 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 05/02/2021 10:37 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 45 AUTOLINK effect of showroom closures. However with the vaccine programme underway, there is still potential for some recovery in 2021. The deal made with the EU - the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement - will also benefit the industry, which has as a result avoided a disastrous no deal scenario, bringing more certainty for trading conditions, which is vital as seven in ten new cars registered in the UK were imported from Europe in 2020. The continuation of tariff- and quota-free trade will be critical to a strong new car market, but with new border checks and paperwork, disruption is expected in the industry. Considering exports, the trade deal will require greater focus on battery production within the UK if our industry is to be maintained while petrol and diesel engines are phased out, as rules on batteries indicate that electric batteries must be sourced locally or from the EU to avoid tariffs on exports following the Brexit free trade deal - cars and parts continue to avoid tariffs so long as they contain enough content from factories in the UK or EU. From 2024 batteries will only be allowed to contain up to fifty per cent of material from non-EU/UK countries. A local battery supply chain will be essential, whereas currently most batteries used are sourced from companies in east Asia. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said it was imperative that the UK secures investment in battery gigafactories and electrified supply chains to create the world-leading battery production infrastructure that will maintain the nation’s international competitiveness. Reflecting on 2020, Hawes said: “2020 will be seen as a ‘lost year’ for Automotive, with the sector under pandemic-enforced shutdown for much of the year and uncertainty over future trading conditions taking their toll. However, with the rollout of vaccines and clarity over our new relationship with the EU, we must make 2021 a year of recovery. With manufacturers bringing record numbers of electrified vehicles to market over the coming months, we will work with government to encourage drivers to make the switch, while promoting investment in our globally-renowned manufacturing base – recharging the market, industry and economy.” © Shutterstock /FabrikaSimf Keeping Your Business Moving Hire, Service & Repairs T: 01469 574239 | M: 07711 496138 E: glcommercials@btinternet.com | W: www.glcommercials.com GL GL GL Commercials Commercial Trailer Specialists in Stallingborough, Grimsby 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 05/02/2021 10:37 Page 446 Business Link www.blmforum.net events Maximising your website potential Tuesday 23 February Online This workshop will focus on practical ways of improving websites that every SME can implement, and will use local case studies, Q&A sessions, and the latest advice. Delivered on behalf of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), this workshop © Shutterstock/GLF Media How to leverage apprenticeships to build back better beyond COVID-19 Tuesday 9 February Online To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2021, this free webinar from York & North Yorkshire LEP and Growth Hub will cover how businesses, both small and large, can benefit from apprenticeships to grow post COVID. Following talks from a range of speakers, there will be a Q&A session. For more information visit www.ynygrowthhub.com/events/leverage- apprenticeships-to-build-back-better/. Trading and doing business with the EU member states post- Brexit Thursday 11 February Online The timing of the Free Trade Agreement deal has given little time for businesses to consider or prepare for the new trading arrangements. In this special webinar, Partner and Head of Indirect Tax at Streets Chartered Accountants, Gerry Myton, will look at what businesses need to do or consider in light of the changes. Gerry will focus on: B2C sales in the pre-Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) era; EU/UK Free Trade Agreement – avoiding the double duty trap; the Northern Ireland Protocol; where to set up in Europe; and Customs Authorisations. For more information visit www.streetsweb.co.uk/about/events/trading -and-doing-business-eu-member-states- post-b/. RIBA Practice Clinic - HR: managing redundancies and restructures Thursday 11 February Online Aimed at practice owners, sole practitioners and architects working in small practices, RIBA has created a series of interactive online events to provide a forum to discuss issues and problems that practices are facing as they navigate their way through the pandemic and Brexit. This session will be focusing on HR, managing redundancies and practice restructures. For more information visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/riba-practice-clinic- hr-managing-redundancies-and- restructures-tickets- 133740428221?aff=erelpanelorg . The Budget 2021 Thursday 4 March Online The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has announced that the government will publish the Budget on Wednesday 3 March, setting out the next phase of the plan to tackle the virus and protect jobs. This presentation, led by Streets Chartered Accountants, will include a review of the announcements made by the Chancellor, 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. For more information visit www.streetsweb.co.uk/about/events/budget-2021/. © Shutterstock/Cubankite 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. 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 05/02/2021 10:39 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 47 will also help you identify ways of growing your business, by paying closer attention to your analytics, and those of your competitors. For more information visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/ e/maximising-your-website-potential-tickets-136958828543. Leadership Series: Is emotional intelligence important in leadership? Wednesday 24 February Online This webinar will help leaders understand the importance of emotional intelligence when creating high performing teams and its impact on building relationships with individuals. The online session will provide tools and techniques to help delegates develop empathy and establish interpersonal relationships. For more information visit www.ynygrowthhub.com/events/leadership-series-is-emotional- intelligence-important-in-leadership/. The basics of mental health in the workplace Thursday 25-26 February Online Aimed at anyone within a workplace working together or remotely, this digital course will give delegates insight on how to support colleagues suffering from mental health issues and how to recognise the early warning signs. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/events/mental-health-training/. © Shutterstock/FGC What is net zero and how can your business achieve it? Wednesday 24 February Online With the urgency of tackling climate change clear, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to show a commitment to reducing emissions. The government’s plan for a green industrial revolution uses terms like net zero, decarbonisation and carbon neutral. Attend this workshop to find out what these terms actually mean for businesses and hear directly from two businesses close to achieving net-zero emissions. For more information visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-is-net-zero-and- how-can-your-business-achieve-it-tickets-135518983929. IoD Virtual Women’s Leadership Conference 2021 Friday 5 March Online Now in its 14th year, the 2021 IoD Women’s Leadership Conference will be a celebration of success. Hosted virtually for the first time, the theme of this year’s conference is ‘Great Leaders Rise out of Adversity’ - fitting given the COVID-19 and Brexit challenges that leaders have had to tackle recently. Speakers will include Nadiya Hussain MBE, Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, Nagin Cox, Systems Engineer, NASA, Dr Dennise Broderick, Managing Director and President, Galen Pharmaceuticals, Dr Jayne Brady MBE, Belfast Digital Innovation Commissioner, and Brenda King, Attorney General for Northern Ireland. For more information visit www.iod.com/events- community/events/event-details/eventdateid/27790. 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 05/02/2021 10:39 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 2021 - Deadline 24th February 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? 48.qxp_Layout 1 05/02/2021 10:40 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 h h ire’s leading business m a a gazine april 2020 £3.5 50 TO T RES CTHE SPOND CRISIS DING S YYFACTOR C TTHEAL OFFTHCARE FICE safety Ensuring e TTHEAL e of factoriesThe futur TION TAUTOMA 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 h hi ts a ews Ingredient spotlight End offline packkaaging MAY 2020 Un T ingi ehh e M£2.95 cou U yttyun ii y hhe H llhlocal he Suppor d ti training Online garden H lockdo Health i WWW LINC e30+ y WWW . LINC OLNSHIRETO ooears y OLNSHIRETO ODAY NET oung ODAY . 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