< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS I t is an employer’s responsibility to make sure employees are confident in what they are doing, appropriately skilled, but also comfortable and happy in their position. The way an employee feels about the job, if they’re confident or not, bored or unsatisfied, can depend on whether they feel like they are suited for the position, capable and skilled enough for the role. Training courses for employees might seem like a very expensive investment, but they actually help generating a greater return over investment. Training doesn’t only help employees develop and strengthen the skills relevant to their role, but, because it builds confidence in employees’ performance, training also improves productivity and quality of service and product. There are a wide range of reasons why training and is good for a business; when an employer, and therefore a business, invest in training their staff, they show interest not only in the overall performance of the business, but they show interest in the professional and personal development of their workers. This care for personal development can have a great impact on the image of a brand. Let your business grow Training and apprenticeships are both excellent opportunities for a business to gain new knowledge and expertise. Looking into either one of them could be the key to a more profitable and successful future. 30-33.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 10:01 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 31 TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS © st ock. adobe .com/f izk es www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk Training gives a business a valuable chance to increase an employee’s confidence, providing them with new skills, or enhancing existing ones, that will make a person feel more capable. Boosting confidence automatically means boosting creativity and motivation; employees who are confident of their own skills and abilities and know what to do, will be more prone to explore more original options and will be motivated to tackle issues in a creative way. Allowing people to grow professionally and to be confident and creative doesn’t just boost motivation to work, but also motivation to stay. An interest in the professional development of the staff, shows a business cares and allows its employees to grow, it embraces their individual values and strengths and, hence, it enhances retention. If a person feels cared for and appreciated, if their individual strengths are valued and their weaknesses are not an obstacle but a growing opportunity, then that person might stick around. People who feel valued will be loyal to their employers and workplace and be willing to stay. Training is not all about growing opportunities and boosting confidence, training is also extremely cost-effective and a long-term investment. First, although it might seem expensive at first, training staff means there will be no need to hire third experts and specialists in the future. Upskilling employees means there will be less or virtually no need for constant supervision; if workers know what they’re doing, and employers are confident about their staff’s abilities, there will be no need to constantly manage and supervise the staff, and managing costs will reduce. Additionally, enhancing employees’ knowledge creates a stronger company culture and overall reputation. The prestige and quality of a company will be recognised by other companies and target consumers, which will boost their image, reputation and will bring new opportunities and capital. Another path to increased productivity and growth of a company is apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are applicable to all kind of business and they 32 Á 30-33.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 10:01 Page 2FULLY-FUNDED SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE Call 01469 428449 or email GAINSupport@modaltraining.co.uk Modal Training Centre, Middleplatt Rd, Immingham DN40 1FN We provide one-to-one consultancy, seminars and workshops in a wide variety of areas, such as: • • Marketing, branding and SEO • • • • • Leadership and management development FOR BUSINESSES IN THE LOGISTICS, PORTS AND RENEWABLE SECTORS. To be eligible for fully-funded business support, your business must: • Be a small to medium sized business in logistics, ports or renewables, or a support service for this sector • Be based in Greater Lincolnshire • Have under 250 employees • Have a balance sheet under 43 million Euros Find out more about GAIN and our upcoming webinars at gainingadvantage.com 32 Business Link www.blmforum.net TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS provide great opportunities for all parties involved; they are real work experience that provide several benefits to both employers and apprentices, and both parties gain incredible profits from the programme. From a company point of view, taking part in apprenticeships programmes allows it to improve diversity within the company, secure new talents and increase the business array of expertise, and improves a company’s productivity and quality of service and product. Additionally, often companies that take part in apprenticeships programmes can benefit of government funding. Apprenticeship programmes have, especially in the recent years with the economy crisis and the lack of qualified expertise, become an incredible asset for businesses. Companies are undoubtedly going through a recruitment crisis and often failing to find qualified personnel; apprenticeships allow them to hire people who are either studying or interested in that specific subject or field, at a lower wage, 30-33.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 10:01 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 33 TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS Become a Qualified LGV with GBA Services and Transafe A new UK wide Driver Training Academy has launched which will provide LGV trainees with qualifications in logistics, first aid and mental health, alongside their CE licence. They can also develop their skills and behaviours using a state-of-the-art LGV simulator. Transafe Training, based in Immingham and part of MODAL Training, has joined forces with logistics firm, GBA Services to create and launch the new driver academy for LGV trainees. With the first cohort set to start in March, recruitment is underway across all GBA Services locations. This comes as part of a long-term commitment by GBA Services to recruit, employ and train LGV drivers, commencing with 20 new drivers in 2022. Alongside classroom learning and practical driving training, trainees will spend time across other areas of GBA Services to gain a business- wide knowledge. These transferable skills will allow them to develop their future career within the company, opening up opportunities in areas such as transport management. Paul Birkbeck, Managing Director of GBA Dedicated Fleet, said: “Through our partnership with Transafe, we have defined a new standard for supporting and developing those who wish to join our profession.” People who are interested in joining the Driver Academy can register and upload their CV at https://transafetraining.co.uk/gba-services/ saving them a considerable amount of money and training time. From an apprentice point of view, apprenticeships are a great and unique opportunity to earn while learn; as almost 50% of apprentices are people under 25, the apprenticeship is usually part of an educational experience or university requirement, that allows someone to develop new skills and knowledge while still being to all effects a paying job. An apprenticeship is also an excellent opportunity to network and get a foot in the door. Through the experience, apprentices can gain the contacts and networks they will need in the future to advance in their career and be successful; it is a brilliant way to be introduced to and join the business world from the inside, while learning and developing the right skills and qualifications that will lead you to a successful future. While investing in training is more expensive, both apprenticeships and training are excellent ways to help a business grow. By acquiring new talents and upskilling in-house expertise, a company is not just investing money, but it is also showing an interest in the employees and providing them with a unique chance to develop and improve their career. Both course of action are promising and successful, and investing in either one of them will allow businesses to gain several benefits and profit; it is up to the company to decide which path is best for them and let their business flourish and grow through their employees. © st ock. adobe .com/ goodluz © st ock. adobe .com/ aur emar 30-33.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 10:01 Page 434 Business Link www.blmforum.net MEET THE EXPERTS N avigating today’s complicated world can be a difficult task, especially with the changes wrought by Brexit and likely more in the future, though hopefully more productive, by devolution as outlined in the Government white paper. With each of these changes comes a different way of doing things, either to comply with regulations and legislation, or to take advantage of subtle changes in the rules that aren’t strictly necessary, but which will empower a business. As business leaders we are expected to be masters in our chosen field, but we cannot master everything – which is why it’s important to rely on the knowledge and hard work of experts in their chosen fields. Expertise naturally comes in many shapes and sizes, but a challenge in identifying it nowadays is that there are too many. In the same way that the term “a leading company” has become meaningless, so too has “expert” when read on a company’s website or a person’s bio. It used to be that you could trust anyone and everyone that you called on because for them to be recognisable, Finding the right expert Many people call themselves experts nowadays, but how much of it is marketing fluff and how does one find the real experts beyond it? 34-35.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 10:02 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 35 MEET THE EXPERTS Company profile Having focussed on the development of people-facing technologies for almost 40 years, Frontier Software is a proven provider of HR and Payroll software/services. With a diverse user base, including manufacturing, retail, not for profit and local government, Frontier Software delivers client services and support from five offices across the UK. Product profile Frontier Software develops global solutions that support HR and Payroll teams and their processes. A comprehensive range of software modules can be selected individually or as part of an integrated platform, to deliver a functionally rich and highly configurable solution. ichris (International Human Resource Integrated Software) can be customised to fit the exact needs of your company across every different touch point of the human capital management process, including Recruitment, Onboarding, Performance Management, Self Service, Time & Attendance, Health & Safety and more; all delivered to your desktop, tablet or Smartphone. Deployment options include on-premise, cloud or outsourced payroll services. www.frontiersoftware.com sales@frontiersoftware.com 01276 456902 International Comprehensive Human Resource Integrated Software HR AND PAYROLL SOFTWARE/SERVICES Company profile Specialists in commercial interior design and fit out, APSS works in partnership with its customer to create amazing workspaces. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, APSS works across a wide range of sectors including commercial office, industrial, retail, education and healthcare, providing expert knowledge and delivering the highest quality finish. Product profile To get the best out of your workspace you should provide an attractive, practical and inspirational space both staff and visitors can enjoy. Our full office design and fit out / refurbishment service guides you from start to finish to create an efficient working environment, showcasing your brand and personality. Following a shift in the way many businesses operate, APSS helps adapt your workspace to a more suitable, flexible working environment, specifically designed for a hybrid way of working. Or, if you’re keen to get everyone back in the office safely, we will help you create a workspace that works for you. APSS, Kingsley Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. LN6 3TA 01522 688 771 | www.apss.co.uk COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN AND FIT OUTS they had to be marketing themselves – and you cannot market yourself without money, ergo they must be successful businesses. Nowadays, the internet and social media has made that much harder. Anyone can create a website, often for a low cost, and the number of so- called experts has risen so high that we now have entire industries that have sprung up around misinformation and fraudulent experts peddling miracle cures and political agendas. Gone are the days where you could judge a company by the quality of their website or the location of their offices. Virtual office space means anyone can have an address in a city centre, and instead we must judge on deeds and reputation where it is possible to find it, or by testimonials if the company can provide them. LinkedIn has been invaluable for this, providing a much more robust business-oriented social media platform by which to connect and ask other businesspeople their thoughts or experiences with a supplier. Many good businesses will be proud to also highlight high- profile clients on their homepage as a means of proving their credentials, and these can be perused (sometimes with case studies) to get a feel for a business’s character. Ultimately, the only other way to get a handle on how expert an expert is would be to go in person to visit them or arrange a call to discuss. This can be a time-consuming process and is part of the reason why so many people stick with old and comfortable suppliers even when the service they are receiving might be lacking in some way. When time is money, wasting time can feel counter-productive, but the important thing to remember is that this is less of a waste and more of an investment. The right expert - be it legal, financial, training or recruitment – is someone who will benefit your business actively. They will not just provide a service that is necessary, but in some way contribute to a heightened level of efficiency, be that in preventing problems, solving them or offering insight that enables you to run more effectively. If they do not, and if your current suppliers do not, then perhaps it is time to ask yourself if you are paying for best service, or just for someone who is ticking the boxes. © st ock. adobe .com/ inst a_phot os 34-35.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 10:03 Page 236 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY M any businesses have put off events and in-person meetings while the pandemic has continued, with new variants and sub-variants causing hesitation for some. But as Coronavirus cases start to slow once again, and hopes arise that 2022 may push COVID-19 to an endemic level, there is growing confidence in face-to-face socialisation and entertaining, especially as the vaccine and booster rollout steams ahead. The resumption of in-person corporate hospitality is picking up pace, and with firms starting to weigh up whether they will be organising any events and experiences this year, it is useful to remember their benefits. First and foremost, corporate hospitality is a key method of showing valued clients your appreciation, whilst also offering an occasion to form stronger relationships in a more relaxed, neutral environment that can present different sides of your business that wouldn’t otherwise be seen. It allows clients to share thoughts and opinions more freely and for people to really get to know one another in a way that would not always be possible in other environments. This is particularly important after the past two years during which contact will likely have been limited to emails, phone calls, and video chats, with the abundance of the latter on everyone’s calendars seeing ‘Zoom fatigue’. While digital interaction certainly has its merits, there is nothing quite like coming together in the ‘real world’ - known to be essential for bonding and trust - where a true personal touch can be provided, and communication enhanced with body language fully understood. Corporate hospitality can be used to bolster your business’s image amongst old and new clients, and share brand values, making a business stand out next to competitors at a time when clients have more choices for who to work with. How you invest in your relationship could be the pivotal factor in creating opportunities for growth and loyalty. With maintaining connections just as hard, and important, as starting new ones, corporate hospitality is a useful tool. Supplying top quality entertainment, food and drink in good surroundings makes a lasting impression. To spread that positive image, posting photos on social media can promote your business further, which guests will share on their own platforms, extending your reach. Of course potential and existing clients could be offered many alternative corporate hospitality opportunities by other firms, and in response it is vital to select the right type of event, date, time, and venue. There are a plethora of options depending on if you are looking to organise a larger event for wider networking, choosing something with broad appeal to ensure invitations are accepted, or a more personal gathering where tailored, engaging experiences can make you shine and allow you to spend quality time with your guest. What you choose will be determined by what you are aiming to achieve. Are you building a long-term relationship, rewarding custom, meeting new clients, seeking face-to-face time just to check in, for instance? Sports events have long been a favourite for building rapport. A powerful device, one is able to create memorable experiences for your connections from which to establish a platform for a business relationship. To make guests feel truly special, and give a unique encounter, secure a box or VIP suite, for a Showing appreciation and building relationships Corporate hospitality events have been postponed by many in response to the pandemic, but confidence is rising in these in-person experiences that help forge lasting relationships with clients old and new. © st ock. adobe .com/P it chay aar ch 36-37.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 10:04 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 37 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY privileged game experience. Not simply providing the entertainment of a sport, most corporate hospitality packages, such as at football stadiums, also offer meals, complimentary drinks, top-tier service and chances to meet players and legends. This also presents plenty of time for conversation, so that the sport in question can be enjoyed uninterrupted by anything except commentary on the game. Certainly sporting events are far from the only experiences available in our region, with a wealth of cultural and arts events, festivals and stage productions for example, all sure to be unforgettable, as well as quirky venues for all sorts of occasions from a garden party to something grand, themed and theatrical. When shaping an event to your audience’s interest, it is important to also remember factors like availability (do they mind setting aside time on a weekday, or prefer weekends), location, travel requirements, and whether you want to hire a third party to assist in the planning. Corporate hospitality is a potent marketing opportunity and should be considered an investment with potentials of high returns. However corporate hospitality is not just something to be wielded for the benefit of client relationships, as it is also a great way to reward the performance and loyalty of staff - the core of your business. Expressing gratitude in this way helps boost retention and acts as an incentive to reach targets. Business events contribute to company culture, support team building and strengthen communication with interactions outside of the work setting facilitating meaningful conversations. © st ock. adobe .com/LIGHTFIELD S TUDIOS 36-37.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 10:04 Page 238 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Aston Martin DBX707 Taking the V8 DBX’s widely acclaimed design, dynamics and driver-pleasing character as its starting point, DBX707 builds brilliantly on those authentic sporting attributes. Every area of the car has been enhanced to boost performance, intensify driving pleasure and amplify its on-road presence. To underline the DBX707’s driver- focussed credentials there have also been some changes and enhancements to the Dynamic Drive modes. “Race Start” is available in GT Sport and Sport+ modes to maximise off-the-line acceleration and truly showcase the enhanced performance. Revised active logic in the all-wheel drive system transfer case achieves greater harmony and precise control between the driveline and the ESP system, for a more natural, sports car-like driving experience. Company cars Whether it’s for employees or a fancy new motor for a director, our cars say a lot about us, our company and the kind of image we want to portray. Here are some up and coming motors to cover a range of different styles, all of which we might look forward to seeing in our region. Aston Martin DBX707 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 10:06 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 39 AUTOLINK ŠKODA ENYAQ COUPÉ iV Following the successful launch of the ENYAQ iV, ŠKODA is now adding an elegant coupé to the range. The line-up will also include a sporty vRS variant. The ŠKODA ENYAQ COUPÉ iV features an even more emotive design and, displaying sporty lines, generous space and a boot capacity of 570 l. Just as with the SUV, the coupé’s interior features holistically coordinated Design Selections based on modern living environments and using natural, sustainably processed and recycled materials. The clear structure of the choices available, including ten cleverly arranged themed packages and select individual options, make car configuration much easier. Standard features include a 13-inch central 40 Á ŠKODA ENYAQ COUPÉ iV BMW M8 Competition 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 10:06 Page 2Next >