< Previous40 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY to resume (starting on 29 March), but there is much more to come as restrictions ease. No earlier than 12 April This month, one might choose to take advantage of the reopening of hospitality venues outside for al fresco wining and dining of clients - perhaps as a thank you or to grease the wheels - and general meetings. From 12 April restaurants, cafes, and pubs can serve people outdoors, though customers must order, eat and drink while seated. Fortunately, there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcohol - say goodbye to the Scotch egg debate - if a simple meet up for a drink is preferred. It is of course important to remember the rules of meeting others for this, with the Rule of Six applying for groups from different households. No earlier than 17 May At this point outdoor performances will resume, and most outdoor social contact rules will be lifted (although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal). Meanwhile indoor socialising will be possible again within the Rule of Six and indoor hospitality venues will be able to reopen, making client meals more feasible now they are able to withstand the typical flux in English weather! In addition, by this date the Government is planning to allow larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower), as well as those in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower). In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower). This will see another key aspect of entertaining and securing clients resume through sports, theatre and concert halls, © Shutterstock /W orawee Meepian On 17 May the accommodation sector is also to open up for nonessential domestic overnight stays, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs, making visiting clients easier. 39-41.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:16 Page 2www.blmforum.net Business Link 41 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY enabling more tailored hospitality that presents clients with a memorable and enjoyable experience in a less formal environment for networking, strengthening relationships, and promoting a business. When choosing an event, though, remember why it is needed; are you meeting new clients, building a relationship, rewarding custom? It is also important to consider if the form of corporate hospitality chosen meets your company’s image, values and ethos. On 17 May the accommodation sector is also to open up for nonessential domestic overnight stays, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs, making visiting clients easier. No earlier than 21 June By the end of June it is proposed that all legal limits on social contact be removed, with restrictions also lifted on large events and performances that applied in the previous step in May. Transitioning to any new step easing restrictions will be under review, subject to four tests from the Government; considering whether the vaccine rollout is successfully continuing, if there is evidence that vaccines are effectively reducing hospitalisations and deaths, if infection rates are risking a surge in hospitalisations, and any new concerning variants of COVID-19. Whether or not the country is able to keep in line with this plan and infection rates continue to fall, it is clear that a hopeful sense of normalcy is on the horizon. With corporate hospitality completely altered in the last year, one might want to brush up on the Bribery Act. In guidance released for the act in 2011, Kenneth Clarke, Secretary of State for Justice, said: “Combating the risks of bribery is largely about common sense.” He continued: “Rest assured – no one wants to stop firms getting to know their clients by taking them to events like Wimbledon or the Grand Prix.” The act is rather to prevent bribery framed as entertainment. For an offence to be made, prosecution has to show that a client has been offered something with the purpose of bringing about improper performance or to push them to act in a dishonest manner. While hospitality can be used to exercise influence on clients, it is acceptable so long as it is reasonable and proportionate. © Shutterstock /VP Photo Studio 39-41.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:16 Page 342 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK © Shutterstock /Jenson The motor industry at a glance The motor industry at a glance 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:18 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 43 AUTOLINK T he automotive industry is one of the UK’s longest running, and it is also one of the manufacturing markets that the UK continues to compete in internationally, despite higher wage costs and overheads than other countries. Our region hosts numerous automotive manufacturing factories, making it a noticeable part of the regional economy, the impact of which can and will be felt. With showrooms set to open again on April 12th (if all goes to plan) the market may soon be facing an upturn, but according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) this is of even more critical importance due to the worrying trends and figures recorded this year. These include UK car production dropping fourteen per cent in February alone, a loss of over 17,000 units, with overseas orders dropping eight per cent and home orders (within the UK) falling a whopping thirty-four per cent. This is based on the year-to-date from February 2020 which, it is important to note, was also impacted by coronavirus, so this isn’t solely the cause of the pandemic. Overseas markets remained reasonably healthy for the UK automotive industry, falling the least and also accounting for 83.2 per cent of all cars made in the month of February. Of these, 53.2 per cent were destined to the EU, showing what an important trading partner they are and how necessary it is that Brexit transitions go well. What may come as a surprise is that the production of battery electric plug-in vehicles (BEV) surged twenty-five per cent in the month, marking a sudden and positive shift toward electric vehicles that could well pave the way for more electric cars in our region along with a fresh boost to the economy. However, this is immediately tempered by what the SSMT has called a “counter-intuitive decision” by the Government to cut the current UK electric car incentives. This is doubly surprising when a recent survey revealed that businesses were twice as likely as consumers to make the switch from petrol/diesel to electric. The SMMT argues that more needs to be done to support the infrastructure of the BEV market, including more plug in charge points and incentives for businesses and consumers to move to electric vehicles, if the target of making With lockdown apparently set to lift soon and life hopefully returning to normal, it’s time to look at the automotive industry and take an industry snapshot. 44 Á 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:18 Page 244 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK electric vehicles affordable and accessible to all by 2030 is to be achieved. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, had the following to say: “While last year’s bumper uptake of electric vehicles is to be welcomed, it’s clear this has been an electric revolution primarily for fleets, not families. Manufacturers are committed to the consumer, reducing costs and providing as wide a choice as possible of zero-emission capable vehicles with many more to come. When every market is vying for these new technologies, a clear and collaborative strategy engaging all would ensure the UK remains an attractive place both to manufacture and market electric vehicles, helping us achieve our net zero ambition.” When it comes to fleets, the numbers in the industry are also surprising – and revealing. Light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations were up twenty-two per cent in February as businesses invested in their van fleets. However, what is surprising is precisely how this has taken place. Registrations of vans below 2.5 tonnes, those synonymous with the white van man style of vehicle, have dropped 25% on the previous year, while larger vans over 2.5 tonnes have reversed the trend and increased thirty per cent. The rigids market has meanwhile dropped twenty-two per cent, but this may have something to do with the implementation of lockdown, since rigids Unit 3, Woodside Park, Station Road, Tetney, Grimsby. DN36 5HX Find An Experienced Motor Mechanic In Tetney, Near Grimsby n Servicing n MOTs n Repairs n Brakes & Tyres n Engine diagnostics n Car Batteries n Exhausts n ECU Remapping n Air Conditioning Testing/repairs/Re Gas VW, AUDI, SEAT & SKODA SPECIALIST Tel: 01472 812130 | www.lincsvwa.com © Shutterstock /sylv1rob1 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:18 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 45 AUTOLINK are most commonly known and seen as transport for retailers and supermarkets delivering shopping to doors, so it may have been that larger investment went into fleets of those when lockdown was implemented. Registrations of pick-ups has increased 26.8 per cent on February 2020. What these figures suggest is that businesses are seeking more bang for their buck, with larger vans being prioritised over the ones we’re used to seeing on the roads. While there are ups and downs across the entire LCV range, the overall figures are up twenty-two per cent, a healthy rise on last year. These figures were also compared February to February, with plate changes taking place last month in March, so we can hope the figures will increase further since the new “motor year” rolled around. In short, the automotive industry isn’t faring as badly as some others have been, but it’s important that the transition from lockdown to open showrooms is handled smoothly. Domestic sales are lagging behind international, and that may become harder in the future due to Brexit. If the Government invests more in electric charging stations – or if our regional authorities do the same – we may also be able to take advantage of a growing interest among businesses in fully electric fleets. Without incentives, however, it may be too much to ask already hard pressed businesses to invest alone. 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 © Shutterstock /Hanger 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:18 Page 446 Business Link www.blmforum.net events opportunities and challenges in the current business environment. Mr Fell will provide first-hand insights and exclusive intelligence from his engagement with government and what future developments could mean for your business. It is also an opportunity for you to continue to share your experiences and challenges with the CBI so that Matthew and the CBI Team can use this feedback to continue to inform our conversations with government and ensure the voice of business is heard. To find out more, visit www.cbi.org.uk. © Shutterstock/TMLsPhotoG 60 Useful Minutes- Cyber Security Part 3 21 April 2021 Online The third in the Cyber Security series from the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. The 60 Useful Minutes- Cyber Security series is bought to you by Alex Martin from Halifax-based Cognisys Group and will be covering a variety of topics ranging from the dangers of working from home/Remote working threats and Cyber Essentials – The basics and the typical issues we see time and again. For more information, visit www.mycci.co.uk. Simplifying Social Media for Success 21 April Online Take control of your social media so it does not control you - spend less time on your social media and get better results by understanding the channels that reach your customers. These sessions from Business Lincolnshire are designed for those who are using social media currently but want to improve the results, or if you are just setting up your business accounts. We will look at where you are now, and where you want to be, who you are trying to reach - and whether social media is the channel to reach them - and the right messaging to use and develop a content planner that removes the “what to post today?” headache. For more information, email events@bizlincolnshire.com. Political Briefing – Yorkshire and the Humber 28 April Online With the end of the transition period, it is now more important than ever for businesses to understand the implications of this new political context for the year ahead. So, join the CBI’s Campaigns and UK-EU Negotiations teams for an exclusive look at the latest political insight and an update on the UK’s trading relationship with the EU. By attending this briefing, you will get the latest update on what the end of the transition period means for business as well as hear the CBI’s latest political insight first-hand. To find out more, email Roger.Justin@cbi.org.uk. In Discussion with Mathew Fell, Chief Policy Director, CBI 28 April Online Join Matthew Fell and special guests at this exclusive event for a discussion on the Big Data for SMEs 29 April Online Find out how leveraging Big Data can provide benefits and challenges for SMEs. Most SMEs believe they are too small for big data. This is far from the truth as SMEs need big data to succeed just as much as larger corporations. Data and analytics provide businesses with actionable insights needed to become more efficient and profitable. In this interactive masterclass, presented by Michael Rippon, Managing Director of Raindrop Digital, we will explore where and how you should be collecting big data and then how to use this to identify business opportunities, obtain higher levels of performance and deliver business growth. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/bigdataforsme. © Shutterstock/carlos castilla 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 01/04/2021 14:20 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 47 IoD South Yorkshire Annual Dinner in Collaboration with the Cutlers’ Company 6 May Cutler’s Hall, Sheffield 200 of the regions business leaders from across the business spectrum, ranging from advanced manufacturing to professional services and the public and third sectors will converge on the Cutlers’ hall for the Institute of Directors South Yorkshire Annual Dinner. To find out more, email helena.drake@iod.com. Get More Business using Google Analytics & Digital Marketing Data 10 June Online This online masterclass delivered by Business Lincolnshire will walk you through setting up Google Analytics and Tag Manager to maximise the information you can gather about your website visitors. From there, you’ll explore all the major reports available to you and learn how these can give you invaluable insights into ways to boost traffic and sales from your website. You’ll then see how tools such as Google Ads and Search Console expand on the data in Analytics, together with insights from social media, providing a rounded view of how people find and interact with your business online. Understanding this data is key to identifying what works, what needs fixing and how your marketing efforts are performing. For more information, email events@bizlincolnshire.com. Supply Chain Improvement Programme Workshop 14 April Online The aim of these supply chain workshops to provide insight and knowledge of how best to manage your businesses supply chains together as well as understanding the risks and issues your business is exposed to. After attending this workshop there will be an opportunity for companies to undertake a Supply Chain Audit and gain a holistic view of their supply chain with further support. You will be able to strategically analyse your supply chain with greater confidence and ability to better deal with its complexities, such as working simultaneously with both your customers and suppliers to increase efficiency and performance. To find out more, email enquiries@egs.live. Economic briefing with CBI Chief Economist 21 April Online Join Rain Newton-Smith for an update on the economic landscape and how it might affect your business. By attending this briefing, you will get the latest insights and analysis from the CBI’s Economic Intelligence Team to help you steer your organisation through these unprecedented times and better plan for the future. For more information, visit shorturl.at/kBQ03. © Shutterstock/Linda Bestwick 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:20 Page 2FEATURES Corporate Finance Health & Safety Relocation & Inward Investment Energy & Environmental management Security 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 May 2021 - Deadline 21st April Visit us at www.blm forum.ne t where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscrib e to our newslett ers so you can have the latest news emailed to your inbox, in between printed issues? 48.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:21 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 . NET BLM GROUP www.blmgroup.co.uk Business Link 49 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 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. The essential b and G the B guide moo G B d r t LINCOLNSHIRETODAY. WWW WEDDINGS/ NET.Y S 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 49.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2021 14:22 Page 1Next >