< Previous40 Business Link www.blmforum.net SECURITY The smallest breach Internet security has been forced to evolve in recent years, following an increased level of cyber-attacks targeting small companies. 40-42.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2020 09:59 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 41 SECURITY A s offices move further towards being fully digital, it was perhaps to be expected that security concerns would do so as well. Businesses have been experiencing phishing emails and other scams for a while now, but many consider these only to be a threat when an unwitting employee opens an email with a virus attached to it. Even those who know a little more about hacking and the dangers of it, rarely have any additional internet security beyond their standard anti-virus and firewall. In a recent study undertaken by Dell, which looked at trends from across 2014, it was found that malicious attacks over the internet had increased dramatically within the Business environment. With Finland, the UK and the US being the biggest victims. In terms of specific attacks, there had been a dramatic increase in the amount of `point of sale` malware, increased malware traffic through encrypted web protocols, and perhaps most alarming – twice the number of attacks on supervisory control and date acquisition (SCADA) systems. The latter is of particular danger to many companies in the UK, and our region, due to the prevalence of SCADA systems within many of our most common businesses. Including most manufacturers with a central plant, recycling and waste management firms and logistics and transport companies. Fortunately, these systems rarely include any personal data, so there is no requirement to treat the breach as a data protection breach, but the downtime is still devastating to a business which has various deadlines to meet. In the study, Dell highlighted the age of many SCADA systems as being a key concern, with some companies neglecting to update to newer models until something had already gone wrong. What’s more, due to the removal of the obligation to reveal when a SCADA attack has taken place, many businesses are simply not aware of the increased amount of attacks taking place in their area. Point of sale malware can be far more devastating and has affected many large brands including Sears in the US. How PoS malware works is often that it infects card transaction machines and begins to record and transmit the card information of anyone who uses the machine. This information is then collected in a distant location for a period of time, before the bank accounts of those people are then broken into, and money withdrawn. While this malware is obviously devastating for the consumers who have their finances accessed, it can be far more damaging to the company itself. For many consumers it can be enough to make them abandon a brand entirely, as they no longer trust the company to protect their interests when they make a purchase. But beyond that, many 42 Á © Shutterstock /ktsdesign 40-42.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2020 09:59 Page 242 Business Link www.blmforum.net SECURITY Webeye, a Mansfield-based security specialist, explores the importance of robust, reliable securing during the coronavirus crisis and what measures businesses can take. Construction sites, empty properties and remote locations are under threat. You need to be confident your assets are safe and, if intruders do break in, you need to know ASAP. Security becomes ever more important in times like these and technology can play its part in keeping everyone involved safe. Governments are encouraging staff to stay at home, but how can you check your business premises are protected and your security provision is working properly or at all? This is where effective alarm delivery is crucial to maintain a credible security programme. If you’re monitoring sites, you need to make sure you can receive alarm notifications directly to your home computer, tablet or mobile device. But by their nature, home devices are not as robust as professional security systems. Webeye has developed a cloud technology that is robust platform and app that have thought through the pitfalls and have put checks and balances in place to make sure you receive credible alarm notifications. You also have to think about guarding and security staff. If you have no physical security staff on site you’ll need effective systems to be your eye-and-ears on the ground. Advances in wireless and battery technology means there are systems on the market such as the Videofied Visual Verification system or Webeye’s own webeyeOCULi that can effectively monitor sites where there is no main power. They trigger upon intrusion and send video clips directly to your home device via the webeyeCMS cloud receiving platform that can act as your automated central monitoring station. To find out more, visit www.webeyecms.com, email sales@webeyecms.com, or call 01157 149990. companies who have been found to have lost consumer data to hackers in this way have been made to offer compensation, or free credit monitoring services to effected customers. While the media to this time has highlighted mostly large retails as being targets of this malware, due to the increased amount of card transactions taking place in a day. It is expected that SMEs and medium sized businesses within the UK might become targets. This is not only due to the larger potential for stolen money, since businesses often have more in their accounts than consumers, but also because of the lacking security that many of these companies have in place. Correctly identifying through what medium, a breach has occurred can be a daunting task for many, particularly when internal IT members might not be up-to-date on the latest malware attacks and what causes them – and since these cases are incredibly recent, few can be. While external IT support companies will usually be more concerned with fixing the current problem, than identifying what caused it in the first place. As the use of digital products continues to increase in the business environment, further attacks are expected, and in many cases, it can be difficult to prepare for them. In their 2015 Annual Security Threat Report, Dell advises that companies take the time to impress on staff the importance of basic security practices, such as changing passwords on a regular basis, or using two-factor authorisation on remote devices. They also point out that for companies who have access to data that is protected by data sharing acts, that there be an incident plan in place if the unthinkable should happen. Several high-profile breaches in these matters have been shared in mainstream media recently, to the detriment of the companies who did not react in time. © Shutterstock /REDPIXEL.PL 40-42.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2020 09:59 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 43 AUTOLINK © Shutterstock /meowKa T he continuing coronavirus crisis has been claimed by many as the biggest upheaval of the British economy since World War Two, a statement backed up by new car sales – something of an economic bellwether. New figures have shown that in the wake of the social distancing and lockdown measures introduced by government, new car registrations dropped to their lowest monthly level since 1946. According to preliminary figures from industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), only 4,000 cars were registered in the UK for the whole month of April – a ninety-seven per cent decline from the same month in 2019 where 161,065 new cars were registered. Though the decline is partly attributed to a decline in consumer registrations after car dealerships were closed as part of social distancing measures, corporate registrations have also declined significantly. However, the figures show that seventy per cent of the 4,000 registrations recorded for April were from companies buying for their fleets. On the surface, this might suggest that fleet operators are putting post-lockdown steps in place, but Mike Hawkes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, told the BBC that these cars most likely would have been on order before the lockdown. A spokesperson from the industry body also stated that many of the 4,000 cars sold in April were required to support key workers and, also, for those who had a pressing need for them. With potential easings of the lockdown anticipated in Stuck in 44 Á The motoring industry has recorded its lowest monthly levels for new car registrations in over seventy years. Here we break down the latest figures and explore how major car makers are responding to the pandemic. second gear 43-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2020 10:01 Page 144 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK the coming weeks and the continuing need for key workers to remain mobile, the registration figures for May will certainly make for interesting reading. Where the future is concerned, the SMMT anticipates 2020 to record a total of 1.68 million new car registrations compared with the 2.3 million seen in 2019. Even the most optimistic forecasts still anticipate a drastic reduction in new car sales as major carmakers shutter production sites in the first quarter of the year, and lockdown measures mean showrooms were closed to the public, effectively putting all new car sales online. However, there is some early signs that the motoring industry is getting back to normal with the supply chain starting to re-open and staff at some UK car manufacturers returning to work in early May. Despite this, Mr Hawes told the BBC that the start of full production is a long way off as manufacturers try and puzzle out how to begin operations in a safe environment. The pandemic is a far reaching and unforeseen crisis which has racked almost every industry. Taken alone it would be bad enough, but for the motoring industry, it has confounded a number of underlying issues. Even before the pandemic took hold, the industry was struggling with falling sales as demand dropped for diesel vehicles amid overall difficulties in trying to meet new emissions targets. How has the industry responded? With production shuttered and showrooms closed, car makers have few other choices on their hands. Fortunately, many of the biggest marques have joined the fight against coronavirus, switching manufacturing output to personal protective equipment (PPE) and other crucial medical equipment such as ventilators for patients and frontline healthcare staff. As the nation’s biggest vehicle maker, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) was in a position to make the motoring 43-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2020 10:01 Page 2www.blmforum.net Business Link 45 AUTOLINK © Shutterstock /BELL KA PANG industry’s biggest contribution during the pandemic and, indeed, that’s exactly what it’s done. In April, JLR began delivering its own-design 3D printed protective visors to NHS staff. It is also producing protective masks for frontline workers which, it says, it hopes to increase to 5,000 units a week. Moreover, the car maker has made the design files open source, allowing other firms to produce them. As if this wasn’t already enough, JLR has also upped the number of vehicles it has loaned to support services such as the NHS and British Red Cross. Elsewhere, Vauxhall has shifted several its staff members to a medical device maker to help boost production of ventilators for the NHS. To further assist the NHS, the company has made temporary changes to its dealer network to prioritise health service staff and slashing the cost of all servicing and repairs. Aston Martin, arguably the high benchmark of British motoring, has designed and is manufacturing a range of PPE for front-line health workers. Moreover, the car maker is also developing an intubation shield and is 3D printing visors and gowns for hospitals. Rolls-Royce is also producing visor kits and providing cars to local charities and NHS services. Ford’s UK arm is also offering vehicles to help ambulance services, local councils, care homes and police forces, while Nissan is offering free roadside assistance to NHS and key workers driving any of its vehicles. Although staff at many car makers have been transitioned to making PPE and other equipment, not all workers have been so lucky with many across the motoring interesting currently on furlough. These included workers at several Formula 1 teams – such as Racing Point and McLaren – whilst some drivers and senior staff have been met with temporary pay cuts. The idea is that by taking these measures in the short-term, jobs can be safeguarded in the long- term. 43-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2020 10:02 Page 346 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY W ith many employees now working from home or furloughed, it is easy to lose contact and reduce communication to only necessary emails between departments and managers. Sure, this seems like nothing major in the short term, but with no end yet in site for social distancing, one could return to the workplace months from now with a disjointed team, who have developed and experienced serious feelings of isolation, lacking the synergy required for a smooth, efficient workflow. Business Link has touched upon the importance of team building and employee engagement in our corporate hospitality features before, for facilitating bonding, collaboration, motivation, strengthening communication and more, however this usually refers to taking part in events such as escape rooms, sports days, activities out in nature et al. - essentially tasks that will involve being physically close or in contact with others. While the world remains in quarantine, this does not mean that one should stop team events, as emerging as a strong, cohesive team after quarantine will be vital, to take on the new challenges that adjusting back into the “real world” will throw up in the air. Something as simple as weekly team Zoom or Slack meetings, virtual coffee breaks, lunches and happy hours are a good start, to build rapport and get the team reconnected, engaged, motivated and as a result productive (just ensure these are not only business related). But there are a lot of fun things one can establish and take part in at a distance to bring staff together. Consider a regular virtual pub quiz hosted by team leaders, the boss, or rotate the title of quizmaster between employees. You could even turn this into a charity quiz, to benefit your local community. Ice breaker games are also easy to put in place remotely, like two truths and a lie, and there are a wide variety of online games and apps available on mobiles and laptops that one could integrate into your virtual team building, for instance HouseParty. To foster the competitive spirit often present on team building days, simply split up employees into teams, mixing up departments. Pictionary is a classic, with lots of sites online providing a virtual forum for this game. More intense, ready-made, online team building experiences have been set up online using video conferencing such as remote murder mystery events. Business Link has also come across an online scavenger hunt type team event that can be done from the home. Teams use a digital partner app to communicate with one another and dish out missions, with online chats, video conferencing and messaging. These missions - from photo to quiz and puzzle challenges - cannot be completed independently, requiring teamwork and strong communication, as well as a creative mind. There are a further wide range of virtual alternatives being created online, including virtual museum tours which you could all “attend” together, playing a game of museum bingo at the same time, live streamed concerts, classes and Netflix parties. One might start an online book club or with lockdown keeping us rather sedimentary, arrange regular online exercise sessions over video chat, led perhaps by a live instructor. Some will see online team building as less than ideal, but it does come with its benefits. For example you will avoid many of the problems and hurdles that arise when organising team building events in the “real world,” such as high expenses, location choice and accessibility - though timing will still be of consideration with many taking care of children and relatives. If finding a time to suit everyone becomes difficult, consider switching up when you host your online chats or events each week to give as many people a chance to participate as possible. A motivated and enthused workforce is more likely to be able to react to challenges, and with the world facing one of its biggest in recent history, it is certainly not the time to ditch those all- important team building, morale boosting exercises. Working from home indefinitely is also likely to affect the mental health of your staff. With a hole where day to day office culture and casual interactions that help us connect once were, you will need to build a strong virtual community. We may be social distancing, but that is no reason to leave staff in social isolation, a state in which one can become more susceptible to anxiety, depression and which can affect the immune system. Team building in quarantine To ensure your team remains cohesive after lockdown, it is vital to keep team building activities in the schedule. Fortunately, there are now numerous ways to do this remotely online. 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2020 10:03 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 47 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY © Shutterstock /fizkes 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2020 10:04 Page 2FEATURES Agri-Business Spotlight Construction Machinery & Equipment Insurance Ports & Logistics Health & Safety Business Advice Experts 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 June 2020 - Deadline 20th May 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 06/05/2020 10:05 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 april 2020 £3.5 50 safety Ensuring e e of factoriesThe futur fices healthyfKeeping of employee V w VOLUME35ISSUE4 .blmgroup.co.ukwww INTERN FoodF ood Foo NATION DrinD rin Dri AL nknkn A r ts ews Ingredient spotlight End offline packkaging T M£2.95 training WWWLINCWWW.LINC OLNSHIRETOOLNSHIRETO ODAYNETODAY.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 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. 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 49.qxp_Layout 1 06/05/2020 10:05 Page 1Next >