< Previous40 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY With the weather warming up and becoming, somewhat, more predictable, corporate events can finally move to the great outdoors. Thus it is now the perfect time to consider organising a summer party - whether for a general gathering, important milestone, or teambuilding. Often a highlight in social calendars, summer parties offer a chance to bring teams together in a relaxed environment, reward staff, and entertain and show appreciation for clients. They break up the year nicely, boost morale, and as another small perk for your company, help in attracting new employees and retaining existing ones. There are a number of approaches to take when putting together a summer party, and what is organised will depend on your audience. The first thought that will likely come to mind is hosting a classic BBQ, which also tends to be inexpensive - renting a location with garden space and hiring caterers. Alternatively why not go “classier” with an old fashioned garden party, with finger sandwiches, tea, croquet and formal wear, or with glasses of fizz and cocktails for more celebratory occasions. One might also consider stepping away from the garden and onto the water with a party boat for an even more memorable experience, which of course is all the better for bolstering your brand. A completely different option meanwhile is to screen a film under the stars. This is great for a staff party, and for smaller teams may simply involve purchasing tickets to an event already taking place, and providing snacks and drinks. The companies behind these events can be contacted directly too for an exclusive viewing, and inflatable screens, projectors, and PA systems can be rented. Summer parties can also be enhanced with team building and healthy competition. A sports day or office olympics is an enjoyable idea and presents a prime opportunity to mix teams from different departments, connecting people who might not have much chance to interact and creating new bonds that will benefit the workplace by strengthening communication, trust and respect, helping people work with one another more efficiently. With this type of event, however, it is key to remember how comfortable employees are with physical activity, and their abilities. Offering similar benefits is a scavenger hunt. Unique, fun, competitive and collaborative, it is sure to be remembered by staff. How to organise the best summer party When planning summer parties there are a plethora of things to consider to ensure their success, and it’s important to plan ahead with plenty of time, as lots of companies are likely to be throwing events during the same period. This will also allow you to start promoting your event early for optimal turnout and buzz. Firstly, decide what you want to achieve with the event and its budget. It may simply be for fun, but knowing your objectives will enable you to assess if it has been a success after. Next up is venue choice, something that can have a major impact on a person’s decision to attend an event. Consider your budget, guest numbers, and the image you want to project, as well as what the venue will provide for you. Will you need to bring in your own tables and chairs for example. From rooftops to private gardens, make sure to choose a venue that is easily accessible by guests, near to public transport or with ample parking. It is also worth evaluating whether the venue is one that will inspire attendees to share content on social media and mention it in subsequent conversations, raising the profile of your business. Having your own photographer on site is also wise, for your own social channels following the event. Selecting a 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 14:08 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 41 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY theme for your summer party meanwhile can give it more character, like a Hawaiian Luau, and if opting for an open, outdoor space, one may look to incorporate a marquee or tipis, which are particularly good if the event extends through the evening. Music, entertainment and activities will also need to be chosen. From a live band to magicians, to fire dancers and games, there are numerous possibilities, however what is selected should match your company culture and how adventurous your guests are. Moreover, don’t forget about your requirements for AV production solutions, especially if planning to deliver a presentation or speech before kicking the party into gear - will you want screens, speakers, lighting? Your venue may supply these, but if not an external provider will need to be sourced. Food and drink are another important aspect of summer parties, and menus will vary based on budget, group size, type of event and theme. Will you need to provide canapés, a buffet, a sit-down meal, or perhaps food trucks for a unique occasion? Ensure to establish guests’ special dietary requirements to provide alternatives if necessary - it’s no good having a summer barbecue full of beef burgers and sausages if guests don’t eat meat! Offering food is also pertinent if alcoholic drinks are present at your event, alongside plenty of non-alcoholic options, and water. Summer parties present a great opportunity to amuse clients and reward staff, and with endless options for venues and entertainment in the region, creating a memorable event should be easy. © stock.adobe.com/ Photographee.eu 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 14:09 Page 442 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Luxury driving 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 14:10 Page 1www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK We’ve looked at economical and electric cars in the past few months but this month we wanted to look at what luxury feels like, and what is being offered in terms of not just power and price, but the interior and driving experience. BMW 7 Series The new BMW 7 Series represents a significant step up from its renowned predecessor, with an innovative specification designed to deliver incredible driving pleasure, unsurpassed long-distance comfort and a cutting-edge digital experience. With the BMW Curved Display fully digital screen grouping, additional My Modes, the BMW Interaction Bar and the newly designed gear selector, the cockpit represents an invitation to enjoy concentrated driving pleasure. The lounge-like atmosphere in the second row of seats is elevated to extraordinary heights both by the extra spaciousness on offer and, most prominently, by innovations like the BMW Theatre Screen and upgraded comfort seats with optional reclining function. One of the main highlights of the equipment options available for the new BMW 7 Series is the BMW Theatre Screen with Amazon Fire TV built in. This includes a 31.3” 8K touchscreen display with Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with optional in-seat exciters, built-in touch screen remotes in the door panels (BMW Touch Command), and an 44 Á BMW 7 Series 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 14:10 Page 244 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK automated rear shade system that closes when the BMW Theatre Screen is turned on. Mercedes-Benz With the luxury saloon EQS and the sporty executive saloon EQE, Mercedes-Benz has entered a new, all- electric era in the upper market segments. Making charging easy, navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, based on numerous factors and reacts dynamically to traffic jams or a change in driving style, for example. This includes a visualisation in the MBUX infotainment system as to whether the state of charge of the battery is sufficient to return to the starting point without charging. Charging stations along the route that have been added manually are given preference in the route calculation. Proposed charging stations can be excluded. The estimated charging costs per charging stop are calculated. The highlight of the interior is the MBUX Hyperscreen (special equipment). This large, curved screen unit spans almost from A-pillar to A-pillar. Three screens sit under a common cover glass and merge visually. The 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger gives them their own display and control area. In Europe, and in a growing number of countries, the front seat passenger is also able to watch dynamic content while the vehicle is on the move. This is because Mercedes-EQ is able to rely on an intelligent, camera-based blocking logic: If the camera detects that the driver is looking at the passenger display, the system automatically dims the dynamic content. Mercedes-Benz 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 14:10 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 45 AUTOLINK Audi urbansphere Though the urbansphere is a concept currently and not due to be released, it may still offer a view as to what luxury city driving will mean in the future. Designers and engineers have created the Audi urbansphere primarily for use in traffic of Chinese megacities. In these metropolitan areas, where personal space is in particularly short supply, the concept car offers the largest interior space of any Audi to date. In addition, it intelligently coordinates this with technologies and digital services that appeal to all the senses and thus offer a new quality of experience. The result of this process can be seen in the Audi urbansphere concept, above all in the interior. As such, the spacious automobile acts as a lounge on wheels and mobile office – the vehicle serves as a third living space during the hours spent in traffic. To this end, the Audi urbansphere combines the luxury of complete privacy with a comprehensive range of high-tech features on board, even during the daily rush hour. The word “sphere” in the name already suggests that the focus of the Audi skysphere, grandsphere, and urbansphere concept cars is on the inner space, the interior. It is no longer the powertrain or the driving dynamics that are at the top of the list of requirements for this new generation of cars. Instead, the interior becomes the foundation for design and technology. And this means that it transforms into the passenger’s sphere of life and experience on the road. Audi urbansphere 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 14:10 Page 446 Business Link www.blmforum.net events © stock.adobe.com/ lukeeb South Yorkshire EXPO Thurs 5th May OEC Sheffield The South Yorkshire Expo is an event open to all business sectors from across the region and beyond. The Spring 2022 event will be a packed programme of seminars and workshops, networking sessions and a fantastic exhibition to browse - there are opportunities galore for attendees and exhibitors. For the full event details, itinerary, speakers and sessions and exhibiting information, please visit the event website at www.SouthYorkshireexpo.co.uk The Business Network Wakefield Weds 11th May Hotel St Pierre, Wakefield The Business Network style is very effective with friendly, structured and focused networking with business owners, directors or senior level staff over a two- course lunch. The events are hosted membership only, but visitors are able to join one event before deciding if they want to join for future ones. Start-Up Leeds: Pricing your products and services Tues 10th May Dewsbury Rd Community Hub, Leeds Find out how to calculate costs, understand value and whether discounts and incentives are right for your business. In this session, you’ll learn how to calculate costs and put together a price list for your business, understand how to position your products, create a plan for offering discounts and incentives within your pricing and find out how to deal with external economic factors, such as recessions. To join the Start-Up Leeds programme, you’ll need to be in the early stages of starting up your business, pre-start or under 3 years of trading. You will also need to be trading, within the Leeds City Region (from Barnsley to Harrogate). BUILD FOR THE FUTURE; EAST MIDLANDS EXHIBITION 2022 Tues 17th May Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln Hosted by Heritage Lincolnshire and Archaeological Project Services and working in partnership with the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce following the successful event in September 2021. This annual event is directly marketed and aimed at those within the Construction, Property, Heritage, Sustainability and Trade industries across the East Midlands. The IoD South Yorkshire Annual Dinner 2022 Thurs 5 May Cutlers’ Hall, Sheffield Join the business community of South Yorkshire for the Institute of Directors South Yorkshire Annual Dinner. 200 of the region’s business leaders from across the business spectrum, ranging from advanced manufacturing to professional services and the public and third sectors will converge on Cutlers’ Hall for this black-tie event. The theme for this year’s dinner is South Yorkshire business resilience. 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. main aim is to connect businesses together within these industries, to ensure that they are accessible to businesses of all sizes and capacity. The Lincolnshire Show 2022 Wed 22 – Thurs 23 June Lincolnshire Showground The Lincolnshire Show is one of our county’s flagship events and truly has something for each of our 60,000 visitors to © stock.adobe.com/ Joe 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 14:11 Page 1Conference and Hospitality Show Leeds Tues 24th May Royal Armouries, Leeds CHS Leeds is a one-day exhibition that brings together the very best event and hospitality community from across the UK. The event offers a cost-effective and successful platform to promote your business to a national audience of event planners, agents, venue finders and EAs/PAs. All buyers are pre-qualified, with only VIP and hosted buyer ticket holders permitted to access the event for most of the day from the likes of Helmsbriscoe, PA Network, AIEA, MPI, EMA and several more. © stock.adobe.com/ Joe www.blmforum.net Business Link 47 enjoy. A well-known staple event of the region, local businesses flock to attend, exhibit and promote their services or products to a wide range of businesses within and without the agricultural sectors. For more information visit www.lincolnshireshow.co.uk Down to Earth Network Wed 25th May The Collection, Lincoln This special networking event is out of this world! Enjoy an evening of networking at The Collection with drinks and canapes and explore the Gaia Earth artwork by Luke Jerram. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/events/down-to-earth-network VIP – Visit In Person Open Networking Fri 20th May 1 Cardale Park, Harrogate Come along to this relaxed Open Networking event where you will meet new and existing people who can help you grow and take your business to the next level. Beginning at 4pm and ending at 6pm with room for networking and a guest speaker, the VIP events are part of the Open Network group and seek to enable businesses to network in a relaxed, informal environment. For more information visit www.the- open-network.co.uk/events Humber Business Week Mon 6th June – Fri 10th June Humber Business Week (Biz Week) showcases the wealth of talent, entrepreneurship, vision and future potential of our region through a diverse programme of events which both inspire and educate. It is a chance for all to share knowledge and gain a better understanding and insight into key regional business developments…and a great way to improve your own network of contacts. For more information visit www.humberbusinessweek.co.uk 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 14:11 Page 2FEATURES Agri-Business Spotlight Construction Insurance Ports & Logistics Health & Safety Business Advice Experts REGULARS Commercial Property Motoring Corporate Hospitality and Events Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in June 2022 - Deadline 25th 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 04/05/2022 14:12 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 NATION AL A r ts ews Ingredient spotlight End off line packkaging T M£2.95 Suppor 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 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. B g T G B WEDDINGS/ 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 • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk To advertise your services on the 01472 310310 49.qxp_Layout 1 04/05/2022 14:13 Page 1Next >