< Previous40 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY © stock.adobe.com/sleto 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 06/06/2022 14:58 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 41 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY some of the key things that really help a speech stand out. Memorise it by heart While there’s no denying that cue- cards and scripts are valuable for those unfamiliar with public speaking and should be used to help jog the memory, ultimately there’s nothing worse than seeing a speaker fumbling over what they are saying or forgetting entirely. Confidence is always going to be a major factor in what sells a company, and a speaker should exude confidence – even if they don’t feel it. Learning the entire speech off-by-heart, and practicing it in the mirror or to family, will help a speaker feel more confident in what they are saying. It can also help the speech become little more than routine, so that even on a stage a speaker is able to switch off and imagine they are simply talking to the mirror. Test the room There’s nothing worse than going to an event and realising that you’ve been unfortunately placed and can’t actually hear a word of what the main speaker is saying. Most conferencing venues will have good acoustics, but that doesn’t excuse speakers failing to project their voices properly. Remember that even if answering a question from the audience, or speaking in general, it is best to project your voice towards the centre of the room rather than turn to answer a person in a far corner. Beyond that though, it’s often useful to visit the venue in advance and have a colleague stand at the back of the room, so you’re able to see how loud you must be to be heard. Don’t rely on technology It can be easy to look at all the latest technology available, and while it can be tempting to rely on power point presentations or videos to handle some of the work – it’s not always the best idea. Ultimately it is people which sell products or services, and the ultimate goal of a conference or seminar is to get more customers. The audience wishes to know that the individual, the very person whose services they might be paying for, is a skilled and knowledgeable expert that they can rely on. Relying too heavily on technology also opens one up to problems when things go wrong – as they inevitably might. Seeing people fiddling around with projectors or laptops does little to inspire confidence. Another thing to keep in mind however will be the microphone you might be expected to use when speaking. It’s not unusual for people unused to using them to hold them close to their mouths to try and increase the volume, but this will make your plosives – the shape your mouth makes for various sounds like `p` and `b` - become distorted or pop. Make sure to perform a quick sound check before the event, to figure out how far you need to keep the microphone from your mouth. Take it slow and steady Most people aren’t aware of just how quickly they speak in casual conversation. It is easier to keep up with someone when they are talking about something that happened in their day but orating on complicated business matters might require more concentration from the audience. One way around this can be to record yourself speaking, and then play it back. Try to moderate how fast you speak, and see what cadence is easier to understand. Stick to what you know Ultimately the entire speech should be on a topic you are familiar with, to attempt otherwise will invite disaster if the audience asks any difficult questions. Keep in mind that the goal for the event is to get more customers for your services, and yours alone. If you keep on track with what you know, and what advice you would give to a client across the table – then the seminar will be stronger, and you’re much more likely to get good results. Beyond that, you will sound much more confident and are more likely to enjoy the event, experience good results – and want to come back and do it again next time. 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 06/06/2022 14:58 Page 442 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid When choosing your next new car it can be all too easy to get caught up in the moment. The excitement of those new models glistening under the showroom lights can, occasionally, cause buyers to later regret their decision, especially if we later discover there was a new improved model tucked away that the dealership didn’t want you to know about. All that glistens... 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/06/2022 15:00 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 43 AUTOLINK The simplest way to avoid car buyer’s remorse is to be as informed as possible about the decision you are about to make and that’s why we test cars as they come off the production line to bring you the latest news on what’s hot - and ultimately - what’s not! Here’s a few of the cars that we’ve managed to get up close and personal with in recent weeks which should ensure you don’t suffer the dreaded buyer’s remorse. First up is Kia, who have upped the stakes with their all-new Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, and lowered the Benefit In Kind tax band for business users dues to low CO2 emissions with its long electric range. It blends power and performance with an exceptional combined fuel economy of 252mpg, and an emissions-free driving range of up to 43 miles, rising to 48 miles on the City Cycle. This new SUV features a high-performance 1.6-litre T-GDi engine that works in tandem with a 66.9kW permanent magnet traction electric motor and a 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. The high-voltage battery sits centrally between the two axles under the body of the SUV, ensuring a balanced weight distribution and an interior space that is practical, comfortable and versatile. In laymans terms, this translates into a 0- 60mph time of just 7.9 seconds, and a top speed of 119mph and this, coupled with emissions of just 25g/km of CO2 on the weighted combined cycle result in it attracting £0 VED first-year tax after registration. The combination of low CO2 and long electric range means a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rate of 7 per cent for the current 2021/22 tax year, rising to 8 per cent for the next three tax years to 2024/25. This means, the new model should cost less to run than almost all of its rivals, despite a very good interior, strong performance and generous standard equipment levels. Riding on stylish 19-inch alloy wheels, the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid is available across the ‘GT-Line’, ‘3’, ‘4’ and ‘GT-Line S’ grades with Mazda CX-60 44 Á 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/06/2022 15:00 Page 244 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK prices starting from £38,395 OTR. Not to be outdone, the all-new Mazda CX-60 will arrive in showrooms shortly. Launched with Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid technology powertrain, which combines a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four- cylinder petrol engine with a 100 kW electric motor and a 17.8 kWh high- capacity battery. What this means for the driver is 39 miles of combined electric motor-powered driving with the vehicle running at 62mph or less and 42 miles of city EV range, while the performance of the combined drivetrain delivers a 0-62mph performance of just 5.8 seconds. Offered in three trim grades: Exclusive- Line, Homura and Takumi, customer choice is further enhanced with the ability to add two option packs across all grades: Convenience Pack and Driver Assistance Pack, with a Comfort Pack available on Exclusive-Line. An additional option to specify a Panoramic roof on Homura and Takumi models is also unique to the CX-60. Prices for these start at £43,950 for the Mazda CX-60 Exclusive-Line rising to £46,700 for the Homura and £48,050 for the flagship Takumi which comes with 20-inch black machined alloy wheels, body-coloured mirrors, combined with chrome plated signature wing grille treatment and side window surround. Additionally, there is a comprehensive range of advanced i-Activsense driver assistance systems ensuring active safety at the highest level, too. Several new technologies debut in the Mazda CX-60, including: See-Through View - a next- generation 360-degree monitor with extended field of view at low speeds; Hill Descent Control (HDC), which assists in safely descending steep slopes with slippery or rough road surfaces; Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC), which can now incorporate speed limits from Traffic Sign Recognition. Meanwhile, the powerful models of the Audi Q4 e-tron series benefit from faster-charging speeds. This will benefit models with the large battery that provides 76.6 kWh of net energy (82 kWh gross) – that is, the Audi Q4 40 e- tron, and Audi Q4 50 e-tron quattro models as well as the associated Sportback versions. All new versions of these cars now have a recharging capacity of 135 kW of power. The ideal five to 80 percent charge time is Audi Q4 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/06/2022 15:00 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 45 AUTOLINK reduced from 38 to 29 minutes. But, what we like best about the Q4 is the refinement, comfortable ride and classy interior, not to mention the fact that it’s available with four-wheel drive. Whichever model you choose, it offers a sublime ride and has very little road and tyre noise emanating through to the cockpit, putting it leagues ahead of its counterparts. And, thanks to the integration of Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa, Audi connect now lets drivers manage their calendar or shopping list by voice as well as control compatible smart home devices from their car, which certainly seems to be a step in the right direction. The only downside is of course the ticket price - the entry level model isnt too bad at £43,290 and rises but the flagship model reaches an eye watering £67,610. Last but by no means least is the latest offering from BMW. Named the iX, the car has already been crowned ‘Large Crossover of the Year’ at the UK Car of the Year Awards, praising the “relaxed, refined and calming nature” of the model. The BMW iX was launched a few months ago and represents the pinnacle of the BMW Group electrification strategy. The fully electric vehicle has a WLPT range of 380 miles, is the premiere for the new generation BMW iDrive powered by Operating System 8, and, offers the most extensive set of standard driver assistance systems ever seen in a BMW. Power comes from a 71kWh battery in the ‘entry-level’ model or a much larger 105kWh battery in the range-topping xDrive50. Both of which can be charged from 10-80% in just over 30 minutes. The model line-up begins with the 321bhp xDrive40, which has a range of 257 miles and achieves 0-60mph in around 5.7 seconds. Its larger stablemate, xDrive50 with its 105kWh battery delivers an impressive 380-mile range and shortens the 0-60mph time to just 4.6 seconds. We also hear there’s another model on its way badged the M60 which will propel you to 60mph in under 4 seconds! All in all, you may have to pay a little more for the BMW, but if you can get over the £77,305 - £107,305 price tags, then you’ll certainly be impressed. BMW iX 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/06/2022 15:00 Page 446 Business Link www.blmforum.net events © stock.adobe.com/Song_about_summer South Yorkshire Chambers Net- walking Breakfast Tuesday 7 June Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Auckley The popular South Yorkshire Business Networking event is back with a twist, with the three South Yorkshire Chambers welcoming attendees for a spot of ‘netwalking’ at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Enjoy a delicious breakfast whilst networking around a breathtaking walk through a wildlife adventure. Yorkshire Wildlife Park has over 400 animals and around 70 different species of endangered or threatened species. The park has recently completed the first phase of their brand new visitor complex with brand new attractions, restaurants and animals. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/event/south- yorkshire-chambers-net-walking-breakfast/ The Export Academy – Supply Chains in a Changing World Wednesday 8 June Online It has never been more important to make sure that you have robust supply chains in place. This session will provide an overview of key issues such as the reduction in supply chain risk, potential new supply chain strategies to support you when looking at new market opportunities. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/event/managing- agents-and-distributors/ The Life Cycle of a Business Thursday 9 June Online This special presentation by Streets Chartered Accountants corporate tax partner, Mustafa Rafik, is aimed at entrepreneurs and businesses looking to grow and prosper and will cover a number of topics which are typical for businesses during their cycle of growth, particularly: commencement of trade, growth and success, succession. Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credits, Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI), and asset protection will also be covered. For more information visit www.streetsweb.co.uk/ events/life-cycle-business/ Let’s Talk Business Growth Conference Thursday 9 June DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Brayford Wharf North, Lincoln The Let’s Talk Business Growth Humber Industrial Decarbonisation Conference & Exhibition Tuesday 7 June The Baths Hall, Scunthorpe This event will bring together key stakeholders who are actively involved with decarbonisation activities and projects in the Humber Region. The Humber Industrial Cluster plan, which is led by the HEY LEP and CATCH, alongside eight industrial partners will showcase what is happening in the region, the opportunities available and provide visitors with access to key people from prominent companies across the decarbonisation space. The Humber: A 2030 Vision for Industrial Decarbonisation Map will be brought to life, with companies featured on the map taking exhibition space and hosting breakout sessions throughout the afternoon. For more information visit https://heygrowthhub.com/event/humber-industrial-decarbonisation-conference-exhibition/ 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. Conference will help provide invaluable information and support local businesses to network and grow. The conference will include inspirational seminars delivered by keynote business speakers on leadership, sustainability and investment. Ollie Ollerton, star of Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, will deliver an inspirational talk on hardship, as well as leadership and wellbeing. Attendees will also have the opportunity to gather intel from a panel of businesses who are a great example of business growth in Lincolnshire. © stock.adobe.com/lexiconimages 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 06/06/2022 15:02 Page 1Streets Charity Golf Day 2022 Friday 1 July Lincoln Golf Club, Lincoln Streets Chartered Accountants’ charity golf day returns for 2022! Teams enjoying the annual event will help make a difference to the work of local air ambulance charities: Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, East Anglian Air Ambulance, and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The day will include 18 holes of golf, breakfast rolls, a two course buffet, prizes and more. For more information visit www.streetsweb.co.uk/events/streets-charity-golf- day-2022/ © stock.adobe.com/ Daxiao Productions www.blmforum.net Business Link 47 Refreshments and lunch are included. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/events/lets-talk-business-growth-conference/ MD Club Summer Social Wednesday 15 June The Mowbray, Sheffield Sheffield Universities’ Managing Directors’ Club and the South Yorkshire Chambers of Commerce welcome you to their next summer networking social on Wednesday 15 June. The evening networking event will take place at The Mowbray in Kelham Island in Sheffield and is open to South Yorkshire business leaders and expert academics for an evening of networking to share ideas and exchange knowledge to develop new partnerships. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/event/md-club-summer-social/ Recruiting and Retaining Talent - Top Tips Wednesday 29 June Online Are you struggling with recruitment and attracting the right people into your business? If the answer is ‘yes’, then join this one hour webinar which will cover the four key areas of recruitment: the things to think about before you start to recruit, what you need to do once you have started the process, how to attract the right people, how to interview for the ‘best hire’ and secure the best talent. For more information visit https://wnychamber.force.com/s/lt- event?id=a2v07000000wkHtAAI How To Make Your Business Carbon Neutral – It Need Not Cost The Earth! Wednesday 15 June Online This webinar delivered by Auditel will unclutter some of the confusion surrounding emissions management and carbon reporting. Industry experts will explore the reasons why carbon management has become so important. They will also examine the challenges and misconceptions faced by many businesses when it comes to tackling their own carbon footprint. Finally, they will explain the process of achieving a BSI recognised specification for carbon neutrality and how gaining this internationally recognised specification can help companies win more business, as well as ensuring the long-term future for us all. For more information visit https://wnychamber.force.com/s/lt-event?id=a2v1v000001hVUyAAM 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 06/06/2022 15:02 Page 2FEATURES Business Spotlight Design & Marketing Engineering IT & Telecommunications Apprenticeships Christmas in July REGULARS Commercial Property Motoring Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in July 2022 - Deadline 22nd June 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 06/06/2022 15:03 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 06/06/2022 15:04 Page 1Next >