< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net MEET THE EXPERTS E ngaging with experts is essential for businesses to navigate the complex landscape of today, to make informed decisions, innovate, and thrive. While business leaders may be expected to be the masters in their chosen field, they cannot master everything, which is why it is important to tap into the knowledge of experts, whether it be an accountant to help tackle a tax issue — such as the upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax and Business Property Relief set to hit family businesses — or an SEO specialist to improve a website’s ranking and a business’s online visibility. However, with myriad people and firms labelling themselves experts in their marketing and on their websites, how can one find a true specialist able to provide the insights and guidance for your needs? Online platforms and directories are often a first port of call when seeking an expert, although with many companies buying a membership to these resources, due diligence to back up claims of expertise is required. Looking for relevant certifications and affiliations and detailed reviews and testimonials is crucial. Many businesses are proud to highlight these on their homepages to show off their credentials, sometimes with case studies. To validate these, professional networks like LinkedIn are invaluable, providing the ability to connect with other businesspeople to ask their thoughts on or experiences with a supplier. Platforms like LinkedIn can even be a good starting point for finding an expert, offering search features to filter professionals by industry, location and experience, as well as other criteria. Upon connecting with an individual or visiting their profile, you can further see what insights they are sharing on the platform, as well as what topics they have been tagged and endorsed as experts on by other LinkedIn users to assess if they might fit your requirements. Connecting with professional organisations and associations in the The right expert With “experts” seemingly everywhere, how can business leaders find true specialists to support their needs? 32 Áwww.blmforum.net Business Link 31 Company Profile: For over 40 years, Frontier Software has been a trusted partner for Payroll and HR, offering secure and easy-to-use solutions that simplify workforce management. With a suite of fully integrated software modules and expert support from knowledgeable staff, we deliver Payroll and HR solutions designed to help your organisation thrive. Product Profile: ichris (International Comprehensive Human Resource Integrated Software) is a powerful solution designed to streamline and automate Payroll and HR operations. Modular, flexible and feature rich, ichris supports the entire employee lifecycle – efficiently and with ease – cloud or on premise. Prefer to outsource? Expert payroll services give you the benefits of an in-house solution without the hassle of managing infrastructure or resources. Whether you choose software or managed services, Frontier Software ensures accuracy and compliance while saving your business time and money. With 24/7 access to real-time data, built-in reporting, and flexible deployment options, we’ve got the right solution to fit your needs. www.frontiersoftware.com 01276 456902 | sales@frontiersoftware.com HR AND PAYROLL SOFTWARE/SERVICES Company Profile: The HICA Group is a not-for-profit care provider dedicated to enhancing the lives of older people and individuals with learning disabilities. With residential care homes, homecare services, and retirement housing, HICA promotes independence, dignity, and wellbeing through compassionate, person-centred care across Yorkshire, Humberside, Lincolnshire and Lancashire. Steve Reed Profile: Steve Reed is the dynamic Head of Learning and Development for the HICA Group, bringing over 30 years of experience in training and education. Since joining HICA in 2014 as a Regional Trainer, Steve has progressed to lead the organisation’s group-wide training strategy. Passionate about empowering people through learning, he heads a dedicated team focused on delivering high-quality development opportunities that enhance staff skills, confidence, and career progression. Steve holds multiple qualifications, including a Diploma in Coaching & Mentoring and the D32/D33 NVQ Assessor Award. His work continues to shape a positive, forward- thinking culture of continuous learning across the group. www.hica-uk.com 01482 581000 | info@hica-uk.com SPECIALIST CARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES Company Profile: Hello, we’re Systematic. From the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, our design, print, mailing and marketing services support leading UK organisations. Together with oodle, the creative design agency in our family, we blend innovation with responsibility, ensuring our clients maximise their marketing impact whilst minimising their environmental footprint. Product Profile: Need bold creativity to bring your brand to life online and offline? Want to simplify how you source and distribute print materials, event assets, or sustainable corporate gifts? If your mailings aren't hitting the mark or you’re spending too much time managing fulfilment, we can help - right down to reaching new audiences with targeted door drop campaigns. From design to delivery, we bring creativity and efficiency to you, through friendly project management support. We're ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and Good Business Charter accredited - so you can trust us to deliver with quality, sustainability, and integrity. Tel: 01472 851091 www.systematic.uk | www.oodle.agency CREATIVITY & BRAND MARKETING Sills & Betteridge LLP Aquis House, 18 – 28 Clasketgate, Lincoln, LN2 1JN Tel: 01522 542211 Web: www.sillslegal.co.uk Email: info@sillslegal.co.uk Company Profile: Sills & Betteridge LLP is a full service law firm with 16 offices across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and the East Midlands. With one of the region's leading commercial departments, it has a portfolio of domestic and international clients drawn from a wide range of industry sectors including agriculture, engineering, renewables, property and construction, insurance, and retail. Key specialisms are corporate transactions (including mergers and acquisitions) and tax, succession planning, banking and finance, commercial property, commercial litigation, employment law, contracts, partnerships, insolvency and business recovery. The Expert: Partner Euan McLaughlin, Corporate & Commercial Euan has extensive experience in business sales and acquisitions, including a significant volume of management buy- outs and succession planning. He has experienced a notable recent increase in transactions involving Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) and other more complex structures in the professional services, manufacturing and engineering sectors, along with supporting clients with investment/capital raising from seed-stage through to late-stage. Euan also advises on a wide range of complex commercial contracts (including terms and conditions, distribution, agency, franchise and construction) and shareholder and partnership agreements. Euan is recommended by the Legal 500 and noted for being relentless and innovative. SOLICITORS SOLICITORS32 Business Link www.blmforum.net MEET THE EXPERTS Company Profile: Based across Lincoln and Lincolnshire’s market towns, Dexter & Sharpe have delivered trusted advice since 1882. Our dedicated team offers tailored expertise in accountancy, audit, tax, and business development. From start-ups to established firms, we help clients grow with strategic support, sector specialisms, and a truly personal service. James Holland Profile: James Holland began his career in 1997 with Hamshaw & Co, joining Dexter & Sharpe in 2011 through its acquisition. He became a Partner in 2016 and is based at the Boston office. James manages a varied portfolio which includes e- commerce, medical, manufacturing, construction franchised businesses to name a few. James mentors trainees as the firm’s Oxford Brookes registered mentor. Outside the office, he managed his son’s successful football team for over eight years winning back-to-back A league titles and is a sports and aviation enthusiast. James also enjoys cinema, concerts and spending time with his wife and their two children. CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS Dexter & Sharpe Rollestone House, Bridge Street, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 5HZ Tel: 01507 526 071 Web: www.dextersharpe.co.uk Email: post@dextersharpe.co.uk Lincoln Print & Copy Centre 9 Clifton Street, Stonefield Park Industrial Estate, Lincoln, LN5 8LQ Tel: 01522 546118 Email: sales@lincolncopycentre.co.uk Web: www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk Company Profile: Lincoln Print & Copy Centre has been providing the best print solutions for customers in the Lincoln area for 40 years. Aiming to provide the service and advice customers need to run and promote their businesses and organisations. With experienced and friendly staff, a modern range of equipment they can adapt to suit each customer’s requirements. Product Profile: Most businesses, organisations and individuals use some form of stationery. Customers don’t need to buy a pack, only the items they use. Our range includes: • Letterheads A4, A5 or custom size, 80gsm to 120gsm paper, black or colour print, some colour papers available and some premium and textured papers available • Compliment slips printed to match your letterheads • Correspondence cards – go traditional, send a note or invitation in the post, varying papers available • Folders A5 and A4, glued or interlocking, laminated or unlaminated High Quality Print & Design in Lincolnshire PRINT SOLUTIONS field you are looking for can also be useful, to find specialised consultants or recommendations, while attending industry events presents a great venue to meet and network with experts, whether they be other attendees, exhibitors, or speakers and panellists. In the case of the latter, attending their appearances at the event can be a good way to narrow down if they are worth engaging with. To further gain an understanding of how expert an expert is, one should arrange an in-person visit or a call to discuss your needs and their experience. Though it can be a time- consuming process, it offers a prime opportunity to ask about their background, skills, approach, timelines, costs, and for references. One of the simplest methods to find and validate experts, however, is to start with people you know and trust. This may be to complete the work itself or to provide introductions to potential experts. Ask colleagues and fellow professionals if they are aware of any experts on the topic you require help with. With the approval of someone you trust, that has worked with the expert in the past, you can more confidently enter a new relationship with a specialist expecting a successful result. Doing your own checks on this person or firm is still recommended, to ensure they are the right expert to solve your needs. With the right expert — whether it be legal, recruitment or financial — they should benefit your business actively, not only providing the necessary service, but deep, specialist knowledge, strategic guidance, new perspectives, innovative solutions, and heightened levels of efficiency that can solve and prevent problems or provide the insight to allow a business to run more effectively. www.blmforum.net Business Link 33 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY A s the demand for sustainable practices in business continues to rise, renewable energy and green technologies have become central to corporate event planning. Businesses across the UK, including those in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, are increasingly recognising the importance of incorporating environmentally responsible strategies into their events. From harnessing renewable energy sources to adopting cutting-edge green technologies, companies are transforming the way they approach event organisation, creating memorable experiences and contributing to a greener future. One of the most significant shifts in corporate event planning has been the integration of renewable energy. For businesses hosting large conferences, expos, or team-building events, the use of green energy is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Many event venues across the region are now powered by renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint of corporate events. The Yorkshire Event Centre (YEC) is a prime example of a The impact of renewable energy and green technologies on corporate event planning Renewable energy and green technologies are revolutionising corporate event planning. Businesses are embracing eco-friendly venues, sustainable catering, and digital solutions to reduce their environmental footprint, creating impactful events that align with modern sustainability goals. 34 Á34 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY venue incorporating renewable energy and green technologies to support sustainable corporate events. The venue has installed 960 solar panels across its site, significantly reducing its reliance on grid energy and contributing to a more eco-conscious event experience. YEC also uses LED lighting, an advanced temperature management system, and a zero-percent landfill waste management program. The venue’s use of recycled materials, such as plastic bottles for toilet doors, and its commitment to local sustainability efforts, including planting 420 saplings annually, make it also an ideal choice for businesses seeking a sustainable venue in the region. In addition to using renewable energy, event organisers are turning to innovative green technologies to further reduce the environmental impact of their events. One such technology is digital platforms. With the rise of hybrid and virtual events, digital tools have enabled businesses to drastically reduce the need for travel, one of the biggest contributors to event-related carbon emissions. By hosting virtual or hybrid conferences, businesses can engage a global audience while cutting down on the need for flights, accommodation, and transportation. Moreover, businesses are adopting green technologies in other aspects of event planning, such as waste management and material sourcing. Venues are increasingly using recyclable and biodegradable materials for event signage, furniture, and promotional materials, reducing the amount of waste generated during events. For catering, many companies are opting for plant- based menus that have a lower environmental impact than traditional meat-based offerings. www.blmforum.net Business Link 35 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY The integration of renewable energy and green technologies into corporate events is also influencing supplier relationships. Businesses are now more likely to choose suppliers who share their commitment to sustainability, whether it’s a sustainable AV provider, eco-conscious decorators, or a transportation company with a green fleet. By working with these suppliers, companies ensure that their entire event ecosystem supports their sustainability objectives, from the products and services used to the waste management practices in place. In addition to environmental benefits, the use of renewable energy and green technologies can enhance a company’s reputation. As consumers and clients become more eco-conscious, businesses that prioritise sustainability are better positioned to attract and retain clients who value corporate responsibility. Hosting a sustainable event demonstrates a commitment to the environment and reflects a forward-thinking approach to business that can resonate with modern stakeholders. As the corporate world continues to adapt to sustainability pressures, the role of renewable energy and green technologies in event planning will only increase. Businesses are recognising that hosting eco-friendly events is a way to drive positive change, reduce operational costs, and enhance their corporate image. For those in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, the opportunity to harness the region’s abundant renewable energy resources and cutting-edge green technologies is an essential part of ensuring that corporate events contribute to a more sustainable future.36 Business Link www.blmforum.net INSURANCE I n the face of economic uncertainty, businesses across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are being urged to treat insurance as more than just a compliance box to tick. From industrial estates in Leeds and Sheffield to coastal SMEs in Grimsby, the region’s economic mix means that businesses here face a broad and complex set of risks. Whether it’s supply chain disruptions, employee claims, or the growing wave of cyberattacks, insurance has become a fundamental part of operational resilience. The reality is that too many businesses across the region are still operating with outdated or inadequate policies. In today’s trading conditions, the financial impact of being underinsured can be devastating. Natural events like storms and floods are a known concern in parts of Lincolnshire, while high-density commercial areas in Yorkshire are more exposed to cybercrime and industrial incidents. These risks demand modern, tailored cover, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Many businesses still overlook employer’s liability insurance, which is legally required for any company with staff on payroll. It covers claims made by employees who suffer illness or injury while at work, an especially important consideration for Yorkshire’s large manufacturing and logistics employers, as well as Lincolnshire’s agricultural operations. Failing to carry Protecting business From manufacturing hubs to coastal retailers, firms across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire face growing risks. This feature explores the importance of robust business insurance and why revisiting your cover is no longer optional. 38 Áwww.blmforum.net Business Link 37 INSURANCE38 Business Link www.blmforum.net INSURANCE this cover can result in large fines, not to mention reputational damage. Public liability insurance is equally vital for businesses that interact with customers or clients in person. Whether it’s a visitor tripping in a shop in Scarborough or an accident at a festival in Hull, the financial consequences of a claim can escalate quickly. Public liability insurance covers these risks and is a must for any business welcoming people on-site or working in public spaces. For those offering specialist services or advice, such as architects in York or consultants in Harrogate, professional indemnity insurance is a line of defence against claims arising from mistakes or perceived negligence. One inaccurate calculation, a missed deadline, or a flawed recommendation can trigger legal action. Without the right cover, the cost of defending such a claim, and any resulting payout, can be overwhelming. With property insurance, many businesses still underestimate the potential for loss. From theft and fire to extreme weather damage, commercial premises across the region are increasingly vulnerable. The coastal locations of towns like Skegness and Cleethorpes bring additional weather- related risk, while urban businesses face www.blmforum.net Business Link 39 INSURANCE greater exposure to theft and vandalism. Property insurance ensures that, if disaster strikes, you’re not left footing the bill for repairs or replacements. Cyber insurance, meanwhile, is becoming non-negotiable. The high- profile cyberattacks on Marks & Spencer and Harrods earlier this year were a wake-up call. M&S lost an estimated £700 million in market value after ransomware forced them to pause online orders and caused in-store disruptions. For a week, their operations were under siege. The attack was linked to a group called Scattered Spider, which exploited human error through phishing and used ransomware to lock the company’s systems. Harrods, while quieter on the damage, confirmed they too had been targeted. If two of the UK’s most recognisable brands can be breached, local businesses in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are certainly not immune. In fact, the UK’s retail sector alone saw a 40 percent rise in data breaches in 2023. From independent retailers in Beverley to food producers in Doncaster, any business storing customer data or relying on digital systems needs cyber insurance to cover recovery costs, business interruption, and legal liabilities. On that note, business interruption insurance is often overlooked until it’s too late. This type of policy covers income loss during periods of forced closure, whether due to fire, flood, or other disruption. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses that lacked proper interruption cover faced months of financial strain. For businesses in flood-prone parts of Lincolnshire or those reliant on single suppliers, this cover is a critical cushion when things go wrong. What links all of these policies together is the need for regular review. The insurance you took out five years ago may no longer reflect the scale or scope of your business today. Too many businesses renew their policies automatically, assuming they’re still fit for purpose. But with inflation driving up the cost of claims and emerging threats changing the landscape, an annual insurance health check is essential. In a region as economically diverse as this, where a single event can ripple across sectors, it pays to be prepared. Effective insurance isn’t just about protecting your balance sheet. It’s about ensuring that when the unexpected happens, you can recover quickly, meet your obligations, and keep serving your customers. In 2025, that peace of mind is priceless.Next >