< PreviousSOME FEAR CHANGE,OTHERS DRIVE IT.The Ultimate Driving MachineBMW iAt Soper of Lincoln we always lead the charge when it comes to innovation, but our latest car is more than just innovative; it’s a leap forward in automotive history. The new BMW i3, born electric from the ground up. All it needs now is pioneers; those driven enough and bold enough to experience the thrill of pure electric driving pleasure. The world is becoming electric. Don’t wait. It’s time to lead.For more information or to arrange a test drive^, call us on 01522 690000 or visit www.soperbmw.co.ukSoper of LincolnRoman Way, South HykehamLincoln LN6 9UH www.soperbmw.co.uk01522 690000Official fuel economy figures for the BMW i3: mpg N/A, CO2 emissions 0 g/km, nominal power output (electric motor) 75/102 kW/hp at 4,800 rpm; peak power output (electric motor) 125/170 kW/hp, total average energy consumption per 62 miles/100 km (combined cycle) 12.9 kWh. Total range: 118 miles (combined cycle). Customer orientated range: up to 100 miles. Official fuel economy figures for the BMW i3 with Range Extender: 470.8 mpg, CO2 emissions 13 g/km, total average energy consumption per 62 miles/100 km (weighted combined cycle) 11.5 kWh. Range without use of range extender: 106 miles (weighted combined cycle). Customer orientated total range: up to 186 miles. Customer orientated range without use of Range Extender: up to 93 miles. Figures may vary depending on different factors, including but not limited to individual driving style, climatic conditions, route characteristics and preconditioning.*The price shown applies after the HM Treasury Plug-In Car Grant of £5,000 has been deducted (subject to eligibility). On the road cash price includes 3 year unlimited mileage BMW i3 Warranty and BMW i Mobile Care, vehicle first registration fee, vehicle excise duty, delivery, number plates and VAT. Model featured has optional metallic paint: £530, upgraded 19” alloy wheels: £680 and Interior world – Lodge: £1,500. ^Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.THE NEW ELECTRIC BMW i3. FROM £25,680* AT SOPER OF LINCOLN.40:Layout 1 30/6/14 09:26 Page 1Energy efficiencydriving industryforwardBusiness Link 41www.blmforum.netAUTOLINKHere’s our selection based on the carswe’ve tested of late. First up has to be the MitsubishiOutlander PHEV - currently the only 4×4SUV to qualify for the Plug-in Car Grant.Electrically powered, the car drives on itsbatteries up to 75mph – beyond that, orshould the battery power deplete, thecombustion engine takes over.It’s quite amazing how quick the PHEVis off the mark, but when you consider thepower is there on demand (unlike atraditional engine) you’ll understand whythe vehicle is quite so responsive.Since it meets all the criteria needed toqualify for the Government’s Plug-in CarGrant prices start at a mere £28,249 (post-subsidy) and the taxable Benefit in Kindfor company car drivers on this one is just5%.For those who don’t need the space of aSUV then take a loot at the all-new BMWi3. It offers zero emissions in a premiumcar package, and at an affordable price.42 BMW i3Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVIn recent years we’ve seen65-80 mpg in quite a fewvehicles, but some of themodels we’ve tested of lateoffer way in excess of that –some topping 200 mpg! Energy efficiencydriving industryforward41-43:Layout 1 27/6/14 12:05 Page 1AUTOLINK42Business Link www.blmforum.netThe i3 is the world’s first premiumcar designed from the ground up,powered by an electric drive systemand debunks many of the mythssurrounding electric vehicles. Firstly, itproves you don’t have to sacrifice yourdriving experience or comfort foreconomy and secondly that youcertainly don’t have to worry about onlybeing able to drive a short distances. Infact, our car came with the i3 rangeextender which increases the car’smaximum range to over 200 miles.Even without this option the i3 willcomfortably do 80-100 miles and can befast charged in the time it takes to catchup on a few emails.Performance wise, the BMW i3sprints from zero to 37mph in a mere3.7 seconds and zero to 60mph in just7.2 seconds and as it qualifies for thecurrent government grant of £5000 theentry level i3 will set you back a mere£20, 680 (post-subsidy). Interestingly,for any company car users or fleetmanagers out there – you’d beastonished to learn that there’s zero taxto be paid as benefit in kind! In fact,many of our staff, on seeing it, verykindly offered to take one in lieu of apay rise.Electrically powered vehicles andhybrids certainly seem to be the wayforward for manufacturers and havecome a long way since the likes of theToyota Prius Hybrid. For us this car justlacks the necessary va-va-voom tomake it into our top list. It was the firstmainstream eco car to gain appealthough and while Toyota have soldmillions, we find it hard to justify suchexpense when the car can only drive ashort distance before switching to its1.8 petrol engine. Performance isn’t tooexciting either, although CO2 emissionsaren’t too shabby at 89g/km. The Vauxhall Ampera is anothercontender. This car also comes underthe name of Chevrolet Volt which isessentially a rebadged Ampera. Again,battery range is limited to some 50miles. It does have a small range-Volvo V60Toyota Prius41-43:Layout 1 27/6/14 12:06 Page 2Business Link 43www.blmforum.netAUTOLINKextending generator, powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine though whichintervenes to provide up to 300 moremiles. Ampera pricing starts at £28,750 on-the-road (after the £5000 governmentgrant) and offer eco friendly motoring ata mere 27g/km. Last but by no means least is theVolvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid - capable of0-60mph in 6.9 seconds, yet emits only49g/km of CO2 and achieves roughly150mpg.The V60 basically has two power unit- its standard 2.4-litre diesel, issupplemented with a 69bhp electricmotor mounted on the rear axle – ratherlike a normal hybrid. The difference isthough that after charging the V60batteries from the mains, your car willdrive on electric at up to 60mph. Thebad news is that range is limited to amere 30 miles. Granted the range is disappointingbut we feel Volvo deserve somerecognition as they’re also, currently,exploring ways to charge a vehiclespower pack without the need to beplugged in. The idea is that drivers willsoon be able to park over a kind of matand the induced power will charge thebatteries. Now how neat is that? In the meantime, it’s worth mentioningthat whether you own an electricallypowered vehicle yet or not, the Office ofLow Emission Vehicles runs a UK-widescheme, providing funding, up to £1000,for fitting 16 amp charging pointinstallations to your home.Now, before you go charging out(excuse the pun) and fitting your own,do make sure you use a governmentapproved contractor and do considergoing beyond the minimum by fitting a32 amp charging unit, as this willprovide a faster level of charging, forsome vehicles, should you buy an EV.There should also be additional grantfunding available for the 32 amp versionif it costs more so visitwww.energysavingtrust.org.uk forfurther details.Ultra low company car tax, incredible fuel economy and ultralow emissions are just some of the reasons company carbuyers should be taking advantage of this new technologyVauxhall Ampera41-43:Layout 1 27/6/14 12:06 Page 344Business Link www.blmforum.netFor the very latest designs in “Bean To Cup”coffee machines and chilled water dispensers.Call us for a free survey and informationTel: 01724 874400or email: info@abcvending.co.ukWe are pleased to have partnered with BLM group at the Lincolnshire showMarquee Hire and Outside CateringCreate your perfect event with Jocasta’s whatever you need!Call 0845 6025062enquiries@jocastasgroup.net l www.jocastasgroup.netProud partner with BLM group at the 130th Lincolnshire ShowTheare delighted to have partnered with BLM group at the 130th Lincolnshire ShowTo find out more about our awardwinning care homes, domiciliary careservices and the area’s only lifestyle village for the over 55s please contact us todayTRBTRBMARQUEESMARQUEESMARQUEE HIRE & FURNITURE HIRE High quality robust single span structures for hard or soft standingsParties, Bespoke Weddings, Corporate, Balls, Fetes & Galas, any event large or smallThe success of your event is our priorityCall us now for a free non obligatory site visit quote or advice01522 754431info@trbmarquees.co.uk l www.trbmarquees.co.ukEnjoyed partnering with BLM group at the Lincolnshire Show44-45:Layout 1 30/6/14 09:28 Page 1Business Link 45www.blmforum.netLINCOLNSHIRE SHOWElvisto Robbie, Beatlesto Bryan Adams, OasistoQueen,Claptonto Kaiser Chiefsand much, much more.Please contact us for ademo disc.Tel: 01427 615177 www.offlimitsband.co.ukLincolnshire’sPremier Party BandOFF LIMITSare a versatile band specialising insongs from the 50s to the presentBusiness Link magazine were delighted to show their support once again for theLincolnshire Show. Held at the Lincolnshire Showground over two days, we had a fantastictime meeting readers and clients both old and new, in our corporate hospitality marquee -all with the sounds of Lincolnshire’s premier events band Off Limits helping to keep theparty going… As well as the show’s usual delights, there was also the Streets Business Breakfast onthe second day of the show. The two days proved a huge success. We’d like to extend ourthanks to all our readers, subscribers and clients for making it one of the best shows we’veexperienced in a while, and hope to see many more at Waddington Show this month…A real love forLincolnshirePHOTO: WWW.ADW-MEDIA.COM 44-45:Layout 1 30/6/14 09:28 Page 2EVENTSHome & Gift HarrogateSunday 13th to Wednesday 16th JulyHarrogate International CentreHome & Gift Harrogate is the seasonal round-up of design-ledand everyday gifts, homewares, jewellery & fashion accessoriesand greetings & stationery. Discover the first pick of tens ofthousands of new season lines and over three hundred exclusiveranges, from over a thousand exhibitors. Stock up on anunrivalled selection of bankable products and catch up on thelatest business insight. For more information, visitwww.homeandgift.co.uk.Intelligent Cities ConferenceTuesday 15th JulyValley Parade, BradfordBradford has a thriving digital community and will proudlyshowcase some of its smart city advances alongside wider localand national developments. Next Generation will explore notsimply the connectivity infrastructure needed for smart cities butwill discuss intelligent open data, green technologies, innovation,healthcare, mobile advances, wealth creation, digital inclusion andM2M capabilities. An exhibition and trade show will run alongsidethe conference. For more information, visitwww.nextgenevents.co.uk.GROW – Offshore Wind for Yorkshire andHumber OpportunitiesWednesday 16th JulyCedar Court Hotel BradfordWhat are the supply chain opportunities from the upcomingturbine production and installation facilities on the East Coast ofYorkshire? Find out at this event held by Your Chamber inconjunction with MAS. The UK offshore wind market is estimatedto be worth more than £100 billion over the next twenty years andoffers manufacturers a significant, sustained growth opportunity.All local manufacturers could benefit as offshore investmentpresents a whole range of opportunities. To register to attend call0113 247 0000.SME Clinic – Innovation and GrowthWednesday 16th JulyWhite Cloth Gallery, LeedsAndy Cripps, Design Associate at the Design Council,speaks at this event. Andy specialises in design thinkingto drive business growth, having managed projects forclients like Shell, BP, Coopers & Lybrand, BMW andVolvo. He is joined by Kirsty Edwards, IP expert at theIntellectual Property Office who has hosted manyworkshops as part of the high-profile Cracking Ideascampaign which the IPO run with Aardman Animations.To book, call 020 7420 5200.Leeds Property ForumThursday 17th JulyDWF LLP, LeedsThe Leeds Property Forum will hear from Adrian Lythgo,CEO of Kirklees Council and lead officer for the WestYorkshire Combined Authority, and from Roger Marsh,Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership aboutthe organisation’s role in the region and its relevance toregeneration and economic development. The CA will have46Business Link www.blmforum.netFutureEVENTSManaging AbsenceMaster ClassTuesday 15th JulyDoncaster RacecourseTaylor&Emmet LLP’s SYHRNetwork presents a series ofseminars in Doncaster for localbusinesses. Aimed at HRprofessionals, the first freebreakfast event will offer practicaltips and suggestions about how toovercome common problem areas.It will cover a range of issues, fromdealing with malingerers toaddressing how to tackle absence or grievances in a disciplinary situation.The seminar is led by Jenny Arrowsmith, Taylor&Emmet partner andemployment law specialist. For more information visitwww.syhrnetwork.co.uk.Intelligent Cities Conference46-47:Layout 1 27/6/14 12:02 Page 1significant delivery capability in supporting economic growth and willaffect many areas of importance to property forum members. Formore information, visit www.yourchamber.org.uk.Work Planning and Delivery for BusinessDevelopmentThursday 17th JulyHoliday Inn, Wakefield54 Degrees present this special programme to assist you inreviewing the goals for your work and clearly define what you andyour employees need to deliver for the work to be successful. Byengaging the whole team at this level you will increaseaccountability and thereby increase productivity and motivation.The session is fast paced and interactive, and is all about yourwork. These courses attract 90% funding from the ESF. You caneither attend this course as a full day event or two half day events.For more information contact sarah@54-degrees.co.uk.Hope is not a High Growth StrategyThursday 17th JulyYork Science ParkThis fast-paced and interactive workshop fromGrowthAccelerator will assist ambitious owner-managers tounderstand how they can build scalable, growth-focusedbusinesses and successfully break through some of the growthbarriers they are likely to encounter along the way. You willleave with a number of clear ideas and techniques foraccelerating revenue and profit growth and an understandingof how to structure your business for growth. For moreinformation, visit www.growthaccelarator.com/events.York Construction LunchFriday 18th JulyHotel du Vin, YorkThis lunch is a great opportunity to meet valuable businessEVENTSBusiness Link 47www.blmforum.netCity Region Business BreakfastTankersleyManor Hotel,BarnsleyTuesday 5thAugustMembership ofthe SheffieldChamber is allabout helping yourbusiness to growand what betterway to meet new businesses and make new contacts than at the CityRegion Business Breakfast? This gives you the opportunity to dobusiness, make new contacts and grow your network, all before yourworking day starts. For more information, visit www.scci.org.uk.contacts and raise your company profile within the constructionsector. Also to hear from a topical business speaker. Informalnetworking starts this event, followed by a two course lunch with apre-planned seating plan. Speaking at lunch will be PeterCallaghan, Development Director at Grantside. Peter will bespeaking about the redevelopment of The Bonding Warehouse inYork. To book call 01904 567838.Boston Business ClubWhite Hart Hotel, BostonThursday 31st JulyThose passionate about business in Boston are invited to joinLincolnshire Chamber members and fellow Boston businesses toenjoy a light breakfast and hear more from a topical speaker. Thismonth’s speaker is Rhys Cowsill, Business Manager for G-STEP,who specialise in taking satellite data and images to helpbusinesses create new products and services. The mission for G-STEP is to promote the use of satellite, aerial and groundmonitoring data in order to improve regional competitiveness. Toattend, contact natasha.clegg@lincs-chamber.co.ukFEAST – Food, Enterprise and StraightTalkingWednesday 20th AugustInox Dine, SheffieldFEAST events aim to give you the opportunity to networkformally with a number of other businesses over a two-coursedinner. Taking place in restaurants, cafes and bars, guests will beseated in small groups to enjoy fine food and discuss businessmatters. This event takes place at Inox Dine, the University ofSheffield’s newly opened restaurant offers a distinctive menu witha strong emphasis on classic British cuisine. For more information,visit www.scci.org.uk.PHOTO: GILES ROCHOLL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD46-47:Layout 1 27/6/14 12:02 Page 2FEATURESProperty & Surveyors Accountancy Review – Finance ForumEngineering & Manufacturing SpotlightHealthcareOffice Service & Security International Link ENVIRONMENTHealth, Safety & Training Carbon FootprintNext month inAugust 2014 - Deadline 16th JulyVisit us atwww.blmforum.netwhere you’ll find thelatest news as it breaks – and why not subscribe to ournewsletters so you canhave the latest news emailed toyour inbox, in betweenprinted issues?PREVIEWRWM 2014 REGULARSNetwork by NumbersMotoring48:Layout 1 27/6/14 10:24 Page 1Business Link 49www.blmforum.netClassifiedClassifiedRecruitmentEntertainmentElvisto Robbie, Beatlesto Bryan Adams, Oasisto Queen,Claptonto Kaiser Chiefsand much, much more.If you are after a great, tight band that canplay all types of music for your event orparty then Off Limits are the band for you. Please contact us for a demo disc.Tel: 01427 615177 www.offlimitsband.co.ukLincolnshire’sPremier Party BandOFF LIMITSare a versatile band specialising insongs from the 50s to the presentTo advertise yourservices on theClassified pagescontact us on01472 310310MARKETINGOPPORTUNITYBusiness Link Magazine Group is currently seeking a focuseddriven 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 ofadvertisements are generated. You will explore new business opportunitiesand contact existing clients to promote the company’s portfolio of services. Duties will include:Acquiring and developing a portfolio of local key accountsGrowing business from existing and new clients Developing a high level of knowledge of your territoryAs an account executive you should also have the ability to work todeadline 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/CAREERSEventsFor thevery latestdesigns in“Bean To Cup”coffee machinesand chilledwaterdispensers.Call us for a free survey and information.Tel: 01724 874400or email: info@abcvending.co.ukLabelsTel: 01482 506560 sales@datamarkuk.comwww.datamarkuk.com•Plain / Printed Labels•Lasersheets•Fanfolded Labels•Thermal Transfer Ribbons•Barcode Labels•Print and Apply SystemsVending49:Layout 1 27/6/14 10:24 Page 1Next >