< Previous40 Business Link www.blmforum.net FAMILY BUSINESS R unning a family business isn’t easy, especially not with the unpredictable and unwelcome state of the economy, the rising cost of living, soaring inflation and a zombie government. Running any kind of business will be difficult in those circumstances, but family businesses always have it harder because the company is tied to the family unit, often having emotional and sentimental bonds, and it’s the hope of many family business owners to pass it down to their children one day. Making harsh decisions and distancing yourself emotionally from them is difficult when there’s so much at stake, but that is the situation family businesses find themselves in today. Family businesses have been evolving in recent times to keep up with new trends in social media, marketing, online sales and more – and there’s yet more evolution that needs to happen if they’re to adapt to this new, uncertain world of trading conditions. The advantage family businesses have over traditional enterprises, however, is that they quite often have someone within the family who can broach other generations. Younger family members are typically more genre savvy when it comes to Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and can have valuable advice – if the older members listen – on how to further a brand on these platforms. This may even include such approaches as meme culture, which may seem striking and startling to some, but keep in mind that many big brands, including Wendy’s, KFC and Coca Cola, have been trying to use meme culture on Twitter to break into new markets and appeal to the younger demographic (and there is even suggestions that Donald Trump’s success in the US elections before was heavily due to meme culture). It’s difficult for dusty suits in a boardroom to really “get down with the kids” however, whereas family businesses are quite often run by people who have, and who are used to dealing with, children. Modernizing family businesses is also a great way to get the next generation interested in the running of the company. One of the biggest challenges, and the greatest fears, of many family businesses is what will happen if the next generation doesn’t want to take the company over. We’re living in a world where people are increasingly encouraged to pursue their own dreams and leave their own mark on the world, and younger generations may not want to be tied down to something they had no hand in founding. By involving younger people earlier, giving them responsibility and letting them get a taste for what running a family business is like, you can help draw them back into the business or, if that fails, at least make sure they are fully informed on their decisions. The family unit While family businesses face a raft of challenges – like many other businesses in this economy – the solutions are often not so simple; they never are where family is involved. 40-41.qxp_Layout 1 06/09/2022 09:41 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 41 FAMILY BUSINESS © stock.adobe.com/tomertu Family businesses are, after all, meant to be for the whole family, but it can be easy for one dominant personality to take over, thinking they know best, and unintentionally drive other members away from the company. Powerful personalities are important when running a business – just look at any famously successful entrepreneur – but the important thing to remember about entrepreneurialism is that it is a very personal thing, and that it often doesn’t translate well to a communal family unit. That’s not to say it shouldn’t be celebrated or encouraged, but moderation should be kept in mind, because it’s very easy to turn a family business into your business if you’re not careful. If that happens then children may not feel like they have the opportunities they want and might seek employment elsewhere. That might not be a bad thing, however. A fresh perspective brings fresh ideas back into the company and drafting family into the business over and over will lead to skills and ideas stagnating. There are many key skills that can only be learned outside the family business, and these, when brought back, can help push a business in new directions and to new heights. So, don’t feel too worried if your family or children want to try their hand elsewhere. Few jobs are forever, and it may be that the experience they gain in another company is just what the family business will need a little down the line. Even if they don’t join up later, they can still be a source of ideas, advice and contacts. Being able to distance and differentiate family from family business is a challenge, and one that every family running a business has to contend with at one point or another. It’s inevitable that things won’t always go your way, and that a family will disagree at some point or another, but the strongest family businesses are those that know how to step away from the problem and talk it out, either as business partners or as a family, without letting things get out of hand. 40-41.qxp_Layout 1 06/09/2022 09:41 Page 242 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Top Electrified Towing Cars BMW iX (Electric) 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/09/2022 09:42 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 43 AUTOLINK BMW iX (Electric) The new all-electric mid-size SUV from BMW currently leads the way in the towing stakes because it can haul 2,500kg. It has a range of 348 miles with a recharge speed of 200kW, while numerous powertrains can, when not towing, get from 0- 62mph in as little as 3.8-seconds. The iX comes with a futuristic interior that’s well designed and well built, as we’ve come to expect from BMW. Unfortunately, it’s over £77,000 – excluding the caravan. Porsche Cayenne (Plug-In Hybrid) With a mighty 3,500kg of pulling power, the Porsche Cayenne SUV is not to be messed with. Granted, such towing capability may be overkill, so this doesn’t mean the Cayenne is the best fit for all. But, along with the next car on the list, it’s the leader when it comes to towing the maximum amount possible amongst hybrids and electric vehicles. With it, you’ll get a 3.0-litre, 462PS powertrain that manages 91mpg, which isn’t exactly lacking, while it can do 83mph on all- electric power (not while towing, mind). On top of that, it’s four-wheel drive, and you get a luxurious As the number of hybrids and electric cars increases on our roads, more of us that need a tow-friendly vehicle will be planning to make the switch. So here are a few top electrified cars to whet your appetite. 44 Á 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/09/2022 09:42 Page 244 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK interior packed full of kit, which is arguably class-leading. Cayennes aren’t cheap, and at around £72,500, the hybrid version is ten grand more expensive than the entry-level petrol version. In addition, while it’s not short on equipment, Porsche holds some of its best features back, and, as a result, the automaker has one of the most extensive options lists. You will likely be tempted into parting with even more cash before driving away in one. Volkswagen Touareg (Plug- In Hybrid) If the Cayenne is too much, then you could consider the Touareg. With a mighty 3,500kg of pulling power, the VW Touareg SUV shares the Cayenne’s accolade of being the champ at the weightlifting contest. Porsche Cayenne (Plug-In Hybrid) Tesla Model X (Electric) 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/09/2022 09:43 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 45 AUTOLINK It shares a lot more with the Cayenne, too, because, with the same powertrain, it’s effectively a Cayenne with a VW badge. The Volkswagen offers more dynamic looks than Touaregs of old, has a well- designed leather interior, 22-inch wheels, air suspension, adaptive chassis control and a digital cockpit. Annoyingly, while the entry-level petrol costs £55,000, only the ‘R’ version is a hybrid, costing a whopping £77,000. So, unbelievably, it’s more expensive than the Porsche. In fairness, the ‘R’ version is the top-of- the-range Touareg, so you’ll get more kit for your money. But who’s going to buy a pricier VW over a cheaper Porsche? Hopefully, Volkswagen will expand the hybrid offering to the rest of the range. It needs to because it has so much going for it. Tesla Model X (Electric) The biggest Tesla in the range gives the iX a run for its money but ultimately comes up short. Nevertheless, its towing limit of 2,268kg should suffice for most. Whereas the fastest iX will get up to 62mph in 3.8-seconds, the slowest Model X will manage the same in 3.9-seconds (the quicker Plaid version is 2.5-seconds). Of course, we don’t recommend trying this with a caravan, but at least that demonstrates its power. You will get around 340 miles of range when not towing, and the interiors of Teslas take some beating if you like stylish minimalism. If this sounds more appealing than the BMW, the standard model is £82,000 – which doesn’t include any clever Autopilot gadgetry. So, as you can see, for the moment, finding suitable hybrid and all-electric tow vehicles is still an expensive endeavour. But if you do a lot of travelling with a caravan attached, then opting for these eco-friendlier cars could save you money in the long term. Volkswagen Touareg (Plug-In Hybrid) Keeping Your Business Moving Hire, Service & Repairs Commercial Trailer Specialists in Stallingborough, Grimsby 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/09/2022 09:43 Page 446 Business Link www.blmforum.net events Start-up Leeds: Social Media for Your Business Monday 12 September Armley Community Hub & Library, Leeds If you are unsure of how to use social media to help you establish your online presence and promote your business, products and services, or feel overwhelmed and unclear as to where to start, this workshop is for you. This interactive workshop will show you how to maximise your time on social media for your business. For more information visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/start-up-leeds- social-media-for-your-business-tickets- 372822140057?aff=ebdssbdestsearch How to Use Digital Marketing to Find New Clients Tuesday 13 September Business Hive, Grimsby This workshop introduces you to Digital Marketing and illustrates the importance of mastering it to grow your business. Completing this workshop will help attendees gain a better understanding of Digital Marketing and why you should use it, provide loads of tips on Digital Marketing and offer free Digital Marketing Tools, Techniques & Strategy. For more information visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/ e/how-to-use-digital-marketing-to-find-new- clients-workshop-tickets- 341731627497?aff=erelexpmlt Employee Wellbeing: The Business Case for Happiness Wednesday 14 September Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield As senior leaders in SMEs across the region driving business growth in your organisation, this event will provide you with the opportunity to really focus on the value of employee wellbeing for sustained growth. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/event/employee- wellbeing-the-business-case-for-happiness/ Chamber Means Business 2022 Thursday 15 September AESSEAL New York Stadium, Rotherham Chamber Means Business is an annual exhibition giving businesses in the South Yorkshire region the opportunity to promote themselves and their products and services. The exhibition is free to attend and gives businesses the opportunity to talk to each other, build relationships and trade services and support. Now in its tenth year, the event brings together hundreds of people East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 Thursday 15 September Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, the prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards are back for 2022! The annual evening of networking and celebration, organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, recognises development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. To book tickets for the glittering awards ceremony visit www.eventbrite.com/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards-2022-tickets- 327299380257 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. to network, share ideas and do business together. For more information visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chamber-means- business-2022-tickets-344134945887 Lincolnshire Construction & Property Network Tuesday 20 September Lincoln Golf Centre, Lincoln From sole traders to large housing © stock.adobe.com/ bnenin 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 06/09/2022 09:44 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 47 associations, construction and property businesses come together to talk business at the Lincolnshire Chamber’s Construction Network. Meet up to 60 construction related businesses in one room. To ensure that you’re talking to the right people, the event will limit the number of non-construction related businesses attending the event. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/events/construction-sep22/ Organisational Change – Time to Change, Evolve and Adapt Workshop Thursday 22 September Commerce House, Lincoln This full-day workshop will provide practical tools to embrace change, improve your adaptability and support others. This programme concentrates on the impact of change at a human level: what it is like going through change in the workplace, how it feels during periods of uncertainty and the potential effect on productivity levels. It focuses on how to anticipate likely responses to change, deal with variations in perception of the change and how to cope effectively with ambiguity and build resilience during times of flux. By building personal adaptability, the programme provides tested tools and techniques to flourish and sustain high performance under challenging and changing situations. The event will cover the inevitable and unforeseen responses to change and share a variety of methods to help both you and your colleagues fully embrace change. For more information visit www.lincs- chamber.co.uk/events/organisational-change-workshop/ Podcasting for Business: The How and Why of Podcast Production Wednesday 21 September The Showroom, Lincoln Learn the nuts and bolts of podcast production and the skills to host and edit your own in this free full-day interactive workshop. Adding a podcast to your content marketing strategy has huge benefits for your business. It allows you to cement relationships with your guests and audience, puts you as a thought leader in your industry and impacts the bottom line, sales. Hosted by the podcast team at eComOne, Carrianne Dukes and Richard Hill, you will learn about the challenges of hosting, producing, editing and promoting your podcast. By the end of the session, you will leave with ideas and knowledge to publish your own industry-leading podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google and more. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/events/podcasting-for-business/ The HR Exchange Barnsley – Neurodiversity in the Workplace Wednesday 14 September Digital Media Centre, Barnsley The world of work has historically been a difficult place for employees with neurocognitive disabilities to be themselves. But now, thanks to changing attitudes and developments within employment law, employers are starting to understand the unique talents and perspectives that those employees can bring to their business. This instalment of the HR exchange will take a closer look into the theory of neurodiversity, helping you understand the importance of implementing inclusive hiring practices and encouraging employees to speak their mind. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/ event/the-hr-exchange-barnsley-neurodiversity-in-the-workplace/ © stock.adobe.com/ Tasha Vector 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 06/09/2022 09:45 Page 2FEATURES IT & Communications Spotlight Legal Services Warehousing & Distribution Supporting Business Growth Facilities Management REGULARS Commercial Property Motoring Corporate Hospitality Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in October 2022 - Deadline 21st September 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 06/09/2022 09:45 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 06/09/2022 09:46 Page 1Next >