< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net no longer a perk. It is the baseline. They expect to work from home when it makes sense and to come in when collaboration or community is valuable. Employers who impose rigid attendance rules risk appearing out of step. Those who trust staff to manage their own time, by contrast, gain credibility. This emphasis on autonomy does not mean rejecting structure altogether; rather, it reflects a preference for accountability measured in outcomes rather than hours at a desk. Inclusivity has become another defining theme. For Gen Z, accessibility is not a specialist consideration but an expectation. They look for gender- neutral facilities, sensory-friendly design, and layouts that welcome people with different needs. The same is true of cultural identity. Offices that weave in local art, sustainable materials or stories of place strike a chord with younger employees who want to feel aligned with values, not just employed by a company. It is no accident that more workplaces now display murals, commission regional artists or invest in community partnerships. These gestures speak directly to a generation alert to questions of authenticity. Sustainability carries particular weight. Climate change is not an abstract concern for people who have grown up with constant reminders of environmental strain. For them, the office is one visible arena where employers can demonstrate commitment. Energy efficiency, recycling facilities and EV charging points are more than box- ticking exercises: they are markers of sincerity. Landlords in regions such as Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, where competition for tenants is strong, have begun to notice how prominently sustainability features in client discussions. The younger the workforce, the more insistent those questions become. Perhaps most striking, though, is the way Gen Z expects work to include an element of enjoyment. This does not mean gimmicks for the sake of appearances but recognition that social connection and moments of relaxation www.blmforum.net Business Link 31 OFFICE SOLUTIONS Printing|Copying|Graphic Design LOGOS | BRANDING | BUSINESS STATIONERY FLYERS & POSTERS | BROCHURES | NEWSLETTERS A0 COPYING & SCANNING | OS MAPPING CAD & PLAN PRINTING | PRINT FINISHING High Quality Print & Design in Lincolnshire N 01522 546118 E sales@lincolncopycentre.co.uk www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk 45 YEARS IN BUSINESS are integral to productivity. Offices with rooftop tracks, informal lounges or communal kitchens are responding to a desire for places that feel human. Employers are discovering that what might once have been dismissed as frivolous often plays a role in building loyalty and creativity. For many young professionals, a workplace that acknowledges fun is one that acknowledges them as whole people. What is emerging is a redefinition of the office itself. It is less a fixed backdrop and more a tool, one that must adapt continuously to the people who use it. Gen Z has accelerated this change by refusing to settle for environments that do not fit their needs. Yet the benefits are not confined to them. Older colleagues also find value in workplaces that are healthier, more inclusive and more flexible. The difference is that the younger generation has had the confidence, or perhaps the impatience, to demand it sooner.32 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY Rising costs and shifting expectations are reshaping the role of venues in corporate hospitality. As operators adapt, businesses are finding new spaces that combine reliability with originality. C orporate hospitality has always been defined by its settings. The choice of venue often says as much about a company’s ambitions as the deals struck within its walls. In recent years, the sector has been in the midst of change as businesses weigh the value of memorable experiences against the mounting pressures facing hospitality operators. Venues are not simply places to gather; they are the stage upon which relationships are strengthened. From private dining rooms that provide discreet backdrops for negotiation to expansive spaces that accommodate team-building exercises, the location sets the tone for the occasion. Increasingly, investment is being channelled into The changing face of corporate hospitality venues www.blmforum.net Business Link 33 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY making these spaces not just functional but immersive, offering guests something distinct enough to cut through the noise of everyday business. The appeal of high-quality venues lies in their ability to create experiences that linger in the memory. A well-appointed dining room, a versatile events hall or a unique entertainment space can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. For businesses, this is more than hospitality but a signal of credibility, attention to detail and commitment to forging lasting partnerships. Yet behind the scenes, operators face a very different reality. Rising costs, tighter margins and changes in taxation have placed new demands on the sector. Policies that reduce reliefs and increase contributions mean that hospitality venues must find ways to deliver greater value to their clients while absorbing higher operating expenses. It is a delicate balance that requires both financial discipline and creative flair. One response has been diversification. Venues that once 34 Á34 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY focused on a single type of event are now expanding their offerings to capture a broader market. Spaces traditionally associated with weddings are being reimagined as sites for conferences, team-building days and networking evenings. At the same time, traditional pubs and restaurants are adapting their layouts and services to accommodate corporate gatherings. This blending of personal and professional functions highlights the fluidity of modern hospitality and the willingness of operators to rethink their identities. The importance of setting in corporate hospitality has also grown as companies reassess the role of in-person gatherings in the wake of hybrid working. If travel and time are to be justified, the venue must offer more than a table and projector. Scenic locations, immersive activities and exclusive access are now part of the equation. Operators that can blend practicality with distinctiveness are finding they have a stronger proposition for clients keen to maximise every pound of their event budget. This shift reflects a wider change in corporate expectations. Businesses are increasingly seeking venues that not only facilitate meetings but also provide a broader experience. Wellness sessions, creative workshops and live entertainment are being incorporated into corporate events, creating opportunities for attendees to connect in less formal, more engaging ways. By positioning themselves as facilitators of both professional outcomes and personal enrichment, venues are aligning more closely with what modern companies want. Economic headwinds, however, remain a defining challenge. The withdrawal of generous tax discounts has made trading conditions more difficult. For operators reliant on casual consumer trade, this can be damaging. www.blmforum.net Business Link 35 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY For those targeting corporate clients, the picture is more nuanced. Corporate contracts often bring stability, with repeat bookings and consistent demand smoothing revenue streams. This reliability can make significant investment in venue upgrades or new offerings more viable, even when the broader environment is uncertain. What emerges is a picture of a sector balancing tradition with innovation. The grandeur of a well-appointed dining room still carries weight, but it is being complemented by flexible spaces, wellness-orientated programmes and imaginative entertainment. A venue is no longer just a backdrop; it is part of the story a company wants to tell its clients or employees. By investing in these narratives, operators are making themselves indispensable to businesses seeking to forge stronger connections. The trajectory of venue-based corporate hospitality will continue to be shaped by external forces as well as the creativity of those within the industry. Economic pressures, shifts in policy and fluctuations in discretionary spending all matter. Yet there is a resilience that should not be underestimated. Hospitality has repeatedly adapted to new circumstances, drawing on its ability to reinvent the experiences it offers. The latest trends suggest that the sector remains committed to the enduring value of face-to-face connection. At its core, corporate hospitality thrives on trust. Companies trust venues to reflect their brand, to deliver experiences that align with their goals, and to provide an environment where relationships can flourish. Venues, in turn, trust that the demand will justify the resources they commit. This interdependence is what makes the sector both vulnerable and robust— sensitive to shocks but quick to innovate.36 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Audi RS 6 The Audi RS 6 is a remarkable estate car that combines mad power with practicality, making it both terrifying and exhilarating. With its high price tag (over £110,000), purchasing such an expensive car feels like madness, especially with the automotive world shifting towards electrification. However, the RS 6 may one day become a sought-after classic, appreciated as a rare V8 treasure in an increasingly electric landscape. While the RS 6 can certainly be driven aggressively, it caters well to family and business needs. It accommodates five passengers comfortably and boasts a generous boot capacity of 565 litres, allowing ample space for luggage or golf clubs. The growling sound from under the bonnet signals that something extraordinary lies beneath the surface. Despite its performance mindset, the RS 6 doesn’t focus on fuel efficiency; you can’t expect more than early 20smpg. Nevertheless, the thrill of owning a powerful V8 may be part of its allure. The fourth-generation RS 6 Avant showcases advanced technology, including a 4.0 TFSI engine that produces 630PS and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. The RS 6’s suspension is expertly designed to balance comfort and performance. It sits 20 millimetres lower than the standard A6 Avant, enhancing handling, especially at higher speeds. With its legacy, the RS 6 Avant is an icon among premium car connoisseurs. In uncertain times, this estate offers the chance to fulfil automotive dreams, reminding us to seize opportunities when they arise. A trio of exceptional estate cars We take a look at three new premium brand estate cars available, each offering a unique blend of performance, luxury, and innovative features.www.blmforum.net Business Link 37 AUTOLINK38 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Skoda Superb Estate The Skoda Superb Estate has long been celebrated for its practicality, spaciousness, and premium edge. The SE L 2.0 TSi 190PS DSG model elevates these qualities by introducing a level of luxury and refinement that’s hard to overlook. With its elegant design, the Superb Estate commands attention. The prominent front grille and striking LED headlights contribute to its sophisticated appearance, while the 18-inch alloy wheels not only enhance its looks but also ensure a smooth driving experience. The estate body style is particularly appealing for families or business folk requiring generous boot space for larger items. The car on test here boasts 690 litres of cargo capacity – and almost three times that with the seats folded. Inside, the cabin is a haven of comfort and luxury. The seats provide excellent support, enveloped in high-quality leather upholstery that adds a touch of class. The well-organised dashboard and easily accessible controls make for a user-friendly experience. The advanced infotainment system includes a touchscreen display, satellite navigation, and an impressive multi-speaker sound system. Performance-wise, the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine driven here has 190 horses under its bonnet, paired with a responsive seven-speed DSG transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph takes just 7.8 seconds, reflecting its sporty edge. Coupled with an array of advanced driving aids, the Skoda Superb Estate SE L 2.0 TSi 190PS DSG is undoubtedly a top choice for those seeking a luxurious, practical estate car. www.blmforum.net Business Link 39 BMW 3 Series Touring The BMW 3 Series is a premium executive car renowned for its handling. For those requiring extra practicality, the estate version, the 3 Series Touring, is a great option. Launched in 1987, it is now in its seventh generation, with both saloon and estate versions recently undergoing a facelift. The Touring is available in Sport and M Sport trim levels, featuring two 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines: the 320i with 184PS and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 330e, which produces 292PS. The PHEV boasts an improved 22.3kWh battery, allowing an all-electric range of 61 miles. Performance-wise, the 320i accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 7.6 seconds, while the 330e, driven here, achieves this in just 6.0 seconds. Handling is exceptional, delivering a planted ride with minimal body lean, particularly in M Sport trim, which enhances cornering stability. Interior-wise, the 3 Series Touring offers a classy feel, with a top-notch infotainment system. The 330e’s boot provides 410 litres of space, expanding to 1,420 litres. While SUVs may offer more cargo capacity, the 3 Series Touring remains a cool choice in the compact estate segment, combining practicality with impressive performance. Keeping Your Business Moving Hire, Service & Repairs Commercial Trailer Specialists in Stallingborough, Grimsby Next >