< Previous40 Business Link www.blmforum.net FACILITIES MANAGEMENT human counterparts – certainly an attractive prospect during the pandemic. Although the initial investment needed to add a robot to one’s operation can be steep, it will more than pay for itself over time, especially considering that a robot doesn’t require breaks and can work around the clock. AI can also mean an end to extended periods of downtime and losses in productivity due to faulty equipment or machines. Rather than discovering a machine is broken once you need to use it, imagine the time and cost savings involved in being informed exactly when a machine breaks down or begins malfunctioning. This can allow the savvy facilities manager to stay abreast of the situation before it becomes a full-scale problem. A survey conducted by the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) found that over eighty per cent of facilities management professionals believe that building information modelling (or BIM, for short) will support the delivery of facilities management. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) define BIM as “people and information working together effectively and efficiently through defined processes and technology”. The vast majority of respondents to the BIFM survey believe that adopting BIM can offer an advantage over those that don’t, with ninety-one per cent saying that facilities managers could benefit from more familiarisation with BIM. Doubtless that in the years to come, more and more facilities managers will do exactly that as the industry moves towards an ever more technologically and digitally supported era, one that also prioritises hygiene to withstand the pandemic. © Shutterstock /FrameAngel 36-41.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 07:31 Page 5This process involves spraying an electrostatically charged mist onto surfaces and objects… Because the particles in the spray are positively charged, they cling to and coat any and all surfaces they're aimed at. This includes under desks, chairs, seats, phones and all areas regularly touched. The chemicals used kill coronavirus, viruses, bacteria. This service is effective and efficient with Nationwide coverage. We can literally sanitise anywhere from offices, canteens, schools, factories, vehicles, airlines, terminals, staff welfare areas, leisure sites, gyms, toilets, A/C ceiling vents/ducts etc Each room will need to be temporarily cleared of personnel whilst spraying with just a 10- minute dry time before rooms can be reused. This service is available as either a One Off suspected Covid 19 breakout or as a Regular Preventative measure. For further information and pricing please contact our Vicky Roberts on 01482 308530; or by email at: vicky_roberts@lightowler.com Electrostatic Surface Sanitisation Property Maintenance Commercial CleaningPainting Contractors 36-41.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 07:31 Page 642 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK T he desire for flexibility when it comes to vehicles used by businesses has become key in the wake of coronavirus as firms try to adapt as necessary to fluctuating workloads and an expanding or shrinking workforce. Online shopping, greater home deliveries, the soaring calls for goods of all kinds, and the return of industries like construction to pre-COVID levels, for instance, are seeing rising appetite for commercial vehicles. As firms shift to higher or lower demand for their services or products, and see additional pressure on budgets, they are reassessing their needs when it comes to vans, trucks, cars et al., throwing up the question of whether they should be buying, leasing or hiring vehicles. Flexible rental and hiring solutions have proven to be important this year - whether required just for a day, week, or longer - presenting an off balance sheet option which does not need extra funding or large cash outlay and comes with no long term commitment. Insurance and servicing are also taken out of your control. This is an ideal option for companies looking to protect and free up cash, avoid idle fleets and long-term risk, but also for growing businesses wanting to source vehicles change Adapting to Coronavirus has made many businesses reconsider their fleet needs. Business Link contemplates whether to hire, lease or buy vehicles, as well as a key shift in the type of vehicles businesses are acquiring. 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 07:26 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 43 AUTOLINK © Shutterstock /sylv1rob1 rapidly as they expand. However, it is usually more expensive than, say, leasing, because of the flexibility of contracts. Leasing vans, trucks, and cars comes with similar benefits to hiring, but offers a number of others, such as the avoidance of large upfront costs, fixed monthly rentals for the lease term (easing budget planning), flexible duration and mileage terms, the choice to include maintenance and servicing in the monthly fee, the inclusion of road tax during the agreement, no concerns over depreciation risks or disposal, the new van being under warranty, and the ability leasing opens up to take on a new vehicle frequently (with an average three- year contract) and keep up with new technologies. In addition limited companies, sole traders, or LLPs may be eligible for business leasing agreements which present positive tax implications. Many businesses are able to claim back part or all of the VAT. One should, though, make note of the chance of excess mileage charges, the need to return the vehicle in good condition, possible penalty clauses, and the fact that terminating the contract early can be expensive. Moreover, you will not own the vehicle, and it thus cannot be taken to cover debts if a business hits financial trouble. Nevertheless, many lease agreements now offer flexibility at the end of the lease so one can choose between handing the vehicle back, purchasing the vehicle outright, or refinancing. Buying, meanwhile, has the advantage of owning the vehicle, which comes with no restriction on where and how many miles you can drive. This option is best suited if you are seeking to use a vehicle long term. However, not everyone can afford this, maintenance and insurance are your responsibility, and as soon as 44 Á 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 07:26 Page 244 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK EUROPA WAY, STALLINGBOROUGH, N. E. LINCS Telephone: 01469 574239 Mobile: 07711 496138 Email: glcommercials@btinternet.com • www.glcommercials.co.uk GLC REPAIRS LTD GLC REPAIRS LTD GL GL GL Commercials GLC REPAIRS LTD the vehicle is driven, depreciation begins. Though often companies look at one route for forming their fleet, businesses are expanding their fleet funding options to include ownership, leasing, and rental, allowing maximum flexibility and the ability to scale up and down to fluctuating business levels. The influx of home working, the expectation that more employees will in the future be working from home regularly, and decrease in business miles driven, are seeing companies reconsider the types of vehicles they will need in the future. Simultaneously major change is on the horizon, in the use of greener alternatives - emphasised as businesses in the country are told to focus on “green recovery.” The desire for electrification is increasing among fleets, with record electric vehicle (EV) demand levels reported by leasing companies. Furthermore an Arval Mobility Observatory report highlights that fifty- three per cent of UK businesses are already running battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or plan to in the next three years in comparison to forty-one per cent of those asked in 2019. New tax incentives for EVs, alongside the Government’s target to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 are set to accelerate the demand for zero- emission capable options. As of April this year for example pure EVs now incur no company car tax, growing to one per cent in 2021/22 and two per cent in 2022/23. According to BVRLA, this could see some drivers achieve company car tax savings in excess of £15,000 over a three-year cycle, compared to operating an equivalent petrol or diesel car. The BVRLA also pinpoints how the government is focusing on promoting the greenest cars by limiting its plug-in car grant to vehicles with emissions below 50g/km that can cover at least seventy miles in electric- only mode. Meanwhile, initiatives and partnerships are being formed to speed up the switch to EVs, for instance in June the UK Electric Fleets Alliance launched (a partnership between The Climate Group and BT Group). The alliance is to convene a business leadership coalition to advocate for one-hundred per cent EV sales nationwide by 2030, in combination © Shutterstock /Joey Laf fort 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 07:26 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 45 AUTOLINK Scunthorpe: 01724 863 684 Leeds: 0113 243 8574 Lincoln: 01522 540 100 Rugby: 01788 565 850 TJS Self Drive was established in 1974 at Scunthorpe. We have developed a reputation for providing a modern and reliable fleet with personal service. Our self drive rates are very competitive whilst providing close attention to our customer needs. www.tjs-selfdrive.co.uk with targeted policy support to help businesses to make the switch. Improvements in battery technology and an increase in rapid charging points, addressing common range anxiety associated with EVs, are also impacting the EV switch as well as the chance EVs present to reduce total cost of ownership of fleets with reduced fuel, tax, services and MOT costs, Government incentives, subsidies, and the gradually reducing cost of EVs themselves, as well as the declining cost of installing charging units with the Government’s Workplace Charging Scheme. While the strides being made with electric cars and growth of new models is clearly shown in the media, the variety of cost-effective choices for electric light commercial vehicles (LCVs) is more limited, seeing most LCVs still powered by diesel. Numerous LCVs are now getting an electric variant however, and 2020 has been a big year for the electric van market. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recently opened order books for its first fully electric van, the eTransporter, in the UK which offers an all-electric range of up to eighty-two miles. In addition, prices and specifications have been revealed for the full electric, new PEUGEOT e-Expert van, available across three trim levels: Compact, Standard and Long wheelbases and as a crew or panel van. A 50kWh battery provides the vehicle with a maximum range of up to 148 miles, and the larger 75kWh battery extends the range up to 211 miles. Moreover, Vauxhall has released pricing and specification for the Vivaro-e, its first factory-built, fully electric van, for which the first deliveries are to begin in October. Two battery sizes are available: 50kW provides 144 miles of all-electric range and the larger 75kW battery offers 205 miles of range. These account for just three new options this year. Steps are also being taken forward to expand the medium and heavy duty EV commercial vehicle market. Volta Trucks for example has created Volta Zero, the world’s first purpose-built full electric 16- tonne commercial vehicle, which has a range of 195-125 miles, and across the pond, Volvo’s VNR Electric Heavy-Duty trucks are being piloted. © Shutterstock /worradirek 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 07:26 Page 446 Business Link www.blmforum.net events Gain Authorised Economic Operator Status for Your Business 21st October 2020 Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Huddersfield Any business involved in the international supply chain that carries out customs related activities in the EU can apply for AEO status, regardless of their size. Attending this full-day MY Export Hub workshop will help you gain: an © Shutterstock/ESB Pr ofessional York Annual Dinner 2020 14th October York The York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner is now firmly positioned as the most prestigious event in the business calendar and is the perfect occasion to entertain your key customers and suppliers. The guest speaker is to be confirmed. To book, email events@wnychamber.co.uk. Greater Lincolnshire LEP Skills Conference 2020 13 October The Epic Centre, The Lincolnshire Showground Following its postponement, The Greater Lincolnshire LEP Skills Conference will now take place at the Lincolnshire Showground on Tuesday 13th October. The LEP Skills Conference will dispel some myths relating to apprenticeships, provide advice and tips on recruiting staff and accessing support, and is focused on the businesses delegate, as well as schools, colleges, training providers, universities, local authorities, career leaders, politicians, civil servants and policy makers. To find out more, email sduxbury@lincolnshireshowground.co.uk. Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2020 14 October The Bentley Hotel, Lincoln The only dedicated environmental awards in Lincolnshire, the Lincolnshire Environmental Awards for environmental excellence have been given every year since 1993. They are designed to recognise and celebrate the inspiring activities that are helping to improve the environment and encourage sustainability. To find out more, visit www.lincstrust.org.uk/lincs- environmental-awards. Lincolnshire Construction and Property Network 20 October Online This regular networking event hosted by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce for industry businesses focusses on different aspects every iteration. This month, the focus is on digital technology in technology. To find out more, visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk. Learning Lunch: Fail to Prepare - Prepare to Fail 15 October Online There are some eventualities that we can’t plan for, however there is an enormous amount you and your business can do to help prepare you in case of a crisis. Understanding exactly who your customers are, how they engage with your business and how this might change ensures you can keep your business alive and ahead of the competition. In this webinar, the West & North Yorkshire Chamber will be asking the put attendees in a stronger position to be able to recover, and grow through a crisis. For more information, visit www.wnychamber.force.com. © Shutterstock/fizkes 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. 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 07:23 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 47 understanding on how to achieve AEO status; advantages of AEO status; types of AEO status a business can apply for; the application process; criteria for acceptance; maintaining AEO status and a full run through of the application forms. A lunch and light refreshments will be provided. To download the booking form, visit https://bit.ly/3dDzmXK. CBI Annual Conference 2020 2 – 4 November Online Experience 3 days of insightful sessions featuring over 40 speakers, and join the discussion on how business can help shape a fairer, more sustainable economic recovery, what can make the UK a trading powerhouse, and much more. To find out more, email CBIevents@cbi.org.uk. Cyber Security for Any Occasion 18 November Online This interactive masterclass will look at how anyone can be the victim (intended or otherwise) of a cyber-attack. This can be in the workplace or in the home. As a business or as an individual. You will look at some of the most common types of basic attack such as ‘the use of malicious software’, ‘password attacks’ and ‘phishing’ and consider how these could affect you. It will also look at simple, low-tech, cost- effective ways that you can protect your business and personal information – real tips that you can take away and use. To find out more, visit www.businesslincolnshire.com. IoD Yorkshire & North East Director of the Year Awards 2020 4 November Online The IoD’s annual Yorkshire & North East Director of the Year Awards has grown over the years to represent the pinnacle of leadership and business excellence highlighting the significant contribution business leaders can make to society and the economic prosperity in our region. After careful consideration of the current situation, the 2020 Director of the Year Awards Ceremony will be staged as a virtual event. The ceremony will have interaction from IoD judges, spotlights on all our finalists, interviews with the winners and messages from our awards sponsors. To find out more, email helena.drake@iod.com. © Shutterstock/nednapa UK Export Controls & Licensing 22 October 1st Floor, Unit 3, Pennine Business Park, Huddersfield This course is designed for anyone working in an export environment needing to understand how to determine if a licence is required whilst guiding delegates on the types of licences available and application procedures. This is an interactive session with plenty of opportunity to ask questions whilst providing exercises in classifying goods. To find out more, visit www.mycci.co.uk. 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 07:24 Page 2FEATURES Manufacturing Spotlight Materials Handling Water & Waste Management Education & Training Business Services Movember Charity Special REGULARS Commercial Property Section Motoring Section Corporate Hospitality Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in November 2020 - Deadline 14th October Visit us at www.b lmforum .net where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscri be to our newsle tters so you can have the latest news emaile d to your inbox, in betwee n printed issues? 48.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 07:22 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 & lincolns h h ire’s leading business m a a gazine april 2020 £3.5 50 TO T RES CTHE SPOND CRISIS DING S YYFACTOR C TTHEAL OFFTHCARE FICE safety Ensuring e TTHEAL e of factoriesThe futur TION TAUTOMA YYAFACTOR fices healthyfKeeping of SOLUTIONS OFFICE employee THCARE V w VOLUME 35 ISSUE 4 .blmgroup.co.ukwww INTER N FoodFood &&& FoodFood & N ATI O N &&Drin DrinDrin &&Drin AL nknknkk app A r f h hi ts a ews Ingredient spotlight End offline packkaaging MAY 2020 Un T ingi ehh e M£2.95 cou U yttyun ii y hhe H llhlocal he Suppor d ti training Online garden H lockdo Health i WWW LINC e30+ y WWW . LINC OLNSHIRETO ooears y OLNSHIRETO ODAY NET oung ODAY . NET BLM GROUP www.blmgroup.co.uk Business Link 49 www.blmforum.net LABELS Tel: 01482 506560 sales@datamarkuk.com www.datamarkuk.com • Plain / Printed Labels • Lasersheets • Fanfolded Labels • Thermal Transfer Ribbons • Barcode Labels RECRUITMENT CLASSIFIED 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. The essential b and G the B guide moo G B d r t LINCOLNSHIRETODAY. WWW WEDDINGS/ NET.Y S Planning for your special day? 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