< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net FACILITIES MANAGEMENT chemicals in their arsenal when tackling industrial buildings, offices and other such facilities. The emphasis here is on speed and efficiency and while this approach typically does keep things spick and span, the use and manufacture of these products can wreak havoc on the environment. Studies are also increasingly finding the impact on human health with the use of harsh chemicals. However, with COVID remaining a threat, cleaning firms have doubled down on intense chemicals to ensure site safety. As we learn to live and work alongside the pandemic, however, these cleaning solutions will have to adapt and evolve to provide robust and reliable hygiene without compromising the environment at a time when we can scarcely afford it. The same goes for a facility’s grounds. Though the benefit to staff and the environment are admirable, there’s also a pragmatic reason for going green. Being able to market a business centre or office block as sustainable and eco-friendly will give a facility management company an edge over competitors. © Shutterstock /Zivica Kerkez 28-31.qxp_Layout 1 30/09/2021 11:27 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 31 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT No doubt new technologies and digital solutions will be on the minds of most facilities managers. Interestingly, one of the ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting facilities management is with cleaning. Cleaning robots can better and more efficiently maintain a space than their 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. As we learn to live and work alongside the pandemic, however, these cleaning solutions will have to adapt and evolve to provide robust and reliable hygiene without compromising the environment at a time when we can scarcely afford it. 28-31.qxp_Layout 1 30/09/2021 11:27 Page 432 Business Link www.blmforum.net LEGAL SERVICES I f a company were to opt for the cheapest legal service option available, they can be putting themselves in jeopardy. Fortunately, companies can be checked out online to ensure they’re fully compliant, and with online aggregators and review services, it’s easy to see feedback other companies have left. Companies can also use the Legal 500 to make more informed decisions. Although having quality and respected solicitors on side will help to safeguard a business, it’s by no means a silver bullet and businesses must ensure they not only have a good understanding of business law and legislation but remain compliant. Employment law is an umbrella term regulating the relationship between employers and employers from recruitment right through to exit. Within that it describes what employers can expect from employees, what they can ask of employees, and employee rights at work – things such as working time, holiday entitlement and pay. Businesses also need to bear in mind what they can and can’t ask about its employees. Diversity in the workplace is to be celebrated, with safeguards in place such as the Equality Act – in which people of all race, genders, ages and sexualities are treated fairly – and job applications asking applicants to supply this information if desired. But employers must be mindful around issues of sexuality and gender, especially with the rise of trans visibility both in society and in the workplace. Equally as big a topic in recent years is sexual abuse and misconduct in the workplace which has entered a tipping point in the wake of #MeToo movement. As in all aspects of business law, employers must be cognizant of forthcoming changes and legislation so they can prepare and take steps to ensure compliance. Examples in recent years include the government’s new immigration policy which functions on a points-based system similar to the model used in Australia. Employers wanting to hire someone from Europe will need to comply with these new policies. Another change is the government’s plan to make any part of a termination payment over £30,000 subject to employer NIC. Although it was delayed from April 2018, it became law in April 2020. The Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018 which became law in September 2019 came into effect last year. It gives employees who lose a child under the age of eighteen, or who suffer from a stillbirth from the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy, the right to two weeks leave as a ‘day one’ employment right. It will be pay the same statutory rate as other An indispensable service Given business law is a complex and nebulous branch of legal services, the quality and effectiveness of the advice and assistance a company receives can directly impact its future trading and endeavours. An indispensable service 32-34.qxp_Layout 1 30/09/2021 11:29 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 33 LEGAL SERVICES family friendly rights, such as maternity leave. There is much more than just employment law when it comes to legal services required by businesses. Intellectual property (IP) not only refers to products or services produced by a company, but that company’s identity. Solicitors specialising in IP can offer a range of services, whether that’s IP disputes or strategy, or management and protection for patents, trademarks, domain names and designs etc. There are three steps recommended by government in the event a company needs to defend its IP and take action if it’s being infringed. Firstly, a company is advised to get the other party to stop using their IP or come to an agreement, such as a license. Secondly, a company can use mediation or another type of dispute resolution, or, lastly, take legal action should these preceding steps fail. Advice can be sought from solicitors at any stage, though they are only legally required for the third. As IP disputes fall under injunction-based law, they must be handled by a specialist IP dispute lawyer supported by commercial litigation colleagues. Disputes are handled in separate courts whose rules and expectations have little in common with those of other courts, and IP disputes often involve associated contractual 34 Á © Shutterstock /Amnaj Khetsamtip 32-34.qxp_Layout 1 30/09/2021 11:30 Page 234 Business Link www.blmforum.net LEGAL SERVICES disputes and specialist applications requiring the input of commercial litigation colleagues into the team. IP infringement covers a wide variety of occurrences such as counterfeiting, to using a similar packaging design, or the appearance of trademarks and symbols that come close to existing branding. Where IP law refers to a company’s branding and products, data protection and privacy law issues have an impact on most HR activities from recruitment and employee record keeping, to performance monitoring and references. But it’s also becoming an increasingly hot topic in business with the rapid evolution of digital technology. Consequently, changes in legislation have occurred in order to keep up. In May 2018, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force and replaced the previous Data Protection Act 1998. GDPR affects how organisations gather, store and use data and individual rights over access to information. Augmenting this legislation is the forthcoming ePrivacy Regulation which will provide greater regulation of electronic communications within the European Union. Once it comes into law, it will replace the EU’s existing ePrivacy and Electronic Communications Directive 2002 which was implemented in the UK back in 2003. Despite the European focus of the legislation, Brexit hasn’t had much of an effect. Experts say this is because UK companies will likely want to continue to do business in EU countries and will therefore adopt these regulations either fully or in part. The moral is that businesses will continue to face even more regulatory burden going forward and so they must be prepared. Solicitors can advise on a range of data protection laws – including preventing breaches and violations – but the onus is on business leaders to ensure they have a working understanding of their responsibilities and liabilities under data protection law and take the appropriate steps to ensure compliance. Solicitors can help to defend against allegations of unlawful data breaches, for example or, if a company has breached data laws, how best to handle and engage with the situation. When it comes to business law, it pays to be cautious – doubly so in the current climate. © Shutterstock /Zolnierek 32-34.qxp_Layout 1 30/09/2021 11:30 Page 3Subscribe now and receive Business Link every month, delivered to your door Delivery Details Name: ............................................................................................ Position: ......................................................................................... Company: ...................................................................................... Address:......................................................................................... ........................................................................................................ Postcode:....................................................................................... Tel:.................................................................................................. Email: ............................................................................................. Payment Details ONLINE www.blmforum.net/subscribe MAIL Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 2QE EMAIL subscribe@blmgroup.co.uk 1 Years Subscription £31.50 2 Years Subscription £54.60 3 Years Subscription £63.00 1 2 3 Subscription Options VISA MASTERCARD CHEQUE It’s the best value around EXPIRY DATE CARD NUMBER SECURITY CODE (CVC NUMBER) LAST 3 DIGITS TERMS & CONDITIONS: Your subscription will start with the next available issue. Minimum term of 12 months / 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Please charge my: Subscribe NOW 35.qxp_Layout 1 30/09/2021 11:30 Page 136 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY Involving both an in-person and online audience, hybrid events are becoming an increasingly popular choice for businesses. This follows a significant, long pause in physical conferences, expos, seminars, workshops, meetings et al., and a turn to the digital world as a result of the pandemic. As things slowly get back up and running, and face to face events resume, there remains some uncertainty and many potential attendees do not yet hold the confidence to visit a larger scale event. Meanwhile where proceeding with no physical option, business leaders are finding it difficult to keep some customers, delegates, and partners engaged, or replicate valuable networking. Looking to the future then, to cater for all audiences, digital integration is set to be a long-term solution, and for anyone with an international audience, with travel restrictions constantly changing, this will be especially vital. From large team meetings to trade shows and product demonstrations there are lots of opportunities for hybrid events. With digital technology and hybrid methods, bigger events can be held safely and wider audiences reached within COVID-19 guidelines. Attendees can connect to an event from home, the office, or another local venue where a smaller group can be organised to allow for a different element of face-to-face interaction away from the main event. Alternatively, if taking place over a number of days, an attendee may choose to enjoy part of the event virtually and part in-person. There is great opportunity to provide high flexibility and accessibility, more choice and control. No matter how delegates attend, however, the experience, though different, should be at the equivalent high standard, and all attendees should feel involved, rather than a passive observer - a hybrid event should not simply just mean live- streaming an event to the virtual viewer. Two audiences need to be planned for to provide a compelling experience. For those behind the screen, participation needs to be allowed to bring the physical and digital space together, and content must be engaging as well as any interface used and virtual lounges. It should be ensured that content translates over video, runs for an appropriate amount of time (virtual attendees are likely to have a shorter attention span), and the event should incorporate features such as live polls and Q&As to involve digital attendees, with both audiences encouraged to submit responses. It’s also useful for an event to have an on site representative or moderator for virtual attendees who will address them, discuss their experience, keep people aware of the agenda, and help with any virtual-only networking and other sessions that will run in place of physical ones - if the physical event is running breakout sessions, one should consider giving remote attendees the same opportunity, which can be easily done with most streaming providers able to format breakout rooms to facilitate A hybrid future Following the drastic impact of the pandemic on events, many are now adopting a hybrid approach. 36-37.qxp_Layout 1 30/09/2021 11:32 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 37 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY © Shutterstock /Katakari smaller group interaction. Meanwhile registration should be as easy as it would be for the on site event. Zoom, Teams and other platforms for video conferencing have provided a useful space for events and meetings in the pandemic, but they weren’t specifically created with larger events in mind. In running hybrid events, a business will need to incorporate the right technology, from green screens to communication and engagement apps, and seamless event/webcasting platforms that allow integration of pre-recorded aspects, social channel links, and can handle Q&As etc. For a simpler experience, utilising a single platform that can support the scale and needs of the event is wise, and can also help reduce the costs associated with managing different systems. One must also ensure the physical venue is suitable, able to accommodate cameras and other equipment, with enough power sources, strong internet, and good lighting for the digital audience. While it may seem more complex initially there are numerous advantages to hybrid events, for example often seeing increased attendance, attracting those who do not have the time to travel. Less travel and a reduced on site attendance also have the bonus of minimising the carbon footprint of an event. In addition, the event and sessions can be recorded and sent out after to attendees for enhanced engagement and a longer stay for the event in delegates’ memory - this will also enable attendees to watch any aspect of the event they may have missed. Hybrid methods also present a chance to boost an event’s value to sponsors, providing an in-person and virtual audience to double sponsor exposure, and offer extra opportunities to promote a brand and create leads, from banner ads to push notifications, and sponsor pages on event websites. Physical and digital events won’t be disappearing any time soon, but hybrid events offer the best of both worlds. 36-37.qxp_Layout 1 30/09/2021 11:32 Page 238 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Tech and specs are the name of the game in this month’s round-up of the most compelling luxury motors hitting the market. Bells and whistles 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 30/09/2021 11:34 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 39 AUTOLINK Maserati MC20 MC20, designed by the Centro Stile Maserati in Turin, is a mix of elegance and sporting prowess. The super sports car is a genuine masterpiece of style, the first of its kind, and the halo car with which the Brand inaugurated its new Era. Maserati MC20 is innovative by nature, and every design detail is functional: the butterfly doors, for example, are not only stunningly beautiful, but they also improve the car’s ergonomics and enable optimal access to and from the cabin. The new super sports car represents the pure form of speed, in true Maserati-style: a work of sculptural engineering previewing the direction of the Brand’s aesthetic future. In fact, the focus on performance led to the conception of a car with a distinct personality, refined aerodynamics and unmistakable lines that render it unique. A car whose superb looks conceal an uncompromisingly sporty soul, with the new 630 hp V6 Nettuno engine that delivers 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 2.88 seconds and a top speed over 326 km an hour. The patented engine was conceived, developed, designed and built entirely by Maserati, and uses a pre- chamber combustion technology derived from Formula 1 engines. Maserati MC20 super sports car is genuinely a 100% made in Italy car, developed by the Maserati Innovation Lab and built at the historic Modena plant. It’s no surprise that the MC20 has received the award for ‘Product Design of the Year’ 2021 from the European Product Design Award. The new Maserati super sports car was also honoured with ‘Top Design Winner’ in Transportation/Auto/Truck/Mobile Home and ‘Winner’ in Transportation/Other Transportation Design categories. 40 Á Maserati MC20 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 30/09/2021 11:34 Page 2Next >