< Previous40 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY The coronavirus pandemic and its ‘second wave’ have certainly impacted how businesses entertain customers and prospects and organise events - countless lunches, dinners, sporting events, rounds of golf, conferences, and office visits have been put on hold. Government restrictions, constant tier movements, social distancing, physical safety, and each person’s different comfort levels mean it is not possible to meet physically with clients in most areas and instances in our region, and it is likely we will be well into 2021 by the time a sense of normality is achieved to enable these meetings. This does not mean wining and dining is completely dead, however. Rather the experience that forges bonds and trust has been relocated to the virtual world - a vital move with it clear that businesses cannot simply wait out the storm. Companies are now entertaining and meeting clients remotely. In doing so businesses are taking advantage of video conferencing, Zoom meetings especially, to recreate some of the magic. An option being used entails scheduling a video call at lunchtime, for which all parties involved order a food delivery, to create a virtual lunch without leaving the house (the location where many of us remain as the Government asks us to work from home where possible). When doing something like this, one might consider ordering the same type of food, perhaps from the same restaurant if possible, to better reflect the real-world experience. One should also consider dressing as you would if you were actually out to lunch, both out of respect and to make the experience more familiar. In creating these experiences online, it is important to remember that just like in real life they are about forming relationships outside of business talk, not presenting a formal pitch. In wining and dining virtually one may also follow numerous companies in sending out care packages or gift cards for restaurant deliveries in advance. For client meetings, plan ahead and pick up the bill ahead of time by sending out wine, snacks, coffee - whatever is suitable to the situation - which you can then match yourself. This also leaves a client with a keepsake. One can even add a little more excitement and surprise to the experience by informing a client that a delivery is to be expected, but not revealing what has been sent. If a business often utilises VIP experiences and live events, there are a number of ways to create these experiences online and give clients a break from current stresses. One might organise an online cooking class, or wine tasting, where groceries and wine are delivered to the client’s door. Meanwhile gifts to show appreciation remain on the table, to be delivered as they were before. What experience you choose will of course depend on what you are aiming to achieve - are you seeking face-to-face time, looking to build a rapport, or aiming to make a client feel important and valued. In sending items out to clients however, one should remember the Bribery Act. Though lunches and distributing thank you champagne to clients, both current and prospective, as a gift are not uncommon, offer a personal touch, and can help maintain solid working relationships, businesses should be aware of the rules of the Bribery Act 2010 when wining and dining, just as they needed to be in the pre-COVID world. Businesses must ensure client hospitality is proportionate and reasonable for the type and size of the firm to avoid prosecution. The Bribery Act is of course not in place to prevent legitimate and genuine hospitality, with (in the pre-COVID world) instances such as taking clients out to events like Wimbledon, to dinners, and paying reasonable travel expenses acceptable so long as it is proportionate to one’s business. Businesses should undertake risk assessments for bribery and ensure anti-bribery procedures are in place, as well as be able to demonstrate they have done all that could be reasonably expected to prevent bribery - send out information in emails and talk to employees about the Bribery Act for example. For an offence to be made, prosecution has to show that a client has been offered something with the purpose of bringing about improper performance or to push them to act in a dishonest manner. Wining and dining online While it may be assumed wining and dining has been paused in the pandemic, businesses are pivoting to offer online experiences for clients and prospects. 40-41.qxp_Layout 1 05/11/2020 12:01 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 41 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY © Shutterstock /GaudiLab 40-41.qxp_Layout 1 05/11/2020 12:01 Page 242 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Driving in style We take a look at some of the latest luxury motors on the market. 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 05/11/2020 12:04 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 43 AUTOLINK The new Continental GT Mulliner coupé Bentley Mulliner’s Continental GT Mulliner coupé is clearly unique from the get-go. The vehicle features a new ‘Double Diamond’ matrix grille up front, said to “define” its style, which is complemented by matching vents mirroring the silver and black design and with chromed Mulliner branding. The car sits on 22” wheels with self-levelling Bentley badges, keeping upright at all times. Inside, eight different three-colour combinations are available, while luxury prevails as diamonds take over with “Diamond in Diamond” quilting brought to the seats, doors trims and rear quarter panels, with contract and accent stitching running through the diamonds design. Bentley say that almost 400,000 stitches are required to deliver the quilting across the cabin of the car, with each diamond containing 712 individual stitches. Seats are finished with embroidered Mulliner logos, while floor mats are edged with micro-piping to match the rest of the colour theme of the interior and chrome Bentley ‘B’ retention caps feature. The roof of the cabin is trimmed along its full length with indented hide, or smooth hide to match the seat backs if the fixed glass roof is selected. A new diamond milled technical finish covers the centre console, flanked by Grand Black walnut veneer with chrome overlays. A Breitling clock sits in the centre of the console. Available with either the 6.0-litre W12 (which has an output of 626bhp and 900Nm of torque, and holds a 0- 60mph time of 3.6 seconds) or 4.0-litre V8 engine (which has an output of 542bhp and 770Nm of torque, and holds a 0-60mph time of 4 seconds), top speed is said to be 207mph for the former engine and 198mph for the latter. Bentley’s 48V electric active anti-roll technology is fitted as standard for marvellous body control and stability during cornering and a relaxed ride when cruising. 44 Á 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 05/11/2020 12:04 Page 244 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK The new Jaguar XF The new Jaguar XF is an attractive saloon featuring a slick exterior and new interior supported by luxury materials and connected, future proof technologies. The car has three 2.0- litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine choices. One is diesel and features Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology. The 204PS diesel produces 430Nm and powers the XF Saloon rear wheel drive variant (there is also a four-wheel drive variant) from 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds and produces CO2 emissions from 130g/km and up to 57.2mpg. For those selecting petrol models there are two options, the 250PS and 300PS producing 365Nm and 400Nm. The 250PS petrol engine delivers fuel economy of 35.2mpg, CO2 emissions from 181g/km and 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds for the XF Saloon rear wheel drive model. The 300PS XF Saloon, available exclusively with four-wheel drive, achieves 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds. All engines are paired with Jaguar’s eight- speed automatic gearbox. The exterior holds a new front bumper with larger and lower air intakes for increased visual width, enhanced by a wider front grille featuring a mesh design detail inspired by Jaguar’s heritage logo. The side fender vents meanwhile feature the Leaper emblem. The XF also has new super slim all-LED quad headlights with ‘Double J’ Daytime Running Light signatures. At the rear is a wider bumper and body- coloured rear upper valance, which lower the car visually. While the exterior has been enhanced, the interior hosts key advances that transform the XF’s driving experience. A sporty centre console sweeps up to the dashboard incorporating an optional wireless device charger with phone signal booster. A central 11.4-inch curved-glass HD touchscreen in a magnesium alloy casing controls the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, which Jaguar claims is three times brighter and 48% larger than the XF’s previous screen, while a simplified menu structure enables drivers to access 90% of common tasks from the homescreen in two taps. The XF also features a 12.3-inch HD Interactive Driver Display with head-up features, enhanced graphics and a configurable layout that can show full screen navigation mapping, digital dials, media, contact list or infotainment details. The system also provides clearer calls due to an external aerial. Furthermore, the car includes Software-Over-The-Air capability, ensuring the vehicle always uses the latest software, and segment-first Active Road Noise Cancellation technology monitors vibrations from the road surface and calculates the opposite phase sound wave needed to remove the noise heard by occupants. The new XF also benefits from the latest generation of driver assistance technology, including Clear Exit Monitor, which alerts to the presence of an approaching car when exiting the vehicle, while Optional Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front. The cabin hosts aluminium, wood, and laser-etched speaker grilles. New door casings meanwhile feature a 360-degree grab handle, offering easier access and increased storage. New seats hold wider cushioning, optional massage functions and enhanced coverage of the heated and cooling areas. Another optional intriguing feature, Cabin Air Ionisation improves interior air quality through Nanoe technology, which helps remove allergens and unpleasant odours. 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 05/11/2020 12:05 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 45 AUTOLINK The new BMW 128ti Designed for “exceptional driving enjoyment,” and reviving the ‘Turismo Internazionale’ badge, the BMW 128ti comes with M Sport specification as standard. The front-wheel-drive hot hatch meets its sporting promise with features including the Torsen limited-slip differential (increasing traction, agility and stability, the limited-slip differential also gives the car excellent cornering ability), lowered suspension, optimised eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission and a 2.0-litre, 265hp turbocharged petrol engine. Peak torque of 400Nm is available from 1,750- 4,500rpm and the BMW 128ti can reach 62mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. A model specific steering setup has been designed to minimise torque steer, to create sharper driving dynamics. With an advanced drivetrain that includes the anti-roll bars and brakes of the BMW M135i xDrive, it also holds a sporty exterior and driver-focused interior that features exclusive details. The anti-rollbars are stiffer than the standard 1 Series’, as are the springs, which help the stop the car leaning in tight corners. It is also 80kg lighter than the BMW M135i xDrive, which contributes to its sporting performance. Making the car stand out are red trims around the air intakes, in the front bumper and on the side skirts, and ‘ti’ badging below the back doors. Furthermore the vehicle has exclusive exterior features including its extended Shadowline trim with a black BMW kidney grille and dual 90mm diameter black chrome tailpipe finishers, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, red accents contrast the black headlining. A ‘Race Red’ surface embellishes the front centre sections of the standard Sensatec/cloth sport seats. A red ‘ti’ is stitched into the centre armrest which – like the door armrests, door panels, instrument panel and floor mat edging – also features red contrast stitching. The steering wheel rim and airbag cover of the standard M Sport steering wheel also feature red stitching. Remaining practical, the car has 380 litres of boot capacity. Electric tailgate operation is also optionally available, and folding mirrors, heated seats and cabin ambient lighting are included as standard. Considering infotainment features, the car has BMW’s latest Operating System 7.0, accessed via a 10.25-inch touchscreen and optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Gesture control and a 9.2inch head-up display can be specified as options. 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 05/11/2020 12:05 Page 446 Business Link www.blmforum.net events available to Greater Lincolnshire based SMEs. For more information, email events@bizlincolnshire.com. In Discussion with the Bank of England 30 November Online Join Rain Newton-Smith (Chief © Shutterstock/Ser gey Nivens 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. In Conversation with Philip Hammond - Tackling the economic challenges of Coronavirus and the end of the UK Transition period 26th November Online Philip Hammond, former Chancellor of the Exchequer and Foreign Secretary, will be joining the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce to share his thoughts on the current economic climate and how to drive the economy forward. This fascinating conversation with Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC, will address the challenges faced by UK business as a result of one of the biggest economic crises of our time, and new ways we will interact and trade with the rest of the world after the end of the Transition period. Discussions will reflect on what policy interventions are needed to weather this unprecedented economic storm. For more information, visit https://sforce.co/37QplHr #GoDigital20 Conference – Get Future Ready, Survive and Thrive 26 November Online Business Lincolnshire’s #GoDigital, Lincolnshire’s biggest digital conference, will bring together special guest industry experts and local businesses leading the way for a morning where we will explore digital approaches that can assist with COVID-19 recovery, supporting your business to be future ready, survive and thrive. You can expect inspiring keynote presentations, practical thinking panel discussions, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities and an expo highlighting business support offers Doing Business in Poland 2020 18 November Online This webinar is delivered by SEMA4 (part of PAB), with expert speakers gathered in Poland and the UK to present their outlook on the market, provide practical advice and case studies, and answer your questions. The session will provide insights into Poland’s market, including the latest market developments, the legal framework for expanding your business to Poland, and how SEMA4 partners can assist with this process. To find out more, visit https://bit.ly/3oum2ve © Shutterstock/TTstudio 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 05/11/2020 12:07 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 47 Economist, CBI) for an exclusive discussion with the Bank of England. This discussion will provide CBI members with a unique opportunity to hear from senior representatives from the Bank, and to share their own thoughts and experiences of the current business and economic climate. The discussion will be held under Chatham House rule, with all insights being handled anonymously, so attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to the Bank’s intelligence gathering activities in a private setting. It will be delivered via webex. For more information, visit www.cbi.org.uk. ChamberConnect: QES Q4 Briefing 12 January 2021 Online Each quarter, Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce hosts flagship events in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council, the University of Lincoln and Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership to share the Quarterly Economic Survey results. The Quarterly Economic Survey that runs from 2nd until 23rd November will show us how Lincolnshire’s economy is recovering from the affects of Coronavirus, local lockdowns and what we can expect going forward. The intelligence gained will guide the right decisions for our economy and put in place further support mechanisms. To find out more, www.lincs- chamber.co.uk/events. IoD Yorkshire & North East Director of the Year Awards 2020 18 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 our judges, spotlights on all our finalists, interviews with the winners and messages from our awards sponsors. To find out more, visit helena.drake@iod.com. © Shutterstock/tomertu KCOM Innovation Hothouse 9 – 13 November Online A hackathon-style competition devising ground-breaking solutions to some of the UK’s most pressing problems is to take centre stage at Tech Week Humber. Described as an ‘Innovation Hothouse’, teams of tech experts will take part in the virtual event which aims to create workable, tech driven answers to real world issues facing the education and healthcare sectors brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by comms giant, KCOM, the event is run by local consultants nordstar*. To find out more, visit www.kcom.com/humbertech. 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 05/11/2020 12:08 Page 2FEATURES End Of Year Round Up Invoice & Finance Solutions Health & Safety Ports & Logistics Engineering 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 December 2020 - Deadline 11th November Visit us at www.blm forum.ne t where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscrib e to our newslett ers so you can have the latest news emailed to your inbox, in between printed issues? 48.qxp_Layout 1 05/11/2020 12:09 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. 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