< Previous40 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY I t’s sometimes hard for employers to really understand what goes through the minds of their employees. The economy is not in a good place, with soaring inflation and the cost of living crisis, rising energy bills at winter and wage stagnation. There is not much reason to be happy if you’re working for someone else, and plenty of reason to be dissatisfied. This would not be a problem in an economy where jobs are in high demand, but the opposite is true, and skilled workers are in short supply. Therefore, those wanting to keep hold of their workforce need to address some of these issues. Money is not always a simple matter, especially not when things are tough, but companies across the world are increasingly taking more time and putting in more effort when it comes to accommodating staff in other ways. There’s a lot of dismissing and anger that goes on in some conservative circles when looking at businesses that allow longer workhours, provide food, give time off and provide other benefits that detractors call “liberal” or “unprofessional”. It’s worth keeping in mind that these businesses are very successful however, famously so, and that very skilled and driven individuals will compete for a chance to work for them. They do not suffer the same skills shortages others do, because they make working for them so appealing that recruitment is as easy as whispering that they have a position open. The applications fly in. It’s easy to look at Google and Instagram however, and say they are one- off cases, and that the method isn’t replicable here in our region. That may be true. However, the method can be imitated on a smaller and more affordable scale. Many businesses here are not having to compete with Google; they are competing with other local businesses, which means you need only be better than the competition, not better than the best in the world. Corporate hospitality may be one of the answers to this, among other things such as longer breaks and more flexible hours. It used to be that staff were always wined and dined, and always rewarded with team-building evenings out and parties. Some old-fashioned business leaders tut and argue that these new- fangled ideas will not take, forgetting that these are old ideas at heart. Taking staff out and showing them a good time works to reinforce why they should want to continue working for you and helps to address issues such as work-life balance, teambuilding and camaraderie. This is why Christmas parties are so important, but Christmas parties have also become a cynical affair that people believe they have to run because they are expected. One event at the end of the year won’t do much to convince employees they are valued and respected. It takes very little time and effort, and very little money in total, to have an event every month. It could be a simple as a meal at a restaurant, or drinks after work on a payday, funded by the company, to allow people to unwind, Making an impression Employees are increasingly demanding benefits beyond pay and a better work-life balance. While many may argue it’s not the employer’s duty, it’s worth nothing that some do, and that can be a cause for worry if they’re competition. 40-41.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:07 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 41 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY celebrate and chat. It could even be something as relaxed as finishing an hour early once a month, but bringing drinks, food and even casino games into the office to have a little fun for just one hour before the weekend. Little gestures show that someone cares, and small adjustments like this can work to create an office culture that is considered fun and interesting, and news of that can spread. A simple picture snapped by a member of staff having fun and posted to Twitter or Facebook can make people question their own workplaces and wonder if this one doesn’t sound better. It can help to make an impact when a recruit is looking at numerous offers, doing their research to decide whose they will accept, and then sees staff of one business smiling and laughing in pictures online. Employees are taking more time to make sure they are working for more than just the money – because the money just isn’t that good anymore. Rising costs, expensive mortgages, impossible-to- achieve goals and limited room for growth are making careers into dead- ends in many workplaces, and that’s not something employers are any happier about than employees. It’s just the way the country has been governed, and the way the economy has gone after years of problems like COVID, lockdowns and now the government imploding. Complaining about employees not wanting to work, or suggesting that it’s laziness, won’t do anything to improve employee retention or attract new talent. Taking proactive steps to address the concerns you can address, even if wage increases aren’t in the budget, can make a difference. If nothing else, it shows those working under you that you care. © stock.adobe.com/master1305 40-41.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:07 Page 242 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK A Trio of 4x4s Winter is just around the corner, so we check out three 4x4s that may well whet your appetite for on-road driving - and the rough stuff! 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:08 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 43 AUTOLINK Ford Ranger Raptor If you’re unfamiliar with the Raptor, let us enlighten you. While it’s smaller than the monstrously sized famous American F-150 Lightning that Ford also makes, it’s no slouch and takes inspiration from its supersized cousin. The on-road ride is where the Raptor excels. It is ridiculously comfortable. Of course, it helps when the walls of your tyres are built like a monster truck, but the endless number of suspension, damper, and spring modifications that Ford has made to the Raptor version means it’s absorbing. And this bodes well when tackling the rough stuff. The chassis is well-tuned, and, despite the lack of power from the engine, it’s still 44 Á Ford Ranger Raptor 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:08 Page 244 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK responsive enough to make good progress. You can flick between two-wheel and four-wheel drive, plus four-wheel drive with a low-range gearbox for maximum grip. This Raptor is full of character and because it’s such a niche vehicle, it’s undeniably lovable. New Range Rover Whenever a new version of the Range Rover rolls off the production line, it’s a very special moment. It has happened only five times now in the past half- century. The new one looks like a modernised version of the old one, but it’s still obviously a Range Rover, even from a glance. So far, we’ve tested the mighty V6 in Autobiography Ingenium 3.0 litre 350PS twin-turbocharged diesel MHEV. This Range Rover variant provides chest-thumping amounts of power. It is entertaining to drive, and the engine note is lovely. In some ways, though, it’s overkill in a car whose elegance should preclude drag racing at the traffic lights. However, the sheer refinement of the diesel engine can’t be ignored. The air suspension makes for an exceptionally comfortable ride. Thankfully, despite the absorbent suspension, it’s never so excessive that it limits the feedback it gives you through the steering wheel. Likewise, the steering is light. But those who want to try and test the Range Rover’s limits in bends might be disappointed that it doesn’t firm up more when the road gets quicker and twistier. Off-road, the new Range Rover performs brilliantly, especially so if you are an off-roading expert and can tweak the car’s Terrain Response system to New Range Rover 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:08 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 45 AUTOLINK perfection. If you’re not, it automatically sets itself up once you engage the low- range gearbox. This should suffice for all but the swamp-driving aficionado. Overall, it’s not the best handling SUV out there, but it isn’t meant to be. Instead, 2022’s Range Rover is an improvement on its predecessor, and, to drive or be driven in, it’s sublime. INEOS Grenadier If you’ve never heard of INEOS… well, you’re not alone. It isn’t a brand-new company, but it is new to making cars. So, is this a fad, or should we take the Grenadier seriously? Imagine a Mercedes-Benz G-Class and a (pre-redesign) Land Rover Defender had a baby. Voilà! The INEOS Grenadier is born. That is about as complicated as it gets to understand where this fledgling car manufacturer is coming from. BMW provides the Grenadier’s engines, which is never a bad start. There are two 3.0-litre six-cylinders offered – a petrol producing 285PS and a diesel producing 249PS, although the lower-powered diesel provides more torque. Both come with eight-speed automatics. The Grenadier has permanent four- wheel drive. As a large 4x4, it naturally has some body roll in the corners. But, overall, an excellent job has been done with tweaking the chassis to offer maximum stability on the road. So, can the Grenadier go off-road? The answer: emphatically, yes. The suspension is very firm, so don’t expect much comfort off-road, but then navigating over large rocks rarely is. But the suspension setup means it holds up well to anything Mother Nature’s untouched terrain can throw at it. Despite its size, it only has five seats. But other combinations are expected, so those wanting seven shouldn’t despair. INEOS Grenadier 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:08 Page 446 Business Link www.blmforum.net events Social Networking: Curry & Quiz! Wednesday 2 November Poppadoms & Cream, Doncaster This evening event will offer an opportunity to network and build new connections in an informal environment whilst enjoying supper and a quiz. For more information visit https://business.doncaster- chamber.co.uk/events/details/social- networking-curry-quiz-4312 The Greater Lincolnshire LEP Annual Conference 2022 Thursday 10 November Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln The 2022 LEP Annual Conference is an opportunity to highlight where the LEP are leading the way across the priority sectors, and it’s your chance as business leaders to pose your questions and share your views at a time of challenge and unique opportunities for growth. Join the Greater Lincolnshire LEP at their flagship event and: have a more detailed look at game- changing sectors, hear from business leaders about the huge opportunities available for every business in the region, network with other business people, help shape future business support from government, and more. For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com/ events/event-details/?id=4088&navigated FromSearch=true Lincolnshire Construction & Property Network Roadshow Tuesday 15 November The Beonna at All Saints, Boston From sole traders to large housing associations, construction and property firms come together to talk business at the Lincolnshire Chamber’s Construction Network. This event will welcome Michelle Sacks, Deputy Chief Executive (Growth) for the South & East Lincolnshire Council’s Partnership, who will give an overview of the diverse investment opportunities in the South & East Lincolnshire Partnership. She will also offer an update on the £70 million funding Boston and East Lindsey received via the Towns Fund Deal projects, and how this is nurturing growth and regeneration across the region, and discuss how the Partnership is unlocking inward investment to nurture sustainable sources of green energy to underpin and future proof our businesses and economy. For more information visit www.lincs- chamber.co.uk/events/construction-nov22/ Speed Networking Tuesday 15 November Holiday Inn Rotherham, Rotherham Speed networking is a great way to grow your network and bring new business opportunities into your firm. Grab your complimentary tea and bacon sandwich, take a seat and wait for the first round to begin. This event will give you a 1:1 with each delegate in the room, and you’ll be given around 90 seconds each to explain to the person opposite all about your role and your business. Next up, the conversation will switch and you’ll be listening to a new opportunity in front of you. Once the time is up you’ll move on to meet another new contact! Over the 2 hours you’ll continue to meet each delegate one by one, allowing you to connect with over 30 delegates in a single event. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/event/speed- networking-3/ 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. Health, Wellbeing and Mindfulness in the Workplace Tuesday 15 November Online The COVID pandemic, hybrid working, the current economic climate and our changing workforce has put the health, wellbeing and mindfulness of business owners and employees front and centre. But what can business owners do about it? This bite sized webinar will cover the basics of how business owners can create the most effective working environment for themselves and their teams, and use up to © stock.adobe.com/ Kalyakan © stock.adobe.com/ NDABCREATIVITY 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:09 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 47 date information and case study examples from other companies, so you can choose the tools and ideas that work for you, creating a simple action plan that you can take back to your business. For more information visit https://heygrowthhub.com/ event/health- wellbeing-and-mindfulness-in-the-workplace/ Business 2032: What it Means to Your Business Friday 18 November Online What will the next 10 years hold for your business? If the last two years are anything to go by, it’s a lot. Changes in working practices, new markets, marketing technology, automation… even how we manage and recruit teams. Plus, our customers’ buying habits will keep changing, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Keeping abreast of change is tough for any business, especially SMEs, so this bite sized webinar, packed with everything that matters to a typical SME business - whether you’re in hospitality, professional services, manufacturing or something else - takes a dip into the future. For more information visit https://heygrowthhub.com/ event/business-2032-what-it-means-to-your- business/ An International Celebration in Lincolnshire Wednesday 16 November The Drill, Lincoln This event has been brought to life to celebrate International Trade in Lincolnshire and the world of opportunities brought to businesses by exploring international markets. The event will celebrate several export markets across the world, showcase a twist on country-specific food, as well as entertaining guests with themed music. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/events/an- international-celebration-in-lincolnshire/ How to Go Plastic Free and Win Customers Thursday 17 November Sheffield University Management School, Sheffield Join Plastic Free Sheffield Central to talk all things single-use plastics! The event will explore why reducing single-use plastics is essential to your business operations and the benefits of doing so for your organisation and the environment. It will share tips, ideas, and case studies on how to make plastic-free swaps as a business, and provide an opportunity to network with other local businesses and make a pledge to reduce plastic across the city. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/event/ how-to-go-plastic-free-and-win-customers/ © stock.adobe.com/ igishevamaria The HR Exchange – Settlement Agreements & Exit Processes Wednesday 23 November Online Whether it’s for personal differences or something far more serious, exiting an employee is never an easy task. However, employers can make it easier for themselves and for the employee in question by following fair processes and ensuring that both parties go their separate ways on good terms. This instalment of the HR exchange will walk you through the steps you need to take to exit an employee fairly. For more information visit https://www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/event/the- hr-exchange-settlement-agreements-exit- processes/ 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:09 Page 2FEATURES End Of Year Round Up Invoice & Finance Solutions Health & Safety Ports & Logistics Engineering REGULARS Commercial Property Motoring Corporate Hospitality Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in December 2022 - Deadline 16th November 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 31/10/2022 10:10 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 Angie Cooper 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 31/10/2022 10:11 Page 1Next >