< Previous40 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Class has been given a radical makeover in recent years. It has got sharper looks but has lost none of the good features that made it perfect for business-oriented drivers, notably that it’s luxurious, spacious, and practical. However, the air suspension that we’d recommend to maximise comfort is an optional extra. Likewise, the 5-Series is a best-of-all- worlds contender that blends comfort with space, practicality, technology, and keen driveability. The Audi A6 is also worthy of mention for similar reasons. If, due to the cost-of-living crisis, premium brands are out of your price range for the time-being, the excellent Skoda Octavia might suit. It has got a classy cabin and is very comfortable to drive while still being a practical and well-equipped choice. The Volvo S90 is refined in terms of ride comfort, too. While if you want something cheaper that’s good to drive but is also quite supple in terms of suspension, then the Mazda6 is well worth checking out. The Skoda Superb is a car that also lives up to its name. Skoda now makes some of the best executive cars on the market outside of the premium brands, and you might find you get more for your money versus a Volkswagen. Estates If you’re after something with the platform of a saloon but the practicality of an SUV, then why not consider an estate? BMW has long been an advocate of the estate car. Its 5-Series Touring version is arguably the best of the lot, with rear air suspension as standard and a good line-up of engines to suit economy and power, including a plug-in hybrid version. Mercedes-Benz is getting in on the act, as well, with the E-Class Estate, which Mercedes-Benz E-Class BMW 5-SeriesAudi A6Volvo S90 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 13:59 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 41 AUTOLINK offers all the benefits of the saloon with increased practicality. At the same time, the Audi A6 Avant might be worth adding to your list, albeit we’d recommend the optional air suspension to improve the ride comfort. Regardless of what car you’re after, write up a shortlist and make sure you test drive each one before committing to buying or leasing anything. Unit 3, Woodside Park, Station Road, Tetney, Grimsby. DN36 5HX Find An Experienced Motor Mechanic In Tetney, Near Grimsby n Servicing n MOTs n Repairs n Brakes & Tyres n Engine diagnostics n Car Batteries n Exhausts n ECU Remapping n Air Conditioning Testing/repairs/Re Gas VW, AUDI, SEAT & SKODA SPECIALIST Tel: 01472 812130 | www.lincsvwa.com Skoda Octavia Mazda 6 Skoda Superb BMW 5-Series Touring Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Audi A6 Avant 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 13:59 Page 442 Business Link www.blmforum.net events Advanced Social Media for Business Wednesday 7 December Digital Media Centre, Barnsley This session will explore advanced techniques to create social media engagement to promote your business. You’ll learn how to plan and create advertising campaigns, collaborate with influencers within your target audience and use other tools to enhance your content. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/ event/advanced-social-media-for-business-7/ Menopause in the Workplace Thursday 8 December Aspect Court, Sheffield This two-day workshop explores menopause in the workplace. Join to hear from a range of knowledgeable speakers, learn about recent cutting-edge research and discover the best workplace practices you can adopt to support your employees through menopause. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/event/ menopause-in-the-workplace/ Lincolnshire Network December Wednesday 14 December Online Build your network, make connections and create long-lasting meaningful relationships at this Lincolnshire-wide event. Run by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, this is an informal, fun, virtual network where you’ll hear from a speaker, introduce yourself and your business, as well as network in small breakout rooms with other attendees. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/events/ lincolnshire-network-dec22/ How to Motivate Teams and Improve Employee Retention Wednesday 14 December Online If you want a quick insight into how to motivate and retain your staff, then this bite-sized webinar is for you. Whether you make a product, sell a service…or do both…people are at the heart of what you do. And with the current labour pool shortage, there has never been a better time to focus on making your workplace the best it can be. But how do you motivate teams or individuals, so they’re happy, feel productive and want to stay? This 1-hour webinar session gives you a quick overview of why employees can become demotivated, and looks at some of the key ways in which we can inspire our teams, improve productivity, and ultimately retain our team so our business can grow. For more information visit https://heygrowthhub.com/event/how-to- motivate-teams-and-improve-employee- retention/ SME Webinar: Recruitment & Promoting Apprenticeship Vacancies Wednesday 7 December Online Do you know how to attract high-quality young people to your organisation? Are you aware of the best places to advertise your apprenticeship vacancies? The Department for Education (DfE) has worked closely with employers to bring you the second in an engaging series of webinars. Hear how other SMEs have successfully advertised and promoted their apprenticeships and connected with schools and colleges to attract young talent to their organisation. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/ event/sme-webinar-recruitment-promoting-apprenticeship-vacancies/ Health, Wellbeing and Mindfulness in the Workplace Thursday 15 December 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. This one-hour webinar uses up to date information, and © stock.adobe.com/ Jacek Chabraszewski © stock.adobe.com/ goodluz 42-43.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 14:00 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 43 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. What’s more, the webinar will also highlight training and funding opportunities available from HEYLEP to support you. For more information visit https://heygrowthhub.com/event/health- wellbeing-and-mindfulness-in-the- workplace/ Lincolnshire Construction & Property Network January Tuesday 17 January Online This popular Construction & Property Network takes place online via Zoom this month, creating a hybrid approach to this network which is usually in-person. From sole traders to housing associations, construction and property businesses come together to talk all things construction. There will be breakout networking rooms, industry conversations and lots of new connections. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/events/ construction-jan23/ Sustainability Netwalking Thursday 15 December Crookes Vally Park, Sheffield Come and take full advantage of this great opportunity where you can meet new people, build relationships and expand your network whilst exploring nature! The walk will last around one hour and finish with a coffee and more chat for those that want to stay for some deeper connecting and networking. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/event/sustainability -netwalking/ Chamber Christmas Wreath Making Workshop Thursday 15 December Bentley Pavilion, Doncaster It’s almost impossible to think of the month of December without also thinking of Christmas trees, strips of tinsel, and extravagant lighting displays. Another iconic ornament for the season is, of course, the wreath, which adds a traditional festive vibe to any setting. If you’ve always wanted to make one of these but never learned how, then you should definitely come along to this upcoming networking event. Here, you’ll be given a crash course in making your own wreath, while also having an opportunity to forge meaningful relationships with other businesses in the community along with some Mulled Wine and mince pies. For more information visit https://business.doncaster-chamber.co.uk/events/details/ chamber-christmas-wreath-making-workshop-4338 © stock.adobe.com/ LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS The HR Exchange – Dismissals – Getting it Right! Wednesday 25 January Online This instalment of the HR Exchange will look at the fair reasons for dismissing an employee, and what to do and what not to do. Brought to you by niche law firm, Bhayani HR & Employment Law and sister company Bhayani Recruitment, this network offers you the opportunity to gain valuable advice and information from employment and HR professionals in a relaxed format, as well as a chance to share experiences with your peers in various industry sectors. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/event/the-hr- exchange-dismissals-getting-it-right/ 42-43.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 14:00 Page 2FEATURES Productivity & Efficiency In Manufacturing Spotlight IT & Communications Logistics & Transport Renewables New Year – New Suppliers REGULARS Commercial Property Motoring Corporate Hospitality Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in January 2023 - Deadline 14th December 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? 44.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 14:01 Page 1classified NETS Business Link 45 www.blmforum.net LABELS • Plain / Printed Labels • Lasersheets • Fanfolded Labels • Thermal Transfer Ribbons • Barcode Labels WEDDINGS TO 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 The UK’s most versatile manufacturers of tailor-made nets and netting solutions for more than 30 years. 01469 575804 netting@renco.co.uk www.renconets.com MARKETING 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 RECRUITMENT Visit www.lacts.co.uk to find out more or call 07775 877057 Bespoke training solutions Lincolnshire & Counties Training Solutions (LACTS) deliver high-quality training solutions across the UK that are typically delivered at your business premises, ensuring the most cost-effective and efficient use of your personnel’s time. TRAINING SOLUTIONS 45.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 14:02 Page 1And finally The world of Frazer Pulling a sickie We all know someone who likes to take a sick day every now and again despite not being ill. But is the number of people who do this rising? Perhaps! Google searches for excuses to miss work have hit a five-year high, according to new research from Frank Recruitment Group, rising dramatically over the last two years, including searches for ‘believable excuses for missing work’, ‘good excuses to miss work’, and ‘realistic excuses for missing work’. What is particularly interesting is a drastic jump in searches in 2021 that seems to coincide with the beginning of the return to the office, showing the transition has not been easy for everyone, and that more incentives may need to be given to staff that have enjoyed staying tucked up at home, and been just as successful while working remotely. 46 Business Link www.blmforum.net adobe.stock.com/ Elnur adobe.stock.com/ BPawesome After a long week, why not decompress in your own nuclear bunker? At the end of a hard week at work, it’s nice to have somewhere to go and relax. Some might head to the pub, others home to see family, but how about your very own bunker? A nuclear bunker built during the cold war and still in its original condition (including body bags, gas masks and even a red telephone box) hit the market in Lincolnshire last month for £25,000. The property was constructed in the late 1950s in Louth, designed to provide protection for three observers to survive a nuclear attack, with food and water for fourteen days. Within this time, they were expected to report on any nuclear bursts and on the fall out of an attack. Jim Demitriou, national valuer at SDL Property Auctions, said: “It’s a great property for people looking for something off-grid or to get away from it all.” Frazer’s not so sure it would be his dream escape after a busy week — a small room underground — but to each their own! Don’t give the gift of nose hair this Christmas It’s that time of year again; carols are in the air, Christmas lights are twinkling, and Secret Santa is on the cards at the office. If you’re looking for some inspiration on what to buy for a colleague, Frazer is here with a PSA on what NOT to get! A new survey recently sent in to Business Link has highlighted some of the worst Secret Santa gifts ever received, with a half- eaten jar of jam and spoiled food amongst them. These are perhaps better, though, than the nose hair and bathroom vending machine-bought pleasure toy that were unwrapped! The survey also highlighted a rather odd stat, with over 60% of people stating that they would rather buy for a colleague they hate than one they like! adobe.stock.com/ zaikina 46.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 14:02 Page 1ISO/IEC 17020 / ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / OHSAS 18001 For all enquiries please TELEPHONE: 01469 575728 | Email: ukinfo@irisndt.com www.irisndt.co.uk CHATHAM | DERBY | DEESIDE | HULL | IMMINGHAM PEMBROKE DOCK | STOCKTON-ON-TEES ADVANCED NDT •Remote Robotic Inspections – Visual & UT •Drone Surveys – Internal and External •Laser Scanning •Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing •Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) •AUT & PAUT Corrosion Mapping •Tube Inspection (IRIS, ECT, RFT, NFA) •Guided Wave Testing – Long Range UT •QSR1 – Corrosion Under Pipe Supports •MFL – Tank Floors and Pipelines •HTHA Inspections (TOFD, TFM, PAUT & TULA) CONVENTIONAL NDT •X-Radiography & Gamma Radiography •Computed and Digital Radiography •Close Proximity Radiography •Ultrasonic Inspection •Magnetic Particle Inspection •Dye Penetrant Inspection •Eddy Current & Eddy Current Array •Positive Material Identification (PMI) •Hardness Testing •Ferrite Testing •ACFM Inspection •Vacuum Box Testing INSPECTION AND TESTING SERVICES IRISNDT is a leading provider of Asset Integrity Engineering, Non- Destructive Testing, Heat Treatment and Laboratory services. This is achieved through investment in training local personnel, continuous development of our facilities and refreshing our equipment to offer the latest in technology and innovations. This is supported by a strong commitment to safety, quality, and the environment. IRISNDT are closely supported by our colleagues in Canada, the USA and Australia. ADDITIONAL SERVICES •Rope Access •Heat Treatment •Pressure Testing •Welding Inspection •Materials Laboratory (ISO 17025) •Welder Training •Failure Investigations •Pressure System Inspections •Storage Tank Inspections •Pipeline Inspections •Out of Service and In-Service Inspections •Category 1, 2 & 3 Inspectors •Written Schemes of Examination (WSE’s) •Fitness for Service (FFS) Assessments •Engineering Calculations •Maxi-Trak Field Services (Customized Software) •Bund Surveys 47.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 14:03 Page 1www.geodis.com GEODIS Unit 5, Bridge View Henry Boot Way Hull HU4 7DW Tel: 01482 598550 humber.ff.uk@geodis.com Road Transport Customs Ocean Freight Insurance Airfreight Special Cargo 48.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2022 14:03 Page 1Next >