< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk RENEWABLES renewable energy site survey, compliance with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, and long-term lease agreements for premises ownership are crucial prerequisites. From here on out however, renewable energy offers a variety of options tailored to a multitude of businesses, with all their unique sets of needs and possibilities. Wind power utilises the now-iconic turbines for electricity generation inland as well as offshore, making them ideal for land-rich areas. If you don’t have lots of land or sea at your disposal but are situated near flowing water, hydroelectric power is a dependable resource once the specific site needs are covered. But by far, one of the most reliable and available providers of renewable energy is sun, even in our changeable climes. In solar power sectors, familiar solar panels harness sunlight for electricity and can be easily fitted on building sides. Solar thermal energy simply uses sunlight to heat water, an effective and space efficient option for hospitality, leisure, food service, greenhouse farming, and more applications besides. Heat and electricity generation have more debateable solutions in anaerobic digestion, which produces heat and electricity by burning methane from organic material breakdown, or biomass systems. The latter also burns organic matter, including coal, and both are more maligned for not necessarily being carbon-neutral. Geothermal and ground source heat pumps use low-level ground heat for heating and cooling, less common than solar power but similarly space-friendly through the use of panels. Simultaneous production of electricity and useful thermal energy (like steam or hot water) from a single fuel source, such as natural gas, can be used to cut down on fuel in a method known as combined heat and power, which is more responsible but costly to install. Understanding the expenses and payback periods is key for businesses considering renewable energy investments, as cost can range from £2000-£6000 for small turbines. Combined heat and power is perhaps the most pricey single-payment solution at £32,500, which means a wait of 10.5 years to see results from payback. But hydroelectricity and anaerobic digestion charge at scaled rates by the kilowatt, so careful budgeting is a must before installation plans are set in motion. As we look ahead this year, several emerging technologies hold promise for revolutionising the renewable energy landscape. Wave generation, leveraging the power of our plentiful coastlines, could contribute as much as 14% of the nation’s energy demand. Enhanced geothermal, drawing hydraulic stimulation from porous rock, shows potential for generating heat efficiently. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link RENEWABLES Plans to capture solar power from space could introduce a new dimension to renewable energy sources. Nanotechnology-driven processes, known as artificial photosynthesis, may emerge as well and offer a sci-fi solution to generating methanol for industrial and vehicle fuel sustainably. As a hydrogen- rich substance, methanol is also being considered a potential candidate for carrying liquid organic hydrogen for energy storage, transportation and decentralised energy systems. Bringing things back down to earth for now, adopting renewable energy offers numerous everyday advantages for UK businesses. Stable energy costs assured by non-harmful natural resources are unaffected by price fluctuations, and additional income can be generated by selling excess electricity back to the grid. Improved energy management allows for better planning, emissions reduction aids in meeting carbon reduction targets, and an enhanced reputation demonstrates commitment to sustainability. Most obviously but also most importantly, sustainable energy reduces dependence on finite fossil fuels, which cannot be held as responsible energy resources in the years and decades ahead. Civil society plays a crucial role in the promotion of renewable energy in the UK, a fact that should be respected by businesses if they’re to remain relevant in a future-conscious consumer market. The environment consistently polls as one of the top three issues for the British public. Our country’s shared concern is fuelling the rise of responsible investing, together with a strong activist shareholder culture, which benefits the renewable energy sector so it can become increasingly advanced, varied and accessible. At a community level, on-site distributed renewable generation and storage projects have grown, underpinned by environmental concerns, technological innovation, and government policy. The anticipated trends for 2024 bring promise of further technological advancements and burgeoning investment opportunities, providing viable solutions to global issues such as climate change and dwindling natural resources. In this field, the UK’s social and governmental commitments to renewable energy continue to offer new possibilities for businesses seeking to embrace sustainability and contribute to a greener future. We’re being driven by ambitious targets to eliminate carbon from the power mix by 2035, a stepping stone on the way to net-zero goals. As the nation works towards a greener future, businesses have a unique opportunity to contribute to this transition, while reaping the financial and status benefits of sustainable practices. © stock.adobe.com/ipopba East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK New year new motor? Perhaps not with the rising cost of living, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep an eye on the new entries coming to market that we can buy a couple of months into the year. Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé The top model in the Mercedes-AMG range combines highly dynamic driving characteristics with increased suitability for everyday use. Components such as the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with semi-active roll stabilisation, rear- axle steering and active aerodynamics enhance its dynamic character, while the more spacious interior, available two-plus-two seating layout and improved all-round visibility make the new Mercedes-AMG GT even more versatile. The new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé is even more versatile than its predecessor. Premium Plus and Performance models feature a two-plus-two seating 54 Áwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK layout – the rear seats make it more suitable for everyday use and offer space for people up to 1.50 metres tall (with child seat for children up to 1.35 metres). When the additional seating is not needed, the backrests can be folded down, significantly expanding the luggage compartment to a volume of up to 675 litres. In front, the standard sports seats offer outstanding comfort and lateral support. AMG Performance seats with integrated headrests are fitted to Performance and Launch Edition models. In Sport, Sport+ and RACE driving modes, the side bolsters automatically tighten to provide optimum support at all times. Renault Scenic E-Tech Fully electric and brimming with useful and intuitive technology, its all-electric powertrain features a compact 87kWh battery and a 220hp motor, capable of delivering a 379-mile range. The 2.78m wheelbase ensures an exceptionally spacious cabin and it is lighter (1852kg) and more compact than the average C- segment vehicle. Its pioneering Solarbay opacifying glass roof and ingenious rear armrest – includes storage for devices, screen stands and cup holders – create an inviting, comfortable and practical space for families. The OpenR Link multimedia system features more than 50 apps and the ability to plan your journey effortlessly, powered by Google services and accessed through a 12.3-inch driver information display on the dashboard and a 12-inch vertical central screen. The stand-out feature of the Scenic E-Tech 100% electric is the Solarbay panoramic glass roof, developed in partnership with Saint-Gobain. Its AmpliSky technology uses a combination of PDLCs (polymer dispersed liquid crystals) to change the opacity of the glass one segment at a time. McLaren GTS Retaining the core McLaren attractions of beautiful yet functional design, class- leading power-to-weight ratio – enabled by lightweight carbon fibre construction centred on a unique monocoque chassis – and unmatched driving dynamics, the new GTS is also visually even more powerful and offers increased choice of exterior and interior specification. The elegant exterior lines of the GT remain the basis of the car’s aerodynamic package and profile, but new visual enhancements mean that the GTS is even more assertive. At the front of the GTS, the ‘hammerhead’ signature styling has been updated with a new lower front bumper section. This area of the car features newly sculpted air intakes that are more pronounced, with wider intakes to channel more air into the car’s radiator system. Aligned with the inherent practicality of the GTS is an interior designed to blend the car’s level of performance with a refined and luxurious space. It is a comfortable cabin for long distance journeys, while it also provides a platform from which the driver can take full Renault Scenic E-TechAUTOLINK advantage of the car’s outstanding dynamic capabilities. Suzuki Swift Suzuki has unveiled the all-new Swift. In its fourth iteration, Suzuki’s iconic hatchback has evolved into a sophisticated, smart compact with a crisp design, advanced safety features, and fun-to-drive playfulness that redefines everyday mobility. A long-time favourite among consumers across the world seeking a stylish and fun-to-drive hatchback, the Swift has won numerous awards since its introduction as a global model in 2004. The all- new model builds upon the legacy of its predecessors, offering a driving experience that is not only enjoyable but also prioritises comfort, efficiency, and safety. The Swift has been sold in 169 countries and regions with accumulated McLaren GTS sales of over 9 million units as of October 2023. The new Swift offers a spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with ergonomic features to elevate the driving experience. Inside the new Swift is a cockpit designed for an immersive and ergonomic driving experience, featuring a centre cluster and controls that are subtly angled toward the driver to ensure ease of use. The wraparound, dual-tone black and light-grey dashboard and front door trim, with satin plating and satin dark silver paint accents, give the cabin a sporty, dynamic look. Suzuki SwiftCan you tell us a little about RACE and how you got started? RACE, as the concept, initially began in 2011, when I felt the time was right to “go it alone” per say and has been developing to where we are now as a unified service. RACE is Road & Competition Engineering and we do exactly what that suggests – maintaining, developing and upgrading vehicles for use on the road, in competition of any type or even a combination of the two as is getting ever more popular! If we were to put ourselves in a Niche bracket, then we use our extensive Motorsport knowledge and experience to ensure your vehicle is cared for at truly the highest levels of service. Whilst we do mainly focus on High Performance cars, we can and indeed do still maintain people’s every day cars to the same standards. We offer service and transparency above all else, so the customer knows exactly what is going on with their pride and joy. We are all very much enthusiasts and this shows through with our work. What kinds of vehicles do you do work on, and what work do you do on them? We mainly specialise in High Performance Road and Competition Vehicles and offer everything from basic scheduled maintenance all the way through to complete component rebuilds/overhauls including engine and drivetrain, upgrades, bespoke development, chassis setups, alignment, brake componentry, dampers and suspension to a virtually endless list. We have the experience and capabilities to offer anything the customer may require with their vehicle. On the competition side of things, we are an internationally licenced Professional Race Team and operate vehicles in various paddocks around the world on behalf of customers who wish to enjoy their racing safe in the knowledge that their vehicle is prepared and operated to the very highest standards. We also specialise in American vehicles of any vintage. The love for these over here is still as strong as ever but fewer and fewer people can or wish to maintain them for people. We have full diagnostic capability for virtually all vehicles and this allows us to indulge in our own passion for American vehicles by offering that Q&A Racing heritage Lincolnshire plays host to a surprising motorsports scene. We speak today with Ryan Connoly of RACE (Road and Competition Engineering) in Lincoln, to find out more about the competitive scene and how they help teams and individuals on and before it. RACE Q&A East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uksame service to other owners. We also offer a full domestic and international enclosed collection and delivery service for all vehicles, so if people cannot get their vehicle to us, it’s not a problem and we can handle all of that for them. How do you support your clients on the racetrack and on big event days? When we are in “Full RACE” Mode, then we deliver proven results to our discerning clients around the world with an enviable success rate from Club Level events here at home through to International Top Tier Competitions and various Endurance races. The Vehicle is extensively and meticulously prepared in our Lincoln Workshops with full documentation, the vehicle then has a base set up applied according to the type of event, it is then transported to the event, wherever that may be, by us in our state of the art transporters or overseas by sea or air freight. Once on event, we then re- inspect the vehicle and as the event begins, we then hone and develop the original set up to suit the drivers, the vehicle and indeed the conditions during the event to ensure the maximum potential is reached by everyone to make the event a true and enjoyable success. We also have our dedicated transport team who discreetly carry some of the worlds most valuable vehicles to the most exclusive events as easily as we will transport an every day car to our workshops for service. This extends to customers wishing to display their vehicles at a show, demonstrate them at an event or anything else that you could possibly imagine when it comes to moving vehicles around. Combining our services really gives us an edge as we understand the cars, we understand the events and we understand what the customer wants. The aim then is always to exceed that expectation and genuinely deliver an exceptional service. We hear RACE has had a lot of success lately. What’s your secret? We don’t really have any secrets, apart from how we engineer our racing cars, which will always remain with us! I think what we do better than most is simply to focus on the services we provide and ensure they are always at the highest standards possible. We are meticulous in our workshops, there is no “that’ll do” mentality and that ethos then carries over to our on event operations, our transport services, parts supply, customer communications and everything else. We all adore cars here and that passion shines through in our service. “Solutions, not problems” is always the mantra and we just get it done, whatever it may be, with the minimum of fuss and the maximum of service. We also put exceptional value on people’s privacy. Whilst social media is indeed a powerful thing in today’s world, we respect our customers to the point that we will very rarely, if ever, put out any posts containing their vehicles and this again shows how we are very much about the cars and the service than we are about chasing Likes! For more information visit www.racelinc.uk or email hello@racelinc.uk RACE Q&A www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY A new year inevitably means a whole host of new networking events and opportunities you may not really be excited to attend. It’s also pointless attending if you’re not going to get anything out of it, so here are some tips on how to get the most from your networking. A ttending a professional networking event can be a valuable chance to showcase yourself, forge fresh connections, and potentially secure a new job. According to recent studies, a significant proportion of job vacancies are filled via networking. To succeed at networking, it’s crucial to show genuine interest in your contacts and put in the effort to build a rapport, demonstrate your trustworthiness, and exchange information and expertise. Adopting the mindset that every person has something to offer and to gain can be instrumental in becoming an accomplished networker. Before attending the event, it’s prudent to ensure you are as up to date on your industry as possible. Doing some research, perhaps even attending a few seminars, will prevent you from feeling out of your depth. This will mean that you can bring more value to conversations with your peers, thus Getting the most out of networking Getting the most out of networking www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link CORPORATE HOSPITALITY attracting the attention of high-quality individuals. When approaching someone for the first time, first impressions matter. There are some simple etiquette tips to bear in mind. Firstly, ensure that you are appropriately dressed – a white button up shirt, dark trousers and a matching blazer work well on both men and women. To show a little more personality, shirts in jewel tones such as deep red and green can help you stand out, whilst remaining perfectly professional. Secondly, keep your right hand free for a handshake when approaching someone. Having to shuffle papers to free your hands can create awkwardness and gives an impression of being disorganised. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly in this modern world, follow up your discussion on LinkedIn or social media. The best networkers hone their relationships over long periods of time, never expecting the person to perfectly recall their meeting. Reaching out over social media within a few days, including a brief recap of your chat, will help the person to recall you and appreciate your continued interest in them. Some good will is also required here – allow around a week for the person to return your message to avoid coming across as pushy. For more seasoned professionals, online networking can seem unnecessary, or sometimes new-fangled and elusive. This attitude could be costing you many opportunities. Establishing a robust online presence on professional networking sites can prove advantageous in attracting like-minded individuals and drawing the attention of recruiters. Ensure that your profile stays up to date, encompassing all relevant experience, interests, education, and qualifications. This practice can foster new career prospects and propel career advancement. Creating an online network can be equally valuable as establishing one in real life, affording opportunities for professional growth and expansion. Social media and professional networking platforms are frequently employed by professionals to cultivate their networks. If you have a long- standing social media presence, you may already possess contacts in your network with whom you can form more profound connections. Initiating your networking endeavours online can also open doors to a much larger pool of individuals in diverse locations, enabling you to connect with people who may be otherwise unapproachable in person. For instance, you can leverage social media to re-establish contact with former classmates who may be operating in your industry. The wider pool of contacts is especially important when you consider that the best networking should be done based on the quality, rather than the quantity, of the people you connect with. This means seeking out individuals who have the ability to make a difference, often through mentorship. When seeking out a mentor, ensure you thoroughly research them, and explain why helping you would be beneficial to them. This knowledge can help you identify ways to add value to their professional life, leading to higher quality connections. This could be your unique perspective on their line of work or assured future loyalty. Ultimately, networking should be approached in a similar way to making new friends. Lasting relationships require compatible personalities and a give and take attitude, so putting your best foot forward is paramount. Whilst personal topics would not generally be appropriate within the first 4-5 meetings, letting your personality shine through allows your contacts to understand your unique assets and feel invested in seeing them develop. The best way to achieve this is to combine a well-rounded sense of humour with a genuine passion for your industry. Keep on top of developments within your field and share your opinions on them. This way, you don’t have to awkwardly pitch your greatness to contacts, they’ll be able to see it for themselves. © stock.adobe.com/Rawpixel.comNext >