< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk PRINTING AND PACKAGING managing the printing and packaging process. The latest technology not only increases efficiency and speed but also helps to produce high-quality prints and packaging. Of course, this can get expensive, both in terms of equipment and the labour necessary to run it, which is why so many businesses turn to outside specialists for their printing needs. Outside agencies and graphic designers can further improve the usability of packaging by making it easy to open, close, and recycle, and by including clear and concise product information, such as ingredients, warnings, and instructions. This would enhance the customer experience of using a product, which is likely to translate into brand loyalty. If hiring designers falls outside of the company’s budget, it may be useful to source internally. A design team could be set up, comprised of employees with an eye for marketing and product development. This saves the outlay but allows for new ideas to be put forward. Setting up an internal design team has the added benefit of diversifying employee roles and giving them a creative outlet, which may improve job satisfaction. Once the design process has been streamlined, it may be prudent to consider production and quality control processes for printing and packaging. Streamlining the production process can help a company to increase efficiency and reduce costs. This can include investing in automated printing and packaging equipment, improving packaging consistency. Companies can also consider implementing lean manufacturing principles, such as Just-In-Time (JIT) and Total Quality Management (TQM), to 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 12:49 Page 3www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link PRINTING AND PACKAGING further improve production efficiency. Quality control is essential in printing and packaging, as it is a consumers’ first experience of a company’s products. Implementing quality control processes could include a robust quality management system, hiring skilled quality control personnel, and investing in testing equipment. Companies can also consider implementing a customer feedback system to receive regular feedback on packaging quality and make necessary improvements. Finally, brands should focus on investing in sustainable printing and packaging methods. Sustainability has become a critical factor in the printing and packaging industry, and companies must focus on eco-friendly practices to stay ahead of the competition. This can include using eco- friendly materials (such as cardboard, bamboo, and recycled plastic) reducing waste, and implementing energy-efficient printing processes. Companies can also consider certifying their products with sustainability certifications, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Rainforest Alliance. It can be tempting to shy away from investment in the current economic climate, but this attitude is one that has persisted for years now. If it was “not the right time” during the pandemic and “not the right time” after it, and it’s still “not the right time” now then that might mean 3-4 years since the last assessment of packaging, or promotional brand material, and that is time enough for technology to have changed, and for practices to have become outdated. Innovation is key, and staying ahead of the game comes a close second. With energy prices soaring, even the smallest saving can lead to quantifiable results. © stock.adobe.com/Chaosamran_Studio 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 12:49 Page 4 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK GWM ORA Funky Cat 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 12:51 Page 1GWM ORA Funky Cat Your first impression is probably like ours: any car called the Funky Cat cannot be taken seriously. But let’s not be hasty – as everything about this car suggests it could be the exception. Great Wall Motor (GWM) might be a company you’ve never heard of. Still, it’s been in business for nearly 40 years. And although it mainly makes SUVs under several brand names, it’s produced several feline-themed all-electric cars under its ORA marque. The Funky Cat is the only one heading to Great Britain – and believe it or not, it looks fantastic. For now, there’s one trim called ‘First Edition’, but this will be a limited supply before it’s replaced, likely with three new grades called Pro, Pro+ and GT. The edition on sale now comes with 18-inch alloys, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital There is no escaping the fact that electric vehicles (EVs) will be the norm soon, whether we like it or not. Why? Well, the UK is set to only produce non- combustion engine cars from 2030. No doubt many of us will hang on to our trusty liquid-fuelled vehicles, but if you’re feeling like going down electric avenue, here are three enlivening EVs to whet your automotive appetite. 44 Á www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 12:51 Page 2 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK instrument cluster. It also has LED headlights, a wireless charger, leatherette seats, keyless entry and start, and electric front seats. ORA is taking orders on its website and setting up shops within several UK dealerships. Hyundai Ioniq 6 If you remember Hyundai’s first attempt at an electric car, you will probably know that the Ioniq (which was launched without a number designation) was entirely forgettable. It was unveiled as a self-charging hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric variant, but the actual car beneath the bonnet could have been better. Expectations were low after that, so the automotive world let out a large groan when Hyundai announced the Ioniq 5. However, that moan soon turned into open-mouthed amazement. The Ioniq 5 was superb, applying dizzying futuristic looks with exceptionally long range, fantastic drivability, and ultra-fast charging speeds. It is hoped that the magic has transferred into the Ioniq 6, which, unlike its sibling, is a swept-back coupe-shaped four-door saloon measuring 4,855mm long. Hyundai calls it an “Electrified Streamliner”. It refers to the car’s aerodynamic coefficient of just 0.21, which is only fractionally behind the Mercedes-Benz EQS’s 0.209. This figure makes the Benz the most aerodynamically efficient production car on the planet. The 6 is available to order in the UK now, with the first models set to hit British roads this year. If Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 is anything to go by, the Ioniq 6 will undoubtedly be one to watch. Hyundai Ioniq 6 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 12:51 Page 3www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK BMW iX1 BMW’s march towards electrification has continued with the launch of the iX1, coinciding with an overhaul of the X1 petrol model on which it’s based. While not all fossil-fuelled cars translate easily into all-electric versions, BMW has already transplanted electric motors into its larger sibling, the iX3. It is a recipe that has worked well there. So, we’re hopeful the iX1 will deliver more of the same, proving a worthy adversary to the likes of the Audi Q4 e- tron, the Tesla Model Y, the Mercedes- Benz EQA and the Volvo XC40 Recharge. Although we’re expecting more models to come along soon, notably a two-wheel drive version, only one edition is being offered at launch: the xDrive30. If you’re fluent in BMW lingo, you’ll know xDrive means four-wheel drive. So that means a couple of electric motors, one driving the front wheels and one driving the rears. The result is a mightily impressive 313PS. The all-new BMW iX1 can be yours from £52,950 in entry-level xLine trim. While that may sound steep, the headline price is a bit misleading because future variants yet to be released are likely to be cheaper. The impressive 313PS gets the Bimmer from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, which is good, although we should clarify that it’s only 313PS for ten seconds. The all-new iX1 is satisfying to drive and zips about nicely, with a smooth ride that allows for good handling. This trio of electric cars is just a tiny taster of what’s on the market – and EVs will only keep improving. All we need now is a decent network of charging hubs across the county – but that’s an article for another time! BMW iX1 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 12:51 Page 4 East Midlands Business Link CORPORATE HOSPITALITY I t is vital that authentic diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are at the forefront of businesses’ minds and policies in 2023, with numerous articles, statistics and studies revealing that it is still not taken seriously enough. Not only is it the right thing to do, but with employees seeking jobs with, and customers looking to work with, firms that mirror their values, it is critical to success, expanding perspectives and ideas within a business, and building a positive company culture. Staff that feel included also experience increased morale and job satisfaction, and as Mike McCloy, senior account manager at Maximillion, the corporate event management business, says: “Openness to diversity and inclusion allows you to access, capture and retain the best talent in the job market. It moreover helps staff to feel comfortable and willing to engage, meaning you can empower your business and staff simultaneously.” The need to commit to DEI extends to a company’s corporate hospitality efforts, allowing all potential attendees to feel welcome and catered for. There are a plethora of ways to ensure inclusion at a business event, and having knowledge of your audience is crucial to the planning phase. A detailed registration form or a pre-event survey can help make sure you are able to consider attendees’ cultures and faiths, provide support for people with disabilities, and establish if translation services are required. With thorough research you can get a complete picture of your delegates’ needs. Looking closer at different aspects of business events, choosing an accessible venue is a key priority. All guests should be able to enter the building or location with ease — this is something that can sometimes be overlooked when selecting older buildings that lack certain facilities such as step-free access via ramps and Is your event Embracing inclusivity is key to a successful event. 46-48.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 12:53 Page 1East Midlands Business Link CORPORATE HOSPITALITY assess the signage on bathroom doors, if attendees will list personal pronouns on name badges, and whether questions during an event are phrased in a way inclusive of all genders and orientations. These small considerations emphasise a firm’s willingness to go above and beyond for guests. Catering is another area for thought. The larger the event, the more diets will likely need to be accommodated. This may involve religious requirements for © stock.adobe.com/Jacob Lund 48 Á lifts, and accessible toilets. If you know that any of your delegates have a specific disability, make sure to plan ahead so any accommodations can be put in place. One will thus want to seek out venues with accessible facilities and amenities, in addition to those that allow for nearby drop-off points and close public transport. It is also valuable to consider a venue with quiet spaces, for when a guest may need to pray, reflect, meditate or simply find a quiet place, and whether it is gender and LGBTQ inclusive. You may want to © stock.adobe.com/okrasiuk 46-48.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 12:53 Page 2 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY food, allergies, dietary restrictions such as lactose and gluten intolerance, lifestyle choices like veganism, and more. To gain a view of these, one could ask all attendees to fill out a dietary requirement form when they RSVP to the event. It is also helpful to keep a few spares of each type of meal on hand, in case of any errors. Alongside food, drinks options should be provided for all. With many people choosing to follow sober lifestyles for personal and religious reasons, a blend of alcoholic and soft drinks, as well as readily available water can ensure everyone has a good time. Furthermore, if there is an open bar, it is important to remind staff that they should act responsibly to maintain a comfortable and fun environment. When it comes to any content at events (training, speeches, etc.) organisers should look to use blended materials to appeal to all attendees, alongside inclusive language. A sign language translator may also be required as well as programmes using large print or Braille. Meanwhile presentations and parties should avoid lights that will be painful for people with epilepsy or sensitivity to light. When organising content and booking speakers it is also important to promote the ideas of people from diverse backgrounds. As you aim to incorporate more DEI into your corporate hospitality it is likely a business will not get everything in place or correct all of the time. Asking for and adjusting to feedback and showing a willingness to improve will allow your events to evolve to promote true inclusion, something that will only have a positive effect on your business in the long term. Moreover, instead of using guesswork, reaching out for insight from a DEI committee, another advocacy group, and conducting research can help ensure the most welcoming environment. © stock.adobe.com/Rawpixel.com 46-48.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 12:53 Page 3FEATURES Petrochemical Spotlight Freight, Storage & Movement Materials & Components Finance Legal Services REGULARS Commercial Property Motoring Corporate Hospitality Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in March 2023 - Deadline 22nd February Visit us at www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk 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 49.qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2023 12:54 Page 1Next >