< PreviousPRINT AND PACKAGING to read, could help visually impaired customers find the details they need more easily. Providing alternative means of accessing this information, such as braille or QR codes, will further link more people with sight related disabilities to your product’s benefits, ideals and backstory. Clarity and transparency should be an essential factor in both print and packaging, inclusive of every potential customer that comes your way. Even the keenest and most able of readers could be put off by unclear information, or too much or little of it. All the essentials, such as a product name, ingredients, usage instructions and any necessary safety warnings, should therefore be clearly printed and easily legible. These details should also be strategically and prominently placed to guide consumers’ eyes across the packaging, and towards the most critical information. Using appropriate font sizing and styles also enhance readability, while providing an opportunity to experiment. See what happens when you challenge yourself to make clear labelling and copy an expression of your brand’s unique vision and personality. The quality of your raw materials takes the excellence of your print and packaging design to a deeper level. Investing in best practice with printing techniques and materials ensures that print looks professional, and is set to outlast the product’s lifecycle. Durable print options can work even harder to maintain packaging’s appearance, preventing information from fading or smudging. Sturdy yet minimal packaging and labelling will assist you in being mindful of sustainability, as well as communicating your ethos to customers. Labels can be an especially touchy area for eco- friendliness, as some materials aren’t as recyclable as others. There are still plenty of safe and reliable options, including paper and cardboard. Especially if they are uncoated or have water-based adhesive, these labels can usually be processed along with other paper waste in recycling facilities. Print methods are equally varied in sustainability, whether applied to labels or directly to packaging; sustainable print techniques aim to minimise waste, energy consumption and the use of harmful chemicals wherever possible. Digital printing is a favoured eco-friendly option because it doesn’t require the creation of plates or the use of chemical-based inks, all while allowing for customisable on-demand printing, reducing waste and inventory space. Water-based inks have lower levels of volatile organic compounds than solvent-based varieties, and reduce the emission of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Soy-based and vegetable-based inks make an especially kind replacement for those that use chemicals such as petroleum, being both renewable and biodegradable. UV printing alternatively reduces the need for solvents by using ultraviolet light to cure inks instantly, eliminating the need for solvent-based drying methods, consuming less energy and emitting fewer harmful chemicals. The more adaptable, reclaimable and high quality your base materials are, the higher the chance they can be infinitely broken down and reused, provided you don’t opt to reduce and reuse from the outset. Making recyclable packaging from already recycled materials is known as circular packaging, based on the concept of a circular economy – one where as many materials as possible keep being reused in a continuous loop, never needing to go to waste. Even after every aspect has been decided and your final products are on shelves, the process doesn’t have to end there. Carrying out user testing reinforces a strong relationship between business and customer, and helps evaluate how effectively your packaging and print works together. Actively send out surveys and be open to spontaneous feedback from consumers, to assess how well the packaging communicated information or resonated with them. You never know where the spark of a unique refit or rebranding idea may come from, as the target audience of a product knows what it needs better than anyone else. 20 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukPRINT AND PACKAGING www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 2122 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk ENGINEERING SPOTLIGHT Finding new talent With Brexit preventing skilled migrant workers coming to the UK, the engineering sector has been struggling to find new talent. With critically small amounts of female and BAME engineers, however, there may be a market ripe for recruitment – if old barriers can be broken down. Finding new talent www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 23 ENGINEERING SPOTLIGHT L ast year has brought unique challenges to the engineering sector. A severe skills shortage, and a cost-of-living crisis has compounded vast reaching supply chain issues caused by the continued war in Ukraine and now tariffs from Trump. To survive this turbulent climate, the industry needs to address some deep- rooted issues that have plagued the engineering sector since its inception. Thankfully, some initiatives are beginning to take shape, such as outreach programmes and government funding. Yet, the entire industry needs to embrace them The UK engineering and manufacturing industry comprises a huge proportion of the working population – around 5 million people and 18% of the entire UK workforce. Despite this huge number, it is not enough to meet demand. The Institution of Engineering and Technology estimates that there is an average of 10 unfilled roles per business. A separate survey found that 96% of engineering firms are affected by skilled labour shortages, and 75% of independent contractors have had issues recruiting skilled workers. One reason for this massive shortage is the ongoing impact of Brexit. The UK has long leant on skilled European engineers, hailing from countries such as France, Poland, Romania, and Switzerland. When Brexit came into force, skilled European workers left the UK en masse, leaving behind millions of open positions. Whilst one of the main goals of Brexit was to encourage companies to invest in domestic workforce, the chronic lack of investment in recent years means that there is not a ready UK workforce to take the place of the EU workers. With over half of firms experiencing difficulties recruiting the right talent levels, it begs the question of why there is such a lack of skilled engineers domestically, and what can be done to address this. Firstly, there is an extreme lack of diversity across the sector. Women account for less than 15% of all UK engineers. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field has always had a significant gender imbalance, often arising from girls often being discouraged from pursuing these topics in school. Whilst only 20% of Engineering graduates are female, there is still a discrepancy between those who graduate and those who actually work in the field. Worse still, 40% of female engineering graduates will eventually quit the sector, or never even end up working in it. Research suggests that this is largely due to organisational culture. Male-dominated workplaces not used to accommodating women can feel unwelcoming and even hostile. Yet, in not accommodating women, this is turning away skilled labour that the sector cannot afford to lose. To avoid this, employers should be actively targeting female STEM graduates. Firms who do not actively target female candidates are likely to receive significantly fewer applications from women than those who do. Furthermore, being present at clubs and societies for female STEM workers (such as Women in Tech) increases visibility to the target population, and ensures the firm aligns themselves as a women’s ally. Even more underrepresented than women are those with registered disabilities. STEM industries employ 75% fewer people with disabilities than other industries. Given that workers with disabilities have adapted to work in an able-bodied environment, they have 24 Á24 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk ENGINEERING SPOTLIGHT already proven that they can overcome more significant challenges than the average person. This means that they may have a unique perspective on engineering, making those with disabilities extremely valuable staff members. Those from BAME backgrounds are also less likely to find engineering jobs. Despite 30% of engineering graduates being BAME, only 9% make it into the industry. This is best addressed in educational spaces. For example, Coventry University has a programme for BAME STEM students, to help them anticipate and navigate barriers to entry. Local firms could sponsor these workshops, giving information on what engineering jobs entail, and promoting employers who welcome diverse candidates. A way to encourage young, underrepresented people into engineering is through Higher Technical Qualifications. Although 40% of graduates have STEM degrees, there remains a shortage of medium skilled entrants into the industry. For those who do not want to attend University, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) improve young people’s readiness for work by teaching practical and practical skills. However, only 12% of UK students engage with this type of learning, compared to 36% in the US and 22% in Canada. This shortage could be explained by a lack of endorsement from schools. According to a survey, only 25% of 11 – 19-year-olds had heard about engineering from a career’s advisor. This discourages young people from considering engineering as a future career. The obvious solution would seem www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 25 ENGINEERING SPOTLIGHT to be increasing community outreach work. This could be through talks and workshops in schools, accepting more work experience placements, and sponsoring STEM school trips and awards programmes. This places the spotlight on both the sector and the business. Whilst the outlook for the engineering sector may seem bleak, there is hope on the horizon. The war in Ukraine has encouraged investment in domestic infrastructure, such as gas and electricity pipelines. Furthermore, industry leaders have pledged to accelerate investment in decarbonisation, as a bid to tackle climate change. These projects will include prioritising low-carbon heat, scaling up the availability of electric vehicle chargers, and low- carbon retrofit and refurbishment of commercial buildings. Healthy investment in the sector means that employers have the ability to dedicate time to outreach programmes and invest in apprenticeships and training. There is a ready and able workforce already out there, those people simply need a helping hand to get them through the door. 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk BUSINESS TRAVEL AND LEISURE O ver time video conferencing, webinars and other online tools have resulted in business travel abroad or further afield in the UK to lessen, but there are always some instances when a face-to-face meeting is best. Many companies prefer to initially meet new clients or partners in person before signing a contract or sealing that deal, or when collaborating within your own company and the other staff is overseas, meeting them in person helps team building. Whichever situation it is, it can be difficult and stressful if the meeting is further afield in the UK or especially if it’s in a foreign country with very different customs and etiquette to the UK - but there are strategies that can help business travellers succeed. Firstly, become as culturally aware as possible with business meeting protocols and hierarchy, gender differences, how to build a relationship and social etiquette as knowledge about these helps to avoid a potentially costly faux pas, and of course, wherever a business meeting takes place, first impressions always count. Initially, research the internet, books or online apps about new or international etiquette, read articles in magazines or online, and where possible ask questions of colleagues, or of anyone else who may have visited the place or country for work purpose. Also, when you arrive at the destination where the meeting or conference is occurring make the most of asking taxi drivers, waiters and especially a hotel concierge for further help if required; locals are generally proud and happy to give you the best advice about how to behave and fit in, in their home country or area, and further help a person to avoid the inexperienced or ignorant ‘tourist on tour’ vibe. Specific training, usually from experts who have lived and worked in a country or area/regional office, can also be sourced for staff needing specific or a more in-depth understanding of a new culture for a meeting that needs to be handled extra delicately. This training will cover cultural awareness as well as focusing on any gender specific challenges abroad and of course gives attendees a chance to ask additional, The world is opening up once more and it’s important to know how to take advantage of that. 28 Áwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 27 BUSINESS TRAVEL AND LEISURE28 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk more complicated questions relevant to the challenges that maybe encountered. There are often definitive expectations when attending business meetings away, such as how a business traveller should dress, with possible additional restrictions for women in certain cultures. A few general rules for all are to dress smartly and conservatively, avoiding whacky shirts, ties, socks, accessories and footwear, unless that is expected, for example in the fashion world. The weather is also something to be considered as sweat marks from overheating is not a good look and will cause discomfort, as can being too cold. Always match the fabric to the weather, for instance in a humid country or hot climate natural fabrics like cotton are better to wear and more comfortable. Where possible, pack lightly as many regular business travellers never check luggage in if flying, only taking a carry- on bag, avoiding the risk of the airline losing essential bags, equipment and business wear. Carry only an appropriately clean, smart briefcase or bag to hold paperwork, electronics and files into the meeting itself, being aware if it’s appropriate to put the bag on the table or better to place it on your lap or, if necessary, on the floor. Always be punctual to any meetings or dinners. When you arrive at your destination look at travel times and routes, and allow time for delays, such as in India where cows have a right of way and hold up traffic as many gods and goddesses are associated with the cow, or in Germany where autobahn drivers are free to go as fast as they want in de-restricted sections but in BUSINESS TRAVEL AND LEISUREwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 29 many areas 80 mph per hour is the speed and of course road works and diversions can crop up anywhere. Some travel dates are unavoidable so research if the country you are visiting, or area in the UK, is celebrating a specific religious or national occasion, such as Ramadan – this is where Muslims don’t drink or eat between dawn and sunset – therefore a business lunch would be out of the question and inviting someone who is honouring Ramadan to a lunch would be deemed rude and ignorant. So, learning about local dining customs and etiquette is essential as dining out often forms an important part of business culture. Adjusting expectations relating to a different country’s culture is also helpful. For instance, in China it can take time to build a relationship with the often more reserved Chinese people, so be patient. In France it goes a long way to learn a few words of French, if not apologise for the lack of fluency, and in Germany, during meetings, communication is serious and direct, so avoid jokes. Overall, working abroad, or further afield in the UK, can be interesting and a lot of fun but it’s vital to be aware that people differ from other countries, cultures and regions and often have different expectations and expect an effort is made to meet these, as it would be hoped any visitor to the UK would do the same. Taking time to research the area, wear the correct clothes, prepare ahead for the meeting and learn the correct etiquette for a meal could mean the world of difference and affect the outcome of a business deal, turning it from negative to positive. BUSINESS TRAVEL AND LEISURENext >