< Previous50 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY W ith many employees now working from home or furloughed, it is easy to lose contact and reduce communication to only necessary emails between departments and managers. Sure, this seems like nothing major in the short term, but with no end yet in site for social distancing, one could return to the workplace months from now with a disjointed team, who have developed and experienced serious feelings of isolation, lacking the synergy required for a smooth, efficient workflow. Business Link has touched upon the importance of team building and employee engagement in our corporate hospitality features before, for facilitating bonding, collaboration, motivation, strengthening communication and more, however this usually refers to taking part in events such as escape rooms, sports days, activities out in nature et al. - essentially tasks that will involve being physically close or in contact with others. While the world remains in quarantine, this does not mean that one should stop team events, as emerging as a strong, cohesive team after quarantine will be vital, to take on the new challenges that adjusting back into the “real world” will throw up in the air. Something as simple as weekly team Zoom or Slack meetings, virtual coffee breaks, lunches and happy hours are a good start, to build rapport and get the team reconnected, engaged, motivated and as a result productive (just ensure these are not only business related). But there are a lot of fun things one can establish and take part in at a distance to bring staff together. Consider a regular virtual pub quiz hosted by team leaders, the boss, or rotate the title of quizmaster between employees. You could even turn this into a charity quiz, to benefit your local community. Ice breaker games are also easy to put in place remotely, like two truths and a lie, and there are a wide variety of online games and apps available on mobiles and laptops that one could integrate into your virtual team building, for instance HouseParty. To foster the competitive spirit often present on team building days, simply split up employees into teams, mixing up departments. Pictionary is a classic, with lots of sites online providing a virtual forum for this game. More intense, ready-made, online team building experiences have been set up online using video conferencing such as remote murder mystery events. Business Link has also come across an online scavenger hunt type team event that can Lockdown team building As many of us work remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, team building can be left by the wayside. But the benefits of these activities should not be forgotten, especially if you want to return to the workplace with a cohesive team when lockdown ends. 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 07/05/2020 11:10 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 51 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY be done from the home. Teams use a digital partner app to communicate with one another and dish out missions, with online chats, video conferencing and messaging. These missions - from photo to quiz and puzzle challenges - cannot be completed independently, requiring teamwork and strong communication, as well as a creative mind. There are a further wide range of virtual alternatives being created online, including virtual museum tours which you could all “attend” together, playing a game of museum bingo at the same time, live streamed concerts, classes and Netflix parties. One might start an online book club or with lockdown keeping us rather sedimentary, arrange regular online exercise sessions over video chat, led perhaps by a live instructor. Some will see online team building as less than ideal, but it does come with its benefits. For example, you will avoid many of the problems and hurdles that arise when organising team building events in the “real world,” such as high expenses, location choice and accessibility - though timing will still be of consideration with many taking care of children and relatives. If finding a time to suit everyone becomes difficult, consider switching up when you host your online chats or events each week to give as many people a chance to participate as possible. A motivated and enthused workforce is more likely to be able to react to challenges, and with the world facing one of its biggest in recent history, it is certainly not the time to ditch those all- important team building, morale boosting exercises. Working from home indefinitely is also likely to affect the mental health of your staff. With a hole where day to day office culture and casual interactions that help us connect once were, you will need to build a strong virtual community. We may be social distancing, but that is no reason to leave staff in social isolation, a state in which one can become more susceptible to anxiety, depression and which can affect the immune system. © Shutterstock /Girts Ragelis 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 07/05/2020 11:10 Page 252 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK T he continuing coronavirus crisis has been claimed by many as the biggest upheaval of the British economy since World War Two, a statement backed up by new car sales – something of an economic bellwether. New figures have shown that in the wake of the social distancing and lockdown measures introduced by government, new car registrations dropped to their lowest monthly level since 1946. According to preliminary figures from industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), only 4,000 cars were registered in the UK for the whole month of April – a ninety-seven per cent decline from the same month in 2019 where 161,065 new cars were registered. Though the decline is partly attributed to a decline in consumer registrations after car dealerships were closed as part of social distancing measures, corporate registrations have also declined significantly. However, the figures show that seventy per cent of the 4,000 registrations recorded for April were from companies buying for their fleets. On the surface, this might suggest that fleet operators are putting post- lockdown steps in place, but Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, told the BBC that these cars most likely would have been on order before the lockdown. A spokesperson from the industry body also stated that many of the 4,000 cars sold in April were required to support key workers and, also, for those who had a pressing need for them. With potential easings of the lockdown anticipated in the coming weeks and the continuing need for key Stuck at the starting line We break down the startling new car registration figures and explore how major car makers are responding to the pandemic. 52-54.qxp_Layout 1 07/05/2020 11:13 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 53 AUTOLINK © Shutterstock /welcomia workers to remain mobile, the registration figures for May will certainly make for interesting reading. Where the future is concerned, the SMMT anticipates 2020 to record a total of 1.68 million new car registrations compared with the 2.3 million seen in 2019. Even the most optimistic forecasts still anticipate a drastic reduction in new car sales as major carmakers shutter production sites in the first quarter of the year, and lockdown measures mean showrooms were closed to the public, effectively putting all new car sales online. However, there is some early signs that the motoring industry is getting back to normal with the supply chain starting to re-open and staff at some UK car manufacturers returning to work in early May. Despite this, Mr Hawes told the BBC that the start of full production is a long way off as manufacturers try and puzzle out how to begin operations in a safe environment. The pandemic is a far reaching and unforeseen crisis which has racked almost every industry. Taken alone it would be bad enough, but for the motoring industry, it has confounded a number of underlying issues. Even before the pandemic took hold, the industry was struggling with falling sales as demand dropped for diesel vehicles amid overall difficulties in trying to meet new emissions targets. How has the industry responded? With production shuttered and showrooms closed, car makers have few 54 Á 52-54.qxp_Layout 1 07/05/2020 11:13 Page 254 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK other choices on their hands. Fortunately, many of the biggest marques have joined the fight against coronavirus, switching manufacturing output to personal protective equipment (PPE) and other crucial medical equipment such as ventilators for patients and frontline healthcare staff. As the nation’s biggest vehicle maker, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) was in a position to make the motoring industry’s biggest contribution during the pandemic and, indeed, that’s exactly what it’s done. In April, JLR began delivering its own-design 3D printed protective visors to NHS staff. It is also producing protective masks for frontline workers which, it says, it hopes to increase to 5,000 units a week. Moreover, the car maker has made the design files open source, allowing other firms to produce them. As if this wasn’t already enough, JLR has also upped the number of vehicles it has loaned to support services such as the NHS and British Red Cross. Elsewhere, Vauxhall has shifted several its staff members to a medical device maker to help boost production of ventilators for the NHS. To further assist the NHS, the company has made temporary changes to its dealer network to prioritise health service staff and slashing the cost of all servicing and repairs. Aston Martin, arguably the high benchmark of British motoring, has designed and is manufacturing a range of PPE for front-line health workers. Moreover, the car maker is also developing an intubation shield and is 3D printing visors and gowns for hospitals. Rolls-Royce is also producing visor kits and providing cars to local charities and NHS services. Ford’s UK arm is also offering vehicles to help ambulance services, local councils, care homes and police forces, while Nissan is offering free roadside assistance to NHS and key workers driving any of its vehicles. Although staff at many car makers have been transitioned to making PPE and other equipment, not all workers have been so lucky with many across the motoring interesting currently on furlough. These included workers at several Formula 1 teams – such as Racing Point and McLaren – whilst some drivers and senior staff have been met with temporary pay cuts. The idea is that by taking these measures in the short-term, jobs can be safeguarded in the long- term. © Shutterstock /G-Stock Studio 52-54.qxp_Layout 1 07/05/2020 11:13 Page 3FEATURES Agri-Business Spotlight Construction Machinery & Equipment Insurance Logistics Health & Safety Business Advice Experts REGULARS Commercial Property Corporate Hospitality Motoring Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in June 2020 - Deadline 20th May 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 55.qxp_Layout 1 07/05/2020 11:15 Page 1OUT OF OFFICE Documentary to shine spotlight on East Mids housebuilding after lockdown Post lockdown housebuilding will be the focus of a new mini-documentary shot across the East Midlands. Firms and tradespeople will both feature, looking at how they have countered the challenges brought about by COVID-19. Filmmaker Nick Kirk, whose company Consumer King are behind the project, said: “Throughout history, the building trades have invariably been a good indicator of the wider economy, so we will be keen to show the vital role they play while the UK recovers from the economic slump caused by COVID-19. “New builds in particular, are an incredibly important part of our immediate future, given government targets to arrest the national housing shortage. We want to show the precision and craft that goes into each home, from roofing to carpet fitting. “Within the film we will highlight first time buyers too, because purchasing a first home is usually a significant milestone. There’s excitement, trepidation and many learning curves, all worthy elements of film. “We have seen footage of similar documentaries from other eras so to capture the modern era will hopefully provide valuable historical comparisons.” Lubrizol donates vital PPE to help the fight against Coronavirus Derbyshire specialty chemical company Lubrizol UK has made its own donation to the fight against Coronavirus by donating hundreds of items of PPE to frontline NHS health workers and community volunteers. Staff from Lubrizol, based in Hazelwood, handed over the 40 boxes of latex gloves, 120 face masks and 80 pairs of safety glasses when they paid a visit to the Royal Hospital in Derby. Prior to this, the company made a donation of 2,000 latex gloves to a new community group, Loughborough Against Corona, whose 250 members are working with the NHS to deliver prescriptions and other goods to vulnerable people living in and around Loughborough, while its on-site caterer, Wilson Vale Catering, also prepared hot lunches for vulnerable people in early days of the outbreak. The donations are part of a vast $2m commitment on behalf of Lubrizol’s global headquarters, which are based in Ohio, USA, to help community initiatives engaged in stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus across the world. Alison Fisher, general manager of Lubrizol UK, said: “I’m extremely proud of the way our company has come together during this time to help our community. “I personally delivered boxes of gloves to Loughborough Against Corona, and it was extremely rewarding and inspiring to know that they are helping to look after the more vulnerable members of society. “These are unprecedented times for everybody and it has been very inspiring to see how our colleagues have continued our important work and helped their local communities with zero reduction in productivity.” 56 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk © Shutterstock /pang_oasis Silverstone Technology Cluster business network comes together Businesses from the Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC) are pulling together to source and manufacture crucial supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) for front-line healthcare workers across Northamptonshire. In a co-ordinated effort by the STC, its chair Roz Bird contacted 3,000 businesses across the Cluster region (the one-hour drive time radius from Silverstone) to ask if they could assist with PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 50 from the network have responded saying they have the capability to help – in particular, in being able to supply 14 items highlighted by NHS management in Northants. Already 500kg of polypropylene – donated by South Yorks business Polypipe – has arrived at the Silverstone Park business estate for distribution amongst some of the businesses, this being co-ordinated by STC Board member KW Special Projects. Polypropylene can be turned into headbands for face shields/visors. However, the STC is urgently on the look-out for other raw materials to produce more items such as PET (for shields/visors) and PVA (body bags). In Northants, the STC’s co-ordinated effort could aid supplies to: two hospitals; 100 care homes; 300 residential care homes; 100 domiciliary care homes; 72 GP practices; two acute care homes; private care homes; two mental health care homes; all social workers; environmental health officers; the police; firefighters; medical staff from the armed forces. MEPC’s Roz, also commercial director of STC founding member Silverstone Park, explained: “This is a co-ordinated response from the STC to a national crisis which we have called the STC C-19 Response Team. “We have held a number of discussions with the PPE ‘lead’ for Northants and, having then assessed the offers from businesses in response to our call to action, we know that collectively they have the capabilities to deliver.” Alison Fisher, general manager of Lubrizol UK Filmmaker Nick Kirk 56-57.qxp_Layout 1 07/05/2020 11:16 Page 1Coalville-based housebuilder donates hundreds of defibrillators Barratt Developments Plc is donating 400 defibrillators from its sites across the UK to help in the fight against Coronavirus. The company is donating the defibrillators, usually used on its construction sites, to St John Ambulance. Amongst the contribution are 21 defibrillators from Barratt Homes North Midlands’ developments across Lincolnshire and beyond which have been distributed to the health and first aid charity. St John Ambulance is now on the frontline supporting people and communities through coronavirus, helping to take the strain from the NHS. It has started a nationwide appeal – called Take the Strain – to source desperately needed equipment to help it in the vital role it is playing, including 1,000 defibrillators. Responding to the call for help, the housebuilder has committed to donating the defibrillators from all its sites – an estimated 400 worth more than £300,000. Teams from Barratt are urgently gathering up the defibrillators from their sites across the country so they can get them to where they are needed in the next few days. As part of its response to support the fight against coronavirus, Barratt Developments has also donated £100,000 to the NHS Charities Together appeal. NHS Charities Together supports 250 NHS charities across the UK collectively, giving money every day to the NHS so that people can stay well for longer and get better faster. It also plays a key role in mobilising volunteers to support NHS staff and support mental health, community health and ambulance trusts. These moves follow an earlier initiative from the housebuilder to donate personal protective items, including thousands of high quality FFP3 face masks, gloves and hand sanitiser, to local NHS hospitals and social care services across the country. David Thomas, Chief Executive of Barratt Developments, said: “We are pleased to be able to donate this equipment where it is urgently needed – to help St John Ambulance who are on the frontline, supporting the NHS and helping to save lives. We are seeing an amazing collective effort by businesses, communities and individuals in the fight against coronavirus and we want to play our part in that.” OUT OF OFFICE www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 57 SEGRO, an owner, manager and developer of warehousing and industrial space, has launched a new £10 million fund to mark its centenary which will be used over the next decade to make a positive impact within communities across the UK and Continental Europe – including in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. Most of the first year’s funding of more than £1 million will be allocated to projects which provide emergency relief and which will help address the longer-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the SEGRO Centenary Fund investment will be administered via partnerships with Community Foundations. A substantial contribution will also be made via the LandAid Emergency COVID-19 Fund. In Leicestershire SEGRO is partnering with Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, an independent charity which enables local philanthropy by giving grants to “unsung unseen” charitable and voluntary groups that keep cities and counties healthy, safe and thriving. The Community Foundation also helps to identify charity partners which will make immediate and meaningful interventions within Leicestershire communities. The SEGRO Centenary Fund was originally intended to be launched on 19 May to coincide with the 100th anniversary of SEGRO’s establishment, however the plans have been revised to provide urgent support to members of the community who are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first year, funds will be used to help a variety of charities to provide basic necessities, such as food, medicines and household essentials, and to support other initiatives which will help alleviate the impact of the crisis. In the longer term, the fund will focus on community projects which help young and disadvantaged people into employment and will create community spaces to support people’s training, health and wellbeing. Broker firm launches new scheme to help the NHS Financial services broker, Midlands Asset Finance (MAF), has launched its new ‘Help to Supply’ scheme. Aimed at providing the NHS and its staff with additional equipment, the scheme will see MAF partner with professional firms across the country. Where a new customer is introduced by a partner that has signed up to the scheme, MAF will donate 15% of the income they earn on every completed transaction. The donations will be put into a central NHS ‘pot’ and distributed amongst a variety of NHS Trusts to purchase equipment. After speaking to the selected Trusts, MAF will then arrange to purchase the equipment that has been chosen and arrange for its delivery. Director and head of professional services, Stewart Good, added: “Being married to a frontline worker in the NHS, I fully understand the importance of having access to the latest technology and equipment to ensure the best possible care can be provided, both now and in the future. “All contributions – no matter how small – add up, and just one piece of equipment at a hospital can make a massive difference to those in need.” MAF director, Dave Chapman, added: “As a business, we’re really proud of what we’re trying to achieve with this scheme. “This is about professional sectors coming together to help a service that continues to stoically serve this country, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.” Defibrillators being handed over by Build Manager, Mike Attfield, before being distributed to St John Ambulance. © Shutterstock /Marbury © Shutterstock /Jacob_09 56-57.qxp_Layout 1 07/05/2020 11:16 Page 2Here’s Frazer’s monthly collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks - perhaps needed now more than ever to lighten our spirits! And finally The world of Frazer A potato for a boss? Why not? Video meetings have become commonplace as businesses try to stay connected with employees and clients during lockdown and have rather unintentionally been a key source of hilarity for Frazer this month. Frazer’s favourite moment came as a woman shared a screenshot of a Microsoft Teams meeting on Twitter, in which her boss managed to accidentally turn herself into a potato. Unable to undo it, she remained a spud for the entire meeting. I’m sure it was in no way distracting at all! The picture has received hundreds of thousands of likes and shares - as it rightly deserves. 58 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk © SHUTTERSTOCK/ WAYHOME STUDIO A donation from an intriguing source Many businesses have stepped up to the plate over the past month to provide the NHS with the vital equipment it requires amidst the Coronavirus crisis. However, Frazer has stumbled across a donation from a slightly different firm than one might expect to be turned to in the pandemic. A medical fetish company has presented its entire stock of disposable scrubs to the NHS after being contacted by procurement representatives. The company did rather poignantly highlight on Twitter, and good on them for doing so, what Frazer is sure many of you are thinking: “When we, a tiny company set up to serve a small section of the kink community, find ourselves being sought out as a last-resort supplier to our National Health Service in a time of crisis, something is seriously wrong. In fact it’s scandalous.” © SHUTTERSTOCK/ STEVE CUKROV For f***s sake In a catch up over Zoom with colleagues last month, providing some rather light-hearted news, Frazer heard how linguists had found one of the first written records of the f- word. A poem in a National Library of Scotland vault features the word, recorded by George Bannatyne in 1568 in the Bannatyne Manuscript, put together after a plague had quarantined him to his house. This is almost too eerily similar to current times for Frazer - who knows maybe the next popular swear word will be conjured up in our own quarantine. In ‘The Flyting of Dunbar and Kennedy’, Walter Kennedy, great grandson of King Robert III, names poet William Dunbar a “wan fukkit funling.” How delightful. 58.qxp_Layout 1 07/05/2020 11:17 Page 1Flexible Office Space Huntingdon House is located just a few minutes’ walk from The Lace Market area of Hockley and the Victoria Centre in Nottingham. The building was constructed in the 1950’s with shops to the ground floor and offices on the first and second floors. We have a professional and friendly business community and strive to maintain high standards throughout the Centre and its facilities which are supported by our reception staff. Offices to Let At the moment there are a range of offices available which vary in size from approximately 150 sq. ft. to 1000 sq. ft. some of which can be occupied on a monthly rolling licence (subject to contract), our terms are very competitive. We offer flexible working solutions for small and start-up businesses and can provide you with a professional presence in Nottingham at very affordable prices. Subject to agreement, the licence fee can include all utilities, telephone connection and broadband; meaning your only additional costs would be for telephone calls made and use of Reception support services. Virtual Office We can also provide a Virtual Office for your company - an address away from your home, a dedicated telephone line, message taking – calls answered in your company name – which all adds up to being able to give a professional image not to mention supporting you whilst you concentrate on work! Costs vary depending on the services required, but can include message taking, call diverting to accommodation address facility and mail forwarding etc. All our business support services such as mail franking, photocopying, meeting room hire can be used when required (at an extra cost). Meeting and Conference Rooms area available for hire by the hour, day or week for you to meet your clients in professional surroundings. Meeting Rooms We have two meeting rooms available at competitive rates; one to accommodate up to 14 persons with desks or 25 theatre style; the layout can be changed to suit your needs, the other to accommodate 6 persons. Both have air conditioning and equipment can also be provided for example projectors and note pads. Both rooms are close to kitchens or if you prefer, refreshments can be provided. Huntingdon House Business Centre 278-290, Huntingdon Street, Nottingham, NG1 3LY 0115 9934200 reception@huntingdonhousebusinesscentre.co.uk huntingdonhousebusinesscentre.co.uk 59.qxp_Layout 1 07/05/2020 11:18 Page 1Next >