< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk SECURITY doors and windows but this is only a starter, and extra security measures need be considered where possible and affordable. The main options to secure a building include alarm systems, cameras systems and lighting sensors as these physical systems installed correctly in and around a building are very important as they give not only your employees a sense of security but customers also – and if a building was to be broken into with the perpetrator(s) intending to not only harm the building and contents but possibly the occupants too, the physical security measures that are in place, which can include security guards and emergency action buttons connecting directly to a security company’s HQ – really do help and either make a criminal think twice or totally deter them. So it is important to be aware that physical security of a building, business and staff is vital and stops not only the theft of valuable time, money, and information but possible injury or loss of life too. Another important thing is to ensure physical security is relevant to the type of business premises that are at risk. No one wants their building to be broken into when it’s unoccupied so cameras that can be watched 24 hours a day from remote offices or at home, provide great security to buildings on an industrial site where often, at night, the site is empty of all personnel including security guards. There are many other security measures that can also be installed with the first step being to ensure that you have a solid building structure with, where possible, steel doors and window frames, fencing and gates alongside strong, durable fencing, quality security lighting around a business’s perimeter with vehicle barriers, vehicle height-restrictors, restricted access points and trenches, with warning signs or window stickers – all will be additional assets in putting off criminals, especially opportunists. A quality intruder alarm system is another option to consider investing in, as well as security cameras and video surveillance systems installed at all access points to record suspicious activity - recordings or videos are also helpful for review after any break-ins or issues and action can then be taken accordingly. Cameras can be hidden from sight and concealed by computers and books, or guttering and chimneys outside. However a camera outside, which is securely 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2023 09:34 Page 3www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link SECURITY installed, but is inaccessible and clearly visible to everyone, is a great deterrent and reassurance to staff. Also fire alarm systems should be considered for business premises to protect staff, buildings and insurance premiums - and it’s important that both business owners and employees take responsibility to ensure all doors and windows are closed and secured behind them when being the last to exit the building. Vandalism, deliberate destruction of or damage to public and private property, is another possibly more recently developing crime where deliberate damage to a business property, as well as personal, includes painting such as graffiti, smashing windows and lighting, removing/bending signage or ornamentation, breaking windows and other fenestration, or defacing other parts of a building including any parked vehicles in a business’s car park, as well as dumping rubbish on sites. All these are crimes and a result of anti-social behaviour which is on the rise so naturally cameras, well-lit premises and/or sensory lighting, strong fences and windows and extra protection on walls again help. It is also within a business owners’ right to set up spikes, barbed or razor wire on top of fencing or walls as long as it is in the area owned by the business and not a public place and remembering there are legalities around doing such a thing as there is a duty of discharge to be undertaken such as clearly warning people that the hazard exists, and that they can easily see and read this clear notice saying something like: ‘Caution: danger of injury from barbed wire/fence spikes’ erected where the wire/spikes exist. Surveillance cameras will verify that the wire or spikes have been set up correctly by the business and that signage is clear offering further additional preventative measures in and around an appropriate site. The protection of personnel, hardware, software, networks, data, buildings and premises from criminal actions and events that could cause serious loss or damage to an enterprise, agency or institution can all be avoided or restricted through; preparation, detection, deterrence, delay, and defence, and where possible a security plan drawn up that layers different key elements of all the security options available ensuring a business the longest lasting protection and the safest out-come. © stock.adobe.com/Animaflora PicsStock 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2023 09:34 Page 4 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Mazda MX-5 Kizuna New motors We take a look at some of the new motors that might be hitting our roads this year. 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2023 09:36 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK Mazda MX-5 Kizuna The 2023 Mazda MX-5 range has been enhanced with the launch of the limited edition MX-5 Kizuna, which arrives in UK dealerships next month. Based on the 1.5-litre 132ps Exclusive-Line Roadster, the £30,265 Kizuna features a stand-out design that includes free-of-charge Deep Crystal Blue or Machine Grey paint matched to a premium blue fabric hood. Drop the roof and the Kizuna’s Light Stone Nappa leather further complements the exterior colour and 16- inch bright alloy wheels. The Kizuna goes on sale alongside the 10-model 2023 Mazda MX-5 line-up that features the newly named Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura trim levels. Both the Roadster and Retractable Fastback RF models come with a choice of 1.5-litre 132ps and 184ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engines. For the 2023 model year the 1.5-litre Roadster is available in Prime-Line and Exclusive-Line grade. Mercedez-Benz E Class The new E-Class has the proportions of a classic threebox saloon: the short front overhang and long bonnet are followed by a greenhouse which is set well back. The passenger area is generously dimensioned, partly owing to the two- centimetre longer wheelbase compared to the preceding series. The connection between tradition and modernity is made particularly clear by a feature at the front: A black panel-like surface connects the radiator grille with the headlamps. This insert in high-gloss black is visually reminiscent of the Mercedes-EQ models. The electronics architecture is more software-driven and less hardware-driven. The computing functions of previously separate domains take place in a single processor. Screens and the MBUX 44 Á 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2023 09:36 Page 2 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK infotainment system thus share a new, very powerful central onboard computer. The dashboard makes for the digital experience in the interior. If the E- Class is equipped with the optional front passenger screen, the large glass surface of the MBUX Superscreen extends to the central display. Visually detached from this is the high-resolution driver display in the driver’s field of vision. 2023 MG HS MG Motor UK has released pricing of the new, comprehensively updated HS – revealing a bold new design for the company’s best-selling flagship SUV. The 2023 MG HS will continue to offer customers outstanding value for money, retaining the same pricing structure as the outgoing model, with the generously equipped SE specification starting from just £23,495 on the road. Following an extensive redesign, the new HS debuts a sharper, more aggressive appearance. At the front, new bi-function LED headlights, a bold grille design and a new front bumper create an enhanced look that re-establishes the HS as MG’s largest, most luxurious SUV. The new MG HS will be offered in SE or Trophy specification, both offering comprehensive equipment levels. At launch, all models will be powered by a 1.5 litre, turbocharged petrol engine delivering up to 162PS. Volkswagen ID.7 Volkswagen now presents the new ID.7, the brand’s first global electric model for the upper mid-size class. The combination of ranges up to 700 kilometres (WLTP)2, superior powertrain, spacious interior and premium technologies makes the ID.7 a comfortable limousine for long distance travel and opens up a new segment for the ID. family. The ID.7 is almost five metres long and was designed based on aerodynamic principles. Its roof slopes elegantly to the rear in coupé style and contributes to achieving an excellent drag coefficient of about 0.23 depending on the vehicle equipment. The long wheelbase and short overhangs create plenty of space in the vehicle interior for all occupants. With the new massage seats and the electronically dimmable panoramic Volkswagen ID.7 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2023 09:36 Page 3www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK sunroof, the ID.7 offers equipment options that are otherwise present only in the higher classes of premium competitors. The new panoramic sunroof with smart glass can be switched between opaque and transparent settings by touch control. Like many other functions in the ID.7, the roof can also be operated by means of natural voice commands – this takes place using the new IDA voice assistant. The optional front seats are also a new development: for the first time in a Volkswagen, they optionally offer adaptive seat Climatronic – with cooling or heating as required and also a drying function. A massage function with a seal of approval from the German Campaign for Healthier Backs (AGR) is also available. Mercedez-Benz E Class 2023 MG HS 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2023 09:36 Page 4 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY C orporate events are an important ingredient in building lasting relationships with clients and employees - vital for a business’s growth. They offer a personal method of strengthening bonds and loyalty while enhancing brand recognition in a way that social media, emails and phone calls cannot replicate. From employee teambuilding days to product launches, celebratory parties, fundraisers, seminars and conferences, all these events require some basic event management to succeed, from research and planning to gathering feedback. Here, Business Link takes you through some useful tips for organising your unforgettable event. To start, those arranging corporate events should nail down the occasion’s purpose; what you wish to accomplish. To provide a meaningful experience, consider why you are hosting an event and set goals and objectives - are you looking to attract new customers, educate, or reward staff for example. From here you will be able to decide the kind of event most suitable for your audience, select what will resonate with them, and this will guide everything from decorations to speakers. Deciding your target audience is also key - will it involve executives, potential or long-term clients, or is it an internal party? When you are able to pinpoint your audience, you can work out the ideal way to reach them, establish how many guests to invite, and arrange an event program that is tailored to them, their interests and needs. At the beginning of the planning process firms must additionally set a budget, which will determine the kind of event you can organise. It is wise to have a cushion for unexpected extra expenses that arise. With a budget in hand, deciding where to allocate funds and what may require more resources to reinforce the event’s purpose is next. One will need to balance money to ensure the budget isn’t blown on a single aspect, perhaps decorations to the detriment of entertainment and refreshments, or not being able to afford a tech crew. With all this considered it’s time to select the event’s theme or topic and format, with an event that is interactive and varied, such as a conference with roundtables, panel discussions and networking, much more likely to be a success. Themed events can help narrow down your succeed Plan to Any corporate event requires solid planning to triumph. 46-48.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2023 09:37 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link CORPORATE HOSPITALITY choices for other aspects of the event, for instance food, and make it more cohesive, but should also align to your event’s goals, featuring memorable activities. One will then be ready to choose a venue to suit your event, its mission and size. Venue choice can have a major influence on attendance and will set the tone. Providing a location that is unique and exciting can boost numbers, adding to an event by offering an experience that departs from the overdone to make a lasting impression. This will give guests something to talk about too and make them more likely to discuss the event once it’s over. However, where the venue is positioned must be factored in. It’s all well opting for a quirky manor house in the countryside, but in order to achieve the best attendee numbers it is usually advisable to seek somewhere convenient with good accessibility that is close to transport and accommodation if necessary. For those with lower budgets, consider holding events at less popular times and days, such as organising breakfast seminars, and securing the 48 Á © stock.adobe.com/VAKSMANV © stock.adobe.com/Anton Gvozdikov 46-48.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2023 09:37 Page 2 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY venue plenty of time beforehand to take advantage of any price deals for advance booking. The ‘when’ is of course another important factor - will your guests prefer to set aside time on a weekday, weekend, evening, or afternoon? While looking for a venue remember to enquire about equipment, what will be provided for you and what you will have to source and set up yourself, such as audio-visual elements, stages and lighting. You may further need to make a decision on in house or external catering, with in house tending to work out cheaper and simpler. When picking food ensure to think about dietary requirements, whether you will be offering a set menu or asking attendees to choose beforehand, and how you want the food to be served - on trays with canapés, as a buffet or sit-down meal. In preparation for the day, you will also need to contract any necessary reputable specialists - caterers, audio-visual technicians, photographers et cetera, as well as booking any speakers, presenters and entertainers - and draw up the agenda for the event, sharing this with your team and determining who is responsible for what. When it comes to the agenda, look to form a balance between giving guests freedom and keeping them engaged with a schedule and variety. Use of technology to help your event go off without a hitch should additionally be considered. There are plenty of event management software options to streamline planning but also for creating interactive features during the event like live polls to boost participation. In the lead up to the event, make sure to promote it creatively. For smaller occasions a simple invitation may be enough, however for a larger soirée you might want to do something louder with emails, ads, social media, blogs, promo videos, adding events to industry listings, getting sponsors and media on board, and encouraging the business’s team to promote the event when visiting clients. Ensure to create a website for the event or a new landing page on your own site and in promotion use the same hashtags and branding across platforms and consistent messaging. After the event is over, there are a couple of final checkboxes to tick off to evaluate your success. A debrief with your team and gathering feedback from guests are important and will allow you to uncover whether the event met its original goals and objectives and if it had an impact on attendees. The lessons learned from this will be crucial to refining your next event. © stock.adobe.com/deagreez 46-48.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2023 09:37 Page 3FEATURES Agri-Business Spotlight Construction Machinery & Equipment Insurance Logistics Health & Safety Business Advice Experts REGULARS Commercial Property Motoring Corporate Hospitality Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in June 2023 - Deadline 24th 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 49.qxp_Layout 1 03/05/2023 09:38 Page 1Next >