< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Summer cars New motors and upgrades to existing models this summer. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK BMW 5 Series Touring The BMW 5 Series Touring, the epitome of driving pleasure, sporty elegance and modern functionality in the premium upper mid-range segment, is entering a new era. The sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series Touring is more progressive than ever, featuring numerous digital innovations, pioneering systems for automated driving and parking, increased sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle and, for the first time, an all-electric drive in the form of the BMW i5 Touring. The new BMW 5 Series Touring is a sophisticated all-rounder for everyday driving and touring, offering stylish presence, superior sportiness, versatility and spacious comfort. At the heart of the progressive, driver-oriented cockpit design is the BMW Curved Display. Its 12.3-inch Information Display and the Control Display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches form a fully digital display network. The modern premium ambience in the interior is further enhanced by the new sports seats fitted as standard, the steering wheel, which is now flatter at the bottom, and the BMW Interaction Bar. BMW 5 Series Touring East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet The new CLE 53 Cabriolet brings Mercedes’ hallmark AMG performance into the open air. Numerous AMG-specific features make the car’s body design stand out. AMG’s signature A-shaped radiator grille and the sharp, slender lines of the DIGITAL LIGHT headlights create a look that is characteristic of the brand. They feature daytime running light ellipses and blue illumination at the base of the headlights, which further enhances the car’s dynamic appearance. The striking front skirt rises in the centre to form an A-shape (‘A-Wing’) that accommodates a large air intake for increased air flow. The same applies to the outer air intakes with two horizontal fins. Eye-catching interior features include the free- standing 12.3-inch fully digital driver display and the 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display in portrait format. The latter features power tilting from 15 to 40 degrees to prevent distracting light reflections when the top is open. Another highlight is the optional dynamic ambient lighting with 64 colours. Strips of light sweep from the cockpit across the doors and rear side panels to behind the rear seats. This creates a stylish wraparound effect that is enhanced by two further enveloping details. Firstly, the upper section of the dashboard, the top edges of the doors and the soft-top cover panel are upholstered in a black nappa leather look. Secondly, the entire passenger compartment is edged in chrome. Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years In the 1990s, Audi established the idea of the performance estate with the Audi Avant RS2 and Audi S6 plus. However, the first RS model from quattro GmbH (now Audi Sport GmbH) was the 1999 B5-generation RS4* Avant. Compared to the Audi S4, it broke onto the scene with a widened body and a 2.7-litre biturbo six-cylinder engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth, which at the time had an impressive 380PS output. The sportiest version of the first RS 4 generation hit the market in 2001 with the RS4 Sport. Its features included even lower suspension, bucket seats, a sports exhaust, and a suede steering wheel. The RS 4 Avant edition 25 years echoes the memorable design of this vehicle and is itself the sportiest version of the current B9 series. A wide range of exclusive design features make the edition model truly special. For example, the trims on the side windows come in glossy black. Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabrioletwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK For the first time, the edition features a black inlay in the rear lights. The Audi rings and lettering also come in gloss black, and the Matrix LED headlights feature darkened bezels specific to the RS family. The roof rails have been removed to give the vehicle a flatter, sportier silhouette. SEAT Leon The SEAT Leon undergoes technical and technological upgrades. It adds new engines – including a new 1.5 TSI engine as well as a new generation of eHybrid plug-in hybrid engine – and integrates improved digitalisation into the cockpit for both the 5-door and Estate version. The SEAT Leon also receives technological upgrades in the exterior, with new optional matrix LED headlamps available for the first time in SEAT’s hatchback. Inside the SEAT Leon refocuses digitalisation with a new and improved human-machine interface (HMI), implemented in the digital cockpit (10.25”) behind the steering wheel as well as in the larger 10.4” standard infotainment system (previously: 8.25”) or the optional 12.9’’ infotainment system, both with a retro-illuminated slider. And when mobile smart devices need a charge, the SEAT Leon now offers wireless fast- charging capabilities of up to 15W with refrigerated technology. Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years SEAT LeonMcLaren Artura Review Performance Amplified T he McLaren Artura boasts a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and an electric motor, unlike its purely fossil-fuelled predecessor, the 570S, which continued the English outfit’s tradition of using 4.0-litre V8 lumps. To mark the launch of the new convertible Spider version, the coupe we’re testing has received a modest upgrade. The Artura’s engine, which initially produced an impressive 585PS, has been uprated to 605PS. When combined with the electric motor, the total system output now rises from 680 to 700PS. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission compliments the powertrain. Inside, you might be taken aback by how minimalistic the Artura is - but McLaren has tended to aim for few distractions in the cockpit. For example, you won’t find a single button, switch or dial on the steering wheel, which, judging by its three dual-spoke carbon fibre and flat-bottomed design, is there for the sole purpose of you using it to drive as precisely (and quickly) as possible. The Artura can go from zero to 62mph in 3.0 seconds flat, helped by an instant burst of torque (720Nm) from the electric motor when you move off the line. That said, the Artura is built with civility and usability in mind. Its default start- up mode is all-electric, enabling early risers to leave the garage without waking the entire street. Once the engine revs, it sounds delightful and roars off like a caged lion to a (limited) top speed of 205mph. At all stages of the rev range, there is a lot of performance available, and overtaking is a joy and a piece of cake. Of course, it is only a two-seater, but there’s plenty of room inside. Even taller adults won’t struggle to fit into the car, aided by the space created by the ‘scissor’ doors, which open upwards, creating a large gap. You will also find several spaces to keep your belongings, and for a supercar, the amount of room in the boot (underneath the bonnet) is 160 litres. McLaren has worked wonders with the Artura. It is another excellent car to add to its British collection. Fast Facts Mclaren Artura GTS, as tested: Max speed: 205 mph 0-62 mph: 3.0 secs Fuel economy: 58.8 mpg Engine layout: 2993cc twin-turbo V6 + e-motor Max. power (PS): 700 CO2: 108 g/km Price from: £190,715 On the Road East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINKwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk change text and images. From persuasive copywriting to trust factors, this webinar is packed full of conversion rate optimisation tips. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/20- simple-ways-to-get-your-website- generating-more-business-1/ Go Green Event 2024 Wednesday 12 June Foxton Village Hall, Foxton This free annual event taking place at Foxton Village Hall is organised by Harborough District Council. It is an opportunity for organisations in the Harborough district to gain ideas and solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly. It is also a chance for businesses to find out more information about green grants available to them through the council. For more information visit https://bizgateway.org.uk/events/go-green- event-2024/ Recruitment and Selection – How to Recruit the Right Staff Friday 28 June Challenge Consulting, Nottingham The cost of recruiting can be substantial Networking on the Bus Thursday 6 June Lincoln Cathedral West Front, Lincoln Join a unique networking experience aboard Lincoln’s Sightseeing Tour Bus, the open-top sightseeing bus offering panoramic views of the historic city of Lincoln. Don’t miss out on this exciting chance to network while discovering the charm and beauty of Lincoln from a whole new perspective. After the ride, the bus will make a stop at a lunch venue where attendees can enjoy a delicious meal while continuing to connect. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/ events/networking-on-the-bus/ 20 Simple Ways to get your Website Generating more Business Tuesday 11 June Online Improving your website to generate more leads or sales doesn’t have to mean a complete redesign. This webinar shows you 20 simple things you can do to improve your website’s conversion rate, many of which only require the ability to events and it is therefore critical to get it right. This course is designed to give delegates the skills to confidently prepare and conduct the recruitment process, make good selection decisions, and record appropriate information suitable to provide feedback to candidates. There will be opportunities to practice all the skills and techniques learned during the day. For more information visit www.emc- dnl.co.uk/events/recruitment_ and_selection_-_how_to_recruit_the_ right_staff3233637560/ © stock.adobe.com/Emily © stock.adobe.com/Monkey Business Derby Manufacturing Network Tuesday 25 June Enterprise Centre, Derby The Derby Manufacturing Network forms part of the umbrella East Midlands Manufacturing Network which is led by East Midlands Chamber. It unites local manufacturers, enabling members to harness the cross-industry, business, engineering and manufacturing knowledge necessary to evolve and expand. For more information visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events/tmpl_- _derby_manufacturing_network1966543733/ www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link Digital Lincoln - Chat AI Wednesday 12 June Mosaic Digital Hub, Lincoln Join Digital Lincoln for an informal lunchtime discussion on all things Generative AI. Bring your laptop and devices, a sarnie or snack, plus an inquisitive mind for an open and friendly chat about using AI to boost your creativity and productivity. You don’t need to be a tech genius, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve only recently dipped your toe in the AI waters - we’re all learning together! For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com/events/ event-details/?id=4530&navigated FromSearch=true East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 Thursday 3 October Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham The prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards are back for 2024, providing an opportunity to celebrate and network with the region’s property and construction industry. The East Midlands Bricks Awards, organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, is a long-standing independent awards and publicity programme recognising development projects, businesses and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. Winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly. To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards please visit www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk/mag/bricks-2024/ Securing Global Trade Success in 2024 Tuesday 2 July Online Why not join Business Lincolnshire, Global Trade Department, and a small group of industry peers for this morning workshop where they explore everything and more that a UK manufacturer must know to successfully trade globally in 2024 and beyond. For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com/events/event- details/?id=4422&navigatedFromSearch=true Streets Charity Golf Day 2024 Friday 5 July Lincoln Golf Club, Lincoln Street Chartered Accountants’ 11th Charity Golf Day will take place at Lincoln Golf Club, Torksey on Friday 5 July with all proceeds from the day going to support fantastic local Air Ambulance charities: Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and East Anglian Air Ambulance. For more information visit www.streetsweb.co.uk/ about/events/streets-charity-golf-day-2024/ Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks. And finally The world of Frazer 58 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Messy desk dread Us Brits are much messier at work than Frazer realised! A new study has unveiled that one in three of us admit to having an untidy desk, of varying degrees, from ‘somewhat messy, but I can easily find what I need’ to ‘extremely messy, with items piled high’. And of those people that put themselves on the messy scale, 74% confess their work from home desk is worse than the set-up they have in the office — Frazer would like to see what this means for the extremely messy bunch! The study from Repeat Digital additionally asked its participants to share the less traditional items cluttering their desks, with some of Frazer’s favourites being a figure of Professor Quirrell from Harry Potter, a wooden block that says ‘it is what it is’, a picture of Phil Mitchell (from Eastenders) dressed up as a baby, and a miniature rubber duck wearing a top hat. With almost half of the messy crowd saying that their desk makes them feel ‘overwhelmed’, ‘stressed’ or ‘embarrassed’, with Albert Einstein’s quote “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” perhaps there’s not so much to feel self-conscious about! The importance of a name With having a memorable name important to business success, sometimes a funny one can be just as effective. Celebrating the wit and creativity of these firms, Simply Business’s ‘Britain’s Best Small Business Name’ competition has revealed its winner for 2024. After a 10-strong shortlist was whittled down from thousands of entries, almost 2,500 public votes have now been cast, crowning ‘Surelock Homes’ as the winner. The locksmith beat off stiff competition from Indian-inspired street food business ‘Tikka Chance On Me’ and clothes printing company ‘Prints Charming’. As well as causing a chuckle, witty company names play a significant role in helping small businesses succeed. Indeed, over half of consumers said they are likely or very likely to shop at a small firm with a funny name, according to Simply Business research. © stock.adobe.com/gustavofrazao © stock.adobe.com/ImageFlow Quiet vacationing Frazer has covered quiet quitting, coffee badging, bare minimum Mondays and more, but now a new workplace trend has arisen: ‘quiet vacationing’. The concept sees people taking breaks without telling their boss to avoid having to ask for time off; playing hooky while doing things to make it look like they’re working when they are absent, such as scheduling messages. A study out of the USA indicates that 37% of millennials have used quiet vacationing to take time off without communicating it to their employer, with 24% of Gen Z, 24% of Gen X, and 18% of Boomers doing the same thing, due to fear of looking like a slacker by booking a holiday. Though this trend may cause outrage for some bosses, it perhaps should be viewed as a handy piece of evidence of the importance of supporting a good work-life balance among staff and the value of utilising paid time off. © stock.adobe.com/New AfricaEast Midlands Business Link Bricks 2024 A celebration of those helping to create the landscape for the next generation EAST MIDLANDS The prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards are back for 2024! Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, this year’s event will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. The East Midlands Bricks Awards, organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, is an independent awards and publicity programme recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. Visit www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk for more information. BUSINESSNext >