< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk COLD STORAGE containment while waiting to be processed or sent to the end consumer. Of course, traditional thermometers, whether analogue or digital, can be used to manually monitor temperature at regular intervals, but these may not be able to keep track of the entire cold chain without consistent human intervention. Here’s where technology begins to make the matter simpler. From data loggers programmed to measure and record whenever needed, to temperature monitoring systems that can be placed throughout a cold storage facility, devices may be employed to take regular readings or continuously measure and transmit data. Wireless or ‘Internet of Things’ technologies even enable remote monitoring of temperature through sensors connected to a network, allowing real-time temperature data to be accessed remotely via a computer, smartphone or other devices. While taking care to track data along the cold chain, you will need reliable storage systems and units to keep all foods the desired temperature. Here, control systems can be used, consisting of a controller that receives temperature data from sensors, then activates cooling or heating mechanisms as needed. The controller can be set to specific temperature thresholds and can adjust cooling or heating equipment accordingly. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (or HVAC) may also be used to regulate temperature and airflow within the cold storage facility. These systems provide consistent temperature control, proper air circulation and humidity management to maintain optimal storage conditions. Preserving the cold chain is an art unto itself. The first part of the journey occurs in-house, typically a production line in an enclosed warehouse or other facility. Though there are many options open to manufacturers for ensuring a consistently cold production line or storage facility, it’s counterproductive to invest in subpar technologies. Even tiny changes in temperature can lead to micro-thawing and the crystallisation of goods. Insulation is crucial in maintaining a cooler temperature as the heat outside a © stock.adobe.com/kokliang1981www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link COLD STORAGE facility will be constantly trying to work its way inside. Heat can work its way through even the smallest breaches in a manufacturer’s temperature defences, be that a wall, window or door. Of course, where cool air is present, there also exists the possibility of moisture build-up which can lead to all manner of issues such as damp or a build-up of ice. This not only presents a safety hazard for workers but can also severely limit the functionality and efficiency of processing equipment and lead to costly repairs. Ensuring a thorough washdown can help, as can investing in dehumidifying technologies. The transport and distribution of frozen goods presents a more challenging situation as it involves moving goods from one strictly controlled environment to another. To facilitate this changeover, manufacturers will likely have temperature controlled loading bays, ensuring a constant temperature from the production and packing lines. Curtain walls will help to maintain this consistency, creating a barrier to ensure that cold air stays inside its designated area whilst also allowing workers, forklift trucks and other vehicles to pass easily through. Loading bays themselves, however, are literal openings into the outside and so could quite easily scupper this carefully controlled environment. To compensate for this and maintain the cold integrity, manufacturers and logistics companies rely on hoods around the bay door opening. This means a truck or lorry can back into the bay and open its doors, creating a seal and ensuring that the exterior and interior temperatures don’t have a chance to meet and mingle. Frozen and chilled goods can then be loaded without fear of thawing. Bay doors form a key part of defending temperature controlled environments, as they could elsewise be a liability. They must balance adequate insulation whilst also boasting the rugged design and defence required to fend off the elements and possible forced entry. © stock.adobe.com/imfrom East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Summer We take a look at some of the new motors that will be coming to our roads. Driveswww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK Mazda2 The ever-popular Mazda2 has received a substantially revised new look with fresh exterior styling and new cabin trim treatment. Across the four newly named trim grades: Centre- Line, Homura, Exclusive-Line and Homura Aka - the 2023 Mazda2 features a new grille, a sleeker bumper design, decorative dash panels and two exterior colours that make their Mazda debut on the supermini: Aero Grey and Air Stream Blue. For the 2023 Mazda2, Mazda’s designers have focused on new design features that give the different models a more distinctive appearance to allow customers the opportunity to reflect their individuality with a wider choice of colour combinations across the four model grades. The Mazda2’s personality has been redefined with Centre-Line and Exclusive- Line focusing on a fun and casual nature, while the Homura and Homura Aka have been designed to give the Mazda2 a sportier look and character. 44 Á Mazda2 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Nissan Qashqai e-POWER Kuro Edition At the heart of the Qashqai’s appeal is its unique and innovative e-POWER system. What sets this powertrain apart is that the wheels are only driven by the electric motor, so its response is instant and linear. This is what gives the EV driving feeling and represents a significant alternative to traditional hybrids where drivers must accept its inherent shortcomings in the driving experience. In contrast, the Qashqai’s e-POWER system was developed to deliver the responsive, effortless, smooth, and quiet driving experience reminiscent of a pure EV, but without the need to plug in to recharge. A variable compression ratio 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged 156 hp petrol engine generates electricity, which is then transmitted via the inverter to feed the high-output battery pack, drive the electric motor - or both simultaneously, according to the driving scenario. MG HS MG Motor UK has unveiled images of its new, comprehensively updated HS SUV, revealing a striking new design for the company’s best-selling flagship SUV. Following an extensive redesign, the new HS offers drivers 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 confirms the HS as MG’s largest, most luxurious SUV. The new MG HS will now be offered in SE or Trophy specification which have proved popular with UK customers when introduced on the multi award-winning MG4 EV. Both models are powered by a 1.5-litre, turbocharged petrol engine delivering up to 162PS. A manual Nissan Qashqai e-POWER Kuro Edition www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK gearbox is available as standard, with an optional dual-clutch DCT gearbox offered on both SE and Trophy specifications. Volkswagen ID.7 The ID.7 is the first electric model from Volkswagen for the upper mid-sized class. With a range of up to 700 kilometres (WLTP)2, the Volkswagen limousine is an efficiency champion. In addition to a new drive generation, sophisticated aerodynamics contribute to the ID.7’s long ranges. The aerodynamically favourable basic form, low drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.23 and frontal area of 2.46 m2 are the result of close cooperation between the Design and Development departments. The ID.7 has an almost completely closed underbody. This is supplemented by newly developed wheel spoilers on the front wheels. These guide the air along the wheels under the vehicle with minimum turbulence. Air curtains at the sides of the front bumper direct the air around the vehicle’s front end with minimum loss. MG HS Volkswagen ID.7 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY A s we sit in a cost of doing business crisis, and inflation remains stubborn, many companies may be finding the price of organising corporate events too high despite their myriad benefits - from facilitating networking to improving customer and staff retention. There are a plethora of ways, however, to bring the cost of these events down to a more acceptable budget without damaging their quality. Venue The venue you choose for an event can often make or break its success. That doesn’t mean there aren’t steps to take to scale back the cost though. Where you stage an event will have a significant impact on the budget, so in the early moments of planning ensure to look at several venues in different locations, think outside the box, and be fully prepared with your queries. What do you expect your headcount to be? What kind of space do you need? What facilities are essential? Shopping around will also boost your ability to negotiate and drive down a venue’s cost. You may want to look at hotels, conference centres, theatres, community centres, ballrooms, or simple board rooms depending on the number of attendees. If suitable, your own office may even be the ideal location for your event and completely removes the price of renting a space. Wherever you select, make sure to book plenty of time ahead to secure the best deal and circumvent a surge in pricing. When approaching venues be flexible in your dates to avoid restricting your options. This can open up many more cost saving opportunities as lower rates are found on The cost of corporate events As business event expenditures increase, organisers need to minimise costs. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link CORPORATE HOSPITALITY © stock.adobe.com/Anton Gvozdikov accommodation at low and off peak times — hosting a Christmas soiree on the first Friday in December for example will be much more expensive than holding it on a Thursday in January. Scheduling events during the day instead of the evening is also often less expensive. Furthermore, if running a repeating event, consider using the same location each time to establish a partnership. It is also crucial to look out for hidden venue costs. Some will present additional fees associated with furniture, bars, cleaning, parking, setup and teardown, et al., so review contracts carefully before signing to avoid being charged for things not discussed. Vendors One of the greatest expenses in event production is hiring vendors such as caterers, A/V equipment, entertainment, and speakers. Much like how booking a venue early can bring down its price, the same stands for your vendors and suppliers. As soon as your venue is booked, reach out to suppliers to lock in fees. Compare different options and quotes and utilise your relationships to find deals. One could negotiate for discounts, packages, referrals, long-term partnerships or services in exchange for sponsorship of the event, offering exposure. Working with further external sponsors is also wise to secure additional funding. Catering is a prime place to reduce expenditure at events. Hosting a breakfast event can be much less of an 48 Á East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY expense than dinners, and instead of a three course meal, buffets can be a cheaper alternative that also requires less service staff. Or perhaps in reality your event doesn’t need a full meal, with canapés and cocktails sufficient, or for something unique hire food trucks. It is important to check whether your venue requires you to use an in-house or specific caterer, as this could force you to meet a food and drink minimum exceeding your budget and needs. If this is the case, consider looking for a different venue with an open catering policy to find your own ideal provider. Virtual Depending on the type of event being organised and your objective, you do not always need to gather attendees face-to- face. Jumping in popularity due to the pandemic, significant savings can be made by taking events online, such as an interactive webinar, which can often meet your event goals as well as furthering the event’s reach to a wider audience. Embracing the virtual world also offers a reduction in expenses at physical events. Replacing printed guides, schedules, invites and marketing campaigns with a digital alternative saves on printing, paper, and postage. This comes with the benefit of a reduced carbon footprint too. One might consider an event app to keep attendees informed. This option additionally provides an opportunity to introduce more engaging aspects to your event, with voting polls, Q&A submissions and gamification possible. Event registration tools meanwhile can make savings, on badges and printing costs, while allowing attendees to print badges on arrival at an event means no-shows won’t have badges printed unnecessarily. Using digital signage if available instead of printing signs is also useful to save on printing, production, and shipping. If signage and branding is necessary, however, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make an impact. Keeping materials like banners and signs generic to the business is a helpful way of keeping the culture of your company present and boosting brand awareness while allowing them to be reused at future events to save money on creating new materials. With event expenditures increasing, organisers need to minimise costs to improve ROI. But remember, this shouldn’t hamper the attendee experience that is vital to success. From using digital technology to negotiating with vendors, and thinking outside of the box on venues and dates, savings can be made while maintaining a great event. © stock.adobe.com/sonyachnyFEATURES Print & Packaging Spotlight Business Services Supply Chain Management Environmental and Waste Management Accountants Review REGULARS Commercial Property Motoring Corporate Hospitality Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in August 2023 - Deadline 19th July 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 inboxNext >