< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk ENGINEERING manufacturing sector is actively embracing sustainable manufacturing initiatives. Efforts are being made to reduce carbon emissions, optimize waste management, and enhance energy efficiency throughout the production process. The integration of renewable energy sources and the adoption of circular economy principles are also gaining traction. We can expect further advancements in sustainable manufacturing practices as businesses strive to minimize their environmental impact while maintaining profitability. As alluded to above, the principles of the circular economy are being increasingly utilised, turning traditional linear production models on their head. Circular economy principles aim to minimize waste, maximize resource efficiency, and promote the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of materials. In the context of manufacturing, this involves designing products for durability, easy disassembly, and the recovery of valuable materials. Companies are implementing closed-loop systems, where materials are recycled or regenerated, reducing reliance on finite resources, and minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, collaboration within supply chains is crucial to optimize material flows, ensure responsible sourcing, and promote circular practices at every stage of production. Ultimately, adopting a circular economy seeks to extend the lifespan of the individual manufacturer, as well as aiding the environment. Reducing waste generation and conserving resources safeguards a company’s operations against government waste reduction sanctions, and allows operations to diversify, thus extending beyond the limited resources available. Digital transformation is revolutionizing the UK engineering and manufacturing industries. By harnessing www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link ENGINEERING technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things (IoT), and cloud computing, businesses are optimizing processes, improving product quality, and enabling predictive maintenance. The collection and analysis of real-time data allow manufacturers to make data-driven decisions, reduce downtime, and enhance overall operational efficiency. There has been a concerted effort to further integrate digital technologies, with an increased focus on cybersecurity and data privacy. The adoption of advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms will enable manufacturers to gain deeper insights into their operations and drive continuous improvement. Moreover, the use of digital platforms and collaborative tools facilitates communication and cooperation within the supply chain, fostering innovation and agility. One significant issue has stuck around for several years though. With a diminishing pool of skilled workers due to reduced applications from European citizens, and some returning to the EU permanently, companies find themselves grappling with the tangle of challenges that comes with recruiting suitably skilled staff on home turf, even as machines and robotics bring ease to the activity of production itself. Information acquired from the Home Office through the Freedom of Information Act disclosed a notable increase in work permits issued to foreign engineering professionals, rising from 5,620 in 2021 to 9,617 in 2022. A study by Integro Accounting found this surge represented the highest level observed in the past five years. The category witnessing the most significant percentage rise was civil engineers, with the number of work permits nearly doubling from 804 in 2021 to 1,565 in 2022. © stock.adobe.com/ipopba East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Exciting options New and exciting cars coming onto the market in the latter half of this year, some rarer than others. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK Aston Martin Valiant Valiant continues a strong lineage of Aston Martins that deliver true driving intensity both on-road and on-track with the ultimate hypercar, Valkyrie, the brand’s most focused sports car, Vantage and its brother in speed, the Vantage GT3 race car and of course the upcoming mid-engine supercar, Valhalla. While both Valour and Valiant take inspiration from the brand’s iconic heritage in their design, they sit firmly in Aston Martin’s modern performance future delivering class leading power, driving dynamics and cutting-edge technology, ensuring Aston Martins appeal to true driving connoisseurs. With Valiant being designed with focused track-use in mind, driver comfort and safety are paramount. To this end Valiant features a built-in half-cage as-standard together with bespoke trimmed Recaro Podium seats. The steel half-cage provides the anchor point to allow 4-point race harnesses to be fitted to the car. Recaro Podium seats provide exceptional lateral and shoulder support, with innovative pads featuring passive thorax ventilation for increased comfort during extreme driving. Aston Martin Valiant East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK BMW M5 The BMW M5 is powering into a new era. With 40 years of history under its belt, the legendary high-performance saloon from BMW M GmbH is entering its seventh generation with an electrified drive system for the first time. The exterior design – like the ambience of the luxurious interior, which is enhanced with M-specific features – accentuates the multi-layered character of the new BMW M5. Its sense of poise and assurance is fuelled by vast reserves of power that can be summoned at any time. Kept discreetly in reserve during relaxed, electric-only cruises, this performance comes to the fore as the BMW M5 reveals the “sport saloon” side to its personality over longer distances. The new BMW M5 offers a significantly wider selection of standard and optional systems for automated driving and parking compared to its predecessor, increasing assurance and comfort in day-to-day driving. Standard specification for the new seventh generation BMW M5 brings features such as front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance, the Evasion Assistant, the Attentiveness Assistant and the Speed Limit Info system. The optional Driving Assistant Professional adds Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function together with tech including the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, traffic light detection, automatic Speed Limit Assist and Active Navigation. Continental GT Speed A comprehensive exterior and interior redesign with clean modern detailing follow the new design DNA established by the coachbuilt Bentley Bacalar and Batur. Outstanding performance is brought by an all-new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain with 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, from a 4.0-litre V8 working in tandem with a 190 PS electric motor. 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds is the result, with the benefit of 50 miles (81 km) of usable electric-only range (on the EU drive cycle) and a total range of 534 miles (859 km) – creating an everyday supercar. The new grand tourer features a new precision quilt pattern taking inspiration from modern fashion design to the seats and doors. With sculptured quilting, fading BMW M5www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK perforations and a new quilt embroidery, the cabin provides the ultimate cocooning environment for any extraordinary journey. The 20-way adjustable seats in the Continental GT have long set industry standards in comfort and refinement. New interior features include the optional Wellness seating with Postural Adjust and Auto Climate to the front seats, minimizing fatigue and providing a level of relaxation that is truly unique. Audi S e-tron GT The new Audi S etron GT stands for elegant sportiness. Its front end is homogeneous and expressive at the same time. A black mask encircles the fully closed, inverted Singleframe, which reflects the specific design language of the etron models. Embossed structures give the grille a precise, three- dimensional appearance. The new e-tron GT versions have a steering wheel flattened at the top and bottom. For the RS models, the steering wheel comes with two red control satellites and, optionally, a 12 o’clock marking. The seats have also been upgraded. The new funnel aperture design is more dynamic and now features an integrated inlay with an illuminated logo. The S e-tron GT now comes as standard with the sports seats plus with 14-way adjustment. In combination with the leather-free design package, the sports seats come with contrasting orange stitching. Continental GT Speed Audi S e-tron GT46 Business Link www.blmforum.net AUTOLINK Lamborghini, renowned for its supercars, has carved a new chapter in its legacy by introducing the Urus SE. This groundbreaking vehicle represents the first PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) version of the Lamborghini Super SUV and debuted in the UK recently. Boasting a stunning design, refined aerodynamics, and cutting-edge onboard technology, the Urus SE stands as a testament to modern automotive engineering. At the core of the Urus SE lies a muscular hybrid powertrain, heralding a new era of performance, efficiency, emissions, and driving pleasure. The vehicle’s ‘two hearts’, thermal and electric, deliver unmatched torque and power in its category while achieving an impressive 80 per cent reduction in emissions. Delivering an unparalleled driving experience, the plug-in hybrid system amplifies the vehicle’s performance and dynamics. The re-engineered twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine produces 620 PS of clout and 800 Nm of driving torque, complemented by an electric powertrain generating an additional 192 PS and 483 Nm of torque. The result is a total output of 800 PS. This merger ensures an optimal power curve across all driving modes and surfaces. Pioneering 100 per cent electric four-wheel-drive capability, the Urus SE - housing a 25.9- New 2024 Lamborghini Urus SE The future of automotive engineering www.blmforum.net Business Link 47 AUTOLINK kWh lithium-ion battery beneath the load floor - can travel over 37 miles in EV mode. What’s more, with the ability to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 194 mph, the Urus SE is a game-changer in the world of high-performance SUVs. But it’s not all about muscle and hybridisation; the interior of the Urus SE has undergone a significant refresh. It embraces Lamborghini’s distinguished “feel like a pilot” design DNA, integrates new solutions, and has a larger 12.3-inch screen at the heart of the dashboard. The Urus SE embodies the future of automotive engineering, demonstrating that high performance and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. It will hit the UK market later this year and cost more than £200,000. Fast Facts New 2024 Lamborghini Urus SE: Max speed: 194 mph 0-62 mph: 3.4 secs Fuel economy: 15.8 mpg (est.) Engine layout: 3996cc + electric Max. power (PS): 800 CO2: Below 50 g/km Price from: £211,000 (est.) East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY A ttending a professional networking event can be a valuable chance to showcase yourself, forge fresh connections, and potentially secure a new job. According to recent studies, a significant proportion of job vacancies are filled via networking. To succeed at networking, it’s crucial to show genuine interest in your contacts and put in the effort to build a rapport, demonstrate your trustworthiness, and exchange information and expertise. Adopting the mindset that every person has something to offer and to gain can be instrumental in becoming an accomplished networker. Before attending the event, it’s prudent to ensure you are as up to date on your industry as possible. Doing some research, perhaps even attending a few seminars, will prevent you from feeling out of your depth. This will mean that you can bring more value to conversations with your peers, thus attracting the attention of high-quality individuals. When approaching someone for the first time, first impressions matter. There are some simple etiquette tips to bear in mind. Firstly, ensure that you are appropriately dressed – a white button up shirt, dark trousers and a matching blazer work well on both men and women. To show a little more personality, shirts in jewel tones such as deep red and green can help you stand out, whilst remaining perfectly professional. Secondly, keep your right hand free for a handshake when approaching someone. Having to shuffle papers to free your hands can create awkwardness and gives an impression of being disorganised. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly in this modern world, follow up your discussion on LinkedIn or social media. The best networkers hone their relationships over long periods of time, never expecting the person to perfectly recall their meeting. Reaching out over social media within a few days, including a brief recap of your chat, will help the person to recall you and appreciate your continued interest in them. Some good will is also required here – allow around a week for the person to return your message to avoid coming across as pushy. For more seasoned professionals, online networking can seem unnecessary, or sometimes new-fangled and elusive. This attitude could be costing you many opportunities. Establishing a robust online presence on professional networking sites can prove advantageous in attracting like-minded individuals and Profiting from events Not many people enjoy going to events and talking to new people, but it’s undeniable that there are some who come away with plenty of business from it. Demystifying the process is the first step to benefiting from it. 50 Áwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link CORPORATE HOSPITALITY © stock.adobe.com/Rawpixel.comNext >