< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY C onferences are a great way to draw attention to a company, and such events have been held for many years by business owners and managers, particularly by businesses with high levels of expert knowledge – such as legal or financial practitioners. The general principle is that by holding an event or seminar, the host can impart their knowledge and expertise to an audience of prospective customers. This not only gives the speaker a chance to impress the audience, but also draw attention to further savings the host’s company can help the client achieve - thus securing customers. With a huge number of beautiful and specialised conferencing venues across Performing for business The summer months make for an ideal time to host seminars and events, but after years of working remotely or from home many people are out of practice when it comes to public speaking. We run over some of the basics. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link CORPORATE HOSPITALITY our region, it should come as little surprise that the conferencing industry is a booming one – and yet, there are still many companies who have never considered the benefits for themselves. For many, this is not an issue of oversight or being unaware of the benefits, but more an issue of confidence – or the reluctance to publicly speak in front of a large audience. This is neither something to be ashamed of, nor something to hold a company back, however. Very few people are born with the confidence necessary to stand up and orate – and in many cases this is a skill learned through trial and error, or practice. Here, however, are some of the key things that really help a speech stand out. Memorise it by heart There’s no denying that cue-cards and scripts are valuable for those unfamiliar with public speaking and should be used to help jog the memory. Ultimately there’s nothing worse than seeing a speaker fumbling over what they are saying or forgetting entirely. Confidence is always going to be a major factor in what sells a company, and a speaker should exude confidence – even if they don’t feel it. Learning the entire speech off-by-heart, and practicing it in the mirror or to family, will help a speaker feel more confident in what they are saying. It can also help the speech become little more than routine, so that even on a stage a speaker is able to switch off and imagine they are simply talking to the mirror. Test the room There’s nothing worse than going to an event and realising that you’ve been unfortunately placed and can’t actually hear a word of what the main speaker is saying. Most conferencing venues will have good acoustics, but that doesn’t excuse speakers failing to project their voices properly. Remember that even if answering a question from the audience, or speaking in general, it is best to project your voice towards the centre of the room rather than turn to answer a person in a far corner. Beyond that though, it’s often useful to visit the venue in advance and have a colleague stand at the back of the room, so you’re able to see how loud you must be to be heard. Don’t rely on technology or AI It can be easy to look at all the latest technology available, and while it can be tempting to rely on power point presentations or videos to handle some of the work – it’s not always the best idea. Ultimately it is people which sell products or services, and the ultimate goal of a conference or seminar is to get more customers. The audience wishes to know that the individual, the very person whose services they might be paying for, is a skilled and knowledgeable expert that they can rely on. Relying too heavily on technology also opens one up to problems when things go wrong – as they inevitably might. Seeing people fiddling around with projectors or laptops does little to inspire confidence. Another thing to keep in mind however will be the microphone you might be expected to use when speaking. It’s not unusual for people unused to using them to hold them close to their mouths to try and increase the volume, but this will make your plosives – the shape your mouth makes for various sounds like `p` and `b` - become distorted or pop. Make sure to perform a quick sound check before the event, to figure out how far you need to keep the microphone from your mouth. Take it slow and steady Most people aren’t aware of just how quickly they speak in casual conversation. It is easier to keep up with someone when they are talking about something that happened in their day but orating on complicated business matters might require more concentration from the audience. One way around this can be to record yourself speaking, and then play it back. Try to moderate how fast you speak, and see what cadence is easier to understand. Stick to what you know Ultimately the entire speech should be on a topic you are familiar with, to attempt otherwise will invite disaster if the audience asks any difficult questions. Keep in mind that the goal for the event is to get more customers for your services, and yours alone. If you keep on track with what you know, and what advice you would give to a client across the table – then the seminar will be stronger, and you’re much more likely to get good results. Beyond that, you will sound much more confident and are more likely to enjoy the event, experience good results – and want to come back and do it again next time. © stock.adobe.com/kasto East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Unique designs Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ Some vehicles are made to fit the everyman, while others are designed for a specific demographic – and both philosophies have their merits. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine in the 450 kW (612 hp) configuration ensures superior propulsion. It delivers 20 kW (27 hp) more than in the AMG GT 63, and the engine experts in Affalterbach have increased the maximum torque by 50 Nm to 850 Nm for even more powerful acceleration. This increase in performance was achieved by adapting the engine control unit. The AMG GT 63 PRO impresses with its overall performance, especially at higher speeds. The lightweight AMG Performance 21-inch forged wheels in cross-spoke design are painted exclusively in Himalaya grey. In the UK the AMG GT 63 PRO is equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R Cup tyres in sizes 295/30 ZR 21 at the front and 305/30 ZR 21 at the rear. The standard AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre package with front splitter, trim strips in the side sills, diffuser and rear wing in high-quality carbon fibre emphasises the connection to motorsport. Black- painted brake callipers, AMG Performance seats with high lateral support and an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather/MICROCUT microfibre are also included as standard. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Hyundai IONIQ 5 The new IONIQ 5 features exterior upgrades with new 19” and 20” alloy wheel designs, refreshed front and rear bumpers, redesigned front LED V- garnish, extended rear spoiler, rear wiper for increased visibility and slim Digital Side Mirrors (DSM). Two additional exterior paint colours have been added to the range, with Meta Blue Pearl and the free of charge Ultimate Red giving a total of 11 colour options. New IONIQ 5 also now features a standard battery heating system, battery pre-conditioning and heat pump across the range. Complementing the updated exterior, the new interior layout features a sliding centre console with physical climate and heated seat buttons, pixel design door armrests, auto-dimming digital centre mirror, refreshed seat design and upholstery. A new dark surround for the dual 12.3” audio, visual and navigation system and drivers instrument cluster reduces reflection. Audi A5 Audi is opening the next chapter in its successful history in the mid-size segment with the new A5 family. Even at first glance, the completely redesigned A5 family has a powerful and clean design. The modified proportions with a long wheelbase, large wheels and the low, Audi A5 Hyundai IONIQ 5www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK sporty body embody progressive dynamism and premium standards. In the Saloon, the sporty, compact-looking greenhouse stretches to the rear in a sweeping arc, flows seamlessly into the shallow rear window in a coupé-like manner, and ends at the visually short tailgate with a striking spoiler lip. The design of the interior of the new Audi A5 is based on four characteristic features. Firstly, the interior has a human- centric design, i.e., it is consistently geared towards the needs of its users. The second special feature is the Digital Stage that establishes itself in clear view of the driver and front passenger in the form of the Audi MMI displays. With its Material Driven Design, the Audi A5 meets the requirement for a generous sense of space with a high level of comfort. The clear layout and easy operation of the interior provide an overview in all situations to form the fourth feature: Visual Clarity. Added to this is the optional dynamic interaction light (standard on S5) to support the car’s interaction with the occupants. Dacia Spring The All-New Spring, Dacia’s first all- electric model, is widely credited for making electric mobility accessible to all. First launched in Europe in 2021, it was the third most sold electric car to retail customers in 2022 and 2023. In total, more than 140,000 Dacia Spring have been registered worldwide since its launch. Now available in the UK, for the first time, the All-New Dacia Spring is the perfect solution for people looking for simple, affordable and efficient mobility. Dacia continues its mission to be the best value for money car brand that constantly redefines the essentials. Applying this to All-New Dacia Spring, Dacia wants to encourage drivers to make the shift to all-electric cars in an accessible way. A car’s design – along with efficiency, price and practicality – is one of the essential pieces in the puzzle. The dashboard has been totally reinvented, both to incorporate elements from Dacia’s new interior design language, with its emblematic horizontal architecture, and to also integrate a new range of digital screens. Spring now features a customisable digital dashboard with a 7-inch display on all versions as well as a 10-inch multimedia central display on Extreme trim models. The colour palette and materials used for the interior have been reworked to offer superior quality, while reducing the diversity of options to better manage costs – key to the Dacia philosophy. Dacia Spring East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk offers a beginner-friendly look at Marketing AI, with a focus on ChatGPT and other AI tools that are making waves in the industry. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/ introduction-to-marketing-ai-1/ Modern SEO Thursday 22 August The Bridge Skills Hub, Worksop If you want to outrank your competitors and get more free traffic from Google, this is the workshop for you! From choosing the right target keywords to getting other websites to link to yours, you will learn all about search engine optimisation (SEO) and how to use the techniques on your own site. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/moder n-seo-worksop/ Protecting Your SME from Cyber Attacks Wednesday 4 September De Montfort University, Leicester Join Leicester and Leicestershire Practical Guide to Leadership and Management Thursday 8 August Strelley Hall, Strelley This event will introduce the essential leadership and management skills which must be mastered to facilitate growth of teams and a business. After an overview of leadership and management the workshop will provide a framework to develop an attendee’s own leadership style in addition to the essential skills every manager should master. The event ends by providing practical tips to build and sustain a high performance team. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/ events/practical-guide-to-leadership-and- management-broxtowe/ Introduction to Marketing AI & ChatGPT Tuesday 20 August Online Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) are changing how marketing works. This 90-minute webinar events Enterprise Partnership for a workshop on how to protect your SME from cyber attacks, designed specifically for the creative sector. As AI technology advances, with threats like deepfakes and increasingly sophisticated spam emails, it’s more important than ever for the creative sector to stay ahead. This hands- on workshop will empower you with the skills and knowledge to safeguard your creative projects and personal information in this evolving digital landscape. For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com/events/eve nt-details/?id=4585&navigated FromSearch=true © stock.adobe.com/Tanarat © stock.adobe.com/Vergani Fotografia Health, Wellbeing and Personal Development for Small Businesses Wednesday 21 August Online When you’re busy running your own small business, it’s important to take the time to look after your mental, physical and financial wellbeing. Join the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) for insightful presentations from wellbeing experts who will share practical tips and advice. You’ll also have the chance to connect and network with fellow small business owners. For more information visit www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/health-wellbeing-and-personal- development-for-small-businesses21aug24.html www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link How Environmental Responsibility can bring your Business Alive Wednesday 14 August Online The work you are doing to make your business more environmentally responsible can feel at times like a slog. Perhaps you are struggling to get employee engagement, or the work feels ‘clunky’ when you share it externally with your audiences. This is because the work isn’t aligning with the values of your organisation. When you align the work with your values it suddenly becomes alive, it makes sense. You generate interest, attract people to you and start realising the full benefits of your sustainability and decarbonisation work. This webinar will show you how to take a values- led approach to environmental and social responsibility and the benefits this can bring. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/how- environmental-responsibility-can-bring-your- business-alive/ Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work Friday 6 September Charlotte House, Lincoln Join a thought-provoking event exploring the crucial question: “Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work.” This event promises valuable perspectives and actionable advice through an engaging presentation followed by an interactive Q&A session where you can gain personalised insights. Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the secrets to overcoming common business challenges and setting your enterprise on a path to success. For more information visit www.lincs- chamber.co.uk/events/why-most-small-businesses-dont-work/ Getting Started with Net Zero Tuesday 10 September Market Rasen Racecourse, Market Rasen Are you a small-medium business owner in Lincolnshire or Rutland who wants to work towards Net Zero? If so, join this free half-day interactive workshop covering: why Net Zero is important for your business, and the planet, what the legal and regulatory requirements are in the UK, and how to create a realistic and achievable action plan and set SMART targets. You will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights from experts, to ask questions relevant to your organisation, meet other local businesses, and learn about further support from the Low Carbon Lincolnshire programme – with further virtual and in-person workshops taking place during 2024. For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com/events/event- details/?id=4361&navigatedFromSearch=true East Midlands Bricks Awards 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/ OUT OF OFFICE Corby Foodbank benefits from £20,000 donation from engineering and construction company Corby Foodbank, which supports local people in food crisis, has benefitted from a £20,000 donation of food – the equivalent of 6,262kgs – from VolkerFitzpatrick, the engineering and construction company. The donation was made as part of VolkerFitzpatrick’s commitment to engage with the community and leave a lasting legacy during the completion of two state-of-the-art units totalling £84 million at Magna Park in Corby – one of the UK’s largest logistics and distribution parks. Corby Foodbank distributes three-day emergency, non-perishable food parcels to local people in food crisis and the provisions, provided monthly over the course of a year from VolkerFitzpatrick, included toiletries and food packs for the homeless. David Rowell, project manager, VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “As a business, we wanted to have a positive impact during our work in Corby, so we did our research and came across Corby Foodbank. At the time, it was running at a growing monthly deficit, so there was a definite need for support.” Ashfield awarded £1m for three- year cultural transformation Ashfield District Council (ADC) together with the Ashfield Arts Partnership has launched Ashfield Creates, a three-year transformational programme to inspire and sustain the cultural and creative fabric of Ashfield. The programme is supported by Arts Council England, who have awarded £1 million through their Place Partnership programme, which uses money from the National Lottery. Ashfield is an area that Arts Council England has identified as having great potential but, where historically, investment and engagement has been too low. Arts Council has been working closely with leaders and cultural organisations in the district to encourage regeneration and growth through greater investment and access to creative and cultural activities. The programme will work to increase arts engagement and cultivate an environment where Ashfield can realise its creative potential dramatically and sustainably. Ashfield Creates will activate the towns and neighbourhoods of Ashfield with creative activities, events and experiences through establishing ‘Local Creative Hubs’ in Hucknall, Kirkby and Sutton with a fourth hub travelling across Ashfield’s villages. The programme aims to engage over 160,000 live audience members, over 14,000 participants, 250 volunteers and over 500 creative practitioners. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Business helps homeless people learn IT skills Nottingham-based recruitment company Staffline is providing equipment and training to help homeless and vulnerable people across the East Midlands gain digital skills. Staffline has donated around 400 items of pre-loved IT equipment to the homelessness charity Framework. The items, including more than 140 laptops and 100 tablets, as well as smartphones and protective cases, are estimated to be worth more than £23,000. Framework’s digital inclusion team will use these to help people in need to acquire the vital IT skills and confidence to live independently. In addition staff from the company are providing pro bono support by delivering IT training to Framework’s staff. Matt Roberts, Staffline’s Group Head of IT, said: “At Staffline, we’re not just about providing top-notch flexible work across the UK; we’re about making a real difference in our communities, too. “That’s why we’re thrilled to share our recent collaboration with Framework, a charity dedicated to supporting homeless individuals in the East Midlands. By donating tablets and laptops, we’re opening doors to new opportunities for people in need, aligning perfectly with our core values and vision.” The giant illuminated puppet Dundu walks through the crowds at Light Night Ashfield First Art © Lamar Francois 2022 L-R: Matt Goodier, project manager, VolkerFitzpatrick, Martin Langford, manager, Corby Foodbank and David Rowell, project manager, VolkerFitzpatrick Property consultancy makes much-needed donation to Leicestershire school A school in Leicestershire is set to purchase much-needed IT equipment thanks to a donation from a property consultancy. Congerstone Primary School, in Congerstone near Market Bosworth, has received £1,406.25 through Fisher German’s ‘Building Communities’ initiative. The school is set to purchase additional iPads to be used in lessons to support children across all year groups with their learning after retiring a number of old pieces of equipment which can no longer be used, and will be upgrading the sound system in the school hall. The Building Communities initiative was launched in 2020 to strengthen community links and support schools, clubs and organisations with close ties to Fisher German, with the firm donating a proportion of the commission fee from completed house sales signed up to the scheme. Katie Clarke, school governor and treasurer for the school’s PTA, said: “We would like to thank Fisher German for its support. “Budgets are currently stretched incredibly thin for all schools, and replacing any IT equipment is a real challenge, so donations like this are a huge help.” OUT OF OFFICE www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link Nottingham Venues scoops award at 2024 Conference and Events Awards Nottingham Venues has been named in the Top 3 ‘Best Venues’ in the UK at the 2024 Conference and Events Awards. The company, which operates a collection of hospitality destinations located on the University of Nottingham’s campuses – including the 4* Orchard Hotel & Restaurant, The East Midlands Conference Centre, the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences and Campus Venues – scooped the Silver Award in the Best Venue (500-1100 attendees Theatre Style) category. The Conference and Events Awards are the event industry’s pinnacle of recognition. The annual awards celebrate and champion everyone involved in the events industry including conference and trade-show organisers, in-house events teams, event, PR & marketing agencies and the venues themselves. The judges recognised Nottingham Venues’ first-class use of technology, beautiful outdoor and indoor space, strong sustainability credentials and excellent customer service which results in a 75% rebooking rate. Local company raises more than £5,000 for Cancer Research UK in gruelling Tough Mudder challenge A team of 23 from Corby-based SEE Limited has raised more than £5,000 for Cancer Research UK by battling their way through more than 10 gruelling miles and 23 challenging obstacles in the Tough Mudder challenge, which took place at Belvoir Castle in Grantham. Crossing the finish line in around three hours, the team joined forces to help bolster the crucial efforts and vital research that goes into saving lives and finding cures and treatment for cancer, raising £5,355. Robert Thompson, CEO of SEE Limited, said: “It was such a challenging but rewarding experience. Pulling through the obstacles with my family, friends, and colleagues made this a very special moment. “I’m really proud of what we have achieved, all the efforts that went in to fundraising for the event and raising such a life-changing amount of money for a cause so close to my heart. “I’m also grateful to all those who have kindly donated – it means so much to everyone. If you’re contemplating taking on the Tough Mudder yourself, I would urge you to throw yourself at it, you will not regret it!” Members of the Nottingham Venues team with the Conference and Events Awards trophyNext >