< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk NET ZERO more remote area, simultaneously cutting their carbon footprint and energy bills. This also offers the potential to gain income by selling energy back to the National Grid as well as increasing consumer and investor confidence in a brand and becoming more attractive to buyers themselves seeking to become greener by working with more sustainable firms. Meanwhile an energy audit can be used to measure the environmental performance of a building to plot a course to Net Zero. Further energy saving measures will also be beneficial, including those with little or no financial cost or simply requiring behavioural changes. From improving insulation to setting thermostats lower (adjusting this based on where workers are present) and programming them to go down or switch off after hours, to switching to LED bulbs and installing automatic lighting systems, investing in smart thermostats, draught proofing doors and windows to prevent heating and cooling loss, and checking machinery and equipment are running efficiently, there are a variety of options to consider. Minimising waste from products and packaging and efficient waste management are additionally critical to hit Net Zero to, for example, prevent waste reaching landfill sites where it will cause harmful emissions as it breaks down. One can also decrease waste disposal costs and landfill tax in this process. This may involve limiting the amount of waste generated, storing waste safely and securely and encouraging heightened reuse and recycling. Reducing the impact of transport within businesses should be considered too, whether that involves switching to electric or alternative fuel vehicles, planning routes and using vehicles more efficiently, choosing rail or water over road freight, or encouraging walking, cycling and public transport for commuters as well as more video conferences over in-person meetings. There are many benefits of achieving Net Zero, from helping businesses to grow and gain new opportunities, to attracting investment all while healing the planet. On the road to Net Zero, by cutting emissions, firms are also presented with a chance to lower running costs, thus saving money, qualify for tax benefits, gain a positive reputation and new business amongst now more conscientious customers as well as an advantage over competitors as early adopters. Further, building sustainability generally leads to happier, more productive and enthusiastic teams, and enhanced CSR. As the transition to a Net Zero UK evolves, businesses will play an essential role. © stock.adobe.com/Miha Creativewww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link CORPORATE HOSPITALITY T he prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards are back for 2024, shining a light on the property and construction industry and bringing together professionals from the sector to connect! Taking place on Thursday 3rd October, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham, the awards showcase the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of the East Midlands, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes, schools and public spaces. Organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, they also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes. A key event in the business calendar since 2015, the glittering awards ceremony enables attendees to toast finalists and winners, and presents a prime opportunity to network and celebrate with the leaders of property and construction firms over complementary drinks and nibbles. Attend to forge new contacts and see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agent, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business of the Year, and of course Overall Winner. The Overall Winner at the event, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be awarded a grand prize - a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000. Chloe Sproston, Creative Director at Blueprint Interiors, shared: “We’ve been involved in the awards Celebrate and connect with the property and construction industry at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024! The East Midlands Bricks Awards will return to Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on Thursday 3rd October to celebrate the region’s property and construction industry and provide an ideal occasion for networking. 42 Á East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY since 2019 either as an award nominee or a sponsor. We continue to be impressed with both the quality of award submissions, but also the event, which attracts the elite of our region’s construction and property professionals. This year, we’re particularly excited to sponsor the Overall Winner category, further demonstrating our commitment to showcasing the very best talent in the region’s property and construction industry.” The annual event, which will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, will additionally feature Paul Southby as keynote speaker. Paul is a partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema in Nottingham’s Lace Market, and a longstanding trustee of environmental charity Clean Rivers Trust. He is chair of Nottingham Partners, a group of businesses that supports the work of the local inward investment agency, Invest in Nottingham, and a board member and past chair of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Limited. Paul is also a former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire (2022/23). Paul said: “The East Midlands development and property community faces an exciting time ahead with a new government in place and the advent of a new East Midlands Combined County Authority under the leadership of the first Mayor of the East Midlands. As we step into this new political and economic phase, the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 is a great opportunity to look back on our past successes, to reflect on where we are as a region, to consider what needs fixing, and – looking forward – to emphasise our region’s strengths as a strong investment location.” Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 on Eventbrite www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards-2024-tickets-902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreator Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with property and construction professionals while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in the region.www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link CORPORATE HOSPITALITY East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 When: Thursday 3rd October 2024, 4:30pm – 7:30pm Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground Keynote speaker: Paul Southby, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Dress code: Standard business attire Tickets: Available at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards- 2024-tickets-902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreator Contractor of the Year Developer of the Year Sustainable Development of the Year Deal of the Year Responsible Business of the Year Architects of the Year Excellence in Design Overall Winner Most Active Agent Drinks sponsor SPONSORS East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Special cars Limited runs, expensive models and new releases – sometimes it’s about looking at dream cars. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK 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. World-leading Bentley interior cabin design, materials, quality, and craftsmanship continue with the introduction of further wellness seat technology, new air ionisation, three-dimensional leather textures, new modern quilting, and technical finishes such as new dark chrome. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series In keeping with the brand philosophy, the Mercedes-Maybach SL offers a holistic sensory experience. The contours of the brand-specific, chrome-finished radiator grille are illuminated, as is the finely integrated MAYBACH lettering. The distinctive bonnet bears an upright Mercedes star and a chromed fin running front to rear along its centre. To further enhance the exclusivity, the obsidian black bonnet is available upon request with the Maybach pattern incorporated in graphite grey uni. Inside, sustainably tanned, crystal white nappa leather creates an exceptionally exquisite ambience. It features on the door panels, the centre console and on the brand’s signature comfort seats. The seat upholstery has a new floral design. The space behind the seats is also finished in white leather. The galvanised seat backrests and silver chrome trim provide a striking contrast. The fully digital instrument display and the electrically adjustable centre display incorporate the Maybach-specific start-up animations and display styles. Further brand hallmarks are the steering wheel, the stainless-steel pedals and the stainless-steel door sill trims. Maserati GT2 Stradale Maserati GT2 Stradale is an ode to the most extraordinary and exclusive sportiness, the result of a technical and stylistic partnership between the Maserati GT2, a masterpiece of performance created for the brand’s return to GT competitions, and Maserati MC20, an iconic Trident car imbued with an unmistakable style. The Maserati GT2 Stradale combines in- depth technology transfer of the purest performance, typical of a racing car, combined with the intrinsic qualities of the MC20. The new super sports car thus evokes style and racing performance, while ensuring an ideal feeling and comfort in all conditions of use, without sacrificing the best driving experience on the road, typical of Maserati’s offering. With a top speed of over 320 km/h, maximum output increased to 640 hp (10 hp more than the MC20), a weight decreased by 60 kg and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in Maserati GT2 Stradale Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Serieswww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK just 2.8 seconds, Maserati GT2 Stradale promises unparalleled sensations and superior performance, partly thanks to its sophisticated aerodynamics and attractive design inherited from its racing sibling. AC Cobra GT Coupe AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, has released the first images of the formidable new AC Cobra GT Coupe. Fusing the unmistakeable AC Cobra aesthetic with a contemporary coupe profile, it provides a brand new model as the company continues to expand its operations. With production for the AC Cobra GT Coupe based at AC Cars’ UK facilities, it’s an evolution of the company’s unique vehicle architecture - with an enhanced aluminium chassis and optimised carbon-fibre body. The first ever official AC Cobra coupe set for production, working from an enhanced version of the existing AC Cobra GT Roadster platform, this road-going model draws on the company’s racing heritage. Inspired by victories from AC’s formative years, which includes the Monte Carlo Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the new AC Cobra GT Coupe adds motorsport- derived enhancements to produce an AC Cobra unlike any other. AC Cobra GT Coupe East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk 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&navigated FromSearch=true Carbon Management in Business Wednesday 11 September Newark Showground, Newark-on-Trent This workshop will provide a deep learning experience, giving you the skills and resources needed to reduce carbon use in your business. The workshop is delivered by academics and sustainability experts from NTU’s Nottingham Business 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 events School who will share their practice-based expertise and knowledge. For more information visit https://bizgateway.org.uk/events/carbon- management-in-business-2/ Unleashing Growth: Unique Strategies for SMEs in the post- COVID Era Wednesday 18 September Online Imagine it’s early 2020, and your small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) is © stock.adobe.com/pickup © stock.adobe.com/Drobot Dean Recruiting in a Tight Labour Market Thursday 12 September Online The Quarterly Economic Survey for the East Midlands Chamber shows that recruitment remains challenging for many SMEs. For those employers relying on a passive approach such as job boards or word of mouth, this free webinar will help to explore alternative ways to find and attract new employees and widen your recruitment pipeline, so you have the best talent to select from. For more information visit https://bizgateway.org.uk/events/recruiting-in-a- tight-labour-market-3/ www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link Shield Lincoln: Cyber Resilience Conference Thursday 3 October Mosaic, Lincoln This informative and interactive cyber security conference is designed to increase awareness of cyber security risks and provide essential strategies to protect your business from cyber attacks. This conference aims to empower local businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard their digital assets in an ever-evolving threat landscape. For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com/events/event- details/?id=4582&navigatedFromSearch=true doing well. Your strategies are effective, customers are satisfied, and the future looks bright. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hits, turning everything upside down. Businesses close, markets crash, and uncertainty dominates. Yet, some resilient enterprises not only survived but flourished. How did they achieve this? What innovative strategies did they use to navigate these challenging times? This upcoming webinar offers insights into innovative thinking and strategies to thriving in a post-pandemic world. For more information visit https://bizgateway.org.uk/events/unleashing-growth-unique- strategies-for-smes-in-the-post-covid-era/ Why Create Video for Social Media? Friday 27 September Online Video content is ubiquitous in marketing today. It’s predicted to form an even greater part of marketing for a business in the future. Audiences love to watch video content and often find it easier to consume when attention is competitive. Most social media platforms prioritise video content – indeed, some platforms are built primarily on video. Using video in social media ensures your content is more likely to be seen by your target market and gives them the information they need to make a decision more rapidly. This webinar will cover what video can do for you and your customers, why to use video, video types (feed, stories, shorts), content ideas, optimal length, and livestreaming. For more information visit https://bizgateway.org.uk/events/east- midlands-chamber-why-create-video-for-social-media/ 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. For more information please visit www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk/mag/bricks-2024/ Next >