< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION without sacrificing accuracy. Conveyor systems, robotics, automated picking systems and RFID or barcode scanning can all help to prevent potentially costly mistakes, or reduce labour needs altogether. Investing in an advanced inventory management system helps improve flow by tracking stock levels in real-time, reducing overstocking and further ensuring accurate orders. Any logistics professional knows that efficiency management is a constant concern and needs attention at all times when storing or moving products. But you’re also likely to be aware that while thinking where business is now, you also have to be planning for changes to come. During spikes in demand, having an effective inventory management system will prevent delays between manufacturing, warehousing and distribution. But incorporating strategies for understanding trends to come will allow for better preparation from beginning to end. When learning customer behaviour, some patterns can be predicted with common sense. Buying habits for certain items such as clothing change reliably by the quarter, with influxes of seasonal purchases around Christmas and Easter. But keep track of how often you are restocking certain items and try to identify any trends or patterns—there may be other outside factors that affect your product flow. Note the periods when customers are ordering more, and when they are ordering less. Having a solid handle on how your customers behave allows you to stay ahead of the dry spells and mad rushes, so you maintain the right inventory balance. For more detailed foresight however, there’s no replacing big data for analysing gradual shifts in choice and preference. Bringing in analytics software is a complex process of assessing your storage or distribution needs, selecting the right software for your metrics and performance indicators, and customising it for your objectives. But the work of identifying your goals and connecting your software with every necessary data source—including warehouse management systems, inventory databases and supply chain management tools—is the most labour-intensive part. After that, its just a matter of transferring data to a suitable format, inputting the values to track, and testing for accuracy before you let it run. With the tricky part out of the way, your new analytical software can begin to www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION © stock.adobe.com/Gorodenkoff predict demand patterns, fine-tune and adjust inventory levels accordingly. It doesn’t end with external monitoring either, as improving demand forecasting accuracy ensures that you stock the right items in the right quantities, feeding back into storage space and efficient organisation year-round. Key performance indicators can also be identified and analysed through data, providing valuable insight on areas for improvement in product flow. To make sure your software is always examining these areas accurately, just remember to monitor the software’s performance and the quality of the data it produces. Continuously refine your analytics processes to extract more valuable insights, and train your staff to use it so any appropriate personnel can access and interpret the data to make informed decisions. Tailoring your distribution processes to meet customer preferences and expectations, including fast shipping options and easy returns, will help your business become more customer focused in its work ethic. It’s a cliché, but the endpoint of a satisfied customer is still of utmost importance to proving the worth of your service, sustaining demand well into the future by building loyalty. Developing your brand along with your processes can pay unexpected dividends in efficiency too. Accepting that reputation is everything to any business, creating a positive image of your company will ensure that you maintain a passive flow of demand while your focus is better spent on making product flow as expedient as possible. Once you’ve reorganised your warehouses, for instance, you can optimise your stock replenishment by creating a system that keeps availability ahead of demand. Food retailers in particular often use just- in-time strategies to restock each day according to sales and forecasts. But for general use, inventory can have a set- level policy for ideal amounts, so operatives know when items should be restocked. Between big moves like installing supportive technology, and the finer details of tidying your warehouse system, the only prescribed approach to efficiency is openness to change. Shifting market conditions, customer demands and technology advancements mean the need to make adjustments is inevitable. But there’s a fulfilling challenge to being in a field that requires staying ahead of the game, and plenty of tools to help you stay there. The Business Link Magazine goes green The Business Link Magazine is proud to announce that its offices have gone green, with the installation of new solar panels and energy-saving installations. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk BUSINESS LINK MAGAZINEI n today's world, with soaring energy prices, sustainable ventures and now the shocking – and worrying – news of flowers growing in the Antarctic, it is more important than ever for businesses to lead the way in going green. Not only for the sake of their own bottom line and to reduce costs, but also to protect the environment so that we can leave a world worth living in to those who come after us. Those concerns were at the forefront of our minds when we decided that, as a news group who often tout the importance of sustainable measures, we ourselves needed to lead by example. Of course, making the decision to go green is easy, but the particulars are complicated, and it's often that complexity which scares people away from making the decision. How expensive will it be? What will be the ROI? How much work is going to be involved? It is easy to catastrophise and put measures like this off, especially when you're closing deadlines for magazines every month and organising our own awards ceremony that took place this very month. Still, there comes a time when you have to take the plunge and seek the advice of an expert, and that is what we did with River Energy & Renewables. Hiring an expert to come in and discuss a project is always the best way to alleviate some of those earlier concerns, and we were very impressed with the professionalism shown, and the benefits offered, and soon after commissioned the installation of solar panels on the roof of our HQ office in Lincolnshire, Armstrong House. These installations will work alongside other energy-saving measures including fresh installations of LED lighting in every office, and internal lights in common areas such as hallways and restrooms set to turn on and off via motion sensors and timers. All combined, the measures will see much of the electrical usage and cost of the offices turned green. "We've always been looking for ways to both cut down on our costs and on the impact we have on the environment," says Director Steve Fisher. "Our major push towards free, online digital magazines and news uploads was a measure to ease the paper burden and give our customers and readers a place where they could read the magazine for free, without any need for logging in or making an account. Investing in solar panels and other environmentally friendly practices for our office was the obvious next step. River Group made the transition as simple as it could be, and the panels were installed and functional with no downtime to the running of the business." This marks only the beginning of longer plans to push the group, and the magazines, toward being more sustainable and more environmentally friendly. In the long run, our aim is to be carbon and energy neutral, which we believe is not only our responsibility toward the region and the people who work for us and who will come after us, but also the best financial decision given the soaring cost of energy felt across the entire country. The future is green, and those who don't adapt to it and adopt measures around it will be left in the dust by those who do. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link BUSINESS LINK MAGAZINE East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK We look at some of the motors expected to come soon - with some of them entering the market as early as spring 2024. BMW 5 Series Sedan The new BMW 5 Series Sedan now offers the entire range of electrified drive technology. Just a few weeks after the market launch of the all-electric BMW i5 and the combustion engine variants equipped exclusively with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, two plug-in hybrid models will already be launched in November 2023. In the eighth generation of the world’s most successful business sedan, the plug- in hybrid models are characterised by extremely spontaneous power delivery, clearly increased efficiency and a significantly increased electric range. Both models feature the latest BMW eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid systems, which is combined in the BMW 530e Sedan with a four-cylinder petrol engine and in the BMW 550e xDrive Sedan with an in-line six-cylinder petrol engine from the BMW Group’s latest Efficient Dynamics modular generation. Skoda Scala Proudly wearing Skoda’s famous Monte Upcoming motors www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK Carlo badge, the flagship model in the new Scala range features 18-inch Ursa black brushed alloy wheels and full LED Matrix headlights with AFS (adaptive front light system) with cornering function and dynamic indicators. Monte Carlo models are also equipped with a panoramic sunroof with extended tailgate glass, rear view camera, black door mirrors, radiator grille and lettering on boot lid. To deliver a sporty driving experience to go with the Monte Carlo’s dynamic look, the range-topping model also comes with Drive mode select with Sport Chassis Control as standard. Inside, the Scala now adopts the interior concepts first seen on the Enyaq range with Loft, Lodge and Monte Carlo design selections available on SE, SE L and Monte Carlo models respectively. Inspired by modern living environments, the new design selections introduce new materials and colours to the Scala range and feature increased use of recycled materials and natural fibres to further reduce the Scala’s production CO2 footprint. These include recycled materials for the upholstery, flooring and floor mats and natural, renewable raw materials in other areas. The door trim panels, for example, are partly made of fibres from hemp and kenaf - a type of hibiscus. The headliner also contains a proportion of these fibres for added strength. Volkswagen Tiguan In a world premiere, Volkswagen is presenting the all-new Tiguan and with it the third generation of the best seller. 66 Á Skoda Scala Volkswagen Tiguan East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK The Tiguan is one of the most successful Volkswagen models in the world today. More than 7.6 million buyers have chosen the compact SUV since its debut in 2007. The new model will reach dealerships as early as the first quarter of 2024. The compact SUV comes with a completely new design. As a particularly striking feature, the front of the vehicle has a powerful look with flat LED headlights and glass-covered horizontal strip. The radiator grille openings are now located at the outer sides of the bumper, where air curtains ensure optimum air routing. The cleanly designed front end highlights the fact that the drag coefficient has improved from 0.33 to 0.28. This silhouette is characterised by athletic shoulders over the wheel housings (with up to 20-inch wheels). A new horizontal LED strip adds emphasis to the unmistakeable Tiguan rear end. Renault Scenic E-Tech The Renault Scenic story began when the compact MPV first revolutionised the market in 1996. Its name, short for Safety Concept Embodied in a New Innovative Car, hinted at its fresh approach, and as families’ travel habits and aspirations have evolved over the years, the Scenic has changed with them. Today, the new latest generation version can be specified with an all- electric powertrain that features a compact 87kWh battery and a 160kW (220hp) motor, capable of delivering a 379-mile range (pending WLTP certification). The 2.78m wheelbase ensures a spacious cabin, including a 278mm knee radius at the back and a 545-litre boot. Its pioneering Solarbay opacifying glass roof and ingenious rear armrest are just some of the comfort- enhancing touches. The OpenR Link multimedia system features more than 50 apps and the ability to help plan your journey effortlessly. The all-new Scenic E-Tech electric’s signature sound sequence has been created in collaboration with renowned composer Jean-Michel Jarre. Renault is aiming for carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and worldwide by 2050. As a result, up to 24% of the Scenic E- Tech electric’s materials are recycled and 90% of its mass - including the battery - is recyclable. Renault Scenic E-TechFEATURES Manufacturing Spotlight Materials Handling Water & Waste Management Education & Training Business Services Movember Charity Special REGULARS Commercial Property Motoring Corporate Hospitality Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in November 2023 - Deadline 18th October 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 inbox East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk partnerships. The changes relate to this tax year, 2023/24 and beyond. This special webinar, led by Streets Tax Partner Michael Ball, aims to provide a clear understanding of what the basis period is, the recent changes, who it affects, when it takes effect and considerations for those affected. For more information visit www.streetsweb.co.uk/about/events/chan ges-way-self-employed-and-those- business-partn/ Recruitment and Selection - How to Recruit the Right Staff Monday 16 October Challenge Consulting, Nottingham The cost of recruiting can be substantial 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 GreenWinning: Marketing Sustainability Without the Wish-Wash Thursday 12 October Online An introduction on marketing your sustainability credentials for better customer outcomes. The basics, the branding, the truth. What can you say, what should you say, why should you say it? And the big secret, you’re probably already doing great stuff no one knows about! For more information visit https://bizgateway.org.uk/events/greenwinni ng-marketing-sustainability-without-the-wish- wash/ Changes to the Way the Self-employed and Those in Business Partnerships are Taxed Thursday 12 October Online HMRC, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, has introduced changes to the basis period, the defined timeframe used to calculate the taxable profits for taxing the self-employed and those in business events information visit www.emc- dnl.co.uk/events/recruitment_and_selecti on_-_how_to_recruit_the_right_ staff2180002634/ Developing and Protecting Key Customers Thursday 26 October Online There is a skill and an art to position yourself to win, protect and grow those key clients that offer your business the Getting Started with Brand Meaning Tuesday 10 October Online Building a strong brand and understanding your purpose is now more important than ever. Your staff, customers and community need to understand who you are and what you stand for, especially in times of crisis. This webinar will help you to understand what a brand is, why it matters to your business and how to communicate this to your ‘tribe’. For more information visit https://bizgateway.org.uk/events/getting-started-with- brand-meaning/ © stock.adobe.com/ nilanka © stock.adobe.com/ STOATPHOTOwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link greatest potential. This webinar is about identifying the key players in all such clients, and having an effective and successful sales strategy to secure business for the long-term. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/ events/developing-and-protecting-key-customers/ Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Virtual Networking Friday 27 October Online Join this monthly networking event where you will have a great opportunity to make new contacts and renew old ones. Meet a broad selection of businesses from across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and beyond, all from the comfort of your desk. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/nottinghamshire-and- derbyshire-virtual-networking-1/ Enterprising Women – STEM Breakfast Panel Wednesday 8 November Chesterfield College, Chesterfield Join the Enterprising Women network as co-chairs Jean Mountain and Eileen Perry host a breakfast panel around women in STEM. For more information visit www.emc- dnl.co.uk/events/enterprising_women_- _stem_breakfast_panel2413964471/ Nottinghamshire Manufacturing Network Tuesday 17 October NTU University Centre, Mansfield The North Nottinghamshire 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 https://www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events/ nottinghamshire_manufacturing_network696093523/ © stock.adobe.com/ Kostiantyn Artificial Intelligence & Intellectual Property Webinar Tuesday 17 October Online Join this insightful webinar delving into the intriguing intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property. As AI continues to push the boundaries of creativity, ownership, and innovation, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolving landscape of legal and ethical considerations. Whether you’re a business owner, legal professional, artist, or simply curious about the future of creativity, this seminar is your guide to understanding the fascinating dynamics of AI and Intellectual Property. For more information visit www.semlepgrowthhub.com/artificial-intelligence-intellectual-property-webinar/ Next >