< Previousresponsive enough to make good progress. You can flick between two-wheel and four-wheel drive, plus four-wheel drive with a low-range gearbox for maximum grip. This Raptor is full of character and because it’s such a niche vehicle, it’s undeniably lovable. New Range Rover Whenever a new version of the Range Rover rolls off the production line, it’s a very special moment. It has happened only five times now in the past half- century. The new one looks like a modernised version of the old one, but it’s still obviously a Range Rover, even from a glance. So far, we’ve tested the mighty V6 in Autobiography Ingenium 3.0 litre 350PS twin-turbocharged diesel MHEV. This Range Rover variant provides chest-thumping amounts of power. It is entertaining to drive, and the engine note is lovely. In some ways, though, it’s overkill in a car whose elegance should preclude drag racing at the traffic lights. However, the sheer refinement of the diesel engine can’t be ignored. The air suspension makes for an exceptionally comfortable ride. Thankfully, despite the absorbent suspension, it’s never so excessive that it limits the feedback it gives you through the steering wheel. Likewise, the steering is light. But those who want to try and test the Range Rover’s limits in bends might be disappointed that it doesn’t firm up more when the road gets quicker and twistier. Off-road, the new Range Rover performs brilliantly, especially so if you are an off-roading expert and can tweak the car’s Terrain Response system to New Range Rover East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK 48-51.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:56 Page 3perfection. If you’re not, it automatically sets itself up once you engage the low- range gearbox. This should suffice for all but the swamp-driving aficionado. Overall, it’s not the best handling SUV out there, but it isn’t meant to be. Instead, 2022’s Range Rover is an improvement on its predecessor, and, to drive or be driven in, it’s sublime. INEOS Grenadier If you’ve never heard of INEOS… well, you’re not alone. It isn’t a brand-new company, but it is new to making cars. So, is this a fad, or should we take the Grenadier seriously? Imagine a Mercedes-Benz G-Class and a (pre-redesign) Land Rover Defender had a baby. Voilà! The INEOS Grenadier is born. That is about as complicated as it gets to understand where this fledgling car manufacturer is coming from. BMW provides the Grenadier’s engines, which is never a bad start. There are two 3.0-litre six-cylinders offered – a petrol producing 285PS and a diesel producing 249PS, although the lower-powered diesel provides more torque. Both come with eight-speed automatics. The Grenadier has permanent four- wheel drive. As a large 4x4, it naturally has some body roll in the corners. But, overall, an excellent job has been done with tweaking the chassis to offer maximum stability on the road. So, can the Grenadier go off-road? The answer: emphatically, yes. The suspension is very firm, so don’t expect much comfort off-road, but then navigating over large rocks rarely is. But the suspension setup means it holds up well to anything Mother Nature’s untouched terrain can throw at it. Despite its size, it only has five seats. But other combinations are expected, so those wanting seven shouldn’t despair. INEOS Grenadier www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK 48-51.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:56 Page 4 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY A business cannot run without employees, and unhappy employees will not stay at a business. In a tough economy where wage rises might not be on the cards, corporate hospitality might be the answer to keeping staff around. I t’s sometimes hard for employers to really understand what goes through the minds of their employees. The economy is not in a good place, with soaring inflation and the cost of living crisis, rising energy bills at winter and wage stagnation. There is not much reason to be happy if you’re working for someone else, and plenty of reason to be dissatisfied. This would not be a problem in an economy where jobs are in high demand, but the opposite is true, and skilled workers are in short supply. Therefore, those wanting to keep hold of their workforce need to address some of these issues. Money is not always a simple matter, especially not when things are tough, but companies across the world are increasingly taking more time and putting in more effort when it comes to accommodating staff in other ways. Putting a smile on their faces 52-54.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:57 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link CORPORATE HOSPITALITY There’s a lot of dismissing and anger that goes on in some conservative circles when looking at businesses that allow longer workhours, provide food, give time off and provide other benefits that detractors call “liberal” or “unprofessional”. It’s worth keeping in mind that these businesses are very successful however, famously so, and that very skilled and driven individuals will compete for a chance to work for them. They do not suffer the same skills shortages others do, because they make working for them so appealing that recruitment is as easy as whispering that they have a position open. The applications fly in. It’s easy to look at Google and Instagram however, and say they are one- off cases, and that the method isn’t replicable here in our region. That may be true. However, the method can be imitated on a smaller and more affordable scale. Many businesses here are not having to compete with Google; they are competing with other local businesses, which means you need only be better than the competition, not better than the best in the world. Corporate hospitality may be one of the answers to this, among other things such as longer breaks and more flexible hours. 54 Á © stock.adobe.com/NDABCREATIVITY 52-54.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:57 Page 2 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY It used to be that staff were always wined and dined, and always rewarded with team-building evenings out and parties. Some old-fashioned business leaders tut and argue that these new- fangled ideas will not take, forgetting that these are old ideas at heart. Taking staff out and showing them a good time works to reinforce why they should want to continue working for you and helps to address issues such as work-life balance, teambuilding and camaraderie. This is why Christmas parties are so important, but Christmas parties have also become a cynical affair that people believe they have to run because they are expected. One event at the end of the year won’t do much to convince employees they are valued and respected. It takes very little time and effort, and very little money in total, to have an event every month. It could be a simple as a meal at a restaurant, or drinks after work on a payday, funded by the company, to allow people to unwind, celebrate and chat. It could even be something as relaxed as finishing an hour early once a month, but bringing drinks, food and even casino games into the office to have a little fun for just one hour before the weekend. Little gestures show that someone cares, and small adjustments like this can work to create an office culture that is considered fun and interesting, and news of that can spread. A simple picture snapped by a member of staff having fun and posted to Twitter or Facebook can make people question their own workplaces and wonder if this one doesn’t sound better. It can help to make an impact when a recruit is looking at numerous offers, doing their research to decide whose they will accept, and then sees staff of one business smiling and laughing in pictures online. Employees are taking more time to make sure they are working for more than just the money – because the money just isn’t that good anymore. Rising costs, expensive mortgages, impossible-to- achieve goals and limited room for growth are making careers into dead- ends in many workplaces, and that’s not something employers are any happier about than employees. It’s just the way the country has been governed, and the way the economy has gone after years of problems like COVID, lockdowns and now the government imploding. Complaining about employees not wanting to work, or suggesting that it’s laziness, won’t do anything to improve employee retention or attract new talent. Taking proactive steps to address the concerns you can address, even if wage increases aren’t in the budget, can make a difference. If nothing else, it shows those working under you that you care. © stock.adobe.com/yul 52-54.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:57 Page 3FEATURES End Of Year Round Up Invoice & Finance Solutions Health & Safety Transport & Logistics Engineering REGULARS Commercial Property Motoring Corporate Hospitality Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in December 2022 - Deadline 16th November 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 55.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:58 Page 1 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk on the types of activities businesses currently engage in, and the activities that are required to achieve high growth. A large proportion of businesses focus primarily on long-term planning, investing in technology, developing capabilities for innovation, and managing knowledge and resources. However, to experience high growth, comprehensive strategy development and planning are essential. Growth not only relates to market growth but also to the growth of the business as a whole. The concept of strategy, though widely used, is not always clear. This session will explore the components of a comprehensive strategy and how to link the different aspects of your strategy together so that you can achieve exponential growth within your organisation. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/develop ment-and-planning-for-strategic- transformation/ The Greater Lincolnshire LEP Annual Conference 2022 Thursday 10 November Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln The 2022 LEP Annual Conference is an opportunity to highlight where the LEP are Understanding the Power in Your Data (on-line) Thursday 3 November Online In an age of proliferating data, Data Science methodologies enable consumer trends, customer behaviour, and audience engagement to be dissected and ‘mined’ for new information and knowledge that can support businesses in numerous ways. This information might for example drive future product development and evolution. It might lead to changes that enhance business efficiency. Or it could reveal new target markets to engage with your products, services, or performances. Dr Kai Xu, will introduce you to different methods that can be applied to understand your data, including machine learning and data visualisation techniques. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/unders tanding-the-power-in-your-data-on-line/ Development and Planning for Strategic Transformation Tuesday 8 November Online Research offers a wealth of information events leading the way across the priority sectors, and it’s your chance as business leaders to pose your questions and share your views at a time of challenge and unique opportunities for growth. Join the Greater Lincolnshire LEP at their flagship event and: have a more detailed look at game-changing sectors, hear from business leaders about the huge opportunities available for every business in the region, network with other business people, help shape future business support from government, and more. For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com/events/ event-details/?id=4088&navigated FromSearch=true East Midlands Expo Monday 14 November East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham On Monday 14 November 2022 the East Midlands Expo will return, providing a perfect day for networking and business generation. An established event of over 20 years, for which Business Link is a proud partner, the free to attend expo is well targeted and aimed at the construction, property, business, investment, finance, professional services and related B2B markets. The exhibition will open to attendees at 9am, with a seminar taking place between 10:45am and noon. A special networking lunch will then take place between 12:15pm and 2:15pm, and the exhibition will close at 3:30pm. For more information visit https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/nottingham/ © stock.adobe.com/Kalyakan 56-57.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:59 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link Recession and Future Proof Your Business Thursday 10 November Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Leicester Running a business is difficult at the moment – there are staff shortages, strikes, and supply issues not to mention rising costs. This fully funded workshop aims to help Leicestershire businesses find solutions and support to help them thrive and survive. For more information visit https://bizgateway.org.uk/ events/recession-and-future-proof-your- business/ Lincolnshire Construction & Property Network Roadshow Tuesday 15 November The Beonna at All Saints, Boston From sole traders to large housing associations, construction and property firms come together to talk business at the Lincolnshire Chamber’s Construction Network. This event will welcome Michelle Sacks, Deputy Chief Executive (Growth) for the South & East Lincolnshire Council’s Partnership, who will give an overview of the diverse investment opportunities in the South & East Lincolnshire Partnership. She will also offer an update on the £70 million funding Boston and East Lindsey received via the Towns Fund Deal Midlands Energy Summit - 2022 Thursday 1 December Hilton Hotel, M1, Derby Held in partnership with the University of Nottingham’s Energy Innovation and Collaboration team, the 2022 Midlands Energy Summit will explore how Government, businesses and academia come together to ensure that clean growth can underpin our future economy. For more information visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/connecting-you/conferences-and-expos/sustainability- conference2/?VariantID=5322 An International Celebration in Lincolnshire Wednesday 16 November The Drill, Lincoln This event has been brought to life to celebrate International Trade in Lincolnshire and the world of opportunities brought to businesses by exploring international markets. The event will celebrate several export markets across the world, showcase a twist on country-specific food, as well as entertaining guests with themed music. For more information visit www.lincs- chamber.co.uk/events/an-international- celebration-in-lincolnshire/ projects, and how this is nurturing growth and regeneration across the region, and discuss how the Partnership is unlocking inward investment to nurture sustainable sources of green energy to underpin and future proof our businesses and economy. For more information visit www.lincs- chamber.co.uk/events/construction- nov22/ © stock.adobe.com/Surasak 56-57.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 10:59 Page 2Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks. And finally The world of Frazer 58 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk What was your first car? How much influence does your first car have on your career and salary? None surely? Well, Frazer is here to tell you that it may have more of an impact than you would think! Amongst the onslaught of emails Frazer received in the past month was a rather intriguing little press release indicating that a person’s first motor actually says a lot about them. Following a poll of the nation’s driver’s by webuyanycar, it has been revealed that if your first car was a Ford Focus, then you’re likely to now be among the highest earners in the UK. However, if it was a Kia, as the research suggests, you’re likely to earn less than your peers later in life, while also being more likely to say you are not satisfied in your career. In fact 50 percent of former Kia drivers describe themselves as unhappy in their jobs. Fortunately, it’s not all doom and gloom for Kia owners, with most of those polled remaining optimistic and describing themselves as “glass half full” types. Meanwhile those who drove a Vauxhall Corsa are likely to be working in middle management positions today. What was your first car? What’s in a name? When you set up a new business, choosing a memorable name is vital. Indeed a recent study of 2,000 consumers revealed how a witty or funny business name can play a huge part in helping small firms succeed, with one third of people stating they’d be more likely to shop at a small or local business with a funny or witty name compared to those without. But what you believe to be the perfect name may not be viewed so fondly by those you have to register it with! A new freedom of information (FOI) request submitted by Simply Business has found that a total of 56,640 business names were rejected by Companies House between January 2019 and April 2022, with over half (25,400) of these rejected on the grounds of containing a ‘restricted or offensive word’. Names such as ‘Forking Good Charcoal Grill’, ‘Lawnporn UK’, and ‘Doggy Style’ were all rebuffed, so as you seek out a creative or perhaps cheeky name for your next venture, ensure to tread carefully when considering your options! Looking for a ‘rockstar’? At a time when businesses are reporting significant challenges in hiring new staff, Frazer has been sent information on a new study, detailing that certain words are being claimed as ‘red flags’ in job descriptions, irritating potential candidates. The research from Preply highlights 10 phrases to avoid, so get your bingo card out and let’s see if your current job listings are putting people off! If you are asking for a ‘rockstar’, ‘ninja’, or ‘overachiever’, someone who can ’wear many hats’, has ‘thick skin’, or can ‘hit the ground running’, you need to rewrite that job post! Or have you described your company environment as ‘work hard, play hard’ or ‘fast-paced’? Sorry - pick up the thesaurus. Completing the list are the more basic terms ‘schedule TBD’ and ‘urgently hiring’. Frazer has certainly seen all these phrases crop up in his years in the working world. For many, then, perhaps it’s time to take a second look at your copy before it meets the eyes of candidates. adobe.stock.com/ Martinan adobe.stock.com/ gustavofrazao adobe.stock.com/ Song_about_summer 58.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 11:00 Page 1EAST MIDLANDS PROPERTY & BUSINESS EXPO Well targeted, professional events aimed at the Construction, Property, Business, Investment, Finance, Professional Services and related B2B markets. The events have everything you require for a great day of networking and business generation. Face2face route2market – the opportunity to meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road. For further Information contact tina@businessshowsgroup.co.uk 14th November 2022 Exhibition & Network - Property & Construction related industries - FREE TO ATTEND Register now www.blythinandbrown.co.uk Tel: 01509 622 220 Email: insurance@blythinandbrown.co.uk Accredited insurance broker for many trade associations and industry sector specific schemes. The Point, Granite Way, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire, LE12 7TZ •Providing expert risk management advice and market leading commercial insurance at competitive rates •Deal with one broker for all your business and personal insurance needs •In-house underwriting capabilities allow us to provide a fast and reliable quotation service •Access to a wide range of insurance markets enables us to provide all types of commercial insurance including: >All liability insurances e.g. Public, Products & Employers Liability insurance >Professional indemnity >Fleet insurance >Property insurance >Packaged insurance policies 59.qxp_Layout 1 31/10/2022 11:01 Page 1Next >