< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk PUBLIC RELATIONS C limbing the stairs at a secret London address, my colleagues next to me, contract in hand, things were getting pretty stressful. We were about to meet one of the original Dragons, someone who I would end up chairing a press event for a few years later, but for now, someone who was intent on ignoring me. It wasn’t going well. We were made to lurk at the other end of the room whilst the Dragon consulted his paperwork. Clue number one, ‘his’. It would be the first but not my last encounter with the fabled Dragons. In fact, the tale stretches back at least a decade. I’ve discussed walking barefoot in the garden with a really nice Dragon. That one told me that I’m NOT as tall as one of them and if you’ve met me, that doesn’t leave many! I’ve even flagged down a taxi for one of them on New Year’s Eve in the Canary Islands. The queue was horrendous, I was next but this reputed ‘monster’ was getting hounded by hunters of the autographic that is the case, we know that it can also be the breaking. So what about the in- between? What if you DON’T get the cash, can you still get the kudos? I would say absolutely YES. It is all about leverage, something that far too many people forget when they run PR campaigns. Imagine pitching a national reporter with your new widget like this: “I see you write about widgets, we’ve got a widget, a lovely widget, a widget we have got.” Those of a certain vintage will recall these immortal lines from the John Smiths advert. The fact is, far too many businesses pitch the media like this. Here be Dragons Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, shares his experiences with Dragons. kind, so I stepped in as a white knight in shabby armour (it was 1am and wine had been taken OK!) and ushered him and his brood to relative safety. My mum and stepfather even turned down significant funding on the show a few years back. Ask me about it sometime. I’ve also met Sara Davies, who was fascinating, telling the story of how her PR guy got her on Strictly and how it led to the Dragons’ Den and just recently, the incredible Sarah Willingham. Sarah was great to hear from and very open, discussing everything from curry to cocktails, investing to imposter syndrome and everything in between. The lure of the Dragons guarding their hoard of riches still makes for great TV but when the topic comes up in conversations with my clients and prospects, the treasure they seek is not the cash, more so the kudos. They feel it will be the ‘tipping point’ for their brand. Now, it might well be but the question is, which way? There is no doubt that appearing on Dragons’ Den could well be the making of a business. However, if www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link PUBLIC RELATIONS Now try adding this magic ingredient to the pitch: “I see you write about widgets. Did you see our widget on Dragons’ Den last night? As you will see, we’ve got a widget, a lovely widget, a widget we have got.” Bottom line, the show and the exposure lends huge credibility to your brand and your pitch, assuming you don’t make a total widget of yourself. However, this approach can be done without the need for a thorough roasting or even light grilling in the den. The media game is all about trust. If you’ve been featured somewhere before, that is all part of your media arsenal. It means you know your onions, you are a safe pair of hands and that other reporters have less of a chasm to cross when deciding whether to feature you. That is why folk like me create Media Packs and Media Pages for clients. They are basically a round-up or resume of what you can offer to the press value wise and act like a resume when we pitch you. Back in yonder years, ‘Here be Dragons’ served as a warning about exploring uncharted territory. If you need a map, drop me a line, I might even tell you about when I was ignored by a Dragon and what happened next. A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008. He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT Building a sustainable future Responsible waste management practices can enhance efficiency, brand image, and environmental stewardship for a brighter tomorrow. Building a sustainable future www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT © stock.adobe.com/ungvar I n today’s business landscape, the responsible handling and disposal of waste materials have become crucial, drawing increased attention from regulatory bodies and consumers alike. This heightened focus demands a nuanced approach to waste management, with a knowledge of how to be responsible with resources. As well as necessitating a keen understanding of evolving market dynamics, shifting consumer behaviours, and strict governmental regulations, proper waste disposal requires attention to how we use water as a fundamental cleaning ingredient in many industries. One of the main catalysts driving industry transformation is a heightened environmental awareness. Over the past five years, corporations have undergone a significant shift, embracing sustainability initiatives with unprecedented enthusiasm, particularly in their pursuit of mitigating their carbon footprints. Waste management, where before it was largely overlooked, has now assumed a central role in these green initiatives, and the responsible use of water is an essential factor. A thoughtful approach to water utilisation stands as a testament to a company’s commitment to both efficiency and eco-consciousness. Central to this ethos is the precise measurement and continuous monitoring of water consumption throughout waste management processes. Leveraging advanced sensor technologies and real- time monitoring systems, businesses can gain deep and meaningful insights into water usage patterns. This data-driven approach enables pinpointing areas of excess consumption, allowing for targeted interventions to curtail wastage effectively. Embracing closed-loop systems takes sustainable waste management a step further. By integrating recycling and reuse mechanisms, businesses can significantly reduce water wastage. Within a closed-loop system, water from one facet of the operation is collected, treated, and redirected for use elsewhere within the facility. This circular approach not only conserves water resources but also minimises operational costs, creating a symbiotic relationship between environmental stewardship and financial discretion. Any business wanting to conserve water before it can enter their facilities can do so too, by making use of rainwater. Incorporating rainwater harvesting systems into waste management marks a progressive stride toward water conservation, as this naturally replenishing resource is as versatile as any other resource, and available for any purpose. From cleaning operations to landscape irrigation, this practice not only conserves fresh water, but also bolsters the facility’s resilience against water scarcity, bringing self-sufficiency to operations. For businesses engaged in landscaping or green waste management, adopting intelligent irrigation techniques is paramount. Weather-based irrigation systems and soil moisture sensors offer precise control over watering schedules. By aligning irrigation with actual plant needs and weather conditions, businesses conserve water resources and enhance the vitality of green spaces. This strategy marries environmental preservation with landscaping aesthetics, promoting a holistic approach to water efficiency. Choosing water-efficient equipment is a handy strategic investment for waste management operations. Opting for machinery and appliances designed with water conservation in mind significantly reduces overall consumption. From high- pressure cleaning systems to industrial washers, these technologies enable optimal performance while minimising environmental impact. Businesses can thereby achieve operational excellence, without compromising their commitment to sustainability. In the pursuit of water efficiency, collaboration with water management experts is invaluable. These professionals offer specialised insights, conducting comprehensive water audits tailored to specific business needs. Their recommendations, ranging from infrastructure improvements to behavioural adjustments, serve as guiding principles for businesses committed to optimising water usage. Through this collaborative partnership, businesses can navigate the complexities of water management with expertise and finesse, ensuring a harmonious balance between operational demands 44 Á East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT and environmental preservation. These beneficial collaborations also secure your business in compliance matters, keeping a communication channel open to ask any questions about areas of potential concern. Waste management isn’t merely about discarding materials; it’s about optimising resources. Through recycling initiatives and waste reduction strategies, manufacturers breathe new life into materials that might otherwise be discarded. This creative approach fosters innovation, inspiring the development of eco-friendly materials and processes. It’s a testament to the industry’s adaptability and resilience. In a similar way, navigating the labyrinth of regulations governing waste disposal is more than a legal obligation. Adhering to these guidelines demonstrates ethical business conduct, reinforcing trust with stakeholders. It’s a pledge to uphold moral values, ensuring that every operation is conducted with due diligence and respect for the environment. Compliance in water and waste management is critical for safeguarding public health, preserving natural resources, and upholding environmental standards. Within the legal framework, businesses must adhere to regulations concerning the safe disposal of industrial waste and the responsible use of water resources. This includes obtaining the necessary permits for waste discharge and water usage, as well as complying with specific guidelines for treatment processes to ensure contaminants are properly removed before discharge. Government bodies often monitor and enforce these regulations rigorously, so meticulous record-keeping and transparent reporting should never be disregarded. Adherence to waste segregation and recycling mandates is equally imperative, with fines and legal actions possible consequences for non- compliance. Businesses must also stay abreast of evolving environmental laws, embracing eco-friendly technologies and practices to reduce their ecological footprint. Collaborating with governmental agencies, staying updated with local, national, and international regulations, and investing in employee training are essential strategies for navigating the intricate landscape of legal and governmental compliance in water and waste management. Beyond environmental and compliance concerns, efficient waste management translates into tangible benefits. Minimising waste generation reduces disposal costs and maximises storage space, leading to increased operational efficiency. Moreover, it enhances a company’s brand, boosting your image as a socially responsible entity. Consumers today appreciate businesses that not only offer quality products but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to the environment and society. Through the careful use of water to care for the environment, while providing the safest and most reliable services to customers and the public, you can do both at once. In the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility, businesses embracing responsible waste management practices not only secure their present, but also lay the foundation for a sustainable future. By balancing operational needs with environmental conscientiousness, manufacturers aren’t just creating products, they’re crafting a legacy of responsible stewardship for generations to come. © stock.adobe.com/doidam10For All Business Development Enquiries Please Contact Business Development Manager Lara Day Email: Lara.day @ st-connect.co.uk Mobile: 07384 450 701 Visit us at the East Midlands Property & Business Show 13th November www.businessshowsgroup.co.uk Solving Nutrient Neutrality Odourless and quiet Unobtrusive and small footprint Environmental and sustainability matters Non-potable water services (rainwater and greywater systems Adoption of sustainable drainage system (SuDS) Lower customer bills Removal of potential delays and expedited development Certainty in time frame Ofwat regulated Benefits East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Futurewww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK As we move toward the end of 2023, it’s worth taking a look at the future to see what motors are being revealed across the world’s shows, and what we could look forward to seeing on our roads in 2024. BMW iX2 The new BMW iX2 sees the BMW Group accelerating the ramp-up of electric mobility. The company now has at least one pure electric vehicle in all major model segments and is aiming to have more than two million fully electric vehicles on the road by the end of 2025. By 2030, it is anticipated that every second vehicle sold by the BMW Group worldwide will have an all-electric drive system. 48 Á East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK A flexible vehicle architecture allows the new BMW X2 and BMW iX2 to be produced on a single assembly line at BMW Group Plant Regensburg. The high- voltage batteries for the fully electric variant are also made at the Regensburg site. The iX2 xDrive30 starting from £56,540 RRP. 2024 Mazda MX-5 The 2024 Mazda MX-5 has made its public debut at the Japan Mobility Show, and for the first time since the launch of the current generation MX-5 in 2015, Mazda’s award-winning sports car has received a subtle exterior design change. The 2024 MX-5 is marked out by a new LED headlight design that now incorporates the daytime running lights, while the rear LED lights have also been redesigned and a new Aero Grey paint colour has been added to the MX-5 line-up. Inside, drivers benefit from a new larger central 8.8-inch touch-screen multimedia display and an updated instrument panel. The larger central screen allows for clearer navigation mapping, while the more advanced MZ Connect system helps user functionality, additionally USB-C ports have been introduced. As before, the MX-5 has wireless Apple Car Play. The 2024 Mazda MX-5 also has a new frameless rear-view mirror but the interior retains the same driver focused cabin and driving position. Renault Clio The New Renault Clio debuts with a more assertive and elegant exterior that showcases Renault’s new design language. Notably, the completely redesigned front end boasts taut lines for an overtly sporty look and features the Mazda MX-5 www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK brand’s new signature lighting that is inspired by the Nouvel’R logo and incorporates slender full-LED headlamps. The New Clio complements its high- tech style with the option of an electrified drivetrain that is at the cutting-edge of hybrid technology. The petrol/electric hybrid produces 145hp for strong, effortless performance and offers a range of up to 550 miles, while also emitting as little as 96g/km of CO2 and returning as much as 67.3mpg combined (WLTP). The latest Clio can use the electric motor up to 80% of the time in cities - cutting consumption by up to 40% compared to a conventional petrol engine - with the benefits of near-silent running and no need to plug-in to charge the battery. Skoda Superb With just over a week to go at time of publication before the premiere of the fourth-generation Superb, Skoda Auto has released the exterior sketches of its all-new ICE flagship. Its design incorporates elements from the new Modern Solid design language and the key features include upgraded LED Matrix beam headlights and LED rear lights with crystalline elements. The exterior sketches show features of the new Modern Solid design language. It underscores Skoda Auto’s dedication to evolving its design philosophy while at the same time staying true to the renowned brand values such as practicality and spaciousness. The even longer and taller fourth-generation Superb comes with an enhanced aerodynamic performance and numerous highlights. Among other things, the headlights have become sharper and more crystalline, headroom and luggage compartment have grown considerably. Renault Clio Skoda SuperbNext >