< Previous East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY C hristmas parties are designed to be fun and are important for maintaining staff, but there are a lot of things that can go wrong – it’s best to be aware of these in advance. Christmas and New Year is a key time for staff to consider whether they want to apply for another job, often at another company – so the last thing you want is for the party to leave anyone with a bad taste in their mouth. There is a lot of risk involved, however, and problems can occur when alcohol flows. Staff need be aware that the party, even though outside of office hours and often office workspace, is an extension of the working environment, both from a PR point of view and in legal terms and here lies an expectation for all to behave accordingly while having fun. Any staff members’ behaviour at an event can give rise to claims or disciplinary action so it’s essential to communicate expectations by circulating a considered email, a staff meeting and notices in staff rooms. The CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development) states, “make your expectations clear - remind people of the behaviour that’s expected of them beforehand, including communicating your policies on dignity and respect and on drugs and alcohol misuse.” When people know what parameters are in place they feel safe and can relax and enjoy the event. Many attendees may worry what to chat about at the office party. Politics should be avoided and although it’s tempting to vent about the state of the country there are many more pleasant topics to discuss such as next year’s vacation plans, favourite foods, bands or video games. Keeping topics light and general stops attendees feeling anxious or aggravated. Ensure official talk is kept in the office and employers remain aware of expressing opinions about employees too or making promises of promotion at a party that aren’t kept as if the promotion falls through, it can end up in an Employment Tribunal based on ‘breach of © stock.adobe.com/deagreez Trouble at the party Christmas parties are seen by some as a hassle and others as a necessary evil, but everyone knows there are risks involved when alcohol starts to flow. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link CORPORATE HOSPITALITY trust’. Other considerations are whether social media postings are permissible, staff need to be informed on this topic beforehand as selfies are here to stay! The obvious issue that can cause problems at a party and upset others is when people drink too much, whether it’s a free bar or not – avoiding hard spirits and limiting the number of drinks per person can help this as well as providing non-alcoholic drinks such as mocktails, juices, water and tea or coffee. Also, drinking on an empty stomach is not recommended so providing finger food, a buffet or sit down meal is ideal, depending on your budget. A DJ or band can help as well as getting people moving further averts extreme drunkenness and allows people to enjoy themselves dancing, and others enjoy listening to some good tunes and watching others dance. As well as drunkenness other problems could be if an argument or fight breaks out. If this happens staff members, two or more preferably senior staff or HR personnel, should intervene adjourning to a quiet corner and offering a listening ear and non-alcoholic drink to calm a situation down, reassuring an upset attendee they are being heard. As always, if necessary, issues can be discussed in the clear light of day especially as an employee can be fired for aggressive behaviour or complain about unfair dismissal, so if in doubt about matters HR or management should offer a clear course of action. Unwanted contact, offensive or lewd remarks can also cause consternation at a party. Sneaking a consensual kiss under the mistletoe might be OK but groping and inappropriate touching can be classed as sexual harassment which could not only lead to criminal charges and could result in dismissal. In this ‘Me Too’ era, employers need to remain vigilant at all times during the festivities as the company can also be held liable. As many employees argue ‘it’s not fair being fired for actions at a company party’, so all staff should be treated equally and it’s important for a company to acknowledge when HR or an employer is to be involved in a situation as well as keeping an open dialogue for any employee wishing to discuss things they felt uncomfortable with. Luckily, many complaints are easily dealt with but for ones that aren’t, again, proper protocols must be followed and all concerned be made aware of them. Employers should ensure they distance themselves from any unofficial ‘after-party’ and highlight to staff when the company event starts and ends. No employer wants to be seen as curtailing on-going enjoyment but staff should be reminded of their expected ‘after-party’ behaviour, for example, not drink driving. This can be actively discouraged by offering secure overnight parking, taxi company and public transport information or the company providing transport. Finally, a consistent policy regarding post-party absenteeism and behaviour, if it’s a workday following the party, should be decided on beforehand to avoid arguments - how lenient or not a company is going to be regarding lateness or absenteeism needs to be communicated to staff so they are aware of the consequences and can make suitable arrangements beforehand so they can then relax and enjoy the whole night. Coming into work drunk from the night before can lead to dismissal, especially if in your work role you drive or operate machinery and nobody wants that to happen. © stock.adobe.com/Ekaterina_Molchanova East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK As we move toward the end of 2024, it’s worth taking a look at the future to see what motors are being revealed and what we can look forward to seeing on our roads. Future www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK Subaru Forester Subaru has released details of the All-New Subaru Forester, which is set to be launched into the UK market in Spring 2025. The Forester has been a key model in the Subaru lineup since it was first launched in February 1997. With over 5 million units sold globally over the past 27 years, and currently the third-biggest-selling Subaru model in Europe, the all-new Forester preserves the heritage of this capable, go-anywhere SUV, that has been redesigned in a more sophisticated and refined package. The all-new Forester features improved on-road driving dynamics and off-road capability and will be powered by Subaru’s e-BOXER mild-hybrid powertrain. An optimised direct-injection 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine, that is paired with a Lineartronic transmission. Subaru’s EyeSight Assist Technology and Driver Monitoring System have both been upgraded with newly added functionality. This will also now include an Emergency Driving Stop System, which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if needed and in a safe way, if the driver can no longer control the vehicle in an emergency situation. motors East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e With a higher battery capacity, 50kW DC charging at fast-charging stations, and an electric range of up to 88 miles, the Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e has received a comprehensive technology upgrade. Its intelligent drive management ensures outstanding efficiency, high recuperation performance, and emission-free local driving in everyday life. The compact plug-in hybrid drive management is designed for high efficiency. Starting is always electric, even when the temperature drops down to - 28° C. The driver can prioritize the electric drive with the EV button in the switch panel or by selecting it in the MMI, which enables the vehicle to operate like a fully electric model. In “Auto Hybrid” mode, the primary operating mode, the combustion engine and electric motor share the work intelligently - purely electric driving at low speeds, with the TFSI engine taking priority at higher speeds and often both drives together. MINI Cooper Convertible Following the successful launch of the all-new MINI family throughout the past year, the new MINI Cooper Convertible completes the brand’s new model family. Offered in a choice of two new petrol models, the MINI Cooper Convertible will begin production at MINI Plant Oxford later this year, following a nine- year hiatus. With clean surfaces, a fully automatic soft top roof and a minimalist yet innovative interior, the MINI Cooper Convertible offers drivers an added dose of spontaneity, with the ability to drop in the roof in seconds. When the soft top is open, the MINI Cooper Convertible has a luggage compartment volume of 160 litres, while when the soft top is closed this expands to 215 litres. To assist with loading, the tailgate opens downwards and the wind deflector behind the driver and passenger seats reduces wind noise and unwanted air turbulence when driving. The interior design of the new MINI Cooper Convertible focuses on fewer components, clever design, and high- quality workmanship. Three key elements structure the cockpit: a sporty steering wheel, the central OLED display, and the newly designed toggle switch bar. Škoda Elroq Distilling all the qualities of the multi- Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK award-winning Enyaq into a more compact package, the Elroq also brings Škoda’s acclaimed practicality and value to one of the most competitive sectors in the new car market. It will also be the first Škoda model to feature the brand’s striking new ‘Modern Solid’ design language - a dramatic new look that will influence the design of future Škoda models. Inside, the SE features Škoda’s striking Loft design selection that comes with fabric and artificial leather upholstery, grey headlining and a two-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel. Drivers benefit from a large 13-inch touchscreen display, digital cockpit and single-zone climate control as standard. The SE also offers a generous quota of convenience and safety systems as standard, including a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition and blind spot detection. MINI Cooper Convertible Škoda ElroqNew Aston Martin Vanquish The most potent flagship The new Vanquish is here – and it’s described as the “most potent flagship” in Aston Martin’s 111-year history. I n an era where plug-in hybrids and electric cars are starting to dominate, the famous marque from Warwickshire is hailing the rebirth of its legendary V12. It boasts 5.2 litres, a twin-turbo and a staggering 835PS – yes, you read that last figure right. As if that wasn’t enough, a 0-62mph time of 3.3 seconds, 1000Nm of torque and a top speed of 214mph – the highest ever on an Aston Martin production car – tells you all you need to know. The car is rear-wheel drive and sits on 21-inch alloy wheels. It features an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and an 80- mm-extended wheelbase. An electronic rear limited slip differential maximises grip from the rear wheels, providing greater agility and better control of oversteer. It also increases the car’s rotation in corners, making for faster cornering speeds. The expansion of the front grille – a feature of a handful of recent Aston Martins – continues on the Vanquish. The rest of the car’s silhouette is unmistakeably familiar, including bulging shoulders above the rear wheel arches. A curved black carbon fibre strip wraps around the back, and the taillights have thin blades on either side. The number plate sits low, flanked by two pairs of large, slightly squared-off tailpipes. The interior is gorgeous. It houses hand-trimmed leather and looks fantastic. It has plenty of piano black surfaces and a menacingly authoritative centre console. The infotainment screen is slanted diagonally, bridging the gap between the centre console and the dashboard, while thin air vents sit above the touchscreen. A second screen - the digital instrument display - replaces the more traditional analogue dials behind the steering wheel. You had better have deep pockets if you want a Vanquish, though. Aston Martin only makes 1,000 of them each year, and the 2025 model will cost upwards of £335,000. The Vanquish looks like it’ll live up to its name then, certainly as far as your wallet is concerned. East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINKFast Facts New 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish Max speed: 214 mph 0-62 mph: 3.3 secs Fuel economy: 20.7 mpg Engine layout: V12 5.2-litre twin-turbo Max. power (PS): 835 CO2: 274 g/km Price from: £335,000 On the Road www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link AUTOLINK East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk hour interactive workshop. 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 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=4369&navigated FromSearch=true Practical Guide to Marketing Wednesday 13 November Strelley Hall, Nottingham Marketing, you’ve heard about it, you know it’s important for your business, but still, you may find the task of growing your business and getting its name out there an overwhelming one. With all the different marketing strategies and schools, it can be difficult to choose the best way to allocate your limited amount of time and financial resources in a way that’ll get you the highest return on your marketing. This action planning workshop is ideal for those who are new to marketing or have a basic understanding of marketing but need help getting more targeted with their messages and delivery. For more information visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events/ practical_guide_to_marketing328241727/ Managing Environmental Risk in the Supply Chain Wednesday 6 November Online The news on ESG/Sustainability is often dominated by a focus on carbon emissions (net zero) and legislation on carbon reporting and disclosure. However, increasing legislation around biodiversity, deforestation and chemicals will impact on cost, availability and present significant risk to businesses if they do not plan ahead. We remain in a period of unprecedented supply chain disruption and increasing competition for ‘green’ materials and supply chains will ensure this continues. This webinar is delivered by James Butcher, a Nottingham-based supplier engagement and sustainable transformation expert. For more information visit https://bizgateway.org.uk/events/managing -environmental-risk-in-the-supply-chain- business-as-usual-is-not-an-option/ Taking Action on Net Zero: Building Decarbonisation Plans Thursday 7 November Online Are you a small-medium business owner in Lincolnshire or Rutland who wants to work towards Net Zero? If so, join this 2- events Lincolnshire Construction & Property Network November Tuesday 19 November HMP Lincoln, Lincoln From sole traders to large housing associations, construction and property businesses come together to talk business at the Lincolnshire Chamber’s Construction Network. This month’s event will take place at HMP/YOI Lincoln, a category B. local Victorian jail holding up to 664 remand and convicted prisoners across 4 wings. As part of their education and training, the prison offer a wide variety of construction focused opportunities including Willmott Dixon dry lining, bricklaying, painting and © stock.adobe.com/Me studio Using AI for SEO Thursday 21 November Online AI is a powerful technology with many applications that can save huge amounts of time, but it also has the potential to cause big problems if used badly for SEO. This webinar demonstrates several AI tools to help with SEO, along with the considerations and processes to ensure the way you use AI doesn’t negatively affect your rankings. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/using-ai-for-seo/ www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link decorating, forklift, CSCS, demolition and traffic management to ensure their learners are as ‘job ready’ as possible for release. During the event there will be a tour of the education and construction workshops to showcase qualifications on offer. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/events/lincolnshire-construction- property-network-november/ Making the Most of Google Analytics Wednesday 20 November Notts County Football Club, Nottingham Google Analytics is a very powerful platform to gain insight into your website visitors, how they got there and what they did. This data can be used to improve your website, helping you to retain visitors and improve their conversion rate, ultimately generating more business from your website. This workshop explores the main reports in Google Analytics (GA4), explaining what they mean and how to use them, as well as working through how to set it up and the options required to get the most from your data. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/making-the-most- of-google-analytics-notts/ Enterprising Women Winter Social Tuesday 3 December Lumbers, Leicester Step into the festive spirit with the Enterprising Women Winter Social, a premier afternoon tea and networking event designed for women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and aspiring professionals. This event offers the chance to unwind, indulge in a delightful afternoon tea, and make valuable connections with like-minded women. For more information visit www.emc- dnl.co.uk/events/enterprising_women_winter_social1027056039/ Midlands Energy Summit 2024 Thursday 28 November Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, Derby Held in partnership with the University of Nottingham’s Energy Institute and the East Midlands Freeport, the 2024 Midlands Energy Summit will explore how businesses, academia and policy makers can come together to ensure that clean growth underpins our future economic landscape. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/ events/midlands-energy-summit-2024/ © stock.adobe.com/Boxyray Derby Manufacturing Network Tuesday 26 November Enterprise Centre, Derby The Derby 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 www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events/ tmpl_-_derby_manufacturing_network 2018701418/ Next >