Leicestershire’s premier digital marketing conference, Leicester Digital Live, is back with a bang this summer, with organisers Anicca Digital announcing it will take place, in person, on Tuesday 7^th June. It will be held in the city’s Winstanley House venue which offers greater capacity than previous conferences, facilitating two simultaneous speaker events, and is also easily accessible from across the region. With the first Leicester Digital Live conference held in 2015, this is the 7^th time it has run, with the announcement of the return of this key digital marketing event being very warmly received. Anicca Digital, which is celebrating its 15^th year, will be welcoming delegates who will hear from some of the world’s leading eCommerce, Lead Generation, Social Media, Paid Search and SEO keynote speakers and experts. The conference aims to deliver maximum value to delegates by providing practical advice and interesting digital content that can be implemented within their own businesses. Confirmed speakers include:

• Global tech companies including Microsoft (Amit Sinha)
• Internationally renowned speakers will be flying in from the USA (Greg Gifford from Search Labs) and from Anicca’s South African technical partner (Ariel Sumeruk from Conversion science)
• Global tech suppliers including Jono Alderson from Yoast, Joshua Hardwick from Ahrefs, Fernando Angulo from semrush and InLink’s Dixon Jones
• Local East Midlands favourites (like Callum McKeefery – Reviews.io and Martin Broadhurst from Broadhurst Digital)
• Plus, some great speakers on mindfulness and cognitive psychology such as Lee Chambers (of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing) and Kenda Macdonald (of Automation Ninjas)
• Anicca webinar regulars will also be pleased to hear that CEO and founder Ann Stanley will be speaking, joined by creative director Thom Shardlow and head of analytics, Ed Trumann

The one-day event on Tuesday 7th June will consist of two streams of talks providing technical and practical support, with sessions aimed for the most experienced, to those just entering the world of digital marketing. Stream One, which has the theme of Innovation and Inspiration, features live guest speakers from across the globe who will be sharing their insights on getting the most from marketing campaigns in 30-minute sessions. In addition to topics on Social Media, Paid Media, SEO and Data, there will be a raft of inspiring content to inspire delegates, such as the use of AI in marketing and important changes in automation and privacy. Stream Two, a Technology Showcase, introduces some of the key tech and software providers which are used daily by digital marketeers. Each supplier will share a brief demonstration around the functionality of their platform before providing a case study to illustrate how the software can be used. The streams will be held in adjacent rooms, allowing delegates to move between sessions. Delegates will also benefit from an exhibition featuring industry suppliers and organisations, including the Anicca Digital team. During the one-day event, there will be several opportunities to network, including over the hot buffet lunch and breaks. For those who are unable to attend in person, recorded talks will be available as part of Leicester Digital Live’s virtual ‘catch-up conference’. Leicester Digital Live is organised by Ann Stanley, founder and CEO at Anicca Digital, who will be hosting the technology showcase stream. She comments: “There’s nothing like a live conference and we have been thrilled with the interest so far. The world of digital is evolving at pace and when you factor in outside influences from the last few months, there are techniques that all levels of marketeers and business can benefit from. “We will be joined by a range of speakers who will bring their expertise to one of the largest audiences we will have ever had. “Mindful that not everyone is able to attend the live event, we have created a catch-up conference to enable people to avoid missing out on what promises to be an engaging and insightful day.” Anicca is renowned for being a leading provider of free regular webinars and blogs across a range of subjects, including PPC, SEO, Social Media and Analytics. Keep up to date with marketing updates across the year by registering to attend or watching the recordings here. Leicester Digital Live will take place on Wednesday 7^th June, from 9am to 5pm and is a ticketed event. There are 100 £30 early-bird tickets available, with general admission priced at £60 (including VAT). Both tickets include a hot buffet and refreshments. The event is non-profit making, with any proceeds donated to a charity supporting the Ukraine refugee crisis. For further information and to register, visit https://anicca.co.uk/leicester-digital-live-2022/ or email enquiries@anicca.co.uk.

Electricity is an integral part of our lives. We use it to power our homes, businesses, devices, etc. While it’s a valuable resource, it can also be dangerous if not used safely. As a business owner, it’s essential to know the basics of commercial electrical safety for your and your employees’ protection. Hence, here are six tips to help you stay safe around electricity:

1. Understand your business’s power needs

Regarding business power needs, it’s crucial to understand your business needs and what you might want. You might want a system with more capacity than you currently need. But it’s important to size your system correctly to meet your current and future needs. Oversizing your system can lead to wasted energy and increased costs. On the other hand, under-sizing your system can lead to power outages and equipment failures. So how do you know what your business needs? Talk to an electrician who understands both commercial and electrical safety. They can help you size your system correctly and ensure that it’s installed safely and up to code.

2. Inspect your building’s switchgear

You may not think about your building’s switchgear very often. It’s hidden behind walls and locked doors, and it may not seem to affect you at work. But it’s there, quietly protecting you from harm. And when it fails, it can cause a lot of damage and even death. The purpose of the switchgear is to protect people from electrical shock and fire hazards in a building or structure. Switchgear protects people from shocks by providing barriers between electrical circuits and the wires that connect them to power sources such as generators and substations. It protects buildings from fires by separating power sources from vulnerable areas like lighting fixtures, appliances, and equipment during the operation of those devices. Switchgear also provides isolation between different parts of a building’s electrical system (e.g., between various buildings on one campus). It helps prevent dangerous voltage differences between wirings within a building. For example, if one section of wiring is damaged by fire or water, isolating that section can stop the rest of the system from being overloaded by too much current flow. There are several types of switchgear, including circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and fuses. If you’d like to replace your entire switchgear or some of its components, you can discover here many options for your building. Remember to get your switchgear inspected periodically to ensure it is operating efficiently and not presenting any danger to your employees or visitors. You also need to maintain this equipment so that it may continue to protect you for years to come.

3. Have a professional assess and install your commercial wiring

Having a professional come in and install your commercial electrical system is probably one of the best safety tips we can give. It can help you prevent problems before they even emerge. It will ensure that your wiring is up to code and safe for use, and it can also help you avoid any costly electrical repairs down the road. Having a professional commercial electrician wire in your business could save you up to 70% on electrical costs. So, if you’re thinking about wiring your business yourself, think again! It’s always best to leave the job to the professionals.

4. Implement a maintenance schedule

One of the most important ways to ensure safety is by implementing a regular maintenance schedule. It includes checking electrical cords, fixtures, wiring, and other equipment to ensure everything is in good condition and up to code. Keeping your workplace safe from potential electrical hazards is essential for the health and well-being of your employees.

5. Educate your employees

It’s essential to educate your employees on electrical safety. They need to be aware of the potential dangers and know how to use electrical equipment properly. Just as you might already be doing on the quality management side, you also need to provide safety training for your employees. It would be great to have regular refresher courses to keep everyone up-to-date. You can also post warning signs and safe working practices around your workplace. Electrical accidents can happen instantly, so it’s vital to take every precaution to prevent them.

6. Inspect cords and outlets regularly

Inspect cords and outlets regularly. Don’t wait for something to go wrong. If you see frayed or damaged wiring, immediately unplug the device and replace the lines. Check plugs to make sure they’re tightly fitted and not overloaded. Avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet. If you have to use extension cords, make sure they’re in good condition (no frayed wiring) and rated for the amount of power you’re using. Conclusion Commercial electrical safety is critical for the well-being of your employees and customers. By following these six tips, you can help ensure that your business stays safe and running smoothly.

Frank Key has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, supporting the Commercial Development of the Year category for a further year. Speaking with Business Link, Ben Sansom, group sales & marketing director at Frank Key, said: “Frank Key are proud to sponsor The East Midlands Bricks Awards for a third year. “Supplying the building trade for over 110 years we have been privileged enough to be part of some fantastic builds across the East Midlands. We wish all the nominees the best of luck.” The awards, which will take place on Thursday 15 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards. To submit a business or development, please click on a category link below or visit this page.

Sills & Betteridge LLP has welcomed Aleksandra Flack as an associate solicitor to its employment law team this month in a move which will benefit employers, public sector organisations, charities, HR professionals and employees across the region. She provides assistance and advice on all aspects of employment law and has considerable experience and a very successful track record of representing clients in Employment Tribunal proceedings where she has negotiated many favourable and significant settlements, for both employees and employers. Additionally, Aleks delivers bespoke training to HR professionals and managers, and is a popular event speaker. Stephen Britton, head of employment law, is delighted with the appointment: “Aleks is a perfect addition to the team. She has a high level of expertise and her energy, enthusiasm and genuine passion for putting the client first really shines through.” For Aleks the position represents an exciting new opportunity: “I am really excited to start my role at Sills & Betteridge Solicitors and look forward to supporting businesses and individuals with the employment-related matters and challenges they face. Sills & Betteridge is a well-established firm that puts clients first and I am delighted to be part of its ambitious plans for the future.” The firm has grown significantly over the last 5 years through organic and acquired growth, and now has 15 offices and over 330 partners and staff.

Derby has been hailed as a shining example of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay, who visited the city last week to see how regeneration plans are taking place. The Minister met with leader of the Council, Cllr Chris Poulter, Derby City Council Chief Executive, Paul Simpson and key officers at Derby Market Hall to review the redevelopment work that’s taking place across the city. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster had a tour of the Market Hall, where the second phase of work is ongoing to turn the Victorian building into an attractive retail and leisure destination fit for the future. The Minister also visited the Becketwell development, which will comprise of a new public square, 259 apartments and a brand new 3,500 capacity performance venue. Both developments are key projects that will contribute to the vibrancy of the city’s historic heart and Derby’s future ambition. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay said: “Derby is a city of real vibrancy and it was fantastic to see the ambitious regeneration projects taking place across the city centre. The redevelopment of the Market Hall is really starting to take shape and the £15 million Future High Streets funding will help develop other parts of the St Peter’s Quarter. “Levelling up is a central part of the Government’s ambition because we want to ensure people and communities up and down the country are able to thrive, so it was great to see how Derby has been able to access funding that will drive inward investment into the city centre and create opportunity for people.” Leader of Derby City Council, Cllr Chris Poulter, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister to Derby and show him the great strides we are making to rejuvenate and Level Up the city centre. “The minister was able to see first-hand the challenges and opportunities we face in Derby and the essential role Levelling Up can play in the city.” Steve Barclay also toured the St Peters and Cathedral Quarter areas, which have received £15million from the Future High Streets fund to regenerate the prominent public space at the Market Hall and Eastern Gateway. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster visited the city after a regional cabinet meeting in Stoke-On-Trent, which discussed the Government’s Levelling Up agenda.