< Previousthey want to end up. It would be like manufacturing a product without any idea about how that product was going to be used, by whom and where. As in all cases, having a clearly defined business strategy in place is critical. That might simply be greater operational efficiency; cleaner, more organised facilities, or an emphasis on lowering cost. While smaller businesses can implement a 5S strategy across their entire operations in one go, it’s unwise for larger – or even medium-sized – business to do so, and should instead prioritise one area at a time. It should go without saying that everyone needs to be on the same page in understanding the business strategy and the company’s aim so that everyone is working towards that same goal rather than against it. Staff should also be trained in the ins and outs of 5S, exactly how they can use it to improve operation efficiency, reduce wastage and lower costs, and how to implement it. Though articles such as these are a great introduction, they’re no replacement for training courses and expert advice. With all that in mind, how exactly can manufacturers take their clearly defined business strategy and utilise 5S to implement it. Companies should begin by removing all items from the work area and inspect and identify those that are critical to the success of the function performed at the workstation. From here, companies are advised to remove any duplicates, unnecessary equipment, infrequently used items and rubbish. Businesses should also categorise the non-essential items into two categories – either as waste or as valuable but not critical. The latter should be stored outside the workstation area which should save time, space and labour costs whilst boosting productivity. Having separated the waste and non-essentials, the equipment critical to a company’s operation now needs to be organised. It’s advised that positions are assigned for all equipment, work in progress and raw materials, keeping in mind ease of reach, proximity to work surface and identification. The idea is to maximise the efficiency of the workstation layout by putting the most frequently used tools within closest reach and thereby minimising wasted time from excess motion and searching. It might seem obvious, but it’s commonplace in manufacturing facilities and, as they say, wasted time is worse than wasted © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / POPTIKA PRODUCTIVITY & EFFICIENCY IN MANUFACTURING SPOTLIGHT 20 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk The transformative effect of invoice finance A primary responsibility of business owners is to come to terms with their numbers and set systems to meet their obligations. On the strength of a business owner’s knowledge and control of numbers rests the health of a business and the satisfaction of debts. Central to this are relationships with those who can help - accountant, finance director, financiers. As a provider of finance to small business, a popular solution is that of selective invoice financing. Invoice finance is offered by a good number of lenders, from High Street Banks to specialist Invoice Financiers. Some will insist on whole of ledger factoring, others will purchase only those invoices requested by the client. Some offer long-term contracts, others one-off purchases. If invoice finance is of interest to you, speak with a commercial finance broker or accountant, who will be able to talk you through the various options and models available. For more information, email paul.michel@fifocapital.co.uk. Paul Michel, Director of Paul Michel Investments 18-21.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2019 11:35 Page 3East Midlands Business Link 21 www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk PRODUCTIVITY & EFFICIENCY IN MANUFACTURING SPOTLIGHT To find out more and to book your place on the upcoming workshops, please visit www.manufacturingrowthprogramme.co.uk or follow @mfggrowthp on twitter. Shine Essentially, this stage means companies should keep everything clean, every day. As well as ensuring that the floors, walls and equipment are cleaned daily, companies should also ensure that all items are returned to their designated places. The important thing to remember here is to make this thorough routine part of the daily tasks instead of putting it off. Standardise This is an area which manufacturers might already have implemented, especially in the food industry where different coloured cleaning products are being used for health and safety reasons. Following on from the previous stage, this one sees companies ensuring that the conditions of their work area do not return to how they were before implementing 5S. In order to do so, staff should understand their responsibilities and be empowered to perform all their tasks daily. Sustain Naturally, the last stage sees companies making a habit of properly maintaining correct procedures to avoid slipping back into how their operations were beforehand. Key to the success of this concept is understanding that it’s not a one- time deal, but rather a continuous process. Again, implementing 5S or any other business improvement strategy isn’t something a company should rush into without first understanding their business aims, making sure their staff and senior team are all working towards the same shared aim, and then training everyone appropriately in order to implement those aims. By its very definition, manufacturing is all about productivity and efficiency. These aren’t static but are in constant flux and that’s exactly the attitudes that companies must take. Improvement must never be static but constantly evolved and with this framework, companies can do just that. Fully funded workshops for manufacturing SMEs The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) will be delivering a range of Manufacturing Productivity Workshops throughout 2020 as part of a series being delivered across England. A range of eight themed, fully-funded free-to-attend, productivity workshops are being held across the country with the first two focusing on ‘Lean Awareness’ and ‘Improving Layouts & 5S’. The sessions are open to SME manufacturing businesses across 16 LEP regions across the country to provide all delegates with a good understanding of how to become more productive and improve business performance and the customer experience. These events are suitable for all levels from shop floor to senior management. Improving Layouts (workplace organisation) means developing a stable environment which allows the operator to safely, assemble a part in the standard time, with accurate repeatability without having to hunt for their tools and materials. There are 3 main benefits which are safety, efficiency and controls. The 5S’s are the first fundamental steps for a company to take when they implement Lean Manufacturing. These workshops are delivered by Manufacturing Growth Manager, Roy Matthews. As a dedicated Manufacturing Growth Manager, Roy was able to apply experience and expertise into a variety of sectors to improve company performances. The series of Manufacturing Productivity Workshops will follow Lean Awareness with a workshop on Improving Layouts and 5S. Other themes being delivered later next year include Value Stream Mapping, Supply Chain, Problem Solving, Quality, Cost and Delivery, Change Management and Vision and Strategy. 18-21.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2019 11:35 Page 4Subscribe now and receive Business Link every month, delivered to your door Delivery Details Name:............................................................................................ Position:......................................................................................... Company:...................................................................................... Address:......................................................................................... ........................................................................................................ Postcode:....................................................................................... Tel:.................................................................................................. Email:............................................................................................. Payment Details ONLINE www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk/subscribe MAIL Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 2QE EMAIL subscribe@blmgroup.co.uk 1 Years Subscription £33.60 2 Years Subscription £63.00 3 Years Subscription £81.90 1 2 3 Subscription Options VISA MASTERCARD CHEQUE It’s the best value around EXPIRY DATE CARD NUMBER SECURITY CODE (CVC NUMBER) LAST 3 DIGITS TERMS & CONDITIONS : Your subscription will start with the next available issue. Minimum term of 12 months / 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Please charge my: 22.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 12:23 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 23 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 25 Á A new office or refurbished workplace can have a transformative effect on productivity and wellbeing which could help a company reach its business aims this New Year. © NOTTINGHAM CITY KELLEHER PHOTOGRAPHY The customer might always be right, but a business needs to ensure it puts its staff above everything else and that means providing a suitable workplace environment. No employer wants a workforce made up of people who feel underappreciated, unfulfilled and who count down the seconds until they can clock off. Yet creating an inviting and open corporate culture can prove vexing for company heads looking to motivate staff and make them feel like a crucial part of the team. Updating a workspace or office can have a massive impact on staff wellbeing, morale and productivity. Of course, this requires investment on a business owner’s part, but the downsides are minimal indeed. Perhaps inspired by the folks in Silicon Valley, today’s offices are prioritising health, wellbeing and satisfaction. In order to create such a space, a company must first find the right building, business park or office block, with all manner of pitfalls to avoid. One of the most common complaints, though admittedly one which is rarely discussed, is sick building syndrome. Simply put, this describes a phenomenon in which the air quality, light distribution or any other factors pertaining to a building are affecting the health and wellbeing of those inside. Older buildings can be some of the worst offenders here, but regeneration schemes and refurbishments 23-25.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 14:41 Page 1Armstrong house Offering a prime position in Grimsby, Armstrong House on Armstrong Street is ideally located. Close to the ports of Grimsby and Immingham, motorway links and the town centre, off-street parking is also available for all staff and visitors, meaning it’s convenient too. Our spacious, welcoming offices are located on the ground floor and are both secure and CCTV-monitored, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. At Armstrong House, the flexible in/out terms of contract mean confidence when it comes to affordability and with a range of office sizes there are opportunities for all types of business. If you require virtual office services, prices start from just £15 per month. For more information, or to discuss your office requirements, give Scotts Property a call today on 01472 267000 and ask about Armstrong House. Last remaining office suites Prime location in Grimsby Superb Location - - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre Secure off street parking High speed internet availability Easy in/out terms A range of affordable office sizes 3 3 3 3 3 Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 • Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk www.shutterstock.com/terekhov igor www.shutterstock.com/Yentafern 23-25.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 14:41 Page 2www.shutterstock.com/Yentafern www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 25 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY across our region have helped ensure that listed buildings and prised working places remain up-to-date with the wants and needs of modern businesses. Contemporary offices and business parks are characterised by their vast and plentiful windows. Not only does this allow more natural light into a building and helps to curtail the use of electric lights but provides a massive health benefit to workers. More and more workplaces are providing cycling initiatives and infrastructure, including facilities to lock up bikes, both indoor and out. It’s not uncommon for an office to have a shower so workers who decide to cycle in can freshen up before they sit down at their desk. Although games rooms and relaxation spaces have become more popular options to help staff unwind and relax, exercise spaces are equally as important. Though the boon to worker health and wellbeing is a benefit unto itself, the knock-on effect to productivity and efficiency will be welcomed. A happy worker is a generation into vacant or soon-to-be vacant roles. Part of appealing to millennials is about appealing to their lifestyles and sensibilities. This is the generation that want flexible working; that has largely cast aside the 9-to-5 in favour of a work life they can weave around family, friends and social lives. This too is the generation that has bid farewell to the traditional office, so that environment will feel like a step back for younger workers. But there will always be a place for the office environment; it just needs to evolve into a space that better serves today’s workers and their needs. The commercial property market is responsive to the changing economic tide, but also reflects the evolving needs of businesses and their staff. New builds, refurbishments and office rebuilds are increasingly emphasising worker health and wellbeing and the associated benefits that this can bring to businesses. Though this can be as simple as providing workers with spaces to unwind, factoring natural light into the build, and a move away from beiges and greys to a more vibrant colour scheme, the rewards to businesses can be rich indeed. © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ AILA IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ GAUDILAB 23-25.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 14:41 Page 3Here Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Business Networking Agency, suggests useful steps to take to achieve your goals this year. 26 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk NETWORKING NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS 1. Identify your strengths and work towards developing them…every single day. 2. Recognise your limiting beliefs and work to remove them one by one. 3. Take control of yourself and your mindset. You are in charge of your outcomes. 4. Believe in yourself and your abilities - remember you won’t achieve unless you believe. 5. Stay focused and concentrate on creating patterns that last a lifetime. 6. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and those you can learn from - if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. 7. If opportunities present themselves say yes and figure it out later. 8. Take yourself out of your comfort zone on a regular basis and do something that scares you every day - great things never came from comfort zones. 9. Follow your instincts - they are seldom wrong. No one knows you better than you know yourself. 10. Be mindful and in the present as much as possible - life is to be enjoyed so don’t miss a single moment of it. 11. Be kind to yourself and others - your subconscious mind hears everything you think and say. 12. Exercise patience with yourself and others - a job isn’t worth doing unless it’s done properly. 13. Give yourself credit - recognise when you have achieved something great and don’t be afraid to tell others - if you don’t no one else will. 14. Be humble - modesty and self-preservation is attractive. No one likes a show-off. 15. Be creative - set yourself apart from others and don’t be afraid to be different. You are your USP. 16. Set targets, then work backwards in order to smash them. If you know what the end goal is, it’s just a case of figuring out which path you’re going to take in order to get there. 17. Share your goals with others - this will keep you accountable and focused. 18. Be realistic - don’t set yourself unachievable goals this year. Know your limitations and avoid putting yourself under too much pressure. Break it down and work in stages. Small steps forward are better than no steps at all. If one of some of the above resonates with you in particular, why not write it down on a post it note, add as your phone wallpaper or computer screen saver as an everyday reminder that you can achieve anything! Fiona Duncan-Steer, Founder, RSViP Business Networking Agency, Writer, Business Coach www.fionaduncansteer.co.uk • www.rsvipnetwork.co.uk 26-27.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 12:27 Page 126-27.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 12:27 Page 228 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY A corporate event may involve employees, clients, stakeholders, the public or charities. One may be looking to improve relationships, grow sales, launch new products, boost company reputation or raise funds. No matter what your aim or audience, events have quickly become a key marketing tool, a driver of business. As we spend more time behind our desks, shooting emails back and forth, an event providing face-to-face contact has become a special occasion. However, many companies fall into the trap of organising a rather stale event, regurgitating what has been done for decades. Today’s delegates are seeking a lasting experience, something engaging - it’s time to reimagine the conference, expo, dinner, meeting or networking event. So, what new trends are impacting the corporate event industry and how are businesses breathing life into their events? In the past simply running an event smoothly and selling enough tickets made it a success, but now a closer focus on ROI and the experience one provides guests have come to the forefront. Valuable venues Venue choice can have a major impact on the decision to attend an event. Therefore providing a location that is different and exciting can boost numbers. The right place should add to an event and more than ever businesses are seeking unusual spaces that depart from overdone traditional choices, such as hotels, to make a lasting impression, give attendees something to talk about and make them more likely to discuss the event after it’s over. The East Midlands is home to a wide variety of novel event venues including museums, galleries, historic halls and homes, wildlife parks, aircraft hangars, converted industrial spaces like mills, racetracks, themed bars and more. If you do prefer a hotel, which are often more well versed in corporate events than many other venue types, utilise the spaces they have on offer to the fullest. While a hotel might seem antiquated in comparison to rarer spots, the dining/ballroom area is not always the only space available. Look into their rooftops for example. Providing a fine view and a more free flowing feel, the roof is less clinical and more memorable. The business that can think outside of traditional expectations will create the most enticing, Instagram-able and Tweet- able event - an unforgettable experience DO SOMETHING A little different DO SOMETHING A little different As attendees seek more engaging experiences, the time to reimagine your corporate events is now. 28-29.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 14:51 Page 1that raises the profile of your business. The integration of social media and likelihood that attendees will be looking to snap a shot of an event to promote their own attendance means that event planners must consider how every aspect, whether that be the table, food or room, looks and consider how they will position their branding and perhaps that of sponsors. One different way to do this is with dessert branding. A chocolate on top of a cupcake for instance may feature your logo. Considering food further, taking advantage of unique options can help rejuvenate an event. One might turn away from a traditional catered dinner and provide a meal, trays or sliders featuring artisan goodies. Looking local and promoting that fact can also add extra value to an event. One must not however forget the importance of selecting a venue that attendees can reach easily, with either ample parking for those driving, strong transport links or hotel choices if the event will be taking people out of their usual city of work. The venue should also be able to cater to accessibility requirements. Tackling new technology When attending events, delegates no longer simply want to be talked at, they desire a deeper level of involvement. With technology one can make a real impact, boosting engagement and interaction at events. Mobile technology in particular has widened the potential to connect to delegates. Let’s consider a conference. Live polling apps are allowing crowds to give instant feedback while, completely changing up expectations, “silent conferences” have come into play where multiple speakers present at the same time in the same space and attendees, wearing special headphones, can switch between channels to choose a speaker. Apps are also being personalised and branded to a company and this does not have to be a difficult task with apps already existing that can be customised to look as though they have been created just for one specific event. The app could be used for securing tickets, organising the event agenda, surveying delegates or more. Smart wearable technology is also entering the corporate event space with smart badges and wristbands among these. By touching two wristbands together, attendees can share information to retrieve later through an app. Streamlining the sharing of contact details and enhancing networking at an event in this way will make the follow up of leads easier. Wearables can also capture a wealth of data at all times such as where the most footfall occurs and where the most interaction takes place to consider engagement levels - whether a particular booth is gaining the most interest at a convention can be discovered for example. Footfall maps created by these can also be used to find any problems in real time to resolve say congestion or move obstacles preventing movement. Similarly companies are now using radio frequency identification (RFID) and anonymised facial recognition camera tracking technology to track attendee movements to be used to adjust environment and layout as necessary. Projection mapping is another technology being used in events, to brighten up rooms - the augmented reality experience uses projectors that produce images on a surface, turning anything into an interactive 3D display. One might use this for general visual interest, taking advantage of optical illusions, or to project social medial walls or maps of convention booths. This technology allows one to really customise a room to create a distinctive experience that doesn't force you to try and physically alter a venue. If going “all out” in venue design one might also consider responsive flooring to interact with delegates in a new way - use projection or, for those with wider budgets, LED floor tiles. Flooring is often overlooked at an event so why not be one of the first businesses in your circle to use it to your advantage? Of course in organising an innovative event one must make sure it fits a business’s ethos, style and personality as well as that of your audience - you don't want to alienate them after all. CORPORATE HOSPITALITY www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / GUNDAM_AI East Midlands Business 29 28-29.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 14:51 Page 2Next >