< PreviousAUTOLINK The year past has not been the best for the motor industry. That’s the news according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which recorded 20% fall in UK car production in the first half of 2019. This has been followed by a drop in UK engine manufacturing by 13.9% reported at the end of December. That represents a year-to- date performance a full 7.9% behind 2018. Much of this has been placed on the fault of Brexit The motoring industry is one that has been worth £80 billion in previous years but concerns over Brexit and floundering trade deals have left the industry reeling. How bright is the future, and what can our automotive industry do to grasp it? 50 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk The industry as of 2019 © Shutterstock/ Nataliya Hora 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 09/01/2020 15:03 Page 1AUTOLINK © Shutterstock/ Jenson www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 51 and the uncertainty surrounding it, with hope for ambition new trade deals – often touted, but rarely explained in detail – promising a return to positive figures in the future. Should those trade deals come through, the motoring sector, worth a reported £82 billion in 2017, could recover. The UK car production industry has always been export-led, so the political upheaval hasn’t done the industry many favours. Recent high-profile decisions to call off planned investment in the industry by foreign firms is a sign of that, but the industry is hopeful that there may yet be a solution. Mike Haws, Chief Executive for the SMMT said, “To ensure our competitiveness at a time of dramatic technological change, a deal needs to be tariff free ad avoid barriers to trade, which, for automotive, means that our standards must be aligned. This can be achieved if government and industry work in partnership to re-establish the UK as a great place to invest and ensure that automotive keeps delivering for Britain.” New technological advancements offer a promising opportunity for the UK market as well – especially the introduction of CAVs (Connected and autonomous vehicles) which could bring in £62 billion in growth by 2030, as well as create 420,000 new jobs. This innovation is one the UK would do well to be at the head of, but if investors are frightened away by the currently uncertain climate, we might see the money invested in other well-known automotive industries like Germany or Japan instead. This is problematic because the UK is actually ahead of these countries when it comes to both regulations enabling CAVs and also market attractiveness. The other major players – Germany, Japan and the US – are still lagging behind on regulatory activity, giving the UK a clear advantage that many manufacturers would be keen to leverage. Whatever the country or the individual’s preferences, the recent election results are good for the industry. Not necessarily for who has remained in power, but for the fact that, for the first time in a while, the message coming from government (should) be concise and straightforward. The government needs to move firmly in dealing with Brexit and, whatever the result, work swiftly to establish trade deals with low barriers that will allow the UK automotive industry – and many other industries – to compete on the global stage. It is up to the automotive industry to work alongside that. In our region, where manufacturing is so key, a strong automotive industry is good news for the economy, and we are in a prime position to take advantage of any growth in activity. Though 2019 may have seen a downturn, there is a positive outlook for 2020, and while production was down 20% in the first half of 2019, it was only down 9.8% in November, so we may well have seen the recovery in action. 50-51.qxp_Layout 1 09/01/2020 15:03 Page 2The fastest Levante in Maserati’s history T hanks to its remarkable weight/power ratio, the Italian beast needs only 4.1 seconds to reach 62mph. Under the bonnet, a 3.8-litre lump lurks. It’s a re-engineered, upgraded version of the engine fitted in the Quattroporte GTS. It delivers 580hp and has been developed in cooperation with Ferrari. The Levante chassis has been meticulously tuned to handle the higher power output, providing an exhilarating driving experience with no compromise in terms of comfort and safety. What’s more, the Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) system has been incorporated for the first time in a Levante for superlative driving dynamics, greater active safety and even more thrilling performance. Indeed, the unmistakable Levante design has reached new levels of sportiness in this top of the line model. The restyling is mainly focused on the lower front fascia and the rear bumper, but includes carbon fibre design cues and 22-inch forged aluminium “Orione” wheels. These are the largest ever fitted on a Maserati. The Trofeo is also the first Levante model equipped with Full LED adaptive headlights. Inside, designers have come up with elegant ways to create a distinctive environment. The sculpted sport seats feature a premium full-grain “Pieno Fiore” leather with a genuinely soft feel. The Levante Trofeo made its World Premiere at the New York International Auto Show and is manufactured at the Mirafiori (Turin, Italy) plant. And after being the first to experience it in the UK, albeit in left-hand drive press models, we can confirm this is a car you’ll want. In our opinion, the Trofeo is the purest expression of the GT philosophy in the SUV segment. Mind you, you’ll need £124,900 to afford it. That’s the price you pay for luxury and performance though, eh? This is the first Levante built around a V8 engine, and it’s one of the fastest SUVs ever built, boasting a top speed of 186mph. 52 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 12:50 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 53 AUTOLINK 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 12:51 Page 2OUT OF OFFICE Chancellor visits Corby to mark milestone in construction of £60m warehouse The first major milestone has been reached in the construction of Europa Worldwide Group’s new £60 million, 715,000 sq ft logistics facility in the Midlands. The outer steel frame has now been completed for Europa’s newest warehouse at Midlands Logistics Park in Corby (Northants), with the scheme due for completion in June 2020. To mark this significant point Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid visited the site. The Chancellor site visit was hosted by Europa Worldwide Group’s Managing Director, Andrew Baxter. On his visit Sajid Javid said: “Europa is building an impressive state-of-the- art facility in Corby. This is one of the leading UK-Europe logistics operations – it’s an example of exactly what Britain needs after Brexit. What they need more than anything is certainty.” Europa Worldwide Group is an independent logistics operator with four divisions – Europa Road, Europa Air & Sea, Europa Showfreight and Europa Warehouse. The new Corby site will become Europa’s largest facility in the UK. Europa is looking to recruit a team of 200 ready for its site opening. Europa’s Managing Director Andrew Baxter said: “We’re thrilled with how our new state-of-the-art facility is now taking shape – seeing the steel frame up really does put the scale of the project in perspective. This is going to be our most innovative and efficient facility to date – as well as our largest.” This new facility will double Europa Warehouse’s logistics portfolio. The development with Corby Land and Development Ltd, is a joint venture between Mulberry Developments and Frogmore who will also develop out the facility. The main contractor is VolkerFitzpatrick. Europa is being supported by the team at Budworth Hardcastle (Property Consultants). Phil Jones, Development Director at Mulberry Developments added: “We at Mulberry and Frogmore are delighted to be working with Europa to help create this fantastic new facility in Corby. Despite the challenging weather conditions through October and November our contractors have done a great job in reaching this milestone on programme and we all remain excited and focused on delivering the completed building in June 2020.” Europa Warehouse Director Maria Torrent-March said: “Building a warehouse infrastructure of this scale within a tight 40-week programme is a meticulous process and we have to ensure each package of works is completed to an excellent standard before progressing to the next stage. Completion of the outer steel frame is a notable milestone for us as we move gradually towards completion.” Developer plays Santa to bring Christmas cheer to young hospital patients Young patients in Nottingham had their hospital stay brightened up by a donation of festive gifts. Christmas came early for children being treated at the city’s Queen’s Medical Centre when property developer Tameway (Midlands) delivered a haul of presents. The firm is behind a string of projects, including currently converting the former Carlton Police Station into 45 apartments, an office building and a new residential apartment block in the car park. As well as investing in the area through its regeneration scheme, Tameway (Midlands) also wanted to give back to the community, by providing some festive cheer for the youngsters on the children’s ward, spending thousands of pounds on toys and games. Patients and staff gave Tameway (Midlands) a wish list – and the company did not disappoint, dropping off a van-load of the presents the children asked for, and more. Tameway (Midlands) Managing Director Arran Bailey said: “As a developer working to improve the area, we feel very strongly connected to the local community. “We didn’t hesitate in helping out for the good of the city’s youngsters. “We don’t realise how fortunate we are to have our health and to be able to spend it with our loved ones at Christmas until we see the plight of poorly youngsters like these. “We were delighted to be able to bring a little joy to the young people.” 54 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk 54-55.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 12:54 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Redrow raise £4,500 for local hospice Housebuilder mascots, Buster and Buddy, surprised a local hospice with a special visit to officially present the team with funds raised following a 52km hike. Redrow Homes East Midlands presented the team from Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, based in Loughborough, with a cheque for £4,563. To raise the £4,563, the housebuilder took on the Peak District Challenge, a 52km gruelling hike through Derbyshire. Martyn Pask, Regional Director for Redrow Homes East Midlands, said: “We were delighted to see the smiles on everyone’s faces when they met Buster and Buddy – it was a wonderful day for all involved. “We are thrilled to be supporting Rainbows this year. We’ve had a fantastic start, and we have plenty more fundraising planned to continue supporting all the team’s wonderful work.” Emily Wright, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser for Rainbows, said: “We’re in awe of the team from Redrow for taking on such a gruelling challenge for us, and raising a fabulous amount of money in the process. Our mascot Bow Bear really enjoyed meeting Buster and Buddy here at the hospice. “Given that we are almost entirely reliant on donations to continue operating, this wonderful gift will ensure that we can continue helping our children, young people and their families to spend quality time together and make special memories under the most difficult of circumstances. Thank you again to the team and to everyone who supported their endeavours.” Based in Loughborough, the hospice provides children and young people with end of life care, symptom management, short breaks and respite care, as well as much- needed support to their families and friends. RDS Global staff strip off to make a date for charity calendar Charities are set for a boost after staff from an IT solutions firm stripped off for a charity calendar. Colleagues from Derby-based RDS Global got snapped for the cheeky calendar – with staff including Chief Executive Andy Flinn posing in nothing but a tie and socks for February. He is also seen with an umbrella alongside colleagues Jimmy Moynes and Leon Carroll in April. The 12 charities – all chosen by the team – could benefit from a share of up to £2,500 from sales of the £5 calendar. Mark Watson and Jon Newburn represent May and bare their chests while donning angel wings and halos to help the Annabel’s Angels charity which supports Derby families living with cancer. Other charities to benefit include Derby-based The Hardy Group, which supports people living with dementia, and their carers – represented by September’s Danny Moynes and Mark Coates, who bared their chests and donned Laurel and Hardy-style moustaches, ties and bowler hats for the shoot. This cause was chosen by Ann Basi, internal account manager, whose mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in November 2018 and attends with her carer. East Midlands Business Link 55 OUT OF OFFICE Sleep out raises £3,000 for homeless Staff from Hinckley & Rugby Building Society have raised more than £3,000 for the homelessness charity Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland by sleeping out for a night in the Society’s car park in Hinckley. Sixteen staff members from the Society’s Hinckley head office and its branches were joined by Emmaus staff and formerly homeless people Emmaus supports. They all bedded down for a night which saw rain fall as they dozed in sleeping bags. The initiative was designed to provide an insight into the plight of people facing homelessness and to raise money to support the work of Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland in providing a home and meaningful work in Hinckley for formerly homeless people. The Hinckley & Rugby sleepers included chief executive Colin Fyfe, who said: “It was only one night for us, but even then I felt the cold getting into my bones. To sleep out night after night must drag you down so deep. “It has certainly strengthened our resolve to do as much as we can to support Emmaus, which does such good by helping people get back on their feet again.” Michelle Tong, trainee team leader in Hinckley & Rugby’s mortgage department, had the idea of the sleep out for Emmaus after working on the development of the Society’s Charity Assist Mortgage, which generates a donation to Emmaus for each mortgage taken out. 54-55.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 12:54 Page 256 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk HR Forum Thursday 16th January Dunston Innovation Centre, Chesterfield This event presents a platform for HR professionals to receive industry updates, share best practice and network with like-minded attendees. On the agenda are topics including motivation and employee engagement, employment law, maximising apprenticeship opportunities, expanding your talent pool and providing employment opportunities to young deaf people. For more information visit https://bit.ly/36nX1It but organised atmosphere. The morning event will provide an opportunity to meet a diverse group. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2RAuafQ High Growth, Leadership and Management Skills Thursday 9th January Holiday Inn, Wigston This interactive workshop aims to leave attendees with a better understanding of themselves, help improve leadership skills and help delegates gain an understanding of what it takes to sustain a high performing team. The session will cover how to become an authentic leader, the leadership styles required at different stages of growth, the art of leadership communication, and building a high- performance team. For more information on this event visit https://bit.ly/2DWJrzz Lincolnshire Construction & Property Network Tuesday 14th January Profiting by Innovation Wednesday 8th January Nottingham Conference Centre This day-long event is for business leaders looking to develop an innovative new product, service, process or system which will increase profit and help when competing locally, nationally and internationally in existing and new markets. Attendees will hear an update on the national innovation funding landscape, information on business funding and support available locally and nationally, will have the opportunity to take part in one to one sessions on one’s business innovation needs and there will be opportunities for informal networking throughout the day. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2DYwF3r Pure Networking Morning Thursday 9th January East Midlands Chamber Chesterfield Office This is a forum for SME business owners and professionals looking to network and build business relationships in an informal events Windmill Farm, Lincoln This networking event is attended by sole traders, large housing associations, construction firms and property businesses. The two-hour monthly event offers a productive stage for keeping up to date with project news and new business and tendering opportunities amongst suppliers and contractors. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2LRuvqT Modern Leadership Wednesday 22nd and 29th January RTC Business Park, Derby This two-day workshop presents the © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ ALEXANDER SUPERTRAMP 56-57.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 12:56 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.ukEast Midlands Business Link 57 opportunity to understand what employees need in the modern business environment to be more productive. One will leave the event ready to start a programme of change which will support growth in one’s business. The first workshop day will cover topics such as assessing the people around you, understanding what true leadership is and what styles may be required to encourage employees to cope with modern working life. The second day will involve developing a vision and strategy to implement. The event, for managers and team leaders, will be run by Enscite, the collaboration between the University of Derby and Aston University aiming to support firms in the planes, trains and automobile sectors to improve their productivity to facilitate growth. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3555MXw Building Successful Degree Apprenticeships in the Workplace Wednesday 5th February De Montfort University, Leicester Taking place during National Apprenticeship Week, attend this event to East Midlands Bricks Awards Wednesday 25th March Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, West Bridgford Organised by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, the Bricks Awards recognise the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region. The awards are split into 10 categories covering every aspect of the property sector and will celebrate the achievements and standards set by both companies and individuals. Winners will be announced at this glittering awards ceremony in the Derek Randall Suite at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. For more information and to buy tickets visit https://bit.ly/2s5aypj Annual Payroll & HR Update 2020 Thursday 6th February The Showroom, Lincoln This event is for those responsible for the marketing activity in an organisation, or those who provide clients with marketing services. The forum will provide delegates with a platform to hear the latest industry developments, technologies and trends. It is also a chance to network with similar minds. Topics such as the role of marketing in a post-Brexit world will be covered. For more information visit https://bit.ly/38lywxe discover how to support professional apprenticeship opportunities in your business. De Montfort University will lead a panel discussing elements such as choosing the right programme or training provider, promoting apprenticeship opportunities to staff, off the job learning and ESFA funding. The event is aimed at employers looking to use their Apprenticeship Levy, those wanting to understand degree apprenticeships, employees interested in professional development, and those already involved in apprenticeships. There will also be a networking lunch. For more information visit https://bit.ly/36ld1ei Cyber Security Conference 2020 Thursday 23rd January The University of Nottingham, Business School South Businesses, digital specialists and policy makers will be brought together at this conference to identify the practical steps businesses should be taking to protect themselves from digital crime. Hear from industry leaders and experts, gain insight into the challenges the region faces from cyber criminals and leave with understanding of the strategic decisions that are needed to maintain digital resilience. Sessions include: ‘IoT and Cyber Security’, ‘The life and times of a Data Protection/Privacy officer’, and more. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2LBJiFT © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ DEEPADESIGNS 56-57.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 12:56 Page 2Here’s Frazer’s monthly collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks! And finally The world of Frazer A £13,000 expense for employees? Surely not… Last month while doing a spot of Christmas shopping in Nottingham, yes it may be shocking to learn Frazer is not a total Scrooge, Frazer ran in to an old colleague who was seeking a new outfit for a Christmas party. This got Frazer thinking, how much are people spending to look good for colleagues when taken out of one’s daily ‘uniform’ for the festive event. One quick Google search later and Frazer discovered that women spend more than £13,000 over their lifetime to attend Christmas parties - £13,000! The fashion brand Oasis conducted this research, finding that British women spend just over £280 on their Christmas party for travel, accommodation, money, hair, makeup and an outfit, and almost all buy a new outfit every year for the occasion, spending an average of £140 on a full outfit and accessories. Even more baffling to Frazer is the time spent preparing for the night with one in ten women spending over three hours on hair and makeup, and a third taking two to three hours to get ready. Frazer can safety say that he has never put that much time and effort into his image - ladies I salute you! Despite the Isles’ perpetuated image worldwide of gentlemanliness and royals, as is well known by those native to East Midlands, we like to let slip a profane word somewhat frequently. In fact according to a new poll, swearing is rather popular in the workplace. The average UK employee hears 11 swear words a day, and it is supervisors and line managers who are highlighted as having the worst language, with receptionists just behind them. According to Yehuda Baruch, professor of management at the University of Southampton’s Business School, swearing can actually lead to positive outcomes such as stress relief, more powerful social bonds and improved communication. Unsurprisingly, the most popular swear word is…let’s just leave it as the ‘F-word’ – no, not ‘Frazer’, though one is sure his name has been uttered alongside an expletive or two over the past few years. 58 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Foul mouthed Britain © SHUTTERSTOCK/ STEVED_NP3 Have you ever seen an invisible man? New year, new you, maybe even a new job. Many in the East Midlands will be rehearsing their interview responses as they prepare to step into a new role this year - after all almost half of the UK’s population are currently open to taking a new job. “Where do you see yourself in five years” and “what’s your biggest flaw,” are sure to be amongst the questions one will be asked – right? Not necessarily… Frazer has recently come across some information indicating that interview questions and tasks are starting to get downright weird. A survey from Adecco has highlighted some of the strangest questions candidates have had posed to them recently including “how many elephants can you fit in your car,” “have you ever seen an invisible man” and “how would you climb out of a giant bucket?” Meanwhile interview tasks are also getting more unusual with candidates asked to “act like a plug,” and “copy the sound of a fax machine.” Frazer understands that the off-topic questions are there to catch candidate off guard and test their reactions, but when the question is “how would you respond to a person asking to lick your armpit,” we may have gone a step too far. © SHUTTERSTOCK/ ARTFAMILY © SHUTTERSTOCK/ DEAN DROBOT 58.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 12:58 Page 1Flexible Office Space Huntingdon House is located just a few minutes’ walk from The Lace Market area of Hockley and the Victoria Centre in Nottingham. The building was constructed in the 1950’s with shops to the ground floor and offices on the first and second floors. We have a professional and friendly business community and strive to maintain high standards throughout the Centre and its facilities which are supported by our reception staff. Offices to Let At the moment there are a range of offices available which vary in size from approximately 150 sq. ft. to 1000 sq. ft. some of which can be occupied on a monthly rolling licence (subject to contract), our terms are very competetive. We offer flexible working solutions for small and start-up businesses and can provide you with a professional presence in Nottingham at very affordable prices. Subject to agreement, the licence fee can include all utilities, telephone connection and broadband; meaning your only additional costs would be for telephone calls made and use of Reception support services. Virtual Office We can also provide a Virtual Office for your company - an address away from your home, a dedicated telephone line, message taking – calls answered in your company name – which all adds up to being able to give a professional image not to mention supporting you whilst you concentrate on work! Costs vary depending on the services required, but can include message taking, call diverting to accommodation address facility and mail forwarding etc. All our business support services such as mail franking, photocopying, meeting room hire can be used when required (at an extra cost). Meeting and Conference Rooms area available for hire by the hour, day or week for you to meet your clients in professional surroundings. Meeting Rooms We have two meeting rooms available at competitive rates; one to accommodate up to 14 persons with desks or 25 theatre style; the layout can be changed to suit your needs, the other to accommodate 6 persons. Both have air conditioning and equipment can also be provided for example projectors and note pads. Both rooms are close to kitchens or if you prefer, refreshments can be provided. Huntingdon House Business Centre 278-290, Huntingdon Street, Nottingham, NG1 3LY 0115 9934200 reception@huntingdonhousebusinesscentre.co.uk huntingdonhousebusinesscentre.co.uk 59.qxp_Layout 1 29/10/2019 10:44 Page 1Next >