< Previous40 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY N owadays, more people than ever consume media online – and it’s not uncommon to have podcasts playing in cars or on devices during commutes to and from work. The biggest players in these industries are typically celebrities and political shows – especially those dealing with conspiracy theorist content. They regularly draw hundreds of thousands of listeners. Enough for those making them to make a profit off advertising during their podcasts alone. Is this something businesses can mimic, or does the medium have too bad a reputation? Reach and Platform Podcasts and webinars that rake in hundreds of thousands or even millions of views are most commonly those who appeal to as wide an audience as possible. Political discourse applies to everyone, and so they can draw from all walks of life. It goes without saying that a business in a certain field will have a much smaller audience to appeal to. This audience will naturally be of a higher quality, but having a small potential audience means less chances to stand out on the more common platforms. These rate podcasts solely by views for the most part, irrespective of target audience. It’s best to look for platforms that will be more favourable to your content. While YouTube is ubiquitous (and worth including your content on) the videos are unlikely to ever stand out among millions of cat videos. It is far better to select a specialised B2B platform to promote on. The idea here is to be a bigger fish in a small pond, which is better when it comes to reaching a target audience because small fish on YouTube will simply be lost forever. Content Make it good and people will come. That is the old saying of art and content creation, and it applies for podcasts and webinars as well. While some can get away with just ranting angrily about Digital reach Podcasts and webinars prove hugely successful for conspiracy theorists and controversial provokers. Could they be as useful in B2B circles as well? www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 41 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY whatever is riling people up, a B2B podcast serves a different purpose. The only reason decision makers will want to listen is if they think they will gain something from it – usually expertise they can utilise to make money. While it’s always tempting in business to refrain from giving away anything for free, wanting the client to come to you, in webinars and podcasts you need to give something or no one will bother listening. Obviously, the best idea is to give the listener something they can do and profit from on their own and then drop a line about how it’s just one of many tricks your company uses. A call to action like that is likely to have people coming back for more. Timing Timing a podcast around real-world events can be a good way to not only have a subject to talk on but reach out to new people. If you release a finance podcast, for instance, then you’re relying on people being out there looking for financial advice. That isn’t always guaranteed. Timing such a podcast around the spring or autumn budgets will hit at just the time business owners might be thinking about looking up how the changes affect them. Not only is this a great way to ensure they listen to the end, but it’s a good way of securing interest in the first place. Marketing It may seem that the whole point of a podcast is to serve as marketing for a company, and that’s the ultimate goal, but that doesn’t mean it can be left online with no way of drawing people to it. Even the most successful shows on TV still regularly tweet about upcoming guests, provide snippets to whet the appetite, and you should be doing the same. Send out newsletters, tweet excerpts, and mention it on LinkedIn and Facebook. It’s important to drum up interest or all the hard work put into a podcast will be wasted. Up and coming motors that wouldn’t look out of place either as part of a fleet, or as an executive’s personal vehicle. MG MGS5 EV Road Motors 42 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINKMG MGS5 EV MGS5 EV is the second MG model to be built on the highly acclaimed Modular Scalable Platform (MSP). First introduced on the award-winning MG4, this platform is specifically designed for EVs with a lightweight chassis improving electric range and driving dynamics. Rear wheel drive with 47:53 weight distribution, as well as a rear Five-Link suspension, further enhances this MG’s ride and handling. The introduction of five drive modes gives the MGS5 EV driver even greater choice to suit every road condition or simply drive their way. Normal, Sport, Comfort, Snow and Custom now feature. With its advanced MG Modular Scalable Platform and ultra-thin 110mm Horizontal Cell Design, the MGS5 EV is not only a highly rewarding driver’s car but has the capacity to be a spacious, highly versatile as well as comfortable SUV. Four adult occupants, with plenty of room for luggage, can be comfortably accommodated. The important SUV essentials of generous space for all passengers and numerous, smart storage spaces are comprehensively covered, but MGS5 EV goes beyond practicality. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 43 AUTOLINK44 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Renault Austral Major changes have been made to the exterior design of New Renault Austral. The new bonnet, bumper and grille gain more character, in the same way as on Rafale. Reflecting the brand’s new design cues, the bumper features small, embossed 3D diamonds scattered around the central logo. The precision of these details is matched by the high-tech design of the new front and rear lights. The styling update also extends to many other body features. At the rear, in particular, the upper and central sections of the tailgate gain more elegant lines. Alongside their flattering looks, the new front seats also provide improved lateral and shoulder support. The seats also gain new upholstery, including the 98% recycled “Egée” fabric available with the techno trim. Acoustic insulation has been improved with new door seals, a new design for the rear-view mirror base to reduce wind noise and, on the esprit Alpine finish, laminated glass for the front doors. Under the bonnet, more effective soundproofing and new powertrain mounts have been fitted for a quieter ride. Maserati GT2 Stradale The road-legal version of the racing GT2, that took the House of the Trident back to the track in the closed-wheel championships, takes its roots from the multi-award-winning MC20 super sports car to the ultimate heights in terms of agility, looks and performance. GT2 Stradale is a car born on the track and type-approved for use on the road, seamlessly blending the extreme, sophisticated performance of the racing world with the ability to deliver uncompromising driving comfort. The GT2 Stradale comes in black (Nero Essenza) as standard, with a choice of three metallic shades – Bianco Audace Matte, Giallo Genio and Blu Infinito. Plus, eight Fuoriserie colours from the brand’s customisation program, including Digital Mint Matte, Powder Nude Texturized and of course, Blu Corse. Maserati GT2 Stradalewww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 45 AUTOLINK Mazda6e Mazda’s “Kodo – Soul of Motion” design language is brought to life through fluid surfaces and a low-slung profile, with parallel lines enhancing the car’s dynamic presence. This is further emphasised by the Aero- Fusiform shape—resembling a beautifully sculpted barrel, where all lines appear to converge at a single point. This seamless, flowing form reinforces the car’s aerodynamic elegance and sense of motion. The sculpted door panels, inspired by the spray of a speedboat cutting through water, create a light-catching effect that further enhances the sense of movement. The rear end exudes power and stability, incorporating four distinct cylindrical taillight elements—a subtle homage to Mazda’s rich design heritage. A floating horizontal dashboard stretches across the cabin, creating a sense of openness and serenity, while the prominent centre console enhances driver focus and security. The interior design prioritises minimalism with depth, replacing excess buttons and screens with intuitive, thoughtful placement of controls. Renault Austral Mazda6eMaserati MC20 Review Breathing new life into the iconic marque The Maserati MC20 is breathtaking. It has breathed new life into the iconic marque, which has thrilled aficionados with its blend of power and luxury for years. At the centre of the MC20 is the groundbreaking Nettuno engine - a 630 horsepower V6 wonder that produces an incredible 0-62mph in just under 2.9 seconds and a top speed of more than 200mph. This new generation powerplant is especially significant because it represents Maserati’s return to in- house engine manufacturing after over two decades. The Nettuno is a gem and incorporates Maserati Twin Combustion (MTC) technology. The MC20, which weighs less than 1,500 kg, boasts a weight-to-power ratio of merely 2.33 kg/hp thanks to the employment of high-quality materials such as carbon fibre. The styling of the Italian car combines athleticism and refinement, a nod to history, and a hint of what is to come. Its edgy lines and butterfly doors are not merely an affectation; they are also an ergonomic benefit in the guise of easy access to the interior. Plus, with its aerodynamic shape, which replaces unnecessary complexity with a minimalistic rear spoiler, the MC20 has a respectable drag coefficient of less than 0.38. Inside, it’s all about the driver: The uncluttered, effective design features two 10-inch screens on either side of a centre console constructed from carbon fibre. The controls you need are neatly to hand and positioned to not distract you from the road. Driving modes GT, Wet, Sport, and Corsa are great for different road conditions; with them, you can anticipate a more responsive ride explicitly tailored to each. There are clear references to the MC12, the beast with which Maserati returned to racing in 2004, both in terms of appearance and concept. Like its forerunner, the MC20 heralds the desire to return to competition with its racing spirit, which is evident from its name alone. The MC20 not only reinvents Maserati’s performance line-up, then - but also commences the next chapter of glory for this legendary brand. This dazzling supercar is already shaking the world of high-performance cars - and will undoubtedly do so for a long time to come. 46 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINKFast Facts Maserati MC20 Max speed: 202 mph 0-62 mph: 2.9 secs Fuel economy: 24-25 mpg Engine layout: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 Power (PS): 630 CO2: 262 g/km Priced from: £227,000 On the Road www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 47 AUTOLINK48 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk businesses delivered by senior academic Michael Rowe, Associate Professor (Digital Innovation), and Katie Marshal, Senior Clinical Skills Technician, both from the University of Lincoln, emphasising thorough theoretical grounding, extended practical experience, and in-depth implementation discussions. For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com/events/ event-details/?id=4839&navigated FromSearch=true Fuel Your Business Growth: with ChatGPT and Smart Technology Thursday 24 April Online Join UK Export Academy to discover how ChatGPT and smart technology can drive the growth of your business, through enhancing efficiency, streamlining workflows, and improving customer experience. For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com/events/ The Investment for Growth Summit Wednesday 9 April East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham Are you a senior business leader in the East Midlands region with an ambition for growth? Have you considered how business finance could help you to achieve your goals and maximise success? Whether you’re an early-stage SME owner looking to scale, learn more about the current landscape, or have a conversation with an expert, this dynamic business show offers a unique platform to connect, learn, and grow. For more information visit https://momentumvalley.com/?dm_i=45 HG,1PXUQ,16O9QT,82J0G,1 VR for Businesses Tuesday 15 April Sarah Swift Building, Lincoln Join Lincoln Be Smarter for a full day immersive workshop on VR for events event-details/?id=4828&navigated FromSearch=true Nuclear Workshop – Developing a Roadmap for Skills in the East Midlands Monday 28 April Nuclear Skills Academy, Derby The nuclear sector is booming in the © stock.adobe.com/ tete_escape How Environmental Responsibility Can Bring Your Business Alive Thursday 24 April Online The work you are doing to make your business more environmentally responsible can feel at times like a slog. Perhaps you are struggling to get employee engagement, or the work feels ‘clunky’ when you share it externally with your audiences. This is because the work isn’t aligning with the values of your organisation. When you align the work with your values it suddenly becomes alive, it makes sense. You generate interest, attract people to you and start realising the full benefits of your sustainability and decarbonisation work. This webinar will show you how to take a values-led approach to environmental and social responsibility and the benefits this can bring. For more information visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events/ how_environmental_responsibility_can_bring_your_business_alive1842639687/ © stock.adobe.com/GamePixelwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 49 East Midlands, but a clear skills strategy is required to develop a new and existing workforce to meet the future demands for sustainable growth. Through the East Midlands Investment Zone, linked to the East Midlands Combined County Authority, the University of Derby is leading on a piece of work to develop a Nuclear Skills roadmap for the region. This complements work undertaken by the University of Nottingham examining the innovation roadmap for nuclear. In support of this work, this event invites you to contribute to this Nuclear Skills Workshop to help formulate a roadmap to address the known skills gaps around nuclear. For more information visit www.derby.ac.uk/l/l-events/nuclear-workshop- developing-roadmap-skills-east-midlands/ Nottingham Manufacturing Network Wednesday 30 April University of Nottingham, Nottingham The Nottingham 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-nottingham-manufacturing- network_wed6oef4fy/ East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 Thursday 2 October Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Returning for 2025, this year’s East Midlands Bricks Awards mark 10 years of the prestigious event! Shining a light on the region’s property and construction industry, and offering an opportunity to network and celebrate with respected business leaders, this year’s eagerly anticipated ceremony will take place on Thursday 2nd October at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham. A perfect occasion to recognise those behind the changing landscape of our region, showcasing development projects and people in commercial and public building, nominations will open soon. Keep your eyes on www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Accessible Marketing for HR Professionals: Inclusive Communication for Recruitment and Retention Wednesday 16 April Online Inclusive and accessible communication is no longer optional—it’s essential. Many HR professionals unknowingly create barriers in their recruitment, onboarding, and internal communications, excluding talented individuals, especially those who are neurodivergent or disabled. This webinar will explore how HR teams can apply accessible marketing principles to job adverts, employer branding, and employee engagement strategies to attract, retain, and support a diverse workforce. For more information visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events/accessible- marketing-for-hr-professionals-inclusive- communication-for-recruitment-and- retention_abgiqa2rcs/ Next >