< Previous40 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk ENGINEERING I n a world where industries are constantly evolving, engineering firms in the East Midlands are facing a series of challenges that are reshaping the sector. Among the most pressing issues are sustainability, the integration of new technologies, and the growing talent gap. As environmental concerns continue to drive policy and consumer demand, engineering companies are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining productivity and efficiency. This shift is pushing businesses to innovate, creating machinery and systems that are not only more energy-efficient but also capable of producing higher-quality products at a faster pace. Sustainability has become a key driving force in engineering, and firms in the East Midlands are rising to the challenge. The need to reduce production and packaging waste is inspiring the design of better, more efficient machines that offer more versatility. Alongside this, there is a noticeable increase in the use of ‘plug and play’ components, which can seamlessly integrate with existing operations, enabling companies to make improvements without the need for complete overhauls of their systems. This flexibility is helping businesses stay competitive while embracing more sustainable practices, making it easier for them to meet environmental regulations and consumer expectations. Technology, particularly the Internet of Things (IoT), is playing a pivotal role in transforming the sector. IoT enables machines and equipment to The new face of engineering As the East Midlands engineering sector navigates sustainability, technological advancements, and a growing talent gap, businesses are embracing innovative solutions. From digital transformation to workforce development, companies in the region are shaping the future of engineering with cutting-edge strategies. The new face of engineering www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 41 ENGINEERING communicate with each other, providing real-time data that can be analysed to optimise processes, predict maintenance needs, and reduce downtime. This has proven invaluable for firms in the East Midlands, allowing them to increase efficiency and minimise disruptions in production. Automation, too, is contributing to the industry’s evolution, as businesses adopt smarter systems that can adapt to various production needs. The ability to augment existing setups with new, more productive components is reducing the need for large-scale, costly system replacements, making it easier for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. Despite these technological advancements, the industry continues to face a significant skills gap. As the sector moves towards more advanced machinery and digital systems, there is a growing need for workers with the expertise to operate and maintain these technologies. This shortage of skilled talent has been exacerbated by a lack of young people entering engineering fields. Many firms are addressing this issue by investing in apprenticeship and training programmes, partnering with educational institutions to create a pipeline of skilled workers. Recent projections indicate that the East Midlands will need an additional 1,650 engineering workers over the next five years, with sectors like renewables and hydrogen driving this demand. However, employers are concerned about recruitment challenges, including wage 42 Á42 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk ENGINEERING expectations and a shortage of qualified candidates, highlighting the need for scaled-up training efforts. Alongside this, there is a need for greater diversity within the engineering workforce. While efforts are being made to encourage more women and underrepresented groups into the sector, the industry still faces challenges in creating an inclusive environment that appeals to a wider range of potential candidates. Initiatives aimed at promoting diversity are critical for bringing new perspectives and fostering innovation within the sector. Digital transformation is also a key area where East Midlands businesses are focusing their efforts. The Made Smarter initiative, which offers £3 million in funding, is helping regional manufacturing SMEs adopt advanced and automated technologies. By providing businesses with digital transformation roadmaps and access to expert guidance, the programme is helping improve productivity, streamline operations, and ensure that the workforce is prepared for the future of engineering. The region’s manufacturing base is also benefiting from partnerships between engineering companies and universities, which are driving research into more sustainable manufacturing processes and systems. These collaborations are also helping to bridge the skills gap, with universities providing training programmes that align with the needs of businesses in the region. The automotive sector, for example, is sharing insights from its advancements in automation and electric vehicle technologies, which are being applied in industries like construction and www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 43 ENGINEERING agriculture. These collaborative efforts are accelerating innovation and helping the region stay competitive on a global scale. The region has become a hotbed for engineering innovation, with companies finding creative solutions to some of the sector’s most pressing issues. However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. The need for sustainable solutions, a skilled workforce, and cutting-edge technologies will continue to drive change in the sector. Engineering firms must remain adaptable, continually investing in the latest innovations while also working to attract the next generation of engineers. There is a real opportunity for businesses to lead the way in addressing these challenges, positioning the region as a hub of engineering excellence and innovation. Катерина Євтехова44 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY W hile many view corporate hospitality as a tool for strengthening relationships with clients or forming new ones, it is just as useful for rewarding, motivating and uniting loyal employees. From an annual holiday party to a company retreat, or simple meal on the manager, implementing events and experiences into your employee engagement triggers a raft of benefits. Corporate hospitality provides an effective vessel for showing appreciation, in turn improving morale and creating happy staff. With employees who feel appreciated generally more productive, this results in higher quality work and more revenue, while these employees are also less likely to leave. With lower staff turnover, money and time can be saved on hiring and training new team members. These events further offer a forum for colleague bonding, collaboration, and bolster communication and team building, which is especially important if a company is larger or workers are remote, enhancing the overall employee experience. Opportunities are also granted for increased contact with leadership, allowing leaders to interact with their teams and illustrate that their efforts are noticed and make a difference to the business. Enabling meaningful relationships to be formed, staff are left more fulfilled. Corporate events can additionally boost company culture, presenting an opportunity to bring life to and humanise the business and its brand, and provide a break from routine, pulling employees away from burn-out and replenishing creative thinking. With the cost of recruitment soaring and finding the right talent proving a major challenge for businesses, it’s more vital than ever to retain the employees you already have and ensure they are happy — corporate hospitality is a key strategy to accomplish this. There are many events and experiences available to try, from an awards dinner to recognise staff to an escape room for a thrilling reward, break from repetitive days, and team building. But to truly make an impact, incorporating unique ideas will create a more memorable experience for all employees and further raise employee satisfaction. It may even lead to a business being talked about positively outside the office and on social media, improving reputation. When fully immersed by such events, staff will leave inspired, motivated, and connected to a business’s mission, benefitting companies long-term. One example, offering the next level of immersion, is to host a virtual reality (VR) experience. appreciation In a tough time for recruitment, it’s more important than ever to show you appreciate your employees. Showingwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 45 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY With VR, employees can experience new environments, be taken to new worlds, and take part in interactive tasks and missions that would be impossible in real life. Developing problem-solving skills and fostering creativity, staff can co-operate in a VR experience, forging lasting memories, bolstering morale, encouraging communication, teamwork, and trust. One can select a scenario tailored to business goals or team skills. Alternatively, for something hands-on in the real world, a Soap Box Derby is sure to bring laughter and fun. The activity also promotes team building, engages problem-solving and project management skills, and champions creativity, as staff plan, design and construct the best soap box derby car. Then going head-to-head with their inventions, racing around a course and avoiding obstacles as quick as possible, team spirit is boosted in the process. Many companies specialise in providing the materials, equipment, and event management needed for such an event, making it easy for businesses to host the activity. Cooking classes offer another opportunity to bring teams together, following a recipe side by side for a simple social setting or fun collaboration to produce a meal together. Requiring communication, problem-solving, and creativity, as well as giving staff a chance to learn new skills and enjoy a tasty dish, friendly competition can be added with individuals or teams rewarded for the most delicious meal or best plating. After the cooking is complete, teams can bond over the fruits of their labour and their accomplishments, positioning everyone around a communal table to share their experience. A more relaxed option to show appreciation for employees is to prioritise their wellbeing with a wellness activity or retreat. Presenting time for de- stressing and mindfulness, a single or schedule of events could include guided meditation, yoga, massage sessions, or health-focused workshops. Engaging in these activities gives employees time to reconnect, improve focus, gain clarity, and reduce stress. Providing access to resources after, such as mindfulness apps, will help maintain the effect of the event and communicate that the business values their employees’ wellbeing. To further promote a supportive work environment, a corporate family fun day could be considered, to reward employees and celebrate milestones in a family-friendly setting. By including employees’ families, a company can encourage work-life balance and show appreciation for their people’s personal lives, in turn enhancing connections and loyalty in the business. Incorporate child- friendly activities and games that can be enjoyed across ages, like inflatable courses, garden games, workshops, and competitions. One could also integrate ‘sports day’ style activities, from an egg and spoon race to tug of war. With endless options, from the simple to the grand, in a tough time for recruitment, corporate events are an essential tool, strengthening employee engagement, team dynamics and satisfaction. It’s now or never to cement your workforce and demonstrate your appreciation for their efforts. 46 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Three premium cars that define style and performance In the car market, premium brand vehicles represent sophistication, comfort, and advanced technology. For buyers in Britain, these cars reflect success and personal style. This article examines three new premium brand models currently available, each offering a unique blend of performance, luxury, and innovative features. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 47 AUTOLINK BMW i5 M60 xDrive Saloon BMW i5 M60 xDrive Saloon BMW boasts a strong reputation for innovative and stylish models known for their quality and reliability. The new BMW i5 M60 xDrive Saloon showcases this with its distinctive design, featuring the iconic kidney grille and sleek lines. Produced at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, it combines all-electric capabilities with advanced digital features. The i5 M60 boasts a powerful 601hp electric drive, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds, with a top speed limited to 142 mph and a range of 282 to 320 miles. Its adaptive recuperation technology enhances energy efficiency, while the EFFICIENT mode can extend the electric range by up to 25% by limiting speed and comfort functions. The MAX RANGE mode enables travel at 60 mph, providing minimal comfort features for extended trips. Charging is convenient, with a combined charging unit that supports AC charging of up to 22 kW and DC charging of up to 205 kW, allowing for an 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. This means 97 miles can be added in just 10 minutes at a DC fast-charging station. In summary, the i5 M60 xDrive perfectly blends innovation, luxury, and sustainability, setting high standards in digitalisation and design while maintaining the driving pleasure synonymous with the BMW brand.48 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC Saloon The Mercedes E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ features a distinctive design, characterised by an AMG-specific grille, broader front wings, and an aggressive front apron with integrated air inlets. AMG side skirts, flat LED taillights, a stylish rear spoiler, and standard 19-inch wheels highlight the vehicle’s sporty aesthetic. Inside, it boasts exclusive grey ash wood trim, AMG emblems, and adjustable sports seats. In terms of performance, its all-wheel- drive system ensures excellent traction, while the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension provides adaptive damping with three modes: “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport+.” The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes offer settings tailored to hybrid technology, including “Electric” and “Battery Hold.” During a recent drive at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, the E 53 HYBRID excelled on steep inclines, demonstrating responsive brakes and precise steering. It accelerates to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph (168 mph with the Pro Performance Package). Powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine and a 120 kW electric motor, it offers an electric- only range of 58 miles, making it ideal for urban use. The E 53 HYBRID solidifies the E- Class’s reputation as a luxurious, high- performing vehicle that is sure to impress. Lexus LBX The LBX is Lexus’s smallest model, featuring a self-charging hybrid system. Despite its size, it delivers a powerful combination of modern design, luxury, and practicality. Upon entering the cabin, you’re struck by its minimalist yet high-tech interior. The spacious layout promotes a serene driving experience with an uncluttered look. Key controls are conveniently placed, allowing you to stay focused on the road while enjoying the car’s dynamics, especially when cornering. Comfort is impressive, resembling that of a larger saloon, with back seats well received by passengers due to their elevated position, which provides better visibility. The front seats offer eight-way power adjustments to accommodate a range of preferences. A notable tech feature is the 12.3-inch digital driver’s instrument display. Powered by a new self-charging hybrid system, the latest LBX delivers 134 bhp and achieves 0-62 mph in 9.2 seconds (front-wheel drive) or 9.6 seconds (all-wheel drive), with excellent fuel efficiency of 62.8 mpg and CO2 emissions starting at 102g/km. The LBX provides precise steering and a smooth throttle response, resulting in a balanced and engaging driving experience that combines luxury and functionality. Lexus LBX 23 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC SaloonNext >