< Previous40 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK XPeng XPeng is one of China’s most tech- savvy car brands and has big plans for the UK. It has announced a network of 20 dealerships by the end of 2025, meaning it’s not just dipping a toe - it’s cannonballing into the pool. XPeng models, such as the G6, come equipped with high-tech driving features, wraparound screens, and an interior vibe that feels more like a gadget launch than a car showroom. XPeng stands out for its software- forward approach. Over-the-air updates, voice control, and advanced driver- assistance features make its cars feel very 2030 - even if the name still sounds like a dodgy antivirus program. Build quality has improved massively, and pricing undercuts similar-specced rivals from the West. Jaecoo (Chery) Jaecoo is Chery’s attempt at rugged SUVs with urban polish. Its first model, the Jaecoo 7, looks the part - boxy, confident, and dripping with faux-off-road charm. It is aimed at mid-market buyers who want SUV practicality with a bit of style, and early reviews suggest it hits the mark on price and specs. It is a relatively new brand even in China, so UK buyers might need convincing, but the pitch is clear: decent value, solid equipment, and a look that stands out without being weird. Whether it can back it up with long-term support remains to be seen. Chinese cars: Which brands are best? Mock the names all you like - they’re here, and they’re serious. Chinese manufacturers have gone from copycat curiosities to global players in record time. Here is your 2025 guide to who’s who, what they’re selling, and which ones are worth your time (and possibly your driveway). www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 41 AUTOLINK XPeng Jaecoo (Chery)42 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Omoda (Chery) Omoda is Chery’s design-led marque aimed squarely at the business-oriented crossover crowd. The Omoda 9 is a surprisingly decent, luxury-focused machine - sharp lines, eye-catching lighting, and an interior that wouldn’t look out of place in something twice the price. It has the buzzwords: big screen, connectivity, ADAS, the lot. While it’s very much early days for Omoda in the UK, the brand clearly understands what drivers want - style, gadgets, and a price that doesn’t involve a second mortgage. Chery’s experience in global markets gives Omoda a head start, and early drives by us suggest the product is better than people expected. BYD (Build Your Dreams) BYD is the best-known name on this list and with good reason. It is one of the most prominent EV makers in the world, and its cars are now arriving big- style in the UK. The premium-focused BYD Seal model, for example, offers great value, comfort, excellent safety ratings, and some of the best battery tech in the business. The marque is not trying to wow you with gimmicks – it’s just offering solid electric cars at the right price. Build quality has been a pleasant surprise, and dealership support is growing. While the brand is still finding its feet, BYD is fast becoming a go-to recommendation for people who want a status-symbol EV that works without the drama. LeapMotor LeapMotor might sound like a dodgy mobile app, but it’s getting serious attention now - especially after linking up with Stellantis to distribute cars in Europe. The C10 SUV offers space and range without pushing the price into the stratosphere. The marque’s models aren’t flashy, but they fill a very real need: affordable EVs for real people – especially those who need a car for business. Given how few manufacturers seem interested in that anymore, LeapMotor could carve out a niche - assuming it can build dealer support quickly. Chinese car brands are no longer just “the cheap option.” They are making great products for private and business markets and doing it faster, cheaper, and, in some cases, better than the established players. There is genuine variety here - and not just variety, but also healthy competition. Omoda (Chery)www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 43 AUTOLINK BYD (Build Your Dreams) LeapMotor44 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK The McLaren 750S Spider is a thrilling addition to the British manufacturer’s lineup, embodying the perfect blend of power, precision, and open-air exhilaration. A true tribute to McLaren’s engineering prowess, the 750S Spider promises a mind-blowing drive. New McLaren 750S Spider The perfect blend of power and precisionwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 45 AUTOLINK Fast Facts – McLaren 750s Spider: Max speed: 206 mph 0-62 mph: 2.8 secs Fuel economy: 23.2 mpg Engine layout: 3,994cc, twin-turbo V8 Power (PS): 750 CO2: 276 g/km Priced from: £269,160 On the Road. allows you to switch between the serenity of a coupe and the thrill of open-air driving in mere seconds. Inside, the 750S Spider is a masterclass in luxury and cutting-edge technology. The seats provide both comfort and support, while the driver- focused cockpit houses a state-of-the- art infotainment system that integrates with smartphones. McLaren’s commitment to creating a bespoke experience is evident, with numerous high-end materials and finishes available for buyers to customise their interiors. Furthermore, the 750S Spider is equipped with advanced safety features and driving aids, making it accessible to a broader range of driving At its heart lies a 4.0-litre twin- turbocharged V8 lump, producing an astonishing 750 horsepower. This powerhouse enables the supercar to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a staggering 2.8 seconds, firmly establishing it as one of the swiftest convertibles available today. McLaren’s engineers have meticulously designed the car’s lightweight carbon fibre structure, with a total weight just beyond 1,200 kg, ensuring that its handling and performance are truly exceptional. One of the most striking aspects of the 750S Spider is its design. The car boasts aggressive lines and an aerodynamic silhouette, which enhances both its visual appeal and performance. The retractable hardtop enthusiasts. The suspension system ensures that the vehicle can effortlessly tackle everything from twisting country roads to high-speed motorways, granting you unparalleled confidence. While the 750S Spider carries a premium price tag, the combination of performance, luxury, and the iconic McLaren pedigree makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone eager to experience the pinnacle of British automotive engineering. In a fiercely competitive supercar market, the McLaren 750S Spider stands out not merely for its speed but for the complete driving experience it offers. This car is not just a means of transportation; it’s an invitation to savour the journey in style and sophistication.46 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY A s technology evolves, so too do business events. From networking to expos, corporate hospitality is being transformed with digital tools that improve every aspect of events, from planning to attendee engagement and assessing ROI. Platforms facilitating hybrid experiences have become well- established post-pandemic, with event managers and attendees alike becoming increasingly tech-savvy out of necessity. While virtual meetings have become a new standard, with in-person events back and more valuable than ever, these remote conferencing tools are still being taken advantage of to offer an innovative and flexible hybrid setup. Combining onsite events with digital engagement, businesses can tap into a broader, global audience, perhaps offering livestreams and on-demand content or virtual networking rooms. This is particularly useful for product launches, where the greatest visibility and reach is desired, and for companies who can’t spare their entire team to travel to an event but still want to provide them with the benefit of its content. With advanced tech such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR), remote attendees can be presented with immersive and interactive experiences, to make them feel fully part of the event. These technologies, alongside the likes of interactive displays and multi-sensory experiences, are also being brought to the venues themselves, allowing delegates to connect with content and products in new, hands-on ways. Mobile apps are becoming more popular too, providing attendees with access to event information, networking opportunities, and interactive features, and helping organisers manage schedules, facilitate connections, and share key information. Taking events to the next level, however — as it touches every other aspect of business — is AI. At the back end, AI is being used to streamline event planning and management, for ideation to shorten design time, to create budgets and staff rotas, to predict catering quantities, anticipate attendee flow and optimise layouts. ChatBots are being used to support pre-event communications, while AI algorithms identifying patterns among potential guests are empowering planners to create targeted marketing campaigns. Concurrently, at events, AI- powered platforms are improving the audience experience and predicting their behaviour. AI is allowing event organisers to personalise attendee experiences, using data to tailor events to individual preferences. This is enabling customised agendas and networking opportunities and personalised content. Guests at an industry show for example can be presented with everything from the content and sessions that will be most relevant to them, to recommendations on who to meet at the event, based on their interests. AI is further making events more accessible, able to interpret speakers, transcribe and project text onto screens, which is particularly valuable to those in the audience who have hearing impairments, while it can also facilitate translation for international delegates. Moreover, AI-powered crowd monitoring can pinpoint potential blockage areas to ensure event spaces remain easily navigable for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges. Data and analytics are additionally becoming central to events, helping tackle the challenge of measuring ROI, assisting organisers in making informed decisions about event planning, content, Intelligent events Technology is transforming events; enhancing decision making, attendee engagement and satisfactionwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 47 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY and marketing, and taking out the guesswork when refining an event’s offer. Organisers setting clear goals aligned with business objectives are able to track quantitative data such as revenue and attendance and qualitative data like attendee satisfaction. Technology is monitoring engagement levels, attendance patterns, and analysing sentiment, allowing data-driven decision making when planning improvements for the future. Live polling and feedback tools are providing instant insights, and AI-powered systems and sensors can assess delegate behaviour, movement, and preferences. With this data in hand, real time adjustments can be made to maximise satisfaction. With budgets tightening and expectations rising, proving the value of events is more important than ever. Increased integration of technology is also enabling gamification, to boost participation, audience engagement and collaboration. Apps are asking audiences to answer polls and questions during panel sessions, maintaining their focus, and interactive quizzes are reinforcing learning points and helping an event’s message be truly absorbed and understood. With more technology than ever being embedded into events, and becoming core to their success, a number of considerations should be taken into account. Cost is a concern; though investing in a shiny new piece of tech or an app might be exciting and be a boon for engagement, long term expenses for support and updates must be assessed. How accessible, scalable and flexible tech is ought to be considered too, to see whether it can adapt as an event grows, integrate with existing systems like registration software, whether it is user friendly for all guests, is compatible across different devices, and won’t require too much training for event staff. Embracing tech also comes with potential issues for guests’ security and privacy, especially as cyber threats rise and privacy regulations become more stringent. Protecting against breaches and respecting privacy rights is essential, while explicit consent should always be obtained for data usage. With a range of technology to choose from, by employing event tools strategically, starting small and scaling up, attendee experience can be enhanced and planning streamlined. 48 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk recruitment solution. The informal conference will focus around an on-stage chat show-style discussion with local experts and employers sharing their experiences. For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com/events/ event-details/?id=4903& navigatedFromSearch=true Getting Started with Business Process Automation Tuesday 26 August Nottingham Belfry, Nottingham Uncover how workflow automation tools and AI can revolutionise everyday business operations. This action-planning workshop introduces SMEs to business process automation using iPaaS platforms like Zapier, Make, and Power Automate, alongside powerful Large Language Models such as ChatGPT. From streamlining repetitive admin tasks to integrating apps and automating approvals, automation can save time, reduce errors, and improve scalability. This session is designed to give you both the mindset and practical toolkit to begin Marketing that means Business: Build your Marketing Action Plan Thursday 14 August Online Overwhelmed by marketing? You’re not alone. This fast-paced, practical 3- hour online workshop will cut through the noise and help you build a simple, powerful marketing plan that actually works. For more information visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events/marketing- that-means-business-build-your- marketing-action-plan_gm1kjmbeow/ Lincolnshire Employer Conference 2025 Friday 15 August Alive Lincoln Central, Lincoln With the theme of ‘The Role of Employment in Recovery’, this event will explore the link between meaningful employment and recovery from drug and alcohol use, and learn from Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership’s dedicated employment team about how they can become part of your events applying automation immediately, no matter your technical ability. For more information visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/ events/getting-started-with-business- process-automation_eyx1t02yld/ Lincolnshire Construction & Property Network Tuesday 26 August The Drill, Lincoln From sole traders to large housing © stock.adobe.com/cac_tus Health, Wellbeing and Personal Development for Small Businesses Wednesday 20 August Online The Federation of Small Businesses bring you this free webinar for health, wellbeing, and personal development for small businesses. When you’re busy running your own small business, it’s important to take the time to look after your mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. Join this event for insightful presentations from wellbeing experts who will share practical tips and advice. You’ll also have the chance to connect and network with fellow small business owners. For more information visit https://events.fsb.org.uk/en/8d2bI2X7/health-wellbeing-and-personal- development-for-small-businesses-3aJ8P2dPZ/overview © stock.adobe.com/Becheerwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 49 associations, construction and property businesses come together to talk business at the Lincolnshire Chamber’s Construction Network. This month’s Construction and Property Network welcomes Heritage Lincolnshire to showcase the Greyfriars project. For more information visit www.lincs- chamber.co.uk/events /lincolnshire-construction- property-network-august/ Mastering Video Content for Social Media and More Thursday 28 August Mercure Leicester The Grand Hotel, Leicester Video content has become the cornerstone of effective digital marketing, with platforms prioritising video in their algorithms and audiences engaging more deeply with visual storytelling than ever before. Whether you’re looking to build brand awareness, drive website traffic, or create meaningful connections with your audience, video offers unparalleled opportunities across multiple platforms and use cases. This workshop will equip you with the strategic knowledge and practical skills to create compelling video content that delivers results. For more information visit www.emc- dnl.co.uk/events/mastering-video-content-for- social-media-and-more_q1dztkhkxa/ East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 Thursday 2 October Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Returning for 2025, this year’s East Midlands Bricks Awards marks 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, welcoming Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, as keynote speaker. Visit www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk/mag/bricks-2025-nominations/ to find out more. Using AI to Supercharge your Website Thursday 21 August Online Unlock your website’s true potential with the power of AI. Join this free webinar to explore how artificial intelligence can boost engagement, personalise user experiences, and significantly increase conversions. The event will break down the types of AI most relevant to websites, demonstrate powerful use cases, showcase the tools and platforms that make it possible, and provide a clear roadmap to help you get started. For more information visit www.emc- dnl.co.uk/events/using-ai-to- supercharge-your- website_2oyshmgc4d/ Next >