< Previous40 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Three premium vehicles for colder weather Three premium vehicles for colder weather www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 41 AUTOLINK A s the colder season approaches, motoring can become challenging due to rain, fallen leaves, and slippery roads. Then, of course, fog, frost and even snow can kick in - but hopefully that’s a little further down the line. These conditions require a car that’s not only stylish and luxurious but also well-equipped and solid enough to handle the UK’s less-than-ideal weather. Here are three luxury vehicles you should consider driving when you want to conquer the cold in style and safety. BMW X5 The luxurious and business-focused BMW X5 offers impressive performance, exceptional comfort, and advanced safety features. The xDrive all-wheel drive system delivers traction and control so that the car can remain stable on dicey roads. The robust engines provide the power the SUV needs to remain stable even in extreme weather. 42 Á BMW X542 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk The interior of the BMW X5 is truly premium. It features supportive seats and an advanced infotainment system that all work together to create a relaxing atmosphere, even when the weather outside is anything but calm. The German manufacturer’s cabin provides ample space for all occupants, and the large cargo area is perfect for transporting luggage during business trips or family outings. Apart from this, the X5 is equipped with safety features like blind-spot monitoring, collision warning, and a high-performance stability control system that all contribute towards safe driving. With the ability to withstand harsh weather while keeping you comfortable and secure, the BMW X5 is a sensible choice. Volvo XC90 The XC90 is a premium SUV well known for its solid-build and comfort, making it a fabulous choice during the cold snaps often experienced here in Britain. This Volvo is equipped with an advanced all-wheel drive system that improves traction and stability - essential features for motoring in inclement weather. Inside, the XC90’s interior is luxurious with high-quality materials and uncluttered Scandinavian lines that offer a serene driving experience. The Volvo’s spacious cabin comfortably accommodates up to seven people, making it ideal for family holidays, and the cargo area provides plenty of room for boots or bags. Volvo has a reputation for safety, and the XC90 is no exception. The SUV houses a package of advanced safety technologies that encompass collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and Volvo XC90www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 43 AUTOLINK adaptive cruise control. These systems work hand in hand to provide reassurance on hazardous roads, ensuring you can drive in challenging conditions with confidence. Lexus RX The Lexus RX is an excellent car if you’re seeking luxury, reliability, and performance in your driving experience. The Japanese-made SUV has an all-wheel drive feature that provides tremendous traction and stability on potentially perilous roads, enabling you to drive comfortably through shivery conditions. Internally, the RX has a spacious and refined cabin with plush materials and a simple-to-use infotainment system. Comfortable seating and sound insulation make it a great car for long road trips or holidaying with the family. A roomy boot is a bonus, so you can bring all that you need on your road trip. Safety is also a top priority for Lexus, like for most car companies. That is why the RX includes a very comprehensive list of advanced safety features. Some of them include lane departure warning, a pre-collision system and adaptive cruise control. With its reliable performance, the RX provides assurance and comfort, especially as we head towards colder, darker months. The BMW X5, Volvo XC90, and Lexus RX are all top picks, each with a unique combination of luxury, performance, and safety features. Whether you need the space of an SUV for holidays with the family or a pleasant drive for daily commutes or business travel, these cars enable you to greet the cold- weather months confidently and comfortably. Lexus RX44 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK The new Continental GT Speed carries forward key design elements from Bentley’s heritage, dating back to the R-Type Continental of 1952. This fourth generation showcases a muscular yet poised profile, reminiscent of a resting tiger, showcasing power beneath the surface The overall design is streamlined with fewer surface interruptions for a more refined look. A significant update is the introduction of single front headlamps, a first for Bentley since the S2 of 1959. As you take the wheel of the new Continental GT Speed, you’re immediately captivated by its cutting-edge Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. The 4.0-litre V8 lump produces 600PS in conjunction with a 190PS electric motor, resulting in a remarkable peak output of 782 horses. You feel the thrill and hear the snarl as you shoot from zero to 60mph in just 3.1 seconds. And if you keep going without any care for the law, or you’re somewhere where the speed limit doesn’t matter, then you can reach a top speed of 208mph. With various driving modes at your disposal - pure electric, electric boost, and a charge mode - you can tailor your experience on the road. New Bentley Continental GT Speed A truly luxurious experience You can feel it’s a heavy car, but with a near-perfect weight distribution of 49:51, thanks to where the hybrid battery is housed, the Bentley maintains stability and accommodates a wide range of driving styles. Within the cabin, mood lighting beautifully highlights the sculptural design of the seats and doors, offering a choice of different colours to create the perfect ambience for any occasion. In terms of space and practicality, the Continental GT Speed offers a truly luxurious experience for the front seat occupants. The Bentley provides a generous amount of room for two-up, but rear space is more limited, typical of a coupe. If you’re after a luxury grand tourer, the GT Speed is utterly worthy of consideration, offering the agility of a sports car while maintaining fabulously refined levels of comfort. This Bentley is a car that meets and surpasses expectations - and the cherry on top is its resonant growl, which is simply intoxicating when you put your foot down. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 45 AUTOLINK Fast Facts New Bentley Continental GT Speed Max speed: 208 mph 0-60 mph: 3.1 secs MPG: 217 Engine layout: The 4.0-litre V8 + electric Power (PS): 782 CO2: 29 g/km Price from: £236,000OUT OF OFFICE Promethean Particles named a 2025 WIRED Trailblazer Nottingham chemical firm Promethean Particles has been selected as one of 2025‘s WIRED Trailblazers – an annual line-up of the country’s most innovative small and mid-sized high-growth firms. Promethean Particles was recognised for its role in scaling up the production of advanced materials for use in areas such as carbon capture and water harvesting – innovations that are critical to tackling the climate crisis. The accolade relates to its work in developing a method of manufacturing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are tiny crystal structures with exceptionally large internal surface areas that enable them to capture and store vast quantities of molecules. This unique capability allows MOFs to be used for a range of purposes, including water harvesting and trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by the burning of industrial fuels. Scientists have long understood MOFs’ potential in combating climate change, but large-scale production has historically been too costly and complex to make them commercially viable. James Stephenson, chief executive officer of Promethean Particles, said: “It is a huge honour to be recognised by Wired and HSBC as a 2025 Trailblazer. With the rapid progress we have made, it can be easy to forget that we only made the strategic pivot towards a focus on MOFs less than three years ago.” Chameleon School of Construction’s Teresa Swift named one of the most influential women in construction Chameleon School of Construction’s centre manager, Teresa Swift, has been named as one of the most influential women in construction, having reached the final of the CITB Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards. Teresa was shortlisted in the Most Influential Educator in Construction category, recognising her outstanding commitment to supporting learners and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build a future in the industry. With a family history rooted in construction and more than two decades of experience in education, Teresa has combined her skills and passion to lead Chameleon’s training centres across Derbyshire. She is known for going above and beyond for learners, many of whom have faced difficult starts in life. From equipping young people with practical skills in trades such as bricklaying and motor vehicle repair, to providing life skills, mentoring and emotional support, Teresa ensures that every learner feels valued and able to succeed. Commenting on making the final, Teresa said: “I was shocked but delighted to be shortlisted. To me, it is not just about construction training, it is about giving young people stability, skills and the confidence to believe in themselves. The staff and learners at Chameleon are like a family, and I am proud that the work we do together has been recognised in this way.” Peak District and Derbyshire tourism reaches new heights with record contribution to local economy Tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire continues to grow, with new STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) figures for 2024 revealing a record £3.58 billion contribution to the local economy. This marks a 9.1% increase on 2023, or around 6% in real terms, when adjusted for inflation. Overnight stays have seen significant growth, up 14% on 2023 (approximately 11% in real terms), demonstrating increased demand for longer, higher-value visits. Serviced accommodation has led the way, with a 30.7% increase year-on-year (26% in real terms), highlighting strong performance for hotels, B&Bs and inns. Employment supported directly and indirectly by tourism has reached 33,000, an increase of 6%, underlining the sector’s role in local job creation. Jo Dilley, managing director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “These outstanding figures are a testament to the strength and appeal of the Peak District and Derbyshire as a world-class visitor destination. We are particularly proud of the growth in overnight stays and serviced accommodation, which shows that our strategy to focus on value over volume is delivering tangible economic benefits.” James Stephenson, chief executive officer of Promethean Particles, with Catherine Crump, managing director of WIRED Consulting 46 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk © stock.adobe.com/Pawel Pajor Teresa Swiftwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 47 OUT OF OFFICE Nottingham companies stage event to raise money for men’s mental health charity Recruitment agency Atkins Search and contractor Clegg Construction have teamed up to raise thousands of pounds for Tough to Talk by completing a challenge in the Lake District. More than 20 people – a mix of staff, family and friends – walked up England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Opting for the Corridor Route from Seathwaite, the challenge took them seven hours covering around 12 miles, with a 3,000 ft ascent. Atkins Search has chosen Tough to Talk – a pioneering charity dedicated to breaking the silence around male suicide and promoting mental health awareness – as the company’s charity of 2025/2026 and the Lake District Challenge event raised £2,658. Clegg Construction representatives joined the event to support the fundraising effort. It was the third time that the two companies had got together for a walking challenge – undertaking the Yorkshire Three Peaks two years ago and a different Lake District Challenge last year as the weather prevented the team from walking up Scafell Pike at the time. Operations director at Atkins Search, Laura Belcher said: “This was a serious mountain walk with steep sections and some scrambling, so hats off to all those who took part in the event and helped us to raise vital funds for Tough to Talk, our charity of the year.” Charity skydive sees Platform colleagues raise over £5,000 for NSPCC A group of fearless colleagues have raised £5,110 for the NSPCC. The team from Platform Housing Group swapped solid ground for the skies to raise vital funds for the organisation’s corporate charity partner for 2025/26. The eight colleagues jumped from Brackley Airfield in Northamptonshire as part of a charity skydive, cheered on by family, friends and fellow Platform colleagues. The daring challenge follows the success of last year’s skydive in aid of Dementia UK, becoming one of Platform’s most popular fundraising activities. Each participant had a target of £395, but their combined efforts exceeded expectations, with every penny raised going towards the NSPCC’s vital work protecting children and supporting families across the UK. Chris Pinson-Bradley, community engagement manager at Platform Housing Group and organiser of the event, said: “It’s not every day you decide to jump out of a plane but knowing we have raised more than £5000 for the NSPCC made it absolutely worthwhile. “The support from colleagues, family, friends and our wider community has been overwhelming. I’m so proud of everyone who took part, it really shows the power of teamwork when it’s for a cause we all care deeply about.” Northamptonshire businesses urged to Go Green to help raise vital funds for hospice care Big-hearted businesses across Northamptonshire are being urged to Go Green to help raise vital funds for hospice care and supporting services in the county. Cransley Hospice Trust’s Go Green campaign aims to raise thousands of pounds with the help of county charity champions who are invited to pledge their support staging fun-filled fundraising events. The charity’s target is to raise £15,000 this October to help fund a better end of life experience for people with life-limiting illness in the community. Caring companies can all help make a difference by going green during Hospice Care Week between the 6th and 12th October 2025. Whether wearing green, eating green or using pedal power to go green and cycle to work, there are multiple ways everyone can play their part in helping to boost funds for this year’s initiative. Jenine Rees, head of fundraising and marketing, said: “We are encouraging as many businesses as possible, schools and individuals to all get involved, to go green in whichever shape or form that’s relevant to them. “The work that the hospice team do is phenomenal, and as a charity we want to be able to support more people and their families when they need it most.”48 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk back or pass on your business, the path to a successful exit does not start at the finish line. This webinar will walk you through the key steps to prepare your business for a strong, strategic exit – one that maximises value and opens new possibilities. Packed with practical insights, real-life examples and thought-provoking exercises, it is designed to help you understand not just how to exit, but how to build a business that is actually worth buying. For more information visit https://bizgateway.org.uk/. Cyber Security: Addressing Risk in a Digital Age Thursday 16 October Online This webinar from the Department of Business and Trade Cyber Hub will provide an overview of the cyber security landscape, including the most common cyber threats facing small and medium organisations. The webinar will provide a starting point for organisations looking to increase their cyber resilience and signpost to free government advice and services. For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com/. Managing Environmental Risk in the Supply Chain Tuesday 7 October Online The news on ESG/sustainability is often dominated by a focus on carbon emissions (net zero) and legislation on carbon reporting and disclosure. Increasing legislation around biodiversity, deforestation and chemicals will impact on cost, availability and present significant risk to business if they do not plan ahead. But unprecedented supply chain disruption and evolving legislation impacts service businesses too; directly, and their B2B clients. This session is about understanding the practical risks to both manufacturing and service- based businesses – with real-world case studies of when it goes wrong – but also how to identify risk mitigation and commercial opportunity. For more information visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/. How to Create a Successful Exit Strategy Wednesday 8 October Online Whether you are planning to sell, step events Derbyshire Manufacturing Network Friday 17 October East Midlands Chamber, Chesterfield The Derbyshire 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, © stock.adobe.com/Hi Supporting Your Employees’ Mental Health in the Workplace with Confidence Tuesday 14 October Online The Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is offering this session, specifically designed for employers, line managers, supervisors, and HR professionals who want to better support their teams through periods of poor mental health while also fulfilling their legal and ethical responsibilities. One in four people will experience a common mental health problem during their lifetime, which naturally impacts the workplace. These workshops aim to build confidence, increase understanding, and equip delegates with practical strategies to respond appropriately. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/. © stock.adobe.com/Nadia L/peopleimages.comwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 49 business, engineering and manufacturing knowledge necessary to evolve and expand. For more information visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/. Optimising LinkedIn: Make Your Profile Work Harder Thursday 23 October Online Your LinkedIn profile is more than a digital CV, it’s your personal brand in action. Done right, it becomes a powerful tool to attract opportunities and build credibility. This practical, down-to-earth session will show you how to make your LinkedIn presence work harder for you. For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com/. Getting Ready for the Employment Rights Bill Wednesday 5 November Online The Employment Rights Bill, one of the most significant changes in employment law, is nearing its final stages in the UK parliamentary process. This webinar will explore the steps employers and business owners can take to prepare for its phased implementation. For more information visit www.emc- dnl.co.uk/. Energy Saving Lessons from East Midlands Businesses Tuesday 21 October Online This session will explore the key lessons learned from conducting energy audits across a diverse range of businesses in the East Midlands. From retail units and offices to hospitality venues and light industrial spaces, each audit revealed common challenges and actionable opportunities to reduce energy use and cut costs. The event will focus on the real-world energy inefficiencies that often go unnoticed and the practical recommendations that have consistently delivered value. The session will also provide delegates with an opportunity to ask questions on the day. For more information visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/. AI Security, Policy, Governance Wednesday 15 October Mosaic Digital Hub, Lincoln In this 2-hour session, you’ll learn how to use AI safely, responsibly, and with confidence. You will be guided through a practical AI security checklist, helped to identify key risks and considerations, and be walked through what needs to be included in an effective AI policy. You’ll also begin creating a governance plan that ensures AI use in your business stays ethical, secure, and aligned with your values. For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com/. © stock.adobe.com/Nuttapong punnaNext >