< Previous50 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk WATER & WASTE MANAGEMENT biggest issues here is leaks, which not only waste water and cost money, but can lead to damage and costly repairs – especially as not all business insurance policies cover flooding of this kind. As part of this audit process, it’s also worth determining where wastewater is going and if it can be recycled into other areas of the business or sent to a more environmentally-friendly treatment plant. Becoming a more water efficient business means understanding exactly how water is being used and where. Although audits will provide actionable insight in this regard, a smart meter can be invaluable in reducing usage. Just like those used to monitor electricity usage, smart water meters provide detailed data on exactly how much water is being used, peak times of usage and so on. It’s a value tool not only for business operators, but also for water companies, helping to create an in-depth map of the nation’s water usage and demands. Reducing water isn’t only the duty of company bosses or facilities managers but should instead be the responsibility of an entire workforce. It can be difficult to motivate staff and, frankly, people are prone to forgetfulness. Compared to meeting deadlines or sealing a new deal, turning the tap off after you’ve washed your hands can seem insignificant. But it is important that an entire team works together, so putting up water efficiency posters around the workplace – particularly in the kitchen and bathroom – can help to keep staff informed and serve as reminders. Bosses can also appoint one staff member to serve as ‘water champion’ that will oversee a company’s initiatives and ensure staff are engaging with the water efficiency processes. This could be a shared role, in which one member of staff serves for a month before passing on the responsibility to another after their four-week tenure comes to an end. Even for businesses with only a handful of employees, this can really help to make a difference. Although office-based companies don’t use anything like the amount of water as the agriculture or construction sectors, there are hidden water usages everywhere. For example, it takes ten litres of water to produce just a single sheet of paper. In this example, companies can reduce their overall water footprint by going paperless or, at the very least, taking steps to lessen the amount of the paper they use. Steps such as these are part of wider efforts to reduce water usage and, by extension, wastewater. That’s all well and good for less-intensive industries but, as we’ve already alluded to, there are several sectors which require huge amounts of water. Industries including manufacturing, construction, food production and farming produce torrents of wastewater and this is typically filled with contaminates including heavy metals, pathogens, faeces and other biological matter. It therefore needs to be processed, but rather than being wasted – as has historically been the case – it can be treated, purified and recycled. Treating and purifying water with ultraviolet (UV) light is a versatile and highly reliable method. In cities where ageing infrastructure is a concern, for example, contaminants can enter the water source and put the public at risk. Yet even at a domestic level, a UV water purification system can destroy 99.99 per cent of waterborne microorganisms in a single pass. Unlike some of the other technologies and solutions available, UV is environmentally-friendly and results in no disinfection by-products. Moreover, its electrical needs are low, meaning it can run indefinitely without racking up costly bills. Using the correct and consistent dosage, UV treatment has been scientifically proven to deactivate the entire assortment of microorganism attributed to spoilage – including viruses, bacteria and moulds. In a triumph for health and safety, the technology was also shown to switch-off microorganisms resistant to pasteurisation. This is critical in the food supply chain where waterborne organisms are responsible for adversely affecting the smell, taste and functionality of food and beverage products. Although a company might not reclaim its wastewater, leaving it untreated leaves their facilities and product offering vulnerable to contamination. The future of business is intrinsically tied to the future of water management, so it pays to get ahead of the curve. 49-51.qxp_Layout 1 03/11/2021 12:02 Page 2www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 51 WATER & WASTE MANAGEMENT © Shutterstock /arhendrix 49-51.qxp_Layout 1 03/11/2021 12:02 Page 352 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK Audi R8 V10 performance RWD Even more power, even more fun: the true meaning of “performance” at the Audi Sport GmbH. This rear-wheel drive sportscar, with its mid-mounted engine boasting 570 PS, is the embodiment of fun driving. This mid-mounted engine sportscar leaves others in the dust, accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds (3.8 seconds for the Spyder) with a top speed of 204mph (203mph for the Spyder). The crown jewel of the new R8 is the renowned naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 FSI motor with unparalleled sound, lightning-fast reaction and incredible liveliness. The tight lines of the design set the tone inside the car as well. Its most eye-catching element is the “Monoposto” – the large, heavily contoured arch that spans the area in front of the driver’s seat and is strongly reminiscent of a racecar cockpit. The “Monoposto” encloses the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch screen, which is integrated into a freestanding casing. This car is already coming out in the UK and is available with options starting at £126, 885. Lotus Emira V6 The Emira is an all-new mid-engine premium sports car that perfectly embodies the ongoing transformation of the Lotus business and brand. It features all the Audi R8 V10 performance RWD While a brand new top of the line motor may be beyond most of us as Christmas presents, that doesn’t mean we can’t fawn over some truly gorgeous motors we could well be seeing in our region soon. Gorgeous motors Gorgeous motors 52-54.qxp_Layout 1 03/11/2021 12:06 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 53 AUTOLINK hallmarks that the automotive world has come to expect from a Lotus – striking design, thrilling dynamic performance delivering best-in-class ride and handling, outstanding aerodynamics and an unrivalled experience ‘For The Drivers’. Exterior details include LED lights all round, a titanium exhaust finisher, heated power-fold door mirrors and rear parking sensors. The Lower Black Pack is fitted as standard, which means the front bumper air blades, front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser are all in finished in gloss black. There are seven interior colour choices, all available at no extra cost. They are red, black, grey and tan Nappa leather, as well as black Alcantara with either red, yellow or grey stitching. Satin chrome trim finishers, white interior mood lighting and Lotus-branded sill kick plates complete the premium look. UK pricing of the Emira has been announced at £75, 995. BMW 2 Series Active Tourer The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer boasts significant advances in all key areas and comes with an array of innovations previously reserved for the brand’s larger, more expensive models. Notably, it marks the debut of the BMW Operating System 8 and the new generation of the BMW iDrive control system with BMW Curved Display in a compact-class BMW. The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer’s all-new architecture is designed to accommodate both electrified drive systems and conventional engines. New engines, the second generation of 48V mild hybrid technology from BMW, the seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission fitted as standard in all model variants, and extensively updated chassis technology take both efficiency and agility to new heights. A choice of Sport, Luxury and M Sport variants, plus the availability of extensive individualisation options, ensure the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will appeal to a wide number of drivers. 54 Á BMW 2 Series Active Tourer Lotus Emira V6 52-54.qxp_Layout 1 03/11/2021 12:07 Page 254 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk AUTOLINK 2022 Mazda CX-5 Arriving in the UK early next year, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 features a bold new look with an evolution of its award- winning Kodo Design. Revised front and rear bumper designs combine with new headlight and taillight clusters to give the 2022 CX-5 a distinctly more modern and sharper look. Predicted to be the biggest seller in the UK, the Sport model is offered with a choice of 165ps Skyactiv-G petrol or 150ps and 184ps Skyactiv-D diesel. In the UK the 20 model 2022 Mazda CX-5 line-up features five trim levels: SE-L, Newground, Sport, Sport Black and GT Sport. For the first time, individual model grades feature subtle styling differentiation to give customers the option of choosing a CX-5 with a unique character and focus. The three stand out trim grades: Newground, Sport Black and GT Sport each have a distinct personality to ensure the CX-5 range offers more choice than ever before. Although the prices will vary between models, the Mazda CX-5 pricing is set to begin at only £27,845. Suzuki GSX-S1000GT Suzuki has revealed its new GSX- S1000GT, a new sports-tourer designed to take riders further, faster, without sacrificing comfort and practicality; it’s ready to power your journey in style. Following a mantra of performance, distance, connection, the new GT provides all-day riding ability in a package designed to cover distances effortlessly, thanks to its characterful-yet-smooth 152PS engine, agile chassis and wind- cheating bodywork, and comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids and smartphone connectivity. Designed to be able to cover distances quickly and comfortably, the GT’s upright Mazda CX-5 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT riding position is cocooned by wind- deflecting bodywork and a screen capable of diverting the air flow without hampering vision when being ridden sportily. A plush rider’s seat is complemented by a comfortable pillion pad with easily reached grab rails and ample legroom, while optional hard luggage can accommodate full face helmets, ensuring the GT makes light work of two-up touring. The new model is expected to be available soon, with an RRP of £11,599. 52-54.qxp_Layout 1 03/11/2021 12:07 Page 3FEATURES End of Year Success Stories Invoice and Finance Solutions Health and Safety in Construction Engineering Ports and Logistics REGULARS Commercial Property Motoring Corporate Hospitality Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in December 2021 - Deadline 17th November Visit us at www.ea stmidlan dsbusine sslink.co .uk where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscrib e to our newslett ers so you can have. the latest news emailed to your inbox 55.qxp_Layout 1 03/11/2021 12:08 Page 156 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk relaxed, increased numbers of employees are returning to the workplace, and this webinar will support employers and employees at this time. The event will consider how to manage employees who are displaying reluctance to return to the office and how to successfully implement hybrid working agreements as businesses navigate the changing expectations of employees. It will also discuss and clarify how to deal with requests for flexible working to ensure legal compliance and consider how you balance this with culture and employee engagement. For more information visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/ connecting-you/business-focused- workshops/hr-forum6/hr- forum7/?VariantID=4826 Boosting Your LinkedIn Business Account Thursday 11 November Online If you want to use LinkedIn as a tool to generate enquiries or to build your business contacts, this workshop will give you some practical tips on how to get the most of the LinkedIn platform. The event will cover: how to update your profile to show you at your best and attract connections, how to gain endorsements and recommendations from your Leicester Business Festival Monday 8 - Thursday 18 November Multiple venues The Leicester Business Festival is an annual fortnight of free business events, held right across Leicester and Leicestershire. Events vary in type, structure, and size, across digital and in- person platforms, from workshops and seminars to product demonstrations, showroom tours and round table debates, to name but a few. Local businesses and organisations are behind the events, which aim to offer help and support, educate, share information and knowledge, or create forums for networking, engagement, and business growth. For more information visit www.leicesterbusinessfestival.com Managing Reticence of Returning Back to the Office and Implementing Hybrid Models Wednesday 10 November Online As Covid restrictions are events connections, how to search for new sales leads, strategies for building your network, whether company pages are worth setting up and how to make the best use of them within your business, and LinkedIn Premium. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/ events/boosting-your-linkedin-business- account/ Lincolnshire Construction & Property Network Tuesday 16 November Lincoln Golf Centre, Lincoln From sole traders to large housing © Shut terstock/ zhengzaishuru CEO Sleepout Thursday 11 November Meadow Lane Stadium, Nottingham Bosses and senior members of staff from businesses across Nottinghamshire will give up their beds for one night in November in support of local charities aiming to tackle homelessness and poverty. Representatives from businesses including John Pye, 200 Degrees, Nottingham City Transport, The Dairy, Page Kirk, blOKes, and Hallam have already pledged their support to this year’s CEO Sleepout event and are encouraging others to do the same. For more information visit https://ceosleepoutuk.com/nottingham/ © Shutterstock/ Srdjan Randjelovic 56-57.qxp_Layout 1 03/11/2021 12:10 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 57 associations, construction and property firms will come together to talk business at this networking event. Meet up to 60 construction related businesses in one room. Attend to get up to date with project news and new business and tendering opportunities amongst contractors and suppliers. For more information visit www.lincs- chamber.co.uk/events/construction- network-nov-21/ Derbyshire Virtual Networking Thursday 18 November Online This FSB event will provide an informal and friendly networking session with like- minded business owners from the local area and beyond. Make new contacts and renew old ones from the comfort of your desk. Attendees will have the opportunity to introduce their business to all in attendance in a supportive, unpressured environment. Then will follow an opportunity to network further in breakout rooms with a designated question. For more information visit www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/derbys- vn-18nov.html?aff=SH Wren Property Network Charity Quiz Night Friday 19 November Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham WREN Property Network is raising funds for mental health charity, The Wolfpack Project, as it celebrates the return of its in- person events. After what will be more than Midlands Energy Summit - 2021 Tuesday 30 November Online Held in partnership with the University of Nottingham’s Energy Innovation and Collaboration team, the 2021 East Midlands Energy Summit will bring together business, academia, and policy makers to explore how we can accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies and a move towards cleaner new energy industries. Set post-COP26, the Summit will also provide the opportunity to discuss the latest thinking and how this directly relates to the business community in the East Midlands. For more information visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/ connecting-you/industry-focused- events/sustainability-and-low-carbon- events/ten-point-plan-for-green-growth-in- the-midlands-engine/?VariantID=4800 East Midlands Property & Business Expo Friday 12 November De Vere East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham The East Midlands Property & Business Expo will return in November, providing an ideal day for networking and business generation. An established event of over 20 years, for which Business Link is a proud partner, the free to attend expo is well targeted and aimed at the construction, property, business, investment, finance, professional services and related B2B markets. The exhibition will open to attendees at 9am, with a seminar taking place between 10:30am and noon. A special networking lunch will then take place between 12:15pm and 2:15pm, and the exhibition will close at 3:30pm. For more information visit https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/nottingham/ eighteen months since events went dark and WREN was forced to postpone all scheduled seminars and events following its re-launch party last February, it finally has the go ahead to return with its first live and in-person event – a charity quiz night. Mingle, enjoy dinner, a quiz and raffle prizes. For more information visit www.wrennetwork.co.uk/events/wren- property-network-charity-quiz-night/ © Shutterstock/ Rawpixel.com 56-57.qxp_Layout 1 03/11/2021 12:10 Page 2Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks. And finally The world of Frazer Time for a career change As we near the end of the year, many of us will be feeling a bit burned out, with some so tired, stressed, and overworked that a career change may be on the mind. If this resonates, Frazer has the job for you - one that will provide a more relaxing workday! A bed company is currently seeking mattress testers, offering a chance to earn £24,000 a year to lay down on a different mattress each week. Ok - Frazer is sure there will be more to it, but spending a good portion of your career in bed seems like quite the luxury, and you can even work remotely! Alternatively, why not take on a short-term gig offering £5,000 to watch every single episode of The Simpsons, with an extra perk of receiving a box of doughnuts each week while employed. Simpsons Series Analysts must watch the show to see if it can help predict the future. Now this may sound odd, but the series has freakily foreseen a number of events in the past, including the election of Donald Trump and the horse meat scandal! Panic buy here Cleverly capitalising on the chaos that the country has endured this last month, a pub outside of Northampton has made a smart business decision and marketing move with a simple sign. As we fell short on lorry drivers and people panic-bought petrol, The White Hart used the nation’s ordeal to light-heartedly encourage the purchase of their beer with a chalk board reading: “Beer shortage soon. Panic buy here.” The sign drew attention on social media, with passers-by very much amused, and those stumbling across the image online hailed the pub landlord a genius! Ironically predictions of beer shortages have been all over the media recently, most notably in September when fresh concerns were raised as CO2 supplies became tight. 58 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk © Shutterstock/ Viiviien © Shutterstock/ Fractal Pictures An intriguing invention Frazer always likes to keep tuned in to the latest tech, innovations, and inventions announced and hitting the market, but an old colleague has recently brought something to his attention that is rather humorous - not a product that Frazer had ever particularly thought to seek out. New anti- flatulence bed sheets have been revealed, offering a key benefit of ending any couple’s arguments and discomfort when dealing with smells during sleep. Coming from a company, Shreddies, that has already launched anti-flatulence underwear, the bedding has carbon panels built in to trap gas and stop it escaping, neutralising stinky aromas. The product is apparently already a hit, with the business pleased with initial sales. Looks like there really is a market for this ingenious item! © Shutterstock/ tommaso79 58.qxp_Layout 1 03/11/2021 12:11 Page 1Armstrong house Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 • Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Superb Location - - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre Secure off street parking High speed internet availability Easy in/out terms A range of affordable office sizes 3 3 3 3 3 Last remaining office suites Prime location in Grimsby Offering a prime position in Grimsby, Armstrong House on Armstrong Street is ideally located. Close to the ports of Grimsby and Immingham, motorway links and the town centre, off-street parking is also available for all staff and visitors, meaning it’s convenient too. Our spacious, welcoming offices are located on the ground floor and are both secure and CCTV-monitored, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. At Armstrong House, the flexible in/out terms of contract mean confidence when it comes to affordability and with a range of office sizes there are opportunities for all types of business. If you require virtual office services, prices start from just £15 per month. For more information, or to discuss your office requirements call 01472 310301. 59.qxp_Layout 1 03/11/2021 11:17 Page 1Next >