MARCH 2013 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 28ISSUE 3 EXPANDING HORIZONS The gateway to new markets MACHINERY Creating fast-moving supply chains TRAINING It's National Apprenticeship Week IT AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS Avoiding the pitfalls 01:Layout 1 5/3/13 08:12 Page 1At NTU we work with businesses and public sector organisations, both large and small, to develop people, improve skills and innovate products. Learn how to make the most of your local university. Visit our website to book your free place. www.ntu.ac.uk/showcase Thursday 25 April 2013, 3 pm – 7 pm Newton building, Nottingham Trent University, City site Nottingham Trent University Showcase Talent, Skills and Innovation 6533/03/13 Conference Facilities Seating up to 150 delegates fully air conditioned Wifi & full media facilites Call our reservations team on 01205 822804 or email to enquiries@poachershotel.co.uk Poachers Country Hotel, Swineshead Road, Kirton Holme, Boston, Lincs, PE20 1SQ T: 01205 290310 www.poachershotel.co.uk The Poachers Country Hotel 02:Layout 1 7/3/13 11:21 Page 136Hot Topic Renewable energy is an industry with the potential to transform the fortunes of businesses across our region, but what are the hurdles and stumbling blocks and how can businesses overcome them? 40Marine Energy Our region is playing a pivotal role in ensuring marine energy is a mainstream success 43Recycling and Waste Management Energy from waste is becoming a hot ticket across our region with plans for anaerobic digestion plants in particular being approved regularly, so what’s the state of this industry at present? 45Yarrows Green Energy Yarrows Green Energy is set to open one of the first Anaerobic Digestion plants in the Beverley area after planning permission has been granted for a 0.97ha site Regulars 4From the Editor 5News 9Taxation Is your company getting the credit it deserves? asks Chris Connor, Tax Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants 10Letters Reader’s letters and replies 46AutoLink Taking a look at the 13 registration plates available this month 49Business Scene Lincoln Sportsman’s Club 50Events We take a look at business events happening around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire 52Classified 53Appointments 54And finally… Features 11Commercial Property The new planning framework emphasises the value of best practice in property 15Trainload The international rail loading specialists are celebrating fifty years in business 16Ports Our region’s ports have always been of pivotal importance – and now stand at the brink of numerous exciting opportunities 20Multimodal Multimodal, the UK and Ireland’s leading supply chain event, takes place again at the NEC Birmingham on 23rd to 25th April 22Machinery and Components Companies are enjoying increased profits and faster moving supply chains by investing in machinery 24Training With National Apprenticeships Week taking place in March, we seek out what companies in our region are doing to engage young people 26Conferencing Yorkshire and Lincolnshire’s conferences and events are now pulling in an international audience – inside and outside the venues 28Social Media Social networking is becoming more important to our region’s businesses, but they could fall foul of numerous pitfalls 30IT and Telecommunications With the hacking scandal receiving headlines across the world, it has reminded the business community that no one is immune from malicious or suspicious threats Environmental Business Link Environmental is your ultimate guide to the expanding world of green business. 34Environmental news The latest news from this fast-moving sector Contents March 2013 12 34 36 46 03:Layout 1 4/3/13 10:43 Page 1As I write these notes, George Osborne’s credibility has taken a further battering after ratings agency Moody’s opted to downgrade the UK’s credit rating from AAA to AA1 – the first time since 1978. Osborne’s ignominy comes as much from his own words just before the last General Election when he announced, “What investor is going to come to the UK when they fear a downgrade of our credit rating and a collapse of confidence?” Of course we’ve all said things we’d like to take back but just weeks later, he went one step further stating, “We will safeguard Britain’s credit rating with a credible plan to eliminate the bulk of the structural deficit over a parliament.” Oops! A bad moment indeed for Osborne, and probably those in the bubble of the Square Mile in London, but will it really affect those of us outside the capital? Vince Cable thinks the move is “largely symbolic” and, for once, he might just be right. The credit agencies regularly gaze into their crystal balls, and have a questionable track record when it comes to forecasting the economy. As we know, the US and France have survived similar ratings cuts in the not too distant past and, while this may cause a little consternation for inward investment teams and red faces for the Chancellor and his team, our region’s businesses should remain largely unaffected. After all, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have not suffered from the recession as badly as the southern half of the country - although it has still been hit very hard. A firm lid has been kept on wages and prices throughout the region though so the general consensus is that recovery will start sooner and be stronger here. You’ll see examples of that throughout this issue, not least in our environmental section with a debate over the future of renewable energy, where a bright future beckons. A closer look at ports, meanwhile, illustrates the huge benefits our region receives from its position as the gateway to Europe. And, don’t forget to log onto www.blmforum.net for more B2B news as it breaks… Good reading as always, W S Fisher Editor Editor Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Journalists Steve Williams (s.williams@blmgroup.co.uk) Mike Shields (m.shields@blmgroup.co.uk) Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editorial contact newsdesk@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317 Sales Director Teri Cooper (t.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Advertising Tel: (01472) 310310 Kim Collins (k.collins@blmgroup.co.uk) Ashley Spink (a.spink@blmgroup.co.uk) Accounts & Subscriptions Angela Sharman, Dawn Cook, John Downes Tel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311 Design & Production Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson, Rachel Green Tel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314 (studio@blmgroup.co.uk) E-Mail:yorks-lincs@blmgroup.co.uk Website www.blmforum.net Address Haychart Ltd, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N.E. Lincs., DN31 2QE. ISSN No:1462-2092 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Before you recycle your magazine, please ensure you remove all plastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. If you are unable to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine onto a local hospital or charity? The magazine that cares WE CARE because we want to leave our world a better place than we found it Business Link believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of. Community -From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment -Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise. From the EDITOR… Yorkshire-Lincolnshire-Business-Link @blmforum blmforum.net COVER PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/VICHIE81 04:Layout 1 4/3/13 12:53 Page 1Freight terminal boost to Sheffield exports Exporting from the Sheffield City Region has received a significant boost with the creation of a new international freight terminal. The 14,000 sq ft Sheffield International Freight Terminal will provide exporters with a regional facility to transport goods to thousands of overseas markets. SH-I-F-T will be based on Grange Mill Lane, near to junction 34 of the M1 and close to the proposed location for the Sheffield City Region High Speed Rail station. It will be one of only two Government approved bonded warehouses in South Yorkshire and plans are already in place to extend the terminal by a further 25,000 sq ft in the future. To mark its development SH-I-F-T and international freight management company 512 (Sheffield) Ltd have both become partners of the South Yorkshire International Trade Centre. Beth Barber-Atkinson, director at SH-I-F-T, says, “SH-I-F-T is an exciting development for Sheffield City Region. It will make this area more self-sufficient and provide a direct route to overseas markets.” Hull & Humber leaders promote region at global economic forum Two Hull business experts are to represent the Humber at a global economic forum in Mumbai. For Peter Brown and Rob Penrose, the General Assembly of the World Trade Centers Association will be an opportunity to promote the region’s growing credentials as a hub for international trade. During four days in India, the two World Trade Centre Hull & Humber directors will have the chance to forge links with WTCA members from almost a hundred countries. Peter Brown, who is managing director of Neill & Brown Global Logistics and is pictured, says, “It is all about networking, making contacts and letting people know what we have to offer. The WTCA’s mission is to foster international trade and there can be no question about the Humber being in a strong position to reap greater benefits from the global marketplace.” Business Link 5 www.blmforum.net LATEST NEWS Work starts on £5.5 million York development Work has started transforming a much loved and historic Grade II listed former school that has stood empty for a number of years into unique homes as part of the first major new housing development to be built within walking distance of York city centre for more than four years. The £5.5 million development, known as Bootham Green, will see 38 new homes created at Shipton Street in Bootham. The site is being developed in a partnership between respected Yorkshire based developers Rushbond Group and Advent Developments. Councillor Ken King joined representatives from the developers on site to officially start construction work. As part of the scheme the former school buildings will be sympathetically restored and converted to create 24 townhouses together with fourteen newly built contemporary designed homes. Esh Construction has been appointed to carry out all building work which will be completed towards the end of the year. AFI acquires Wilson Access Hire AFI, which provides powered access machines for working at height, has continued to capitalise on opportunities in the market place by acquiring Wilson Access Hire of Elland. The acquisition comes after AFI, whose headquarters are in Wakefield, expanded its training business last year by acquiring the trade and assets of UTN Training and Instant Training. AFI Director Richard Saunders says, “This latest acquisition is a further example of how AFI’s strong financial position is allowing us to capitalise on opportunities in the market. Wilson Access Hire is a well- run, quality business with a well maintained and modern powered access fleet and a strong presence in the North. Wilson Access is highly regarded and in recognition of this, we are retaining the Wilson name.” Wilson Access will become part of the AFI group of companies and will come under the control of AFI Director Richard Saunders. FDS Group, global leader in specialised sealing solutions and products serving the oil and gas and chemical industries, which includes West Yorkshire-based Flexitallic Ltd, has been renamed The Flexitallic Group. The move comes in response to the expanding global presence, recognition and value of Flexitallic, one of the Group’s premier operating companies, with headquarters in the UK and USA. Almost 30,000 sq ft of industrial, office and retail space has been let by Dacres Commercial in the Wharfe Valley in a matter of months. Deals include two lets at the former Nidd Vale Car service centre and showroom on Bridge Lane in Ilkley which will see the site transformed into a mixed use residential scheme and cafe offering by Horton Housing. Part of the site has also been let to Glovers Garage. 05-09_Layout 1 17/02/2023 11:02 Page 1LATEST NEWS 6 Business Link www.blmforum.net Visit from Russia boosts Rotherham business A new business based in Rotherham hosted a Estonian entrepreneur to exchange ideas and experiences which could help both companies grow and expand internationally. Spotamo, based at Century Business Centre, has developed a free smartphone application that offers users discounts at local shops. The company took advantage of support through RiDO’s Soft Landing Zone, after its Project Manager Amanda Parris established a relationship between RiDO and the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. While in Moscow, Amanda met Georgi Mahmurov, an Estonian entrepreneur and co-founder of AlmaCard.ru, who was running a business similar to Spotamo, offering a no-hassle loyalty card for Moscow students. Amanda says, “We developed a relationship with MGIMO to provide local businesses, like Spotamo, with the opportunity to collaborate with businesses in Russia to help them find new ways to grow. The exchange gave Spotamo the opportunity to share their experience and knowledge and develop their long-term plans for international expansion.” Expansion reflects success in challenging times An industrial machinery packager has invested in an expansion move, after doubling its workforce over the past year. The growing success of Vanguard Packing, which is based across three sites in Beevor Street, Lincoln, has resulted in it leasing a further 1500 sq ft (annexe) from Banks Long & Co, giving it a total of 60,000 sq ft of space. General manager Bill Towle, who heads up a twenty-strong team in Lincoln, says, “Export manufacturing may be a shrinking market, but we have picked up new orders and work from former competitors which have fallen by the wayside. “About a year ago, we won a large contract for shipping bus equipment to South Africa and last Summer we were contracted to provide a service to Siemens. Other local clients include Clarke’s Crankshaft and Machining, Rilmac and Hoval Boilers, with Lincolnshire area work making up most of Vanguard’s work locally.” Lincoln entrepreneur appointed business ambassador Sir Richard Branson has chosen a high-flying young entrepreneur to be the voice of Virgin Media Pioneers in the East Midlands and to inspire more young people to start their own businesses. Michael Overton, a qualified pilot from Lincoln, is on course to revolutionise kitchenware using innovative ‘gecko’ technology to develop ‘one-size-fits-all’ lids and has now been crowned as the Pioneers ambassador for the East Midlands. Michael, pictured on the left, will be one of only twelve entrepreneurs across the UK acting as regional Pioneer ambassadors, with each volunteer given support to deliver events in their region and act as an on-going ambassador for the Pioneers community to help inspire and transform the prospects of young people in the East Midlands. Michael says, “Young people are full of great ideas but don’t always have the know-how or the contacts to make them happen. The Pioneers community can help change that.” British by Design… Billed as one of the most inspirational trade fairs in the UK, The British Craft Trade Fair is a leading event for showcasing the nation’s design talent. Taking place from 7th to 9th April at The Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, the fair will feature the work of over 500 designers and artisans – providing a wealth of inspiration for retailers, galleries and heritage buyers looking for high quality British products. “Established for over 35 years, BCTF is recognised by buyers throughout the UK as the go-to fair for finding fresh, innovative and affordable designs,” says organiser Margeret Bunn. “Programmes such as BBC Antiques Road Show are testament to the future value and investment potential of British artisan design, and many of the exhibitors are producing work that will become family heirlooms.” Attendees using public transport will also be able to take advantage of a free shuttle service between the venue, Leeds Bradford Airport and Harrogate train station. To register as a buyer, go to www.bctf.co.uk A national bank has officially established a new partnership with the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce. The South Yorkshire commercial banking division of NatWest has become a patron of the Chamber for the next twelve months. As patrons, the company receives a host of benefits through the partnership, such as attendance at exclusive events and support the Chamber on raising awareness of the key issues affecting the economy in their respective sectors. Sheffield law firm Russell Jones & Walker has completed its transition to the Slater & Gordon brand name following last year’s headline grabbing merger with Slater & Gordon in Australia. The firm has undergone a complete brand review and unveiled its new website, www.slatergordon.co.uk, marking the firm’s commitment to becoming a market leader in Sheffield as Slater & Gordon LLP. Morpheus Glass- fused glass kitchen tiles. 05-09_Layout 1 17/02/2023 11:02 Page 27 ()#+'("$()+'('!% (('#)++ + +#%+++ )+&&&+&&& $+$!' #*'* +%)"$!***+++++ +%)"$!***+++++ +%)" 05-09_Layout 1 17/02/2023 11:02 Page 3LATEST NEWS 8 Business Link www.blmforum.net Business consultation begins on flood defence plans Around three hundred invited businesses have had the opportunity to view the way forward for the proposed multi- million pound Sheffield Lower Don Valley flood protection project. Flood defences are being developed to protect businesses between The Wicker and Blackburn Brook, close to the M1 motorway, against a minimum of a one in 100-year flood event. Planning application for the proposals will be submitted soon with construction involving new flood walls, installation of flood gates, raising and reinforcement of existing structures, as well as the clearing and maintenance of the River Don. Sheffield Chamber and Sheffield City Council are working together to raise awareness of the plans, which require financial support from both the private and public sectors. The Chamber and Council believe the optimum way to generate private sector investment is by setting up a Business Improvement District, which would see affected companies making a payment calculated on their rateable value over a period of five years. Sanderson Weatherall expands following new acquisition Sanderson Weatherall LLP is to grow its property services and headcount with the acquisition of Edwards and Partners; a niche practice of Chartered Surveyors specialising in the valuation and sale of leisure property including holiday and mobile home parks. Sanderson Weatherall has made the acquisition to further its growing presence in the leisure market, a move which will compliment and add to its existing portfolio of property services. Paul Edwards, founding partner of Edwards and Partners, says, “Joining forces with Sanderson Weatherall is a wonderful opportunity for us to enhance and expand our specialist service. While clients will continue to receive the same expert advice from the established Edwards team, we will also be able to draw on Sanderson Weatherall’s wide property experience and contacts.” Paul Edwards and Chris Tucker are being appointed equity Partners in the expanded business and all seven of Edwards and Partners staff will be retained. Huddersfield HR specialist JCS HR has recorded a boost in new business during the first quarter of 2013, including sports technology company MIA in Clayton West. In addition to MIA, JCS has also added projects from Leeds document management company Cintas, MPM Pet Products in Macclesfield, laboratory services provider LGC in Warrington and Sheffield training company W Academy & Education to their work schedule. Axida’s HDi brings ‘shedloads’ of delivery success for Shire GB Hull software company Axida, creator of industry-leading technology to manage complex home deliveries, has added Shire Garden Buildings to its client base of major customers. Shire is a top manufacturer and supplier of timber buildings and other outdoor structures to major retailers and is taking advantage of the new cloud-based version of Axida’s HDi, which is established as the UK’s leading two-man home delivery software. Wayne Holgate, director of Axida, says, “The software is ideal for mid- market retailers, delivery companies and manufacturers. Shire operates its own fleet of vehicles and customer services centre, and HDi has enabled them to make the delivery process more reliable, efficient and cost- effective. It has greatly improved service levels to the end customer and is satisfying the retailers they supply, without requiring further resources and staff. We are very pleased to be working with Shire as the company is a great example of successful British manufacturing.” 05-09_Layout 1 17/02/2023 11:02 Page 4TAXATION Is your company getting the credit it deserves? asks Chris Connor, Tax Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants Research & Development tax relief has been available to all companies in respect of qualifying expenditure incurred during in accounting periods beginning on or after April 2002. There are two schemes for relief - the Large Company Scheme and the SME Scheme. A company is an SME for R&D purposes if the company has fewer than 500 employees and either an annual turnover of less than € 100 million or a balance sheet total of not more than € 86 million. The relief works by giving a tax deduction of 175% of eligible costs incurred by SMEs prior to 1st April 2011. From this date the relief increases to 200%, with a further increase to 225% from 1st April 2012. Large companies can claim a tax deduction of 130% of eligible costs. In order to qualify, the expenditure must qualify as R&D under GAAP, SSAP 13 in this case, and the activity must also be a qualifying activity within the guidelines issued by the DTI. The key issue here is the guidelines dictate R&D activities must be creative or innovative work in the fields of science or technology and undertaken with a view to the extension of knowledge. The research must be characterised by work that combines an appreciable element of innovation and breaks new ground. The types of expenditure which potentially qualify for the enhanced relief are restricted to qualifying staff costs, externally provided workers, software, consumable items, materials and equipment used and costs of energy consumed in the R&D process. Prior to April 2012, a company had to have a qualifying spend of £10,000 or more in a period in order to qualify for the relief. This limit has now been removed. SMEs may also be able to benefit from the R&D tax credit provisions even if the company is not in profit. The company may be entitled to claim a ‘payable tax credit’ equal to £14 in every £100 of R&D tax credit loss available. Please note, though, this is a complex tax relief. No claim for R&D tax credits should be made without seeking additional specialist advice. Chris Connor is a Tax Partner, with Streets Chartered Accountants, a top 40 UK accountancy firm. Telephone 0845 880 0320, email info@streetsweb.co.uk or visit www.streetsweb.co.uk Business Link 9 www.blmforum.net Don’t forget you can now read Business Link on the go! Digital Editions now available on iPad & iPhone Ideal for those who spend time away from their office 05-09_Layout 1 17/02/2023 11:02 Page 5Next >