DECEMBER 2018 £3.50YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukVOLUME 33 ISSUE 12PORTS &LOGISTICSConnectivity is vitalHEALTH & SAFETYIN CONSTRUCTIONTime to improveEND OF YEARSUCCESS STORIESThe year in reviewSIGN OFTHE TIMESSIGN OFTHE TIMES01 .qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2018 09:50 Page 1John Green Training & ConsultancyMeeting all your health &safety requirementsHEALTH & SAFETYMANAGEMENTNationwide Services AvailableOur Health & Safety Services Include: • Preparation of your Health & Safety Policy • Preparation of your Health & Safety Management System • Identification of areas for improvement • Investigation of accidents • Assessment of workstations • Workplace inspectionsOur Construction Services Include: • Establishing the role of Principal Designer • Assist with Principal Contractor duties • Construction Phase Plans, etc Other services include: • Fire risk assessments • Fire Warden training • Employee training • Manual Handling • Work at Height • Asbestos Awareness • DSE Assessments This is an example of the training we can provide, please call 01535 608592 / 07803 629630 or email: info@johngreenhealthandsafety.co.ukfor a full list or to discuss your individual requirements.www.johngreenhealthandsafety.co.ukWE PROVIDE HEALTH & SAFETYTRAINING FOR BUILDING SITES, OFFICES, SCHOOLS, FACTORIES ETCJohn Green Training & Consultancy LtdTHE VARIETY OF FUNCTION ROOMS AT THE KCOM STADIUM MEANS THAT WECAN ACCOMMODATE CONFERENCES, MEETINGS, LUNCHES AND DINNERS FROM10 TO 450 PEOPLE.OUR 10 FUNCTION ROOMS AND 28 EXECUTIVE BOXES OFFER EVENT ORGANISERSTHE FLEXIBILITY TO ARRANGE ANYTHING FROM SMALL SEMINARS TO THELARGEST OF CONFERENCES. ALL OUR ROOMS HAVE NATURAL DAYLIGHT, AIRCONDITIONING AND COMPLIMENTARY WI-FI ACCESS.LOCATED CENTRALLY, WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF HULL TRAIN STATION,ONLY A FEW MINUTES’ DRIVE FROM THE A63 AND WITH OVER 1,000 FREEON-SITE CAR PARKING SPACES, THE KCOM STADIUM OFFERS UNRIVALLED EASEOF ACCESS FOR DELEGATES AND GUESTS ATTENDING ANY EVENT.FOR BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES: 01482 358327 HULLTIGEREVENTS.CO.UK SALES.EVENTS@HULLTIGERS.COM20% OFFROOM HIRE UNTIL 30TH JUNE 2019**WHEN CATERING IS PROVIDEDCONFERENCES AT THE02.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2018 09:51 Page 1As we move ever closer to the end of March, Brexit is feeling moreand more like a lost episode of The Thick of It. Indeed, the lastmonth has seen a mad flurry of developments and setbacks asTheresa May desperately tries to convince the world that her Brexitdeal is what’s best for Britain. Although there’s been yet more resignations, and backbencherscontinue to sharpen their knives, the cautious optimism manybusinesses have adopted has turned desperate. At present,business leaders are rallying behind May’s deal as the lesser of twoevils. Although research claims that the UK could be £100 billionworse off a year, any deal is better than no deal, right?Although we can’t offer much in the way of Brexit clarity, we can provide the informed,quality editorial you’ve come to expect over the years. Our team have been busy beaveringaway at our final issue of 2018, with dives into the region’s ports and logistics industry, as wellas invoicing and finance solutions. We cast our gaze on the Humber Bank region this issue,too, exploring the economic prosperity and new developments taking place. This time of year is perfect to pause and reflect, which is exactly what we’re doing in ourend of year success stories. Here we go over the biggest events of the year and what they’vemeant to business, as well as giving local companies the chance to share their own successes.It’s a theme that continues into our commercial property feature, where some of the year’sbiggest and most beneficial developments are reflected on. We can’t think of a better way to end the year than by inviting companies to shout aboutthemselves and the services the offer. That’s exactly what our meet the experts section offers.Until next issue, have a good Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Good reading, as alwaysMichael FisherEditorFrom theEditorVISIT WWW.DEXTERSHARPE.CO.UK FOR FURTHER INFORMATIONDexter & Sharpe Chartered Certified AccountantsHelping your business growBased in market towns throughout the heart of Lincolnshire, we provide a trusted source of expertise whether you are anindividual, start up or a well established business.We provide a comprehensive range of services, if you would like to find out how we can help you or your business why notvisit www.dextersharpe.co.uk.For a pro-active, friendly and accessible service or your FREEConsultation contact one of our teams: Horncastle: 01507 526071- Boston: 01205 311966- Spilsby: 01790 753340Bourne: 01778 393656- Louth: 01507 609933- Skegness: 01754 763222- Lincoln: 01522 533588AGRICULTUREIn-depth understanding of theagricultural industryFINANCIAL & CONSULTINGBuilding on our in-house expertise for financialmatters enables us to provide expert assistanceTRANSPORT & LOGISTICSHelping to minimise the effect ofthis volatile sector03.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2018 09:52 Page 1CONTENTSDECEMBER 20186NewsThe latest business news and success stories from around ourregion11Invoice and finance solutionsThe late payment culture is a bane to businesses in ourregion, but there are steps one can take to limit the damage14Commercial propertyRather than simply zero in on the biggest, most financiallyambitious deals to have taken place in the regionalcommercial property market, we’ve decided instead tohighlight the deals and developments that are having thebiggest impact in the present and future-proofing our region18End of year success storiesA lot’s happened over the last twelve months, from thecollapse of Carillion to a draft Brexit deal agreed withBrussels 22Ports and logisticsThe ports of our region are vital to the UK’s trade, but furtherinvestment in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire’s roads and rail, aswell in construction of warehouses, is essential to maintainfreight growth26The Humber BankThe Humber region has experienced a surge of growth inrecent years, but with many projects now coming tocompletion – will it continue?30Corporate hospitalityIt’s an age-old tradition and one that is expected, but is itreally worth holding a Christmas work party in this day andage33Health and safety in constructionWith high injury and ill and mental health rates in the region’sworkplaces, employers must reassess their health and safetypolicies• Arion Q&A38Meet the expertsExperts from sectors across our region share their vastexpertise, experience and insight40AutoLinkThough we’d all love a new car for Christmas, most are a littleout of the budget as gifts. That said, there’s a lot coming inthe New Year and much to be excited about, so for thoselooking to plan ahead, here are some exciting new carslooking to enter the market• We take a look at the new Aston Martin Vantage 201846EventsWe take a look at business events happening aroundYorkshire and Lincolnshire50And finally…Yorkshire-Lincolnshire-Business-Link @blmforumblmforum.netCONNECT WITH US22334404-05.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2018 09:54 Page 1Group EditorSteve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)EditorMichael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)JournalistsDominic Cuthbert (d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk)Stuart Pearcey (s.pearcey@blmgroup.co.uk)Tess Egginton (t.egginton@blmgroup,.co.uk)Editorial contactnewsdesk@blmgroup.co.ukTel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317Sales DirectorAngela Cooper (a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk)AdvertisingSam Trott (s.trott@blmgroup.co.uk)Vicky Hunt (v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk)Kerry Randerson (k.randerson@blmgroup.co.uk)Nicolle Sizer (n.sizer@blmgroup.co.uk)Emily Bakes (e.bakes@blmgroup.co.uk)Tel: (01472) 310310Accounts & SubscriptionsAngela Sharman, John DownesTel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311Design & ProductionGary Jorgensen, Mark CassonTel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314(studio@blmgroup.co.uk)E-Mail: yorks-lincs@blmgroup.co.ukWebsitewww.blmforum.netAddressHaychart Ltd, Armstrong House, ArmstrongStreet, Grimsby, N.E. Lincs., DN31 2QE.ISSN No: 1462-2092All rights reserved. No part of this publication may bereproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwisewithout express permission of the copyright holder, for whichapplication should be addressed first to the publisher. Whileevery reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor itsparticipating agents accept liability for loss or damage toprints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material ofwhatever nature submitted to this publication. The viewsexpressed in this publication are not necessarily the views ofthose held by the publisher.COVER PHOTOS: THE PARKLINE GROUP • SHUTTERSTOCK - SF11 • LUKE BROUGHTON • AUNGING • TRAVEL MANIAwww.blmforum.net2604-05.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2018 09:55 Page 2ABP invests£1m in Port ofGoole solarinitiativeABP has invested more than £1 million in asolar initiative at the Port of Goole which willgenerate enough clean energy to power theport on solar alone during peak generationtimes.In total, the project will see 4,341 solar panelsinstalled on four rooftops across the port whichwill collectively produce 1.1MW of electricity –enough to power 154 homes per year. Thisfollows the port operator’s solar productionefforts at the Port of Immingham.The project will reduce CO2 by over 450,000kilograms each year – equivalent to plantingover 20,000 trees.The first installation is taking place at theRMS Boothferry Terminal, in preparation for the sunny summer months.Custom Solar is spearheading the 12-week installation programme with Sales Director Gary Sucharewycz, saying it was “fantastic” to beworking with ABP Humber again.“Works have already started on site at Goole and we look forward to completing and commissioning the project prior to the end of 2018,”he said.6Business Link www.blmforum.netNEWSNorthern Powerhouse Ministeropens Sheffield HallamApprenticeship facilitySheffield Hallam University’s new National Centre of Excellence for Degree Apprenticeshipshas been opened by Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry.The University received a grant towards the project from the Sheffield City Region CombinedAuthority to provide bespoke teaching space and IT equipment for hundreds of learners ondegree apprenticeships.Mr Berry said: “With nearly two and a half thousand apprentices scheduled to be enrolled by 2020, this centre demonstrates the increasingimportance of degree apprenticeships, and apprenticeships more widely, in driving vocational skills across the Northern Powerhouse and creatinga highly skilled workforce ready to compete in a globally competitive economy.”Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: “I’m delighted that the first National Centre of Excellence for Degree Apprenticeships isopening in the Sheffield City Region, providing opportunities for around 11,000 learners over the next 10 years.”Skegness branch officially joinsDexter & Sharpe family It’s been two years since local accountancy firms Peach & Co and Dexter & Sharpe announced theirmerger plans. The benefits for both parties was obvious, but for Dexter & Sharpe it meant gaining a newlocal base to better serve clients in the Skegness area and boost its workforce. When the merger was first announced, the firms envisioned a 24-month window to achieve a“seamless transition”. Just over two years later, that’s exactly what both parties have achieved, with allsystems at Skegness now fully integrated with the rest of Dexter & Sharpe’s offices. Indeed, the Skegnessbranch has been rebranded and is now proudly emblazoned with the Dexter & Sharpe Banner. Although the workforce remains much the same, there are a few new faces, not to mention thesupport of resident partners Nicola Lenton and James Holland. Bob Peach is remaining on as aconsultant and continues to be available by appointment. © Shutterstock / anatolly_gleb© Gov.ukJake Berry06-10.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2018 10:11 Page 1www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 7£250m timber groupcreated after Sheffieldspecialist acquiredSheffield-based timber merchant Arnold Laver & Co has beenacquired by Cairngorm Capital Partners in a deal which creates thelargest independent timber business in the UK with combinedrevenues of almost £250 million.The new collective, which also incorporates Cairngorm’s Capitalother timber brands, will be known collectively The National TimberGroup.The Group was formed with the aim of consolidating the highlyfragmented specialist UK timber merchant market. In less than 12months Cairngorm Capital has established a market leading timberbusiness, with a presence extending from the north of Scotland toLondon and the South West.The new enlarged Group, which consists of 52 sites and over1,300 employees, is led by Rob Barclay, Group Chief Executive, whojoined in June.He said: “The merger is highly complementary – together, we areable extend our presence nationwide, pursue further growth and arewell positioned to capitalise on the market leading position we haveestablished.”Quorn Foods opens‘world’s biggest’ meatalternative productionfacilityQuorn Foods, the North Yorkshire-based manufacturer ofmeat-free food products, has officially opened a new productionfacility at the company’s Billingham site in the North East.Believed to be the world’s biggest meat alternative productionfacility, the new expanded factory site will double the capacity ofQuorn’s core products adding some 20,000 tonnes per annum.It is part of a £150 million investment, which Quorn said reflectsan increase in flexitarian and vegan diets.The production facility will produce 1.33 million packs of Quornproducts per week, equivalent to the meat produced by 1,600cows.Opening the facility, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This new multi-million-pound facility, which will double Quorn Foods’ output, shows thefirm’s confidence in our area as a great place to invest and do business.”Quorn Foods Chief Executive Kevin Brennan added: “We provide dramatic sustainability benefits compared to meat and with this new facility willenhance those benefits further.”Charity Golf Day raisesfunds for prostatecancerThe David Edwards Charity Golf day was recently held at Forest Pinesin Brigg with the aim of raising precious funds for prostate cancer.The well-attended event raised an impressive £7,500 in aid of ProstateCancer UK. In all, 96 players attended from a myriad of local businesses, includingsponsor Floor & Wall. Teams included players from Marshall BMW andDelduca Ice Cream, among others.Of course, there was also David Edwards himself, a Former EuropeanTour Player who is regarded as one of the world’s best and mostentertaining trick shot artists.For British men, prostate cancer is the second most common cause ofcancer death. In 2014 alone, there were around 11,300 prostate cancerdeaths, meaning it accounted for 13% all cancer deaths in males for thesame year. NEWS(L-R) Nick Over, Jacqui Edwards, June Marshall, David Edwards, JackMichalitsianos (Prostate Cancer UK), Michael Lavizani (GM Double Tree HiltonForest Pines), Karen Peill, Eric Lewis© Quorn FoodsKevin Brennan withBen Houchen© Shutterstock /Foryoui306-10.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2018 10:11 Page 2TOWER FIELD SERVICESCat Tech Tower Field Services offers bespokemechanical services to oil refinery andpetrochemical plants all around the world.Our team has vast experience in overseeing andundertaking the installation of all types of Towerinternals.Our Tower tray, packing and other internalsinstallation services has deep roots, with severalof the senior team at Cat Tech being involved inthe founding of the Cana-Tex organisation.Since 1971, Cana-Tex had been the premierglobal Tower speciality contractor; performingTower maintenance and plant turnaround projectsaround the world. These origins, with the additionof new team members, make Cat Tech TowerField services a global operation which is bothcost effective and technically experienced.We strive to create new ways to make yourTower work safer, faster and more productiveand that can make very good things happen foryour business.We thrive on exceeding our clients expectations and understand the need forupfront communication in relation to timescales and costs.No-one likes surprises in this industry and we ensure that everything is done, frompre-job planning, on site activities to post job reporting in a manner which allows ourcustomers to concentrate on their core business. Let us show you what we can do.We work hard to maintain an industry reputation for safety, speed and dependability.Ours crews have been trained by us, this allows us to staff a project with the provenskills necessary to produce customer satisfaction.It is our intention to demonstrate the benefit of utilising Cat Tech for all of yourTower work.The benefits of engaging Cat Tech are:lExperienced Tower specialists.lProven track record.lAbility to supply spares and replacements.lSpade to Spade service.lRevamps or modifications to Towers / Internals.lInspection of Tower internals.lSupervision of external/client labour force.lDetailed inspection reports.lCleaning of tower internals.lReactor tray field services.lTurnkey reactor tray field services.At Cat Tech, we continue tocreate new ways to makeTower work safer, faster andmore productive. And that canmake very good things happenfor your business. Contact usfor further information.Our well established salesteam have a wealth ofexperience. We take pride onensuring all enquires are dealtwith quickly and efficiently.UK: Cat Tech (Europe) Ltd.,1 South Park Road,South Park Industrial Estate,Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire,DN17 2BY UKPhone: +44 (0) 1724 871747Fax: + 44 (0) 1724 861928Bulgaria: Cat Tech Services (SouthEastern Europe) Ltd.,Devnia, Varna District,Povelyanovo, 20 Droujba Str,R Bulgaria, 9160Phone: +(35) 9519 92052Fax: +(35) 9527 46770China: Cat Tech Services (Shanghai) Ltd.,Room 1230 No.1, 58 Nong Huachi Road,Putuo District,Shanghai 20061 CNPhone: +(86) 2152 9175 08Fax: +(86) 2152 9175 05Singapore: Cat Tech Asia Pacific Pte.Ltd., 17 Fan Yoong Road,Singapore 629794Phone: +(65) 6264 6261Fax: +(65) 6264 6401South America: Please contact the UKoffice on +44 1724 871 747Thailand: Cat Tech Services (Thailand)Ltd., 2/1 Soi Banbon NuenpayomRoad, Maptaphut Sub District, MuangRayong District, Rayong Province21150 THPhone: +(66) 894 064 100Fax: +(66) 638 692 382MAKING YOURPLANT WORK…SMARTERwww.cat-tech.comPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KAWINNINGS06-10.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2018 10:11 Page 3www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 9Card Factory bucks highstreet gloom with revenuegrowthDespite hostile high street conditions, Wakefield’s Card Factory has seen grouprevenue rise by 3.4% continuing the trend seen in last year’s results. Third quarter likefor like sales were up slightly from the nine months ended 31 October with a 0.1%rise.The company continued to roll out new stores, with 16 UK stores opened duringthe third quarter. The company’s net new UK store openings now stands at 41 – withone new store in the Republic of Ireland.The company “remains on track” to deliver 50 new UK stores in the currentfinancial year. It added that it has a “solid pipeline of new store opportunities for thenext financial year”.However, it was from the Card Factory website that the company witnessed thebiggest revenue growth during the third quarter with a 47.3% rise.CEO Karen Hubbard said: “Given our new ranges and our seasonal performanceto date, we approach our Christmas trading period with confidence.”Yorkshire SMEs heldback by lack of basicdigital skillsMore than four in ten SMEs in Yorkshire and Humberside lack the basic digitalskills that could drive growth, according to new research from Lloyds Bank.Across Yorkshire and Humberside, a quarter of businesses are alreadybenefiting from trading online domestically – above the UK average. The region’sfirms are using digital to target international markets, with 13% of Yorkshire andHumberside businesses using online channels to trade overseas, 5 percentagepoints above the UK average.But there is still work to be done in the region with the latest ‘Lloyds BankBusiness and Charity Index’ revealing that only 8% use digital channels to searchand discover growth opportunities for their business.A third of Yorkshire and Humberside SMEs have no interest in developing theircyber security capability.The benefits can go beyond finances too, with 2.5 million businesses saving timethrough digital, more than twice as many compared to 2014. © Shutterstock/Alexander SupertrampNEWS© Shutterstock/optimarcWakefield commsservices provideracquired in £2.5m dealWakefield-based communications services providerETS Communications Holdings is being acquired by thelisted AdEPT Technology Group in a £2.5 million deal.AdEPT said that a further consideration of up to £1.75million is also on the table depending on ETS’ tradingperformance in the year following the acquisition.ETS provides unified communications and connectivityto businesses within the public sector and currentlymanages could-based telephony for more than 200 GPsurgeries.Ian Fishwick, Chief Executive of AdEPT, said theacquisition would build on the capabilities of AdEPT’sspecialist Avaya IP Office operation in Northamptonwhilst also extending its reach to Yorkshire andLincolnshire.“With AdEPT having an existing specialist Avaya IPOffice operation in Northampton, the acquisition of ETSbuilds on this capability and extends the geographicalreach to Yorkshire and Lincolnshire,” he said. “ETS has awell-developed customer base with long termrelationships, which builds upon AdEPT’s existing publicsector healthcare presence.”© Shutterstock/James W Copeland06-10.qxp_Layout 1 27/11/2018 10:11 Page 4Next >