JANUARY 2022 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 37 ISSUE 1 IT AND COMMUNICATIONS Avoiding obsolescence RENEWABLES The renewables revolution 2022 BUSINESS PREDICTIONS Looking ahead A FRESH START A FRESH START 01.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 07:35 Page 1ISO/IEC 17020 / ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / OHSAS 18001 For all enquiries please TELEPHONE: 01469 575728 | Email: ukinfo@irisndt.com www.irisndt.co.uk CHATHAM | DERBY | DEESIDE | HULL | IMMINGHAM PEMBROKE DOCK | STOCKTON-ON-TEES ADVANCED NDT • Remote Robotic Inspections – Visual & UT • Drone Surveys – Internal and External • Laser Scanning • Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing • Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) • AUT & PAUT Corrosion Mapping • Tube Inspection (IRIS, ECT, RFT, NFA) • Guided Wave Testing – Long Range UT • QSR1 – Corrosion Under Pipe Supports • MFL – Tank Floors and Pipelines • HTHA Inspections (TOFD, TFM, PAUT & TULA) CONVENTIONAL NDT • X-Radiography & Gamma Radiography • Computed and Digital Radiography • Close Proximity Radiography • Ultrasonic Inspection • Magnetic Particle Inspection • Dye Penetrant Inspection • Eddy Current & Eddy Current Array • Positive Material Identification (PMI) • Hardness Testing • Ferrite Testing • ACFM Inspection • Vacuum Box Testing INSPECTION AND TESTING SERVICES IRISNDT is a leading provider of Asset Integrity Engineering, Non- Destructive Testing, Heat Treatment and Laboratory services. This is achieved through investment in training local personnel, continuous development of our facilities and refreshing our equipment to offer the latest in technology and innovations. This is supported by a strong commitment to safety, quality, and the environment. IRISNDT are closely supported by our colleagues in Canada, the USA and Australia. ADDITIONAL SERVICES • Rope Access • Heat Treatment • Pressure Testing • Welding Inspection • Materials Laboratory (ISO 17025) • Welder Training • Failure Investigations ASSET INTEGRITY ENGINEERING • Pressure System Inspections • Storage Tank Inspections • Pipeline Inspections • Out of Service and In-Service Inspections • Category 1, 2 & 3 Inspectors • Written Schemes of Examination (WSE’s) • Fitness for Service (FFS) Assessments • Engineering Calculations • Maxi-Trak Field Services (Customized Software) • Bund Surveys 02.qxp_Layout 1 12/01/2022 13:23 Page 1Come the start of a New Year, it’s customary to look at the past and consider how much things have changed. In our region, starting 2022 with many of us working from home must make it feel like nothing has, but that’s not entirely the truth. The advent of Omicron has not seen as devastating an impact as the first variants of COVID-19, and vaccinations have progressed at a fair pace. As more and more of the region becomes vaccinated or immune, the impact of Coronavirus is being lessened. That might not be much solace to the companies in lockdown without financial aid from the Government, but some small relief can come from the fact that this is, as of yet, not a mandatory lockdown. That said, the pressures and risks of the so-called “Great Resignation” may have many feeling they cannot pressure their employees lest they lose them. Traditionally, most job losses happen over the Christmas break or before it, however, with jobs beginning in the new year, so it may be that businesses in our region have evaded this problem for now. We’ll all have to keep an eye on the shift to see how long it lasts and what, if anything, needs to be done. Until then, the dawn of a new year means little more than business as usual. However, those in a position to do so may want to take the first month to look to the future and ask whether these circumstances might happen again. In an increasingly global world, further pandemics might become recurring features, so modernising businesses now may protect them against later concerns. If nothing else, it’s best to prepare for the worst and be pleasantly surprised when it doesn’t happen. Good reading, as always. Michael Fisher Editor From the Editor Operating from our 46 acre site in Boston, Lincolnshire, we have over 100 years experience providing creosoted timber poles, railway sleepers, gates and fencing. View the range at www.caldersandgrandidge.com Email enquiries@caldersandgrandidge.com or call our experts on 01205 358866 Calders & Grandidge, 194 London Road, Boston, Lincs PE21 7HJ 03.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 07:37 Page 1CONTENTS JANUARY 2022 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region. 10 Commercial property The new year has just started and businesses across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are already investing and expanding into new spaces, showing that the commercial property sector across the two counties is ready for a new year of exciting growth. 14 Productivity and efficiency in manufacturing The robots are not trying to take over, they are just here to help. 18 2022 business predictions It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead. 22 Employment law Whether it’s bosses mandating that their staff be double jabbed, the right to request flexible working, or calls for extending statutory sick leave, businesses have many employment law issues to contend with as we continue to transition out of the pandemic. 25 New year, new suppliers With so much to do in the new year it can feel daunting to look at suppliers, and easier to just go with what you know, but that attitude could lead businesses into trouble. 28 IT and communications From robust cybersecurity measures to efficiency gains, Business Link explores the many benefits of updating IT and telecoms systems. 32 Logistics and transport The logistics and transport industry is facing a plethora of challenges, from the driver shortage to reducing emissions. 36 Renewables In search of a more sustainable future, the transition to renewable energy sources is picking up pace, with fossil fuels being left in the past. 40 Corporate hospitality With COVID-19 making another comeback this winter and governments recommending people to limit social gatherings and interactions, there is a chance businesses will need to turn to online conferences and events once again. 42 Events We take a look at business events happening around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. 46 And finally… Yorkshire-Lincolnshire- Business-Link @blmforum blmforum.net CONNECT WITH US 18 32 36 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 07:38 Page 1Group Editor Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Journalist Tess Egginton (t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk) Eleonora Gallina (e.gallina@blmgroup.co.uk) Editorial contact newsdesk@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317 Sales Director Angela Cooper (a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Advertising Vicky Hunt (v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk) Kerry Randerson (k.randerson@blmgroup.co.uk) Tel: (01472) 310310 Accounts & Subscriptions Angela Sharman, John Downes Tel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311 Design & Production Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson 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. COVER PHOTOS : STOCK .ADOBE .COM - MALP • IAN DYBALL • GORODENKOFF • NATALI _ MIS • MARKLG 1973 www.blmforum.net 28 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 07:38 Page 2Business confidence edges up in Yorkshire ahead of Omicron impact Business confidence in Yorkshire rose four points during December to 35%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in Yorkshire reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down two points at 26%. However, when taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up nine points to 43%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 35%. The survey captured responses between 26th November and 10th December. The first two cases of Omicron in the UK were confirmed on 27th November and nations began announcing the reintroduction of restrictions in the week commencing 6th December. Overall UK business confidence was unchanged from November’s reading at 40%. While confidence remained above the long-term average (28%), during the second week of sampling when the Omicron variant emerged, confidence fell to 32%. Steve Harris, regional director for Yorkshire at Lloyds Bank, said: “The resilience of businesses across Yorkshire is clear from this month’s figures. Despite ongoing uncertainty caused by Omicron and wider challenges in the economy, such as trade disruption and rising costs, many firms said they were optimistic about the future.” 6 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS Trebor snap up new speculative industrial site in Goole Trebor Developments have acquired another industrial site to speculatively develop. Located on Tom Pudding Way, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, the site is in a well-located industrial area and opposite Siemens’ £200 million new manufacturing facilities. The site extends to 5.90 acres and planning will be submitted shortly for a single, 94,841 sq ft, sustainable, industrial building suitable for B2 or B8 uses. Bob Tattrie, managing partner for Trebor, said: “We are excited to secure our next Yorkshire site and bring forward this unit for occupation in 2022. The location is excellent, with strong links to the ports, motorway network and railhead, the unit being suitable for a wide range of uses. Planning will be submitted shortly.” Paul Mack, director of Gent Visick, who acted for the landowner, said: “We are delighted to have acted on the sale of one of the last remaining development plots in the Goole area. With the new Siemens state of the art rail manufacturing facility being built opposite, it is an exciting time for Goole and we hope this new facility will create even more jobs for the local area.” Cash injection unlocks expansion for hydraulic manufacturer A Huddersfield manufacturer is on track for double-digit growth after kickstarting a multi-million-pound expansion plan. Hystat, founded in 1976, produces hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, accumulators and actuators. Last year, the business acquired Cylinder Service Centre (CSC), which helped to broaden the firm’s offering with its specialisms in hydraulic cylinder repair. Since the buy-out, Hystat has witnessed rapid growth, with turnover on track to increase 60% from £7.5 million to £12 million year-on-year. It has also boosted headcount from 96 to 110 across its Huddersfield and Washington sites. Now, with the support of a £1.2 million loan from Lloyds Bank, Hystat is preparing to purchase CSC’s currently rented premises, helping to pave the way for further expansion at the site, and bring key operations, such as boring and holing services, in-house. Simon Wadsworth, Managing Director at Hystat, said: “Our products are playing an increasingly critical role in supporting the transition to green and renewable energy sources, meaning it’s important that we continue exploring opportunities to expand and diversify our offering. Through this purchase, and through the additional financial firepower it lends us, we can ramp up activity across key services and significantly grow our output, helping us to support engineering best practice across a growing customer base.” © stock.adobe.com/gstockstudio 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 07:42 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 7 NEWS Reprocessing firm acquired by sustainable packaging company Reprocessing firm, Bright Green Plastics, has been acquired by IPL Global from AIAC. The acquisition will allow the manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions for environmental, returnable packaging and industrial markets to offer a full recycling service for its products. Bright Green Plastics’ West Yorkshire-based reprocessing site, which currently recycles around 40,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year with a 130-strong workforce, will continue to operate under the existing management team. IPL plans to invest in equipment and innovative projects to increase the recycling capacity and capabilities of the business, which will ensure the continued supply of high-quality recycled compounds to customers across many sectors. Steve Spencer, general manager at Bright Green Plastics, said: “Anyone that comes across our business knows we are passionate about plastic recycling. This acquisition will provide the global assistance to accelerate significant technical developments, ensuring as much recycled plastic as possible is ploughed back into the manufacturing cycle, whilst lessening reliance on virgin plastic.” 24-acres of logistics development land sold in Barnsley Harworth Group has completed the sale of a 24-acre plot at its Gateway 36 logistics site in Barnsley, Yorkshire, to Firethorn Barnsley Limited for £11.6 million. Firethorn will develop a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rated, 340,000 ft logistics facility at the plot, which forms part of the latest phase of development at Harworth’s Gateway 36 project. Harworth received a resolution to grant planning consent for Phases 2 and 3 of its Gateway 36 development from Barnsley Council in 2020, which, in its entirety, will comprise a total of 1.1 million sq ft of new logistics and manufacturing space across 95 acres of land. The scheme is expected to support the delivery of up to 2,500 jobs in Yorkshire. This sale builds on the success of Phase 1 of Gateway 36, which comprised the direct development by Harworth of c. 145,300 sq ft of industrial and logistics space across four units, which were sold to Mayfair Capital in 2018. Existing occupiers on the site include Esco, Talurit, Environment Agency and Car Supermarket. Steve Spencer © stock.adobe.com/Song_about_summer Cybersecurity specialist targets US market after seven-figure investment A cybersecurity specialist that provides services for some of the UK’s biggest companies has raised a seven-figure sum from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. The funding will allow Talion to further expand its business in the UK and target new customers in the US. Talion was launched by BAE Systems in 2012 to help protect the Olympic Games in London from ‘nation state’ cyber attacks. Originally known as Sy4 Security, it became a standalone business in April 2020 when industry veteran Mike Brown, the current CEO, and BAE Systems’ head of security Keven Knight, the COO, led a management buy-out. The company now employs over 90 staff at its security operations centre in Leeds and its satellites in Farnborough and Kuala Lumpur. Mike Brown, CEO of Talion, says: “The financial cost of cybercrime is growing at an alarming rate – the bad guys are winning. Companies can no longer protect themselves using an individualistic approach. They need to become part of a cybersecurity ecosystem with the ethos of ‘Benefit one, benefit all’. Talion provides a platform to help companies build and manage their ecosystem. The funding will help to accelerate its growth and achieve our goals.” 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 07:42 Page 2TOWER FIELD SERVICES Cat Tech Tower Field Services offers bespoke mechanical services to oil refinery and petrochemical plants all around the world. Our team has vast experience in overseeing and undertaking the installation of all types of Tower internals. Our Tower tray, packing and other internals installation services has deep roots, with several of the senior team at Cat Tech being involved in the founding of the Cana-Tex organisation. Since 1971, Cana-Tex had been the premier global Tower speciality contractor; performing Tower maintenance and plant turnaround projects around the world. These origins, with the addition of new team members, make Cat Tech Tower Field services a global operation which is both cost effective and technically experienced. We strive to create new ways to make your Tower work safer, faster and more productive and that can make very good things happen for your business. We thrive on exceeding our clients expectations and understand the need for upfront communication in relation to timescales and costs. No-one likes surprises in this industry and we ensure that everything is done, from pre-job planning, on site activities to post job reporting in a manner which allows our customers 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 proven skills necessary to produce customer satisfaction. It is our intention to demonstrate the benefit of utilising Cat Tech for all of your Tower work. The benefits of engaging Cat Tech are: l Experienced Tower specialists. l Proven track record. l Ability 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 to create new ways to make Tower work safer, faster and more productive. And that can make very good things happen for your business. Contact us for further information. Our well established sales team have a wealth of experience. We take pride on ensuring all enquires are dealt with quickly and efficiently. UK: Cat Tech (Europe) Ltd., 1 South Park Road, South Park Industrial Estate, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN17 2BY UK Phone: +44 (0) 1724 871747 Fax: + 44 (0) 1724 861928 Bulgaria: Cat Tech Services (South Eastern Europe) Ltd., Devnia, Varna District, Povelyanovo, 20 Droujba Str, R Bulgaria, 9160 Phone: +(35) 9519 92052 Fax: +(35) 9527 46770 China: Cat Tech Services (Shanghai) Ltd., Room 1230 No.1, 58 Nong Huachi Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 20061 CN Phone: +(86) 2152 9175 08 Fax: +(86) 2152 9175 05 Singapore: Cat Tech Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., 17 Fan Yoong Road, Singapore 629794 Phone: +(65) 6264 6261 Fax: +(65) 6264 6401 South America: Please contact the UK office on +44 1724 871 747 Thailand: Cat Tech Services (Thailand) Ltd., 2/1 Soi Banbon Nuenpayom Road, Maptaphut Sub District, Muang Rayong District, Rayong Province 21150 TH Phone: +(66) 894 064 100 Fax: +(66) 638 692 382 MAKING YOUR PLANT WORK… SMARTER www.cat-tech.com PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KAWINNINGS 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 07:43 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 NEWS Hull’s transformative £96m Albion Square development approved The £96m Albion Square development has been approved by Hull City Council’s Cabinet. The large development in Hull city centre will feature a mixture of residential, office and retail space, as well as a large urban park. The eco-friendly and environmentally responsible project will include solar panels, EV charging points and a bike hub. Demolition of the site will begin in early 2022 with construction starting in 2023. The transformative project is set to be completed in 2026. Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “Albion Square is a key component in the city’s regeneration. The large Albion Square site is an important and prominent location in our city centre, so it’s vital that we see it regenerated. “This investment is not only crucial to the future success and prosperity of our city, but it’s also the only viable option for the site. In its current, undeveloped state, the site requires continuous and significant costs in order to keep it safe, and is also an obvious eyesore in what should be one of the most historic and impressive parts of our city.” South Yorkshire wins £12m bid to establish an Institute of Technology A collaboration of educators and employers from South Yorkshire have successfully secured over £12m to establish a new South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT). New employer-led IoTs offer higher level technical education to help close skills gaps in key STEM areas. They are part of the government’s plans to reform technical training to help employers get the skilled workforce they need and offer local people rewarding jobs. The South Yorkshire IoT joins Further Education institutions, Higher Education institutions and local employers together to provide pathways from STEM based T-Levels to Higher Technical Qualifications, apprenticeships, and degrees. The IoT will also offer flexible courses for adults looking to reskill or upskill. The collaboration includes DN Colleges Group, Sheffield Hallam University, Barnsley College, and the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre as core education partners. RNN Group, the Sheffield College and the National Centre for Advanced Transport & Infrastructure are associate partners. Core employer partners include AESSEAL PLC, Engie UK, HLM Architects and WANdisco. The South Yorkshire IoT will work closely with employers to provide specialist provision for over 1,500 learners, aiming to meet the demand for construction, digital, engineering/manufacturing, and healthcare science higher level technical skills within the region. BUSINESS LINCOLNSHIRE Grow your business in 2022 with expert advice at no cost to you Business Lincolnshire has a wealth of support available to help businesses like yours grow in 2022. A new year means new opportunities to take your business to the next level. Whatever your speciality or sector, Business Lincolnshire’s Growth Hub advisers are here to guide you. With 12 hours of fully-funded support available at no cost to you, their advice has already helped more than 33,000 businesses across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland to grow. Business Lincolnshire’s experienced advisers are specialists in the areas they support. From North Lincolnshire to West Lindsey to Rutland, your local adviser will know the area like the back of their hand and can offer you tailored support that helps your business to thrive – locally and nationally. By conducting a thorough diagnostic, they can highlight your business’s strengths and weaknesses, helping your business to make the changes it needs to reach its full potential. As well as local advisers, we also have our industry experts, whose knowledge and connections can help you to realise your business goals. Whether you’re a manufacturer hoping to strengthen your supply chain, or a pub or restaurant hoping to diversify, we have an industry expert available to support you. But that’s not all – with online masterclasses, handy digital resources and funding support options to explore, we have everything you need to make this year, your year. Make Business Lincolnshire your go-to in 2022 – visit our website to find out more: www.businesslincolnshire.com © stock.adobe.com/PX Media © stock.adobe.com/industrieblick 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 10/01/2022 07:43 Page 4Next >