FEBRUARY 2020 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 35 ISSUE 2 Sustainable shelf appealA region with engineering expertise Arrive in style 01.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2020 13:59 Page 1Quality function venue in a prime location on Cleethorpes seafront. For conferences, banquets, events, weddings, christenings, carvery and everything in between, we have something suitable for your requirements. Come down for our fantastic carvery every Sunday between 12 Noon and 3pm. Serving a choice of meats, all the trimmings as well as a selection of dishes off the menu along with beautiful homemade desserts. Kings Hall at Cleethorpes Masonic Kings Road, Cleethorpes. Telephone 01472 692908. Email kingshall@oaklandshallhotel.co.uk Meetings & Conference Facilities The Best Western, Oaklands Hall Hotel, Grimsby offers an array of meeting and function spaces perfect for one on one meetings or functions and conferences for up to 200 people. Whether it's a private board meeting requiring absolute discretion, an annual conference for 200 delegates or a canapé and champagne reception for your annual party, here at the Oaklands Hall Hotel, we can cater for your every business need. l Easy access to A18 (M180) and A46 l 15 minutes of Humberside Airport and Grimsby Town rail links l Free wi-fi throughout the Oaklands Hall Hotel, Grimsby l Effective communication – The use of phones in function rooms l Prompt responses to enquires – Our reception team are on hand 24 hours a day l Comprehensive half day, day and 24 hour delegate packages starting from £16 p/p For room hire, delegate rates and more information on catering and availability, please get in touch with a member of our meetings and events team via telephone (01472) 872248 or email meetingsandevents@oaklandshallhotel.co.uk The Oaklands Hall Hotel Barton Street, Laceby, Grimsby, Lincolnshire DN37 7LF Telephone (01472) 872248 www.oaklandshallhotel.co.uk Contact us for further information 01472 872248 02.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2020 14:01 Page 1So, to hear it now Brexit has finally happened. It is done. It doesn’t feel done what with no real explanations of what we can expect after or how we’ll accrue our trade deals, but the Government is declaring it done, so it must be. Right? Already, the invites to conferences discussing how Brexit will impact your company are likely flowing in. Perhaps you’ve signed up to a few or are waiting to see what happens when the dust settles. Companies dealing with import and export will obviously have already spoken with solicitors and experts to have their affairs in order. With little desire to indulge in jingoism, this admittedly will be the start of a new chapter for the United Kingdom. There’s no telling yet what it will entail – certainly not with how cagey the Government is being about it – but it has ever been and will ever be the responsibility of business owners to look after and protect their own. And make no mistake, the UK will need to become more competitive to thrive. Our region will have a part to play in that, but with so much for the Government to do and their tendency to focus on the south well-known, we shall have to look out for ourselves. Thankfully, this is something we have been doing for the last few years now, so at least we shall all be experienced by now, hm? Keep your eyes on our news sections and take in any and all advice you can. Even if Brexit turns out to impact the region’s economy negatively, there is still opportunity to be had for those that can either rise above it or take advantage of the chaos to further their own business goals. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor From the Editor VISIT WWW.DEXTERSHARPE.CO.UK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Dexter & Sharpe Chartered Certified Accountants At the heart of Lincolnshire We provide a comprehensive range of services, if you would like to find out how we can help you or your business why not head over to the contact us page to find your local office. Our 130 years of experience has taught us to initially listen more than we talk. When we talk, you’ll find that it's plain jargon-free practical advice which is not only accurate but tailored to your specific needs. Having gained a full understanding of your business our aim is to ensure this timely advice helps you and your business achieve its objectives. For a pro-active, friendly and accessible service or your FREE Consultation contact one of our teams: Horncastle: 01507 526071 - Boston: 01205 311966 - Spilsby: 01790 753340 Bourne: 01778 393656 - Louth: 01507 609933 - Skegness: 01754 763222 - Lincoln: 01522 533588 AGRICULTURE • CHARITIES • CONSTRUCTION • FINANCIAL & CONSULTING • MANUFACTURING • MEDIA • MOTOR RETAIL & REPAIR • TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS • VETERINARY 03.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2020 14:19 Page 1FEBRUARY 2020 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region 10 Business Lincolnshire Q&A We spoke to David Knight, Business Savings and Resource Efficiency Adviser for Business Lincolnshire, about how going green can benefit businesses as well as the environment. 12 2020 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. It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. 14 Commercial property Housing home-grown companies and continuing to attract firms to the area, Leeds is suffering a shortage of quality office space. But as we explore, there’s a pipeline of exciting properties under development, especially where industrial and logistics is concerned. ITM Power Q&A Business Link recently spoke with Dr Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power, the Sheffield-based energy storage and clean fuel specialist, about the hydrogen industry, scaling up the nation’s renewable energy mix and what the future Engineering spotlight Our region is a historic hotbed of engineering, and this continues to ring true today. Printing and packaging The printing and packaging sector is having to balance environmental efforts alongside the need for high-quality products that can compete in ever more competitive marketplaces. Meet the experts Industry experts from specialist sectors across our region share their knowledge, insight and experience. Apprenticeships and training It’s no surprise that more high-tech roles than ever are going unfilled in our region. A critical shortage in skills of manufacturing and engineering is rocking the region, and perhaps the whole country. Business travel Business travel is a booming industry, but what are the reasons behind this? Corporate hospitality Ready to enhance your employees, there are a variety of team building activities available across the region, from the creative to the mentally and physically challenging. AutoLink If you need a new car, or you just like motors, read on to see what we’ve been driving since our last issue. Events We take a look at business events happening around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire And finally… Yorkshire-Lincolnshire- Business-Link @blmforum blmforum.net CONNECT WITH US 14 20 32 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2020 14:21 Page 1Group Editor Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Journalists Dominic Cuthbert (d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk) Tess Egginton (t.egginton@blmgroup,.co.uk) Editorial contact newsdesk@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317 Sales Director Angela Cooper (a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Sam Trott (s.trott@blmgroup.co.uk) Vicky Hunt (v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk) Kerry Randerson (k.randerson@blmgroup.co.uk) Tel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311 Tel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314 Haychart Ltd, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N.E. Lincs., DN31 2QE. 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 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 COVER PHOTOS: VOLVO • SHUTTERSTOCK - JACOB _09 • SILVANO AUDISIO • IVANKO80 • ALPHASPIRIT www.blmforum.net 24 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2020 14:21 Page 2Funding & advice for Lincolnshire’s food & drink SMEs Food and drink manufacturers can access up to £20,000 and specialist advice as part of the new UEZ Fund Programme launched by the University of Lincoln. Led by the University’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), it is aimed at SMEs and includes up to five days of technical services and consultancy, specialist facilities and equipment, skills training for staff, general business development and a variety of short courses. Businesses can also attend demonstration events showcasing the latest technology in food and drink processing hosted at NCFM and apply for a capital grant of up to £20,000. The support is being delivered as part of the creation of University Enterprise Zones (UEZ) across the UK. The University was awarded just under £1 million in September from Research England to create a UEZ aimed at stimulating the development of small businesses and encouraging them to interact with universities and be innovative in their field. 6 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS Business consultancy nordstar* secures latest contract nordstar*, a consultancy co-founded by a Grimsby businessman, is closing in on its latest contract less than eighteen months after it was founded. Managing Partner Dan Wilkinson launched the company in early 2019 alongside business partner, Neil, after leaving his long-time job with telecoms giant BT. Today, the company are Northern Powerhouse partners and have three contracts under its belt with a fourth well on the way. The aim was to take the kind of lean thinking and quick prototyping undertaken by consultancies for bigger firms and focus on smaller companies in and around the North, helping businesses to focus on their customer needs. At the heart of nordstar* is the idea of Six Sigma, a set of techniques and tools for process improvement. It’s all about looking at what does and doesn’t work, bolster the former and exorcising the latter. The company’s latest contract is with a not-for-profit that will supply T-levels, the qualification that the government is launching in September. Statutory leave for bereaved working parents In what’s understood to be a world first, new regulations will implement a statutory right to a minimum of two weeks leave for all employed parents if they lose a child under the age of 18, or suffer a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy, regardless of how long they have worked for their employer. The Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Regulations will be known as ‘Jack’s Law’ in memory of Jack Herd whose mother Lucy campaigned tirelessly on the issue. Parents will be able to take the leave as either a single block of two weeks, or as two separate blocks of one week each taken at different times across the first year after their child’s death. Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “When it takes effect, Jack’s Law will be a fitting testament to the tireless efforts of Lucy Herd, alongside many charities, to give parents greater support.” The regulations take effect from April. © Shutterstock /Jack Frog Dan Wilkinson, co-founder and Managing Partner of nordstar* © Shutterstock /Bart Lenoir 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2020 14:36 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 7 NEWS Drax Group makes social mobility pledge In a pledge to lead the energy industry on social mobility, Drax Group aims to raise aspirations within its communities. The Group’s social mobility pledge was announced during a recent visit from Justine Greening, former Secretary of State for Education and founder of the Social Mobility Pledge campaign group. She visited Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire to hear more about the energy company’s efforts to improve education and skills within the communities local to its UK operations. The Social Mobility Pledge is a cross party campaign aimed at encouraging businesses to develop relationships with colleges and schools, to increase access through apprenticeships, work experience and other career enhancing schemes which help to level the playing field and ensure opportunities are created for all. Ms Greening said: “Drax is giving young people the skills needed to forge successful careers in a sector which has an important role to play in the transition to a net zero economy.” Sheffield’s devolution deal moves to public consultation A devolution deal has been agreed by Sheffield Mayor Dan Jarvis and all four leaders promising an “investment in the future for people who live, work and learn” in the region. “This is a deal for people, in particular young people across Sheffield and South Yorkshire, and it will enable us to invest in their skills and equip them to take jobs in growing sectors,” said Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council. “It’s about investing in infrastructure, including transport links, and supporting local businesses to become good employers and provide jobs. But at the heart of all this is investment in the future for people who live, work and learn in Sheffield.” A joint statement from Mayor Dan Jarvis, Cllr Julie Dore, Cllr Steve Houghton, Mayor Ros Jones and Cllr Chris read: “This represents a significant step forward in securing additional powers and resources for our region.” The deal will now proceed to public consultation. © Shutterstock/seanseyeview Leeds LEP ‘reluctantly’ agrees to geography change The Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has “reluctantly” agreed to change its geography to comply with Government guidelines. From 1st April onwards, the LEP will formally cover the districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield, but with strong partnership arrangements in place to ensure that its work and investments continue to have maximum benefit for the wider region’s economy. The current LEP geography overlaps with the Sheffield City Region LEP through Barnsley, and the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP through York, Craven, Harrogate and Selby. Roger Marsh, Chair of the LEP, said “… it is with great reluctance that the Board has agreed that to comply fully with these requirements. We will amend our formal governance to cover the districts of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield only from 1 April 2020.” The LEP will continue to be known as the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Roger Marsh 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2020 14:36 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. l Spade to Spade service. l Revamps or modifications to Towers / Internals. l Inspection of Tower internals. l Supervision of external/client labour force. l Detailed inspection reports. l Cleaning of tower internals. l Reactor tray field services. l Turnkey 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 03/02/2020 14:36 Page 3First foundation installed at Triton Knoll wind farm The Triton Knoll wind farm development off the Lincolnshire coast has taken a major leap forward after the first full foundation was installed. The first of ninety wind turbine monopile foundations was installed by Seaway 7’s ‘Strashnov’ towards the end of January, 32km out to sea. “It’s great to see our offshore infrastructure beginning to rise above the surface of the North Sea, thanks to years of hard work, planning and preparation by the project team and Innogy,” said Julian Garnsey, Project Director for Triton Knoll and innogy. “We will continue to press ahead with the foundations programme, as the weather permits, and look forward to installation of the project’s offshore substations and cables later this summer.” Triton Knoll will have a maximum installed capacity of 857 MW and, once fully operational, will be the most powerful in the innogy fleet and capable of powering the equivalent of over 800,000 UK homes. www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 NEWS © Shutterstock /alphaspirit CityFibre has acquired FibreNation from TalkTalk Group in a £200 million deal that establishes the former as the UK’s third national digital infrastructure platform. Founded in 2018, four years after a joint venture between TalkTalk, Sky and CityFibre, FibreNation was launched to deploy full fibre infrastructure and services across the City of York. It also has network construction projects underway in Harrogate and Dewsbury and is mobilising in both Knaresborough and Ripon. As part of the wholesale agreement, TalkTalk has made long-term commitments across CityFibre’s existing and future network rollout. TalkTalk and CityFibre will begin systems integration in preparation for the future launch of TalkTalk’s full fibre services. FibreNation has committed that all employees will move across to the new team and will enable FibreNation to continue its work in Yorkshire and across the North of England. The acquisition is subject to TalkTalk shareholder approval. Fibre network sold by TalkTalk in £200m deal 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2020 14:36 Page 4Next >