FEBRUARY 2022 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 37 ISSUE 2 TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS Let your business grow PRINT AND PACKAGING It’s all about the print ENGINEERING SPOTLIGHT Levelling up ON THE LEVEL ON THE LEVEL 01.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:40 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 08/02/2022 09:40 Page 1February is here and with it a bolder look at the start of a new year. As we shake off the post-Christmas work and get onto new projects, we can tell with a little more clarity how the year is going to pan out. At the time of writing COVID is looking like it may well be under control (touch wood) and it might be back to work as usual – albeit with a dose of political nonsense from the Govt as usual. Parties and scandals aside, the Govt does have to be mentioned here as Michael Gove has released his white paper on their plans to `level up` the country by targeting cities and towns in our regions, finally carrying through with the devolution that feels like it has been promised for longer than Brexit has, and to confirm some new investments in a rail plan. Not HS2 of course – they’re oddly silent on that – but a new one all the less. We’ll be looking into all that and more in this issue, both on a region-wide scale and also seeing how it’s set to impact certain sectors within their relevant features. All that with up-to-date news and analysis from some experts to ensure you’re at the forefront of business in our area. Good reading, as always. Michael Fisher Editor From the Editor T: 01469 574239 | M: 07711 496138 | E: glcommercials@btinternet.com | W: www.glcommercials.com Job Vacancy - Stallingborough HGV Trailer Fitter To assist with the maintenance of a large modern fleet of trailers. Permanent full time position with overtime available (not shift work.) Wages dependent on qualifications/experience. Call Paul or Graham on 07711 496138 Keeping Your Business Moving Commercial Trailer Specialists in Stallingborough, Grimsby Hire, Service & Repairs 03.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:45 Page 1CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2022 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region. 10 Business Lincolnshire Q&A In honour of his retirement later this month, we sat down with Finance Readiness Adviser Steven Parker to discuss his impressive career supporting Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland businesses like yours to grow. 12 Commercial property Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are not waiting around for anyone or anything and the commercial property sector in the two counties is flourishing thanks to a series of new and old developments that will bring to the region’s growth. 16 Engineering spotlight The engineering industry has struggled but with the lockdown lifted and things returning to normal, is there some fair weather on the horizon? • Collingwood Engineering Q&A 22 Business travel and leisure With a reduction in business travel seeing cost and sustainability savings over the past two years, companies are reassessing the necessity and format of the trips their employees take. 26 Print and packaging Investing in print might seem an outdated idea in 2022, but print marketing is actually still as powerful and influential as ever and a clean, sustainable, ethical print campaign can help a business improve its relationship with consumers. 30 Training and apprenticeships Training and apprenticeships are both excellent opportunities for a business to gain new knowledge and expertise. Looking into either one of them could be the key to a more profitable and successful future. 34 Meet the experts Many people call themselves experts nowadays, but how much of it is marketing fluff and how does one find the real experts beyond it? 36 Corporate hospitality Corporate hospitality events have been postponed by many in response to the pandemic, but confidence is rising in these in-person experiences that help forge lasting relationships with clients old and new. 38 AutoLink Whether it’s for employees or a fancy new motor for a director, our cars say a lot about us, our company and the kind of image we want to portray. Here are some up and coming motors to cover a range of different styles, all of which we might look forward to seeing in our region. 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 22 26 30 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:45 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 - BANNAFARSAI • ASTON MARTIN • GOODLUZ • JUMLONGCH • SAKHANPHOTOGRAPHY www.blmforum.net 16 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:45 Page 2100 local businesses sign up to Made in Lincolnshire project The Made in Lincolnshire brochure is celebrating its 100th business, cementing its reputation as the go-to for manufacturing talent across the county. Launching in May this year with 70 local businesses, the interactive brochure celebrates Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland’s diverse range of manufacturers and features businesses of all shapes, sizes and sectors. From crafting violins for celebrities to building parts for planes, the brochure showcases local businesses that are producing some of the UK’s most innovative products. Darren Joint, Managing Director of Viking Signs Ltd and Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Manufacturing Board, said: “When we created the Made in Lincolnshire brochure, our goal was to put the spotlight on the many fantastic local manufacturing businesses, but it was also to help them connect with one another and boost our local economy. “So, to see that more than 100 businesses have decided to join and put themselves out there to work with other talented Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland SMEs is amazing.” 6 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS Hull City Council approves new set of actions to tackle climate change Hull City Council have approved a new set of actions for tackling climate change at a cabinet meeting. The cabinet approved the Carbon Neutral Pathway and Delivery Plan, which sets a net zero target for Hull of 2045, which builds on the carbon neutral target for 2030 previously agreed by council. There will be additional capital and revenue funding for climate action and a revised delivery plan for the carbon pathway. Plans include buying renewable energy to power council buildings and vehicles, looking at how the councils’ procurement activity affects carbon emissions and how the council’s partnerships with other organisations have a role to play in making us ready for net zero. The council will also be looking to begin consulting on the carbon road maps and delivery plan. Councillor Rosie Nicola, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: “I’m delighted to see that these important new actions have been approved and we can move a step towards achieving our ambitious goal of being net zero by 2045.” Broad Welcome for Levelling Up Plans from LEP Chair The Government’s White Paper on Levelling Up the UK has been broadly welcomed by the Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Pat Doody. The White Paper recognises the value of business-led Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and sets out a 12-point plan for reducing geographical inequalities across the country. Pat welcomed the missions set out in the White Paper, in particular the commitment to investing in education in Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire will become one of 55 new Education Investment Areas aiming to improve education for disadvantaged children and young people. The county will receive targeted support including priority for new specialist sixth-form free schools, help for schools to retain the best teachers in high-priority subjects, and access to a new pilot programme to improve pupil attendance. “The increased investment in education is to be welcomed, as is the commitment to increase public funding for research and development away from the South East by 40%,” said Pat. “We will work with business and the universities to make sure we get our fair share of R&D opportunities in Greater Lincolnshire.” 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:46 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 7 NEWS Finance Yorkshire secures multi-million pound exit from Faradion Finance Yorkshire has realised its investment in Sheffield-based Faradion after the sodium-ion battery business was acquired by India-based Reliance Industries. The sale represents a significant exit for Finance Yorkshire’s Seedcorn Fund, which initially invested in Faradion in 2010 and has since made follow-on investments to help the company scale up its innovative technology and go from strength to strength. The exit represents a return of more than 10 times Finance Yorkshire’s total investment.Finance Yorkshire Chief Executive, Alex McWhirter, said: “This is a significant exit for our Seedcorn Fund, representing an excellent return on our investment and one of the biggest we have achieved. “Alongside Mercia Asset Management, Finance Yorkshire is proud to be a founding investor in Faradion and through strategic follow-on investments, Finance Yorkshire has helped the business to advance its technology and thrive on a bigger stage. “The return on our investment in Faradion ranks as one of the top returns from JEREMIE funds across the country. The exit will be added to Finance Yorkshire’s new fund which will invest more than £50m over the next five years in SMEs across Yorkshire and the Humber.” Steady growth continues at Clarion with resilient performance and 41 new appointments Clarion is continuing to see steady growth, achieving record turnover of £23.2m (for year ending 31st May 2021), up 18% from the previous year (2020: £19.6m). The Leeds-based law firm has maintained its upward trajectory over the last seven years with momentum increasing in its latest financial year as well as adding a further 41 colleagues to the team. “While the last two years have been a challenging time for us and all of our clients, Clarion has proved able to maintain its growth unabated,” said Roger Hutton, joint managing partner. “We are fortunate to have built a strong base of talented and engaged colleagues who have settled into a productive style of hybrid working. In fact, with many businesses pursuing new opportunities following the disruption of the pandemic, we have seen a positive trend and are growing alongside our clients. Our lawyers have been able to do what they do best in supporting our clients in challenging situations.” Award-winning accountants open new office in York City Centre 360 Chartered Accountants is opening a new office in York City Centre. The award-winning firm has a developing portfolio of clients in and around York and says now is the perfect time to have a base in the city. Andy Steele, director of 360 Chartered Accountants, said: “We are really excited about opening our office right in the centre of York. It’s always been in our business plan to expand outside of Hull and East Yorkshire and as our client portfolio here in York has grown, we have seized the opportunity – and can’t wait to welcome both our current clients and future clients to Blake House on Blake Street. 360 Chartered Accountants couldn’t be more different to the image of a typical, ‘boring’ accountancy firm. Their success lies in a willingness to remain agile as a practice in an ever-changing financial and business climate. They are 21st century accountants embracing modern technology to give their clients every advantage. 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:46 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 08/02/2022 09:47 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 NEWS Hull City Council proud to support small businesses this Micro Biz Matters Day The annual Micro Biz Matters Day is back for Friday 25 March and is set to feature a range of special guests like Bill Esterson MP, Liz Barclay, the Small Business Commissioner, and Adam Corbally, one of Hull’s Youth Enterprise Patrons. As in previous years, the event will be sponsored by Hull City Council, the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank and Hull Culture and Leisure Ltd (HC&L). Micro Biz Matters Day is a social media celebration, where over one million business owners give a little time to support each other. Messages are shared using the hashtag #MicroBizMatters on social media platforms. Councillor Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “Hull City Council and Hull Culture and Leisure’s BiPC are delighted to be supporting Micro Biz Matters Day and are pleased that the Small Business Commissioner and Bill Esterson MP, as well as young entrepreneurs from Hull are taking part.” AMC appoints new regional agriculture manager to head its team in Lincolnshire The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC) has appointed a new regional agricultural manager for East Anglia and Lincolnshire. Declan Wilson joins the AMC team having previously worked at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking as an agricultural relationship manager. He brings more than a decade of banking experience to the role, along with links to agriculture through his extended family. Having initially joined Lloyds Bank in 2017 as a relationship manager within the bank’s SME and Mid Corporate Commercial Banking’s specialist agriculture team, Declan has since worked with a diverse range of farming businesses across Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and East Anglia, helping them to secure funding, structure transactions and advising on liabilities. In his new role, which is effective immediately, Declan will head a team of agricultural sector experts that provide financial expertise, funding, and guidance to around 1,300 farming businesses. Commenting on his appointment, regional agricultural manager for East Anglia and Lincolnshire, Declan Wilson, said: “East Anglia is a key area of focus for AMC and I’m looking forward to working closely with local farming businesses.” Bradford concrete admixture manufacturer builds new future on strong foundations A Bradford-based manufacturer of concrete admixtures has heralded a new chapter following its investment in a new standalone company within the Christeyns group. Oscrete UK Ltd is one of the UK’s leading specialist construction chemical suppliers and has operated as a division within Christeyns since 1983 having originally been part of the historic, former Bradford Oils and Soaps company which was founded in 1874. The business, which continues to share its Rutland Street premises with Christeyns UK in Bradford, is committed to becoming the UK and Ireland’s leading supplier of admixture and additive products which are used in the construction sector. Director Scott Wilson, who has headed Oscrete since 2018, said: “Oscrete has operated successfully as a division of Christeyns UK Ltd for almost 40 years and while we have hugely valued the support and the resources the wider business offers, the time is now right to invest in Oscrete and our construction activities and focus entirely on our core markets and further developing our expertise.” Heralding a new era at Oscrete UK Ltd are l-r: Andrew Haggo, Scot Wilson, Dean Clarke, Duncan Owen, Julie Roberts, Matthew Gabriel and Jordan Smith 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:47 Page 4Next >