< Previous10 Business Link www.blmforum.net BUSINESS LINCOLNSHIRE Q&A Tell us about your role. As the Finance Readiness Adviser for the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub, I help businesses to get a better understanding of their finances and opportunities for development. I work closely with North East Lincolnshire businesses, helping them to dig deeper into their finances and supporting them with equity investments and accessing additional funding. After I’ve reviewed a business myself, I can then signpost to more intensive support from accountants for those who need it. Q&A Steven Parker, Finance Readiness Adviser, Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub 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. How have you supported Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland businesses in your role? Using cloud accounting, I can access the latest available data to analyse a business’s current figures and advise on prospective investments or offer suggestions for development. Business owners can come to me before putting their money into an idea, to make sure that it’s actually affordable for them. Similarly, I can help them to make their business more appealing to external investors, or to increase their chances of accessing funding support and making their ideas a reality. To me it’s important to go beyond surface-level when looking at a business’s statistics. I could easily use accounting records from a year ago when supporting a client for ease on my behalf – but year-old figures are no good in an ever-changing market. With so many variables influencing a business’s take-home, such as the UK’s exit from the EU, changes in staffing and COVID-19, it’s easy for businesses to lose track of their figures. I think it’s crucial to take a deep dive approach using the latest figures to determine what position a business is truly in before I offer my suggestions. What is your background? For 30 years, I worked in commercial banking for Lloyds Bank, so I have a specialist understanding of accounts and finance. I can offer informed advice to businesses looking to improve their financial situation, using my previous experience to provide a well-rounded opinion. After all these years, it’s safe to say I’m pretty handy with paperwork, figures and statistics, and I enjoy using my skillset to help others access additional funding and take more control over their outgoings. What’s your favourite thing about your role? When I saw this role advertised with the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub, it felt like it had been made for me - it just perfectly encompassed all of my skills. I have previous experience working as a business adviser on a more general level, but when I saw a role with all of my specialisms wrapped into one, I just © stock.adobe.com/ snowing12 10-11.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:47 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 11 BUSINESS LINCOLNSHIRE Q&A couldn’t pass it up. It’s been a great experience, using my knowledge and connections to help others achieve their goals. This role has helped me to forge strong bonds with local accountants and banks (even some of my previous competitors)! These networking opportunities have allowed me to boost the level of service I can offer to clients, as I know that I have secured them the best deals. Of all the businesses you’ve supported, what’s your biggest achievement as a Growth Hub adviser? I can’t say too much just yet as it’s very recent, but it’s definitely one of my biggest achievements to date! I’ve just helped a local business to secure a massive equity investment of £750,000, which is a practically unheard-of figure for an SME in North East Lincolnshire. In fact, I’d go as far to say that I’ve only seen an investment this big in my area once before, so it’s extremely fulfilling knowing that I’ve been able to help a business bag such a life-changing deal. I think it sends a great message to other developing businesses, that anything truly is possible if you know where to look. What current opportunities would you encourage businesses to take advantage of? I’d encourage businesses to get in touch with my fellow Growth Hub advisers – they really do know what they’re talking about! They have all sorts of different specialisms and truly want to support you in making your business the best that it can be. Contact us via our website to be paired with the perfect Growth Hub adviser for your goals: www.businesslincolnshire.com © stock.adobe.com/ Vitalii Vodolazskyi @businesslincolnshire @BusinessLincs @Businesslincolnshire A message from Business Lincolnshire We’re hoping to appoint Steven’s successor prior to his retirement – so, if you could benefit from speaking with a Finance Readiness Adviser, someone will still be here to support you! Steven has been an incredible asset to our team, and we wish him all the best in his retirement. Thank you Steven, for all the incredible work you’ve done for Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland businesses. 10-11.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:47 Page 212 Business Link www.blmforum.net 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. We are only one month in the new year and the property sector in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire has already been flourishing. Across both counties, councils have been planning new developments and restoring and renewing old ones in a bid to improve their communities and protect their heritage. Lincolnshire has witnessed an increase in housing developments. In Louth work is poised to get under way on phase four of Charterpoint’s housing development. It will bring a further 40 plots into build at Westfield Park on the edge of the town. In Lincoln, the new De Wint Court Extra Care facility is set for completion early next month, the council’s Executive will now consider it proposed fees and charges. The building for the new 50 one-bed and 20 two-bed apartment extra care facility on Bowden Drive is due for completion in early February, with an official opening and residents expected to move in later this year. Jointly funded between City of Lincoln Council, Homes England and Lincolnshire County Council, the scheme will have care provision available, non-resident management and support staff, a wellbeing suite, changing places facility, restaurant and salon. De Wint Court has been designed in such a way that allows it to respond to individuals changing care needs with on-site care support. Cllr Donald Nannestad, Portfolio Holder for Quality Housing at City of Lincoln Council said: “Once complete, De Wint will play a vital part in our commitment to provide quality homes to meet the diverse housing need within the city. I look forward to discussing this next phase of the scheme with members of the Executive.” Towns and cities across Yorkshire are to be transformed through a regeneration programme. Under plans set out in the Levelling Up White Paper, derelict sites in towns and city centres will be transformed creating new homes, jobs and new communities across England. Wolverhampton and Sheffield will be the first of 20 places that will be Investing in and for your communities Investing in and for your communities 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:49 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 13 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 15 Á supported by government to deliver ambitious regeneration projects that will boost local communities and create urban areas people will be proud to live and work in. In Sheffield, new regeneration opportunities will capitalise on the government’s £37 million Levelling Up Fund and the upcoming Integrated Rail Plan electrification and upgrades which will cut journey times between Sheffield and London to just 87 minutes. Dan Jarvis, the Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “I warmly welcome this support for regeneration in Sheffield and South Yorkshire. It’s a much-needed recognition of the potential of our region. “We’re looking forward to working with the government to realise the ambition we all share to create a better future for Sheffield and South Yorkshire.” Wakefield Council is to restore an historic Westgate building as part of the © stock.adobe.com/SakhanPhotography next phase of a major scheme to ensure the city’s heritage can be enjoyed for generations to come. The work started in January to repair the former Woolpacks Hotel 50 – 52 Westgate under Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) programme. This is the next stage of the scheme funded by Wakefield Council and Historic England to renovate Upper Westgate’s historic buildings and features, which has already seen the reinstating of traditional cobbles to Carter Street and Cheapside and the introduction of up lighting to Thompsons Yard, and the lane leading to Barstow Square. Cllr Darren Byford, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Property, said: “This is a fantastic scheme which is bringing new life into our historic Westgate buildings, supporting our heritage and their long-term future, and encouraging further investment in this part of the city. We will all look forward to seeing the changes that will make such a difference with the restoration work.” In York, new plans have been submitted for major mixed-use development for The Roman Quarter project, a major mixed-use development in the City Centre that includes a world class Roman visitor attraction. Original plans for the project were recommended for approval by Officers but were refused by City of York’s Planning Committee in February 2021 and the development has been fully redesigned, taking on board feedback from the Council and other stakeholders. It is now a “truly mixed-use development” including the Roman attraction – called EBORACUM – Grade A office space, an aparthotel and new homes. The project is a partnership between joint applicants Rougier Street 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:49 Page 2LINCOLN PROPERTY & BUSINESS INVESTMENT EXPO Well targeted, professional events aimed at the Construction, Property, Business, Investment, Finance, Professional Services and related B2B markets. The events have everything you require for a great day of networking and business generation. Face2face route2market – the opportunity to meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road. For further Information contact tina@businessshowsgroup.co.uk Register now businessshowsgroup.co.uk 27th April 2022 The Bentley Hotel Newark Road South Hykeham Lincoln LN6 9NH Exhibition & Network - Property & Construction related industries - FREE TO ATTEND 59.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 11:58 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 15 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Developments, owners of the site, and York Archaeological Trust. The EBORACUM museum attraction will be a major addition to York’s economy, celebrating the city’s early Roman past and providing a major boost in the City’s visitor economy. It will also provide educational benefits and inspire the next generation of archaeologists and historians. The new attraction will be more than twice the size of the JORVIK Viking Centre, which the Trust has run successfully for over 35 years. In that time it has welcomed around 20 million visitors. David Jennings, Chief Executive of the York Archaeological Trust, said: “We are still very excited by this project, seeing how much the Roman Quarter can potentially contribute to York’s economy and future. What is also important to recognise is that this is an incredibly rare opportunity: the location, quality of archaeological deposits and partnership of developer and archaeological charity is highly unlikely to be offered to the city again.” It is clear Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are not just working towards improving their commercial property market, but they are actually investing in the future of their communities by restoring and developing their centres and bringing new opportunities to the people of the counties. Considering all the successes that have been accomplished so far and all the work that has been planned already, there is no doubt this will be a great year for the property business in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:49 Page 416 Business Link www.blmforum.net 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? With the last few years placing stress on the entire country, the engineering sector hasn’t had a lot to celebrate, but the recent white paper from the Government could be a light at the end of the tunnel. The 300+ page report, which some have stated contains material copied from Wikipedia, details much of how the conservatives intend to fulfil their promise of “levelling up” the country, and while there is much room to doubt now of all times, the plans themselves should hopefully survive any turbulent leadership troubles. The white paper goes into a lot of detail that is further explained in this very issue, but specifically for engineers the parts that might be the most exciting include the continued devolution of powers to local authorities, a new fund shared out to help regions develop and an integrated rail plan. All are exciting opportunities for the engineering sector, so let’s dive deeper into them. Devolution In theory, local authorities with powers Levelling up Levelling up 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:51 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 17 ENGINEERING SPOTLIGHT North Lincs Engineering Ltd We specialise in the Supply, Installation and Reconditioning of Industrial and Marine Diesel Engines and Generating Sets. Our team of Service Engineers can Repair, Maintain or Commission Land based or Marine Installations Worldwide. Tel: 01507 328787 • Email: mark@northlincseng.co.uk • Website: www.northlincseng.co.uk INDUSTRIAL & MARINE DIESEL ENGINES & GENERATING EQUIPMENT handed down to them should be better able to allocate said funds to projects such as repairing roads, infrastructure and new developments. Before, these would have had to go through the Government, and worse that would open up bids from politically-favoured contractors distant or far removed from the region entirely. Now with more powers and a local focus, authorities are more likely to prioritise contractors in their own region, keeping the wealth in the area. This is big news for local engineering companies who may have fresh opportunities to bid for lucrative contracts. 18 Á © st ock. adobe .com/ Gor odenk of f 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:51 Page 218 Business Link www.blmforum.net ENGINEERING SPOTLIGHT A shared fund of £2.6 billion Aimed toward helping level up town and city centres, the “shared prosperity fund” will grant extra resources for local authorities to use to their advantage. This is ideally supposed to be used to create beautiful, walkable areas within cities and towns, but that is inevitably going to mean infrastructure, to say nothing of further infrastructure that is likely to spring up around these newly developed areas. Given the aim is to `level up` and not just to carry on by, one should hope these fresh new developments will be of a more exciting variety than the norm. Integrated rail While HS2 still remains a contentious and controversial topic, especially in the East Midlands, a £96 billion promise has been made to improve the country’s public services, including buses and other methods of transport, but also including rail. Leaving aside the obvious benefactors of the contractors who win out in providing this, improvements to rail may grant manufacturers new lines on which to transport goods. Our region is already known for its manufacturing and engineering, but logistical infrastructure, aside from motorways, is much more lacking. Of course, it’s hard not to notice the lack of detail on HS2 and be disheartened by that. A spokesperson for the High Speed Rail Group said: “Across the globe, there is evidence that transport infrastructure is one of the most effective means of delivering real change on this front. The Government are right to point to the transport-led regeneration of Birmingham that has taken place as a result of HS2 in their white paper, and we welcome their commitment to a series of King’s Cross style regeneration projects, which will include investment in railways. We regret that the levelling up white paper does not include more substantial proposals to further invest in high speed rail infrastructure beyond the confines of the Integrated Rail Plan.” Skills shortages Alas, one aspect of the engineering sector that a white paper cannot so easily solve is that of the continued skills shortages the industry faces. The skills shortage has long been a problem for engineers of all kinds; design, civil and technical. Universities have in the past been pushing for more engineering students, but universities have also been hard hit by COVID-19 owing to the high levels of students living in confined conditions, and the difficulties adapting to online or digital classrooms. Even with lockdown now lifted, we’re unlikely to see a surge in graduates for another few years, while those graduating now may face stigma and questions over how high quality an education they really received. The alternative to this has always been apprenticeships, aiming to train new engineers up by working with an experienced mentor. This, however, has also been next to impossible thanks to the social distancing rules. Even where those can be waived or navigated by stringent health and safety protocols, the last few years have not been great for apprentices, and many businesses aren’t 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:51 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 19 ENGINEERING SPOTLIGHT Tel: 01482 325676 • Email: sales@kingston-engineering.co.uk • www.kingston-engineering.co.uk Kingston Engineering are specialists in precision engineering, based in Hull. As one of the region’s leading companies in their sector, Kingston Engineering can provide specialised power screw products, specialist leadscrew and ex-stock power nuts and screws. In addition, they can provide expertise and guidance in factory and production machinery installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair. prepared to risk their key personnel by making them train a recruit. Times are hard enough without that distraction. This is no easy challenge to fix and one that will require more than the Govt throwing ideas at a wall. In the short term, there is much to hope for, assuming these levelling up promises are kept. Local authorities are much more in tune with what the region needs, and ours especially feels like it has been neglected by the Government for some time. With any luck, this might just breathe some fresh air back into the industry at a time when it needs it most. © st ock. adobe .com/bannaf arsai 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2022 09:51 Page 4Next >