< Previous10 Business Link www.blmforum.net BUSINESS LINCOLNSHIRE Q&A Tell us about your role? As part of the Growth Hub’s Business Resilience Programme, my role is to support businesses across Lincolnshire in identifying potential threats – as well as business opportunities - posed by our departure from the European Union. We start by conducting an initial diagnostic with the business, before working in partnership with them to find sources of specialist support from which they can benefit. The main goal is to make sure businesses are as prepared as possible for future changes that may occur within their working environment during and after the transition period. What changes should businesses be aware of once the transition period ends? We structure our support around six core subject areas, as identified by the British Chambers of Commerce. These areas are considered pivotal in preparing businesses for the end of the transition period and include: • Workforce, planning & leadership • Cross border trade • Finance, taxation and insurance • Currency, intellectual property and contracts • Regulatory compliance and data protection • European funding and public procurement. By doing so, we can gauge the likelihood that a business will be affected by possible changes in both the short-term and following the current transition period. What do businesses need to prepare during the transition period? The transition period is the best time for businesses to prepare for the impact on their operations come 1st January 2021 and is valuable for helping businesses to minimise disruption in a range of areas. For instance, how may their current supply chain be affected? Can they minimise any risks early? Or, can the business use this as an opportunity to become more efficient and make savings they hadn’t previously considered before the transition period? A business must also be mindful of how the economic situation will impact on the demand for their products and services. Helping businesses to find the answers to these questions in advance means business owners can equip themselves for any challenges that may come their way. What services does the Growth Hub offer to help businesses between now and 31st December 2020? We have an array of support to help local businesses navigate the transition period. Along with one-to-one- support, we are funding a series of Post-EU Exit Events, workshops and training sessions. There is also a selection of online resources and guides for users to access on the Business Lincolnshire website, and our EU transition helpline, 01522 846946, offers specialist support over the phone. Q&A Mark Hurdley, EU Transition Adviser for the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub We sat down with Mark Hurdley, EU Transition Adviser for Business Lincolnshire, to discuss how businesses can best prepare for the end of the transition period. 10-11.qxp_Layout 1 06/03/2020 10:54 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 11 BUSINESS LINCOLNSHIRE Q&A Need help navigating the transition period? Get in touch with the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub today: www.businesslincolnshire.com © Shutterstock/Panumas Yanuthai 10-11.qxp_Layout 1 06/03/2020 10:54 Page 212 Business Link www.blmforum.net PROPERTY Although Yorkshire’s industrial property market was well positioned throughout 2019, it was as vulnerable to the political and economic uncertainty surrounding Brexit and in the run-up to the general election as any other sector. Investors were playing it safe and, understandably, focussing predominantly on prime assets. Overall, there was a slowdown in the decision-making process amidst this uncertainty, especially among those looking for larger properties and for those requiring significant capital expenditure. Despite that, consultancy Knight Frank said the region’s industrial commercial property performed well in 2019. It was a year in which regional demand was dominated by B8 storage and distribution – which includes warehousing and open air storage – and With more political certainty on side, occupiers and investors are now better positioned to consider longer-term planning. But with a dearth of availability, Yorkshire’s industrial property market still has challenges to overcome. In the long term online retail sectors with limited activity from manufacturers, a sector that has struggled with uncertainty itself alongside persisting issues around employment and skills. With a foundation of good occupier interest to build on and with more certainty and direction going forward, it’s expected that occupiers will be better positioned to consider longer- term planning. For all that, there remains a limited supply of available properties in 2020. There’s some new speculative builds and other developments in the works, yes, but there’s a serious need for available space in the here and now. According to real estate company CBRE, the industrial sector is performing well across the board at present, but there remains a shortage of high-quality modern 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 06/03/2020 10:56 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 13 PROPERTY industrial and warehouse units across all size ranges. There’s a particular shortage of industrial space in the sub 50,000 square foot category due to minimal speculative development in recent years. Although availability continues to be a challenge, there is an encouraging pipeline of developments in place that will help to meet demand and provide more high-quality space. For example, construction began earlier this year on Leeds’ only new small-scale industrial unit scheme currently planned for 2020. Once complete, Brookfield Trading Estate will provide seven new warehouse and industrial units ranging in size from 990 to 4,000 square foot on the southern fringe of Leeds City Centre, an area calling out for developments of this kind. “Traditional industrial areas on the southern fringe of Leeds City Centre such as Holbeck and Hunslet have been under threat for some time, with the continued expansion of Leeds City Centre’s boundaries and the subsequent redevelopment of brownfield land for higher value uses,” explains Paul Mark, Director at Gent Visick, who are marketing the scheme. He added: “Industrial development land across Leeds is also a rare commodity and due to continued increases in construction costs, most developers have been forced to build larger units. As a result, there have only been a few new small industrial developments in Leeds over the past 15 years, which makes Brookfield Trading Estate an exciting opportunity for local businesses looking for smart and secure new premises.” Having successfully secured national car and van rental company, Thrifty, for the front of site, Rahon developments is now developing the rest, which is due for complete in spring. With more certainty regarding parliament and the UK’s trading future with the European Union, investors and occupiers can now more realistically consider longer-term planning. This is good news for landlords, operators and owners of industrial schemes but serves to highlight ongoing availability issues. Although this presents a challenge in the short-term, looking ahead, there’s a pipeline of new speculative builds and developments that will help plug the supply gap. Brookfield Trading Estate 15 Á © Shutterstock /Alba_alioth© Shutterstock /4045 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 06/03/2020 10:56 Page 2Armstrong house Offering a prime position in Grimsby, Armstrong House on Armstrong Street is ideally located. Close to the ports of Grimsby and Immingham, motorway links and the town centre, off-street parking is also available for all staff and visitors, meaning it’s convenient too. Our spacious, welcoming offices are located on the ground floor and are both secure and CCTV-monitored, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. At Armstrong House, the flexible in/out terms of contract mean confidence when it comes to affordability and with a range of office sizes there are opportunities for all types of business. If you require virtual office services, prices start from just £15 per month. For more information, or to discuss your office requirements, give Scotts Property a call today on 01472 267000 and ask about Armstrong House. Last remaining office suites Prime location in Grimsby Superb Location - - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre Secure off street parking High speed internet availability Easy in/out terms A range of affordable office sizes 3 3 3 3 3 Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 • Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk www.shutterstock.com/terekhov igor www.shutterstock.com/Yentafern 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 06/03/2020 10:56 Page 3www.shutterstock.com/Yentafern www.blmforum.net Business Link 15 PROPERTY © Shutterstock /hxdyl Wakefield A prime development site at Flanshaw Way, close to Junction 41 of the M1 on the outskirts of Wakefield, has been brought by Yorkshire property company Frank Marshall Estates for £1.3 million from Flanshaw Property. Edward Marshall, Director of Frank Marshall Estates, promised to create “the best business park that Wakefield has ever had”. He explained that that land would be developed in two phases: the first comprising 49,000 square foot of quality industrial and office space – including a seven-unit ‘Nano Park’ – and the second comprising a further 30,000 square foot of prime industry space. As of writing, the company was readying an application to Wakefield Council and aim to begin work on the site this year. Best of the rest Rotherham Trebor Hillwood, the joint venture between property companies Trebor Developments and Hillwood, has completed its first industrial scheme in South Yorkshire. Located at 31 East, Dinnington in Rotherham, the speculative 78,458 square foot building has been constructed by MCS Construction and boasts large yards and first floor accommodation. “We have seen strong interest already in this accommodation, given the lack of quality industrial in this size range in the area,” said Bob Tattrie, Managing Partner for Trebor. It is now ready to lease or purchase with immediate occupation. Leeds Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver the largest industrial building at Cross Green Industrial Estate in Leeds on behalf of commercial property specialists, Towngate. The speculative development comprises a 16,500 square foot detached double portal framed building along with infrastructure works and services. The Caddick team started at the Pontefract Lane site in mid-January and will complete by the end of June. Caddick, which delivered the first two pre-let units as part of the Towngate Link project, is currently on-site delivering a third pre-let unit which completes in March. The industrial estate is located close to the M1/M621 motorway network and is home to many manufacturing, distribution and warehousing operations, including John Lewis and Amazon. We take a quick look at some of the biggest industrial developments taking place across our region, with some just starting their development journeys, to those that have recently completed. DDS Roofing We are a local and independent roofing firm with over thirty years’ experience. We have been serving the local community for over ten years. All our team are friendly and professional and take pride in the high standard of workmanship that we provide. For more information, call us today! We cater for domestic and commercial clients in need of quality roofing for their homes or businesses. Our comprehensive range of services includes: • Roofing service • Re‐roofing • Slating • Tiling • Fascias and Soffits • General property maintenance 35 College Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN34 4TN Telephone: 01472 267709 Mobile: 07980 962009 Email: derrick.saxby@homecall.co.uk 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 06/03/2020 10:56 Page 416 Business Link www.blmforum.net PETROCHEMICAL SPOTLIGHT T here’s no denying the importance of the renewable energy industry and our overall need to decarbonise to hit climate targets, lower emissions and preserve the planet for future generations. That message is keenly felt across our region, with the east coast, in particular, a world-leading renewables hub. However, transitioning to renewables is exactly that – a transition. It’s a gradual process that strives to replace fossil fuels, rather that flipping a switch from one to another. In the meantime, reliable power generation is still required to avoid blackouts and ensure energy security and in that the petrochemical industry still has an important role to play. Although the industry has been increasingly criticised for its role in rising carbon emissions, the industry can and, in many cases, is being responsibly managed and run, while greater efficiency and innovative technology are helping to curb emissions for a more robust and fit-for-purpose energy mix. Although the government’s support for renewables has been better recently, its track record can be described as lacklustre – and that’s putting it kindly. On the other hand, it’s support for oil and gas has been more forthcoming, even if there’s precious few specifics at present. In February, Energy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng told MPs that an oil and gas deal is part of ongoing discussions. Although he would not give a precise date, he said that government is committed to launching a deal over the next five years. Interestingly, that would put it within a similar timeframe as the UK’s planned phase out of coal by 2025. “A lot has been said about the oil and gas sector deal. I am not bound by any promises made by previous Governments, but I assure Members that we are committed to an oil and gas sector deal in the course of this Parliament,” said Kwarteng addressing MPs. “It would be premature of me to go into details, because those are precisely Upgrade innovate For the petrochemical industry to avoid going the way of coal, it must respond to environmental concerns and embrace new technologies to lower its emissions output and help Britain achieve a cleaner, greener energy future. and 16-20.qxp_Layout 1 06/03/2020 10:58 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 17 PETROCHEMICAL SPOTLIGHT what we are negotiating. I look forward, hopefully as Energy Minister, to being able to celebrate and launch the deal.” It’s believed that when it is finally launched by government, the deal will focus on the exploration element – known as upstream – with the Humber a key North Sea location. The Humber is not only critical to the nation’s future energy mix, both oil & gas and renewables, but is indispensable in the present. The area is home to two of the UK’s six oil refineries, while a new gas- fired power station is currently under construction. When operational in 2022, SSE’s Keadby Two will be world-leading in efficiency measures. Government support alongside ongoing measures to boost efficiency and sustainability are enabling the oil & gas and petrochemical industries to help meet current environmental expectations and carbon emissions levels. Not only is this critical from an environmental perspective but is also necessary in order to sustain long-term growth. Companies such as East Yorkshire Hydraulics can supply bespoke components and machinery to the oil and gas industry. They can also advise how to upgrade obsolete products and will advise if cost or efficiency savings can be made by looking at alternative solutions. This is crucial as updating equipment and processes so they are more efficient will unlock sustainability savings in the sector. A study from the Joint Research Centre found that innovative energy technologies can cut annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 72.5 metric tonnes of CO2, while concurrently supporting the growth of the industry, with a 45.6 per cent increase of production and creating annual energy savings of four per cent. One of the most promising of these approaches is carbon capture and storage (CCS). CCS is one of the main methods for 19 Á © Shutterstock /Avigator Fortuner 16-20.qxp_Layout 1 06/03/2020 10:58 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 16-20.qxp_Layout 1 06/03/2020 10:58 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 19 PETROCHEMICAL SPOTLIGHT reducing the industry’s carbon impact. It involves removing almost one hundred per cent of CO2 at source and storing it underground where it’s prevented from entering the atmosphere. If used in conjuncture with natural gas, CCS produces low-carbon hydrogen which can be used to remove emissions from industrial and domestic heating. However, there are currently only a few dozen CCS projects worldwide, with just seventeen of those fully operational. Our region is ahead of the curve in this regard. Drax, who are spearheading the biggest decarbonisation project in Europe, recently announced its intention to end coal-fired electricity generation at its power station in Selby, North Yorkshire in March 2021. The move is part of its ambition to become carbon negative by 2030 which will see it using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage technology to remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than in produces. The fact that so few CSS currently exist is symptomatic of a wider issue, that despite the influx of new options, the industry has many reservations when it comes to change, with companies instead preferring to avoid the risk of new technologies. Even when given the choice of a new emissions-reducing technology, companies still largely revert to well-known and established approaches, such as distillation for olefin- paraffin separation. But this attitude must change with embracing new technologies not only beneficial on the competitive landscape – and often a company’s earnings – but also a boon for the environment. Companies thus need to invest more into their research and development departments to remain competitive. Innovation is still needed to further develop sustainable petrochemical production that, as a method, has lower energy consumption and less emissions like GHGs. Membrane technology is one solution that is growing substantially. This technology is important for improving the efficiency of separating molecules, as the separation method represents approximately forty per cent of the energy used in the industry. In reducing this, one can help address anthropogenic carbon emissions. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a piece of membrane technology that provide a solution for reducing the energy requirements of the petrochemical industry. The porous crystalline polymers are made up of metal nodes linked together by organic ligands. Their porousness allows them to capture molecules efficiently and are fast becoming popular in carbon-capture research. When used with the ENACT method (electrophoretic nuclei assembly for crystallisation of highly-intergrown thin-films), MOFs have been found to be one of the highest performers in separating molecules and can perform propylene-propane separation at ambient temperature, which uses less energy, removing the need for sub-zero temperatures for cryogenic distillation, for example, which has a large footprint. A further option to improve the footprint of the petrochemical sector is the adoption of biomass to create ethanol from renewable sources as a replacement of traditional feedstocks – an approach which would require a complete overhaul of the industry. Many © Shutterstock /industryviews 20 Á 16-20.qxp_Layout 1 06/03/2020 10:58 Page 4Next >