APRIL 2015 £3.50YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukVOLUME 30 ISSUE 4CONFERENCES &HOSPITALITYOur free guidePROCESSINDUSTRYEncouraginginnovationEASTYORKSHIRE Increased energyDRIVINGGROWTHDRIVINGGROWTH01_Layout 1 02/04/2015 11:02 Page 1The largest hotel in North EastLincolnshire, offers you everything youwould expect and more!Located opposite the Grimsby Minster,at the heart of Grimsby’s town centre awarm and friendly welcome awaits you.The St. James Hotel - GrimsbyMore than just a town centre hotel!For more information about The St. James HotelTelephone 0844 736 8612 or visit the website at www.corushotels.co.uk• 125 bedrooms•Complimentary Parking •Flat Screen Television •Free Wi-Fi throughout •5 Conference rooms•Wedding & celebrationspackages availableCall Us Now - 0800 849 1071(Local rates apply)With more than 40 years’ experience in the heating industry CedarRenewables is your first choice for the design, installation and maintenance ofyour renewable heating system. For more information on a clean, green andfinancially beneficial heating system, call us.For HomeOwnersThe Domestic RenewableHeating Incentive is open to UK homeowners and offersexcellent investment returnsbased on your homes heating needs.ForBusinessOwnersThe Non-DomesticRenewable Heating Incentiveis aimed at commercialapplications and can providesubstantial financial benefits for businesses. Unit 10, Ebor Court, Trinity Park, Randall Park Way, Retford, Notts, DN22 7WFemail: enquiries@cedarrenewables.com www.cedarrenewables.com Would you like to earnmoney for heating yourhome or business?Would you like to earnmoney for heating yourhome or business?Biomass BoilersWood Pellet, Wood Chip or LogHeat PumpsGround, Water or Air SourceSolar Thermal02_Layout 1 02/04/2015 14:44 Page 1As George Osborne droned through a dreary Budget a couple of weeksback, doing his utmost to make it sound innovative and full of encouragementfor business, most of us sat with pens poised waiting for the good bits tocome. For the most part, we were still sat with our pens poised at the end, yethardly a word scribbled. The truth is, unless you happen to be fantastically wealthy already or verypoor indeed, we’re going to be squeezed yet again to fill the treasury’scoffers. I’m guessing we’d all let our feelings be known come polling day, but asthere’s not a lot to distinguish between them, come 7th May we’ll all betrying to decide which party offers the lesser of the two, or three, evils. Ofcourse it won’t be who gets the most votes, because we don’t believe inproportional representation so it’s which party gets the most seats. Whoknows, we might even be faced with another coalition?The problem, as I see it, is there’s no one there with even half apersonality, and I joked about this at a business event the other daysuggesting that Jeremy Clarkson ought to stand for Prime Minister. Thatcertainly set the evening’s debate alight around our table and at one stageI feared people might think me half serious. But the depth of feeling overJezza just goes to demonstrate how a person’s ego can so easily overtaketheir skill level and cause their demise - we’ve all seen it in the business world and the politicalarena – now at the BBC!Fortunately, we don’t have any of that here – and this month we’ve concentrated on nothingother than keeping you fully up to date with the region’s business scene. In this issue we take atimely look at what’s going on in Hull and the East Riding, we examine which sectors seem tobe the most buoyant for SMEs, and keep you updated on the latest legislation that will have aneffect on your business - regardless who’s in Number 10 by the time you read our next issue!In the meantime – good reading, as always.W S FisherEditorThe magazine that caresWE CARE because we want to leave our world a better place than we found itBusiness Link believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishingbusiness that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of.Community-From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into themuch broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment-Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste andensuring our trading partners do likewise.From theEDITOR…It won’t be who getsthe most votes,because we don’tbelieve in proportionalrepresentation so it’swhich party gets themost seats. Whoknows, we might evenbe faced with anothercoalition03_Layout 1 02/04/2015 14:07 Page 1Streets Chartered Accountants• The Chancellor seemed to be morefocused on SMEs needs in his recentBudget speech 42AutoLinkNew models have to work in every majorcar market and that’s why we flew toGeneva recently to get the low down ontheir latest offerings…44MultimodalGreen initiatives, omnichannel opportunitiesand compliance will top the agenda at theUK and Ireland’s leading logistics show45Buy YorkshireNow in its fifth year, the Buy YorkshireConference is once again set to provide anenergetic and educational event packedwith information, insight and debate46EventsWe take a look at business eventshappening around Yorkshire andLincolnshire49Classified50And finally…6Hot topic Companies can often use a rebrand tochange the culture of a company and helpit continue to innovate8East YorkshireEast Yorkshire is looking ahead to hugeopportunities over the next few years – andit’s not simply Hull that will benefit11Commercial propertyThe commercial property sector canproduce good yields, but where shouldone look to invest?14Hotel reviewThis month we had the opportunity to stayat the GWR Tower at the Hilton PaddingtonHotel in London16Ports and logistics• News• A demand for quality space in our regionis creating opportunities in thewarehousing and distribution sector20Energy and renewables• News• Local companies are well-placed tobenefit from the rise of renewable energy– but they need to make sure they’reprepared24Engineering and construction • News• The construction industry has takensteps to improve their health and safety,but this has left the engineering sectorfalling behind28Food, chemicals and process • News• An influx of new employees, machineryand ideas can have major benefits tocompanies in the process industries• Pennine Pneumatic Services34Business services• News• Personalisation and sustainability havebecome major drivers of innovation inprinting and packaging38Business growth• News• It may not be the end of the tax return!says Erica Manderfield, Tax Director1614CONTENTSAPRIL 2015www.blmforum.net04-05_Layout 1 02/04/2015 11:11 Page 1EditorSteve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)JournalistsSteve Williams (s.williams@blmgroup.co.uk)Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)Editorial contactnewsdesk@blmgroup.co.ukTel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317Sales DirectorTeri Cooper (t.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk)AdvertisingTel: (01472) 310310Accounts & SubscriptionsAngela Sharman, Dawn Cook, John DownesTel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311Design & ProductionGary Jorgensen, Mark Casson, Rachel GreenTel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314(studio@blmgroup.co.uk)E-Mail:yorks-lincs@blmgroup.co.ukWebsitewww.blmforum.netAddressHaychart Ltd, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street,Grimsby, N.E. Lincs., DN31 2QE.ISSN No:1462-2092All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without expresspermission of the copyright holder, for which application should beaddressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care istaken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents acceptliability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies,negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to thispublication. The views expressed in this publication are notnecessarily the views of those held by the publisher.This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines,you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes ofpaper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year.Before you recycle your magazine, please ensure you removeall plastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. If you are unable toparticipate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass yourmagazine onto a local hospital or charity?Yorkshire-Lincolnshire-Business-Link @blmforumblmforum.netCOVER PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM - DEBORAH BENBROOK • PHIL MACD PHOTOGRAPHY • RAWPIXEL • SPEEDKINGZ2004-05_Layout 1 02/04/2015 11:11 Page 26Business Link www.blmforum.netHOT TOPICCompanies that can innovate arethe best placed to succeed, andmany have made great strides inensuring the culture of the business canallow this to happen. Many of ourleading companies have decided that acomplete rebrand and a top-downreview of their operations is the mosteffective way to ensure the business cantake advantage of the economic upturn.It’s certainly a valuable way to geteveryone working the company’spotential to its full and ensure allemployees are focusing on the samegoals. Introducing and maintaininggood practice in vital aspects such ashealth and safety is another benefit andcompanies across Yorkshire andLincolnshire have been able toincorporate new approaches to allowtheir development to move on to thenext stage.Arguably, one of the most effectiveways to bring about an effective culturechange in an organisation is throughaccreditation via a scheme such as BestCompanies or Investors in People. AsLeeds-based HR software specialistCascade testifies, having recently beenawarded the IIP Silver standard, twoyears after being awarded the bronzeaccolade.To secure IIP silver status, the teamof HR software experts had to satisfy115 evidence requirements in arigorous auditing process that analysedCascade’s approach to training,development, appraisals, engagementand more. A written application wassupplemented by 21 staff interviews, toensure a consistent approach to peopleexcellence could be demonstratedthroughout the company. Although thisillustrates the hard work that needs tobe carried out, the results in terms ofthe company’s reputation and theworking environment are often hugelyimpressive.Managing director Alan Jones says,“We always had the mindset that peopleAfreshstartCompanies can often use a rebrandto change the culture of a companyand help it continue to innovateLeeds-based HR software specialistCascade has recently been awarded theInvestors in People Silver standard06-07_Layout 1 02/04/2015 10:01 Page 1www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 7spend such a large part of their life atwork, so why not make it a happy andenriching place to be? By supportingstaff and allowing them to reach theirfull potential, we’ve created a vibrantenvironment in which we learn from oneanother and deliver an enthusiastic, highquality service to clients.”There are other examples ofcompanies encouraging increasedemployee engagement. First HullTrains, for example, engaged TowersWatson to carry out an independentand confidential staff survey. ManagingDirector Will Dunnett says, “The surveyis completely confidential and aims tomeasure the improvement of ourbusiness across metrics such as jobsatisfaction, engagement, businessvalues, ethics and diversity. In the lasttwo years we’ve moved scores on areassuch as ‘engagement’ to record levels,in fact Towers Watson have never seena business from any sector, let aloneRail, move their scores so dramatically.”The management also worked withemployees at a number of eveningstrategy sessions and inclusive openforums to develop the firm’s culture andvalues. Some of the outcomes of thesesessions have been employees workingtogether to design and develop a newuniform, developing sessions to reduceincidents on the trains, redesigningbreakout areas for staff and evensupporting a number of local charities.Other companies have found thatrelaunching and rebranding is the bestway to concentrate on their strengths –and perhaps allow the distinct areas ofthe company to shine. MEL of Barnsley,for example, moved into cleaning updomestic oil spills after they found workin their specialist area, the remediationof contaminated land, drying up a littleduring the recession. With the latternow undergoing a renaissance, thecompany is relaunching with a cleardistinction between the two divisions ofthe business, and they have receivedbacking from Enterprising Barnsley toassist in this regard.Director Paul Theile says, “About fiveyears ago we moved in to cleaning updomestic oil spills to take up the slackin the business due to the decrease inworkload in the development sector.We started with just three people in theoil spill division and now have twentypeople working across the UK andIreland. The development sector is nowrecovering, so we are seeing growthacross both sides of the business.”Initiatives such as this are usually aresult of companies acting uponfeedback from their customers – a vitalmetric in ensuring entrepreneurscontinue to develop, as Chris Sellars ofSheffield’s Grey and Green points out.He says, “If you’re not growing, thenyou’re going backwards – but growthcan take more than one form. It’s anaspirational target. It’s doesn’t have tobe about just the top line, perhaps it’sbringing a new product to market, forinstance – but you’re always movingtowards something.“Things need to be measured all thetime. Every time you do something,measure its impact. If you’re planning tobase an increased turnover on higherprices assuming that you have the bestproduct, it’s important to know whatcustomers think. They might be buyingfrom you on price, rather than onquality, and that simple difference couldblow your strategy out of the water. Bebold enough to ask the questions,rather than shying away from them forfear of getting a complaint. Customersunderstand the market and yourcompetition, and you can gather allsorts of information from them.”Certainly there are potential pitfallswhen it comes to a rebrand –companies can well find themselveschasing a new market whilesimultaneously alienating existingcustomers. There has to be an obviousreason for a rebrand that is made clearto both customers and those inside thecompany whose responsibility it is toensure it works – which could mean achange of culture.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES06-07_Layout 1 02/04/2015 10:01 Page 2Increasedenergy in theEastPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/PHIL MACD PHOTOGRAPHYEast Yorkshire islooking ahead tohuge opportunitiesover the next fewyears – and it’s notsimply Hull thatwill benefitIncreasedenergy in theEast08-10_Layout 1 02/04/2015 10:02 Page 1EAST YORKSHIREwww.blmforum.netBusiness Link 9While the City of Culture eventsin 2017 has put Hull under thebrightest spotlight, the wholeof the East Riding should benefit fromthe increased profile of the area.Organisations such as theBondholders have strong representationfrom the East Riding, while the GreenPort Growth Programme has beencreated to establish both Hull and EastYorkshire as a world-class centre forrenewable energy, supported by theGovernment’s Regional Growth Fund.Towns such as Driffield, Goole,Bridlington and Beverley shouldn’t beleft behind in the next few years as thepotential is there for many companiesto contribute to the renewables supplychain.Organisations such as Team HumberMarine Alliance are helping businessesacross the region work together togreat effect. This organisation hasrecently announced its two hundredthmember in the shape of multi-metalstockholder Aalco of Hull. John Coatesof Aalco says, “With the recentannouncements by and on Able MarineEnergy Park, CS Wind, Dogger Bankand the development of Green PortHull, the Humber has an incredibleopportunity in the offshore wind andrenewables industry, more than mostother places in the world.“We have joined the group tostrengthen our expansion into therenewables industry, where TeamHumber has a great wealth ofknowledge as well as a strong networkof member companies. With thissupport, we believe we can achievesuccess in the renewables industry andlook forward to networking.”One great example of how an EastYorkshire company has benefited fromthe increased interest in renewablescomes from Brocklesby of North Cave,who have received funding from theHumber LEP as part of the RegionalGrowth Fund. The recycling specialistswork closely with major UK retailersand food manufacturers to process theirused cooking oil and food waste intoproducts primarily for use in thebiofuels industry, and a developingstrand of the business is to extract oilsand fat from high oil waste foodproducts such as crisps and sausagerolls.Funding was sought to develop thefood waste processing business withinvestment in new equipment, with theaim being to see an increase in foodwaste processing rise from 5000 to50,000 tonnes per year. A centrifugeand supporting operating plant havebeen integrated within the factory spaceas the company gears up for theincrease in processing. They received£42,390 from the LEP and, as a directresult, eleven jobs will be created withinthe organisation.As well as the Humber LEP, the York,North Yorkshire and East RidingEnterprise Partnership is also providingfunding for local businesses. Thefunding, available through the EuropeanStructural and Investment FundsProgramme, will invest in projectsacross the region to support smart,sustainable and inclusive economicgrowth and create more skilled andsustainable jobs. It will be targeted atkey priorities identified in the LEP’sstrategic plan.The first of these Calls is a jointinitiative with the Leeds City Region LEPto boost the region’s expandingbioeconomy. The bioeconomy – bothagri-food and industrial biotechnology –is a major growth area and one inwhich the East Riding has a nationaland international reputation. It has theability to generate tens of thousands ofnew jobs based on the skills,knowledge and economic assets of thearea. In this round, there is £8 millionfunding available.Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of theLEP’s ESIF Committee, says, “Thisfunding represents a major opportunityto support our businesses and grow thebioeconomy which is one of the mostimportant economic assets of our localarea. Our Local Enterprise Partnershiphas a great record in funding smartprojects which provide both growth inour region and sustainable jobs. Byworking closely with our neighbouringLEPs, we intend to make the processmore straightforward for applicants. We10 ÁThe whole of East Yorkshire is representedamong the Hull and Humber BondholdersPHOTO: WWW.LADDENPIX.CO.UK08-10_Layout 1 02/04/2015 10:03 Page 2Next >