APRIL 2022 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 37 ISSUE 4 The battle for Net Zero A brilliant benefit Innovation, adaptation, automation 01.qxp_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:05 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 •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 04/04/2022 15:05 Page 1April marks the beginning of a new financial year and at the start of 2022 I optimistically said that after the lockdown and pandemic, this year could not be as bad as the last few. It seems I’ve been made quite the fool of however, as fuel prices soar along with energy prices, food prices and the overall cost of living thanks to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It’s quite a time to be alive and quite a time to be in business as I’m sure any reader will know. As industries struggle to come to grasp with the changes, and as Rishi Sunak fails to magically fix everything with a 5p fuel cut, it’s up to us to look to the future and keep the economy ticking. In this issue we highlight some of the challenges being faced by industry, but hopefully also offer a few solutions along the way. After all, one cannot be only doom and gloom. In this issue we look to the ports and transport hubs of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, then to factory automation – where we discuss the merit of collaborative robots or “cobots” and how they can streamline production without impacting human jobs. We also take a good look at the Net Zero Carbon pledge by the Government and how the law will affect owners of commercial property in our commercial property section. Here, I dive deep into the law and what it means, and how landlords will be held to new standards as early as 2025, and what must be done by then, by 2027 and even by 2030 to avoid fines. All this with up-to-date news, analysis and industry comment. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor From the Editor FREE Business Support, the way you want it! 1 2 1 If you own a new Start Up or SME business based in the Greater Lincolnshire area, you can claim 12hrs of FREE support to help develop any area of your business! Get in touch with the Productivity HUBs at the University of Lincoln. Call 07989 868 969 or contact GMumby@lincoln.ac.uk PRODUCTIVITY HUBS 03.qxp_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:06 Page 1APRIL 2022 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region. 10 Commercial property The commercial property sector faces a stark challenge over the Government’s Net Zero plans, and yet it is one every company in the region will need to address if they wish to avoid fines. 14 Factory automation The manufacturing sector within our region has ever been strong, but the pandemic and the lockdown introduced vulnerabilities that can no longer be ignored. Automation may have been an ideal before, but soon it may become a necessity – but perhaps not in the way most people expect. 18 Healthcare There are several reasons why a business healthcare plan is extremely beneficial for both employers and employees, despite the initial investment. If you have never considered investing in a business healthcare plan, it might be time to start thinking about it. 22 Office solutions Post-COVID, new questions have arisen over the purpose of offices. 26 Ports Soaring fuel prices, net zero expectations and a 5p fuel tax cut. Yorkshire and Lincolnshire’s ports have been used to working under tough conditions for centuries, but things might just be getting out of hand. 30 Family business Family businesses are the backbone of UK’s economy and represent an incredibly valuable resource for the country’s GDP. However, due to the delicate and intimate nature of the relationships behind them, family businesses are not an easy endeavour to embark on. 34 Corporate hospitality From improving communication to building loyalty, if you are not planning corporate hospitality events for employees, you are missing out on numerous benefits. 38 AutoLink With the Government clamouring for Net Zero targets, we thought it might be a time to look at some future contenders coming into the electric vehicle market, to see what vehicles we might look forward to driving later this year or in early 2023. 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 14 18 26 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:07 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) 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 those held by the publisher. COVER PHOTOS: STOCK.ADOBE.COM - ARILD • MAZDA • BNENIN • KZENON • IRSTONE www.blmforum.net 10 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:07 Page 2More than 200 staff celebrate 4,000 years of collective service to Willerby Holiday homes market leader Willerby is celebrating the incredible loyalty of its workforce as more than 200 staff have clocked up 10 years’ service or more. Almost a fifth of Hull-based Willerby’s 1,100-strong workforce have received recognition for their loyalty and commitment to the business, ranging from 10 years to more than four decades of service. The employees’ combined milestones add up to an astonishing total of more than 4,000 years of collective dedication to Willerby. The number of long serving employees reflects the family culture which is one of the greatest strengths of the Hull-based business. As well as having so many employees with decades of history with the company, family connections are common, creating a togetherness in the workforce that is a hallmark of the business. During a series of long-serving awards ceremonies, Willerby CEO Peter Munk congratulated and thanked the long servers for their admirable dedication. 6 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS £250,000 digital transformation investment pays off as Conservatory Outlet back on track with production Investing in a major digital transformation programme has helped one of the UK’s leading fabricators of windows, doors, home extensions and conservatory products to bounce back from global supply chain disruption and rising energy prices. Wakefield-based Conservatory Outlet, which supplies a 27-strong network of home improvement retailers across England and Scotland, is now back at 98.5% on time in full (OTIF) for the last four weeks and is aiming to build on this even further over the next six months. The company has had to manage increased lead times for material and unprecedented demand from customers, who have been benefitting from the massive surge in spending on homes and domestic office spaces. At the heart of the approach has been a £250,000 investment in creating a live tracking system in the factory, meaning that everyone in the business has real-time information on where a product is in the manufacturing process, starting from initial order right through to dispatch. Yorkshire insolvency expert warns of winding-up legislation changes Eleanor Temple, chair of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 in Yorkshire and a barrister at Kings Chambers in Leeds, is warning the region’s directors to seek advice if their business is distressed, following a change in the winding-up petition threshold on the 1st April. Companies can now face a winding-up petition for debts of £750, after temporary legislation which had previously set the winding up petition threshold at £10k expired on March 31st. Ms Temple is warning this could result in distressed businesses facing action from their creditors if they haven’t already come to an agreement about managing their debts. “Now, more than ever, it’s critical company directors seek advice if they’re worried about their businesses or concerned about their ability to pay staff, landlords or suppliers,” she said. “If they don’t, they could face the financial, operational and emotional effects of contesting winding-up petitions in court over a debt of £750.” 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:09 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 7 NEWS Get a team together and make a splash for LIVES! The iconic Lincoln Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place on 18 June on the Brayford Waterfront, will this year be raising money in aid of LIVES. Several local firms across the region, including the reigning champions, Belton Construction, have already entered crews in what promises to be the biggest Dragon Boat Festival to date in Lincoln. There is still plenty of time to raise a team and join in the fun! So, get your team of up to 10 paddlers, plus a drummer, together and battle it out in ornate 30 foot Chinese dragon boats over a 200m course along the Brayford Waterfront. The event promises to be colourful and great fun, no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit! The teams will be encouraged to raise money for LIVES through sponsorship, raising funds for a life-saving Lincolnshire charity. For more information or to take part visit www.ringroselaw.co.uk/about/lincoln-dragon-boat-race/ Social Change UK certifies as a B Corporation Social Change UK has been certified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, as having met rigorous social and environmental standards which represent its commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit. The B Corp certification addresses the entirety of a business’s operations and covers five key impact areas of Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers. The certification process is rigorous, with applicants required to reach a benchmark score of over 80 while providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity, and corporate transparency. Social Change UK scored 109. Most businesses score between 40 and 100, with 80 points required to become certified. A score of over 100 is considered outstanding. The Lincoln-based agency is now part of a community of 4,600 businesses globally that have certified as B Corps. ROCOL reinforces customer support with new appointment International lubricants manufacturer ROCOL is reinforcing its support for UK customers with the appointment of a new metalworking fluid chemist. Daniel Moulson studied Chemistry at Sheffield Hallam University before starting his career within the cosmetics industry. Working first in quality control, he continued his career there as a microbiologist. He joins the technical department at ROCOL where his primary role is to work with the service engineers to offer advice and recommendations for the efficient running of metalworking equipment. Daniel is also the first point of contact for customers with issues that cannot be fixed on-site and require deeper investigation. Daniel said: “The opportunity to join an organisation that is well established and has such a fantastic reputation is one I had to take. Being given the opportunity to work with high-quality products and deliver the great levels of service that ROCOL customers have come to expect is something that excites me a lot. “Joining ROCOL allows me to apply the knowledge and skills that I have from both university and my career so far in a way that will be beneficial to customers. It also allows me to develop new skills and learn from an experienced team.” Chris Dyson, ROCOL technical manager, said: “We’re pleased to have Daniel joining us. He is a talented chemist and has an appetite to deliver a top-class service to our customers.” For more information about ROCOL and its products, visit www.rocol.com, contact customer.services@rocol.com or phone +44 (0) 113 232 2700. 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:09 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 04/04/2022 15:09 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 NEWS Leeds Bradford Airport collaborates with start- up to develop logistics drones hub New transport and logistics infrastructure start-up, Urban-Air Port (UAP), have joined to collaborate with Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) on developing a new unmanned and manned aerial vehicle hub. UAP will be working with LBA to develop an off-grid, hydrogen- powered infrastructure hub at the airport. The main role of the site at LBA will be to provide a space for the command, charging and loading of logistics drones, providing safe and secure infrastructure to support drone delivery services in the Leeds City Region in the near future. Within the scope of the agreement between LBA and Urban-Air Port, there is also capacity for Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicle storage and charging. Urban-Air Port aims to reduce congestion in busy cities and create sustainable logistics solutions throughout the UK. Ricky Sandhu, Urban-Air Port’s founder and executive chairman, said: “In putting this agreement with LBA in place, we are getting ahead of the curve for the next wave of logistics and infrastructure.” Key appointment to the Family Law Team at Ringrose Law Ringrose Law welcomes Nick Aspley, Family Solicitor to the firm. Nick was appointed on 1st March and is the new Head of the Family Law team based at the firm’s Lincoln Office. Nick has nearly 30 years of experience in family law and acts for both private individuals as well as business owners. Much of his work comes from recommendation including having acted for the other party in previous court proceedings. He adopts a constructive and collaborative approach to cases including, where appropriate, suggesting a range of dispute resolution options for clients. However, where court proceedings are necessary, he will not hesitate to make any appropriate application to the court, including in cases of urgency and need. He also advises clients in protecting their position and/assets prior to, or during, any relationship with the aim of limiting any difficulties should the relationship break down and reducing likely future costs of litigation. Nick has a network of other experts to help clients in family law disputes including in court proceedings. Nick is particularly looking forward to growing the Family Law department across Lincolnshire and Newark. Nick comments: “I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead and the opportunity to build on the strong platform for growth established by the firm. Next month we see the introduction of the new no-fault divorce law one of the biggest changes to family law in the last 50 years. It’s the beginning of a new era for Family Law.” John Knight, Senior Director at Ringrose Law comments: “Nick brings with him a wealth of experience in dealing with family, divorce and financial matters, coupled with his existing relationships and reputation in the Region, Nick is a welcome addition to the Family Law team at Ringrose Law.” Nick is a Resolution Accredited Specialist (Advocacy Financial Remedy Proceedings and Children Law Private) and a Law Society Advanced Family Law Panel (Financial Remedy and Private Law Children). He is also a previous Member of Law Society Family Law Committee. Nick and his team offer a range of help and advice for all family matters including Divorce proceedings, Separation, Finances, Civil Partnerships, Child Residence, Childcare and Adoption. 07710 792907 • 07711 206611 enquiries@dustandgocleethorpes.co.uk www.dustandgocleethorpes.co.uk Contract Cleaners Commercial /residential cleaning, deep cleaning, weekly cleans, daily antibacterial wiping of touch points/surfaces and much more. We also have disinfection machines which are used as standard on all deep cleans and contract cleans. We currently have contracts for: • Schools • Pubs • Offices • Workshops • Houses All our staff are DBS checked and fully up to date with relevant training needed. © stock.adobe.com / Oleg 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 04/04/2022 15:09 Page 4Next >