Embracing changeFREIGHT ANDSTORAGENew frontiers for distributionFARMING ANDAGRICULTUREInnovating to succeedLINCOLNSHIRE The county under thespotlightJUNE 2012£3.50YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukVOLUME 27ISSUE 06Embracing change01:Layout 1 28/5/12 14:02 Page 1T: 01778 382700E: eventus@lincolnshire.gov.ukwww.e-ventus.co.ukT: 01427619500 E: mercury_house@lincolnshire.gov.ukwww.mercury-house.comLet us help you with your businessIf you’re just starting out, or an established business, we’ll work with you to find the perfect office solution... • Easy in, easy out, tenancy terms • Reception services • High speed broadband • Free parking Eventus Business Centre, Market DeepingMercury House, Gainsboroughwww.investlincolnshire.comEUROPEAN UNIONInvesting in Your FutureEuropean RegionalDevelopment Fund 2007-1302:Layout 1 25/5/12 10:01 Page 19ContentsJune 20123614274952Features9Commercial propertyThe commercial property sector has been through themire in the last few years, but things are picking up -aren’t they?13Building MaterialsNew, more sustainable building materials are ensuringconstruction projects are more efficient andenvironmentally friendly than ever before14Freight and storageWith rising fuel costs and pressure to lower carbonemissions what does the future have in store for thetraditional haulage industry?16LincolnshireLincolnshire has some of the most amazing vistas the UKhas to offer as well as plenty of things to do. No wonderlocal businesses are rightly proud.19Lincolnshire ShowThe Lincolnshire Show illustrates all the excitement thecounty has to offer27Farming and AgricultureThe introduction of new planning rules should makedeveloping farmland much easier38ConferencingOffering your services as a speaker at events may seemdaunting but think of the profile for your business• Picture Your Venue41Christmas in JuneCan you hear the bells ringing? Well, neither can we, butit’s still time to consider your workplace’s Christmas dinner45Conference and Hospitality ShowThis year’s Conference and Hospitality Show held inLeeds saw a change of venue, but no let-up in enthusiasmand innovation46Meet the ExpertAs the Government continue to look at ways to boost theeconomy and job creation, we consider employment lawproposals and changes that are set to affect us all 52Yorkshire Business MarketThis year’s Yorkshire Business Market, lucked out as far asweather was concerned, but what happened indoors?EnvironmentalBusiness Link Environmental is your ultimate guide to therapidly expanding world of green business.30Environmental newsThe latest news from this fast-moving sector32ConservationConservation projects are creating both a more pleasantenvironment – and a host of new jobs33SolarSolar energy is fast becoming a mainstream proposition,and companies should consider installing it soonerrather than later34Renewables NetworkThe recent Renewing the Humber event brought togetherVIPs to emphasise the region’s renewables potential36Carbon FootprintWith renewable energy becoming more familiar thereseems to be a genuine groundswell of interest, but whatis available?Regulars4From the Editor5News7TaxationIt’s no child’s play for Child Benefit says Erica Manderfield,Tax Manager, Streets Chartered Accountants8LettersReader’s letters and replies49AutoLinkHatchbacks are made to meet the needs of the vastmajority of motorists, and as we find out, competition isfierce.54EventsWe take a look at business events happening aroundYorkshire and Lincolnshire56Classified57Appointments58And finally…03:Layout 1 28/5/12 14:03 Page 1While the debate rages over whether Greece should be allowed tostay the top table of European economics, there was some newsthat slipped through relatively unnoticed in our region:unemployment is finally coming down.There’s no triumphalism from the government yet, of course.That’s mainly because these figures are taken from the monthsimmediately after the January sale rush, when staffing in the retailsector was at a high, but it’s still a good sign if you compare it to thistime last year. There’s also the news that the government’s austerity measures actuallyappear to be working – although there’s still a long way to go.We haven’t had much to smile about over the last few years and it’ll be interesting tosee if unemployment continues to fall. If it does then the economy will, finally, havegained some momentum again, and we’ll all cheer that as we enter a crucial periodwhich includes the European Football Championships, the Jubilee and, of course, theOlympics. Commentators seems split as to how these big ticket events will affect oureconomy. Time will tell.Unemployment is never more harshly felt than in rural areas, of course. That’s why thismonth we take a special look at the current prospects for growth in Lincolnshire, tocoincide with the Lincolnshire Show. It’s heartening to see this Show go from strength tostrength, and Business Link will, once again, be supporting and attending the event. It’dbe great to see you, so do come along to our ringside marquee on Avenue 6 Stand 13where we can discuss in person how to get the economy going again! As in previous years we’ll be keeping readers refreshed throughout the show, and ourresident band, Off Limits, will keep the party going.It’s not to be missed and there’s some great prizes on offer too so make a note inyour diary. In the meantime our latest magazine has more great articles, news andadvice columns from leading professionals. We hope you enjoy reading our latestofferings as much as we enjoyed compiling it…Good reading as always,W S FisherEditorEditorSteve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)JournalistsSteve Williams (s.williams@blmgroup.co.uk)Mike Shields (m.shields@blmgroup.co.uk)Elis Ballard (e.ballard@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) 310310Kim Collins (k.collins@blmgroup.co.uk)Hannah Hogarth (h.hogarth@blmgroup.co.uk)Accounts & SubscriptionsAngela Sharman Dawn CookTel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311Design & ProductionGary JorgensenMark CassonRachel 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 bereproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwisewithout express permission of the copyright holder, for whichapplication should be addressed first to the publisher. Whileevery reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor itsparticipating agents accept liability for loss or damage toprints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material ofwhatever nature submitted to this publication. The viewsexpressed in this publication are not necessarily the views ofthose held by the publisher.This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recyclingmagazines, you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paperindustry each year. Before you recycle your magazine,please ensure you remove all plastic wrapping, free giftsand samples. If you are unable to participate in a recyclingscheme, then why not pass your magazine onto a localhospital or charity?From theEDITORThe magazine that caresWE CARE because we want to leave our world a better place than wefound itBusiness Link believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key tomaintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staffwill be proud to be part of.Community-From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We alsoextend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causesand charities. Environment-Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources,minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise.04:Layout 1 25/5/12 12:20 Page 1GAME expertise for pelletingplantsThe expertise ofLincoln’s GAMEEngineering hasresulted in therecent design andinstallation of threemajor biomasspelleting plants forprocessing woodand straw intopellets andbriquettes.GAME Engineeringare regarded as a leading materials processing and handling engineeringcompany specialising in building pelleting plants for biomass and biomass fuelhandling systems. Working with some of the key players in the power industry,GAME design, manufacture and install solutions in this sector.GAME’s imaginative approach towards turnkey solutions and design, means they havefast become leaders in innovative biomass handling solutions offering services to design,construct, upgrade, refurbish, extend or improve processing facilities.German company transfers manufacturing facility to LeedsOttobock Healthcare, suppliers of innovative solutions for people with limited mobility, has announced a£500,000 investment in the UK healthcare market. The German-based company will be moving its entireMobility and Bespoke Seating manufacturing business to Leeds, where it will supply specialised wheelchairseats for NHS, European and Australasian customers. Ottobock UK has been responsible for providing the Mobility and Bespoke Seating service to the NHS, andthe investment in the Leeds-based production centre over the next twelve months will significantly benefit thelocal economy. £500,000 will be invested in the new facility, including a new CNC machine and warehouse;new equipment; office refurbishment and additional staff, including engineers, technicians, administration andmanagerial support.In addition to a new CNC machine and manufacturing warehouse, Ottobock UK will take on responsibilityfor the research and development of the bespoke seating systems for the Ottobock Healthcare global groupwith potential for further growth.www.blmforum.net5newsyouryourFirst pile celebrated at Grimsby’snew terminalA ceremony has marked the startof works at the Grimsby RiverTerminal.Specialist car-carrying shipscurrently berth in Grimsby’sAlexandra Dock, which is accessedthrough the port’s original Royal Lock,built in 1852. The lock entrance limitsship size to eight hundred cars but thenew River Terminal will offer lock-freeaccess for two vessels carrying up tothree thousand vehicles, significantly increasing the port’s capacity. ABP have entered into anew long-term agreement with Volkswagen Group, and ABP hosted the first pile celebrationwith Alistair Shields, Director of Volkswagen Group UK, and Sam Judah of GBA Group.John Fitzgerald, ABP Port Director Grimsby and Immingham, says, “Grimsby has carved aniche in this important trade by offering vehicle manufacturers specialist facilities. We need toequip the port for the future by allowing larger vessels to call. This will be the largest projectin Grimsby’s recent history.”Lawyer presentsseminar to IndianaudienceA leading shipping and transport lawyer with pan-Humber firm Andrew Jackson has travelled toChennai, India, to present a seminar on recent caselaw.Dominic Ward, senior partner and headof the shipping and transportdepartment, and a regular visitor toIndia, presented his seminar to afifty-strong audience made up ofmembers of the Madras branch ofthe Institute of CharteredShipbrokers and students ofAMET, a maritime university.Dominic spoke to thedelegates about recent casesconcerning disputes over thecorrect interpretation of charterparties brokered by shipbrokers.He says, “The cases involved theCommercial Court examining thewording of the charter parties todecide whether the owner orcharterer bore the risk of liability. Thedelegates were interested to see theapproach taken by the English courts oninterpreting charter parties.”Dominic has been asked to present a furtherseminar when he returns to Chennai.ProTouchSecurity ofScunthorpe iscelebrating after winningthe ConocoPhillips66Excellence in CommunityRelations Award at the NorthLincolnshire Business Awards. Theaward recognises commitment tothe local community from thewinning company, demonstratinghow they engage with and developa sustainable local community,and how they encourage theiremployees to do the same,to bring a positiveimpact on thecommunity.PHOTO BY DAVID LEE PHOTOGRAPHY05-07:Layout 1 25/5/12 10:03 Page 1newsyouryourChristmas comes to LeedsBest Parties Ever, theleading Christmas partyspecialist, is hosting aseries of ‘Rio Carnival’themed parties atTemple Newsam inLeeds from 5th to 22ndDecember.The parties promisetropical décor whereguests are transported tothe most exhilaratingparty in the world – thefamous Rio Carnival!Here, they can relax witha drink, enjoy a five course dinner and be entertained by authentic carnival dancers andacrobats. They can also try their hand at blackjack or roulette, jump on the dodgems orsimply dance the night away!Tickets start from £34.50 and are available from Best Parties Ever on 0844 499 4040 orvia www.bestpartiesever.com. They include dinner, theming, live entertainment anddisco, and not forgetting a survivors’ breakfast to help soak up that liquid refreshment!Join other groups and experience the buzz and excitement of a large scale shared partyor choose exclusive hire for a bespoke evening.RobinHood’s Bay is now offeringvisitors access to high speed broadbandfor the first time via the Bay Broadband wirelessnetwork. Bay Broadband Cooperative was successfulin becoming one of the latest Community BroadbandProjects to be funded by Defra’s Rural DevelopmentProgramme for England, with matchinvestment from NYnet and thecommunity itself.6www.blmforum.netSheffield heavy lifting specialist Mechan has become one of the firstcompanies in the UK to have its achievements honoured by theManufacturing Advisory Service. The rail depot equipmentmanufacturer has received a MAS Works Award to recognise thebusiness and operational gains it has made in recent years. Mechanwas put forward for the award by MAS advisor Peter Rooney whowas asked to nominate companies that have demonstratedcontinuous improvement as a result of support from the organisation.Skiptonpackaging firm Northern PaperBoard has achieved ISO 9001:2008certification, an international standard recognisedworldwide as a benchmark for quality. It follows anassessment by an independent organisation at company,which manufactures solid board boxes used primarily inthe meat and poultry producing industry. Over the pastseven years, Northern Paper Board has investedover £2 million in plant and automation at its40,000 sq ft headquarters in EngineShed Lane.New collaborationsupports graduatesHart Shaw LLP isworking with TheUniversity of SheffieldEnterprise to help studentsprepare their businessideas and plans forimplementation when theygraduate. The Sheffieldaccounting firm has carriedout workshops on financialmanagement, helped judgethe annual EnterprisingIdeas Business Planning Competition and mentored students involved inenterprise societies within the University.Andrew Maybery, Senior Partner at Hart Shaw, says, “Hart Shaw isdelighted to be working with the University of Sheffield Enterprise onthese projects. We are very keen to encourage enterprise in the localarea and help develop the businesses of tomorrow.”Sara Pates, Enterprise Business Manager at The University of Sheffield,adds, “This collaboration with Hart Shaw is essential for our students. Formany it may be their first real engagement with the business community,and knowing it is with a strong local firm provides us with confidence inthe quality of support and guidance they will receive.”05-07:Layout 1 25/5/12 10:03 Page 2www.blmforum.net7newsyouryourCasa Hotel achieves AIMaccreditationCasa Hotel in Chesterfieldhas achieved AIMaccreditation, the nationwidecertification for the meetingsindustry. The independent, 4-star hotel opened its doors lessthan eighteen months ago, butCasa’s eleven purpose builtconference rooms are provingpopular with local and nationalbusinesses. The sixth floorconference suite offerspanoramic views with thelatest in conference technology, and the new Spring menu also illustratesits continued commitment to providing a truly special dining experience.The accreditation indicates the high standards throughout the hotel andis another accolade to add to the hotel’s growing number of awards. Sinceopening, Casa has been named Most Innovative Building and received thehighest four star rating and a Rosette for outstanding food and servicefrom the AA.Operations Director Stuart Downham says, “We believe we are offeringsome of the best conference facilities outside of London, and beingrecognised by AIM confirms this.”TAXATIONPower cut marks openingof new Leeds data centreThe officialopening of a newgreen technologydata centre inLeeds wascelebrated withlocal MP GeorgeMudie, localbusiness leadersand a power cut.CCS Leedsinvited localdignitaries andclients to an open day at its new data centre in Seacroft which houseshundreds of servers for UK companies. CCS also demonstrated how itsdata centre would continue to run even in the event of a major power cut.Nick Ryder, technical sales manager at CCS says, “The last thing acompany needs is to have its internet down for hours, so it was useful todemonstrate how robust our system is – in the event of a power cut wehave two large industrial batteries which immediately switch on. This isbacked up with a diesel generator which has fuel that would last at leasttwo weeks.”Kier has marked its first anniversary working alongside Longhurst andHavelok Homes in Boston with customer satisfaction levels at 95%.The collaboration, between Kier’s maintenance business andLonghurst and Havelok Homes, was created in April last year to helpimprove the repairs and maintenance service provided to ninethousand tenants living in social housing accommodation.It’s no child’s playfor Child Benefitsays Erica Manderfield, Tax Manager,Streets Chartered AccountantsEver since George Osborneannounced his intention to withdrawchild benefit for higher ratetaxpaying families it seems thegovernment have been trying tomake it appear more equitable. Thelatest announcements, due to bepassed in the Finance Bill, mightmake it seem more palatable.The latest position is...* Those whose net income isless than £50,000 a year willcontinue to receive the full child benefit entitlement* Those in receipt of Child Benefit and earning an adjustednet income of between £50,000 and £60,000 will be subject to anew tax charge of 1% of the Child Benefit award for each £100of income over £50,000 – therefore where income reaches£60,000 the entire award will be withdrawn* The new rules also affect those living together as a couple.If one party earns more than £50,000, the new treatment ofchild benefit applies. If no one individual earns this ceiling, butcombined incomes are at or above this level, there will be nocharges. There is no assessment based on the ‘household’income.The amount of child benefit at stake can be significant. Forexample, a family with three children will be entitled to £2450of benefit and the effective tax rate for income between£50,000 and £60,000 becomes nearly 65%. So what can bedone to protect entitlement to Child Benefit? Spouses and partners should try to equalise income betweenthem wherever possible. It will also be increasingly importantto manage income between tax years, for example bymanaging dividend and bonus payments.It should also be noted that the tax charge is incurred withreference to adjusted net income – broadly, total income afterdeduction for payments such as personal pensioncontributions. Therefore those affected, particularly if income iswithin the £50,000 to £60,000 band, should consider makingsuch payments to reduce net income. In our example, apension contribution made under a salary sacrifice scheme canachieve relief of 71% when taking into account NationalInsurance savings.Child benefit is no longer child’s play and it might a goodidea to take specialist tax advice.Erica Manderfield is a Tax Manager with StreetsChartered Accountants, a top 40 UK accountancy firm.Telephone 0845 880 0320, email info@streetsweb.co.ukor visit www.streetsweb.co.uk 05-07:Layout 1 25/5/12 10:04 Page 3Jobs joyDear Sir,Recent years have proven that we probably shouldn’t be getting too excited over the latest unemploymentfigures, but it certainly looks promising to see unemployment falling and part time employment rising. Yet itremains a concern regarding the number of young people that remain out of work for the long term.The latest report from the Work Foundation on the so-called ‘neets’ – those not in employment, educationor training – illustrates the problem that exists. Young people don’t have the skills required but the only waythey can often obtain these skills is through work-based training. Of course, the impetus lies with thejobseekers themselves to apply themselves to the opportunities available, but there must be a host ofemployers who can gain long-term benefits from a short-term investment in training.T KiddNewarkLetters8www.blmforum.netLettersSomething to say? Write to: Business Link Magazine, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 2QE or email: letters@blmgroup.co.ukOn the makeDear Sir,What great news that manufacturing SMEs are bucking sluggish growth forecasts with encouragingreports of increased sales and new jobs. I see that the Manufacturing Advisory Service NationalBarometer suggests that over half of the companies responding had seen their turnover rise, and evenmore were expecting further growth.Certainly the outlook seems a little more encouraging than in recent years, and I’ve been particularlyimpressed by how many local companies are winning lucrative contracts with major companies. Irecently attended the Global Manufacturing Festival in Sheffield and there seemed to be a sense ofexcitement about the industry that I haven’t seen for some time.I remain concerned about the ability to introduce new skilled staff into the sector, however, and I hopethat many of those leaving education this summer will benefit from forward-thinking companies realisingthe value of apprenticeships.S JonesSheffieldListen upDear Sir,I hear that the Committeeof Public Accounts has saidthat a fifth of apprenticeshipslast less than six weeks andare of no benefit – and as alecturer, I tend to agree.I often explain to my pupilsthe benefit of apprenticeshipsas a valuable way to make astart in a new career, yetmany are unaware of thebenefits they bring about.Indeed, despite the TV show,I’m consistently surprised athow many believe they areonly of use for those whichwish to enter traditional jobsinvolving manufacturing andpractical work – unaware thatthey are also available for awide variety of occupations.Those who promoteapprenticeships should makeit clearer to young people ofall ages and abilities thepotential of the scheme – andshould make it easier for abigger range of businesses tooffer them. I can’t imagine why abusiness wouldn’t want totake advantage of enthusiasticnew entrants to theircompany so it must surely bedown to those who promotethe apprenticeships failing toget across their benefits topotential employers andemployees alike.P WorboysHarrogateREADER’S LETTERSMake it easy on yourselfDear Sir,We all know about the unemployment situation in the UK – so why is it so hard for employers to hirenew people? I understand the need for employment rights but the logistical hoops I have to jumpthrough as an employer are enough to put me off the recruitment process for good. Ministers should bemaking it far easier to employ people without generating rivers of red tape.Giving businesses greater potential to hire is a win-win situation – companies get new talent,jobseekers get new jobs and the lower unemployment figures will boost the confidence of the UKeconomy as a whole. It’s as simple as that.D WilliamsLincoln08:Layout 1 25/5/12 10:04 Page 1COMMERCIAL PROPERTYwww.blmforum.net9Thanks to the recession, the majorityof commercial property constructionprojects ground to a halt when doomand gloom was being proclaimed.Some cities are still looking half-finished in places - the centre ofBradford and parts of Sheffield are justa couple of examples that remain‘under construction’. However, projectsare being completed and sold acrossour region.Hotels and hospitality projects inparticular have seen a resurgence inconstruction, with Lincoln, Sheffieldand Leeds having benefited from newbuilds recently. The arrival of a HolidayInn and a Hilton hotel in Lincoln havecertainly shown sufficient movementtowards recovery of the sector. A newWagamama restaurant on Lincoln’sBrayford Wharf means the area is setto be the place to head to on nightsout.A recent report by DTZ has revealedindustrial take-up in Yorkshire and theHumber in the first quarter of 2012reached 360,000 sq ft, just 40% of thequarterly average. Take-up wasboosted by the 265,000 sq ft letting ofHurricane, Doncaster to Next. Theregion boasts the second largestamount of prime space in the UK afterLondon, South East and East, at 3.9million sq ft, but it is unevenly spread.The outlook for take-up is good withseveral requirements frommanufacturers and distributors forspace in excess of 600,000 sq ft. Mike Baugh, Director of industrialagency DTZ in Leeds, says, “Theamount of space transacted in the lastquarter has reduced compared withthe previous quarter, which sawslightly above average take-up.However, the decreasing stock ofGrade A buildings will have impactedon the take-up figures. Manufacturingcompanies continue to account for asignificant proportion of take-up, evenif reduced on a quarter by quarterbasis.“Although performance in the lastquarter was disappointing there are anumber of companies in the marketprogressing acquisitions and we arehopeful that Q2 will show animprovement in take-up.”As far as offices are concerned, agood indicator of interest for ourregion is Leeds, which boasts a vibrantand varied commercial property sector.At the moment, demand for officespace seems to have fallen. Reportssuggest that there has been a 56% fallin take up of space in the city whencompared to the same period of timelast year. Although enquiries havegone up by 14%, companies seem tobe consolidating their positions in thecity to establish and protectthemselves. This is a plus for Leeds ina way, as it means firms are pledgingallegiance to the city. Average licenceagreements now stretch to a full twelvemonths, rather than just five or sixmonths at this point last year.One reason many firms are nottaking up places is availability. A lack ofA-grade properties entering the marketmeans firms are happy to stay wherethey are. It will be interesting to seehow this develops in the comingmonths. A clear picture?The commercial property sector has been through the mire in the lastfew years, but things are picking up - aren’t they?Office take up hasstagnated this quarter inLeeds in particular, butthis is due to a lack of newproperties being of a highenough standardMike Baugh ofDTZ has highhopes for the nextquarter in terms ofindustrial take upThe commercial property sector has been through the mire in the lastfew years, but things are picking up - aren’t they?A clear picture?09:Layout 1 25/5/12 10:05 Page 1Next >