JUNE 2014 £3.50YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukVOLUME 29ISSUE 6FARMING &AGRICULTURETechnology meetstraditionENGINEERINGLeading the way ininnovationFREIGHT, STORAGE& HANDLING Delivering on distributionChangefor thebetterRecovery reachesnew heightsChangefor thebetterRecovery reachesnew heights01:Layout 1 30/5/14 10:52 Page 1See live footage and book onlinewww.christmaspartiesinleeds.co.uk 0113 220 19906.00pm Bars Open 8.00pm Dinner Served 1.00am Bars Close 1.30am CarriagesStrictly over 18’s. Smart dress. No jeans or trainers.at Royal Armouries MuseumFrom OnlyPer Personwwwwww..cchhriistmmasspppaaaarrttiieessinleeds.coo.uukk02:Layout 1 30/5/14 09:58 Page 1Regulars4From the Editor5News8FinanceEffective managers can’t be oblivious tothe numbers says James PinchbeckMarketing Partner, Streets CharteredAccountants9Appointments11Business SceneLincolnshire Chamber of CommerceCharity Banquet42AutoLinkLast month, sales of new cars grew at theirfastest level for over two years givingmotor dealers a much needed boost. We reveal a few more models due to beunveiled in our region’s showrooms whichshould whet the appetite• Soper of Lincoln46EventsWe take a look at business eventshappening around Yorkshire andLincolnshire49Classified50And finally…Features7Rex AssociatesA new approach to collaborative working islaunched in Lincolnshire12Commercial propertyThere’s been a slew of projects takingplace in our region that suggest thecommercial property sector is again inrude health• Mercury House, Gainsborough16Meet the expertsThe average networking session lets youpitch your company to a handful ofbusiness owners. This month we’ve inviteda number of leading business names toget their message across to over seventythousand!20Engineering and componentsYorkshire and Lincolnshire’s engineeringsector is world class – but new ideas arerequired to maintain this success22Freight, storage and handlingWider economic revival continues to drivedemand for the region’s logistics services- but will the higher level of competition putpressure on margins?25Christmas in JuneCan you believe it? It may well be hard toenvision right now, but sooner, rather thanlater, you’ll have to start thinking aboutbooking that Christmas partywww.blmforum.net28Lincolnshire ShowThe 130th Lincolnshire Show continues itsaim of showcasing the county to the widerworld30Farming & agricultural spotlightOur region’s agricultural sector is one ofthe largest in the UK – but it can onlyremain so thanks to effectivemanagement40Education & trainingThe links between business andeducation are creating success stories onboth sidesEnvironmentalBusiness Link Environmental is yourultimate guide to the expanding world ofgreen business.34Environmental newsThe latest news from this fast-movingsector36Environmental spotlight Our region is fast becoming a greenerplace to do business. With projectsspringing up all over Yorkshire andLincolnshire, it’s uplifting to see so muchenthusiasm behind such an engagingindustryCONTENTSJUNE 20142212363003:Layout 1 30/5/14 12:02 Page 1So, Nigel Farage’s predictions were founded and he’snow turning his party’s attention on Westminster. Clegg seemed surprised after his own party lost elevenout of twelve MEPs – but really, couldn’t the mainstreamparties see this coming? After all, some of their decisionsof late are so out of touch with reality that voters aresending a warning shot to those who make the policies.One such example is Osborne’s latest announcement that the HMRC will beallowed to access taxpayers’ bank accounts directly. For starters, even if wecould rely on the correct amount being taken – which would be a minor miraclegiven the number of tax tribunals that have found otherwise – who’s to say themoney in the account is solely the person being taxed? One can only imaginethe hue and cry from bewildered spouses as their joint savings are plundered.That’s assuming HMRC identifies the correct bank account in the first place! Closer to home though, it’s business as usual and we welcome the news thateconomic growth reached record highs in May. And, as you will see from thismonth’s reports, business confidence continues to grow in the region, despiteall the political uncertainty.June is of course a busy time for yours truly, with not only the HumberBusiness Week taking place - at which we are delighted to be involved in thejudging of the ‘Made in Hull’ event - but also our corporate hospitality marqueeat the Lincolnshire Show to arrange. Once again, we look forward to offering ourreaders at the Show a chance to meet the team behind the magazine and let usknow what else you’d like to see within it. It is also a chance to network withlike-minded individuals while enjoying refreshments and entertainment. Plus achance to win some great prizes…In the meantime, good reading as alwaysW S FisherEditorEditorSteve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)JournalistsSteve Williams (s.williams@blmgroup.co.uk)Mike Shields (m.shields@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)Accounts & 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 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?The 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.From theEDITOR…Yorkshire-Lincolnshire-Business-Link @blmforumblmforum.netCOVER PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ISAK5504:Layout 1 30/5/14 10:38 Page 1Business Link 5www.blmforum.netLATEST NEWSPHOTO: WWW.KARLANDREPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UKNorthern Building Plastics has expanded itspresence at Elland Road Industrial Estate inLeeds. Elland Road Industrial Estate, assetmanaged by AXA Real Estate, encompassesapproximately 240,000 sq ft of warehouseand trade counter accommodation with unitsranging from 5,775 to 54,771 sq ft. DTZ is theletting agent at the estate. NBP has tripled itssize relocating from 4,500 sq ft acquiring14,659 sq ft on a ten year lease.Burton Roofingexpands withacquisitionBurton Roofing, the Hull roofingmerchants, has made a significant acquisitionwhich provides it with a ninth depot. Thecompany has bought the business ofStockport-based Tom Blackshaw Roofing foran undisclosed sum.Managing director Peter Burton says, “Theacquisition is a strategic move – TomBlackshaw Roofing is a well-establishedbusiness with a strong client base – and bothparties could see the potential of bringing itunder the Burton brand.”The acquisition, which was carried out byAndrew Jackson solicitors in Hull, was led bymanaging partner Mark Pearson Kendall,together with corporate department colleagueDaniel Hammond. Mark says, “Burton Roofingis a prime example of a company which hasgot its strategy right. Its focus on price,service and stock has led to rapid growth andit continues to seek out opportunities toincrease further its strong client base andextend its geographical reach.”Evans launchesmajor Leeds officeschemeEvans Property Group has unveiled its Minerva officebuilding on East Parade in Leeds following a £5 millioninvestment to transform the building with acontemporary new exterior and 30,568 sq ft of Grade Aoffice accommodation to boost the city’s low supplylevels.The nine month internal and external refurbishmentprogramme at Minerva has resulted in a contemporarynew façade, six floors of Grade A office accommodationwith flexible floor-plates and a striking reception areadesigned by interior designer Katharine Pooley.The office accommodation features new VRFheating/cooling and energy efficient LED lighting.Minerva forms the first phase of Evans’ multi-million pound investment into the Bond Court areaof Leeds which will include the completerefurbishment of neighbouring Capitol House todeliver a further 20,000 sq ft of new officeaccommodation, public realm works in Bond Courtitself and the development of a Dakota hotel whichwill transform the former ‘stacker’ car park.PHOTO: GILES ROCHOLL PHOTOGRAPHY LTDDacres joins forces withWelcome to YorkshireDacres Commercial and its residential arm, Dacre,Son & Hartley have joined the Y-30 Club, Welcome toYorkshire’s exclusive business club, which consists ofjust thirty regional organisations that all combine aninnovative approach to business with a passion forYorkshire. David Ogilvie of Dacres Commercial says, “Dacreshas operated in Yorkshire for almost 200 years andduring this time we have built close working relationships with many well-known companies andorganisations throughout the region. As a result it makes sense to form such a partnership with anorganisation that clearly shares our enthusiasm and passion for Yorkshire.”Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, says, “It is fantastic to welcome Dacres onboard, which has a superb Yorkshire heritage, and we’re looking forward to working with them toensure that the county remains a leading tourist destination as well as the best place in the UK tolive and work.”Sheffield Chamberpleased with LEP fundingfor SMEsSheffield Chamber of Commerce has congratulatedthe City Region’s Local Enterprise Partnership fordelivering on funding for SMEs. The LEP successfullysecured £32 million Regional Growth Fund money aspart of its Unlocking Business Investment initiative. It received hundreds of bids from companies wanting to access the finance available to supportmore than 110 schemes across Sheffield City Region. The successful schemes are projected togenerate £192 million in private sector leverage and create 3300 jobs over the next two years. Bythe end of the first quarter in 2014, the LEP has already paid out more than £12 million tobusinesses. Richard Wright, executive director of Sheffield Chamber, says, “RGF is usually difficult for SMEsto access because it works best for large projects. However the LEP scheme has made it moreaccessible to businesses of all sizes.” 05-07:Layout 1 30/5/14 10:27 Page 1Fifty year old firm inexpansion moveA multi-million pound Lincoln hydraulics specialist has invested in anexpansion of its warehousing facility, as it celebrates its half-century. Banks Long & Co has revealed it has leased a 5,000 sq ft warehousein Cardinal Close, Lincoln, to Pearson Hydraulics. The expansioncomes in the wake of recent substantial investments in equipment andsystems, which will enable the company to provide an even slickerservice to its customers worldwide. The firm has spent £100,000 on a new hose cutting machine, whichis capable of cutting 750 hoses an hour and marking them with acustomer’s details, and a further £100,000 on stock controlmanagement software.Banks Long & Co Trainee Surveyor Jonathan Purkiss, pictured withPearson Hydraulics’ Managing Director Rick Dring, says, “We areseeing a definite pick-up in demand for industrial premises and thisconfidence is being underlined by developer interest in creating morespeculatively-built units, alongside partly-committed premises.”LATEST NEWS6Business Link www.blmforum.netFirst brick marks start ofbuilding work at MablethorpeAfter months of extensive groundwork preparations at the largestregeneration project in the East Midlands, the first brick has been laid asphase 1 of the building work started at the Golf Road site, Mablethorpe.Construction now starts on the first eighteen of a total of 180 newhomes to be built at the thirty acre site. With a number of these newhouses being built for Waterloo Housing Group, Board Member BrendaCousner was asked to perform the brick laying ceremony.Simon Gregory Managing Director for Lindum Construction, says,“After months of work and investment in getting the site prepared we aredelighted to be actually starting the first build phase. We have spent thelast 38 weeks carrying out extensive groundwork involving importingover 30,000 tonnes of drainage material, installing 70,000 13m longvertical drains and levelling and compacting 120,000 tonnes ofengineered clay, with a further 20,000 tonnes of surcharge being placedon top.”Sheffield’s Pomona Centre ranksas major UK investment dealSheffield’s sale of the £31.4million Pomona Business Centreranked in the top major regionaloffice investment dealscompleted nationally in the firstquarter of 2014, according toresearch by Knight Frank.The 131,000 sq ft businesscentre on Pear Street, formerlyNorwich Union House, waspurchased by American RealtyCapital Global Trust fromHudson Advisors in March. Itwas one of three propertiesowned by the estate of PatrickRocca and is 100% leased toAviva Life & Pensions until June2029.Rob Hepworth, Sheffield-based associate at Knight Frank,says, “Investor appetite for regional offices remains strong with activitybeing constrained by the scarcity of available stock. The strong weight ofmoney chasing limited product continues to put pricing under pressure.“Institutions remain the dominant buyers in the regional office marketsalthough overseas investors are increasingly competing for higher yieldingassets, thereby blurring the traditional delineation of demand for particulartypes of stock.Yorkshire’s Magnificent Attractions, a consortium of some of thebest-loved attractions in the UK, continues to achieve outstandingvisitor figures for 2014. During the Easter holidays, the attractionsexperienced a 24% increase in visitor numbers, and are on track todelivering record numbers for the year ahead. Yorkshire SculpturePark has already seen a 9% increase, while The Deep in Hullwelcomed 60,000 visitors over the Easter holiday resulting in aground breaking 34% increase.05-07:Layout 1 30/5/14 10:27 Page 2Business Link 7www.blmforum.netLATEST NEWSYorkshire data centrehelps to attract countyclients for OnyxA provider of IT infrastructure believes being based in Yorkshire ishelping it to better address technology challenges faced by businesses inthe county. Onyx Group employs more than 120 staff across the countryfrom ten sites, and has recognised a need to have a local presence in keyregions. Onyx opened its Rotherham facility in 2012, offering businesses accessto a 250-seat workplace recovery centre and a 320 rack state-of-the-artData Centre. Since launching the new facility, Onyx has expanded thenumber of Yorkshire companies it is working with, including high profilebusinesses such as DFS. Neil Stephenson, CEO of Onyx, says, “Local businesses are looking forall the usual benefits associated with outsourcing with the additionalelement of keeping data and IT systems local. One of the key benefits ofoutsourcing continues to be cost, but other key factors include access toa broader range of often scarce skills.”Bondholders andHumberside Airport team up Thousands of businesstravellers passing throughHumberside Airport are beinggreeted by powerfulmessages promoting theHumber to potentialinvestors.The Bondholdersmarketing organisation,which promotes the Humberregion, has worked inpartnership with the airportto install signage at keypoints within the terminal.The signage, in the form ofeye-catching floor vinyls, hasbeen introduced in front ofthe check-in desks and in thearrivals areas for domesticand international flights. Bondholders MembershipManager Leahann Mollon says, “This partnership with HumbersideAirport is just one of the many ways in which we are working togenerate awareness and interest in the Humber as a location forinvestment. The airport is a major gateway into and out of the region,especially for the growing numbers of business visitors, and an ideallocation to promote the area and its attractiveness to potentialinvestors.”REX ASSOCIATESSeven heads are better than oneA new approach to collaborative working islaunched in Lincolnshire.The people behind Rex Associates are proven professionalbusiness women – hand-picked by Managing Director AlisonRex for their empathy, extensive experience and success intheir chosen field. The organisation provides SMEs across Lincolnshire andYorkshire the opportunity to look further into their organisation,and with the help of Alison and her team, identify andimplement innovative and creative ways to improve theirbusiness and growth potential.Alison says, “By working collaboratively businesses canachieve so much more in less time for less cost. Theassociates and I are all experienced business people whostrongly believe that by combining our strengths we will makea positive impact on the future success and return oninvestment for the businesses we work with.”Rex Associates’ distinctive turnkey approach is designed toreduce time and costs for SMEs that want to grow, whileincreasing efficiency in delivering specialist consultancy,coaching and training. By taking on board the combinedknowledge and skills offered by the associates, manyorganisations can speed their development and ROI.Alison says, “After completing an in depth assessment, clientsreceive a full report and recommendations for improvement inareas such as financial management, people development, salesand social media, to name a few. Our service isn’t about tickingboxes, giving a score or giving general advice, it’s aboutmeaningful discussions with clients and utilising the collaborativeknowledge and skills to identify the best possible solutions todeliver positive results with real return on investment.” If you’reinterestedto find outmore, contactAlison on01522850622515 Newark Road, South Hykeham, LN6 9NPemail: info@rexassociates.co.uk • www.rexassociates.co.uk05-07:Layout 1 30/5/14 10:27 Page 3FINANCE8Business Link www.blmforum.netEffectivemanagers can’tbe oblivious tothe numberssays James Pinchbeck Marketing Partner,Streets Chartered AccountantsGone are the days when marketing,HR or IT managers could sit in ameeting and switch off when thefinances were being reported. Effectivemanagers today need to have a muchgreater appreciation of the relationshipbetween the functions they manage,and their impact on the financialperformance of the business.It’s vital managers are able tounderstand the relationship betweenthe expenditure they make and therevenue and profitability it contributes to the organisation.Equally, an appreciation of the finances helps budgeting and theallocation of competing demands on resources.Where might you start? For most it’s likely to involve askingthose in your organisation charged with looking after the financeto go through what reports are produced. There are severaldiffering types of financial reports, produced at different timesand for differing requirements. The initial focus would be to lookat the annual accounts, including the profit and loss account andbalance sheet. The nature of these records report a snapshot ofthe finances at one particular date.You may hear colleagues referring to management accounts –real time financial reports produced in the current year of trading,typically including a profit and loss account, and balance sheet.Such accounts may be produced monthly or quarterly.Management accounts act as a barometer for the business as itsteers its way through its year.What drives these outcomes are the budgets or forecastsproduced. For many the annual task of preparing a departmentalbudget is one full of dread, so the default setting is often basedon the activity typically carried out in the last twelve months withlittle variation. Other budgetary approaches are based onallocation of spend set based on, say, a percentage of businessturnover or what the business can afford. Increasingly the moreeffective basis for budgeting is zero based budgeting or theobjective and task method approach.There is a growing need for managers to demonstrate not onlyan appreciation of the finances, but also to be able utilise them todrive business and ultimately financial rewards for themselves.James Pinchbeck is Marketing Partner at StreetsChartered Accountants, a top 40 UK accountancy firm.Telephone 0845 880 0320, email info@streetsweb.co.uk orvisit www.streetsweb.co.ukDon’t forgetyou can now read Business Linkon thego!Digital Editions now available on iPad & iPhoneWWW.BLMFORUM.NETIdeal for those who spendtime away fromtheir office08:Layout 1 30/5/14 10:39 Page 1Business Link 9www.blmforum.netAPPOINTMENTSKeycare has added two seniorappointments to its growingteam of specialists. Financialcontroller Katie Hurrell andcompany solicitor RosMarshall Smith are the latestadditions to the Shipleyinsurance specialists. The duohas amassed a wealthfinancial services sectorexpertise - Katie’s includesher most recent role asEuropean treasury managerfor Assurant, while Ros hasworked in the sector for morethan fifteen years includingfive at International PersonalFinance in Leeds.CBRE promotesfour in Leeds officeProperty firm CBRE has promoted fourstaff in its Leeds office as the companyreports a successful first quarter of 2014with robust revenue and earnings growth.CBRE’s Leeds office has promotedJonathan Shires to Senior Director andSteve Taylor, Nick Marsden and LloydNicholson all to Associate Director. Thepromotions follow the firm’s recentnational announcement that CBRE GroupInc. reported revenue of $1.9 billion in thequarter ending March 2014, a 26%increase on the same quarter last year. Richard Sunderland, Managing Directorof CBRE’s Leeds office, says, “The Leedsoffice has enjoyed a great start to the yearwith several new people joining the teamin response to client demand for ourvaried service lines. The recentpromotions demonstrate our commitment toprogressing our valued team members through thebusiness and our continued dedication to being anemployer of excellence, retaining and recruiting thebest in the business.”Power of four at Rollits Rollits LLP has promoted fouremployees. The move sees ChrisDrinkall and John Flanagan, whohad both previously held theposition of associate, promoted topartners in the firm. Kate Dixon andClair Douglas also make the step upfrom senior solicitors to associates. The promotions mark anotherstep forward for all four who alljoined as trainees. Chris Drinkalljoined in 2002 having graduatedfrom Hull University, John Flanagan,a former Hymers student, beganworking for the company in 2003, Kate Dixon came to Rollits from Newcastle University in2003 and Clair Douglas, who began as a receptionist, completed her training in 2009.Richard Field, Managing Partner at Rollits, says, “These promotions show how investmentin young local talent pays dividends and it is great to see four long-serving colleaguesmaking the step up. I am sure all four of them will continue to flourish under the newchallenges that they will face.”Light shines on latest recruit atVeritasLeeds-based VeritasRecruitment Solutions,which specialises inproperty, constructionand renewablesrecruitment, hasappointed Luke Towningas a Solar RecruitmentSpecialist following anumber of prestigiouscontract wins for the firm.In his new role Luke is responsible for recruiting all types of personnel acrossthe solar industry including solar panel installers and sales teams as well aspeople working at management and director level. He brings a wealth ofrecruitment experience to the position after previously spending eight yearsworking in both legal and IT recruitment. The appointment follows the firm winning contracts from some of the UK’s leadingrenewable energy and construction firms including GMI Energy. Veritas has now sourcedapproximately 25% of GMI Energy’s team and was responsible for the high-profileappointment of the firm’s Director of Energy Efficiency John Swallow, who joined GMIearlier this year.High profile chairmanmaximises growth potentialfor marketing specialistKulaHub, the Knaresborough-based specialist in cloud basedcustomer relationship management marketing systems, hasappointed Ecademy co-founder Glenn Watkins as non-executive chairman. Glenn’s strategic, IT and digital media and technologiesexpertise spans almost three decades with organisationsincluding the Academy for Chief Executives and digitalmarketing and strategic advisors inVenturez. Co-launching Ecademy, which pioneered the first digital platform forbusiness leaders to engage and learn, Glenn was also chief executive from 2002-2011. Driving strategic growth and ambitious goals, Glenn’s appointment gives KulaHub a London presence as itsecures accounts from membership organisations including Brand Yorkshire, Business in Yorkshire, Leeds, York andNorth Yorkshire Chamber along with small and medium sized enterprises across wide-ranging sectors.KulaHub MD Ben Teggin says, “Glenn’s strategic knowledge and powerful track record in digital marketing speaksvolumes and we look forward to harnessing his expertise to turbocharge our goals.”A well-knownproperty lawyer fromHuddersfield hasjoined SetfordsSolicitors. Formerly apartner with a leadingregional law firm,David Amies bringsover fifteen years’property experienceto Setfords. Based inHolmfirth, Davidworks primarily withclients across WestYorkshire on a broadrange of legalmatters.PHOTO: JOHNHOULIHAN.COMLuke is pictured with John Swallow and VeritasManaging Director Chris Tinson09:Layout 1 30/5/14 10:41 Page 1Next >