< Previous10Business Link www.blmforum.netNEWSLincolnshire’s digital sector valuedat £779mLincolnshire’s reputation as anemergent tech powerhouse hasbeen legitimised after the county’sdigital sector was valued at £779million.Research, commissioned by theBusiness Lincolnshire Growth Hubfound that nearly 2,000 digitalbusinesses are based in the countyselling a range of digital productsand services includingtelecommunications, gamingproducts and aerospace.Over 16,000 Lincolnshire residentsare employed in a digital role – 7,045within the digital sector itself.The remaining are employed indigital roles within businesses thataren’t themselves strictly digital i.e.farming, manufacturing and tourism.It shows that digital skills arerequired in all types of industry.Employment in the digital tech sector is most highly concentrated in the Greater Lincoln area and along the A1 corridor tothe south west of Lincolnshire.The ten largest digital tech businesses registered in Greater Lincolnshire account for £597 million annual turnover and 3,616employees.WordsandSpacesLtdtel:01724 352156 mob:07736 952885 fax: 0871 989 5784 email: stuart@wordsman.co.uk twitter:@stuartpearcey Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN31 2QEI’ll write blogs, websites, ads, articles, leaflets, news releases and newspapers; I’ll design print and buy it. I’m Stuart Pearcey. How can Imake your life better today?www.wordsman.co.ukWhere goodcopywritingmeans business© Shutterstock / SFIO CRACHO06-10_Layout 1 06/06/2017 12:19 Page 5readers’www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 11Failure to planis planning tofailDear Sirs,Another BA fiasco, where tens ofthousands of passengers were strandedwithout information, just goes todemonstrate how a businesses’reputation can be left in tatters if theydon’t have a good crisis plan in place. It’s not rocket science and one wouldexpect a company the size of BA to havea more proactive approach to matters ofsuch importance. Surely, a plan shouldhave been in place for an IT malfunction –such things can easily happen and a backup plan should have been in place. As aresult the compensation costs are likelyto run into millions for the company butthe damage to its reputation will farexceed that. C BurnettLeedsWhat next for Hull?Dear Sir,It’s encouraging to see continued coverage in your magazine onHull: The blade- installation, the poppies, the daffodils businessweek and now the Made in Hull award. All these things are aimed at putting Hull on the map of courseand attract new people to the city but we rarely hear whether itshaving an impact on investment from businesses. One would hope so, given the fresh new look of places like theHumber St area with its newly paved streets, new gallery andeateries, but it’d be good to learn what effect this is having onattracting new businesses. Perhaps an interesting angle for areport from your magazine before we reach the end of the yearand everything is airlifted out of the city ? T SwannHullFar too liberalDear Sirs,I read with interest your article on staff perks – inparticular Unlimited holiday and early finish Fridays. While many of us appreciate that keeping staff happyis a priority, it is hard to see how the examples above areto be paid for, given the fact that most businesses arealready under pressure to absorb rising costs of materialsand energy to name but a few. Maybe I’m old school, but conscientious employeeswho take ownership are what make great teams not thepeople who prefer to be sat on a sun lounger in theirgarden on a Friday afternoon. As any entrepreneur will testify, people who are self-indulgent often lack the initiative to be successful. To getahead, you have to work for it. You have to strive for it.You have to go after it.Obviously you can’t do that from the pub or your backgarden.T ThorpeLincolnSomething to say? Write to:Business Link Magazine,Armstrong House,Armstrong Street,Grimsby,North East LincolnshireDN31 2QE or email:letters@blmgroup.co.ukPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/NIKODASH11_Layout 1 06/06/2017 12:20 Page 14 bedroom home for only £252,9952, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes available to reserve off plan. Our Current DevelopmentsButtercross Park, Oakham, RutlandDoddington Grange, Doddington, CambsGreetham Square, Greetham, RutlandGretton Valley, Weldon, NorthamptonshireHempsted Park, Peterborough, CambsLangham Barns, Barleythorpe, RutlandOakley Rise, Corby, NorthamptonshireThorney Meadows, Thorney, CambridgeshireWhittlesey Green, Whittlesey, CambridgeshirePinchbeck Fields Pinchbeck, Lincolnshire2 & 4 bedroom homes from only £174,9952, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes available to reserve off plan. Bourne Heights Bourne, Lincolnshirewww.larkfleethomes.co.uk2586 0617Visit our website for more information on all of our current developments.A choice of purchase options including Shared Ownership, Part Exchange and Help to Buy*Prices and information correct at time of going to print. Images are for illustrative purposes only. *Subject to status.General EnquiriesLarkfleet House, Falcon Way, Bourne PE10 0FF 01778 391555relax in a newLarkfleet Home!12-17_Layout 1 06/06/2017 12:22 Page 1www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 13PROPERTYDespite an uncertain economic andpolitical climate permeating the country,the UK property market remainsbuoyant. According to the Barclays UKProperty Predictor, prices in areasacross the UK are set to rise by anaverage of 6.1 per cent by 2021,bringing the average value of a UKproperty to almost £300,000. The UK’s rising property prices overthe next five years can be attributed tohigh employment rates, growth inprivate housing market levels and anoverall increase in rates of averageearnings. Although the South isexpected to see the largest annualproperty price increase over this period,the Yorkshire and Humber region isforecast to see an average annualincrease of 0.71 per cent (or 3.60 percent between 2017 and 2021). With thisin mind, property investors areincreasingly looking north of the typicalproperty hubs of London and the SouthEast for good value for money and15 Á© Shutterstock / alice-photoLeading thenorthern revolution Rising property prices, high employment rates and growth in private housingmarket levels has seen investors look beyond the ‘London property bubble’ to thenorthern regions for safe investment options. 12-17_Layout 1 06/06/2017 12:22 Page 2Mill View, Backgate, Cowbit, PE12 6APAbbey Walk, Station Road, Swineshead, PE20 3LZ Open Thursday to Monday 10am-5pmCowbitis a collection of 37 - two, three and four bedroom homes. Set in a semi-rural communitybut good road links to Spalding and Peterborough.The Nene - 3 bedrooms - £220,000Holland - 2 bedrooms with single garage -£171,995Welland - 2 bedrooms - from £165,995Abbey Walk is situated in the village of Swinesheadoffering a broad mix of high specificationhomes ranging from your two bedroom first home to the spacious five bedroom family home.Swineshead is conveniently located just 7 miles from Boston. Sparta - 3 bedrooms - from £185,000Manor Farm, Fen Road, Holbeach, Spalding, PE12 8QATel: 01406 490590 Email: info@ashwoodhomes.co www.ashwoodhomes.coHelp to Buy available on all properties. Terms and Conditions apply.Showhome openingin July12-17_Layout 1 06/06/2017 12:22 Page 3www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 15PROPERTYincome stability. Thirty eight per cent of high networth investors looking to purchase property innorthern regions think that prices there are goingto rise, while over a quarter who plan topurchase cite strong rental income as theirmotivation. This has all contributed to moreinvestors setting their sights on Leeds. Leeds has become a UK-leading technologypowerhouse; truly, a London of the north. Thecity has recently been ranked among the UK’stop 10 creative locations. The ranking – compiledin a first-of-its-kind report from global real estateadvisor CBRE – demonstrated the significance ofthe city as a “strong creative sector location incomparison to other UK cities”. It’s all well and good to throw around thismoniker, but what exactly does it come down to?Well, for one, Leeds is the major regional hub forthe creative industries in Yorkshire. As well asaccommodating a number of creative clusters,the city also offers a choice between urban17 Á© Shutterstock / Sarah Weldon© Shutterstock / Alastair Wallace12-17_Layout 1 06/06/2017 12:22 Page 4ArmstronghouseOffering a prime position in Grimsby, Armstrong House onArmstrong Street is ideally located. Close to the ports ofGrimsby and Immingham, motorway links and the town centre,off-street parking is also available for all staff and visitors,meaning it’s convenient too. Our spacious, welcoming officesare located on the ground floor and are both secure and CCTV-monitored, giving you the ultimate peace of mind.At Armstrong House, the flexible in/out terms of contractmean confidence when it comes to affordability and with a rangeof office sizes there are opportunities for all types of business. Ifyou require virtual office services, prices start from just £15 permonth. For more information, or to discuss your office requirements,give Scotts Property a call today on 01472 267000 and askabout Armstrong House.Last remaining office suitesPrime location in GrimsbySuperb Location -- Close to the ports of Grimsby &Immingham- Great motorwaylinks- Close to the town centreSecure off street parkingHigh speed internet availabilityEasy in/out termsA range of affordable office sizes33333Armstrong House, Armstrong Street,Grimsby DN31 2QETel: (01472) 310301 • Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.ukwww.shutterstock.com/terekhov igorwww.shutterstock.com/Yentafern12-17_Layout 1 06/06/2017 12:22 Page 5www.shutterstock.com/Yentafernwww.blmforum.netBusiness Link 17PROPERTYlifestyles and rural environments. Thismakes the city such a compelling placeto invest in and to live. Attractivebusiness rates and office rents; a young,highly educated talent pool andcompetitive labour costs ensure localbusinesses are well looked after andattract foreign investment. Residentialproperties are bolstered by qualitytransport links and relatively low livingcosts compared to London and manySouth East locations. Leeds alone does not make ourregion, which is built on the backs ofindustrious towns and cities. Leedsbenefits from the economic base of itscity region, which incorporates York,Bradford, Huddersfield, Wakefield andHarrogate. This wider economic areaalso contributes additional intellectualcapital through a number of other majorUK universities – including theUniversities of York and Bradford.Moreover, the wider city regionemploys a similar number of people inthe creative sector as Leeds does in itsown right, thereby enhancing the widerregional offering in this part ofYorkshire. “Contrary to common perception,large numbers of these [tech] companiesare based outside of the capital and thiswill continue to be the case. Evidenceshows that regional cities such as Leedsalso have the critical mass of talentnecessary to compete successfully inthis sector,” says Jonathan Shires,Senior Director at CBRE. He adds: “There are many temptingreasons to locate to the area, includingquality of life, access to large talentpools, transport connections and cost ofliving. Indeed, given the growing cost ofhigher education and the cost of livingin London, the large regional centressuch as Leeds are increasingly provingan attractive proposition for graduatesand employers.”The London property bubble has fortoo long blocked or blinded investorsfrom the North of England and itslucrative investment opportunities.Although the North is tipped for slowergrowth than the South East, Leeds hasplenty to offer as a creativepowerhouse and growing technologyhub. Though the city is often at theforefront of property discussions for ourregion, its economy and reputation isreliant on its orbiting towns and cities.Together, they ensure our regionalresidential market is a strong, reliableand attractive. © Shutterstock / AC Rider12-17_Layout 1 06/06/2017 12:22 Page 618Business Link www.blmforum.netMADE IN LINCOLNSHIREMade in LincolnshireThe Made in Lincolnshire Awards, which took place in May,revealed some of the most innovative and impressivemanufacturers in the region taking home top awards.The 17th of May saw top businessesacross the county attending the Made inLincolnshire 2017 awards at theDoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Lincoln.Organised by Streets CharteredAccountants and co-sponsored byNatWest Bank, and Business LincolnshireGrowth Hub, the event celebrated the bestof Lincolnshire manufacturing, and theinnovation shown in the region.Bringing together manufacturers fromacross the county, the awards ceremonyrecognised the variety of goods andservices produced in Lincolnshire.The event consisted of six categories inwhich businesses/products were nominated,and the award ceremony was hosted byMelvyn Prior, Presenter at BBC RadioLincolnshire. The finalists, along with thewinner in each category, were as follows:Made in Lincolnshire Sold LocallyRed Hill Farm Free Range PorkRocal GroupWitham Oil & Paint LtdWinner: Red Hill Farm Free Range PorkMade in Lincolnshire Sold NationwideMtag Composites LtdBailey TrailersSHD Composite MaterialsWinner: Mtag Composites LtdAwardsMade in Lincolnshire Sold OverseasSiemensJDM Food Group LtdCivil Defence SupplyWinner: JDM Food Group LtdMade in Lincolnshire for ManyGenerationsJames DawsonStokes Tea & CoffeeMicronclean ltdWinner: Micronclean LtdTo Be Made in LincolnshirePin GinSHD Composite Materials LtdPipers CrispsWinner: SHD Composite MaterialsMade in Lincolnshire World ClassDynex Semiconductor LtdSHD Composite Materials LtdSports & Leisure Brands LtdWinner: Sports & Leisure Brands Ltd18-19_Layout 1 07/06/2017 12:38 Page 1James Pinchbeck, Marketing Partner at Streets CharteredAccountants, told Business Link Magazine, “We areespecially pleased with the quality and diversity of entriesin our second Made in Lincolnshire Awards. The UK isenjoying something of resurgence in manufacturing andthis seems to be reflected within the sector locally. Bothentrants and winners highlight that Greater Lincolnshire isbecoming a diverse manufacturing base with innovativeproducts and growing demand overseas. Whilst moretraditional engineering continues to form part of the sector,we are today as likely to see manufacturing interests focusaround hi tech products, premium brands and food stuffs,even power generation. Equally many of ourmanufacturers can boast not just overseas demand butalso have great pride in producing world class products.“Whilst the sector does face challenges aroundinvestment, skills shortages and pressures on cost, publicand private sector support is helping to realiseopportunities forgrowth. We can truly beproud of the rolemanufacturing plays inGreater Lincolnshire inour economicprosperity.”www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 19MADE IN LINCOLNSHIRESports &Leisure BrandsReynolds House, Wigsley Road, North Scarle,Lincoln, LN6 9HDTel: 01522 778805Email: sales@sportsandleisurebrands.co.ukWeb: www.sportsandleisurebrands.co.uk Company profile: It all started in 1924 withReynolds sporting goodsstore in Lincoln, and theReynolds name continues aspart of the Sports & LeisureBrands portfolio. Thisincludes a range of garmentembellishment and eventbrands plus the industryleading Impsport, and morerecently VO2 Sportswear. Product Profile: Impsport has been supplying custom cycling clothing to theglobes elite sportsmen and women for over 30 years and ourgarments have been worn by winners of the highest cyclingaccolades; Tour De France champions, Olympic andCommonwealth Games gold medallists and World Champions. Wecontinue to push the boundaries of garment technology bycollaborating with the UKs leading designers, whilst still offeringgreat service and value to companies, clubs and societies of allsizes. Complementing our sporting brands we print & embroider ahuge range of clothing such as T-shirts and hoodies for clubs,teams and organisations across the globe. MTAGComposites LtdColdham Rd, Coningsby,Lincoln LN4 4SEEmail: enquiries@mtagcomposites.comWeb: www.mtagcomposites.com Established in2008, MTAGCompositesspecialises in themanufacture of highquality Phenolic,epoxy and polyesterglass fibre andcarbon fibrereinforced plasticmouldings – with adiverse product mixfor customers.PhFire resistant Phenolic materials have a distinct advantageover other types of available resins; this is due mainly to a chemicalstructure that is unique and inherently fire resistant. Phenolicmouldings do not readily burn, smoke and levels of toxic fumes areminimal.Mass transit companies thriving to improve levels of public safety,are specifying Phenolic mouldings because of these excellentcharacteristics. Phenolic composites are chosen to meet thestringent fire properties imposed by the rail industry.MTAG is dedicated to building long lasting working relationshipswith its entire customer base, through hard work and professionalservice, we have established some great partnerships on projectswithin the aerospace, rail and leisure industries. 18-19_Layout 1 07/06/2017 12:38 Page 2Next >