< PreviousPositive mood atCereals 2015 asfarmers look to thefutureDespite the squeeze on arable incomes caused by low grain prices andrelatively high input prices, there was a positive mood at Cereals 2015 amongfarmers and exhibitors.Many of the 24,500 visitors attending the event took full advantage of theexpert technical and financial advice on offer from over 500 exhibitors tohelp drive their businesses forward. Jon Day, events director, says,“Technical and machinery exhibitors were kept busy by growers keen toexplore improved cultivations and soil health, better drilling techniques,integrated weed management strategies and impressive advances inprecision farming.“The business area was popular with growers wanting to maintain a gripon budgets and production costs. All this reflected the sense ofdetermination among visitors to ride out current problems. The feedbackwe’ve had from visitors and exhibitors has been overwhelmingly positive.Cereals continues to build on its position as the leading UK arable technicalevent and a key date for forward-looking arable growers.”20Business Link www.blmforum.netFOOD, CHEMICALS & PROCESS INDUSTRIESBishopsgate manages saleof Microgard to AnsellBishopsgate Corporate Financehas advised the shareholders ofMicrogard on its sale to globalprotective solutions group Ansellfor £59 million.Microgard designs,manufactures and sells chemicalprotective clothing to more than75 countries worldwide. Inaddition to its Hull head office, thecompany has a Germansubsidiary and manufacturingsubsidiaries in Xiamen, China,employing 750 people across itsgroup. Founded over a hundredyears ago, Ansell designs,develops and manufactures awide range of personalprotection solutions.Graham Stonehouse,Microgard founder, says, “Weare pleased that Microgard isjoining forces with Ansell, therecognised world leader inprotection solutions. Ansell’sglobal reach, commitment toquality and record of innovationwill deliver immediate value to ourbusiness, our people and our partners.“I’d like to thank Tom Spencer at Bishopsgate for his hard work and constantsupport throughout this transaction. His guidance, sound judgement and cleardecision-making eased a complex process and helped ensure a successfulcompletion.”Harris secures redevelopmentopportunity with BritvicHCM Projects, which is part of Harris Construction Management,has started work on a major £7 million construction project forBritvic Soft Drinks at the company’s Swinnow Lane site in Bramleynear Leeds.The project will enable Britvic to substantially increase itsproduction capacity and create forty new jobs, taking total staffnumbers at the site to more than two hundred, as well as helpingmeet the demands of a challenging and competitive commercialclimate. Britvic’s factory and warehouse in Leeds currently producesmixers and fruit juices such as J2O for the domestic andinternational market, in both bottles for consumers and bag-in-a-boxcontainers for the hospitality industry. HCM has been appointed to undertake the design andconstruction of new extensions and alterations to the existingbuildings and staff car park, provide a new water treatment plantand new lorry park at the facility.Associated works include diversions to below-ground drainage,slab improvements, structural alterations, installation of “food-safe”wall linings and rearrangement of the existing internal mechanicaland electrical service installations.20-23_Layout 1 29/06/2015 14:14 Page 1University works todevelop robotic broccoliharvest systemResearch at the University of Lincoln could result in a fully-automatic robotic harvesting system for broccoli.The University is one of more than seventy UK businesses anduniversities to share funding through the £70 million Agri-TechCatalyst, which aims to improve the development of agriculturaltechnology in the UK.The project, jointly funded by BBSRC and Innovate UK, will testwhether 3D camera technology can be used to identify and selectwhen broccoli is ready for harvesting. This will be a key steptowards the development of a fully automatic robotic harvestingsystem for broccoli, which will significantly reduce production costs.The research team comprises academics Professor Tom Duckettand Dr Grzegorz Cielniak from Lincoln’s School of ComputerScience and Dr Simon Pearson from the University’s NationalCentre for Food Manufacturing at Holbeach. The main industrypartner is R Fountain & Son, horticultural consultants based inBoston, who will be responsible for creating the broccoli-cuttingdevice.WensleydaleCreamerylaunchesYorkshireYogurtThe Wensleydale Creamery haslaunched a new luxury Yorkshire Yogurtrange, with listings in Asda andindependent retailers.The yogurt is produced usingYorkshire milk and features a fruit layer, available in fourflavours - strawberry & raspberry, lemon curd, rhubarb & vanilla and toffee apple. Packaged in potsdesigned to highlight the fruit layer, the striking designs also proudly showcase the Wensleydale Creamery’s British dairy credentialsdisplaying the Union Jack flag, coupled with four distinct coloured lids to aid shelf standout.David Hartley, Managing Director of The Wensleydale Creamery, says, “We spotted a clear gap in the market for a luxury Yorkshire Yogurt rangewith a focus on premium quality and a naturally creamy taste. We are following on from the success of our award winning Yorkshire Wensleydalecheese, and more recently butter, which has been well received by consumers in the wider dairy category.” The yogurts will also be sold through independent farm shops and delis and the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre.www.blmforum.netSlingsby enjoysdirect successBradford-based workplace equipment supplier Slingsby hasbeen named as the UK’s best Industrial and Warehouse SuppliesBusiness at the prestigious European Catalogue & Mail OrderDirect Commerce Awards. The awards were presented at aglittering ceremony in London by Sky News anchor DermotMurnaghan. Slingsby supplies more than 35,000 workplace productsthrough its website and catalogue, which is a familiar sight in alltypes of businesses and organisations. This year the companyalso invested an estimated £500,000 in its ‘Price Drop’ campaignwhich has seen it reduce or hold prices on more than eightthousand products. Lee Wright, Marketing Director of Slingsby, pictured withDermot Murnaghan, says, “This is the first time we’ve enteredthese awards and to win the Industrial and Warehouse category isa great achievement. Our ability to continually innovate, as well asgoing above and beyond the norm, continually sets us apart fromour competitors and we’re delighted the judges recognised this.”20-23_Layout 1 29/06/2015 14:14 Page 222Business Link www.blmforum.netFOOD, CHEMICALS & PROCESS INDUSTRIESIn many cases changes have beensomewhat forced upon manufacturers anddesigners, thanks to the demands of theircustomers and the requirement to ensureefficiencies at each stage of production.The introduction of new systems andprocesses aren’t cheap, but compared withthe risk of batch rejection, fines for non-compliance, upset supermarket customersand even loss of market share, this shouldbe seen as a necessity rather than simplydesirable. Certainly adopting fullyautomated packaging processes can ensuregreater accuracy, cut waste, save time andmoney and significantly increase output.Events such as Packaging Innovations,Pharmapack Europe and the forthcomingPPMA Show illustrate the huge interest inlocating and devising new ideas to ensureproducts stand out on the shelves for allthe right reasons. The introduction of newmachinery has often helped drivedevelopment but creativity is equally asimportant and many of the biggestsuccesses in packaging in recent yearshave come about through a bright idearather than extensive investment.Indeed, this is emphasised by IggesundPaperboard, who are working via thecrowdsourcing company Crowdspring tochallenge the world’s designers to improveexisting consumer packaging. StaffanSjöberg, who is in charge of the project atIggesund, says, “Every day we all seeexamples of packaging that could beimproved by a better choice of materials ora better design. Now we’re giving designersall over the world the chance to contributetheir ideas on how to replace packagingBOXESof delightYorkshire and Lincolnshire’s food and beverage industry is vital to the region’s prosperity.This month Business Link examines the changes in legislation and increased interest inrecycling that has led to many companies reviewing their packaging offeringsUnited by Design, based in York, has been honoured by the internationally-renowned A’ Design Awards for their distinctive work for beer maker TreboomDPS Digital in Sleafordwere recently engagedto provide personalisedpackaging for a muchloved brand of cakes20-23_Layout 1 29/06/2015 14:14 Page 3www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 23made of glass, plastic or metal withsolutions that use paperboard.”Iggesund is not looking forinexpensive ideas which can be put intocommercial use. Instead, the aim is toget a picture of how global designers asa collective group believe they can steerpackaging development in a moresustainable direction, and StaffanSjöberg says, “We’re just interested ingetting a snapshot of how designersbelieve they can improve the packagingthey see in the shops they visit on adaily basis. We want to publish the ideasbut we are not interested in exploitingthem commercially.” The whole idea isto convince the industry to look closer atwhat’s on offer and identify potentialchanges that can make a difference.The increased consumer choice inrecent years has meant products haveto stand out on the shelves, and withbrands and retailers producing morerange variants, the race for retail shelf-space has certainly heated up in recentyears. As Neil Farmer, independentconsultant and spokesperson for thepackaging sector, says, “ To achievehigher shelf spacing is the challengefacing all producers. This is particularlyso in convenience stores where spaceis even more limited. The use of mixedtray systems therefore has great merit,allowing more variety, choice andrange of products. With an assortedrange of products there’s a greaterchance of seeing something which willcatch the eye.”There are certainly examples acrossour region of innovation in printing andpackaging. DPS Digital in Sleaford,were recently engaged to providepersonalised packaging for a muchloved brand of cakes which wouldappeal to consumers looking forsomething special. DPS Digital had toensure that the product remainedrealistically priced and that productionof the thousands of individual orderswouldn’t result in excessive waste.After several months of development,DPS Digital came up with a workablesolution that enabled them to producethe required boxes as one-offs. Theywere also required to match the coloursof the existing brand, a task achieved bymanually colour correcting the artworkand colour matching by eye. A colourprofile was then produced so that all ofthe boxes printed in the future wouldmatch. Once the development processwas complete, DPS Digital presentedthe boxes to the brand managementteam, who gave them the green light atthe start of June to begin production tosupport online orders.Managing Director Matt Savage says,“Digital printing has developed sorapidly in recent years that printing one-off personalised items has now becomecompletely feasible. DPS Digital hasworked tirelessly over the last year tocreate a system that will ensure zerospoilage during the manufacture of theboxes – something we’re particularlyproud of.”Meanwhile, United by Design, basedin York, has been honoured by theinternationally-renowned A’ DesignAwards, the largest of their kind in theworld. Within the design industry an A’Award is generally regarded as a‘certificate of excellence’ for creativework. The agency’s distinctive work forbeer maker Treboom was presentedwith a Bronze award in the PackagingDesign category. The packaging industry moves so fastthat many companies may findthemselves bewildered by the choicethat’s on offer – but packagingspecialists can certainly help them findthe solution that’s right for them toensure they stand out on the shelvesand meet all the demands of theircustomers.PHOTO COURTESY SUMITOMO DEMAG20-23_Layout 1 29/06/2015 14:14 Page 4€1 millionaward forDeep’sclimatechangeresearchfacilitiesHull is to play acentral role in shapingthe future ofinternational climatechange policy,following a €1 millionaward. The Universityof Hull’s state-of-the-art Total Environment Simulator at The Deep in Hull willfigure strongly in a Europe-wide project aimed at improving climate changeforecasts.Environmental researchers, led by Dr Stuart McLelland and Professor DanParsons of the Department of Geography, Environment and Earth Scienceshave been awarded funding to carry out research as part of the €10 millionEU-funded HYDRALAB+ project. The University will be working with 23other European centres of research excellence over the next four years toimprove predictions about how rivers, estuaries and coasts respond toenvironmental change.Professor Parsons says, “The project will utilise the particular strengthsand expertise at specialist facilities throughout Europe to develop newtechniques and protocols to improve how climate change is modelled and itsimpacts forecasted. In Hull’s case, we have access to the Total EnvironmentSimulator, one of the most sophisticated pieces of equipment for modellingthe effects of flows and waves levels under different environmentalconditions.”Wetherby wind turbinesupplier achievesnational accreditationWetherby-based wind turbine business Earthmill hasbecome one of only four companies across the UK toreceive accreditation from the National Farmers Union’srenewable energy division to install wind turbines.The accreditation as a Farm Energy Service approvedsupplier recognises Earthmill’s experience, professionalismand high-tech service, from planning to turbine installationand maintenance. In order to achieve the accreditation, Earthmill had to gothrough the NFU’s rigorous due diligence process whichincluded being audited by an independent consultant onthe company’s financial standing, its renewables industrytrack record, interviews with current clients, as well asquality assurance and health and safety.Steve Milner, managing director of Earthmill, says, “The farming community is at the heart of our business and to receive recognition of the service weprovide to them from their trade association is hugely rewarding. It demonstrates to farmers that we are a reputable company, committed to working withthem to the very highest of standards.”Leading green tech brandsecures EU fundingPowerstar, the voltage optimisation brand manufactured in Sheffield,has been awarded a €1.65 million grant from the EU’s Horizon 2020Innovation & Research Programme. Powerstar was one of only 4% ofcompanies, from nearly seven hundred applicants, that was successful atsecuring funding.Awarded in relation to Powerstar Virtue, the recently launchedinnovative energy storage solution, the funding will result in a jointproject between E.ON Energy, a major UK retailer and WarwickUniversity, to commission a 3MW installation at one of the UK retailer’sstores. Once installed the site will have the capability of becomingentirely grid independent. It’s expected the project will be the first of itskind in the UK.Dr Alex Mardapittas, managing director of Powerstar, says, “Securingthe funding justifies our decision to continually develop and evolve ourtechnology solutions to meet changing market demands. We are verymuch looking forward to working with E.ON and Warwick University onwhat will be an exciting project.”24Business Link www.blmforum.netENERGY & RENEWABLES24-25_Layout 1 29/06/2015 14:15 Page 1Innovative machinesscoop IMMA awardsA radical new header, a versatile strip-till cultivator,a powerful new tractor range and a drift-free bandsprayer have been awarded gold in this year’sInternational Machinery Manufacturers’ Awards held atCereals 2015.Peter Redman, chairman of the judging panel, says,“Machinery buyers are always looking for improvements inperformance and reductions in cost. In addition they are encouraged toachieve sustainable soil management, to control pollution and maintainbiodiversity. The IMMA aims to point buyers to those machines that can make a difference in any oneor all of these areas.”In the Cultivation equipment category, Kverneland’s Kultistrip strip-till soil management system,pictured, is said to improve yields, cut production costs and prevent soil erosion in varying climaticand agronomic conditions.The Harvest machinery category was won by New Holland’s Dual Stream Header, Valtra’s new T4 range of tractors won the tractor category and the winner in the Sprayers categorywas Micron’s Varidome S3 100Hi-Flo, a shielded band sprayer for cereals, root and other narrowlyplanted row crops.Grain exporter chooses ESOS energyaudit providerGainsborough-basedgrain and pulsesexporter GleadellAgriculture hasappointed OrchardEnergy to helpmaximise its energyefficiency as part of agovernmentprogramme.While Gleadellalready monitorsenergy consumptionfor all its sites withinthe business, it believes the ESOS assessment will provide further opportunities, enablingoutputs and costs to be further reduced. Any recommendations from the energyassessment that are reasonably practicable will be considered by the company.Gleadell chose Orchard Energy over alternative energy consultancies because of thecompany’s track record in tackling similar compliance issues and because they are confidentthat they will carry out a thorough audit and provide informed energy savingrecommendations.Gleadell operations manager Glynn Biss says, “Businesses with environmental impacts arecoming under pressure to be more environmentally efficient. Gleadell are committed toreducing our impact on the environment and continually improve the way in whichenvironmental issues will be managed.”Energy recruitment specialist has wind in its sailsA Leeds recruitment firm that specialises in renewable energy and construction recruitment has doubledthe size of its office following contract wins. Since the start of the year, Veritas Recruitment Solutions has won contracts to recruit renewablesspecialists on behalf of GMI Energy, Oakapple Energy and EcoLogic Living in Carlisle. It has also beenappointed to support Tockwith-based Duncan Renewables. As a result, Veritas, which now employs a teamof four, has redeveloped its offices and doubled its floor space in The Loft at Carlton Mills on Pickering Streetin Leeds. Managing Director Chris Tinson says, “Both the construction and renewables industries are growingrapidly as the economy improves and companies have to recruit the best people to stay ahead of thecompetition in a fierce marketplace. We are returning to a candidate driven market, where businesses rarelyhave the luxury of being able to cherry pick candidates and this makes a good recruitment firm invaluable.”Six more electricbuses for YorkAlmost £1 million has been invested in six electricbuses to serve passengers using York’s Park and Ridescheme. The new buses, to operate from the MonksCross site, have been sourced from Optare of Sherburnin Elmet near the city.In partnership with First, who operate the site, theintroduction of the new buses this month follows thesuccess of the introduction of a fully electric fleet ontothe new Poppleton Park & Ride last June.Enrico Vassallo, CEO of Optare, says, “There areover eighty Optare electric vehicles now currentlyin service across York, Harrogate, London,Nottingham, Coventry, Scotland, Switzerland andHolland and we anticipate the fleet at MonksCross will also prove an example of electricvehicles delivering a commercially viablepublic transport solution. As the leadingmanufacturer of electric buses in the UKwe are particularly proud to be able tocontribute to improved air quality inour own area.”www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 2524-25_Layout 1 29/06/2015 14:15 Page 2“Companies and individuals are nowregularly approaching us, rather thanthe other way round, and our recentaward win gave us added impetus topush forward with our new Lincolnoffice at Resolution House on CrusaderRoad. It’s been a frenetic period, but it’salso been really, really exciting – andwe know what comes out of it will beincredibly positive.“We’re looking to take on more staffas a result of our expansion. TheHumber LEP have been a great helpand our apprentice is now wellembedded in the organisation andillustrated that there are some excellentpeople out there. We want to make surewe’ve got the right people on board,and as we grow and develop, we’recertain the right people will find us.”26Business Link www.blmforum.netFLIXBOROUGH ECO TECHNOLOGIESIn recent weeks, the energy savingspecialists have been named NewBusiness of the Year at the NorthernLincolnshire Business Awards, enjoyedhuge success at the Lincolnshire Showwith plenty of interest from visitors, andare now looking towards furthersuccess with the expansion of theirLincoln office.Managing Director Giles Barker says,“The increased demand for our serviceshas encouraged us to grow further inboth the domestic and commercialsectors and work with otherorganisations to provide the very bestfor clients on the most efficient basis. Atthe Lincolnshire Show, we received 150enquires over the two days, so peopleare hearing about us and are veryinterested in the work we do.The introduction of the Lincoln office,in addition to their existing premises atNormanby Gateway in Scunthorpe,provides further opportunities forFlixborough Eco Technologies to servethe whole of the region – although theycontinue to work across the entirety ofthe UK. The company have successfullydelivered projects from the ScottishBorders right down to the far SouthWest of England. Regardless of the sizeof the client and the project,Flixborough Eco Technologies can offera professional, efficient and friendlyapproach that ensures clear benefits –on time and on budget.The range of advice, guidance,support and management FlixboroughEco Technologies can provide is huge.Not only do the company provide theExpanding througheco technologyIt’s been a busy but fantastically rewarding few months for Flixborough EcoTechnologies – still a young company, but growing fast26-27_Layout 1 30/06/2015 10:40 Page 1www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 27design and installation of energy saving and renewable technologies, suchas solar, renewable heating and LED lighting, but they also offer energyauditing and project development services – the complete package to ensurea bespoke and effective approach to suit whatever you require.As Giles says, “We can deal with everything from small domesticschemes, where people are looking to reduce their overheads, to biggerschemes where major companies are looking to diversify in terms of theirbuildings and land. In fact, there isn’t a client so far that we haven’t beenable to help.“We can deliver a project from conception to completion. Whether theclient is a family, a small business or a major company, the aim is not toforce them to change their ways but tailor what they do to make them evenmore efficient. That’s where we’re really finding the growth in our business.”The quality and professionalism of Flixborough Eco Technologies wasdemonstrated by the recent award win – but it’s the increase in enquiriesand the growing number of successfully delivered projects across the regionand across the UK that is the greatest illustration of their talent andenthusiasm.Flixborough Eco Technologies’ new Lincoln office is at Resolution House,Crusader Road, Lincoln LN6 7AS. Call them on 01522 244554. They arealso still at Normanby Gateway, Lysaghts Way, Scunthorpe, telephone01724 230240. Email info@flixecotech.co.uk or visitwww.flixboroughecotechnologies.co.uk for more information on their vastrange of services.26-27_Layout 1 30/06/2015 10:40 Page 2Lincolnshire successesin IoD AwardsDirectors from Lincolnshire were named as leaders in their business fields at theIoD East Midlands Director of the Year Awards.Karl Hick, Chief Executive Officer of Larkfleet Group construction company inBourne, was named overall East Midlands Director of the Year and also won theLarge Company category. Other Lincolnshire winners were Alan Hawkins, ChiefExecutive Officer of Turbine Efficiency, Lincoln in the Mid-Market category, whileSean Ramsden of Grimsby’s Ramsden International won in both the Family andInternational categories.Ron Lynch, IoD East Midlands Regional Director, says, “Our congratulations goto the winners who’ve come through a very strong field of company directors. Allour finalists have demonstrated excellence in leadership – but they also have thepersonal qualities and business acumen that will help deliver growth in theregional and national economy.”Pictured are Lincolnshire prizewinners Paul Heaver, Alan Hawkins, Karl Hick,Ruth Hargreaves (on behalf of Sean Ramsden), Iwona Lebiedowicz and RobertWilley, with Annette Wood, IoD Lincolnshire Chairman. Winners will go forward tothe UK Director of the Year finals later this year.BUSINESS GROWTHAmefa UK announcesstrong results as turnovertops £11 millionSheffield-based Amefa UK is continuing its transformation withturnover for 2014/15 hitting £11.3 million, more than double itsturnover six years ago.In 2009, the struggling business, which includes iconic Britishbrand Richardson Sheffield, made losses of £1.2 million. Led bycurrent managing director John Horton, a complete root andbranch reform was undertaken which has resulted in the companyonce again becoming a profitable business. John Horton says, “Our strategy was to start by investing in thebest people and build a top quality team who could ensure that weachieved our goals of providing outstanding customer service anddeveloping new products which would lead the way in terms ofstyle and design, all at an affordable price.”The company has also been supported by Sheffield businessadviser Grant Thornton. Peter Edwards, director at Grant Thornton in Sheffield, is pictured with John Horton.Grosvenor ‘pensionto peer’ fund investsin DoncasterdevelopmentSpecialist IFA Grosvenor Financial Consultants hasagreed funding of £3.45 million for Leeds-basedProspect Property Group’s new £10 millionenvironmentally sustainable office scheme at DoncasterInternational Business Park through the firm’s peer topension lending scheme.The Fountain Court scheme is in its second phase ofdevelopment with a further nine workpod office units of1450 sq ft and 1600 sq ft, under construction and due tobe completed this September.Mark Pepper, founder of York-based Grosvenor,established the commercial lending fund backed by hisclients’ pensions, after working extensively with HMRC andpension law experts. He is believed to be the first IFA inthe country to have developed the pension-to-peer lendingplatform in 2009.The system enables private and company pension potsto be lent commercially against secured investments,typically commercial property developments that requirefunding for building work.28Business Linkwww.blmforum.net28-29_Layout 1 29/06/2015 14:16 Page 1SMEs get chance to apply fornew grantsSMEs in the Humber region can apply for new grants of between£5000 and £200,000 from the Humber LEP’s Growing the Humberprogramme.Growing the Humber, the £4 million initiative funded by theGovernment’s Local Growth Fund, builds on the success of a £30 millionRegional Growth Fund scheme which has supported more than 190businesses with grants. Grant applications are assessed by an Investment Panel of privatesector business leaders who between them have knowledge and skills ofbusiness management, finance, law and property.David Kilburn, pictured, of MKM Building Supplies is Chair of the paneland says, “Growing the Humber has already been successful in helpingbusinesses of all shapes and sizes to make key investments that enablethem to grow and employ more people. We are pleased that money fromthe Government’s Local Growth Fund allows us to continue providingsupport to businesses that promotes economic growth for the Humber.”Melonie takes role at ThornBakerRecruitmentconsultancy Thorn Bakerhas appointed MelonieDebenham as operationsmanager to drive theexpansion of their Leedsoffice.With more than 24years’ experience inrecruitment, Melonie’sremit at Thorn Baker willbe to support the growthof the business viaoperations and businessdevelopment across theindustrial, commercialand engineering sectors. Melonie has previouslyworked at some of thebiggest recruitment firmsnationally, globally and regionally. These include Tate Recruitment,Concept Recruitment and Randstad. She is looking forward to helpingThorn Baker work towards their ambitious five year growth plans, whichwill involve offering support to the firm’s existing offices and developingthe growth of emerging locations such as Birmingham and Leeds.Melonie says, “The company already has a great vision and it is allabout maximising those ideas. It’s great that I am able to contributetowards these ideas and their current growth plans.”www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 29Productivity – aworkforce ormanagementproblem, or both?asks James Pinchbeck, Marketing PartnerStreets Chartered AccountantsThe Bank of England InflationReport in May included adowngrading in their forecast forproductivity. The UK has fallenwell behind its peers in terms ofproductivity, with levels now16% lower than it would havebeen if the pre-recession trendhad continued – and the Bank ofEngland’s forecast has beenrevised downward again.Why then are we deemed tobe less productive? Reasonsinclude the growing number ofuneconomical, even ‘zombie’businesses, which survive merely because they service debt orjust make enough. Such businesses have come about througha combination of low interest rates, the absence of a sharp up-turn in the economy and the general tendency by financialinstitutions to be more supportive towards struggling business.We’ve seen a growing proportion of lower skilled employers inthe workforce, which has had a negative effect on output and assuch workers tend to be less productive. Since 2008, spendingand activity focused around skills development has been subjectto cuts by many businesses. The impact of a significant lack ofinvestment over a prolonged period of time is now beginning toshow, with lower rates of productivity and economic output.In terms of the workforce, it seems there are many businesseswhose poor recruitment, selection and training has given rise toa less than effective workforce – a situation further compoundedby role ambiguity between what the employer wants from theirworkers and vice versa. It’s also increasingly the case that whilemany businesses face new and changing customer demands,their working practices haven’t changed to reflect this.It could also be said, with generally benign trading conditions,many businesses don’t have the desire, vision or skills to improvetheir business productivity. Equally such businesses tend to fail toattract the more skilled employees. It’s more likely than not suchbusinesses are prone to loss of its more productive staff to thosebusinesses that have more drive and flair.There is no single answer to the UK’s lack of productivity –but there must be more that business leaders and managerscan do to improve productivity.James Pinchbeck is Marketing Partner at StreetsChartered Accountants, a top 40 UK accountancy firm.Telephone 0845 8800320, email info@streetsweb.co.ukor visit www.streetsweb.co.uk28-29_Layout 1 29/06/2015 14:17 Page 2Next >