< PreviousA royal rumbleDear Sir,So the latest figures show that the economy is in a worse state than predicted, andunsurprisingly the Jubilee has been blamed thanks to the extra Bank Holiday. I’m boredof hearing additional holidays being blamed for a loss of productivity – are employeesso unengaged in their jobs that they can’t plan around these events? To hear some ofthese “experts” speak – most notably the appaling Katie Hopkins who consistently turnsup on our TV screens – it’s as if they believe businesses would work brilliantly if theydidn’t have their employees getting in the way. This is the Basil Fawlty school ofmanagement.R GodfreyGrimsbyLetters10www.blmforum.netREADER’S LETTERSLettersSomething to say? Write to: Business Link Magazine, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 2QE or email: letters@blmgroup.co.ukPlanning to failDear Sir,For all we hear about how the government is supposed to be making iteasier than ever for businesses to develop, my experience shows thatthe limitations are still apparent – especially when it comes to planning. Iwas staggered to learn that the latest figures by the Federation of SmallBusinesses said the majority of companies have to wait more than themaximum eight weeks allowed by ministers for local authorities todecide on most planning applications. Most small firms only want tomake minor changes to their business that would enable them to expandand diversify, so I agree withthose lobbying for a fast-track forsmall planning applications thatwould make the process cheaperand easier. Don’t the governmentwant to encourage growth?K CollinsScunthorpeRain stops playDear Sir,It’s sad to see the Great YorkshireShow being abandoned after only oneday this year due to the poor weatherconditions. Fortunately I wasn’texhibiting at the Show myself butplanned to attend one of the ultimatelycancelled days of the event, and I wasdisappointed at the manner in which itwas cancelled. Abandoning the Showafter a day was the worst of bothworlds – exhibitors had to spend moneyon their stands and transport withoutbeing able to make the cash back onsales. The weather was already awfulbefore the event – the decision shouldhave been made before anyone madethe trip.F NicholasHarrogateThe green sceneDear Sir,It’s instructive to remember that this government promised to be “the greenestgovernment ever”. Yet two years on from the election, after Francis Maude told usall to buy as much petrol as we possibly can to avoid the disaster of having to walksomewhere for a change, now the government are continually chipping away at allthe incentives for businesses and households to invest in energy saving technology.This short-term thinking will do nothing for the UK’s prosperity in the long term, asit will doubtless lead to businesses spending more of their turnover than ever onfuelling the same gas-guzzling vehicles and boilers they were never encouraged toreplace.G DaviesLincoln10:Layout 1 30/7/12 11:38 Page 1BUSINESS SCENEwww.blmforum.net11Fore! a good causeStreets Chartered Accountants hosted theirinaugural charity golf day at the Lincoln Golf Clubat Torksey. For once this summer the weatherwas kind and some eighty people supported andenjoyed the day. The day proved a real winner,not just for those playing but also the firm’snominated charities, with the fantastic sum of£1500 being raised and split across The SailorsChildren’s Society, The Cathedral TurretsRestoration Campaign and Aquaid Lifeline Fund.The Winning Team was George Tarbotton, BenTarbotton, Mark Rozenbroek and Mark Shreevesof The Rotary Club of Humberside, with ChoiceIndependent Financial Services and LincsArchiving Solutions in second and third placerespectively. Ben Tarbotton was also namedoverall winner with the highest score of the day.PHOTOS BY ANGELA COOPER11:Layout 1 30/7/12 10:50 Page 1GROUND FLOOR OFFICESTO LET - PRIME LOCATIONIN GRIMSBYTELEPHONE 01472 310302From 27.5m2(296ft2) to 199m2(2142ft2) approx. availableRecently refurbished to a high standardEasy access to motorway, ports and towncentreSecure off street parking for staff andvisitors Negotiable terms WE AREHERE12:Layout 1 30/7/12 10:34 Page 1COMMERCIAL PROPERTYwww.blmforum.net13It’s perhaps not surprising thatproperty development has stalledsomewhat in recent years due todelicate trading conditions. Indeed, withYorkshire Bank closing their newproperty loan book, propertydevelopment looks to be a particularlyhazardous occupation for our region.The latest figures would seem toemphasise that – a new report byofficebroker.com suggests that demandfor office space in Leeds city centre hasfallen by more than half compared to ayear ago, while DTZ’s latest reportannounces that industrial take-up in thefirst quarter of 2012 fell to its lowestlevel for nearly three years.So what does the future hold for thesector? Tim Cameron-Jones, SeniorDirector at DTZ in Leeds, suggests, “Astraditional bank lending continues totighten, other lenders will step in. Weare yet to see a significant number ofdeals in the region with institutionstaking the role as lender, but interestfrom this sector is increasing.“Lack of new development and thelock down of prime assets by existingowners means that the prime market isvery overcrowded and investorsseeking opportunities in the market willneed to look to non-prime assets tosatisfy their requirements. Low vacancyrates in many sectors in the regionmeans that this is a less riskyproposition than many investorsbelieve and understanding thedynamics of the occupational market iskey to investing well.”One of the ways in which newdevelopments can go ahead in throughthe Community Infrastructure Levy – amechanism for securing funding fromdevelopment for local infrastructureprojects. The Levy is deployed throughthe planning process alongside otherplanning requirements such asaffordable housing. All local authoritiescan implement CIL provided they havean up-to-date development plan and acharging schedule that has withstoodan examination in public, and BradfordCity Council has appointed DTZ andArup to advise on the development of aCIL for the city.Given the challenges that face newdevelopment, it’s perhaps notsurprising that projects are undergoingmore scrutiny than ever before. Forexample, Gregory Projects’ planneddevelopment in Harrogate, to transforma derelict bowling alley on Tower Streetto a five-storey hotel with related use,has been revamped after the Councilrefused their initial application.Consultation is now taking place on analternative scheme which, it’s hoped,will make a positive contribution to theconservation area and address theservicing arrangements that wereconsidered unsuitable with the existingproposal.If new developments are lesscommon, refurbishment of existingbuildings is proving increasinglypopular. In the past month or so,Directorbank have let 1480 sq ft atWilton Developments’ 2 Bond Courtscheme in Leeds and, elsewhere in thecity, Gardner & Theobald have taken1300 sq ft at 15 St Paul’s Street.Lettings such as this are a greatexample of how substantialrefurbishment can breathe new life intoa building and attract high profileoccupiers – illustrating there’s stillvalue in the commercial propertysector.New horizons for propertyDespite delicate trading conditions, the property sector continues to innovate andlook for solutionsBradford City Council has appointedDTZ and Arup to advise on thedevelopment of a CIL for the cityDirectorbank havelet 1480 sq ft atWiltonDevelopments’ 2Bond Courtscheme inLeedsNew horizons for property13:Layout 1 30/7/12 10:36 Page 114www.blmforum.netGRANTHAM & GRAVITY FIELDSGrantham is set to come alivewith its first ever festival thisSeptember. With cultural,historical, scientific and businessevents happening over the courseof a week, Gravity Fields shouldtransmit the message that thetown is a buzzing place to visitand do business.With Grantham already beinga rather attractive place inwhich to do business, itslaunch of the Gravity Fields Festival,showcasing some of the reasonspeople choose to settle there, shouldconfirm this. With the town’s transportlinks in particular being excellent, itsproximity via rail to London and otherkey business locations as well as to theA1 has always ensured the townenjoys a commuter-belt like reputation.This, combined with its quaint markettown feel, means it straddles both ruraland urban lifestyles. Gravity Fields as a festival presentsan exciting range of shows, sciencepresentations, theatre, art, outdoorperformances, exhibitions, heritage,kids’ events and even a businessseminar or two. The packedprogramme running from 21st to 28thSeptember, aims to explore, celebrateand interpret some of the big scientificideas being touted today as well aslooking back to where some of theseideas are rooted. With a focus on thetown’s most famous son, Sir IsaacNewton, giving the festival its name,there are events geared towards allinterests. This includes the chance tosee a mobile planetarium and a soundinstallation from artist Jem Finer. Thereare also several events geared aroundthe great Sir Isaac himself - an audiotour of the town, a scientific portraitexhibition at Belton House and talks onsubjects such as Newton’s privatepapers, his legal fights and hiscontributions to marine navigation andhow that impacts today. What will be most interesting tobusiness owners and leaders in thesouth of the county, though, will be theconference on science and technologyand how this can be utilised forsupporting business growth. Takingplace towards the end of the Festival,Thursday 27th September sees StokeRochford Hall hosting the Science andTechnology Support for BusinessConference. Intended for companies who areseeking science and tech advice,funding and support, it promises to beone of the highlights of the week. Co-ordinated by De Montfort University, itensures local business can share thefestival’s themes of discovery andinnovation. The day-long event is free to attendand is aimed at local and regionalSMEs with informative speakers,networking, presentations andopportunities to discuss individualissues. It includes speakers from theTechnology Strategy Board, UK Tradeand Investment and the KnowledgeTransfer Partnership which should bethe perfect opportunity to discoverways of enhancing business.One of Newton’s favourite topics –space - takes centre stage withProfessor Alan Wells, creator of theLeicester Space Research Centre andSir Isaac Newton,who the GravityFields Festivalhonours in its nameand science-heavycontentDown toearthGrantham straddles bothrural and cosmopolitan living14-15:Layout 1 30/7/12 10:39 Page 1GRANTHAM & GRAVITY FIELDSwww.blmforum.net15Tim Just, who runs the SpaceApplications group at the UK’sTechnology Strategy Board. Several exhibitors are also going tobe present at the conference, includingthe Transport iNet, who assist smalland medium sized businessesoperating within aerospace,automotive, marine, motorsport andrail industry sectors, working toaccelerate innovation and providingsupport to develop products andservices and to access new supplychains. Other exhibitors include G & HAssociates, MAS, Cummins,Northampton University and theUniversity of Leicester. Taking the temperature It’s not just Gravity Fields that isbringing big names to the townhowever. On Wednesday 12thSeptember, the annual Directors’Briefing, organised by Duncan andToplis, will have speakers such as JohnCridland from the CBI, Sleaford andNorth Hykeham MP Stephen Phillipsand Neil Parker who is NatWest’smarket strategist. The event, held atBelton Woods Hotel in Belton marksthe return of John Cridland, it marks areturn to the area. Educated at Boston GrammarSchool, John has worked for the CBIsince 1982 and took the helm in 2010after holding the title of DirectorGeneral from 2000. He will bediscussing how the CBI is working tosecure private sector growth, the UK’sexporting potential and business needsfrom the education system. With therise of academies across the county, itwill be fascinating to hear his thoughts.As well as the conferencing andcelebrations taking part in September,Grantham College is to offer support tothe wider business community withinthe area as it has secured funding fromLincolnshire County Council. Thefunding will be used to work withSMEs across Lincolnshire, via thecollege’s project Up Skill Your Futurewhich trains vulnerable young peopleto work, sustain and progress withinthe employment sector. The project aims to engage with fiftySMEs and around 130 young peoplewith the aim being to develop anddeliver training and skills packageswhich are customised to meet theneeds of both employer and youngpeople equally. This kind ofengagement looks set to address atleast a small section of young peoplewho are suffering in terms ofunemployment at present thanks to theglobal recession.Positivity seems to be the order ofthe day for Grantham at the moment.With its enviable location and beautifulsurroundings, it’s no surprise to find itis one of the fastest-growing towns inthe county. We’ll be keeping a closeeye on its progress in the comingmonths. The Trials of Galileo, which takesplace on Saturday 22ndSeptember at the GuildhallBallroom as part of the culturaland scientific celebrationsPHOTO: HINT OF LIME PRODUCTIONSSupporters of theGravity Fields eventinclude…14-15:Layout 1 30/7/12 10:39 Page 216www.blmforum.netENGINEERINGFor many charged with energising the UK economy, aflourishing engineering sector is considered one ofthe most important aspects, providing hugepotential for expansion and export success. Happily ourpart of the world has a long-established and world-renowned reputation in engineering and as innovationcontinues, so too do numerous opportunities.High-end advanced engineering has frequently beenchampioned as an obvious solution to the downturn – awealth-creating and innovative sector that can competefor major international contracts and enjoy exceptionalexport success. The recent Global Manufacturing Festival brought majornames in the sector to the area and emphasised theopportunities and challenges that a more internationalfocus can bring about, and Foreign Office Minister JeremyBrowne MP was among those highlighting the need to bemore competitive on a global scale. This has certainlybeen proven by the export success of many of ourregion’s leading engineering companies.DavyMarkham of Sheffield, for example, have recentlycompleted production on a multi-million pound contractto supply mine hosts to Peru. An eight foot single-drumservice hoist, with a personnel-carrying cage and apayload capacity of 2400kg, was shipped to the site,owned by Volcan Compañia Minera, in January 2012 andwill operate to a shaft depth of 970 metres. The secondhoist ready for shipment is a 12 feet double drumproduction hoist which will have a payload capacity of9000kg and will be capable of hauling twin ore skips.The electrical drives and controls for the new hoistswere subcontracted to ABB Sweden, a long-termcommercial partner of the company in the mining sector.ABB also supplied the hydraulic brake control system forDavyMarkham’s disk brake assemblies. This is a newmarket for the company but a senior project team fromtheir Peruvian partners visited Sheffield to see the hoist inproduction, and the project illustrates the high quality,specialised production that takes place in the region.Other businesses such as Sheffield Forgemasters aremaking the most of new opportunities. The firm hasrecently announced the launch of a new subsidiary, itsseventh, known as Sheffield Forgemasters RD26, whichwill market its high-technology design services to thebroader engineering sector. The company has alsorecently passed a very testing audit to retain its twenty-year coveted ASME status as a key supplier of heavyforgings and castings to the civil nuclear power market.The aim is also to secure a higher level ASME NPTaccreditation early next year, enabling the company tobecome the only UK producer of heavy forgings andcastings to physically weld-fabricate such safety criticalcomponents to form the heart of a nuclear power plant.It’s not just in the heavy duty engineering sectors whereour region is excelling. The first engineering degreespecifically for the food and drink sector is to be deliveredby Sheffield Hallam University.The value of encouraging new entrants to the sector,GettingintogearThe engineering sector is vital to theUK’s prosperity – and our region isensuring it continues to excelSheffieldForgemasters haspassed an audit toretain its ASMEstatus as a keysupplier of heavyforgings andcastings to thecivil nuclearpower market16-18:Layout 1 30/7/12 11:49 Page 1ENGINEERINGwww.blmforum.net17DavyMarkham of Sheffield, in partnership with ABB, haverecently completed production on a multi-million poundcontract to supply mine hosts to PeruHETA, alongsideForewind, havelaunched theChampions forWind programmein which studentshave gained aninsight into careeropportunitiesTRAINEDHETAAPPRENTICES AVAILABLEAcross 2 sites, Hull & Grimsby, HETA have qualified apprentices available for your companyPre-selected through the renowned thorough HETA selection processApprentices available in Multi-skilled, Electrical, Welding, Pipefitting and InstrumentationAvailable for immediate startNO hidden chargesFOR MORE DETAILS ON ON THE HETA APPRENTICESHIPSCHEME CALL JAMES MCINTOSH 07889 723462OR EMAIL james.mcIntosh@heta.co.uk OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.heta.co.ukEngineering The FutureHumberside Engineering Training Associationparticularly with the opportunities the rise and rise ofrenewable energy is bringing, has also been illustratedby HETA. The Humberside Engineering TrainingAssociation won the award for Excellence inRenewables Training & Education at the recent HumberRenewables Awards, thanks to its bespoke renewableenergy apprenticeship, aimed at the wind energyindustry, which aims to ensure our region has the talentto match the geographical advantages of the regionwhen companies are looking to relocate.To this end HETA, alongside Forewind, have alsolaunched the Champions for Wind programme in whichmore than six hundred students have gained an insightinto the range of the career opportunities available in thesector. The students have all been at secondary schoolswith teacher “champions” who were awarded bursariesto develop their own curriculum-based resources.This collaboration between education and engineeringspecialists is reaping rewards across the region. TheInstitute of Mechanical Engineers, for example, iscurrently running its Formula Student competition whichchallenges young engineers to design and build asingle-seat racing car, in an attempt to inspire anddevelop enterprising and innovative young talent. Thestudents gain vital practical and commercial skills, aswell as showcasing their talent to a host of blue chipbusinesses. Both Sheffield universities have enteredstudents into the competition and Matt Rodgers of Bell &Buxton Solicitors, the sponsors of the University ofSheffield’s team, says, “The project itself acts as abrilliant learning experience for all those taking part,enabling them to apply the theory learnt in lectures andintroducing real world working problems.”Promoting engineering as a career should lead to aneven more innovative and talented sector – and at atime when engineering is taking on increased value forthe nation’s prosperity, that’s good news for Yorkshireand Lincolnshire.16-18:Layout 1 30/7/12 11:49 Page 218www.blmforum.netENGINEERINGABB Consulting has had an excellentfirst half of 2012, winning lots of workacross their diverse range of services.While, sadly, not all chemicalcompanies are part of the recent boomin the sector, there are many in the UKwho are doing particularly well and,with ABB, are striving to achieveoperational excellence.ABB provides technical consultingand engineering services across allparts of the chemical sector and otherprocess industries. Some examples ofwork that is growing fast are...* Process safety in designverification – testing and reviewing alldesign philosophies and safetyprocesses to identify any potentialsafety issues* Risk Based Inspection– using a risk basedapproach to improveequipment integrity andlower the total cost ofinspection* Re-HAZOP and actionimplementation – applying the Hazardand Operability technique to existingassets, and closing out any arisingactions to ensure that they areoperated to the highest safetystandards* Asset life/asset ageing studies –studies to help maintain the integrityand reliability of assets that areoperating beyond their design life* Asset closure – delivery of costeffective and safe demolitionFor many years ABB Consulting haveworked in these areas, and others, tohelp customers in the UK to improvetheir performance, now the rest of theworld is catching up. With offices inTeesside, Cheshire, Humberside,Aberdeen, Houston, Middle East, SouthAfrica, Norway and Singapore, they areideally placed to offer a truly globalservice. To learn more about ABB Consulting,visit www.abb.com/consulting.ABB Consulting assistschemical boom16-18:Layout 1 30/7/12 11:49 Page 3ACCOUNTANCY REVIEWwww.blmforum.net19It’s around a year sincethe Bribery Act came intoforce, but surveyssuggest a lack ofunderstanding and amajority of firms seemunconcerned over thepotential costs involved.A recent survey by Deloitte suggeststhat less than a tenth of respondentsare concerned about the possibility ofaction due to the bribery act againsttheir company. Around 57% actuallystated they were not worried whichsuggests the act hasn’t been as game-changing as was hoped.Only one person so far has actuallybeen prosecuted under the act, whichwas a law clerk taking small bribes tofix traffic tickets. The warning must bethat, although this has been the onlyinstance, firms should not be lulled intoa false sense of security. While thecase may seem like small fry,supporters of the Act’s activation claimthat many companies have actuallychanged their policies and haveembedded the legislation into theircompliance programmes. This caninvolve looking into using third partiesas a matter of course and putting innew procedures. There has apparentlyalso been a rise in anti-bribery trainingof staff, risk assessments in relation tobribery and carrying out due diligenceon suppliers and contractors too.Confusion seems to be the moodwhen it comes to the Act, with firmsunaware or unsure what the act hasmeant for them. However, it seems thatthe issue is being taken more seriously,with attention being paid to facilitationpayments and allegations anddiscrepancies that might look potentiallylibellous taking on elevated importance.Jonathan Middup of Ernst & YoungFraud Investigation and DisputeServices says, “Getting it wrong canhurt a business deeply and it’s alwaysmuch easier to comply with this typeof legislation from the start, rather thantrying to contain any damage at a laterdate.”But is the issue with training?Another survey, by Ernst & Youngthemselves, suggests that 45% ofmanagers felt they hadn’t receivedadequate training or information tocomply with the anti-corruptionlegislation. If firms aren’t providing thetraining themselves, then how aremanagers expected to see the warningsigns or implement measures againstbribery when they suspect it ishappening? Perhaps an increased onuson making managers aware of thelegislation, no matter how unlikely theyare to come across bribery should bethe norm from now on.Corporate entertainment is one issuewhich has had people confused. Forexample, does taking a client out for ameal and paying for it on the hope thatthey will do business with youconstitute a form of bribery? The shortanswer is no, the Act does not prohibittraditional arrangements such as this.Bona fide hospitality and promotion, orother business expenditure which seeksto improve the image of a commercialorganisation, better to present productsand services or establish cordialrelations, is recognised as anestablished part of doing business. It isnot the intention of the Act tocriminalise this kind of behaviour.Reasonable hospitality to meet,network and improve relationshipswith customers is a normal part ofbusiness. This is a fact which shouldallay fears businesses may have hadover the Act.Has thebriberyact fallenflat?Has thebriberyact fallenflat?19:Layout 1 30/7/12 10:40 Page 1Next >