august 2019 £3.50 yorkshire & lincolnshire’s leading business magazine www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 34 ISSUE 8 Rebirth of a region MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY Total transparencyFuture focussedEVERYONE deserves to be safe online and protect their privacy. Call our team now and be safer online: 01673 898001 THE ARMOUR GROUP 27 Market Place, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, LN8 3HL We are THE ARMOUR GROUP We are your protectors #thecavalryiscoming WE HELP YOU BE BATTLE READY We listen and develop solutions that are a perfect match for your needs. Providing a wide range of services we can help you level up your expertise and prepare you to defend your online castle. WE ARE EXPERTS IN: • Cyber security • Cyber strategy consultancy • Secure network infrastructure • Cyber incidence and recovery • Data protection • Cyber awareness training days 02.qxp_Layout 1 02/08/2019 14:52 Page 1So, it hardly feels like news now, but Boris Johnson is the new Prime Minister and, if the suggested polls are true, likely to be the last Prime Minister if Scotland decides to have its own independence. Already facing a bevy of challenges and resignations, not to mention schisms within his own party, it’s hard to imagine how his premiership will be a favourable one. And, of course, that brings us all neatly onto the topic of Brexit, doesn’t it? The CBI has said that business in the UK is not ready for a No-Deal Brexit, but do we live in an era where that matters? It seems to many that some of the most dedicated in the PM’s cabinet have already decided that a No-Deal Brexit will be good, no matter the evidence. More are of the opinion that a damaging recession will simply be something we’ll have to accept. Perhaps after BoJo’s newly touted £100 million `Brexit is good` advertising campaign has come through we’ll all have a sunnier disposition on it. And maybe the NHS will receive it’s £350 million a week while we’re at it. But then, that’s always been how Boris Johnson has operated, isn’t it? It’s not about how successful something actually is, only how it looks to his supporters. Rooted more firmly in reality are our features this month, which cover a range of topics from the AD & biogas industry to accountants and more. We also look at the Humber Bank and the opportunities available for the region. All that, with in-depth insight from well-known business leaders in the industry and up-to-date news. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor From the Editor VISIT WWW.DEXTERSHARPE.CO.UK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Dexter & Sharpe Chartered Certified Accountants At the heart of Lincolnshire We provide a comprehensive range of services, if you would like to find out how we can help you or your business why not head over to the contact us page to find your local office. Our 130 years of experience has taught us to initially listen more than we talk. When we talk, you’ll find that it's plain jargon- free practical advice which is not only accurate but tailored to your specific needs. Having gained a full understanding of your business our aim is to ensure this timely advice helps you and your business achieve its objectives. For a pro-active, friendly and accessible service or your FREE Consultation contact one of our teams: Horncastle: 01507 526071 - Boston: 01205 311966 - Spilsby: 01790 753340 Bourne: 01778 393656 - Louth: 01507 609933 - Skegness: 01754 763222 - Lincoln: 01522 533588 AGRICULTURE • CHARITIES • CONSTRUCTION • FINANCIAL & CONSULTING • MANUFACTUYRING • MEDIA • MOTOR RETAIL & REPAIR • TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS • VETERINARY 03.qxp_Layout 1 01/08/2019 16:13 Page 1AUGUST 2019 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region 10 Commercial property Leeds’ star is rising after winning last year’s bid to become the new national headquarters of Channel 4, proving the region’s TV and film industry is booming. It’s an impact that isn’t only being felt in the entertainment sector, but in the commercial property market as Business Link explores. 16 Printing and packaging Companies must consider both the environmental impact of their print and packaging as well as the security risks posed by smarter, more interconnected hardware solutions. 19 AD and biomass If the UK is to realistically achieve its climate goals and put a renewable energy infrastructure in place for future generations, then anaerobic digestion needs to be seriously scaled up. 22 Business services Crucial to the running of a company, business service firms provide the support needed to help boost efficiency. 24 Langleys Solicitors It cannot be disputed that good mental health and wellbeing is best for business as Mini Setty from Langleys Solicitors explains. 26 Supply chain management Today’s supply chain is under intense pressure. To keep up with demand and an increasing desire for transparency, supply chain managers are embracing developments in the Internet of Things, blockchain, robotics and automation. 30 Accountancy review Dating back to ancient times, the accountancy profession is a critical and ubiquitous cog in business machinery, playing a key role in all types of commerce right across the industrial spectrum. 34 The Humber Bank Renewable energy is at the heart of the Humber’s transformation and combined with the strength of its ports, the region is well positioned for the future. 37 Corporate hospitality Hosting a conference or seminar is a fantastic way to draw more custom to your business – but actually speaking at the event can be a daunting task. 40 AutoLink If you need a new car, or you’re simply a petrolhead, this trio of cars might whet your automotive appetite. • We put the Alpine A110 through its paces 46 Events We take a look at business events happening around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire 50 And finally… Yorkshire-Lincolnshire- Business-Link @blmforum blmforum.net CONNECT WITH US 16 34 42 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 01/08/2019 15:08 Page 1Group Editor Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Journalists Dominic Cuthbert (d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk) Stuart Pearcey (s.pearcey@blmgroup.co.uk) Tess Egginton (t.egginton@blmgroup,.co.uk) Editorial contact newsdesk@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317 Sales Director Angela Cooper (a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Advertising Sam Trott (s.trott@blmgroup.co.uk) Vicky Hunt (v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk) Kerry Randerson (k.randerson@blmgroup.co.uk) Tel: (01472) 310310 Accounts & Subscriptions Angela Sharman, John Downes Tel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311 Design & Production Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson Tel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314 (studio@blmgroup.co.uk) E-Mail: yorks-lincs@blmgroup.co.uk Website www.blmforum.net Address Haychart Ltd, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N.E. Lincs., DN31 2QE. ISSN No: 1462-2092 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. COVER PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK - PETINOV SERGEY MIHILOVICH • ULRICHG MUELLER • PHIL SILVERMAN • SFIO CRACHO • LUKE STOCKS www.blmforum.net 10 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 01/08/2019 15:09 Page 2Banks back scheme to boost women in business Plans to increase the number of British female entrepreneurs by half have taken a leap forward after major banks and venture capital firms signalled their support. Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, Santander, TSB, Metro Bank, the Co-operative Bank, Nationwide and Bank of Ireland UK have all signed up to the Investing in Women Code, alongside venture capital firms Frontline, Episode 1, and Angel networks UK Business Angel Association, Angel Academe, and Sheffield’s British Business Bank. The Investing in Women Code is a commitment to support female entrepreneurship in the UK by improving women’s access to the advice, resources and finance needed to build a business. It comes after an independent review – commissioned by the Treasury and headed up by Alison Rose, Deputy CEO of NatWest – identified barriers faced by female entrepreneurs and what could be done to overcome them. 6 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS Move to flexible workplaces boosting mental health Nearly 40% of people who have flexible working say it has resulted in marked improvements in their mental health, a Wildgoose survey finds. Wildgoose conducted a survey of workers aged 45 or under to ask their thoughts on flexible working. Employees from 114 companies from all backgrounds gave their answers anonymously. Results highlight the importance of flexible workplaces when it comes to the mental health of employees. 14.3% of employees not currently allowed to work flexibly indicated that they are actively considering a career move to an organisation that would offer them flexible working. This figure rises to 21% of parents in the same situation. With 62% of employees taking days off in the past year for mental health reasons, many employers want to do more to support mental health in the workplace. Flexible working is well publicised, though employers should start by understanding why their employees want flexible working for a better work/life balance. ABP introduce ‘women only’ PPE Associated British Ports (ABP) has become the first UK port operator to provide an exclusive range of women’s personal protective equipment (PPE). The company says the launch is an important milestone in its efforts to support the role of women in maritime, whilst also further improving safety standards and choice for its workforce. The rollout follows an extensive employee consultation process and successful trials. It is also part of ABP’s wider commitment to Maritime UK’s Women in Maritime Charter, an initiative which ABP helped launch in September 2018 to promote the role of women in the sector. The issue with traditional PPE in the sector was that many products had been primarily designed to fit men. This new specially- designed range, which also includes maternity-focused products, is lightweight and further improves safety, whilst also promoting greater inclusivity across the business and encouraging more women to consider a career in maritime. © Shutterstock/Brian A Jackson Tina Raleigh, ABP Quality and Environment Systems Manager, Compliance wearing the new PPE © Shutterstock/ASDF_MEDIA 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 01/08/2019 15:11 Page 1Protections proposed for ‘flexible’ employees As part of the largest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation, millions of flexible workers will benefit from new rights and extra protections if they lose out on work, under proposed government reforms. Advancing its Good Work Plan, the government will consult on proposed new measures for flexible workers, including: compensation for workers when shifts are cancelled at short notice; entitlement to a reasonable period of notice for their allocated shifts, and additional protections for individuals who are penalised if they do not accept shifts last minute. Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “Innovative entrepreneurs and new business models have opened up a whole new world of working patterns and opportunities, providing people with freedom to decide when and where they work that best suits them. It’s vital that workers’ rights keep pace with these changes, reflect the modern working environment and tackle the small number of firms that do not treat their staff fairly.” www.blmforum.net Business Link 7 NEWS Leeds climate coalition to clean up city’s air Business leaders, councils, and school children across Leeds City Region have backed the creation of a Climate Coalition and pledged their support to make the area a net zero carbon city region. The Leeds City Region Climate Coalition was launched by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Leeds City Region LEP as part of a commitment to tackle the global climate emergency. It follows research commissioned by the Combined Authority from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research to identify a science-based target for the City Region to become carbon zero. This research found that the City Region needs to halve its emissions every five years and should become net zero carbon by 2038. “We cannot shy away from this challenge,” said Roger Marsh, Chair of the LEP. “Now is the time to harness our region’s distinctive and diverse strengths to realise these opportunities and deliver a future our young people deserve.” © Shutterstock / SAKhanPhotography © Shutterstock/Rawpixel.com 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 01/08/2019 15:11 Page 2TOWER FIELD SERVICES Cat Tech Tower Field Services offers bespoke mechanical services to oil refinery and petrochemical plants all around the world. Our team has vast experience in overseeing and undertaking the installation of all types of Tower internals. Our Tower tray, packing and other internals installation services has deep roots, with several of the senior team at Cat Tech being involved in the founding of the Cana-Tex organisation. Since 1971, Cana-Tex had been the premier global Tower speciality contractor; performing Tower maintenance and plant turnaround projects around the world. These origins, with the addition of new team members, make Cat Tech Tower Field services a global operation which is both cost effective and technically experienced. We strive to create new ways to make your Tower work safer, faster and more productive and that can make very good things happen for your business. We thrive on exceeding our clients expectations and understand the need for upfront communication in relation to timescales and costs. No-one likes surprises in this industry and we ensure that everything is done, from pre-job planning, on site activities to post job reporting in a manner which allows our customers to concentrate on their core business. Let us show you what we can do. We work hard to maintain an industry reputation for safety, speed and dependability. Ours crews have been trained by us, this allows us to staff a project with the proven skills necessary to produce customer satisfaction. It is our intention to demonstrate the benefit of utilising Cat Tech for all of your Tower work. The benefits of engaging Cat Tech are: l Experienced Tower specialists. lProven track record. lAbility to supply spares and replacements. l Spade to Spade service. lRevamps or modifications to Towers / Internals. lInspection of Tower internals. l Supervision of external/client labour force. lDetailed inspection reports. l Cleaning of tower internals. lReactor tray field services. lTurnkey reactor tray field services. At Cat Tech, we continue to create new ways to make Tower work safer, faster and more productive. And that can make very good things happen for your business. Contact us for further information. Our well established sales team have a wealth of experience. We take pride on ensuring all enquires are dealt with quickly and efficiently. UK: Cat Tech (Europe) Ltd., 1 South Park Road, South Park Industrial Estate, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN17 2BY UK Phone: +44 (0) 1724 871747 Fax: + 44 (0) 1724 861928 Bulgaria: Cat Tech Services (South Eastern Europe) Ltd., Devnia, Varna District, Povelyanovo, 20 Droujba Str, R Bulgaria, 9160 Phone: +(35) 9519 92052 Fax: +(35) 9527 46770 China: Cat Tech Services (Shanghai) Ltd., Room 1230 No.1, 58 Nong Huachi Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 20061 CN Phone: +(86) 2152 9175 08 Fax: +(86) 2152 9175 05 Singapore: Cat Tech Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., 17 Fan Yoong Road, Singapore 629794 Phone: +(65) 6264 6261 Fax: +(65) 6264 6401 South America: Please contact the UK office on +44 1724 871 747 Thailand: Cat Tech Services (Thailand) Ltd., 2/1 Soi Banbon Nuenpayom Road, Maptaphut Sub District, Muang Rayong District, Rayong Province 21150 TH Phone: +(66) 894 064 100 Fax: +(66) 638 692 382 MAKING YOUR PLANT WORK… SMARTER www.cat-tech.com PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KAWINNINGS 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 01/08/2019 15:12 Page 3Ideas sought to fuel Humber region growth The Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is calling for project ideas that will fuel the growth of the region. The LEP is taking on submissions in the latest round of applications to add to its Project Pipeline – currently made up of around 60 projects that have potential to support the delivery of the Humber’s strategic objectives. These projects all support the economic development of the region and may be brought forward for future funding opportunities. Now, the LEP is on the lookout for new or updated projects that could help the region deliver the ambitious Industrial Strategy it is currently developing with Government. Lord Haskins, Chair of the Humber LEP, said: “This call for ideas will help us make the best case possible for future investment on behalf of the region, and ensure we can prioritise resources to best effect.” Project suggestions can be at any stage of development. www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 NEWS Female engineering academy to launch in Sheffield A new female engineering academy is set to open in Sheffield to help address skills shortages and boost jobs and economic growth. According to Engineering UK and Women in Engineering, there is an urgent need for more engineers to fill significant skills shortages and support economic growth. Although engineering has a key role in driving the economy and productivity, it has been forecast that job vacancies in the sector will represent 17% of all vacancies by 2024. Women are also under-represented. Nationally, 12% of the engineering workforce is female. The UK also has the lowest percentage of female engineers in Europe. The Liberty Steel Female Engineering Academy – opening at The Sheffield College’s Olive Grove campus – is being set up to help address these issues locally. It follows the signing of a partnership agreement between the College and Liberty Speciality Steels, based in Stocksbridge and Rotherham. £4m investment for Grimsby Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry has unveiled nearly £4 million of new investment into Grimsby as part of the next phase of its pioneering Town Deal. As part of the second phase of the Town Deal, North East Lincolnshire Council will work with national charity OnSide to develop a brand-new Youth Zone in Grimsby town centre. The additional investment will support the development of the strategic Garth Lane site and brings the total public and private investment through the Town Deal to £88 million – including £21 million of new investment since the launch of the Town Deal in July 2018. The Grimsby Town Deal puts skilled jobs and education at its heart, a key part of the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy for the UK, driving growth, productivity and boosting earning power across the region. The next stage of the Town Deal will also look at a programme to drive up educational attainment and enhance adult skills. © Shutterstock / Luke Stocks © Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 01/08/2019 15:12 Page 4Next >