AUGUST 2020£3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 35 ISSUE 8 PRINTING AND PACKAGING On demand THE HUMBER BANK Hail to the Humber BUSINESS SERVICES Handling challenges THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS 01.qxp_Layout 1 04/08/2020 16:57 Page 1High Powered Sales Director Abid Bashir (BA) Hons Business and Law Oxford OFFICE: (01274) 800413 Customer Service/Fax: (01274) 403837 MOBILE: 07733 151735 Email: ospreybusinesssolutions@virginmedia.com International Chamber of Commerce FSBUK - Federation of Small Businesses Osprey Business Solutions Inc. “INTELLIGENT COMMUNICATIONS” Sales, Service and Marketing Appointments www.ospreybusinesssolutionsinc.co.uk THE BUSINESS SALES & MARKETING SPECIALISTS Worldwide Shipping of Commercial and Domestic Databases United Kingdom Events Bookings A SMARTER APPROACH TO TEMPORARY SITE & ASSET PROTECTION 0115 714 9990 | webeyecms.com B A T TE R Y P O W E R E D V I D E O A L A R M S Y S TE M + A U T O M A T E D M O N I T O R I N G + A .I. TO VE R I F Y GE NU I N E I N T R U S I O N S 02.qxp_Layout 1 04/08/2020 17:09 Page 1Less than a day before further easements of the lockdown were due to come into effect, Boris Johnson announced that certain restrictions regarding leisure businesses would remain in place. Moreover, rules on face coverings are also being extended to indoor venues, with greater police enforcement expected. In a press conference, Johnson said that it was time to “squeeze the brake pedal in order to keep that virus under control”, once again making it clear how much of an omnishambles the government’s response to virus control has been. As far as businesses are concerned, companies are being urged to allow more staff to begin working at offices again as part of the government’s push to get the economy back on track. We take a more in-depth look at how businesses are adapting to life during and after lockdown in our getting back on track feature. As well as the comment, insight and opinion you’ve come to expect, we’ve also got features on the accountancy sector, and how it’s embracing new tech and helping beleaguered businesses battle coronavirus, as well as the latest on the anaerobic digestion industry. Renewable also forms one of the keystones of our special Humber Bank feature. All in all, it’s shaping up to be another trying month for businesses, but rest assured, Business Link is there for you and your company every step of the way. Stay safe and good reading, as always, Michael Fisher Editor The magazine that cares We care because we want to leave our world a better place than we found it Business Link believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of. Community - From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment - Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise. From the Editor 03.qxp_Layout 1 04/08/2020 17:09 Page 1CONTENTS AUGUST 2020 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region. 10 Business Lincolnshire Q&A Business Lincolnshire’s Export Adviser Mike Stokes is helping SMEs prepare for the end of the transition period. Business Link finds out how. 12 Commercial property With the coronavirus crisis having placed increased demand on logistics and warehousing, the pandemic has laid bare the lack of high-quality space available across our region. We look at some of the latest developments that have recently completed to help meet demand. 16 Printing and packaging spotlight As print and packaging technologies evolve, producers must be cognizant of cybersecurity issues and their environmental footprint. Business Link explores. 20 Corporate hospitality Boris Johnson’s green light for business events to resume later in the year will push the region to commence event planning. However, a number of new health and safety measures will need to be considered. 22 Business services The business services sector is handling fresh challenges, plunging optimism and a heightened need for digitalisation in the wake of coronavirus. 26 Accountancy review In these uncertain times, a company will need their accountant now more than ever. 29 Supply chain management As we look at the rest of 2020 and beyond, AI, Internet of Things devices, and eco-friendly practices will continue to rise in importance in supply chain management. 32 AD & biogas Our region is one of the epicentres of the nation’s burgeoning anaerobic digestion industry, one which more businesses are seeing the benefit of. 36 The Humber Bank Having cemented itself as a leader in the field of renewable energy, the Humber region is now capitalising on that success and taking advantage of increasingly ambitious opportunities from clean power right through to logistics. 40 Getting back on track There’s no denying that the continuing coronavirus crisis has taken a toll on the economy. Although this has dented many company’s growth prospects and future plans, businesses across our region are adapting and evolving to not only weather the current crisis but to flourish against an uncertain backdrop. 43 AutoLink The motor industry remains in a precarious position with dealerships open and mandatory MOTs resuming, but the full impact of the coronavirus is likely still to be felt. 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 32 36 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 04/08/2020 17:10 Page 1Group Editor Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Assistant Editor Dominic Cuthbert (d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk) Journalist 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 - SILVANO AUDISIO • LORAKS • GPOINTSTUDIO • PAND P STUDIO • 246 PHOTOGRAPHY www.blmforum.net 22 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 04/08/2020 17:10 Page 2Record numbers of profit warnings in Yorkshire The number of profit warnings issued by Yorkshire-based listed businesses in the first half of 2020 (H1 2020) increased by 94% year-on- year, with 79% citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to EY’s latest Profit Warnings report. EY recorded 33 profit warnings in the region in H1 2020 (Q1 & Q2) – higher than any previous H1 in the last 20 years – compared to 17 in the same period last year (H1 2019). After a record breaking first quarter in 2020, when quoted companies in Yorkshire issued 24 warnings, nine were recorded in Q2 2020. Profit warnings were spread across a wide range of sectors in the region in H1 2020, with businesses operating in the FTSE Retailers (8) and Construction and Materials (5) sectors most affected. Hunter Kelly, Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy Partner at EY in Yorkshire said: “Unsurprisingly, the most immediate and dramatic impact of COVID-19 has been acutely felt by companies whose existing structural challenges have been exacerbated by the pandemic. “However, many businesses that were essentially sound before the virus struck, have been forced to fundamentally reassess their expectations and business plans too. It’s vital that businesses across Yorkshire don’t underestimate the depth and extent of both the immediate and long-term challenges ahead. “It is still a highly uncertain time for businesses, who are reacting to new ways of working with changing and unpredictable levels of demand, including the risk of cliff-edges to come in government support. This is before considering the twists and turns likely to come from the Brexit negotiations. The UK economy is opening up from COVID-19, but it is very early days and it is going to be a long while before most businesses will be able to say they are getting close to normal.” 6 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS Majority of Yorkshire business leaders more environmentally-focused following COVID-19 Almost two thirds (61%) of business leaders in Yorkshire say they are now more environmentally conscious in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to new research. The survey, jointly commissioned by B2B energy suppliers Opus Energy and Haven Power (part of Drax Group), found bosses are having to make bolder decisions as they prepare for a brave new business world. 53% admit that their own leadership requires a greater degree of bravery in decision making since the pandemic – compared to a national average of 66%. “Business leaders recognise they need to be braver and more agile in their decision making to manage short-term priorities of stabilising their businesses and protecting employees,” said Paul Sheffield, Managing Director of Drax’s Customer’s Businesses. “But they also realise that as we navigate out of lockdown, it’s more important than ever to make sure sustainability is at the heart of their operations.” South Yorkshire devolution deal signed into law The landmark South Yorkshire devolution deal has been officially agreed and signed into law. The order was signed by the Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Simon Clarke MP. The deal marks a significant breakthrough for the region, equipping local leaders with the tools and resources to build back better from the coronavirus pandemic. It will grant new powers and millions of pounds in new funding into the region. “This is a great day for South Yorkshire because millions of pounds in additional funding and new powers are available to support jobs and businesses, unlock opportunities for our people and deliver better public services,” said Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region. “Devolution will open up our local knowledge and networks, bring power closer to the people, and help us reshape our economy and society in a way which reflects our values and priorities.” © Shutterstock /Fr eebir d7977 Mayor Dan Jarvis Hunter Kelly 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 04/08/2020 17:12 Page 1Lockout tagout try-out within manufacturing Reece Safety’s lockout tagout (LOTO) programme is the safest and most efficient way to isolate machinery when not in use or maintenance and repairs are taking place; the programme has since been enhanced further with the added ‘try-out’ stage (LOTOTO) which tests the machinery before work begins to ensure that it does not power up. Comprising of nine stages, the LOTOTO procedure is integral for protecting employees from accidental re- energisation of equipment, and potential injury or fatalities because of this. LOTOTO puts in place a system of safe working which helps to ensure the safety of all workers while reducing any risk of employer’s being liable to prosecution should any accidents occur. In addition, the lockout tagout try-out strategy can help to reduce unplanned downtime and thus increase productivity in the workforce. For example, a food manufacturing plant would suffer major contamination wastage if a valve were to be closed accidentally. The lockout phase can also be used to “lock on”. www.blmforum.net Business Link 7 NEWS Walmart resumes talks over potential ASDA sale Walmart has resumed talks regarding the sale of its controlling stake in Asda, according to reports. Back in February, Walmart, the world’s biggest retailer, revealed that it was considering selling its majority stake in Leeds- headquartered Asda. At the time, the US retailer said it was “in discussions with a small number of interested parties”. However, the coronavirus crisis put these talks on hold. But now, the BBC has reported that they have once more resumed. © Shutterstock/Kev Gr egory © Shutterstock /Luis Santos DB Cargo to ‘hook and haul’ biomass for Drax DB Cargo, the Sheffield-based rail freight operator, has secured a new five-year “hook and haul” contract to transport biomass supplies to Drax. The company will operate an average of 60 trains per week from the ports of Immingham and Hull to Drax Power Station in Selby. Each train will carry around 1,650 tonnes of sustainable biomass to Drax Power Station, which provides flexible and reliable renewable power for millions of UK homes and businesses. Drax supplies 12% of the UK’s renewable electricity. Using sustainable biomass instead of coal at Drax Power Station has reduced emissions by more than 80% and helped the UK power system decarbonise faster than any other country. “These rail deliveries are a critical part of our global supply chain for sustainable biomass that supports thousands of jobs and has delivered economic growth across the north of England, while supplying renewable electricity to millions of homes and businesses,” said Mike Maudsley, UK Portfolio Generation Director at Drax. 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 04/08/2020 17:12 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. l Proven track record. l Ability to supply spares and replacements. l Spade to Spade service. l Revamps or modifications to Towers / Internals. l Inspection of Tower internals. l Supervision of external/client labour force. l Detailed inspection reports. l Cleaning of tower internals. l Reactor tray field services. l Turnkey 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 04/08/2020 17:12 Page 3Hermes UK invests £100m in expansion to meet massive demand Hermes UK, the Leeds- headquartered parcel delivery and courier service, is investing £100 million to take on thousands of new staff as it looks to significantly expand. The company, which also has offices in London, is looking for some 1,500 full-time staff as well as 9,000 self-employed couriers. The investment follows a massive increase in demand during lockdown where more people were shopping from home. “The pandemic has expedited the already phenomenal growth of online shopping and we see no sign of this changing,” said CEO Martijn de Lange. “As a result, it is important that we have the right infrastructure and people in place to support this. “This is good news for the many people who have sadly had their income affected and we are pleased to be able to support the UK economy with so many jobs at this time.” www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 NEWS © Shutterstock/cybrain thebigword provides interpreting services at COVID-19 testing sites thebigword, the Leeds-headquartered language technology company, is supplying interpreting services for limited English speakers at COVID-19 testing sites around the UK. Services offered include interpreting via telephone at all testing sites across the UK, translation of posters and guidance into multiple languages and voiceover translation for the Department’s self-testing information videos. The company is also supporting the door-to-door information service in Leicester with translation and interpreting – ensuring that as many people as possible know how to access COVID-19 testing sites. “It is essential for public health that important information about coronavirus testing is available to everyone, and I am delighted that Ministers have put their trust in us to deliver support for this work across the UK,” said CEO Joshua Gould. 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 04/08/2020 17:12 Page 4Next >