NewFrontiersReaching out to EuropeCHRISTMASIt’s never too early...PRINTING &PACKAGINGProviding style & securityBRADFORD Blending culture withbusiness successSEPTEMBER 2012£3.50YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukVOLUME 27ISSUE 09NewFrontiersReaching out to Europe01:Layout 1 24/8/12 10:11 Page 1 0060.10/11/HDUQLQJ8QOLPLWHG7KH&KHVWHUðHOG&ROOHJH*URXSRIIHUVDZLGHUDQJHRIFRVWHIIHFWLYHORJLVWLFVWUDLQLQJVROXWLRQVGHOLYHUHGLQKRXVHRUZLWKLQFXVWRPHUVâSUHPLVHV,QWHUPHGLDWHDQG$GYDQFHG$SSUHQWLFHVKLSVDYDLODEOHIRUQHZDQGRUH[LVWLQJVWDII6NLOOV7UDLQLQJDYDLODEOH)RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQSOHDVHFRQWDFW%UHQGRQ%ULJJVRQ01246 500699 RUHPDLOEUHQGRQEULJJV#OHDUQLQJXQOLPLWHGXNFRP Driver CPC Training Fork Lift Novice Counterbalance/Reach Fork Lift Refresher Fork Lift Experienced Operator Fork Lift Truck Safety Awareness - Managers and Supervisors Fork Lift Truck Instructor HGV Training - All Catergories PSV Training - Coaches, Buses, D1 Minibuses Logistics and Supply Chain Management - Foundation Degree We also offer weekend courses subject to availability Warehousing and Storage Logistic Operations Driving Goods Vehicles 02:Layout 1 24/8/12 12:01 Page 102:Layout 1 24/8/12 10:12 Page 113ContentsSeptember 2012On the coverPhotograph courtesy ofwww.shutterstock.com / cozyta3917223044Features11CJM Asset ManagementTurning under-utilised assets into capital.12Commercial PropertyFlexibility is key to the region’s success in thecommercial property sector.16ItalyBusiness Link investigates the economic factorssurrounding Italy, one of the major EU players.17Education & TrainingCalls have been made across several strands ofindustry for more graduates and potentialemployees with relevant work skills, so whatinitiatives are making a difference?20Printing & PackagingWhy does our region lead the way in thepackaging industry and what are the latestdevelopments?. 22SolicitorsKeeping a close relationship with your legal firm isintegral to running a successful company. 31ConferencingIt is easy to rely on the tried and tested formulas,but to really stick in the mind these days in acrowded market, your events need to have that‘wow’ factor.33Christmas PartiesIf you don’t put plans in place, a miserable festiveparty could be on the cards.36BradfordIt’s had its fair share of setbacks, but the level ofinvestment being poured in to Bradford suggestsits fortunes are changing.39Transport & LogisticsImproved links to Europe are of great value to ourregion – but what about the increased competitionthis brings.42Totally Logistics NorthTotally Logistics North allows businesses toreview the latest advances in this fast-movingsector.EnvironmentalBusiness Link Environmental is your ultimateguide to the rapidly expanding world of greenbusiness.26Environmental newsThe latest news from this fast-moving sector28Recycling & Waste ManagementOne of the fastest growing industries in Yorkshire andLincolnshire, we take a look at the future of recycling and wastemanagement.30The Energy EventEnergy efficiency and costs are in the spotlight for businessesand The Energy Event, featuring world class content, isattracting interest like never before. Regulars4From the Editor5News8TaxationEmployed or Property income – allowable expenses by KellyGoodchild, Personal Tax Consultant, Streets CharteredAccountants44AutoLinkExamining vehicles that save money at the pump and in tax 46EventsWe take a look at business events happening around Yorkshireand Lincolnshire48Classified49Appointments50And finally…03:Layout 1 24/8/12 11:52 Page 1Before the election, David Cameron told us, “you can’t borrowyour way out of a debt crisis.” Is this a case of ‘do as I say not as Ido’, then?Public sector finance figures reveal we were borrowing £600million in July, compared to a surplus of £2.8 billion the year before.Of course, the government say this is due to the drop in corporationtax receipts. Did nobody in the treasury think there might be adownturn in tax paid as company profits suffered? Sadly, Cameron and his bootshine boys’ plan to eliminate thedeficit by 2015 is now a pipe dream - despite taxing everyone to thehilt through changes in the banding system to capture more of us in the higher 40% taxrate and even introducing a new 50% rate. Stealth taxes such as air passenger duty,landfill tax and raising national insurance hasn’t filled the gap and now we learn that, by2020, the UK’s green energy polices will force British heavy industry to pay nearly twiceas much for electricity as rivals throughout the EU. We now have a tax system that penalises entrepreneurialism and a benefits systemthat makes workers wonder why they bother to get up in the morning – given that youcould seemingly earn more for staying at home bringing up a heard of little Britteny’s.This just doesn’t bode well for those businesses trying to fill jobs and improve theiroperations.There is some heartening news, though – not only have students achieved the gradesthey worked so hard for in their A-level results but also there’s been a growth in thenumber studying science and maths. Obviously more people passing A-Levels isbeneficial to the knowledge economy of UK PLC, and this will certainly be welcomed bythose recruiting across our region.But in essence, Cameron needs to practice what he preaches and focus on reducingthe level of wastage in government. Despite promises at election time there are stillquangos growing at an alarming rate. Using this money to reduce taxes such ascorporation tax and fuel duty, would undoubtedly allow businesses to get back on trackand translate into a much needed boost for the treasury’s coffers.Businesses in our region are, though, working hard to combat governmentindifference. Indeed when it comes to sectors such as logistics, we sometimes havestronger links with mainland Europe and the E20 Conference in Hull this month willspearhead the campaign to make more of this highly strategic route. Yorkshire andLincolnshire are certainly well-placed to enjoy great success – and it’s the spirit andenergy in our region, rather than the pronouncements from Whitehall, that will doubtlessbe the most useful.Good reading as always,W S FisherEditorEditorSteve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)JournalistsSteve Williams (s.williams@blmgroup.co.uk)Mike Shields (m.shields@blmgroup.co.uk)Elis Ballard (e.ballard@blmgroup.co.uk)Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)Editorial contactnewsdesk@blmgroup.co.ukTel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317Sales DirectorTeri Cooper (t.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk)AdvertisingTel: (01472) 310310Kim Collins (k.collins@blmgroup.co.uk)Kelly Robertson (k.robertson@blmgroup.co.uk)Accounts & SubscriptionsAngela Sharman Dawn CookTel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311Design & ProductionGary JorgensenMark CassonRachel GreenTel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314(studio@blmgroup.co.uk)E-Mail:yorks-lincs@blmgroup.co.ukWebsitewww.blmforum.netAddressHaychart Ltd,Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby,N.E. Lincs., DN31 2QE.ISSN No:1462-2092All rights reserved. No part of this publication may bereproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwisewithout express permission of the copyright holder, for whichapplication should be addressed first to the publisher. Whileevery reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor itsparticipating agents accept liability for loss or damage toprints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material ofwhatever nature submitted to this publication. The viewsexpressed in this publication are not necessarily the views ofthose held by the publisher.This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recyclingmagazines, you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paperindustry each year. Before you recycle your magazine,please ensure you remove all plastic wrapping, free giftsand samples. If you are unable to participate in a recyclingscheme, then why not pass your magazine onto a localhospital or charity?From theEDITORThe magazine that caresWE CARE because we want to leave our world a better place than wefound itBusiness Link believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key tomaintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staffwill be proud to be part of.Community-From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We alsoextend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causesand charities. Environment-Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources,minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise.04:Layout 1 24/8/12 10:13 Page 1Dramatic increase in demandfor commercial finance rolesThe number of localbusinesses looking torecruit commercialfinance professionalshas increaseddramatically, accordingto new figures fromElevation Recruitmentwhich has seen a 40%rise in commercial accountancy roles over the past six months.The South Yorkshire company has seen a notable demand in themanufacturing industry in particular for this type of accountancy, indicatingthat more manufacturing companies within the area are hoping for furthergrowth.Andy Bath, Business Manager at Elevation Recruitment, says, “Themanufacturing industry has shown the most obvious move to begin to upskilland strengthen their finance functions, with a particular focus on sourcing highcalibre, commercially focused finance professionals. The shift to invest in additionalresource, brought in to focus on driving the company forward through acquisition,business planning and commercial analysis is a refreshing change from the survival anddownsizing objectives they have been forced to work to over the last few years.”Manufacturers in region ‘still showing growth’Manufacturing SMEs in Yorkshire and Humber are still reporting increased sales and predictingfuture growth despite recent reports of an industry downturn.58% of respondents to the latest Manufacturing Advisory Service National Barometer have seenorders grow in the last six months with 55% anticipating a further upturn between now and the end ofthe year. Nearly a third of the companies surveyed are looking to create new jobs, 58% are expectingthe size of their workforce to stay the same and 68% are looking to boost their turnover throughexporting.In line with recent surveys, there does appear to be a softening in the marketplace with only 44% ofrespondents seeing an increase in enquiries, compared with 60.3% in the last Barometer. The numberof companies considering investment in new machinery and premises over the next six months isalso down from 49% to 41%.www.blmforum.net5newsyouryourAcclaimed Security celebrates tenyearsAcclaimed Security, the Leeds-based multi-award winning security provider, is celebrating itstenth year in business. Set up by Roy Unwin toraise standards within the security industry, thecompany has since gone from strength tostrength.Today, Acclaimed Security has over fiftyclients, many from blue-chip organisations suchas Tarmac, Freightliner and Liberty Living. RoyUnwin says, “We are passionate about securityand about delivering a first-class service to ourclients. No matter what size of project or premisewe are asked to secure, we will use everyavailable tool to make sure the best security solution is used and our clients receive 100% valuefor money.”Acclaimed Security always explores new innovations in property security technology. Thisincludes the award-winning Guard Safe - a technological solution which gives the company and itsclients the ability to know that a guard is present on site and doing his job throughout his shift. Streets supportLincolnCathedral appealAs part of Streets Chartered Accountants’support for Lincoln Cathedral’s Turrets Appeal,the firm’s marketing partner and keen cyclistJames Pinchbeck will be cycling from Lincoln toLondon via Oxford - a distance of 220 miles -from Wednesday 5th to Friday 7th September.The particular route has been chosenby James for a number of reasons -not least because Oxford aptly hasa College named Lincoln College.In addition, the Lincolnshirearchitect Augustus WelbyNorthmore Pugin is reputed tohave been influenced byLincoln Cathedral for hisdesign on the Palace ofWestminster, including theclock tower for Big Ben.Once in London, Jamesplans to complete his ride atLincoln’s Inn Fields, thelargest public square inLondon.James hopes to raise aminimum of £2200 for his ride,with the aim of helping towards themuch needed £500,000 to completethe appeal. To help James reach histarget, you can give viawww.justgiving.com/James-Pinchbeck0AHumber trademission to Brazil hasbrought success forparticipating organisations,including Grimsby Institute. The tradedelegation, organised by the WorldTrade Centre in partnership with UKTrade & Investment and Team HumberMarine Alliance, was centred on the city ofRecife and the adjoining SUAPE ports andindustrial complex. Grimsby Institute isnow planning training courses to helpone of SUAPE’s biggest shipyardsacquire the advanced welding skills itneeds to keep up with an orderbook that is full for fifteenyears.05-10:Layout 1 24/8/12 12:50 Page 1To find out more information about the developmentopportunities at Saltend Chemicals Park please contact the Business Development Manager,Diana Taylor on 01482 894185, or e-mail Diana.Taylor@uk.bp.comSaltend Chemicals Park, BP Chemicals, Saltend, Hull, HU12 8DS.At Saltend Chemicals Park, multi-national businessesare working together to drive down costs and improveefficiency. The site comprises chemicals production,industrial gases, a power station and a world classresearch facility. The Park has seen over £400M ofinvestment in recent times and is looking for furtherdevelopment with plots available for mixed industrial use.Locating your business at the Saltend Chemicals Parkoffers all the benefits of sharing in an establishedinfrastructure with the fully integrated provision ofservices, feedstocks and utilities.With good links by road, integrated jetty and tankerloading facilities and access to Hull Ports, the site is well positioned and equipped for transportation ofproduct to Europe and the rest of the world.A World Class Site forWorld Class Business05-10:Layout 1 24/8/12 12:50 Page 2www.blmforum.net7SMC and Hale SaundersjoinforcesSheffield-based SMCChartered Surveyors hasannounced the acquisitionof Hale Saunders. The twofirms will join forces and willtrade from SMC’s offices at54 Campo Lane.Martin Saunders BSc FRICS is joining SMC as a consultant, bringing hisexperience and expertise to the team. Martin set up Hale Saunders in1995 and has built up a successful practice over the last seventeen yearswith a loyal client base. SMC was set up in 1999 and, like Hale Saunders,offers a wide range of commercial property services.Mike Hull, managing director of SMC, pictured with Martin, says, “I amdelighted that Martin is joining us. He is respected in our industry andenables us to offer additional services, such as residential valuations andsurveys. The acquisition also means that SMC will have a larger presencein the commercial property market, a larger team of skilled propertyexperts and a wider client base.”newsyouryourBusiness leaders hope forthe last laughTen braveSheffield businessleaders arepreparing to taketo the stage andshowcase theirown stand-upcomedy routines.The uniquefundraiser, FunnyBusiness, is in aid of Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity. Top Sheffieldcomic Anthony J Brown will provide training, culminating with thecomedy hopefuls performing live on stage at the City Hall on Thursday29th November.The cancer charity’s business development and Funny Business eventorganiser, Katie Cartwright, has also daringly entered the stand-upchallenge which could see her perform to over 450 people. She says,“The willing participants are well known faces in the city who areconfident and highly skilled in their workplaces, but Funny Business willsee them completely out of their comfort zone which will make for a veryentertaining evening!”The ‘Do Your Bit’ campaign is aiming to raise £1.3 million to create anew state-of-the-art research and treatment facility at Weston ParkHospital.The Medical Research Council and the Technology StrategyBoard have made the first funding awards under the joint £180million Biomedical Catalyst – including £360,000 to the Universityof Sheffield. The awards, announced by Minister for Universitiesand Science David Willetts at the British Business Embassy’s lifesciences summit, will support UK academics and businesses onthe first step in exploring the market potential of their early-stagescientific ideas. Microwave Marketingsparks internationalgrowthLincoln technology companyMicrowave Marketing istargeting international growthafter moving into new purpose-built premises, developed withthe help of £1.2 million fundingpackage from HSBC Commercial Bank. The company has relocated fromthree separate premises into a 11,000 sq ft site on Sadler Road. The site issituated on one acre of land, with a further half an acre retained for futuredevelopment.The site will increase the company’s manufacturing capacity by 40%and will help its expansion into new international markets. Exportscurrently account for up to 20% of turnover, but the company aims toincrease that to 50% within the next three to five years.Microwave Marketing Managing Director Chris Carr says, “Our mainmarket currently is domestic and while we will not lose focus of thatmarket, we see opportunities in growing international sales. There isstrong demand for our products internationally and this will help us meetthis demand.”05-10:Layout 1 24/8/12 12:50 Page 38www.blmforum.netnewsyouryourTurnaround fund presses ahead withportfolio of printersTurnaround fund Seneca Investments is pressing on with its ambition to build up a portfolio of successfulYorkshire printing businesses, injecting an undisclosed cash sum into Sheffield family business Intoprint UK. This is the third investment in a printing firm in as many months. Seneca has already expanded its portfoliowith two other South Yorkshire printing companies and sees the sector as offering great potential for furtherconsolidation and acquisitions. hlw Keeble Hawson represented Seneca in this transaction as it has in theprevious printing investments. Intoprint was formed just over twentyyears ago and has remained in the Laxfamily ever since. Robert, Michael andRichard Lax, the founder, retain a 50%shareholding between them and willcontinue in their positions as directors.They will work closely with the Senecateam, which has acquired the other 50% ofthe company, to maximise commercialefficiencies.Lincoln steelsitself for growthThe Greater Lincolnshire Local EnterprisePartnership has welcomed a decision byCity of Lincoln Council to give the greenlight to plans which will create a hundrednew jobs.Councillors gave permission to specialistItalian engineering firm Bifrangi to build anew steel forge and install a 27,000-tonnescrew press on the 22-hectare former Smith-Clayton Forge site on Monks Road. Thescrew press will be the first of its kind inEngland and one of only a few in the world.Ursula Lidbetter MBE, Chair of theGreater Lincolnshire LEP, says, “Thisdecision is further brilliant news for Lincolnand one which strengthens the city’sreputation as a centre of engineeringexcellence. Bifrangi is demonstrating itsconfidence in Greater Lincolnshire bybringing even more high-value, high-skillemployment to the area.”Bifrangi, which supplies parts to thepower generation industry, expects to startthe installation of its new screw press inOctober.05-10:Layout 1 24/8/12 12:50 Page 4Next >