< Previous10Business Link www.blmforum.netSomething to say? Write to: Business Link Magazine, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby,North East Lincolnshire DN31 2QE or email: letters@blmgroup.co.ukReaders’LETTERSReaders’LETTERSGuilty should be broughtto justiceDear Sir,There can be no excuse for the scandaloussituation in Rotherham and while one might think thepublic sector staff and police involved should all bedismissed, I have a feeling that nobody will lose theirjob unless they decide to go voluntarily.Those who have turned a blind eye to hundreds ofrapes and other abuses committed over a decade ismore than just incompetence they are as guilty asthe rapists and should be punished for their crimes,but no doubt they'll receive golden handshakes andbe pensioned off. S Barber SheffieldSharing the benefits - fatchance…Dear Sir,I read with interest your comments on the economic recoveryin the UK and how we are leading the way. How then can it bethat Germany, who are lagging behind in the economic recovery,has reduced the age upon which its workers can retire while herein the UK we push that age limit up so that people can’t? For all the UK government’s talk of economic recovery and ashare in the benefits for all, I wonder how many pensioners,have also had their tax code numbers reduced so that they paymore income tax? W GladwinLeedsMissed opportunities?Dear Sir,Almost every time I’ve switched on the TV thissummer I’ve seen Gary Verity. Whether it’scelebrating the success of the Tour de France’s GrandDepart or promoting the county’s blue flag beaches,he’s been there – and I’m delighted there’s someonespeaking up for Yorkshire. For too long the countyhas been too self-deprecating to benefit from the kindof confident brand building that we need to competeon the world stage, and opportunities have gonebegging. I’m pleased organisations like Welcome toYorkshire have the confidence to go for these majorevents. Why shouldn’t we be competing with the bigEuropean cities?C O’ConnorLeedsNo lessons learned?Dear Sir,The eurozone could clearly learn a lot from how Britain recovered fromflatlining after the recession, especially where excessive austerity isconcerned.The eurozone's economy is still struggling - not helped of course by theimpact of Russian sanctions after invading the Ukraine but the reason thisis affecting them so much is that there has been far too much austerityabroad.Even here in the UK, the recovery never really gained any traction untilthe Bank of England stepped in trying everything from cutting interestrates to zero, quantative easing and the much vaunted Funding forLending. Quite why the eurozone hasn't followed suit is beyond me - justlook at Germany's resistance to QE.It must be obvious to those in Europe that plan A just isn't working -even George Osborne had to know when to quit that particular gem. It istime for Plan B - relaxing the austerity measures a little, a more innovativeapproach of the European Investment Bank to fund infrastructure projects,and urgent introduction of QE.K WeirHarrogate10:Layout 1 1/9/14 09:51 Page 1Business Link 11www.blmforum.netPROCESSING AND PACKAGINGMore than eight thousand people willbe visiting the NEC in Birmingham thismonth to review the latestdevelopments in processing andpackaging machinery and equipment atthe PPMA Show. The ability to speed upproduction while at the same timeensuring total security and quality of theindividual products means thatmanufacturers are constantly lookingtowards the next step.It’s true that some small businessesare reluctant to convert from manual toautomatic systems for many of theirprocessing and packagingrequirements, mostly because of theperception that switching would take asignificant chunk out of the capitalInnovations in processing and packaging are offering increasedsecurity and quality – and a fast return on investmentThe next step12 As growth in the UK’s manufacturing sector continuesto accelerate, industry professionals are poised to flockto this year’s PPMA Showbudget. To compensate they still usemanual resources for this repetitive andtime consuming processes, which isprone to human error and draws staffaway from more productive tasks.Although there will obviously be someshort-term expense, in the long term theability to work faster and cut down onpotential problems should make a realdifference. More packaging variety,personalisation and customisationshould also mean products look betteron the shelves and enjoy increasedinterest from consumers.Companies that have made the steptowards new software and hardware arereaping the benefits. The ROI can behugely impressive but it’s vitalcompanies know exactly what they’reable to achieve before they make theinvestment into new processing andpackaging machinery. The value of testkitchens and automation specialists,such as those at the AdvancedEngineering Park in Rotherham, cannottherefore be overestimated.Companies such as AE Mixers offerfree on site trials with purpose built testrigs, part of a programme of supportthroughout the operational life of theproduct. Their mixers are designed tomeet specific customer requirementsand are available with a selection ofprecision interchangeable mixing headsto perform essential processesthroughout a number of sectors.One challenge for manufacturerswhen it comes to reviewing and11-13:Layout 1 1/9/14 09:54 Page 1PROCESSING AND PACKAGING12Business Link www.blmforum.netimplementing processing solutions isthe requirement to meet hygienestandards. The inclusion ofinadequately designed processingequipment within processing areas isoften responsible for rendering cleaningpractices ineffective, thanks to a failureto eliminate bug traps, areas on thesurface of the equipment for bacteria toaccumulate, from the design ofprocessing equipment. Companies aretherefore providing a wide range ofequipment for when hygienic designsare considered to be an importantoperational consideration.The need to ensure processingequipment is correctly sanitised is offurther importance. Careful design andlayout of processing equipment inconjunction with regular, thoroughcleaning of the processing environment,is critical to protecting public health.Other changes to legislation will alsohave an impact on the style andcreation of packaging in the foodindustry. The Food Information toConsumers Regulation is to come intoforce in 2015 and a recent survey,conducted by Campden BRI for GS1UK, suggests around 80% of companiesare not prepared for the labellingchanges – but 20% only need to makeminor changes to bring their packagingin line with FIC. Innovations in processing andpackaging have made small butsignificant differences to the quality ofproduction and the finished product andthose who have made changes arereporting a fast return on investment. It’slikely more deals will be carried out at11-13:Layout 1 1/9/14 09:54 Page 2Business Link 13www.blmforum.netPROCESSING AND PACKAGINGthe PPMA Show as companies look forthe highest standards.PPMA Show demonstrates limitlessopportunitiesAs growth in the UK’s manufacturingsector continues to accelerate, industryprofessionals are poised to flock to thisyear’s PPMA Show, the UK’s premier,free-to-attend complete production lineevent for processing and packagingmachinery.Now in its 27th year, the show hasbeen recognised as the only UK eventKite PackagingKite Packaging, theUK’s premiersupplier of packaging,will be helping retailerswith the final quartersurge by providing themthe most popular packagingmaterials for the Christmasperiod at the most competitiveprices.Kite Packaging’s range of postalproducts aim to meet the requirements ofvarying retailers across the mail order and e-fulfilmentindustry and have been designed to include aspects that are becomingincreasingly important to retailers, such as environmental credentialsand competitive pricing.To support retailers buying large quantities of postal products, Kitehas also launched an additional mixed pallet ordering method forcustomers to use in conjunction with the mailing bags range, whichincludes premium envelopes from Jiffy. The new tool will allowcustomers to build a pallet of goods. Once a pallet is created,customers’ products will be discounted according to whether a singleproduct pallet was bought. Visit them alongside Audion Swissvac at the PPMA Show.www.kitepackaging.co.ukStand F90PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/PAOLO SARTORIO that attracts hundreds of machinerymanufacturers and component suppliersacross a wide range of industries. From30th September to 2nd October, theNEC in Birmingham will welcome over320 exhibitors from the processing andpackaging machinery industry as theygather to present and showcase a widerange of new products and innovativeprocesses to help UK manufacturersimprove productivity, efficiency andsustainability.Several high-profile seminar speakershave been announced, including formercabinet minister, politician andjournalist Michael Portillo who willprovide this year’s opening address anddiscuss the resurgence of Britishmanufacturing and its role inrebalancing the economy.Also announced for the opening dayof the exhibition, Christine Tacon, theGovernment’s first appointedsupermarket ombudsman is set to stealthe spotlight with a combative talk onthe UK’s leading supermarkets. Further speakers for the seminarprogramme include Craig Mochrie fromMorrison Bowmore who will bespeaking at the seminar hosted byBusiness Link’s sister publication Food& Drink International. He will bediscussing real time managementinformation systems and creativeFor more information, visitwww.ppmashow.co.uk or on twitter(@PPMAshow #PPMA14) or thePPMA Show LinkedIn group.YorkshirePackagingSystemsYorkshire PackagingSystems are celebratingalmost forty years inbusiness during the PPMAShow, with the introductionof the Flexo Servo Xfollowing their recent tie up with the leading German machinemanufacturer Hugo Beck. Hugo Beck specialise in high end, high speedshrink wrapping and mailing applications and occupy a leading positionin this technically demanding sector.YPS will also unveil their new redesigned high speed SLAU 50x50fully automatic L sealer and TR45/90 shrink tunnel, designed to workwith the high quality Bollore shrink film – of which YPS are the sole UKdistributor. The model incorporates new features which have beenadded to strengthen its position in the market. A new intuitive touchscreen control system, servo controlled motors and a new packdetection system ensure faster speeds than ever before.Also on display will be YPS’s complete range of sleeve wrappingsystems for transit packaging.Tel: +44 (0)1924 441355 Email: enquiries@yps.co.ukwww.yps.co.ukStand A30packaging technologies. This is just partof our presence at the Show – we’ll alsobe exhibiting at the event and copies ofthe magazine will be available acrossthe venue.The PPMA Show will also take theopportunity to recognise the best andbrightest up-and-coming talent in theindustry with the return of the Ones toWatch competition – the search for theindustry’s brightest young processingand packaging professional, judged onentrepreneurial spirit and a commitmentto the industry.Richard Little, Chairman for the PPMAGroup, says, “For over 25 years thePPMA show has brought togetherbuyers and sellers at one of the mostvisually dynamic exhibitions of the verylatest processing and packaginginnovations. My company, JentonInternational, has exhibited andsubstantially benefited from everyPPMA show since its inception in 1988,so I’m talking from experience when Isay it’s a great forum in which to meetthe industry, see both existing and newcustomers, develop relationships andcarry out business.”11-13:Layout 1 1/9/14 09:54 Page 3NETWORK BY NUMBERS14Business Link www.blmforum.netClubbing togetherWhile business networking can be enormously fruitful forparticipants, there are some who have, in the past, beendisappointed with the results. Yet as Mike Stokes, ChiefExecutive of The Business Club Lincolnshire points out, “Ifnetworking is not proving to be effective, it’s nearly alwaysbecause the networker is making one or more of the mostcommon mistakes.“Often they treat networking as selling, failing torecognise that it is all about raising profile and buildingstrong relationships. They could also be failing to prepareadequately for networking events, preferring instead acasual and frankly unprofessional approach. Finally they failto follow up after events and don’t show the necessarypatience and persistence.”The Business Club is celebrating its fifth anniversary inLincoln during September and it owes this longevity toconstantly innovating and challenging its members withnew networking formats. The Club’s fortnightly meetingsare run by Mike Stokes, and over a dozen different formatsare used as the Club strives to avoid becoming stale orcomplacent.Mike says, “As well as helping members presentthemselves more effectively, activities such as NetworkingSafari, Hammering Out A Deal and Knowing Me, KnowingYou help members to develop their listening skills, theirnegotiating skills and their collaborative instincts.“Businesses join The Business Club to improve theirbottom line performance, so the Club structures its events tohelp its members to identify more cost-effective suppliers, torecognise smarter and more productive working practicesand to meet with potential alliance partners. Networking isfar more than just picking up and pursuing sales leads – thedevelopment of the business owner is just as important asthe development of the business. “At a number of our meetings, members and guests areinvited to present themselves and their businesses to theother delegates in the room – anything between fifty andeighty people. Attendees are encouraged to make their pitchmemorable, so other people will remember them andhopefully will recognise appropriate opportunities whenthey arise. Being ‘memorable’ usually means being conciseand succinct – and doesn’t mean cramming as many wordsas possible into the allotted time. Speakers are encouragedto use props and samples where appropriate to aid theirpitches.“Once everyone has had the chance to presentthemselves, the delegates have an idea of who they wouldlike to meet for an exploratory chat. Unless both parties areaware of this, however, there’s a chance this won’t takeplace, so at The Business Club all attendees are invited toCompanies canbenefitimmenselyfrom takingpart innetworkingopportunities –as a recentvisit to TheBusiness ClubLincolnshirereveals14-17:Layout 1 1/9/14 09:56 Page 1Business Link 15www.blmforum.netNETWORK BY NUMBERSidentify with whom they would like to meet during theinterval and this ensures a great buzz in the room.”When inviting businesses to become members of TheBusiness Club, Mike particularly looks out for members whoare open-minded and collaborative – in other words,members who are always looking for new ways of workingand who are always looking for ways in which they can helpother members. Mike says, “By taking the time tounderstand other members’ businesses and aspirations,very profitable alliances can be formed as members worktogether. The Club structures a number of its meetings toensure that members really understand each other’sstrengths and weaknesses, far more than can be gleanedfrom a series of elevator pitches. Life is not easy for smallbusiness owners and collaboration with others makesabsolute sense.“Many of The Business Club’s meetings includeinspirational speakers who are specifically briefed to bechallenging and provocative, giving the members somethingto take away and work on the following day. Members areencouraged to attend meetings of other networking groupsas well, to expand their own network and thus make us allbetter connected. The Business Club collaborates with anumber of other groups during the year.“The Business Club always welcomes guests at nocharge. Of course, the Club hopes its guests will be suitablyimpressed to want to join and therefore attend regularly. It isconfident that members will get good value for theirmembership, and backs this with a money-back guarantee.”Over the next few pages we showcase many of TheBusiness Club’s most successful members. If you’d like tojoin or find out about forthcoming events, visitwww.thebusinessclublincs.co.uk.JohnstoneInsuranceBrokers1-7 Dunstall Street, Scunthorpe DN15 6LDTel: 01724 878075Email: rob@johnstoneinsurance.co.ukwww.johnstoneinsurance.co.ukContact: Rob BradleySome people in insurance say smallbusinesses are best served by callcentres and online trading. But as RobBradley of Johnstone InsuranceBrokers points out, “We’re a smallbusiness ourselves and we think thatsuggestion is simply so the brokerscan close their expensive local officesand move people on!”Johnstone Insurance Brokers likepersonal, local and professional adviceand service from local suppliers. They think most people do and itensures the local business community thrives.They offer a special invitation to talk to their new business specialistRob Bradley, you may recognise him. He’ll come out to see you or youcan drop in for a coffee and he’ll tell you about their philosophy –which you can also see at www.johnstoneinsurance.co.uk Rob says, “If your broker is telling you a call centre a hundred milesaway is best for you (oh, and they’re closing their local office), you’llfind a different approach from Johnstone Insurance Brokers. We lovesmall businesses and we’re on your doorstep!”NicholsonsCharteredAccountantsNewland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln LN6 3QNTel: 08452 766 555www.nicholsonsca.co.ukContact: Richard Grayson, Managing PartnerNicholsons Chartered Accountants understands business ownersexpect more from their professional partners.As well as high quality accountancy, tax and financial support andassistance, they also offer a range of business support and adviceincluding corporate finance, employment issue resolution,management training, executive and business coaching and marketing.In fact, they specialise in so many different areas, including charities,financial advice, fund-raising, management figures, payroll (auto-enrolment) and property tax.Nicholsons know no two businesses are the same, so tailor theirservices to meet your individual circumstances and requirements.They believe in taking a hands-on, proactive approach by taking thetime to get to know and understand every client. Their testimonials speak for themselves...“Nicholsons are always there for me, offering relevant, groundedadvice and support.” – Mike Wroblewski, Centurion Finance, Lincoln“All the Nicholsons team are approachable, offering innovative ideasfor my clients that add value to their businesses.” – David Burgess,Yorkshire Clydesdale Bank“When you find reliability, professionalism and people who are easyto deal with, it makes life a lot simpler.” – Rick Dring, PearsonHydraulics14-17:Layout 1 1/9/14 09:56 Page 2NETWORK BY NUMBERS16Business Link www.blmforum.netBusiness LinkArmstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QETel: 01472 310310Email: b.robertshaw@blmgroup.co.ukwww.blmforum.netContact: Becky Robertshaw and Angie CooperAs the voice of the region Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Business Linkis committed to supporting growth and using its connections to linkthe area. It’s the perfect platform to showcase your success to aninformed and interested audience.Long established as the independent voice of business in a highlyinnovative region, Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Business Link’s mix ofauthoritative news and strong opinion continues to make it a mustread publication. Business Link’s huge success, dating back somethirty years, has been based around incisive and authoritativeinformation and comment from the major names in our region’sbusiness scene.Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Business Link connects the region andensures you get the full picture – in print and online! As well as themagazine, which is sent to named subscribers at leadingcompanies, distributed at many of the leading trade shows and viawww.blmforum.net, it also keeps you in touch with the latestdevelopments via regular e-newsletters. There’s no better way toget your message across.TekheadsUnits 8-9, Whisby Way Business Centre, Lincoln LN6 3LQTel: 01522 812410www.tekheads.co.ukTekheads is a well-established market leader in the supply ofcomputer components to consumers and businesses within the UK.Whether you are looking for a component or a high specificationsystem the staff at Tekheads pride themselves in pointing you in theright direction. Tekheads also invests in the future by training its staffin up and coming technology and invests in R&D.X2TEK, Tekheads’ Plain Label - Drop Ship - Reseller programme,means you too can have a personally branded e-tail website selling allTekheads stock, while you put your feet up! Tekheads take care ofeverything.With over two thousand product lines held in the Lincolnwarehouse, Tekheads is bound to have what you need when you needit. Their trade counter means you can order and collect same day.Computer systems and high performance components are a largepart of their product focus like a fully built quad core computer withoperating system starting from £199 including VAT.Tekheads has partnerships with world-leading manufacturers suchas Intel, AMD, Microsoft, Gigabyte and CoolerMaster working togetherto give the best product solution to the customer.Lincoln Print &Copy Centre9 Clifton Street, Stonefield Park Industrial Estate, Lincoln LN5 8LQTel: 01522 546118Email: sales@lincolncopycentre.co.ukwww.lincolncopycentre.co.ukWith Lincoln Print & Copy Centre, the emphasis is always on quality.Starting in business in 1979, Lincoln Print & Copy Centre havealways prided themselves on having the right equipment and staff toproduce a quality end product for the customer. These customersrange from small businesses to largest corporations. From the smallestto the biggest organisation, the same level of service is assured.Whatever your need from print, there are two main productiontechniques – digital and litho print. Both have advantages, dependingon the requirements of each job. With digital, you have the advantageof quick turnaround and the ability to update documents more often.Traditional print. meanwhile, opens up the ability of lower unit costson larger run lengths. Lincoln Print & Copy Centre offer both – alwaysproviding a finished job on time and at a competitive price. Whether designing your branding from scratch or using yourexisting ideas, your printing needs will be met to the higheststandards.Flyford Connect are the friendly face of IT support for busi nesses in Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. We use a combination of experience, technology and advice to create customer-tailored solutions. Call 01522 717783 or 0114 2997870 for a chat about how we can help you.ZZZÀ\IRUGFRQQHFWFRXNReal ITproblems,solved byreal people.14-17:Layout 1 1/9/14 09:56 Page 3Business Link 17www.blmforum.netNETWORK BY NUMBERSNetworking successMany members of The Business ClubLincolnshire, who we showcase on thispage, have been able to create fruitful andsuccessful relationships with othercompanies. Zoe Easey from Epix Media,for example, says, “For Epix Medianetworking is a large part of our marketingstrategy. Over the years we’ve dedicated alot of time to it and it really works for us.The Business Club was one of the firstgroups we decided to properly invest inand it was most definitely worth it.“We’ve been members for three yearsand it’s not just great for doing business.0845 3081332 / 07855 766836info@jmrfm.co.uk www.jmrfm.co.uk Bookkeeping Cashflow Management Periodic ManagementInformation Creditor Management Sage Software SpecialistsFinancial Supportfor Business Owners01476 500 130www.belvoirsafety.co.ukLooking for something different to give your customers as a Thank You?....Contact us today 01522 500294 www.angelsdesserts.co.ukPatent & Trademark Attorneyswww.loven.co.uk01522 501080signshoplincoln.co.uk- Signage- Vehicle Livery- Direct to Board UV Printing- Large Format Digital Printing- Garment Printing- Laser Engraving- Labels/StickersOpportunity at your fingertips…Understanding and managing your social media activity can help drive your business forward. Call today on 07725 896888or email: paul@prwilsonmedia.com "Your Social Media Personal Trainer” www.prwilsonmedia.com A unique city centre location with ample free car parking, fully licensed premises with extensivecatering facilities to suit every occasion.As a small business the support from Mikeand the other members has been animportant part of our growth and thedecisions we’ve made. Mike strives tomake sure his members get the most outof the meetings and regularly comes upwith new formats to keep things fresh. Ifyou’re thinking about membership,dedicate the time to do it properly and gofor it!”A comprehensive, multi-lingual HR and translation service forSME’s and start-up businesses, locally and internationallyTake advantage of our FREEHR sessionto give you confidence that your Company is operating in accordance with employment law regulations, enabling you to minimise the risk to your business and succeed in this multicultural environment.T: +44 (0)1522 583963 E: info@bg-hr.com W: www.bg-hr.com 14-17:Layout 1 1/9/14 09:56 Page 4The Leading Independent Residential Property Consultancy Across the North of EnglandSpecialising inbespoke residential property consultancy identifying and implementing the optimum and most profitable strategies to transform green or brownfield development opportunities in to valuable residential development assetsThe sale and acquisition of residential development opportunitiesAll aspects of residential property investmentContact us on 0113 398 4179or via emailGuy Titchmarshguy@titchmarshandco.co.ukMatthew Bagley matthew@titchmarshandco.co.ukwww.titchmarshandco.co.uk18:Layout 1 1/9/14 09:57 Page 1Business Link 19www.blmforum.netCOMMERCIAL PROPERTYSpeculate toaccumulateAs lending for commercial property rises, speculative developments seemto be springing up across our regionOver the past few years,there have been very fewspeculative developments –unsurprising, given thegenerally depressed state ofthe market. But as the fundingimproves, and Yorkshire andLincolnshire continue in theirposition as a major hub forengineering and logistics,many developers areinvesting in new property.Much of the speculativedevelopment recently can beassigned to an acute shortageof industrial and logisticsspace across the region.When it comes to logistics,for example, companies arecurrently battling to acquirethe limited number ofdeliverable sites in keylocations across the region.Almost 550,000 sq ft ofindustrial space was acquiredin the first half of 2014,double the amount let duringthe same period last year,resulting in a sharp fall insupply levels across theregion.Mike Baugh, Senior Directorof Industrial Agency at CBRELeeds, says, “The suddenshift into a low supplyenvironment has triggeredsigns of speculativedevelopment in the region.This new build activity is likelyto attract a good level ofinterest, as occupiers struggleto identify quality options inthe current market.”Industrial property is alsobeing snapped up, thanks inpart to the success of theEnterprise Zones offeringgrants and incentives. It’sparticularly being noticed inSouth Yorkshire and RebeccaSchofield, partner at theSheffield office of KnightFrank, says, “Improvingeconomic fundamentals arestarting to facilitatespeculative developmentalready and two units at22,000 and 30,000 sq ft arenow under construction at theAdvanced Manufacturing Park.“We anticipate speculativedevelopments on site atVantage Park, Sheffield ofaround 64,000 sq ft in tenunits. Similarly, thirteen unitsare being speculatively builtat Bullrush Grove, First Pointin Doncaster, ranging from2000 to 12,500 sq ft.” Theawarding of ERDF grants hasmade developments such asthese increasingly attractive.G Park Doncaster,Smithywood and SheffieldBusiness Park, all along thekey strategic route of theM1/M18 corridor, also haveplanning consent in place forfuture development.The Sheffield City RegionJESSICA Fund – it stands forJoint European Support ForSustainable Investment In CityAreas – is certainly drivingspeculative development inthe area, in all areas includingoffices. A £3.75 millionmezzanine loan will supportthe delivery of the firstspeculative office building tobe developed in Sheffieldsince the recession - the ten-storey, 80,000 sq ft 3 St Paul’sPlace.These speculativedevelopments will helpcompanies in desperate needof high quality space, andillustrate a sector that looks tohave a bright future.Doncaster’s G Park isset for furtherexpansionLatitude 135 in Wakefieldis helping replenish thelow stock of high qualityspace in the region19:Layout 1 1/9/14 09:58 Page 1Next >