SEPTEMBER 2016 £3.50YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukVOLUME 31 ISSUE 9ENGINEERING &CONSTRUCTION The robotics questionCOMMERCIALPROPERTYGetting on with itBUSINESSSERVICESIn the eye of the lawMAXIMISINGEFFICIENCYMAXIMISINGEFFICIENCY01_Layout 1 05/09/2016 12:17 Page 1Delivering Global Engineering Solutions from locations inTeesside: 01642 878784| Humberside: 01472 344901| Midlands: 01455 286071Food & Drink lUtility Companies lRenewable Energy lHeavy IndustryIntelect – Delivering Global Engineering SolutionsAt Intelect we have extensive experience providing engineering expertise to process industries involved in food &beverages manufacturing, utilities, heavy industry and renewable energy.We maintain an ongoing program of investment in staff, equipment and infrastructures in order to respond to theneeds of our customers, many of which are market leaders in their own industries.Along side our technical ability, we have an excellent reputation for delivering projects within time and budget whilstmaintaining the highest standards in health and safety.If you have any questions please phone 01472 344901, email: pb@intelecteng.com or visit: www.intelectuk.comDelivering Global Engineering Solutions“Quite Simply…Quality Labels &Labelling SolutionsCall us on +44 (0)1482 506560 / 505101 to discuss yourrequirements or visit our website at www.datamarkuk.come-mail us at:sales@datamarkuk.com02_Layout 1 06/09/2016 10:42 Page 1As we go to press, it is encouragingto hear that low interest rates, fallingprices, and high levels of employmentare all contributing to a rise inconfidence among UK consumers.The public are clearly determined tocarry on shopping for today ratherthan saving for tomorrow and whocan blame them with savings ratesbeing cut yet again? This coupled with the fact that theUK’s manufacturing sector hasrebounded has improved the strengthof the pound against the dollar, whichis very good news indeed on the faceof it. However, it will take more thanone month of upturn to change theviews of companies, many of whomare still suffering a lack of long termbusiness optimism, whichis impacting on investment.One might have thought that thegovernment would, by now, havestepped in with an early AutumnStatement, or at the very leastremove the doubt over its plans onleaving the EU, but sadly not. Fornow it seems that in want of effectivedirection, business owners must makethe decisions that best allow them tocompete – and is that not how it hasalways been?The magazine that caresWe carebecause we want to leave our world a better place than we found itBusiness Linkbelieves that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key tomaintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff willbe proud to be part of.Community- From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extendthat into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes andcharities. Environment- Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisationof waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise.From theEditorOne might havethought that thegovernmentwould, by now,have stepped inwith an earlyAutumnStatement, or atthe very leastremove the doubtover its plans onleaving the EU,but sadly not.Despite this, there are a number ofpositive news stories that have comeour way this month, as ambitious andcunning entrepreneurs seek to takeadvantage of new opportunitiescreated not only by the Brexit, butalso the uncertainty that has leftsome companies paralysed with fear.Opportunity goes both way, and inChina they say that crisis andopportunity are the same word.We have a number of features thismonth which will prove good readingto any looking to take advantage ofthe situation, with an in-depth lookinto how our manufacturing industrystands up to competitors in investingin new technology. We also look atsome great shows taking place in theregion, along with the burgeoningcommercial property market thatseems fit to buck expectations.As always we’ll bring you the latestnews, both online and in print, andhope you all enjoy this fabulousSeptember issue.Good reading as always Michael FisherEditor03_Layout 1 05/09/2016 12:18 Page 1CONTENTSAUGUST 20166NewsCatch up with the latest business news from around our region11FinanceIs there strength in your balance sheet? by James Pinchbeck,Marketing Partner Streets Chartered Accountants12LettersReaders’ letters and replies13Commercial propertyOur region continues to buck the national trend with a wealth ofnew deals and encouraging half years results16Ports and logisticsOur region is famous for its ports and ties to Western Europe,but the shipping and handling industry remains as complicatedas ever20BULKEX16Taking place on the 5-6th October at the Harrogate InternationalCentre, BULKEX16 will bring together people from across thebulk materials handling world22Business services2016 may be the year of the monkey, but it might as well also beknown as the year of employment law changes. Suffice to say,there’s a lot going on26Food, chemicals and process industriesNew developments in food packaging are ever prevalent, and thePPMA Total Show 2016 is one such venue at which many will beunveiled30Engineering and constructionMachinery and components are key to the efficiency of themanufacturing process, and currently robotics are king 34SheffieldThe city of Sheffield is a bustling hive of business activity thathas taken off in recent years. Though not yet holding the samekind of power as Leeds, it seems like the region might beprepared to fight to be one of the best places in Yorkshire to dobusiness 36Meet the expertsWe illustrate the huge array of successful companies that exist inour region and invite them to share their expertise 38Energy and renewablesBusinesses are often so caught up in their core business activitiesthat they may have overlooked the significant savings that canbe made on their energy bill42AutoLinkThe modern estate car is a far cry from the estates of old – oncethey were big and boxy with only a modicum of creaturecomforts. Today, they come with high refinement and acres ofstorage and are fast, safe and luxurious.Here’s six to choose from that we’ve tried and tested46EventsWe take a look at business events happening around Yorkshireand Lincolnshire50And finally…Yorkshire-Lincolnshire-Business-Link @blmforumblmforum.netCONNECT WITH US16224204-05_Layout 1 05/09/2016 12:19 Page 1Group EditorSteve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)EditorMichael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)JournalistsStuart Pearcey (s.pearcey@blmgroup.co.uk)Dominic Cuthbert (d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk)Editorial contactnewsdesk@blmgroup.co.ukTel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317Sales DirectorAngela Cooper (a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk)AdvertisingSam Trott (s.trott@blmgroup.co.uk)Nikki Logan (n.logan@blmgroup.co.uk)Vicky Hunt (v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk)Kerry Randerson (k.randerson@blmgroup.co.uk)Tel: (01472) 310310Accounts & SubscriptionsAngela Sharman, John DownesTel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311Design & ProductionGary Jorgensen, Mark CassonTel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314(studio@blmgroup.co.uk)E-Mail: yorks-lincs@blmgroup.co.ukWebsitewww.blmforum.netAddressHaychart Ltd, Armstrong House, ArmstrongStreet, 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?COVER PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM - WI6995 • CHUYUSS • SHAHID KHAN • ASHARKYU • TONTONwww.blmforum.net3804-05_Layout 1 05/09/2016 12:19 Page 26Business Link www.blmforum.netNEWSUK SMEs wrote off£5.8bn in debt lastfinancial yearNew analysis from Direct Line for Business estimates that Britain’s SMEs wrote offa combined £5.8 billion in the last financial year, the equivalent of more than £21,000every day.When asked how much money their business had written off in unpaid debts inthe previous financial year, around one in five (19%) said that they had written offdebts at an estimated average loss of £31,330. However, almost one in ten (9%) ofthese claimed to have written off debts in excess of £100,000.When asked why their business had decided to write off unpaid debts in the lastfinancial year, the biggest reason, cited by 29% of respondents, was that the supplierhad become insolvent. Nick Breton, Head of Direct Line for Business, said: “With more than a millionSMEs based across the UK, these enterprises really do make up the backbone of theBritish economy. However, it is alarming to see just how much hard work goesunrewarded.”Lincolnshire Showbrings in millionsto countyeconomyA survey has revealed that an estimated £4 million-plusis pumped into Lincolnshire’s economy every year thanksto the Lincolnshire Show.Undertaken in conjunction with the University ofLincoln, the survey quizzed Show visitors on how muchthey spend on accommodation, travel, food & drink,shopping and other local attractions when attending thetwo day event in June.It is expected that £4,372,500 is spent in the countyduring the Lincolnshire Show, which this year took placeon 22 and 23 June. The survey consisted of face-to-faceinterviews, online submissions and was circulated via E-bulletins and social media. Jayne Southall, CEO of the Lincolnshire Showground,said: “This is the first year that we have adapted ourannual survey to find out how much the LincolnshireShow generates for the local economy and the impact ithas on visitor spend each year.”The Lincolnshire Show returns in 2017 on Wednesday21st and Thursday 22nd June.Direct Gaskets Limitedmoves to new premisesDirect Gaskets Limited, leading Hull manufacturer of gaskets and joints, establishedover two and a half decades ago have located to a new premises within the city of itsfounding, staying within the community.The company has created an exceptional reputation for supplying high qualityproducts at competitive prices, all bundled together with their incredible service –which includes fast turn-around and a call-out service, no matter the size of the order. The new move will enable Direct Gaskets to better serve customers whilst alsosupporting the future direction of the company.On the move, Director Lyn Weichardt says, “After a long week of moving andgetting settled, we are finally in. We would like to thank all our customers for beingpatient and loyal throughout the transition.”Direct Gaskets’ new location is at Units 26-36, Dansom Lane South, Hull. HU8 7LA – Telephone : 01482 219655, Fax number : 01482 321162and emails will remain the same.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ZIMMYTWS06-10_Layout 1 06/09/2016 09:43 Page 1Humber-areaworkers make a starton Race BankEight offshore wind technicians from the Humber area are about to startwork on the installation of wind turbine foundations at DONG Energy’s RaceBank offshore wind farm.Race Bank is located off the North Norfolk coast and is being built out ofDONG Energy’s construction base in the Grimsby Fish Docks. With the first of two offshore substations – which link each turbine to themain export cables that transmit electricity back to shore – now complete,work will begin on the installation of the second substation and the foundations for the huge 6 megawatt (MW) turbines.An accommodation jack up vessel, that is capable of accommodating up to 100 people, will jack offshore at the construction site and technicianswill live on the vessel for up to two weeks at a time. Work is expected to be complete in 2018. When operational, Race Bank will have a capacity of up to 580 MW and will produce enough electricityto power over half a million UK homes every year.www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 7Cobus customerssave over £622k ontheir telephone billsThe Cobus Communications Group, based in Hull and establishedsince 1991, have saved its Customers a total of £622,844.04 off theirtelephone line rental and call charges in the last year alonecompared to the incumbent supplier KCOM’s standard businesstariff. Cobus has an impressive portfolio of products and serviceswith communications solutions ranging from business telephonesystems and mobile telephones to door access control and CCTVsystems. Cobus, who are currently celebrating 25-years in business, arebased in Hull but look after the whole of the UK and beyond with animpressive client base from the smallest start-ups to some of thearea’s largest organisations - with all being looked after bydedicated account managers and in-house professional engineeringteams. If you’re interested in using an award winning business whilemaking significant savings then visit www.cobus.co.uk to findout how much you could be saving.Team GB techdeveloped inSheffield to givenation ‘healthboost’Sheffield’s business and education communities are workingtogether to ensure the elite sports research and technology usedby Team GB in the Rio Olympics boosts health and fitness closer tohome.Westfield Health is working with Sheffield Hallam University as amajor partner of its Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC)which is set to become the most advanced research anddevelopment centre for physical activity in the world.Based at the heart of the Olympic Legacy Park in Sheffield, theAWRC will feature indoor and outdoor facilities for more than 50researchers and engineers to carry out world-leading research onphysical activity and design ‘innovations that help people move’.The new products and services will be taken from initial conceptall the way through to market and will focus on both physical andemotional wellbeing.The Olympic Legacy Park is a joint venture between SheffieldHallam University, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FoundationTrust and Sheffield City Council. 06-10_Layout 1 06/09/2016 09:43 Page 28Business Link NEWSFarming representatives meet todiscuss Brexit implications forlivestockLivestock board chairmen from all four UKfarming unions have met to discuss the potentialimpact on beef and lamb producers post Brexit.The NFU’s Charles Sercombe said it had been aworthwhile meeting and that all four unions wereunanimous over the priorities for beef and lambproducers. “It was agreed that on trade we need to ensurewe continue to have access to the importantEuropean market for our beef and lamb, but, at thesame time, it is important that discussions continueto secure access to new markets around theworld,” he said.“Agreements that allow access to the UK marketmust take into account the sensitive status of UKproduced beef and lamb in future free trade orWTO discussions.“Like other farming sectors, access to non-UKlabour is a key issue. We are acutely aware that themeat processing sector is reliant on a securelabour supply, and without it we could see costsrising in the supply chain and which would have aknock-on effect on our ability to compete in aworld market.”PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/YORKMANvalueaddingAdding value when it comes to business advice and tax saving ideasFollow us on Twitter @streetsaccConnect with us on LinkedInWatch us on YouTubeinfo@streetsweb.co.ukwww.streetsweb.co.uk0845 8800320Lincolnshire aims to leadthe country in watermanagementLincolnshire aims to be the UK’s exemplar for water managementunder a new scheme to be launched in Parliament next month.The plan is aimed at managing the extremes of flooding and watersupply with the objective of becoming an incentive for investors in theLEP’s priority sectors.With just 613mm of rain per year, Lincoln is drier than Miami, BuenosAires and Nairobi, and receives the same amount of rainfall annually asCape Town – yet much of Greater Lincolnshire is low-lying or reclaimedland prone to coastal flooding.Boston MP Matt Warman hosted the launch of the LEP’s Water forGrowth Water Management Plan 2015 – 2040 in the House of Commonson Tuesday 6th September.The plan can be divided into three key themes: education, research &training; water provision for growth; and flood risk reduction.Ursula Lidbetter, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “We havelong recognised the vital importance of water management for GreaterLincolnshire, which is why we established our Water Management Boardand a series of water for growth workshops in 2015.“Now we’re ready to share our Water Management Plan.”06-10_Layout 1 06/09/2016 09:43 Page 3www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 9UK HRdirectorsopen toboomerangemployeesNew research from Robert Half UK reveals thatorganisations in the UK are more open to hiringboomerang employees. Companies are becoming increasinglyreceptive to the idea of rehiring former workers,with 83% of HR executives reporting they aremore accepting of boomerang employees thanthey were three years ago. Only 7% of UK HRdirectors are opposed to rehiring formeremployees. 36% of HR directors have successfully rehired an employee who previously left a role in their organisation. While just 25% ofHR executives said they have previously employed a boomerang employee but wouldn’t do it again.Almost half (49%) of HR executives working for large companies in the UK have successfully rehired former employees. Itappears HR directors in larger companies are more open than their smaller counterparts to the idea of rehiring formerworkers, with a mere 4% saying they wouldn’t consider hiring a boomerang employee compared to 12% of those in smallenterprises. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/G-STOCKSTUDIOThe Henderson Insurance Broking Group is one of the UK’s top five leading independent insurance brokers operating from 14 offices across the UK. Our specialist divisions include professional risks, healthcare, risk management and construction bonds and our success is based on our professionalism, independence and a commitment to always putting our clients’ interests first.We’ve been providing innovative insurance solutions for 30 years!www.hibl.co.ukAuthorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.Henderson Insurance Broking Group, Trueman House, Capitol Park, Leeds LS27 0TS T: 0113 393 630006-10_Layout 1 06/09/2016 09:43 Page 4Next >