SEPTEMBER 2017 £3.50YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukVOLUME 32 ISSUE 9FINANCESolving insolvencyFOOD & DRINKSPOTLIGHTToast to successOFFICESOLUTIONSMore than just an officeFORWARDTHINKINGFORWARDTHINKING01_Layout 1 31/08/2017 11:23 Page 1All-NewRenault KOLEOSCrossover by RenaultPENTAGON Outer Circle Road, Lincoln LN2 4LD Tel 01522 525060 www.pentagon-group.co.ukBook a test drive3 years’ 0% APR representative* 2 years’ free servicing†1 chance to win the drive of a lifetimewith the Renault Sport Formula One™ Team^ !"#"$%& ' (!")$"% *+"($"/" 372 !)"8 * 9 * :;< * => ' * 9 "*Renault Finance, PO Box 149, Watford, WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Indemnities may be required. UK residents (excl. Channel Islands) and over 18s only. Requires minimum deposit of 25% on All-New KOLEOS. †The service plan must be carried out in line with the manufacturer’s servicing requirements, it cannot be transferred and does not cover wear-and-tear items, such as tyres, brakes and wipers. Mileage and vehicle age limitations apply. ^To enter the drive of a lifetime competition, book a test drive via renault.co.uk/ ! "! #$&'+03& 630th September 2017. Retail customers only. Participating dealers only. See full terms and conditions at renault.co.uk/321.02_Layout 1 01/09/2017 10:17 Page 1So, it’s September. The summer haspassed and autumn is here. The poundhas hit an eight-year low against theeuro as the UK steeps in Brexituncertainty. Cast your minds back to2009 and remember how Britain wasstill suffering the effects of the recessionthat rocked the economy only a yearbefore. Factor in rising geopoliticaltensions, domestic pay disputes and anincreasingly unhinged POTUS, and onehas to ask if there’s another winter ofdiscontent on the way.This same uncertainty presents aquandary to the nation’s export industry,particularly food and drink. This is oneof the key issues we tackle in ourilluminating food and drink spotlight. Wealso take aim at food waste in ourrecycling exposé, revealing the extent ofthe issue and what local businesses cando. And with our preview of the RWMshow, you’ll be kept up to date with thewaste management sector. On a regional scale, Yorkshire andLincolnshire are still bucking the nationaltrend. Our property pages once againspeak of the success of the regionaleconomy. But with so much confusionsurrounding business rates and theThe 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 theEditorOur propertypages once againspeak of thesuccess of theregional economy.But with so muchconfusionsurroundingbusiness rates andthe governmentnow talking of astaircase tax SMEsare feeling a littleoverwhelmed.government now talking of a staircasetax SMEs are feeling a little overwhelmed.Funding these expansion plans, though,can be a tricky prospect, especially inthese uncertain times. That’s the bigquestion at the heart of our financereport. Hull has been recently ranked asone of the best places for start-upsoutside of London, and that’s withoutincluding Leeds, Lincoln, Sheffield andYork. Needless to stay, our start-ups areflourishing, but getting access toinvestment is tricky. Property, offices and hospitality aremajor themes in our September issue aswe explore solutions every office needsto get to grip with. Giving speeches ispart of the business experience, but it’snot always easy. Thankfully, our corporatehospitality feature explores the ins andouts. Then we’ve got the latest news, events,exhibitions and a cheeky word fromFrazer, our resident basement dweller, tokeep you busy until next month. Michael FisherEditorAnd the Business Link team03_Layout 1 31/08/2017 11:24 Page 1CONTENTSSEPTEMBER 20176NewsThe latest business news and success stories from around ourregion11LettersReaders’ letters and replies 12PropertyGrade A office space remains at a premium, and our regioncontinues to take advantage of that, posting results far aboveand beyond 201616Food and drink spotlightMajor export deals, the rise of automation and keeping up withconsumer trends is heralding major successes for our region’sfood and drinks industry20FinanceRaising capital is critical for business growth, whether forfunding expansion plans, relocations or for clearing debts, butthe rise in alternative lenders is enabling smaller firms and start-ups to get off the ground • Dexter & Sharpe Q&A26Office solutionsAn office says a lot about a company, its culture, and also itsemployees – so take care when making decisions based aroundoffice solutions30Corporate eventsGaining that competitive edge can be a difficult task in today’sworld, but many are turning to hosted seminars andconferences to draw in the crowds32Recycling and waste managementFood waste is one the latest business bugbears, but divertingwaste to anaerobic digesters and donating surplus food tosocial enterprises is helping to achieve the nation’s goal of zerofood waste to landfill by 202036Q&A - Architecture+More We talk to Carl M. Turner, Managing Director ofarchitecture+more38PPMAThe PPMA Show, the seminal processing and packagingmachinery exhibition, returns to the Birmingham NEC from 26-28 September to provide manufacturers with insights into thelatest machinery products, technologies and materials39East Yorkshire Business ExpoThe tenth edition of the East Yorkshire Business Expo is beingheld at the Conference Centre in Willerby on October 4th40BULKEX 2017BULKEX17, taking place at Eastwood Hall in Nottingham on18th-19th October, is the technical conference focussed oncurrent and impending opportunities and achievements in thebulk materials handling industry41RWM ExhibitionTaking place at NEC Birmingham from 12th-14th September,RWM is the leading community for the waste, energy, recyclingand water sectors to network, learn and trade42AutoLinkCompanies providing cars to employees are acquiring similarvehicles at the end of their terms to avoid the risk of upsettingstaff, it seems. But, many drivers simply feel they don’t knowenough about electric vehicles to make an informed decision,according to a recent study46EventsWe take a look at business events happening around Yorkshireand Lincolnshire50And finally…Yorkshire-Lincolnshire-Business-Link @blmforumblmforum.netCONNECT WITH US12264204-05_Layout 1 31/08/2017 13:38 Page 1Group EditorSteve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)EditorMichael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)JournalistsDominic Cuthbert (d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk)Stuart Pearcey (s.pearcey@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)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.COVER PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK - SHAHID KHAN • HOPERAN • MATEJ KASTELIC • MR AMARIN JITNATHUM • RAWPIXEL.COMwww.blmforum.net3204-05_Layout 1 31/08/2017 13:39 Page 26Business Link www.blmforum.netNEWSTurbine blade set to be Hullcity stapleA permanent location has been proposed for the Siemens Gamesa windturbine blade that became a public sensation when it was installed in thecentre of the UK City of Culture.A planning application has been submitted to locate the 75 metre blade in aprominent position at the entrance to the Siemens Gamesa site in Hull.Approval would mean the public will once again be able to see theimpressive feat of engineering that became one of the highlights of Hull’scontinuing year in the limelight.The blade was one of the first manufactured at the Siemens Gamesa factoryat Alexandra Dock in Hull (which opened in December 2016).During the 10 weeks in which it dominated the city centre, the installationwas seen by 1.1 million people, including more than 420,000 people whointeracted with it.The blade was returned to Siemens Gamesa’s Hull site while plans wereconsidered for its future use. York IT firm joinsMicrosoft’s ElitePartner TeamPowerON has become one of only a handful of firmsin the world to join Microsoft’s Enterprise Mobility +Security (EMS) Elite Partner Team.The York-headquartered IT automation specialist willnow assist the world’s largest software maker indeveloping both new and existing products.The invitation-only team of partners consists of just 70companies globally, and PowerON is only the sixth UKbased firm to join the exclusive, handpicked programme.The company will now participate in Microsoft-hostedface-to-face events and regular conference calls coveringeverything from product releases and deep divesthrough to engineering updates.It will also have access to technical content and earlyproduct announcements via a private Yammer group, aswell as engaging in private previews, early producttesting and contributing to an Intune UserVoice group.Microsoft revealed PowerON was invited onto theprogramme in recognition of it earnestly building its EMSpractice and investing deeply in technology to ensure itdelivers maximum value to customers.Sheffield businesssupport hubsmashes targetsNew figures have shown that the Sheffield City RegionGrowth Hub has bested its own targets for businesssupport in its first year.By the end of April 2017, the Growth Hub and its slew ofspecialist advisors had worked with 4,122 businesses –beating its original target of 500. The bulk of inquiries over the year have been about helpto grow businesses and finance, while skills training,starting a new business and innovation were roughly equal.David Grimes, Head of the Growth Hub, said: “Thisdemonstrates that there is a huge appetite for businessesto grow and create jobs and prosperity across the region.“Enterprise has always been at the heart of what we doin this region. It’s a tribute to the hard work ethos herewhich is helping to attract, retain and develop skills in theregion which are so important for sustainable growth.”© Shutterstock / Baranq 06-10_Layout 1 01/09/2017 09:19 Page 1www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 7Leeds locale boasts UK’s largest retailsolar systemA facility in Leeds can now lay claimto being the site of the UK’s biggestsolar photovoltaic system at a retailpark.The installation – comprising of 2,902individual panels – was overseen bycommercial property companyLandsec.Situated on the roof of the WhiteRose shopping centre, the solar systemwill generate 680,000 kWh of power ayear – enough to power over 200 UKhomes for a year.The PV will supply 39% of thedaytime electricity used in the mallareas of the centre.In its first year, the system will reducecarbon emissions at White Rose by 250tonnes – equivalent of over half amillion miles of passenger caremissions.It will maximise on-site renewable energy generation, reduce electricity consumption from the grid and deliversignificant financial benefits to retailers based at White Rose.The PV was installed over a period of six weeks by Nottingham’s EvoEnergy.Think tank warns of‘limited’ benefit ofChannel 4 move toYorkshireIn our August issue, we explored the quality of Yorkshire andLincolnshire’s commercial property market as major towns andcities across our region expressed their interest in becoming theHQ for Channel 4. New research, however, has cast doubt over the economicbenefits the broadcaster’s move would have on the successfulcity.Think tank Centre for Cities examined the economic impact ofmoving public sector jobs from London. In particular, it focussedon the BBC’s relocation of national operations to Salford back in2011. The Beeb claimed the move would bring some 15,000 jobsto the wider region. The impact was, in fact, limited. “The lesson for cities bidding to be the new home of Channel4 is that if they are successful, they should not expect to see amajor boost to their economies beyond the jobs that therelocation would directly bring,” said Paul Swinney, PrincipalEconomist of Centre for Cities.Lincolnshire businessescall for better transportand infrastructureOver a third of Lincolnshire businesses say the county’s transport andinfrastructure must improve if they are to continue to grow.Grant Thornton’s survey of the East Midlands’ most profitable businessesalso revealed that unlocking new markets for existing products and/orservices is what 54% of Lincolnshire businesses see as most likely to drivegrowth in the coming 12-months. However, more than half of them believe the region’s talent pool is lacking,with a short supply of individuals with the skills and qualifications they needaccording to 53% of the Lincolnshire businesses taking part, which, theybelieve, is likely to hamper their growth plans.Improving links between education and employers, and strengtheningrelations across the region’s business networks and communities, are alsoimportant factors that will help to create a vibrant economy.© Channel 4 NEWS© Shutterstock / Martin D. Vonka © Shutterstock / Eddie Cloud 06-10_Layout 1 01/09/2017 09:19 Page 2NEWSLeeds start-upfirst UK businesson USacceleratorprogrammeA Leeds-based mobile application start-uphas become the first in the UK to achieve aplace on a $250,000 US acceleratorprogramme.JigTalk’s flagship product is a dating appwhich, it said, puts personality ahead of looks.Now entering its third programme, theNasdaq Entrepreneurial Centre enables early-to mid-stage entrepreneurs to set and achievemilestones to drive business.Milestone Makers received hundreds ofapplicants, for which only 10 could ultimatelyselected. Successful entrepreneurs receive freebusiness mentoring, personal coaching, training and resources valued at around $250,000.JigTalk CEO and co-founder Alex Durrant is the first UK-based entrepreneur to be selected. Together with co-founder Max Adamski, the pair haswon funding from angel investors in both New York and London ahead of the release of the first generation JigTalk app in February 2017. The app gained some 10,000 users in the 16 weeks following its launch, with a second generation driven by user feedback slated.8Business Link www.blmforum.netBritish Steel expandsglobal footprintBritish Steel, the Scunthorpe-headquartered manufacturingpowerhouse, has expanded its global reach with nine newinternational sales offices.This follows the company’s earlier efforts to rebrand itsoverseas offices which have now been completed.Since launch day on 1 June 2016, British Steel regionalaccount managers around the world have been providingsupport to customers under transitional arrangements withTata Steel.New offices have been set-up in the USA, Germany, Spain,Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Poland, Singapore and Taiwan.CEO Peter Bernscher said: “Our new positioning allows us toensure local service for global markets, engaging all customersand consistently delivering value.“Due to the efforts of our team and the ongoing support ofcustomers and stakeholders, all our offices have nowsuccessfully transitioned to the revitalised brand with a longstanding history and a prosperous future.”Leeds to host inauguraltech eventHundreds of business tech enthusiasts are expected to descend on Leedswhen the city hosts the country’s first ‘Innovation & Disruption’ event.The showcase will spotlight some of the most cutting-edge innovations setto rock the technology sector over the next 12 months.Innovation & Disruption is the brainchild of Tim Mercer, CEO of Yorkshire-headquartered cloud tech firm Vapour.While Mr Mercer himself will take to the stage for the October event, alleyes will likely be on Ant Middleton – special guest and lead speaker for theday.The former Special Forces hero is now a familiar face on British television,most notably as Chief Instructor on Channel 4’s SAS Who Dares Wins. He willoffer delegates an uplifting insight into his own career.IT directors and decision makers will also have the chance to try out anumber of industry-firsts when it comes to voice and video communications,virtual reality and cloud security.© Shutterstock / TATSIANAMA Ant Middleton06-10_Layout 1 01/09/2017 09:19 Page 3TOWER FIELD SERVICESCat Tech Tower Field Services offers bespokemechanical services to oil refinery andprotochemical plants all around the world.Our team has vast experience in overseeing andundertaking the installation of all types of Towerinternals.Our Tower tray, packing and other internalsinstallation services has deep roots, with several ofthe senior team at Cat Tech being involved in thefounding of the Cana-Tex organisation.Since 1971, Cana-Tex had been the premier globalTower speciality contractor; performing Towermaintenance and plant turnaround projects aroundthe world. These origins, with the addition of newteam members, make Cat Tech Tower Field servicesa global operation which is both cost effective andtechnically experienced.We strive to create new ways to make yourTower work safer, faster and more productiveand that can make very good things happen foryour business.We thrive on exceeding our clients expectations and understand the need forupfront communication in relation to timescales and costs.No-one likes surprises in this industry and we ensure that everything is done, frompre-job planning, on site activities to post job reporting in a manner which allows ourcustomers 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 provenskills necessary to produce customer satisfaction.It is our intention to demonstrate the benefit of utilising Cat Tech for all of yourTower work.The benefits of engaging Cat Tech are:lExperienced Tower specialists.lProven track record.lAbility to supply spares and replacements.lSpade to Spade service.lRevamps or modifications to Towers / Internals.lInspection of Tower internals.lSupervision of external/client labour force.lDetailed inspection reports.lCleaning of tower internals.lReactor tray field services.lTurnkey reactor tray field services.At Cat Tech, we continue tocreate new ways to makeTower work safer, faster andmore productive. And that canmake very good things happenfor your business. Contact usfor further information.Our well established sales teamhave a wealth of experience.We take pride on ensuring allenquires are dealt with quicklyand efficiently.UK: Cat Tech (Europe) Ltd.,1 South Park Road,South Park Industrial Estate,Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire,DN17 2BY UKPhone: +44 (0) 1724 871747Fax: + 44 (0) 1724 861928Bulgaria: Cat Tech Services (SouthEastern Europe) Ltd.,Devnia, Varna District,Povelyanovo, 20 Droujba Str,R Bulgaria, 9160Phone: +(35) 9519 92052Fax: +(35) 9527 46770China: Cat Tech Services (Shanghai) Ltd.,Room 1230 No.1, 58 Nong Huachi Road,Putuo District,Shanghai 20061 CNPhone: +(86) 2152 9175 08Fax: +(86) 2152 9175 05Singapore: Cat Tech Asia Pacific Pte.Ltd., 17 Fan Yoong Road,Singapore 629794Phone: +(65) 6264 6261Fax: +(65) 6264 6401South America: Please contact the UKoffice on +44 1724 871 747Thailand: Cat Tech Services (Thailand)Ltd., 2/1 Soi Banbon NuenpayomRoad, Maptaphut Sub District, MuangRayong District, Rayong Province21150 THPhone: +(66) 894 064 100Fax: +(66) 638 692 382MAKING YOURPLANT WORK…SMARTERwww.cat-tech.comPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KAWINNINGS06-10_Layout 1 01/09/2017 09:20 Page 4Next >