september 2019 £3.50 yorkshire & lincolnshire’s leading business magazine www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 34 ISSUE 9 Boosting wellbeing TAKING STOCK TAKING STOCK Keeping up with the marketTrain old or train new?“Keeping your business purrrring along nicely...” Specializing in the manufacturing Industry & Self-employed engineers etc… Management accounting & costings system specialists, with a common sense approach. Payroll, bookkeeping, accountancy, tax services and business advice For individuals, sole traders or companies We’re human (well, apart from Barnstone here), so we promise to talk to you like a human, you know, in a jargon-free, no waffle way! We’re available during evenings and weekends too, and promise to respond to a client’s queries within 24 hours. We’re the approachable accountants that make your life easier... so give us a call! We’re a v ailable , even in th e evenin gs and a t we ekend! No jargo n, w e promise! Just great advice! 10 YEARS SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES Barnstone House, Greetham, Rutland LE15 7NX 01572 811497 | 07775 840550 julieanne.charles@barnstoneaccountancy.co.uk www.barnstoneaccountancy.co.uk 02.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2019 13:44 Page 1As the month of September comes around, we enter a world in which waking up to read a news article of our Prime Minister arguing with a pork pie manufacturer to be a normal thing. With Parliament paralysed by such deathly important matters, we’d be forgiven for thinking our region had been abandoned to handle things on its own. No changes there, then. In even worse news, HS2 is under threat after the Government gave a leading role in an “independent review” to a major critic of the scheme. Much like Brexit itself, news around HS2 seems to be polarising and without much in the way of facts, threatening to “destroy” ecosystems and livelihoods. It is reminiscent almost of the original campaigns against trains in the UK at all, which stated that cows – and adult women – would be so frightened by the noise that they would spontaneously suffer miscarriages. Hopefully, saner minds will prevail – but when they haven’t for the last year or two, is it naïve to expect it now? Here in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, we’re trying to continue as normal. Difficult, given we still don’t know if we’ll be leaving with a deal, without or at all come the end of October, but we strive to succeed, nonetheless. In this month’s issue we investigate the food and drink industry, which may be hit worse by a no-deal Brexit than many others. We also look into the skills gap and whether apprenticeships are the answer, alongside finance and the ever-increasing options available for raising finance. All that and more with up-to-date news, analysis, industry comment and events. 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 28/08/2019 09:45 Page 1SEPTEMBER 2019 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region 10 NNBC Financial Q&A NNBC Financial is a commercial finance brokerage, dedicated to servicing the SME community within the midlands. We spoke to Managing Director Neil Buckley to find out more 12 Commercial property From the strength of its steel industry, Sheffield has evolved into a powerhouse of digital and media industries, especially when it comes to videogames. It’s all had an effect on the commercial property market, as Business Link explores. 16 Food and drink industry spotlight The food and drink industry within the UK has challenges ahead thanks both to Brexit and increased demands on freshness, quality and price. 20 South Yorkshire Comprising Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham, South Yorkshire is a powerhouse for logistics and distribution, manufacturing and engineering, ensuring the area is the beating heart of Yorkshire and the Humber. 24 Training and education It’s undeniable that many industries face a skills shortage, but is the answer really to take on new people – or can we train and up-skill those we already have? 28 Office solutions As the idea of the workplace experience becomes more important for employees, offices have become much more than a location for staff to work, instead being utilised to boost wellbeing. 32 Finance Business Link looks at some of the most common finance solutions open to businesses, exploring the advantages and disadvantages and the business situations for which they’re best suited. 36 Recycling and waste management Rising worry over waste is seeing the embrace of a circular economy. 39 Corporate hospitality There’s a lot to consider when it comes to corporate hospitality – food, venue, transport and so on. But one area that might escape one’s attention during the vital planning stages is what to wear. 42 AutoLink The booming SUV market is going electric and it’s something luxury marques are getting on in. 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 24 28 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2019 09:47 Page 1Group Editor Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Journalists Dominic Cuthbert (d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk) Stuart Pearcey (s.pearcey@blmgroup.co.uk) 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 - MEHMET DINLER • ZASTOLSKIY VICTOR • ELNUR • GOODLUZ • JAMES LOVERING www.blmforum.net 36 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2019 09:47 Page 2£30m to boost UK manufacturing Businesses can apply for a share of £30 million to support projects that use digital technology to improve the productivity and agility of UK manufacturing. The UK government’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund Manufacturing Made Smarter Challenge aims to raise productivity by 30% by 2030 by investing in projects that support industrial digitalisation. The Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) has up to £30 million to invest in projects that use industrial digital technologies to transform manufacturing productivity. The competition aims to support projects that can achieve short-term impact and rapid technology development through industrial digitalisation across a range of sectors from aerospace to food and drink and pharma. Projects can be led by any sector but must show how they could be applied to at least 2 other sectors. They should fit into one of 4 themes: smart, connected factory; connected and versatile supply chain; design, make, test; and adaptable flexible manufacturing operations and skills. 6 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS Lincoln cyber security firm finalist in national computer security awards A Lincoln cyber security and resilience company is a finalist in three categories of the Computing Security Awards 2019. KryptoKloud has been shortlisted in the ‘One to Watch’ and ‘Incident Response and ‘Investigation Provider of the Year’ categories, and its CEO Paul Burrows is a finalist for the ‘Contribution to Cyber Security’ Award. The digital intelligence, monitoring and cyber resilience provider, based at Lincoln Science & Innovation Park, helps organisations in the US, the Far East and Europe to protect their data. Samuel Grant shortlisted for high profile industry award Samuel Grant Packaging, in conjunction with Braiform, have made the shortlist in the Supply Chain Excellence Awards for Environmental Improvement. Shortlisted amongst blue chip giants such as Kraft Heinz, Primark and Sainsburys, the two companies have been recognised for their outstanding work in minimising waste and increasing sustainability in major retailers and garment manufacturers. Both companies are passionate about creating cost-effective, innovative and greener operations during their long-term collaboration, utilising the Queen’s Award-winning Samson Nano pallet wrapping system, alongside Braiform’s world-first closed loop hanger solution. In 2018, Braiform installed a Samson Nano machine and over 11 months have subsequently saved 4.8 tonnes in wrap consumption, taking their CO2 emission savings to 29 tonnes by reducing waste and increasing efficiency. “It’s a great recognition for the collaboration of both our Yorkshire-based businesses,” said Julia Allen, Managing Director of Samuel Grant Sheffield. The award ceremony celebrations takes place in London on 5 November. © Shutterstock/PopTika 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2019 09:50 Page 1West Yorks’ largest rapid-charging EV network goes live The largest electric vehicle rapid-charging network in West Yorkshire has gone live after the first chargepoint was switched on in Bradford. The scheme is a collaboration between West Yorkshire Combined Authority and its partner local authorities – Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield councils. Following its successful bid for £2 million funding from the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), West Yorkshire Combined Authority appointed Leeds-based ENGIE to install, own and operate the new charging points. The Combined Authority and the partnering local authorities are also providing a further £1.2 million of match funding for the scheme, which will result in West Yorkshire having 88 of around 500 rapid vehicle charging points across the country. Located in Vicar Lane, the chargepoint is the first of 88 being installed across West Yorkshire as part of the £3 million-plus scheme to help improve the county’s air quality. New locations will be added weekly until the network is completed later this year. www.blmforum.net Business Link 7 NEWS © Shutterstock / zhao jiamkang Greater Lincs LEP signs up to support Steel Charter The Greater Lincolnshire LEP Board has signed up to support the industry-led UK Steel Charter. Put together by trade body UK Steel, the charter aims to boost the amount of UK steel used in construction and infrastructure projects by approaching organisations to sign up and commit to a range of procurement measures. The charter sets out to: * Help ensure the best possible economic benefit to the UK economy by increasing GVA in UK manufacturing supply chains; * Unlock the social, environmental and economic benefits of shortened and localised supply chains; * Support highly paid, skilled manufacturing jobs and training opportunities in communities across the UK. Closely aligned with the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy agenda, the UK Steel Charter will build on pre- existing government policy to back the steel industry and provide organisations with a range of simple, practical steps they can take to ensure the maximum value is achieved in their projects. 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2019 09:50 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 28/08/2019 09:51 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 NEWS Leeds to host international innovation project Leeds and the City Region have been chosen to host an international innovation programme in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). More than a hundred leaders from government, business, universities and finance, as well as entrepreneurs from across the world, will converge on Leeds to understand more about the region’s strengths and ambitions. Roger Marsh, Chairman of the Leeds City Region LEP, said: “With 14 colleges and nine universities, we are home to one of the highest concentrations of Further and Higher Education establishments in the country which provides us with a wealth of opportunity for innovation, research and development. “This programme will shine the global spotlight on our City Region and provide a key opportunity to ensure government truly understands the value we already add and what we need to reach our future potential.” The three-day programme takes place in January 2020. Round two of funding programme launched by InvestSK The second round of a funding programme that has helped to breathe new life into local town centres is being launched by InvestSK. Since the beginning of the year, the Town Centre Investment Fund has awarded a total of £32,000 to five business, creating 18 jobs with a further 40 expected to be created over the next two years. Now the door is open to other businesses in South Kesteven who are looking to move into vacant town centre units within any of the district’s four market towns: Grantham, Stamford, Market Deeping and Bourne. Up to £10,000 is available for successful applicants which can be used to pay for capital costs such as new signage, equipment and fit out work. InvestSK is South Kesteven’s economic development and regeneration company and the funding is being made available by South Kesteven District Council (SKDC). © Shutterstock / ESB Professional Yorkshire sees improved financial performance for most sectors Between June and July, there was a marginal fall in the proportion of Yorkshire businesses at higher than usual risk of insolvency, R3 data shows. In Yorkshire, all 11 sectors monitored by R3 saw their levels of businesses at higher than normal risk of insolvency either remain flat or decrease between June and July. The construction sector – often considered to be a bellwether of economic fortunes – was stable, with a marginal 0.3% fall in the number of Yorkshire firms at elevated risk. Of the nearly 27,000 active construction companies in the region, 46% were deemed to be in the higher risk band – close to the UK-wide figure of 45%. The sector which saw the greatest month-on-month decrease in the region was hotels, with a 1.8% fall in levels of businesses at higher than normal risk of insolvency in the next 12 months. Yorkshire performed relatively well with 44% of businesses at elevated risk, only slightly higher than the national average of 42%. Roger Marsh The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology bulksolids.com +44 20 8331 8646 Consultancy Services and Short Courses for industries that use powders and bulk solids 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 28/08/2019 09:51 Page 4Next >