IT ANDTELECOMS Reconnecting the regionADVANCEDENGINEERING UK2013 Transforming technologyPORTSSetting sail forsuccessOCTOBER 2013 £3.50YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukVOLUME 28ISSUE 1001:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:35 Page 1COMET 6•Fringe Projection Scanner •High Resolution due to 16MP Camera• Outstanding Accuracy and Repeatability •High Measurement SpeedCOMET L3D•Uses LED Lighting Technology •Fast Measurement Times•Easy Portability •Quick and Easy to Change the Field-of-ViewT-SCAN CS•Hand-Held Laser Scanner •High Measurement Accuracy•Large Measurement Volume •Tactile ProbingABIS OPTIMIZER•Provides Surface Defect Inspection •Fully Portable and can be Automated•Extremely Fast Measurement Cycle Times •Flexible, Compact and Highly PreciseSteinbichler UK are proud to present thelatest technologies in 3D Digitizing…Tel: +44 (0)1527 837 283 www.steinbichler.co.ukUsing advanced 3D design and engineering technology combined with some of theworldʼs largest format 5-axis CNC machines, mouldCAM delivers cost-effective, highlyinnovative computer-aided manufacturing solutions for complex shaping challenges.Our in-house civil and composite engineers work with advanced composites andtraditional materials like cast metal, alloys, timber and concrete to create complex 3Dshapes and structures.Our favourite projects are often the ones that have never been done before or thatothers consider impossible to build. As one of our customers once said, “mouldCAM arefearless”.With manufacturing facilities and engineering offices around the world, mouldCAMpresents a global approach to creating and delivering the right solution to make anyshape possible.MARK NORTHEY, Managing Director, UK Operations. M: +44 (0) 7976 640 790E: markn@mouldcam.comMIKE WARWICK, UK Operations Manager, M: +44 (0) 7766 337 640E: mikew@mouldcam.comFor more information visit our website www.mouldcam.com02:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:15 Page 1EnvironmentalBusiness Link Environmental is your ultimateguide to the expanding world of greenbusiness.46Environmental newsThe latest news from this fast-moving sector48Solar With reports of public support for the industryand predictions of huge growth over the nextsix years, it seems solar is on the up50FinanceHow can companies cope with short-termpain to enjoy long-term gain with a moreenergy-efficient approach?Regulars4From the Editor5News9Taxation Five tax tips for owners of buy to letproperties by Kelly Goodchild, TaxSupervisor, Streets Chartered Accountants10LettersReader’s letters and replies52AutoLinkThere was a time when Estate carscommanded a premium – but for thosedrivers who find SUVs cumbersomehere’s our pick of the best newexecutive estates available on themarket54EventsWe take a look at business eventshappening around Yorkshire andLincolnshire56Classified57Appointments58And finally…Features11Crystal BarCrystal, the bar and nightclub situated inthe heart of Sheffield City Centre on thesite of the old Scissor Works factory, haslaunched a new, members-only club.12Commercial propertyInvesting in commercial property couldfinally be a viable option once again16Training and educationOur region is busy with the activity thatengineering, renewable energy and theeconomic recovery has encouraged.However for all the success, we are stillencountering calls for improvement20Informational technology and telecommunicationsConnecting to the internet in our regioncan sometimes be fraught with problems.That is, until now.• onlincolnshire24PortsThe ports have been the lifeblood of ourregion’s success for generations – but it’sa sector that requires continuousinvestment and innovation to ensure theyremain suitable for their clients’ changingneeds32Meet the expertsExperts in energy33EngineeringNew talent is arriving in the engineeringsector – ready to face up to some newchallenges• ABB37Advanced EngineeringThe Advanced Engineering UK2013group of events moves to the giant Hall 5at NEC Birmingham on 12th to 13thNovember.• Greater Lincolnshire LEP42ConferencingWhen it comes to impressing an audienceat a conference, preparation is always keyand if you plan well, your speech shouldbe a doddle.44Gainsborough Business AwardsThe Gainsborough Business Awardsrecently took place at the White Heather.Roy Walker of Catchphrase fame kept thecrowds entertained at the awards,organised by LangleysContentsOctober 201316243748The Thornbury CentreCONFERENCEFACILITIESANDMEETINGROOMSFor more informaon call 01274 666649www.thornburycentre.com 03:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:36 Page 1It’s Party Conference season once again, and thisannual cavalcade of theatrical posturing, bad jokesand endless “debates” is, quite frankly, enough toput anyone off politics... and they wonder why thepercentage of people voting in General Elections istaking a nosedive!With the conferences now nothing more thanglorified rallies, it’s not hard to understand why thepublic at large seem to be disaffected with the three mainstream parties.The best that the Coalition and Labour seem able to do is come up with abarrage of clichés and promises we all wonder how they’re ever going tobe able to keep.What we do know for sure is that the recovery appears to be gatheringpace. Many businesses are reported – after five years of pay freezes andpay cuts – to be considering wage increases once again, which is a suresign that business confidence is returning, albeit slowly.Further evidence of the green shoots of recovery can be seen in thebusiness investments being made all around us, and it gives me greatpleasure this month to present our special focus on the region’s portfacilities. The ports’ results are a good financial barometer of the region’seconomy and given the £350 million investment that ABP are making intoGrimsby and Immingham alone, what better time to review the operation?Our region is also making a huge impact in engineering and, with theAdvanced Engineering events taking place this month, we examine thehuge strides being made to meet new challenges. The innovation ondisplay is fantastically impressive and that should help ensure thisrecovery is long-lived.In the meantime - good reading, as alwaysW S FisherEditorEditorSteve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)JournalistsSteve Williams (s.williams@blmgroup.co.uk)Mike Shields (m.shields@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)Patrick Hewitt (p.hewitt@blmgroup.co.uk)Accounts & SubscriptionsAngela Sharman, Dawn Cook, John DownesTel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311Design & ProductionGary Jorgensen, Mark Casson, Rachel 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?The 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.From theEDITOR…Yorkshire-Lincolnshire-Business-Link @blmforumblmforum.netCOVER PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/TIMY04:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:16 Page 1Business Link 5www.blmforum.netLATEST NEWSRestructure helps waterplants grower stay afloat A specialist Yorkshire hydroponic product retailer hasbeen bought out of administration by a nationaloperator. Aquaculture Hydroponics was placed intoadministration in July, and Robert Dymond, pictured,and Lisa Jane Hogg of Wilson Field were appointed asJoint Administrators.Aquaculture Hydroponics had operated frompremises in Sheffield, Barnsley and Ripley, though onlythe Sheffield facility on Parkway Drive remained.Wilson Field worked with Aquaculture Hydroponics torestructure the management team and supported itspurchase by the GroWell Hydroponics Group. They haveseven shops across the country and the Sheffield site will beits first in Yorkshire. Robert Dymond says, “Following the closure of Barnsley and Ripley, there was a definitepossibility the Sheffield site would close too, which would have resulted in the loss of five jobs.Working with them throughout the administration process has allowed us to restructure itsoperations, meaning the Sheffield site can remain open.”Professional qualificationsfrom Lincolnshire YMCALincolnshire YMCA has been operating their gym inthe centre of Lincoln for 25 years, providing supportfor those wanting to achieve their health and fitnessgoals with a true community spirit. They have nowstarted to provide a range of professional fitnessqualifications including the Level 2 qualification inFitness Instruction and the Level 3 qualification inPersonal Training. Dedicated to ensuring that students who graduate from thecourses are equipped with skillsneeded to pursue and succeed intheir chosen career, their aim isto provide the best value coursesin the industry through acommitment to quality in allareas of student development.If you’re interested in a changeof career or you are looking toprovide further training for yourstaff already within the fitnessindustry then see the currenttraining offers elsewhere in thisissue or contactdan.rogers@lincsymca.co.uk.Branston gives young people tasteof the food industryAs part of Skills for Work Month, Branston invited twenty young peopleto its Lincolnshire factory in a bid to inspire youngsters to consider acareer in the food industry.The visitors, aged 16 to 24, were given a behind the scenes tour of thefactory and had a potato grading taster session with the Quality Assuranceteam. Branston’s HR team also provided a session on CV writing andinterview skills. Simon Telfer, HR director at Branston, says, “We were delighted to beinvolved with Skills for Work Month, a scheme organised by the FeedingBritain’s Future initiative. The aim of the sessions at Branston is to showyoung people in Lincolnshire what opportunities are available in the foodand grocery industry and give them the practical skills they need to get ajob. I hope the youngsters found them helpful.”Filtration systemsmanufacturer exports toRussia with expertassistanceA designer and manufacturer of glazereclamation equipment has completed a majorinternational deal after receiving export expertisefrom Sheffield. Xtract Filtration Systems designed,manufactured and subsequently installed a state ofthe art glaze reclamation system toa client in Russia for use withina sanitary ware facility. To transport theshipment 2600 miles toRussia, Xtract turned to512 (Sheffield) and theSheffield InternationalFreight Terminal forassistance. Themachinery had topass through elevencustoms points andseven countries duringthe 40-hour roadjourney to Russia. Andrew Frost, projectengineer at Xtract, says,“This was the first project512 and SH-I-F-T supported uson the delivery of a completefiltration system to a client. It was a criticalshipment for the company which had to bedelivered on time and intact. Everything was alllinked to the timing of installation includingpayment, and everything worked well.Thegrowing Hullteam at BegbiesTraynor has moved tolarger offices in the centreof the city’s new marina area.The firm has signed a ten yearlease for prestigious officespace in Marina Court, CastleStreet. As well as giving the five-strong team more space than itsformer offices in The Maltings,the modern offices alsoprovide a more convenientand prestigiousenvironment forclients.Taylor&EmmetLLP is reinforcing itscommitment to communityfootball by renewing itssponsorship of two county cupcompetitions for a fourth consecutiveyear. The leading local solicitors returnonce again as sponsors of the Sheffield &Hallamshire County FA Sunday Seniorand Junior Challenge Cups for the2013/14 season. The two competitionsare among the largest administeredby the County FA, with a totalof 382 teams embarkingon the first round.05-09:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:38 Page 16Business Link www.blmforum.netFamily focused firm in linefor adviser awardNeil Gray, Partner at accountancy firm StreetsChartered Accountants, has been shortlisted in theLeading Adviser to Family Businesses category at theMidlands Family Business Awards.Neil offers business advisory and audit and taxationcompliance services to his clients. This centres aroundsetting personal and corporate objectives with theowners of family businesses, helping them to achievetheir objectives and agreeing milestones to measuresuccess. It involves both business and strategic planningand planning for succession.Paul Tutin, Chairman and Managing Partner at Streetssays, “Neil has helped many family businesses tradesuccessfully from one generation to the next and for manyto grow and develop into significant, sizeable andprofitable enterprises.”The winner will be announced at a black tie awards ceremony and dinner in Birmingham inNovember.Forgemastersboss winsnational CEOawardSheffield Forgemasters’ chief executiveProfessor Graham Honeyman has been named CEOof the Year at the prestigious national Private BusinessAwards.Professor Honeyman took the top boss honour at theawards, set up to highlight the cream of the UK’s privatelyowned businesses.He says, “Most of what we have achieved has beenthrough motivating a workforce to deliver at the highestlevel and continued investment so that we can make themost advanced, biggest and best products. I am delightedto receive this award in such esteemed company. I hopethis can act as an incentive for other UK manufacturers toaim high and position the country at the apex of themanufacturing world.”Other companies winning awards on the night includedElla’s Kitchen, Hotel Chocolat, BrewDog, Jamie’s Italianand Dr Martens and R Griggs Group. SheffieldForgemasters was one of just two Yorkshire companies tobe shortlisted.Taylor&Emmet excels for LexcelSheffield’s Taylor&Emmet LLP is the latest firm to join an exclusive group of solicitorsboasting the internationally acclaimed Lexcel quality mark. The Law Societyaccreditation recognises the firm’s first class standards of practice management andcustomer care. Taylor&Emmet was granted the Lexcel award following a visit from an independentassessor, who focused on its financial grounding and long term growth anddevelopment. Anthony Long, Taylor&Emmet’s chief executive, says, “We are very proud of ourLexcel accreditation, as it demonstrates the quality of our practice managementstandards and internal systems. The process was a genuinely constructive experiencethat is already having a positive impact on the way we do business. This recognisedquality mark gives us a competitive edge and will enhance our relationships with bothcustomers and stakeholders.” Taylor&Emmet’s Lexcel success follows hot on the heels of its Investors in People accreditation,recognising the firm’s excellent human resources practises and plans for business development.Wetherby trainingprovider launches app tosave workforceA national campaign driven by Wetherby trainingprovider Pitman Training Group aims to overhaulworrying statistics on the UK’s attitude towardswork.27% of young people in work feel depressed‘always’ or ‘often, but 72% of people rate beinghappy at work as one of themost important factors totheir job. Pitman TrainingGroup has invested in thedevelopment of a newfree app, which usestechnology to highlightpeople’s skills and tapinto the psychology ofwhy people are suitedto certain jobs.Launched as part ofPitman Training’s DriveYour Future Forwardcampaign, the app issupported by roadshowactivity which sees theirPitman campervan visit six UKlocations offering career advice andthe chance to win the ‘ultimate career package’.Christine Walsh, Pitman Training CentreManager at Wetherby, says, “We hope people willmake a pit stop in their day to call in for a careerMOT.”OfficeAngels isbacking the regionas part of a deal withWorld Trade Centre Hull& Humber. The Hull branchof the global recruitmentgroup has agreedsponsorship of a meetingfacility at the centre.Formally known as the OneVision Room, the popularspace has beenrenamed the OfficeAngels Room.TwoHull & Humber Chamber ofCommerce members are celebrating after beingnamed as regional winners in the British Chamber ofCommerce Awards. Grimsby-based Ramsden Internationalhas been named Yorkshire & Humber’s regional Exporter ofthe Year and Sylvester Keal Commercial CateringEquipment found the recipe for success in theCommitment to People Developmentcategory.LATEST NEWS05-09:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:38 Page 2Business Link 7www.blmforum.netThe Inmotion! team can help your businessssssget the most out of the travel options aaarrroooouuuunnddyou, from bus, tram and train to wwwwwwaaaallllkkiinngg,,cycling and betteeerrrrr dddrrrrriiiivvviinnggg...travel@inmotion.co.ukinmotion.co.uk01709 51 51 5105-09:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:38 Page 3LATEST NEWSLincolnshiresolicitor winsnational awardAndy Kerrigan of QualitySolicitorsBurton & Co of Lincoln and Sleafordhas been named the Rising Star at anational conference.QualitySolicitors is a national groupof Solicitors with over two hundredlocations throughout England andWales. The organisation’s conferencein Manchester brought together thehundred plus member firms.Andy has been very engaged withthe QualitySolicitors group throughoutthe year. He assisted in drafting aMaternity Rights guide which waspromoted nationally by the group andhas also been active in raisingawareness locally about the changes tolegal aid and criminal justice.Judith Brennan, managing partner ofQualitySolicitors Burton & Co, says,“We are very proud of Andy forwinning this award. He has undertakena lot of work over the past year andthis award is very much deserved. It isgreat that a Lincolnshire firm hasgained this recognition against nationalcompetition.” Yorkshire Dance provides event inspirationIf you are looking for inspiration, creativity and originality, then Yorkshire Dance is thevenue for your business event; a versatile venue in the fast-developing cultural quarter ofcentral Leeds.Converted from an old wallpaper warehouse, Yorkshire Dance boasts three qualitydance studios with natural daylight, maple wood floors, wooden beam ceilings, goodacoustics and up-to-date sound systems.Ideal for business meetings and training sessions, the three spaces on offer canaccommodate meetings, seminars and conferences. Yorkshire Dance can also provideWIFI, whiteboard and flip charts, projector and screen, photocopying and faxing, catering,a discount car parking scheme with NCP car parks, TV, DVD, video, data projector,overhead projector, table water and use of a piano.As a special offer, you can also receive 10% off your first-time booking of space anddiscounts for block bookings of three or more dates.Yorkshire Dance, 3 St Peter’s Buildings, St Peter’s Square, Leeds LS9 8AH Tel: 01132 439867 Email: admin@yorkshiredance.comwww.yorkshiredance.com8Business Link www.blmforum.netCostco LeedsLeathley RoadHunsletLeedsLS10 1BGT: 0113 204 2920E: marketing106@costco.co.ukCentral Membership: 01923 830 477www.costco.co.ukJOIN COSTCOTODAY!Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.Trade Membership*The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. Individual Membership*The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. Join in the warehouse or online:www.costco.co.uk/membershipFor further information, please contact our Membership Team at Costco Leeds on0113 204 2920*Membership Criteria applies. Accepted methods of payment: cash, debit card, cheque or American Express. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made.QUOTE “BUSINESS LINK MAGAZINE” WHEN JOINING AND RECEIVE A FREE GIFT!COSTCO LEEDS ONLY.VALID UNTIL 31./12/1405-09:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:38 Page 4Don’t forgetyou can now read Business Linkon thego!Digital Editions now available on iPad & iPhoneWWW.BLMFORUM.NETIdeal for those who spendtime away fromtheir officeFive tax tips forowners of buyto let propertiesby Kelly Goodchild, Tax Supervisor, StreetsChartered AccountantsWhile much of the economyhas struggled the property rentalmarket has remained fairlybuoyant. Returns can besignificantly higher than savingsaccounts, but that increasedincome can come with a moresubstantial tax liability.Take advantage of thededuction for mortgageinterestA deduction can be obtained for mortgage interest paid ifincurred wholly and exclusively in relation to a rental business.The mortgage doesn’t have to be secured on the property itself,so tax relief should be available on the extension of a mortgageon the main home. Importantly, if there is equity in the rentalproperty an additional mortgage can be taken to draw down onthis equity and the interest will still be deductible against rentalincome, even if this is used for unrelated purposes.Married joint owners...... are generally taxed on 50% of any rental profit, subject to anelection for tenants in common where the property is not ownedequally. It’s possible to take advantage where, for example, anindividual owns a property in their own name but pays tax athigher rates than their spouse. 5% of the property could betransferred between spouses which would result in 50% of therental profit being taxed on the lower earner.Unmarried joint owners...... are generally taxed on the profit that relates to thepercentage of the property that they own. It may be possible toenter into a written agreement whereby the joint owners agree toshare profits in a different ratio.Selling the buy to letWhen looking to sell, consider if it’s possible to occupy theproperty as a main residence to reduce the capital gains taxliability. Care needs to be taken but tax savings can be significant.Transfer of property to childrenIf property is gifted to children, there will be a capital gains taxcharge based on the market value at the time of the gift. It maybe possible to avoid this by routing the gift through a trust.Kelly Goodchild is a Tax Supervisor with Streets CharteredAccountants, a top 40 UK accountancy firm. Telephone0845 8800320, email info@streetsweb.co.uk or visitwww.streetsweb.co.ukTAXATIONBusiness Link 9www.blmforum.net05-09:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:38 Page 5Next >