< 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’LETTERSA fine messDear Sir,High Street retailers have had a tougher time of it than othersectors in the past few years. Now, after dealing with recession, asluggish recovery, and changing consumer habits, traditionalretailers will be put under more pressure as they are exposed to thestresses of expansion as economic recovery picks up.Insolvency isn’t the end of the road for a retailer though. It can bean opportunity to restructure and rethink the business model. Manyretailers have come out of administration and gone from strength tostrengthAs a result of a series of court decisions, there are certain coststhat have to be paid by businesses in administration before moneycan be given back to creditors; rent is one of these payments.By delaying administration until after rent is due, unpaid rentbecomes just another debt to be repaid to creditors, with no specialpriority. This could see a retailer rescued rather than dissolved, but,as a whole, the rules are a mess. They are a bad deal for landlords,retailers, and employees. Action is needed from the Government toprovide clarification on costs.W BallmanLeedsApproach with cautionDear Sir,Limiting the amount of information that a smaller company hasto provide on its financial statements, as set out by a new EUdirective is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the new directive is a welcome simplificationfor many small companies who feel weighed down by thepreparation and declaration of financial information. However, there are concerns by UK accountants and professionalbodies that the significantly simplified reporting requirements,particularly in respect of micro entities, will undermine theusefulness of financial information produced by small companies,particularly where they are seeking access to new sources offinance.Therefore, it is worth noting that although the EU directive mayappear to favour the smaller companies, it should be approachedwith caution.F SharplesLeedsThe longest dayDear Sir,Marks & Spencer has moved unilaterally to extend the lengthof time it takes to pay its suppliers from an already lengthy 60days to 75 days. The FSB would have expected more from thecompany who in many other parts of their business aim to setthe gold standard. Moreover, it runs contrary to efforts beingmade by Ministers across Government to resolve this practiceof extended payment terms. It is also deeply ironic that Marks &Spencer’s has signed up to the ‘Prompt Payment Code’.G MillwardLeedsMr muddledDear Sir,Labour’s whole policy on tax is muddled. Hiking Corporation Tax tooffset cuts to Business Rates is just a sticking plaster gimmick that doesn’tget to the real root of the problem. Reducing Corporation Tax has been one of the key achievements of theCoalition. It has helped create a degree of stability and certainty forcompanies and has sent out a clear signal to investors that the UK is openfor business.The real issue is with the Business Rates system itself, which isoutdated, fundamentally flawed and in desperate need of reform. BusinessRates are a huge drag on business, hitting companies of all sizes longbefore they make any profits.To create an environment where companies can thrive, both BusinessRates and Corporation Tax have to be contained. Increasing one to offsetcuts to the other will serve only to further complicate what is already anextremely complex tax regime.Ultimately, companies of all sizes need to be clear on taxes and ratesbills, so that they can get on with generating jobs, wealth and growth withcertainty.T StringerLincoln10:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:17 Page 1Ranging from intimatecelebrations to largecorporate events, Crystal, thebar and nightclub situated inthe heart of Sheffield CityCentre on the site of the oldScissor Works factory, haslaunched a new, members-only club. The Reserva Club, the newMembers Only VIP Loungeoffers a newly-refurbishedchampagne bar for its valuedguests and we were inattendance to capture theexclusive opening night.Membership is very limitedand the Reserva Club is nowa place for like-minded peopleaged 25 and over to enjoyexcellent drinks,entertainment and companyin a lounge reserved for itsmembers only. The newHouse of Hugo BoutiqueCocktail Bar, specialising in cocktaildelicacies not yet experienced inSheffield, adds to the appeal.For details of membership, call theGeneral Manager on 01142 725926 oremail carl@crystalbar.uk.comBusiness Link 11www.blmforum.netBUSINESS SCENECrystal clear11:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:18 Page 1COMMERCIAL PROPERTY12Business Link www.blmforum.netThe depressed state of thecommercial property market in recentyears means it would be hard tosuggest any kind of purchase was aninvestment. However with the marketenjoying clear signs of recovery, thereare opportunities springing up aroundthe region and many are enjoying greatsuccess by investing in property.Indeed one developer has suggestedthat they’ve purchased “44 acres ofpossibility”. Stirlin Developments, theLincoln-based commercial andresidential property developer, hasacquired a significant plot of land inNorth Hykeham. North of the railwayline, it’s part of the former LincolnCastings site and has stood empty since2006. Outline planning permission hasbeen obtained for approximately 24,000sq ft of commercial and employmentspace on the plot, with the other 44acres south of the railway line havingbeen acquired by Persimmon Homes.James Kirby, Managing Director ofStirlin Developments, says, “I am reallyexcited to have completed this deal.This area has an enormous amount ofpotential. We are looking forward todeveloping it into a site worthy ofinvestment that will provide significantbenefits to the local community.”A little innovative thinking could wellbe the sign for redevelopment of someparts of our region that haven’t enjoyeda great deal of love recently. Oneparticularly interesting addition to themarket is Sheffield’s Hallam Tower – alandmark sixties building in the affluentFulwood area. Formerly theIntercontinental Hotel, the building hasnow become the subject of a high-profile launch to market by KnightFrank, in association with AxisArchitectire. It benefits from of detailedplanning consent for 133 units includingeleven townhouses within a 3.3 acresite and its arrival on the market couldpave the way for a full redevelopmentof the site.Tearle Phelan, department head forYorkshire residential development atKnight Frank, says, “The 2007 collapseof the residential market brought salesof land with residential developmentpotential to a standstill across the UK,forcing many residential developmentschemes to be mothballed. Thisproperty’s release to the open marketcoincides with a significantimprovement to the residential sector,and wider UK economy as a whole.“Recent government intervention,improvement in sales rates and generalconfidence in the residential marketmeans the time is right to bring a newlease of life to this development site.This building has a fantastic history andthe potential to lift it back to its formerglory through the creation of a trulyunique residential complex, could bemassively beneficial to the city and toA wiseinvestmentInvesting in commercial propertycould finally be a viable optiononce again12-13:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:44 Page 1Business Link 13www.blmforum.netCOMMERCIAL PROPERTYFulwood.”Investment in property has certainlyenjoyed something of a renaissance,and in Lincolnshire, Banks Long’s co-operation with auctioneers Allsop LLPand Acuitus is part of a bid to seek thefaster disposal of a mixed portfolio ofcommercial investment opportunities.Allsop LLP’s recently sold the Tescoconvenience store in Newark Road,Lincoln, which was snapped up by aLincoln buyer for £752,500, achieving anet initial yield of about 5.5%.Meanwhile, Jackson Building Centres’builders merchants depot in MarketRasen was bought in an Acuitus auctionby Grantham buyers for £260,000.Some properties weren’t sold, suchas HSBC’s branch in Scunthorpe HighStreet, which is now being marketed byBanks Long with a price tag of £1.3million, offering a buyer a net initialyield of well over 8%, and the formerHolland & Barratt shop in Lumley Road,Skegness, which is now on offer topotential investors, with a guide price of£500,000. Banks Long consultant PeterBanks says, “We are expecting to haveall of the properties in this portfolio soldby the end of the year. The low interestrate environment continues to drive theinterests of private investors in goodquality commercial property.”One potential windfall for someproperty investors could come fromSavoy Cinemas. Managing DirectorJames Collington is aiming toproactively identify new areas intowhich he can expand his portfolio andcreate new jobs. Savoy venuescurrently include Boston’s West EndCinema and sister cinemas inNottingham and Worksop.Tim Bradford of Banks Long & Co,who are assisting in the search, says,“Since our appointment we have beenactively searching for potential newcinema sites across the Midlands andNorthern England. We have identified anumber of opportunities, which we arenow pursuing. However, Savoy wouldultimately like to have a dozen or sovenues, so we are keen to hear fromproperty companies, developers andlocal authorities who may have justwhat we are looking for. We believethere are local councils with land andbuildings which may be surplus to theirrequirements or which are provingdifficult to dispose of. Alternatively, aninvestor might own a substantially-sizedvacant building or surplus land whichcould be redeveloped to everyone’sbenefit.”With RICS recently reporting thesharpest price rises since November2006 and further pieces of nationalresearch that point to a surge in buy-to-let investment, commercial propertyowners can look forward to takingadvantage of a recovering market andenjoying a substantial benefit.PHOTO: GILES ROCHOLL PHOTOGRAPHY LTDBradford’s Central Libraryis preparing to start anew chapter in its historywhen it relocates toCentenary Square, afterBradford Council agreeda deal with Rushbond toreopen the library in thelast available unit at thecity centre developmentSavoy Cinemas, whose venuescurrently include Boston’s WestEnd Cinema, are aiming toproactively identify new areasinto which they can expandtheir portfolioWith RICS recently reporting the sharpest price rises sinceNovember 2006 and further pieces of national research thatpoint to a surge in buy-to-let investment12-13:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:44 Page 2Scan this code with your smartphone to visit our website01924 282 020www.whittlejones.comPremises available in over 200 locations throughout England and ScotlandManaging properties on behalf of Northern TrustOFFICESSILKWOOD PARK, WAKEFIELD, WF5 9TJSCARBOROUGHBRIDLINGTONHORNSEASTALLINGBOROUGHHULLPOCKLINGTONGAINSBOROUGHSCUNTHORPEGOOLEDONCASTER DINNINGTONTEMPLEBOROUGHDENABYMEXBOROUGHGOLDTHORPESOUTH KIRKBYBARNSLEYHUDDERSFIELDTODMORDENBRADFORDSHIPLEYUNITS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT YORKSHIRE INCLUDING HUMBERSIDE & LINCOLNSHIREINDUSTRIAL ACCOMMODATION TO LET FROM 500 SQ FT UPWARDS - FLEXIBLE LEASESwww.thegateway-wakefield.co.uk/innovateSMALL OFFICE SUITES TO LET FROM 2 PERSONS (233 SQ FT) UPWARDSwww.whittlejones.com14:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:18 Page 1“We value the fact thatthey have a very acuteunderstanding of thedemands of the lettingmarket in each of theareas in which theyoperate”Mrs J, Harrogate.“Linley and Simpsonepitomiseprofessionalism. I have always foundthem to be extremelyhelpful and polite”Mr J, Wakefield.“Linley and Simpsonvery reliable. Theircommunication and theway they manage myproperty is fantasticand they are alwaysprofessional. I wouldrecommend them 100%”Mr P, York.Don’t just take our word for it, see whatsome of our current landlords are saying…*Visit our website for full testimonialsLetting is easy withLinley&SimpsonAt Linley & Simpson we can manage the entireprocess to ensure that becoming a landlord isa hassle-free and rewarding experience.With demand for properties currentlyoutweighing supply in the area there really hasnever been a better time to let your property.www.linleyandsimpson.co.ukLETBYCall today for your freeproperty appraisalRoundhay0113 237 0281Leeds City0113 246 9295Horsforth0113 239 0663York01904 611722Harrogate01423 540054Wakefield01924 375245Wetherby01937 586060Ilkley01943 816888Ripon01765 690219@linleyandsimpson15:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:19 Page 1TRAINING AND EDUCATION16Business Link www.blmforum.netThe fantastic amount of opportunitiesavailable from the improved economicsituation as well as a high standard ofeducation and training means thatemployers are now at an advantagewhen it comes to employing trained andprepared candidates for jobs that theywould not have previously been able to. However, a recent study, theCIPD/Hays Resourcing and TalentPlanning Survey, found that less than athird of employers are taking on morepeople aged 16-24, despite the upturnin the jobs market.Peter Cheese, Chief Executive at theCIPD, says, “The research has shownthat many young people fear that theywill struggle to find jobs and establishtheir future careers. Recent employmentfigures also highlighted that, whileoverall unemployment went down,youth unemployment is on the rise. “There are some great examples ofemployers who are seeking to addressthis trend by implementing youthengagement strategies, creatingapprenticeship opportunities or schoolleaver programmes. Theseorganisations should be congratulatedfor their great work. However, there remains a significantproportion of employers who are notdoing enough to engage with youngpeople to help them to build the workskills they will need, and at the sametime to build the future workforce theirorganisations need. Business has a keyrole to play in developing our youngpeople in order to bridge employabilitygaps and skills mismatches. We cannotsimply expect governments oreducation systems to churn out off-the-shelf employees.”That said, the practical and vocationalcourses that have increased inprecedence recently are leading the wayto providing these ‘off the shelf’employees that Peter Cheese suggestsare unlikely to exist. For example,teachers from Hull and East Riding arebeing sought to become wind energychampions as local company ForewindPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/FOTOBUG11Mixedmessages?Our region is busy with the activity that engineering, renewableenergy and the economic recovery has encouraged. Howeverfor all the success, we are still encountering calls forimprovement, so what are Yorkshire and Lincolnshire doing tocombat this?16-19:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:50 Page 1Business Link 17www.blmforum.netA talented workforce is the key to successContact us at: Shipley College, Salt Building, Victoria Road, Saltaire BD18 3LQ01274 327390 • www.shipley.ac.uk • employers@shipley.ac.uklaunches the next stage of its innovativeeducation initiative, Champions for Wind.Ten teachers will be awardedbursaries to develop and implementwind energy careers related activitiesfor their students as part of the initiativebeing run by Hull-based HumbersideEngineering Training Association.More than two thousand students todate have been involved with theprogramme and this latest phase willmean up to a thousand more youngpeople will have the opportunity to learnabout offshore wind energy and the widerange of careers offered by the industry.The champions selected will workwith careers advisors to design anddevelop curriculum-based resourcesthat are relevant to their students,schools and local area. Hull, East Ridingof Yorkshire and Teesside were chosenfor their proximity to the proposedlandfalls, onshore infrastructure andgrid connections of the Dogger Bankdevelopment. By providing careerseducation for young people living nearForewind’s proposed onshoreinfrastructure, it is hoped motivatedyoung people will be encouraged tojoin this growing industry.Equally, encouraging talent to set upon their own is becoming engenderedwithin the county. Recent news that theUniversity of Lincoln has beenshortlisted for ‘EntrepreneurialUniversity of the Year’ by the TimesHigher Education Awards hashighlighted their passing on of businesssense and encouragement throughfirmly business-geared activities. The university was shortlisted basedon the enterprising environment it hasdeveloped through its award-winningSparkhouse business incubation centre,and the partnerships it has forged withmajor employers such as Siemens andLincolnshire Co-operative.Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellorat the University of Lincoln, says, “Weare very proud to have been shortlisted.Universities are the engines of modernknowledge-based economies, andinnovation and creativity are the fuel. WePHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/WILLIAM PERUGINI19 16-19:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:50 Page 2TRAINING AND EDUCATION18Business Link www.blmforum.netWAKEFIELD SKILLCENTRE LTDFOR ALL YOUR TRAINING REQUIREMENTS........WAKEFIELD SKILLCENTRE LTDWakefield Skillcentre Ltdhas long been established as one of the leading trainingproviders in West Yorkshire. We are always looking ahead to meet the needs of ourcustomers Our core training programmes are available as scheduled open courses,providing a cost-effective solution to clients only able to release trainees asindividuals or in small groups. We are proud of our flexible approach and are happy to provide customer specifictraining programmes at our Wakefield training centre or at client premisesthroughout the UK. Wakefield Skillcentre – Keeping your business ahead of the gameTraining and assessment approvals include City & Guilds, RTITB, IOSH,NEBOSH, CITB and GASSAFE.Summary of coursesHealth & SafetyNebosh Certificate/IOSHTrain the Trainer Tower Scaffold & LadderSafetyElectrical Lift Truck Safety Awareness forManagers & Supervisors (New)RTITB Forklift OperationsWelding (all codes)Plumbing & HeatingCITB Gas Training/AssessmentsMulti-SkillingHydraulics/PneumaticsContact detailsFOR ALL YOUR TRAININGFor Professional & Friendly AdvicePlease contact our Sales Team onTel: 0192 437 5823Fax: 0192 436 2811 E-mail: info@skill-centre.co.uk Address:Wakefield Skillcentre LtdUnits 41-43 Monckton Road Industrial Estate,Denby Dale Road,Wakefield. WF2 7ALVisit our brand NEWwebsite: www.skill-centre.co.ukFollow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/WSCLtdLike us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WSCLtdWe are also on Linkedin : www.linkedin.com/company/wakefield-skillcentre-ltd?Our training courses and apprenticeship schemes offer you the very best insight into the best working practices and the best way into a varietyof manufacturing, electrical and electronic industries.We specialise in providing expert support and advice on a wide range of subjects, ranging from project management and team leadership toprototyping, assistance in finding grant support and training for a mature workforce.Our comprehensive range of services includes:• Training apprenticeships •Mature workforce training•Assistance in finding grant support for all courses •IPC and non-IPC training •Design for manufacture •PCB test and repair •Prototyping •Technology transfer brokerage •Team leadership training •Project managementAlthough we are based in Pickering, North Yorkshire, we cover the whole of the UK and Europe. We aim to constantly provide the best solutionsfor your requirements at the best quality possible.Draw on our 40 years of manufacturing experience bytaking part in our well-established and renowned trainingcourses and apprenticeship schemes.Why not call us today on 07740 854 000to discuss your manufacturing and electronic training requirements withone of our helpful and friendly team?The SheffieldCollegewww.sheff col.ac.ukExcellenceEmployabilityEnterpriseE-EnabledEngagementWe specialise in quality training, tailored to suit your business - Apprenticeships deliver skills designed around your business needs providing the skilled workers you need for the future. They also help you develop the specialist skills you need to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices in your sector.t5IF4IFóFME$PMMFHFIBWFBQQSFOUJDFToBOEJUTHSPXJOHt0VSUFBNPGFYQFSJFODFEBEWJTPSTIBOEMFUIFQSPDFTTPGUBLJOHPOBOBQQSFOUJDFt5IF"QQSFOUJDFTIJQ(SBOUGPS&NQMPZFSTPGZFBSPMET "(& PGbJTBWBJMBCMFUPIFMQCVTJOFTTFTXJUIGFXFSUIBOFNQMPZFFTUPUBLFPOBOBQQSFOUJDFCalling EmployersGROW YOUR BUSINESSContact us on 0114 260 2600 oremail: businessgateway@sheff col.ac.uk16-19:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:50 Page 3Business Link 19www.blmforum.netTRAINING AND EDUCATIONPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/VR PHOTOSaim to challenge the status quo andcontinually ask how we can better foster theculture of enterprise and entrepreneurshipwhich is so fundamental to economic growth.”Students also play a leading role infostering a culture of enterprise throughmembership of clubs and societies andengagement in the ground-breaking Studentas Producer initiative, a national researchproject funded by the Higher EducationAcademy and led by the University of Lincoln.Earlier this year Sparkhouse celebrated itstenth anniversary. In the past decade it hasenabled more than 230 start-ups to establishthemselves, creating almost 400 jobs.Far from working blindly, it seemseducational establishments are making thelink between labour demand and theireducation programmes long beforegraduates or school-leavers come to thinkabout work. There are always areas that canbe improved, but by working closely withbusiness, education and training providersseems to be creating a healthy atmospherethat will no doubt improve not only theeconomy locally, but give young people anddirectors alike a feeling of hope.Lincolnshire YMCA operatesRQHRIWKHORQJHVWUXQQLQJÀWQHVVcentres in Lincoln and now offersDUDQJHRISURIHVVLRQDOÀWQHVVTXDOLÀFDWLRQVWRJLYH\RXDKHDGVWDUWLQWKHOHLVXUHLQGXVWU\LEVEL 2 GYM INSTRUCTOR NOW £300LEVEL 3 PERSONAL TRAINER NOW £500T: 01522 888221 | E:GDQURJHUV#OLQFV\PFDFRXN_W:ZZZ\PFDÀWQHVVFRXN7KH)LWQHVV&HQWUH_/LQFROQVKLUH<0&$_6W5XPEROG6WUHHW_/LQFROQ_/1$5HAVE YOU CONSIDERED A CAREER AS A PERSONAL TRAINER?REPS AccreditedA>317/:27A1=C<B32@/B3A<=E/D/7:/0:316-19:Layout 1 27/9/13 11:50 Page 4Next >