< 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’LETTERSPlatform zeroDear Sir,With regards to the recent figures from the ONS: the focusshould be on tackling bad practice, as the number of zero hourscontracts is less important than ensuring that they benefit boththe individual and their employer.These figures, which show zero hours contracts are a smallproportion of the UK labour market, again illustrate that they aremost common among groups where flexibility benefits bothparties. For example, more than one third are young peopletaking their first steps in the labour market.Labour market flexibility continues to be a great asset to theUK economy, helping to increase the participation rate of parents- women in particular - and of older workers.J BentleyLeedsEnterprise nation?Dear Sir,The Enterprise Bill includes important measures that shouldimprove opportunities for growing businesses to get on and scale up.Pruning unnecessary red tape will give firms bursting withpotential – especially small and medium-sized ones – the space togrow and thrive. Expanding tailored business advice from localauthorities and involving regulators more closely in the betterregulation process are good signs of an ambitious plan.Late payment remains a key concern for small businesses and thenew Small Business Commissioner must play a role in driving culturechange throughout the business community. Resolving disputesquickly before they damage commercial relationships should be themain focus of the body.Peter Fell,LondonInterestingtimesDear Sir,Although there have beencountless scare stories flyingaround in the press, I for onecongratulate Jeremy Corbyn onhis election as Leader of theLabour Party.The country needs a strongopposition, and businesses willwant to see the new Labourleader and his team supportinga pro-enterprise agenda that willspur growth and create jobs upand down the United Kingdom.It’s going to be an interestingfew months...G StoreyLincolnIn or out?Dear Sir,The recent Federation of Small Businesses survey poll results show that small businessowners are starting to realise that the EU affects their businesses in a profound way. I am notsurprised that small business owners are more ‘Eurosceptic’ than big business - after all, the EUis designed to make the lives of large companies and corporations easier.What is clear from the survey is that small business owners want more information about theEU and how leaving or staying might impact their businesses. UKIP, and no doubt otherorganisations campaigning on the ‘leave’ side, will be reaching out to small business ownersand making a case for leaving the EU.We particularly need to show the 37.7% of small business owners who believe that theirbusinesses are not affected by EU membership one way or the other that they are incorrect intheir assumptions. The sheer volume of EU regulations - thousands of pages of it - that impactsmall businesses is undeniable. If we stay in, this regulatory burden and the administrativecosts it causes, will only increase.42.7% of small business owners want to strengthen trading ties with the world beyond theEU. This is impossible while all trade negotiations are conducted on our behalf by the EU. Awayfrom the EU we can properly engage with the world and negotiate our own trade deals to thebenefit of small businesses and the economy as a whole.We are seeing more and more assessments from non-political groups that the UK businesseshave nothing to fear from being free from political union with the EU. UKIP has been saying thisfor years, and we are very happy to see that people are starting to listen.”Margot Parker MEP, UKIP10_Layout 1 29/09/2015 09:50 Page 1Business Link 11www.blmforum.netCOMMERCIAL PROPERTYAccording to the commercialproperty and real estate servicesadvisor CBRE, office pre-lettingin Leeds returned in strength during thefirst half of 2015, led by a spike indemand from the banking and financesector. Strong economic growth andwidespread business confidence during2015 have resulted in strong levels ofoccupier take-up across the region.Deals from the banking and financesectors accounted for 19 per cent,along with business services whichmade up 16 per cent and professionalservices at 24 per cent. Combined,these sectors made up almost 60 percent of total activity in H1. Leeds is one of the UK cities whichhave greatly benefited from thisacceleration of office take-up byfinancial and professional services, withthe pre-lets of Addleshaw Goddard(51,531 square foot) at 3 SovereignSquare, PwC (49,650 square foot) atCentral Square, Wellington Street andEquifax (19,784 square foot) at 6Wellington Place. Jonathan Shires, Senior Director ofOffice Agency at CBRE Leeds,explained: “Take-up in Leeds over thepast two years has been good; with arecord level in 2013 and another abovetrend performance in 2014. Althoughthe first half of 2015 shows a total of359,382 square foot was acquired foroccupation (61 per cent higher than thelong term half year average) the level ofactive enquires received has been poorcompared to normal.”This growth has largely been drivenby demand from a handful of occupiersseeking larger units of space, but in themain from those seeking space in thesub 5,000 square foot category. It isanticipated that pre-lets will bolstertake-up figures in the city centre asthere are numerous larger lease eventson the horizon. At present, demand isoriginating from existing Leedscompanies looking to co-locate andupgrade their accommodation withlimited new entrants being seen. This13 ÁA signof the timesGiven Leeds in the financial capital of the North, it’s littlesurprise the city is a hotbed of commercial property and at theforefront of office letting in our region. PHOTO: GILES ROCHOLL PHOTOGRAPHY LTD 11-13_Layout 1 29/09/2015 09:52 Page 1ArmstronghouseOffering a prime position in Grimsby, Armstrong House onArmstrong Street is ideally located. Close to the ports ofGrimsby and Immingham, motorway links and the town centre,off-street parking is also available for all staff and visitors,meaning it’s convenient too. Our spacious, welcoming officesare located on the ground floor and are both secure and CCTV-monitored, giving you the ultimate peace of mind.At Armstrong House, the flexible in/out terms of contractmean confidence when it comes to affordability and with a rangeof office sizes there are opportunities for all types of business. Ifyou require virtual office services, prices start from just £15 permonth. For more information, or to discuss your office requirements,give Scotts Property a call today on 01472 267000 and askabout Armstrong House.Offices to letPrime location in GrimsbySuperb Location -- Close to the ports of Grimsby &Immingham- Great motorwaylinks- Close to the town centreSecure off street parkingHigh speed internet availabilityEasy in/out termsA range of affordable office sizes333335 Town Hall Street, Grimsby DN31 1HNed@scotts-property.co.uk www.scotts-property.co.ukwww.shutterstock.com/terekhov igorwww.shutterstock.com/Yentafern11-13_Layout 1 29/09/2015 09:52 Page 2www.shutterstock.com/YentafernBusiness Link 13www.blmforum.netCOMMERCIAL PROPERTYcould very well change in H2, as thereare a number of unnamed agent ledrequirements for occupiers notpresently in Leeds. Jonathan added: “The city centremarket continues to be driven by pre-letactivity with Addleshaw Goddard, PwCand Equifax committing to a total of122,000 square foot or 50 per cent ofthe Q2 2015 take-up. Strip out the largeractivity and the deal profile isdominated by the sub 5,000 square footsector which accounted for 85 per centof the transactions in Q2 with mostseeking budget / value space. Leedsremains very competitive in terms ofoverall occupational costs, and withmore availability on the horizon in2016/17, Leeds will once again provideoccupiers with the broad spectrum ofstock making it attractive to companieslooking to relocate from moreexpensive UK locations.”Employment in Leeds is projected togrow significantly with a 0.74 per centincrease by 2019. This puts it ahead ofprosperous European cities such asAmsterdam, Brussels and Frankfurt. It isalso the cheapest of the big 6 cities interms of headline rents and thereforerepresents an opportunity for occupiersto save money.Supply constraints in the Leedsmarket are now being dealt with. Thereare five buildings currently on site atWellington Place (No6 & No5), 3Sovereign Square, 6 Queen Street andCentral Square. These buildings totalsome 540,000 square foot of which170,000 square foot is let or under offerpresently. There is also one significantrefurbishment due to complete in 2015at East Parade which will add a further45,000 squares foot of space to themarket. 2016 will see 1 TheEmbankment (former KPMG building)refurbished and City House will follow.Alex Whiting, Senior Director ofCapital Markets at CBRE Leeds,commented: “The Leeds officeinvestment market remains buoyant,driven by a progressive local economyand solid occupier demand. Rentalgrowth prospects continue to attractinvestors with headline rents at £26.50per square foot. Interest from both UKfunds and UK property companies withoverseas equity providers is strong andwe are also seeing a number of high networth local and overseas buyersstarting to acquire older office buildingsfor residential conversion. At thesmaller end of the market a number oflocal investors are starting to comeback into the market for sub £3 millionassets.”CBRE concludes that investors will belooking for value adds opportunities butcould be constrained, both by a limitedsupply level and by pricing aspirationsof some vendors. Given the currentlevel of demand and supply dynamics itis likely that the prime yield will movetowards 5.2 per cent by the end of theyear.It’s easy to be blindsided by the glutof lets in Leeds, but elsewhere theregion is just as healthy. NaylorIndustries, for example, who areheadquartered in Barnsley withoperations across the UK, has acquiredthe freehold of the 57,000 square footbuilding in Wombwell from Maplins,and had been vacant for a number ofyears. The electronics retailer hadpreviously used the facility as adistribution centre. The deal wasbrokered by commercial propertyconsultancy firm Lambert SmithHampton and will result in the creationof an undisclosed number of jobs. Parcel delivery firm DPD is similarlycreating a number of jobs by movinginto a new warehouse. In this case, it’sa purpose built, 42,783 square footspace situated at the growingcommercial site Network 46, on the A46road. The twenty year lease washandled by estate agency Pygott andCrone, who worked with Grantongateand commercial property agentsBilfinger GVA. The site has rapidlybecome a distribution hub for both theEast and West Midlands, and proven tobe a go-to choice for growing firms.As with the above, New World FoodsEurope had to move out of necessity,and as a sign of the times the move ismotivated by growth. The York-basedcompany is moving its headquartersfrom Moor Monkton to PoppletonBusiness Park, which is also locatednear York. To keep up with growingdemand for its protein snacks, thecompany has signed a five year leaseon 1,800 square foot of office space atMarlborough House to house itsmanagement team in a move advisedby Langleys Solicitors. If the measure of business success isin the growing number of office lets andwarehouse moves, then our region isenjoying a time of evolution after theausterity of the economic crisis. Employment in Leeds is projected to grow significantly with a0.74 per cent increase by 2019. This puts it ahead of prosperousEuropean cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels and Frankfurt.11-13_Layout 1 29/09/2015 09:52 Page 314Business Link www.blmforum.netPORTS & LOGISTICSEfficiency and safety are vital whenit comes to handling materials,whether they are hazardous orbenign. It is no secret that handlingmaterials in a cut-and-thrustenvironment can cause serious injury,or worse. Safety is paramount in anybusiness setting, and injury cases canbe incredibly costly. Adhering to bestpractice is a must for conscientiouscompanies who want to keep theircosts to a minimum. Our feature takes a look at some ofthe latest innovations that are helping toprevent accidents in the workplace andidentifies ways in which localcompanies across all sectors can savemoney by improving their health andsafety practices.The Health and Safety Executive(HSE) is unequivocal when it comes tomaterials handling in the workplace:comply with the regulations or sufferthe consequences. Companies areencouraged to adopt a three-pointstrategy to tackle safety issues aroundhandling. According to HSE guidelines,they must “avoid the need forhazardous manual handling, so far as isreasonably practicable”; “assess the riskof injury from any hazardous manualhandling that can’t be avoided”; and“reduce the risk of injury fromhazardous manual handling, so far as isreasonably practicable.” Many of the heavier industries in theYorkshire and Lincolnshire region arelooking to robotics to circumvent theneed for hazardous manual handling.Because the latest robots on the marketpossess a degree of “hand-eye” co-ordination that far exceeds the capacityof human beings, hazardous and bulkyloads can be transported across thefactory floor and palletised at the end ofthe production line quickly andefficiently. The risks to staff are kept toa minimum, and production is sped up– two things that could help companiessave substantial amounts of money. HSE statistics indicate that the mostcommon causes of serious workplaceinjuries are slips and trips sufferedduring the handling of materials. Untilrelatively recently many localcompanies remained ignorant of thebest ways to prevent calamities, but asthe regulations tighten, the majority arebeginning to implement preventativemeasures. The most popular of theseare anti-slip rubber matting, floormarking tape and “safety feet,” whichare used to indicate the safest routeacross the factory floor. Because society has becomeincreasingly litigious worker-safety isnow a top priority, and this is drivinginnovation in the field. From innovativepallet solutions to the latest and safestdrum trolleys and tongs used totransport and lift hazardous substances,companies are taking giant stepstowards avoiding costly law-suits. Thecanniest businesses are investing inHand-Arm Vibration (HAV) meters,which are used to measure thephysiological risk of handling a piece ofequipment or transporting a materialprior to an operation being carried out.There is a preponderance of agri-business in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire,and it goes without saying that handlingand transporting raw, processed andwaste agricultural produce in bulk canbe risky. Fortunately, there are anumber of specialised products that canmake even the most onerous handlingtasks in the sector much safer. Forexample, it is now possible to transportlarge quantities of slurry over longdistances using slurry-pipe reelers.Where once operatives were requiredto handle the product due to theinadequacy of piping technology, it isnow possible to pipe materials over 100metres without the need for staffintervention. Other products such as re-handling buckets and power-grabs (foruse with tractor loaders) are now beingmade out of the most durable materialsso as to ensure that nothing is spilled,ensuring hazards are kept to aminimum.But it is not just equipment that isRight toolfor the job HSE statistics indicate that the most common causes ofserious workplace injuries are slips and trips suffered duringthe handling of materials.14-17_Layout 1 29/09/2015 09:57 Page 1www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 15revolutionising health and safetypractices: there are also risk-reductionmethods that involve little more thancommon-sense and clearcommunication between companies andtheir staff. It is here that businesses canmake the greatest savings. Establishinga culture of health and safety aroundmaterials handling is the surest way toensure that nobody gets hurt. Regulartraining and information sessions gearedtowards educating workers in best-practice can produce immeasurablebenefits; as can a risk-assessment auditprior to a handling operation.Where handling materials isconcerned, companies in our region arerealising the cost-benefits of a wellthought-out health and safety strategy.And it is not just the latest technologiesthat are helping them to eliminate risk –careful strategizing and goodcommunication are playing a major roletoo. Without doubt, one of the bestthings companies can do to avoidfinancial and reputational damage is tosimply use their common sense.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/BALONCICIPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MOLPIX14-17_Layout 1 29/09/2015 09:57 Page 216Business Linkwww.blmforum.netNisa extends contract with Ramsden InternationalNisa has recently announced a new fiver year contract with exportcompany Ramsden International, up to the sum of £250 million.The supermarket chain has stated that the agreement boosts itslongstanding strategic partnership with the Grimsby-based exporter. It’s amutually beneficial contract, with Ramsden benefiting from the supply ofbranded products through Nisa’s distribution service. Sean Ramsden,Chief Executive Ramsden International, explained: “With this newcontract in place Nisa will give us the flexibility and levels of servicewhich will ensure that we continue to deliver the best possible service tioour customers across the globe while continuing to grow our business.”James Roberts, head of independent and specialist at Nisa,commented: “We’re delighted to have agreed to extend the contract withRamsden International and look forward to continuing our greatrelationship with them. We’ve worked very closely with the team there formany years for the mutual benefit of both our businesses and this isanother significant piece of business for Nisa.”HMRC researchreveals growth forYorkshire andHumber exporters The latest research undertaken by HM Revenue andCustoms has revealed that the number of exporters inYorkshire and the Humber has increased by 1.9 per cent. The figure represents growth from the second quarter of2014 and the same period of 2015. Furthermore, the value ofgoods rose by 8 per cent from £4.1 billion to £4.4 billion. Mark Robson, UKTI Regional Director, states: “Exporting is vital for the long-term health of theregion and is critical for businesses that want to grow. “It’s fantastic that even more businesses are breaking into international trade, but we want even more to seize on the incredible opportunities overseas.Companies that export grow faster than those that don’t and are more profitable than firms that remain dependent on customers at home.” Interestingly, the biggest exports, in terms of value, were chemicals and related products, machinery and transport equipment, manufactured good andmineral fuels. These goods made up a 6 per cent share of the UK export market at the end of the second quarter.A grand day out for allat Potter LogisticsAfter a year of planning, Potter Logistics held their final 50th yearcelebrations over a three day period at the St Leger Festival at DoncasterRacecourse.The big finale had more than 400 friends, family, customers and staffattending the Festival which took place earlier in September at the historicTown Moor Course. Potter Logistics sponsored two races in the festival – the50 Glorious Years Handicap stakes and the Margaret and Derrick 50 GoldenYears Handicap.“The three days were a huge success! The Potter Family and Board ofDirectors would like to thank all the staff, clients and suppliers who havesupported us and the business over the past 50 years,” said Derrick Potter,Executive Chairman.In 1965, Derrick started in business with one yellow lorry and greatambitions. Fifty years later, Potter Logistics now operates from eight distribution centres and rail freight terminals, employing more than 300 staffand its yellow trucks made hundreds of deliveries every day.PORTS & LOGISTICSPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MOLPIX14-17_Layout 1 29/09/2015 09:57 Page 3Infrastructure extended at Leeds’largest EZ logistics hubAire Valley Land LLP hassecured two new planningconsents from Leeds CityCouncil to open up theaccess to some 950,000square foot of proposednew industrial space onPhases 3 and 4 of its £96million, 165 acre TempleGreen logistics hub withinLeeds City RegionEnterprise Zone. Temple Green is thelargest of the fourdevelopment sites in the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone withplanning permission in place for 2.64 million square foot of developed space at J45 of the M1. An infrastructure and groundworks programme is well underway creating 1.2 kilometre of new dual carriageway road providing access to Leeds CityCouncil’s 1000 space Park and Ride hub, 10 acres of car dealerships and petrol station in addition to direct access to Phase 2, which can accommodateup to 500,000 square foot of industrial, advanced manufacturing, storage and distribution space. Together this could generate over 1,200 jobs. Young’s Seafood strengthens itsrelationship with Reed Boardall Young’s Seafood Limited has appointed Reed Boardall to be its partner in thecollection, storage and delivery of its foodservice business. This piece of frozen work has come off the back of a very successful chilledoperation which has been running for several years, and the assistance provided toanother Young’s site -Pinneys of Scotland - which had a short notice requirement forthird party storage during the summer for which Reed Boardall provided a veryeffective service. Chris Law, logistics manager for Young’s Seafood Limited (pictured right) said:“This partnership has been slowly developing and Reed Boardall has stepped upevery time we have asked them to. We are impressed by their ability to respond andare confident that they will take good care of our foodservice customers and deliverthe expected performance this area demands.” Howard Gill, managing director for Reed Boardall’s transport division, adds: ”We are absolutely delighted to have secured this piece of business whichfurther strengthens our beliefs in our single site model enabling us to deliver the service and the agility required in Young’s Seafood Limited’s supply chain.” Amazonadds toNorthernlogistics hubAmazon is expanding itsNorthern presence by opening asecond base in Doncaster, whichwill create around 300 jobs in theregion.At the time of going to print, the new 250,000 square foot base will have already started tohandle customer orders. The 300 jobs, however, will gradually be created over the next threeyears. “Our existing Doncaster team has done an exceptional job of delivering a first rate level ofservice for our customers and we are delighted to open another site which will further drawupon the strong pool of talent in the area,” said John Tagawa, Vice President of Operations,Amazon UK.Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, commented: “This excellent news emphasises thatDoncaster is open for business, and I am delighted that so many jobs have been created.Amazon’s decision to open this centre in Doncaster shows our strength as a logistics hub,and emphasises how much our economy is growing.”www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 17Neil & Brown GlobalLogistics makessignificant investment Neil & Brown Global Logistics, who is one of theprincipal companies to sign on as a business sponsoras part of Hull’s City of Culture bid, has made a £90,000investment in new facilities. This addition builds on thecompany’s existing warehouses in Hessle and in Hull. The Hessle-based facility, which was built by GeoffBarber Construction and measures 3,000 square foot,was specifically made to accommodate the company’sdouble decker trailers. It will also house the loading andunloading requirements for pallets which will bedistributed across the UK and Ireland. “The new transit warehouse has been introducedfollowing the success of our pallet business to improvecontrol of the increasing number of pallets we arehandling,” said Colin Moody, Neil & Brown’s ManagingDirector.He added: “We have taken on three extra staff over thelast two years in order to fulfil the increase in thisbusiness and the warehouse will ensure that we continueto fulfil the work professionally and efficiently. “We have made significant investments in our facilities,fleet, technology and employees over the last five yearsand will continue to do so to maintain our growth.”PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/SIJOHNSENPHOTO: JULIE CLOPPER / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM14-17_Layout 1 29/09/2015 09:57 Page 418Business Link www.blmforum.netENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURINGAutomation is one of the bestways to make savings in amanufacturing environment.Repetitive, time-consuming tasks thatwere traditionally carried out by factoryoperatives can now be completedquickly and efficiently by machines. Assuch, factory automation makes it mucheasier to meet large supply demands. Itmakes sound business sense to investin the latest automated solutions,especially for businesses operating on amass scale.Whether using automation forengineering, food and drink orconsumer products, the safety andreliability of the latest technologymeans that companies can makesignificant changes to the way theirproduction line flows. Automationallows operatives to utilise a greaterrange of skills on the factory floor, andthe additional capital generated byswitching to an automated system canbe re-invested in other cost and time-saving technologies, and even in newproduct lines.Our feature looks at the automationoptions available to companies in ourregion, and explains why, in thesetesting economic times, it may be asmart business move to invest in thelatest machinery.The good news for local companies isthat automated solutions are becomingcheaper and more flexible by the day.From basic assembly machines to leak-test fixtures and laser profiling devices,the latest innovations in automatedtechnology are helping businesses toreduce labour overheads and preventcostly wastage.In the past, no matter how skilled theoperative, there was always potentialfor error on the production line. Today,we are looking at the possibility of100% error and waste-free production,all thanks to factory automation. Take,for example, the hydraulic leak-testfixture, a once-niche technology that isnow commonly used in engineeringand food and drink production. Thesesimple-to-operate machines are used totest for flaws in hydraulic components,valves, pipes and so on. Pressure andflow measurement techniques areutilised in order to assess the integrityof each component – something that isespecially important if dangerous gasesor wastewater are being piped.Readings are then transmitted directlyto integrated software. Although thesemachines need to be operated bytrained staff, the potential cost-savingbenefits are obvious: flawedcomponents equal waste, and wastecan be financially deleterious for bigand small companies alike. Quite simply, automated solutionshelp to speed up production. Productuniformity is imperative for mostcompanies, yet it is difficult to achieveProgrammableWORKFORCE The latest innovations in automated technology are helpingbusinesses to reduce labour overheads and prevent costlywastage.18-21_Layout 1 29/09/2015 09:59 Page 1www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 19on a fast-moving production line.Automated laser profiling devicesprovide a handy solution, with lasertriangulation ensuring that everysurface of a product is inspected. Theproduct’s overall mass can therefore bedetermined quickly and easily, and,moreover, there are intelligent conveyersolutions on the market that can hastenthe inspection process even furtherwithout compromising on quality.So, how can the Yorkshire andLincolnshire area reap the rewards ofautomation? Our region is known,perhaps above all else, for its heavyindustry and exceptional port facilities.Dangerous tasks associated with theseindustries such as the transportation ofheavy or toxic materials across thefactory floor, or from shipping containerto warehouse, can now be carried outby the latest vision-assisted roboticapplications, eliminating the risk ofhazards whilst ensuring maximumefficiency. Shipping companies can alsouse these machines to ensure that theircargo is safe (i.e. uncontaminated andthe correct size and weight), therebymeeting the EU’s increasingly stringentshipping regulations.There are those who argue thatfactory automation will bring about joblosses in the region. Quite the oppositeis true. Investing in the latest machinerywill encourage productivity and growthin the area, which in turn will lead to thecreation of more jobs. Indeed, byutilising the latest technologies to speedup production, enterprising companiesin Yorkshire and Lincolnshire canbecome a key part of the UKgovernment’s “Northern Powerhouse”plan. A culture of efficiency and tech-savvy business will encourage furtherinvestment in the region and give thelocal economy a huge boost.To automate or not to automate?Using machinery to performtraditionally manual tasks savesvaluable time and money, so theanswer is really a no-brainer. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/PAVEL L PHOTO AND VIDEOPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/TUM228218-21_Layout 1 29/09/2015 09:59 Page 2Next >