< Previous10Business Link www.blmforum.netNEWSWordsandSpacesLtdtel:01724 352156 mob:07736 952885 fax: 0871 989 5784 email: stuart@wordsman.co.uk twitter:@stuartpearcey Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN31 2QEI’ll write blogs, websites, ads, articles, leaflets, news releases and newspapers; I’ll design print and buy it. I’m Stuart Pearcey. How can Imake your life better today?www.wordsman.co.ukWhere goodcopywritingmeans businessPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/NATA-LIASheffield’s SumoDigital sold toprivateinvestment firmSumo Digital, the Sheffield-based video game developer, hasbeen sold by private equity business NorthEdge Capital to privateinvestment firm Perwyn. The transaction marks NorthEdge’s second exit of 2016 followingthe IPO of Accrol Group Holdings and represents a 4.4x return oninvestment for NorthEdge Capital Fund I in less than two years.Working in partnership with top-tier publishers including Sony andMicrosoft, Sumo produces AAA franchises including Little Big Planet 3,Forza Horizon 2 and Disney Infinity 3.0. It is currently working onCrackdown 3 with Microsoft, and was recently announced as Koch Media’spartner on Dead Island 2.In November 2014, NorthEdge supported the management team, led by CEO CarlCavers, in acquiring the business from US-based Foundation9. Following the MBO, Sumohas increased headcount from 240 to 350 across its UK and Indian offices and in March2016 launched a new Nottingham studio. Since the investment from NorthEdge, revenueshave increased by 60 per cent to £23 million and profits have more than doubled,underpinned by an expanding client base and investment into the in-house technologyengine.06-10_Layout 1 04/10/2016 09:19 Page 5www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 11readers’Lucky to beleavingDear Sir,Despite voting to stay in the EU, I now findmyself agreeing with the comments made byboth R. Smithson and T. Leary in yourSeptember issue. Far from the catastrophepredicted by the likes of Cameron andOsborne, we are seeing a post Brexit boom inexports and the service sector.For me personally, confirmation that aBrexit is the right decision comes after thecrash in Deutsche Bank’s share price, and allthe woes that the other German banks aregoing through - and this seems to be mirroredelsewhere in the EU as one only has to look atItaly. It was reported well before the EUreferendum that Germany might have to writeoff millions and, let’s face it, when Germany,despite all its austerity measures, looksperilously close to going into decline; so weknow the right decision was made by Britain. It is very disappointing that the singleeconomy on which the Euro dream was basedis collapsing but, given the high number ofself-serving bureaucrats and vast amounts ofmoney wasted by those at the top, one canonly feel that this is largely self-inflicted.P HurstEmailNurturing talentDear Sir,Why is it that those in the shadow cabinet with Grammar schooleducations all wail and gnash their teeth at the suggestion to offer thesame Academia to children in this day and age? It seems ludicrous that employers should be faced with poorly educatedcandidates and we should be doing all we can to rectify this. If that meansGrammar schools where more academic pupils in schools can be nurtured,so be it.Children do not all have the same aptitudes. Some are more adept atsport, others might lean towards artistic or practical subjects. Surely, weshould recognise these talents and provide establishments that can play totheir individual strengths so that businesses can look forward to a daywhen recruitment becomes a less arduous task.D LewisLeedsWho next?Dear Sir,You can tell a lot about a country by the type of people they haveat the helm, so what does this say about Americans when they votefor people like Trump and Hilary Clinton? You’d have thought ourAmerican cousins would’ve wanted a president that would be lessinclined to back military action than Hilary, (especially after the warmongering of Bush Jr –who’s policies on Iraq were eagerlysupported by her).Of course, the alternative seems to be to vote for a candidate whoseems to have made shed loads of money - mostly tax freeaccording to his opponent- despite several bankruptcies. A man whohas the attention span of a gnat and no clear direction whatsoeverexcept on deporting everyone who’s not 100% American.Of course, we should’ve seen this day coming back when theAmerican public started voting for ex celebrities, like Reagan whomade it from cowboy hero to the Whitehouse and Schwarzeneggerwho climbed from Terminator to the Governor of California! It makesyou shudder to think what qualifications American voters look for intheir leaders.P WhiteHullSomething to say? Write to:Business Link Magazine,Armstrong House,Armstrong Street,Grimsby,North East LincolnshireDN31 2QE or email:letters@blmgroup.co.ukPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/JAG_CZ11_Layout 1 04/10/2016 09:20 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.Last remaining office suitesPrime 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 sizes33333Armstrong House, Armstrong Street,Grimsby DN31 2QETel: (01472) 310301 • Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.ukwww.shutterstock.com/terekhov igorwww.shutterstock.com/Yentafern12-14_Layout 1 04/10/2016 09:22 Page 1www.shutterstock.com/Yentafernwww.blmforum.netCOMMERCIAL PROPERTYBusiness Link 13Since the second half of June,there’s been one consistent force inthe property sector – Brexit. In themonths following the referendum, theproperty sphere has seen fluctuationsin the market and the foundationsstarting to wobble (and that’sassuming they weren’t unsteadyalready). Suffice it to say that theBrexit created a surplus of uncertainty,permeating every level of thecorporate world. The property marketis but one casualty. As we have reported in previousissues, our region is bucking the trendand demonstrating impressive levels ofbusiness confidence, and thecommercial property sector could bebest described as healthy. The delugeof uncertainty that followed, the regionhas been positioning itself as an arenaof excellence, attracting businessesfrom all over and leading the charge forthe tech industry. Nowhere is this as keenly felt as inLeeds, which is fast becoming a centreof digital excellence. The latest researchfrom global property constantly KnightFrank looking into office market activityduring the six months of the year foundthat deals were dominated by themedia and telecommunications (TMT)sectors and professional services. Whencombined, this accounted for 71 percent of the total office take-up,signifying the sea change taking placeand the city’s invaluable position to thecountry’s future as a digitalpowerhouse. The research highlights the trendwhich has seen the TMT sector take asignificant role in the occupier market,reaffirming Leeds’ increasing reputationas a centre for digital excellence.“The commercial property headlinesacross the UK have, understandably,Going digital Uncertainty looms over the commercial property marketplace, but Leeds is leading byexample and cementing itself as a centre of digital excellence.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/SHAHID KHAN14 Á12-14_Layout 1 04/10/2016 09:22 Page 214Business Link www.blmforum.netCOMMERCIAL PROPERTYbeen concerned with post-Brexit fearsof a slowdown,” says Eamon Fox,partner and Head of Office Agency atKnight Frank in Leeds. “There is nodoubt that the uncertainty caused byBrexit has affected the office market inLeeds, with the total of 47 dealscompleted in the first half of this year,which is down on the same period lastyear. Nevertheless, there were still anumber of notable deals which tookplace in H1.” Among these deals are SkyBettaking 39,065 square foot at number 6Wellington Place and RSM (Baker Tilly)taking 25,539 square foot at theCentral Square office development.Then, of course, there’s the recentcompletions of 6 East Parade, CentralSquare and 6 Queen Street that willboost supply, which has admittedlybeen inhibited for some time. Despitemany of these schemes being subjectto pre-lets, there are still someopportunities for occupiers seeking thelatest Grade A office space within thecity centre.Mr Fox adds: “Leeds offers a UKleading choice of new offices backed bycompetitive rents and access to adiverse and skilled workforce. These allmake our city very attractive to bothlocal businesses as well as companieslooking to relocate from the expensiveand overcrowded London and south-east markets.”In order to cement our region as atrue digital powerhouse, the rightinfrastructure and facilities need to be inplace for businesses to take advantageof. Nowhere is this more important thanwhen it comes to property. A lack ofnew and modern industrial property canhinder a region’s growth. Fortunately,there are plenty of new developmentsin Leeds and other areas in our regionto welcome new businesses andsupport local ones. Knight Frank led the change inbrokering one of the most significantindustrial property deals in WestYorkshire this year having adviseddevelopers Stirling Scotfield on the pre-sale of a 65,000 square foot warehouseand office development at the £15million Summit 24 Business Park atLindley Moor in Huddersfield.Requiring more space, spring supplierLesjofors Springs opted for the 65,000square foot unit, designed to itsspecifications. The potential to add afurther 15,000 square foot was also astrong motivator and allows for futuregrowth. Flexibility is proving more andmore important to businesses,particularly as they through of the yokeof outdated business practices andcontinue to embrace the digital world. Jonathan Hyland, partner at KnightFrank in Leeds, says: “There is a realshortage of modern and new industrialproperty across the region at present;conversely we are experiencing goodlevels of enquiries for new premises ascompanies look to expand and invest intheir operations.” The Leeds investment market remainsone of the UK’s most attractive acrossall sectors, offering good opportunitiesfor investors, and whilst there has beenyield compression, particularly forprime assets, this is a trend reflectedacross UK regional markets and onewhich will stabilize. The investment market hasexperienced strong levels of interest sofar this year. A total of £102.5 millionacross eight deals were transacted inthe first half of 2016, which is up by10% on the second half of last year.This also marks the highest number ofcompleted deals over a half-year periodsince the second half of 2014. With allin that mind, it’s easy to pretend theBrexit was a figment of our imagination,if only for a moment. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MARINA J12-14_Layout 1 04/10/2016 09:22 Page 3www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 15CONFERENCINGTeam building is all too often seen asa luxury. Some fail to see its true worthand consider them a frivolous waste ofboth money and time, arguing thatteamwork can be built at the desk justas easily, than on some expensiveexercise away from the office. Yet ifthat’s truly the case, why is it that thebest performing companies in theworld, from Google to Apple, all theway to banks and multi-nationals – alladhere, and regularly take their staff onteam-building exercises. Is it simply because they have themoney to spare, and feel some greatcompunction to part with it? Or could itbe that they recognise the return onsuch an investment?A company that can boast amotivated and enthused workforce ismore likely to be a company that caninnovate and react to new challenges –especially in the current fast-movingbusiness world. Although individualdepartments may well work brilliantlyon their own, a business can’t excelunless there’s synergy, utilising theskills of all employees in a fluid andflexible fashion. Hence the importanceof team building to create new linksbetween otherwise isolated staffmembers.Whether you opt for an indoor day oftrust exercises or an extreme weekendfilled with paintballing, kayaking andorienteering, the first task, is to judge ifyour employees will actually want totake part. There’s nothing worse thanbeing dragged away to do somethingagainst your will, but equally, mostpeople will find they enjoy themselvesmore than they anticipated.Having a goal for the activities inmind is a good idea too – simply takingthe workforce away from the office for aday will not do, as it won’t show youanything you couldn’t already observein the usual work environment. Gettingpeople to work together on a fun andengaging task, rather than a work duty,can show you where relationshipsbetween staff need attention and couldimprove things immeasurably. More than that, certain activities canhelp to foster different things in a team.We’ve probably all, at one point oranother, seen those events which looklike military simulations, where a teamhas to use blank-firing weapons to clearout a fake hostage situation. These arepopular on TV, and may seem a bitmuch for some – but the point to bemade is that this kind of event helps tofoster decision making, problem solvingand critical thinking. It’s about learningto deal with immediate problems asthey arise, and to improve a person’sconfidence. After all, if they can learn tomake decisions in a situation like that,suddenly a difficult customer doesn’tfeel quite as onerous.On the other hand, some kind ofPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/AMMIT JACKBUILDING A TEAM Conferencing can be more than just business meetings, one big part of this isteam building – but how useful is this oft-underused art? 16 Á15-16_Layout 1 04/10/2016 13:53 Page 116Business Link www.blmforum.netCONFERENCINGorienteering event might help topromote teamwork more than individualskills. Wherein the team has to rely onone another to succeed, and willstrengthen their bonds as a result.While no one may gain any noticeableskills themselves, it might mean theyare more open with one another – andthus can work together more efficiently. If you aren’t into the idea of pittingaccounts against sales in an energy-intense competition, simply holdingmeetings or work sessions in calm andpleasant surroundings could help. Ameeting out in the countryside or in aplush hotel could do wonders forproductivity and morale – helpedhugely by the sense of independenceand informality that new surroundingswill generate. More open channels ofcommunication will be generated than ifyou continue to address them frombehind your desk.Despite its importance, however,employees can sometimes resent teambuilding as unnecessary – particularlyduring tough times like these, wherethey may be working that little bitharder already. Therefore it’s importantto remember to be sensitive. There area myriad of options for team buildingand bonding of a group who worktogether – from the more sedate mealsout, to the full-on action-packedweekend away.One final thing to remember is not tobe rigid in your intentions, takefeedback from employees to see whatthey might find interesting – after all,the team building needs to go well, ifthere are to be any good results.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/DOTSHOCKThe Humber Royal HotelLittlecoates Road, Grimsby, DN34 4LX. Tel: 01472 240024Email: reservations.grimsby@icon-hotels.co.ukWeb: www.thehumberroyalhotel.co.ukAward-winning andrecently accredited 4star hotel, Grimsby’spremier hotel is nowfully refurbished. Thehotel has a dedicatedsales team to helpbring your next eventto life, and a variety of meeting rooms and corporate packagesavailable. The hotel has an easily accessible location with great linksto the A180 and A46 together with complimentary car parkingmakes it an ideal choice for all corporate events.Norton LodgeNorton Lodge, Old Harbour Farm, Norton Disney, LN6 9JRTel: 01522 789111 • Email: info@nortonlodge.co.ukWeb: www.nortonlodge.co.ukNorton Lodge issituated within 14 acresof tranquil countryside,yet only minutes fromthe A46 and A1. Itoffers free on-site parking and Wi-Fi access - perfect for bothbusiness and leisure. Both convenient and easily accessible, thefamily-run hotel is a great base from which to explore thesurrounding area, especially the Newark-on-Trent and Lincoln. Thefriendly and professional staff, comfortable accommodation anddedicated commitment to customer service will ensure that any stayis guaranteed to be a memorable experience.Millfields Hotel53 Bargate, Grimsby, DN32 5ADTel: 01472 356068 • Email: info@millfieldshotel.co.uk Web: www.millfieldshotel.co.ukWith 27 well-appointedbedrooms, a restaurant with à lacarte menu and a bar offering arange of guest ales and bar mealsas well as a gym with sauna,wireless internet access and freeonsite car parking, Millfields Hotelis always a great choice forbusiness or pleasure all yearround. It is able to cater tomedium and larger events such as business meetings andconferences. The Duke of WellingtonStation Road, Midville, Lincolnshire, PE22 8HWTel: 01205 270593 Web: www.dukeofwellingtonmidville.co.uk The Duke of Wellington,situated in scenic Lincolnshirecountryside, aims to make youwelcome and deliver the verybest in food, drink and servicethat will keep you coming backtime and again. The Duke ofWellington is a much loved partof the local community thatextends a welcome to locals andvisitors alike. We offer great food, drink and warm hospitality, makingit ideal for recreation and business functions alike. 15-16_Layout 1 04/10/2016 13:53 Page 2www.blmforum.netADVANCED ENGINEERING 2016Business Link 17Advanced Engineering bringstogether original engineeringmanufactures (OEM) and tier 1manufactures to meet and do businesswith all levels of the engineering supplychain. The exhibition addresses thesupply chain needs of aerospace,automotive, motorsport, transport, civilengineering and many more.In addition to its show floorcontaining over 700 exhibiting suppliers,partners and industry bodies, AdvancedEngineering hosts the largest openconference of its kind, providing expertindustry intel, the very latest intechnology and innovations casestudies. There’ll also be supply chainopportunities delivered by OEMprogramme managers and otherindustry experts. New for 2016, Advanced Engineering,in partnership with Magna International,Innovate UK and KTN, will host selectapplicants to showcase innovativetechnologies. The event will helpsupport the future growth anddevelopment of innovation and providenetworking opportunities to enablepotential partnerships with investorsand buyers in the engineeringmarket. The most innovative anddisruptive technology will also beawarded a prize of £5,000 during a pitchcompetition held at the show, courtesyof Magna. Representatives from the MagnaResearch & Development team will bealso available onsite for 1-on-1 meetingsduring the event. Attendees who wishto discuss potential investment andpartnership opportunities areencouraged to schedule a meeting. Exhibitors benefit from direct face-to-face contact with decision makers whoare specifically visiting to source fromthe engineering supply chain. Typicalvisitors include senior engineering &procurement management from OEMsand top tier companies.The event is also co-located with AeroEngineering; Composites Engineering;Automotive Engineering andPerformance Metals Engineeringensuring that delegates gain access tothe very latest trends developments andinsight in the world of engineering. So visit Advanced Engineering toconnect with new suppliers, sourceinnovative products, gain industryknowledge and enjoy fantastic showfeatures. AdvancedEngineering 2016Taking place on the 2nd & 3rd of November at the Birmingham NEC, Advanced Engineering 2016 isthe UK’s largest meeting place for advanced engineering professionals. 17_Layout 1 04/10/2016 09:23 Page 118Business Link www.blmforum.netPORTS & LOGISTICSPeeling back the layers one findsnumerous similarities, with the onlymajor differences being those inmaterials and output. Ipso facto,businesses can learn vital lessons byturning towards major events which canboost the efficiency and scalability oftheir own logistics. Chris Clay, the man responsible forthe logistical delivery of Hull’s year asUK City of Culture, recently shared vitallessons from staging public events withlogistics experts from across the globe.The Logistics Research Network AnnualConference at the University of Hull isone of the leading arenas for logistics-related research in Europe and broughttogether experts in supply chainmanagement from both academia andindustry. As well as being a year-long culturaland artistic festival, and serving toshowcase the Yorkshire city to theworld, Hull’s year in the spotlight willalso be an immense logisticalundertaking, including thousands ofpeople in its delivery. Given the level ofmanagement, planning and expertiserequired to carry off such a feat, there’splenty of lessons to be learned from abusiness standpoint. The University of Hull is a principalpartner of City of Culture and will play akey role in the delivery of a number ofkey events and exhibitions as well asworking closely with the 2017 team onthe monitoring and evaluation of theyear-long programme.In overseeing the logisticalchallenges, Mr Clay will draw upon hisexperience from being instrumental inthe delivery of many high-profileevents, including the London 2012Olympics and Paralympics opening andUnlikelyinspiration On the face of it, the delivery of a major cultural event and thedistribution of a product from a warehouse or manufacturer to aretailer might not have all that much in common. But theprinciples behind the former can also be applied to the logisticsin business and industry.Hull teams up with threeother ports to formNorthern Ports AssociationABP’s Port of Hull has teamed up with three others to form the Northern Ports Association,a new partnership designed to create jobs, boost exports and prosperity across the whole ofthe North of England.Along with Peel Ports’ Liverpool, TD Ports’ Teesport and the Port of Tyne, it will become partof a new Northern Ports Association to make importing and exporting much easier than today.The association’s creation is a recommendation in IPPR North’s Northern Ports report, which highlighted the domination of southern portsand the problems this creates in transporting imports and exports across the UK.Bringing the four ports together will mean the North can act as a genuine gateway to the world, connecting Atlantic shipping in Liverpool inthe west to the east’s links with the continent.Geoff Lippitt, pictured, PD Ports’ Business Development Director, said: “The launch of the Northern Ports Association is incredibly positive, itwill unite us in developing a stronger, more progressive and prosperous northern economy linked to international trade.”18-21_Layout 1 04/10/2016 09:25 Page 1www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 19closing ceremonies and teampresentation and opening ceremony forthe 2014 Tour de France Grand Departin Yorkshire.The keynote speech highlighted theneed for meticulous planning, and totake into consideration both known andunknown eventualities. By preparing forthe very worst in advance, challengescan be overcome as they arise withbusinesses safe in the knowledge thatthey can accommodate any eventualityshould it occur. “You can plan for what you know andyou can plan for what you don’t knowbut what might happen, such asweather conditions. But sometimesthere are things that you simply can’tpredict until they happen,” says MrClay. “Dealing with those unexpectedfactors is often about ensuring you havePHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGESABP starts work on newMarine Control Centreat GrimsbyScunthorpe-based construction and civilengineering firm Britcon has started work on astate-of-the-art Marine Control Centre at ABP’sPort of Grimsby.The new facility, which will be arranged overfour floors and will cost £5 million, will replacethe existing Vessel Traffic Services centre atSpurn Point, which has become increasinglydifficult to access by land because of the progressive deterioration of the peninsula.Britcon has been appointed as ABP’s main contractor. Work is expected to last ninemonths, with the steel frame and pre-cast stairs being erected during October andNovember.ABP Director Humber Simon Bird, pictured, said: “The regeneration of Grimsby as amajor port means it requires an additional level of marine oversight and control.“As the Statutory Harbour Authority for the Estuary and for the ports of Immingham,Grimsby, Hull and Goole we have a responsibility to manage marine operations to thestandards set by the Port Marine Safety Code so all users can navigate the river safely.“It makes sense to combine these functions under one roof in a new purpose-builtHumber Marine Control Centre and offer our customers and river users the best possibleservice.”20 Á18-21_Layout 1 04/10/2016 09:25 Page 2Next >